║║║║║ Barclays Premier League Season 2012-13 ║║║║║

[FernandoTorres]

Real dangle £65m carrot to lure Bale away from Spurs after rivals Barca land Neymar

By NEIL ASHTON PUBLISHED: 21:36 GMT, 26 May 2013 | UPDATED: 21:36 GMT, 26 May 2013

Daniel Levy's determination to hold on to Gareth Bale will be tested by a staggering £65million bid from Real Madrid.The Tottenham chairman will have to resist a massive summer offer from the Spanish giants after rivals Barcelona finally captured Santos forward Neymar on a five-year deal yesterday. Real accept they will have to spend big to land Bale and will accelerate their plans to land the Spurs and Wales talisman.

In demand: Gareth Bale has attracted attention from Real Madrid after his glittering performances

Although Real had an interest in Neymar, the Brazil forward signed a pre-contract agreement with Barcelona a year ago. After Barca comfortably won La Liga this season, Real are making significant funds available for a summer spending spree for their next coach, Carlo Ancelotti. Although Spurs are already in negotiations with Bale over an improved contract worth around £170,000 a week, Real are ready with the transfer fee.They regard the Wales international as one of the world’s outstanding players and will formalise their bid at the end of the season in Spain. Outgoing coach Jose Mourinho is not involved in any of Real’s transfer projects and it is all taking place over his head.

Acrobatics: Bale enjoyed a fine season for Tottenham but couldn't guide them to the Champions League

Real president Florentino Perez wants Bale at the Bernabeu and his key adviser Zinedine Zidane confirmed Real’s interest in the player on Friday. Bale won the grand slam of Player of the Year awards last season, scooping the Football Writers’ Association accolade, both PFA prizes and the Barclays Premier League honour.The Tottenham forward has always made it clear that he is happy at White Hart Lane, but admitted last season he would consider his future this summer.

Exit: Carlo Ancelotti is set to replace Jose Mourinho as manager of Real Madrid after quitting PSG

At 23, his playing career is in front of him, but there is a lingering feeling that a player of his undoubted talent should be playing Champions League football. Bale scored 21 goals in the Premier League last season, his best return after six years at Spurs. Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas admitted Champions League football was the key to keeping Bale at White Hart Lane in the last few weeks of the season. That attitude changed when Tottenham slipped to fifth but the head coach insisted he is certain the forward will remain at the club.

Adamant: Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas is sure he will keep hold of Bale
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[FernandoTorres]

Chelsea target Falcao set for Monaco medical as striker nears big-money switch

By LEE BRYAN PUBLISHED: 16:08 GMT, 26 May 2013 | UPDATED: 16:08 GMT, 26 May 2013
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Radamel Falcao is set to have a medical with Monaco on Monday before moving to the Ligue 1 club for 60 million euros (£51,295,000), according to reports in Spain. The Colombia striker has long been linked with a move away from Atletico Madrid with Manchester United and Chelsea mooted as possible destinations. However, it appears that Monaco have jumped to the head of the queue with the newly-promoted team having already recruited the likes of highly-rated Porto pair Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez for a combined fee of around £60million.

Closing in: Highly-rated forward Radamel Falcao is on the verge of a big-money move to Monaco

Got away: Falcao has been one of the most prolific players in Europe and was chased by Chelsea for a long time

Prolific: The Columbian's goals helped his team Atletico Madrid on their way to winning the Spanish Cup

President Dmitry Rybolovlev is highly ambitious, evidenced by his capture of the Porto pair, who are former team-mates of Falcao who has scored 32 goals in 36 appearances this season.Atletico manager Diego Simeone has already said he will not bear any grudge if the 27-year-old leaves, and tonight's Primera Division match against Real Mallorca at the Vicente Calderon is looking increasingly likely to be his last home game for the Rojiblancos. Monaco assistant coach Jean Petit is reported to have told Radio RCN on Friday: 'Yes, we are expecting Falcao and four or five other players of his quality.'

Splashing out: Claudio Ranieri's Monaco have already signed Porto duo Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez

Far East: The striker was on tour with Atletico Madrid in Singapore this week

He added: 'We have spoken and we continue to speak with Falcao and his representatives, negotiations are ongoing. We hope to seal a deal as soon as possible.'Monaco need a player like Falcao because he can help us a lot and because he can attract other top players, and that's the best way of confirming out project is big and interesting. 'Signing Falcao is a big coup on sporting and media levels for French football.'
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[FernandoTorres]

Thiago to address future after U-21 Euros
The Barcelona midfielder is wanted by new Red Devils boss David Moyes and says he will "see what happens" after the tournament in Israel despite his happiness in Catalonia

Thierry Henry: Kicking Tottenham out of the top four is the only thing Arsenal have to celebrate
The Gunners' all-time leading goalscorer believes his former club should strive for more and hopes their delight on the final day was because they had finished above their rivals

Gullit: Mourinho has to deliver the Champions League to Chelsea
Conquering Europe is the minimum requirement for the Special One if he is to be branded a success in his second spell as manager at Stamford Bridge, according to the ex-Blues boss

Rooney is still key for England, claims Hodgson
The Three Lions boss extolled the importance of the striker to his country and hinted that he will play in his favoured attacking role against the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday

Bale would listen to Real Madrid offer, insists agent
Los Blancos are being urged to step up their interest in the Welsh winger by their supporters and the Madrid press, and they may be encouraged further by the latest declarations

