Experienced Netherlands central defender Stefan de Vrij is on the verge of completing an unexpected move to Panathinaikos. The 34-year-old is departing Inter on a free transfer following a successful eight-year spell with the club, with advanced negotiations currently taking place to finalise the remaining details of his switch to Athens.
Real Betis winger Antony has demanded a period of intense self-criticism following the team's 1-0 defeat to ten-man Panathinaikos in the first leg of their round of 16 Europa League tie. After seeing a late penalty sink the La Liga side, the Manchester United flop sent a strong "we have to change" message to his team-mates.
Former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez is teetering on the edge of unemployment once again as reports in Greece suggest Panathinaikos are ready to pull the trigger. The 65-year-old Spaniard, who arrived in Athens with much fanfare back in October, has seen his tenure turn sour after only a few months at the helm. Despite signing a lucrative two-and-a-half-year contract with a salary of approximately £3.5 million, the expected revolution has failed to materialise.
Laverstock & Ford
