Rooney named England Best Play... Berahino too (U21)

© AFP

England captain Wayne Rooney has been voted his national team's player of the year for 2014 after topping a supporters poll. Although he failed to inspire England to success at the FIFA World Cup™, it was still a memorable 12 months for the Manchester United striker.

The 29-year-old scored eight goals in 13 appearances and was named England skipper following Steven Gerrard's retirement from international football. Rooney also moved to within three goals of Bobby Charlton's all-time scoring record.

Rooney took 27 per cent of the votes from an online poll of supporters club members, more than second-placed Danny Welbeck (11 per cent) and third-placed Raheem Sterling (seven per cent) combined.

"I'm both very happy and proud to be named the England fans' player of the year," Rooney told the Football Association's website after winning the award for the third time. The fact that this award is chosen by the fans makes it even more special, so I would like to thank all those who voted.

"I would also like to thank all the England fans for their support throughout what was a mixed year. Receiving an honour such as this from the fans is always something that fills you with personal pride."

West Bromwich Albion forward Saido Berahino won England's U-21 player of the year.

Newcastle join race to sign Nigerian Brown Ideye

West Brom striker Brown Ideye has become one of the most sought after players in the Premier League following Newcastle United’s interest in acquiring him during the winter transfer window.

Sunderland have reportedly earmarked £6m for the striker who joined the Baggies from Dynamo Kiev for £10m last summer, while Hull City are also looking to boost their squad by signing him.

According to Daily Mail, West Brom manager Tony Pulis wants to add around three players to the squad after selling Saido Berahino, who is valued at £25m.
Newcastle have been interested in Ideye since he was at Sochaux back in 2011, before he moved to the Ukrainian side in that summer.

The Nigerian has had a difficult time at West Brom, scoring just twice with limited playing time in 13 appearances as forward Saido Berahino is favoured with most of the starts for the club.

Ideye was signed on from Ukraine after scoring 45 goals in 107 appearances for Dynamo Kiev, and he was reportedly keen on joining the Magpies in 2013 when his agent was quoted as saying Newcastle United would be the player’s preferred choice.

“There has been a lot of interest from English clubs, but Newcastle would be Brown’s preferred choice for a number of reasons. They have a good fan-base and play an attacking style of football,” his agent, Hootan Ahmad, was quoted as saying two years ago on Newcastle United’s blog sites.

“He has good knowledge of the club and of the Premier League. Brown would love to test himself at that level. He would like to move to England and we will look at all our options in the summer.”