Skrtel agent plays down Liverpool exit amid Napoli interest
The 28-year-old’s agent has described a muted move to the serie A side as “very difficult” as speculation continues to link the defender with a reunion with Rafa Benitez

Liverpool agree deal for Manchester City defender Kolo Toure
The Reds have revealed they have agreed a deal "in principle" to sign the Ivorian, who has struggled for regular first-team opportunities at the Etihad Stadium this season

Suarez named Liverpool Fans' Player of the Year
The striker collected 64 per cent of the overall vote, beating club captain Steven Gerrard and recently retired Jamie Carragher into second and third spot respectively

Hodgson urges England fans to respect Ireland
The Three Lions coach, at the request of Fifa, has issued an email to ticket holders asking them to refrain from offensive chanting

Carrick: England need someone like Ferguson
The Manchester United midfielder believes the Three Lions would benefit from the stability of having one man in charge of the squad for an extended period of time

Zenit boss Spalletti targets Arshavin after Arsenal exit
The Italian boss says signing the 32-year-old is a priority for the Russian outfit after the Gunners' record signing will not have his contract renewed at the end of the season

Aguero dismisses talk of Real Madrid move
The Argentine striker spoke to Goal about his future at the Etihad Stadium, speculation linking him with a move to the Liga giants and preparations for next season

Carroll to reject £15m West Ham move & fight for Liverpool future
The Hammers have agreed a deal with the Reds for the 24-year-old striker, but he is keen to establish himself at Anfield or at least secure a shock return to Newcastle

Podolski hits back at Bierhoff criticism
The 27-year-old has responded angrily to claims by the DFB general manager that he should not have been included in the national team for upcoming friendlies

Napoli sign Rafa Benitez
The Spaniard, who recently had a seven-month stint at Chelsea, was unveiled as the new coach of the Partenopei following the club president's message on Twitter

Courtois desperate for Atletico stay
The Belgian goalkeeper says he wants to play for the Vicente Calderon outfit for at least one more season and has thanked fans for their support

Walker ruled out of England friendlies
The 22-year-old missed Monday's training session with Roy Hodgson's and will sit out of both fixtures against Republic of Ireland and Brazil

Cavani coy on Napoli future amid Manchester City interest
The Uruguay international is continually being linked with a summer move, but has stated that he's focused on his current club for now

Rodwell 'excited' at challenge of proving himself to Manchester City
The 22-year-old suffered several injuries this season but finished it with two goals in the last match of the campaign and aims to train over the summer to impress next year

Chelsea improved under me, insists Benitez
The Blues' departing interim manager declares that he took the club to a higher level during a reign that saw him bring the Europa League trophy to Stamford Bridge

Chelsea set to secure Van Ginkel as Mourinho's first signing
The Blues believe that the 20-year-old, who scored eight times as Vitesse Arnhem secured Europa League football, is capable of holding down a midfield spot straight away

 

[FernandoTorres]

Thierry Henry: Kicking Tottenham out of the top four is the only thing Arsenal have to celebrate

By Jak Penny
May 29, 2013 11:07:00 AM

The Gunners' all-time leading goalscorer believes his former club should strive for more and hopes their delight on the final day was because they had finished above their rivals

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry hopes his former club were celebrating on the final day of the season because they beat Tottenham to a top-four finish - and not because they qualified for the Champions League.

The Gunners triumphed over Newcastle on the Premier League's final day to finish above their north London adversaries and clinch the final spot in Europe's premier club competition.

As a fan of the club, Henry admits that finishing above Spurs feels like winning a trophy but believes finishing in the top four should be considered the minimum expectation for Arsene Wenger's team.

"For me as a fan or if I was a player at Arsenal, finishing in the top four would have been normal," Henry told Sky Sports.

"We saved our season and that was it because you always want to win and I know people go on about the pictures and all of this celebration.

"But I can tell you I think it was more the fact that for any Arsenal player, when you really feel the shirt and really play for the club, putting Tottenham out of the top four, and I really do hope that’s what they were celebrating about.

"Because that is the only thing you can celebrate about. If you are an Arsenal man through-and-through that is like winning something for me. And I also said it when we did it to them in 2006 that it wasn't the fact we qualified for the Champions League, it is because we kicked them out of it and we went in."

Wenger has never failed to secure Champions League qualification since his arrival at the club in 1996 and Henry admits he is struggling to contemplate an Arsenal team without the Frenchman in the dugout.

"For me it's very difficult for me to see Arsenal play, one day, without Arsene on the bench," he acknowledged. Whatever, after, people can say 'oh yeah they won, they didn't win' but for me there I will see Arsenal play without Arsene on the bench, its going to be weird.

"So I'd just love to have him there all the time. We all know that's not going to happen, one day he's going to have to go. But it will be hard as he's not thinking of leaving one day. It will happen eventually, we all know it, but I don't see it."

 

[FernandoTorres]

REVEALED: Fergie's first-ever United team-sheet from Oxford loss in 1986, but how much will it fetch at auction?

By CHARLIE SKILLEN PUBLISHED: 10:59 GMT, 29 May 2013 | UPDATED: 11:06 GMT, 29 May 2013​

History: Sir Alex Ferguson's first Manchester United team-sheet is being auctioned

What a difference 26 years makes. As Manchester United prepare for life without Sir Alex Ferguson for the first time since 1986, Sportsmail can reveal the team-sheet for the legendary manager's first game in charge. Handwritten ahead of a disappointing 2-0 loss to Oxford United on November 8 1986, the historic item is being auctioned off in Devizes, Wiltshire and is expected to reach £2000.The list, which is signed by the manager in the appropriate field a the bottom, reveals the state of United's squad when Ferguson took over.

Celebrated stars like Paul McGrath and stalwarts such as Arthur Albiston feature, alongside less-remembered players like keeper Chris Turner and Graeme Hogg.None of Ferguson's famous early signings or youth graduates, like Peter Schmeichel or Ryan Giggs, were yet at Old Trafford. It offers stark contrast to his final team-sheet, for the 5-5 thriller away at West Brom.Also hand-written - although not by Ferguson - it shows a mix of international stars like Robin Van Persie and captain Michael Carrick with fringe players like Alex Buttner also getting a run-out.United stalwarts Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, who was also appearing for the last time, are named on the bench. However, David De Gea's deputy Anders Linegaard, handed a rare start, was spelt incorrectly, with a rogue letter 'r' appearing in his name.

Final bow: Ferguson's final team-sheet against West Brom, with Anders Lindegaard's name spelt incorrectly

Debut: Alex Ferguson (right) watches his new Manchester United side from play Oxford United's Manor Ground

Ferguson's first XI...

Chris Turner Goalkeeper who arrived at Old Trafford in 1985 after over 200 appearances for Sunderland before returning to boyhood club Sheffield Wednesday. Went on to enjoy a management career including spells at Hartlepool and Wednesday before becoming chief executive of Chesterfield in 2011. Mike Duxbury Long-serving right-back made over 300 appearances for the club from 1979-1990 - winning the FA Cup in 1983 and 1985 - before winding down his career with Blackburn and Bradford. Won ten caps for England and went on to work for United's community programme in Asia. Arthur Albiston Tenth in the list of United's all-time appearance makers with almost 500 matches to his name, the Scottish left-back won three FA Cups while at Old Trafford and after retirement worked on the coaching staff and as a pundit for MUTV.

Stalwart: Arthur Albiston (right) is tenth in the club's all-time appearance records

Kevin Moran Another long-serving defender, the Irish centre-back was a regular for Unied for ten years from 1978, and won 71 caps for his national side. After making over 150 appearances for Blackburn, he formed a football agency with team-mate from the Oxford game Jesper Olsen and Paul Stretford. Paul McGrath The legendary Irish defender is widely touted as one of the best-ever centre-backs to play in England, despite a number of off-field problems such as suffering from alcoholism. Sent packing from United by Ferguson in 1989, he went on to have a successful career at Aston Villa after retirement released his autobiography, the harrowing and award-winning Back from the Brink.

Graeme Hogg Made over 100 appearances for United over four years before being sold to Portsmouth in 1988. Made headlines when playing for Hearts in the early 1990s when team-mate Craqig Levein broke his nose by punching him in an on-field dispute.

Famed: Irish defender Paul McGrath, in his United days, is one of the most celebrated defenders of all-time

Clayton Blackmore A mainstay of Ferguson's early squads until joining Middlesborough in 1994, Blackmore could play either in midfield or at full-back. He won the FA Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup at Old Trafford, and is now manager of the club's under-15s side. Remi Moses Signing from West Brom in 1981 for £500,000 the midfielder was a main feature at Old Trafford in the 1980s, but a succession of injuries hampered his career. The first black player to score for United, he eventually hung up his boots due to injury in 1989.

Frank Stapleton After 300 appearances for Arsenal, forward Stapleton arrived at Old Trafford in 1981 and went on to play 365 times at the club. He won 71 caps for the Republic of Ireland and captained the side at the 1988 European Championships.

Fighting fit: Frank Stapleton tries out United's fitness computer, watched by Alex Ferguson, and Alison King

Peter Davenport A recent signing at United at the time of the Oxford game having arrive in March 1986 from Nottingham Forest, Davenport made 92 appearances for United before becoming a journeyman in the lower leagues and in Scotland. The midfielder won one England cap, while playing for Forest in 1985.

Peter Barnes A nomadic striker most synonymous with United's local rivals Manchester City, Barnes made just twenty league appearances before being released by Ferguson at the end of his first season. He won 22 caps for England while at City.

Jesper Olsen A substitute on the day at Oxford, Danish star Olsen made over 100 appearances for United after being signed from Ajax in 1984. He played for his home nation at Euro 84 and World Cup 86, before leaving Old Trafford to wind down his career in France.
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[FernandoTorres]

Jose's special ones: But which of his men will Mourinho take back to Chelsea - and just what will they do?

By RIK SHARMA PUBLISHED: 07:54 GMT, 29 May 2013 | UPDATED: 10:51 GMT, 29 May 2013
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When Jose Mourinho first walked through the doors at Stamford Bridge he brought with him just four backroom staff to supplement the existing team.In came Rui Faria, a fitness coach with whom Mourinho worked closely at Porto, and took to Inter Milan and Real Madrid following his first spell at Stamford Bridge. Goalkeeping coach Silvino Louro, who was the man between the sticks for Benfica in the 1988 and 1990 European Cup finals, also joined and has also been at the Special One's side at every club he has managed.

First time around: (l-r) Rui Faria, Jose Mourinho, Andre Villas-Boas, Silvino Louro, Steve Clarke, Baltemar Brito

Face to face: Mourinho chats to Villas-Boas... but next season they will be in direct competition at rival clubs

An assistant - Baltemar Brito - whose job was to prepare the team for games with audio-visual work, and to liaise with the players was also brought in.And as the news story on the official club website back in 2004 read: 'Andre Villas is also coming, and he will be the scout.' Andre Villas, of course, being the man who later took charge of Porto, Chelsea and is now at Tottenham. Brito was last seen in Brazil after he left Chelsea at the same time Mourinho was sacked in 2007.He was sacked as manager of Gremio Osasco earlier this month after bad results and is theoretically free to return should Mourinho want him.But Jose is likely only to bring in Faria and Louro when he returns to Chelsea.Both were with him at Wembley on Monday when he watched the play-off final between Crystal Palace and Watford.

Time to talk: Mourinho (front centre) with Faria (right) and Louro (left) at Wembley on Saturday

Spotted: Mourinho, centre, in Imperial Wharf in west London on Monday with Louro (left)

The Portguese hired his compatriot Faria as a fitness coach and video analyst when he was with minnows Leiria and the two have been inseparable since. Faria's responsibilities far exceed that of a traditional fitness coach, and he is often spotted out with Mourinho and even driving him to places. It was Faria who alleged to have been illegally communicating with Mourinho when the manager was banned by UEFA from a Champions League game in 2005.Mourinho is said to have snuck into the stadium and given instructions to Faria via a headset, before being wheeled out in a laundry trolley.

Accusations: Faria (left) was said to have communicated with Mourinho, hiding in the stadium, via an earpiece

Suspicious: Faria appeared to have something in his ear that he fiddled with during the game in 2005

Louro, meanwhile, despite not getting up to similar mischief, is an interesting character.Mourinho bristled at accusations from the Spanish press that Louro was his dressing room 'spy' at Real Madrid. One journalist from Marca who printed the story was called into a room where he found Mourinho, Louro and other staff who confronted him over the allegation. At Chelsea Louro could certainly take a role involving heavy player interaction, because Mourinho is set to keep Christophe Lollichon as goalkeeping coach.Lollichon joined in 2007 from Rennes, where he had previously worked with the No 1, Petr Cech. Retaining Lollichon and putting Louro in a role encompassing much of Brito's previous duties would eliminate the need to bring in a new man.

Close relationship: Christophe Lollichon (left) and goalkeeper Petr Cech (second left)

It would be easy to part ways with Lollichon, who is believed to be on a rolling one-year deal, but Abramovich does not want the existing set-up to suffer a radical overhaul. Steve Holland fulfils many of those duties and is also a link between the first-team squad and the academy. He was appointed reserve team manager in 2009 and has worked his way up to being an assistant first team coach, and Mourinho will keep him at the club.Faria allegedly gave Holland a briefing on how to help Chelsea beat Barcelona during the Champions League campaign last year, while Mourinho sent several players good luck texts.

Up in the air: Bolo Zenden (right) is happy to stay but Mourinho might not want him on the team

Bolo Zenden was appointed as assistant coach by interim Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez, who is now Napoli boss.Although he said he was open to staying at the club, Mourinho has no prior history with him and is likely not to extend his deal. However controversial figure Michael Emenalo - a friend and ally of Roman Abramovich - is likely to stay. Chelsea supporters have been suspicious of him since his arrival in 2007 after Mourinho was sacked, but as technical director he has recently identified numerous transfer targets that have worked out well.

Inbetweener: Michael Emenalo is the link between the training ground and Roman Abramovich (below)

Juan Mata, Oscar and Eden Hazard are the obvious names, but Romelu Lukaku, Cesar Azpilicueta, Thibaut Courtois and Kevin de Bruyne have all appreciated in value since being brought to the Bridge. His role in Benitez's arrival has also lowered him several notches in the estimations of many supporters but the club view the appointment as a success given Chelsea won silverware and qualified for the Champions League. Mourinho will have to work with him at the club and their relationship, given Emenalo's standing with Abramovich, could be a key factor in if his second spell in SW6 goes well.
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[Hysteria]

Vermaelen determined to regain Arsenal place
The Gunners captain found himself dropped by Arsene Wenger towards the end of the 2012-13 campaign but wants to prove himself at the Emirates Stadium amid transfer speculation

 

[FernandoTorres]

Atsu keen on Premier League move
The 21-year-old, who is entering the final year of his contract, has rejected a fresh deal at the Dragao with the intention of engineering a move to England this summer

Suarez confirms desire to leave Liverpool
The Uruguay international has hinted that he could move to another league following constant negative press in England, with Real Madrid understood to be interested in the striker

Bale's qualities would fit at Real Madrid, says Figo
The midfielder's agent has claimed an offer from the Spanish club would be considered following the 23-year-old's talismanic campaign at Tottenham

Julio Cesar confirms talks with English clubs amid Arsenal rumours
The 33-year-old is eager to seal his place in the Brazil squad ahead of the 2014 World Cup and has been heavily linked with a move to the Gunners

Belhanda wants Premier League or Bundesliga move
The 23-year-old insists he has nothing left to learn in France, and says his heart is set on a move to either the German or English top flight and a return to the Champions League

'Colombian Ronaldo' on Liverpool radar
Udinese striker Luis Muriel has been targeted by Liverpool as a possible replacement for Luis Suarez, who is attracting interest from Real Madrid

Leverkusen have a deal with Chelsea for Schurrle - Holzhauser
The Bundesliga club's general manager has revealed an agreement which will see the 22-year-old move to Stamford Bridge, with Kevin De Bruyne heading the other way on loan

Lukaku set for talks to decide Chelsea future
The striker would like to be at the Blues next season, but admits he may have to consider other options if it is unlikely he will be a regular fixture in the manager's plans

Liverpool target Luis Muriel as Suarez replacement
The Reds are also closing in on the signing of Celta Vigo star Iago Aspas, with Anfield officials keen to bolster their attacking options this summer

Florentino Perez: Bale was born to play for Real Madrid
After a stunning season at White Hart Lane the winger has attracted serious interest from los Blancos, and the president has dropped the strongest hint yet of making an offer

Pellegrini: I have a verbal agreement with Manchester City
After weeks of speculation, the Chilean has confirmed that discussion have taken place with the Premier League club to succeed the sacked Roberto Mancini for next season

Stam: Manchester United's centre-backs among Europe's best
The treble-winning Dutchman believes new boss David Moyes is set to inherit a talented group of central defenders that are the envy of the continent's top clubs

Carrick: Friendlies are crucial preparation for World Cup qualifiers
The 31-year-old Manchester United midfielder believes fixtures against Republic of Ireland and Brazil will be vital practice for the Three Lions' next competitive fixtures

Reina: It would be hard to turn down Barcelona
The 30-year-old goalkeeper is happy at Anfield but says it would be tough to ignore an approach from the Liga champions should they make an offer

Vermaelen determined to regain Arsenal place
The Gunners captain found himself dropped by Arsene Wenger towards the end of the 2012-13 campaign but wants to prove himself at the Emirates Stadium amid transfer speculation

Suarez refusing to commit future to Liverpool amid Real Madrid links
The Uruguayan has held two meetings with the Reds in recent weeks but will not offer Anfield officials assurances that he will stay at the club this summer

 

[FernandoTorres]

Luis Suarez admits move to Real Madrid would be hard to turn down

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has admitted he would find it hard to turn down a move to Real Madrid, insisting he was not prepared to put up with the criticism he has faced in England any longer.

Sorely tempted: a Real Madrid offer would be hard for Luis Suarez to resist Photo: REUTERS

By Chris Bascombe
9:29AM BST 30 May 2013

The Uruguayan said the criticism he faced from sections of the English media was a major reason behind his willingness to quit Merseyside.

Although suggestions Suárez could leave if a buy-out clause of €35 million (£30 million) was activated is incorrect, it is believed a £40 million bid from the Bernabéu could force his sale.

Suárez has given no guarantees he will stay at Anfield since he was banned for 10 games for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic and had given hints that he might be willing to talk to clubs playing in the Champions League next season.

The South American said on Uruguayan radio last night: “I have a contract with Liverpool but would find it difficult to say ‘no’ to Real Madrid.”

Suárez has felt victimised by the media since he was banned for eight matches for racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra in 2011. He has also been criticised for allegedly diving too often and for his controversial “handball goal” against Mansfield Town in this season’s FA Cup.

Last night he said: “I’ve worked hard since childhood to get where I am and I keep getting constant criticism from the English press. It makes me tired. Liverpool want me to stay, but do not know what will happen.”

Suarez said Liverpool had treated him well and he had “only words of thanks for the fans”. He added: “So far I have not received any official offer from Madrid.”

Liverpool insist they will not sell Suárez unless he asks for a transfer and the club’s valuation is met. However, there appears to be a growing momentum behind the 26-year-old leaving.

While the struggle to retain Suárez continues, Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas is due on Merseyside for a medical next week. The 25-year-old Spaniard will become the second recruit of the summer following the arrival of Kolo Touré on a free transfer.

Aspas is seen as a versatile frontman who can play in numerous roles either as a central striker or out wide, ideal for Rodgers’ favoured 4-3-3 formation.

Goalkeeper Pepe Reina has also said he would find it difficult to resist ending his eight-year Anfield career should Barcelona make their anticipated bid for his services.

The expected departure of Victor Valdés to Monaco has raised the possibility of Reina returning to the Nou Camp, where he started his career, and Liverpool will now press their player about his intentions.

“It’s hard to say no to Barca,” Reina said on Wednesday night. “Rumours are always there but I am calm and I have contract. I am very happy at Liverpool.”

Liverpool have received no offer from Barcelona, nor any suggestion from their goalkeeper he wants to leave. However, there is a belief within the club the interest from the La Liga champions is real, and an understanding that if a bid of about £10 million materialises it would be difficult to prevent Reina’s departure.

Not only would the player wish – understandably – to head back to Spain so he could play Champions League football, Liverpool would rate such a fee for a 30-year-old a fair price.

There is every possibility Reina could exit amicably, most at Anfield recognising he has remained at the club during a difficult period, but a fourth season without Champions League football is tough for a goalkeeper of his calibre – especially with such a lucrative suitor.

Equally, by his own admission, Reina has only recently rediscovered his best form after a couple of indifferent seasons and his loss would not be seen as setback it might have been two years ago.

Reina is among the top earners at Anfield, and Rodgers may feel he could reallocate funds and wages on a younger goalkeeper without unduly weakening his squad.

 

[FernandoTorres]

Wenger can hijack Fab move to United but would Arsenal boss reject the chance of an emotional reunion with his former captain?

By SAMI MOKBEL PUBLISHED: 21:06 GMT, 30 May 2013 | UPDATED: 21:06 GMT, 30 May 2013

Manchester United could be forced to pay an inflated price for Cesc Fabregas, with Barcelona obliged to give Arsenal half the fee under the terms of his transfer to the Nou Camp. It means Barcelona would have to sell him for about £70million just to break even. Furthermore, the Gunners could be offered the chance of re-signing the Spaniard for as little as £20million should United formalise their interest. United are keen on signing the Spain midfielder, but Arsenal will play a key role in determining whether new manager David Moyes can land the midfielder.

On the move: Cesc Fabrgeas's future is surrounded in uncertainty with Man United keen on the midfielder

When Fabregas returned to Catalan in 2011, the Gunners struck a deal that would see them net 50 per cent of his next transfer fee. The clause means Barcelona chiefs are only likely to consider an astronomical offer for Fabregas given they have to give half of the fee to Arsenal. In addition, the Gunners also insisted on having a first-option clause inserted into the contract, And Sportsmail understands Arsenal insisted on having a fixed price on the buy-back clause, believed to be between £20m-£25m.

Close relationship: Arsene Wenger nurtured Fabregas's rise through the academy to first-team captain

Should any club make a concrete offer for the 26-year-old, Barca would be obliged to inform Arsenal, who would then be given first-refusal on the midfielder. If the scenario arises, then manager Arsene Wenger would be left with a difficult situation on his hands. While a new central midfielder is on the club's shopping list, Wenger is looking for a more defensive-minded player. And with Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla all vying for central midfield slots, Wenger may view the signing of another creative player as unnecessary, leaving him with the dilemma of turning Fabregas down.

Nevertheless, both clauses will provide major stumbling blocks towards United's quest to land Fabregas, who is also interesting Manchester City. The former Gunner will resolve his future with Barca officials once the Spanish season is over. The Catalan club want to keep hold of Fabregas, but the midfielder has grown frustrated of late as he has been overlooked for big games. And should the midfielder decide he wants to move on, an emotional return to north London may not be beyond the realms of possibility.
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[FernandoTorres]

Manchester United manager offer contract to Steve Round, David Moyes' former assistant at Everton

Steve Round is to leave his role as Everton assistant manager to take a senior coaching position under David Moyes at Manchester United.

Reunited: Everton assistant Steve Round will join his old boss David Moyes at Manchester United Photo: GETTY IMAGES

By Mark Ogden
6:22PM BST 30 May 2013

Round, who has previously worked as first-team coach at Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Everton, is understood to have been offered a six-year contract at Old Trafford in tandem with Moyes, who will officially begin work as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor on July 1.

Moyes is currently rebuilding his backroom staff at Manchester United following the departures of assistant manager Mike Phelan, goalkeeping coach Eric Steele and first-team coach Rene Meulensteen’s decision to reject a role under the Scot.

Meulensteen, who is the leading candidate to succeed Roberto Martinez as Wigan Athletic manager, has also been offered the chance to take charge at Dutch club FC Twente.

Round’s move to United had been anticipated, with the 42-year-old spending the last five years alongside Moyes at Goodison Park.

Although Ferguson and United’s hierarchy had anticipated a smooth transition behind the scenes following the 71-year-old’s retirement, Moyes is likely to start next season with a completely new coaching set-up.

Everton goalkeeper coach Chris Woods, first-team coach Jimmy Lumsden and former United midfielder Phil Neville, who left Everton at the end of the season, are all expected to follow Moyes to Old Trafford. Everton scout Robbie Cooke has also been lined up for a position at United.

 

[FernandoTorres]

Manuel Pellegrini to be given £15m financial boost with reduced Man City wage bill at the Etihad

Manuel Pellegrini’s plans to reshape the Manchester City squad when he begins work at the Etihad Stadium will be boosted by a £15 million saving on the club’s wage bill this summer.

Financial boost: Manuel Pellegrini, the Manchester City manager-in-waiting, will be able to pursue big-money targets Photo: AP

By Mark Ogden
10:30PM BST 30 May 2013

Pellegrini, who has confirmed that he has a verbal agreement to succeed Roberto Mancini as Manchester City manager following his resignation as Málaga coach, is expected to start his new job next week with the City hierarchy planning to make an official announcement on his appointment on Monday.

And with efforts being made to ensure that Napoli forward Edinson Cavani and Málaga winger Isco follow Pellegrini to City, the departures of Kolo Touré, Roque Santa Cruz and Wayne Bridge will free up more than £300,000 a week in wages for the club to reinforce the Chilean’s squad before the start of next season.

Ivory Coast defender Touré has agreed a deal with Liverpool this week following the end of his £120,000-a-week contract at City, four years after arriving in a £12 million transfer from Arsenal.

Former England full-back Bridge, who has been loaned to Sunderland, West Ham and Brighton since making his last Premier League appearance for City in December 2010, is also out of contract at the end of June, enabling the club to erase the 32-year-old’s £90,000-a-week salary off the payroll.

And Santa Cruz will be allowed to leave the Etihad this summer, four years and just six Premier League starts after arriving in a £100,000-a-week, £17.5 million transfer from Blackburn.

The Paraguayan is expected to remain in Spain after being loaned to Málaga and Real Betis over the last two seasons.

Meanwhile, Napoli forward Cavani admits he is uncertain about his future with City, Real Madrid and Paris St-Germain all vying for his signature.

“It’s all a mystery and no one knows what will happen,” Cavani said. “Only when you sign a contract are you part of a team, but it is not a distraction for me. I’m comfortable with what I do.”

 

[FernandoTorres]

Ultimate summer transfer targets: Cristiano Ronaldo
The forward is open to a return to Manchester United but Real Madrid are highly unlikely to let their star man leave this summer as they look to extend his contract beyond 2015

'Who would turn down Rooney?' - Wenger hints at move for Manchester United striker
The Frenchman suggests that any manager in football would want to sign the 27-year-old and also understands the problems surrounding Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas

Villa tight-lipped over future
The 31-year-old has refused to comment on rumours linking him with a move to England

Robson hopes Rooney 'sees sense' and stays at Manchester United
The former Red Devils captain believes the want-away England international has an important part to play under new manager David Moyes at Old Trafford next season

Beckham considers Miami for MLS expansion franchise
The former LA Galaxy star has the option to create his own team as part of his contract with the California club

Van der Sar urges Rooney to stay at Manchester United
The Dutchman believes the England international is still an important figure at Old Trafford despite the club's reliance on Robin van Persie for goals in 2012-13

'The door isn't closed to Mourinho at Madrid' - Perez
The Blancos president believes the outgoing coach suffered "personal abuse" from some quarters while in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu

Mourinho to be named Chelsea manager on Monday, says Real Madrid president Perez
The 50-year-old, who won two Premier League titles in his first stint at Stamford Bridge, took charge of his final match in the Spanish capital on Saturday

Mourinho and Chelsea can rule England again, insists Robben
The Dutchman believes the Special One can recapture former glories in west London with the right backing from Roman Abramovich, and is unsurprised Frank Lampard is staying

Bale can't turn down Real Madrid or Barcelona, insists McManaman
The former Liverpool and los Blancos star insists the flying Welshman has to test himself against the very best in the world, as speculation mounts about his future

Pellegrini due to hold talks with Manchester City
The Chilean confirmed he will meet Etihad officials to discuss becoming Roberto Mancini's successor following a 4-1 defeat to Barcelona in his final game in charge of Malaga

Richards & Zabaleta to be given new Manchester City deals
The club's chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, says the two defenders are important assets which must remain at the Etihad because they represent the "core foundation" of the team

Liverpool striker Suarez dismisses criticism from Prime Minister David Cameron
The Uruguayan is fed up of apologising for his bite on Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic, which the PM described as an "appalling example to young people in our country"

Valdes tips Liverpool goalkeeper Reina to be his Barcelona successor
The 31-year-old, who has announced he will leave the club in 2014, believes his fellow Spain international has the necessary quality and experience to replace him next summer

Ramsey calls for new signings as Arsenal target silverware
The Welsh midfielder has backed the Gunners to challenge for honours if they can add more quality to the squad

Suarez's final act of selfishness must prompt Liverpool sale
The Uruguayan's decision to blame the media as he angles for a transfer away from Anfield is typical of the superstar, who the Reds should be happy to sell

Heskey: Liverpool must keep Suarez
The Newcastle Jets and former Liverpool ace believes the under fire Uruguayan should stay at Anfield despite a string of controversies and comments attempting to force a move away

Manchester City chairman Al Mubarak makes Champions League promise: We'll compete next year
After two years of poor results in Europe, the club supremo has vowed to push on in Uefa's primary competition, while he also expressed disappointment at a "difficult" season

'Fantastic' Moyes will be a Manchester United success, says City chairman Al Mubarak
The Emirati owner of the 2011-12 Premier League champions endorses the new Red Devils boss in a season review that also praises the work of Roberto Mancini and explains his sacking

Grenier: I've made a decision on my future
The 22-year-old, who is being tracked by the Gunners, revealed he has already made a decision on his future but refused to confirm where he will be playing next season

Van Persie's performances merited Manchester United end-of-season award, says Van Nistelrooy
The Holland international was named the Fans' Player of the Year but missed out on the Players' Player of the Season award to Michael Carrick, much to his countryman's dismay

Gervinho wants Arsenal stay
The 26-year-old has set his sights on earning a regular spot in Arsene Wenger's first team next season after starting just 12 Premier League games for the Gunners last term

Manchester City set to confirm Pellegrini appointment
The Premier League runners-up are "very close" to announcing their new manager, according to chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, and will be active in the summer transfer window

Watch Suarez announce his desire to leave Liverpool this summer
The Uruguayan striker claims his negative portrayal in the British media has influenced his decision to seek a move away from Anfield and the Premier League

Ljungberg returns to Arsenal in ambassadorial role
The former Sweden international, who was a member of the Gunners' 'invincibles' team of 2003-04, will be a figurehead in the club's plan for international growth

Hamann slams Suarez: He dragged the image of Liverpool through the m&d
The former Reds midfielder has criticised the Uruguay international following his announcement that he wants to leave England and is baffled by his decision to blame the media

Liverpool statement: Suarez is not for sale
The 26-year-old has publicly announced his desire to leave the Premier League but his wishes have been rejected by the club who insist the Uruguayan will remain at Anfield

 

[FernandoTorres]

Real Madrid legends defeat Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford

By Jay Jaffa
Jun 2, 2013 11:13:00 PM

Sir Alex Ferguson was in attendance for a match that Madrid won thanks to Ruben de la Red's late chip

Ruben de la Red scored a late goal for a Real Madrid legends team as they defeated their Manchester United counterparts 2-1 to win Sunday's charity game at Old Trafford.

The match in Manchester aimed to raise funds for two charities - the MU Foundation and Unicef - and followed last year's reverse fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu which finished 3-2 to the Liga outfit.

In lineups containing stars such as Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, recently retired Paul Scholes and Ruud van Nistelrooy, Madrid took a first half lead thanks to ex-Liverpool striker Fernando Morientes.

Good work from Claude Makelele saw Morientes receive the ball and finish past Edwin van der Sar with a low strike from the edge of the box just before the interval.

Zidane, who early in the match saw Scholes flick the ball over his head, also came close to scoring, drawing a good save from Van der Sar just prior to Morientes' opener. The Frenchman and Figo were afforded warm receptions by the Old Trafford crowd, whilst in true pantomime style, former Anfield icon Steve McManaman was jeered.

The match saw upwards of 55,000 tickets sold and was overseen by Sir Alex Ferguson, who announced his retirement only a few weeks ago, and he would have had a wry grin on his face as Van Nistelrooy - who played a half for both sides - latched onto Dwight Yorke's enticing through ball to smash home an equaliser.

With Van der Sar replaced by Raymond van der Gouw for the final 20 minutes, Real Madrid found a winning goal courtesy of De la Red - who was forced to retire from the game following the discovery of a heart condition in 2010 - to win the two-legged affair 5-3 on aggregate.

"We were hanging in there, we were defending better and seemed to have more of the ball as the game opened up a bit," former United left-back Dennis Irwin told MUTV after the match.

"But the quality that they had was unbelievable with players like Zidane, Figo and Hierro, some of whom haven't been out of the game for too long. It was fantastic and keeping the ball is second nature to them, but it was a great game to play in."

"I really looked forward to coming back and playing here again," Van Nistelrooy added. "It was a fantastic day and playing a half for each side was fantastic, it was great to line up with all of these brilliant players."

 

[FernandoTorres]

I will be Chelsea manager by the end of the week! Jose heads to Chelsea with parting shot for Ronaldo as Madrid's dressing-room war is exposed at bitter end

By PETE JENSON PUBLISHED: 21:30 GMT, 2 June 2013 | UPDATED: 06:40 GMT, 3 June 2013

Jose Mourinho has confirmed that he will take charge of Chelsea later this week.'I'm going to London on Monday and at the end of the week I will be the manager of Chelsea,' he said to leading Spanish TV football show Punto Pelota. 'I feel the people there love me and in life you have to look for that.'Life is beautiful and short and you must look for what you think is best for you.' Never have the words ‘the bitter end’ been more apt as Jose Mourinho took charge of his last game at Real Madrid before returning to Chelsea.

Back in England: Jose Mourinho is back in London ahead of his expected return to Chelsea

Farewell: Jose Mourinho took charge of his final game for Real Madrid before returning to manage Chelsea

Snapped: Mourinho was spotted at Heathrow Airport on Sunday as he closed in on his return to Chelsea

He left the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday night without saying goodbye to Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe and Iker Casillas, having suggested all three had deliberately ruled themselves out of his last game in charge. And as if to underline the divisions, Alvaro Arbeloa — one of the players who had stayed loyal to Mourinho in what had become a dressing-room war against the coach — claimed the manager had been betrayed by his players.Mourinho had left as many as 10 first-team players out of his final squad for Saturday’s visit of Osasuna, but claimed that, while many were injured and had been ruled out by the club’s medical staff, Ronaldo, Casillas and Pepe had all taken it upon themselves to miss the last game.

He told Spanish television channel Intereconomia: ‘The players not in the team had either been declared injured by club doctors, or have declared themselves injured. ‘Pepe, Cristiano and Casillas all ruled themselves out with back pain. They did not train all week and they did not train very well last week either.’The disintegration of player-coach relations after Real Madrid’s Champions League semi-final exit against Borussia Dortmund intensified after the charade of the Spanish Cup final, which Real lost with both Mourinho and Ronaldo sent off. It had reached such levels that it seems the star players wanted no part in their coach’s send-off.

Waiting game: Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo stood at opposite ends of the tunnel before Madrid's game

The manager who built winning teams at Chelsea, Inter Milan and Porto on the foundation of unbreakable dressing-room unity was unable to do the same at Real Madrid. Straight after Saturday’s 4-2 win, Arbeloa suggested that Mourinho was let down by selfish players.The Spain defender said: ‘Mourinho gave everything for the club, always putting it first, and sometimes his image was affected by that. I am not sure everyone else, players included, can say the same.‘A lot of us worried that we might look bad in the media. We worried about having a good public image and we spoke always for our own benefit. There is a good group of players here and we all have a good relationship, but perhaps we lacked maturity at times.’The split between Mourinho and his players was never as clear as in the tunnel before the final home game of the season as he waited until the last moment possible to take to the pitch.

Mixed emotions: Some Madrid fans thanked Mourinho (above) but some said they would 'see him never'

Ronaldo was also in the tunnel waiting to be awarded a post-season prize, and not a word was exchanged between the pair. Pepe and Casillas appeared at the top of the stairs that lead to the dressing room, ready to watch the game from the private players’ boxes high up in the Bernabeu. They looked down on Ronaldo. He looked at Mourinho, who looked out on to the pitch, avoiding eye contact with his three errant players. It was an image to sum up a tempestuous last season in charge when, for the first time in his career, the Special One had lost the dressing room.‘We have to learn for next season,’ said Arbeloa. ‘With the new coach, we have to be united with everyone helping each other. ‘This coach has won wherever he has gone and it is strange that here, where he had the best squad he has ever had, is where he has won the least.’The divisions in the dressing room were as ever replicated in the stands of the Bernabeu.

Few and far between: Mourinho enjoyed a good relationship with Michael Essien who will return to Chelsea

Supporters behind one goal sung his name throughout the 4-2 win but the songs were drowned out by jeers from the remaining three sides of the stadium. There were ‘Thanks for everything’ signs held aloft but others read, ‘Thanks for nothing’ and ‘Don’t ever come back’.The most vocal of the pro-Mourinho supporters hung a ‘Mourinho we love you’ banner from the stand behind the south goal. The outgoing coach came back out to those supporters after the end of the game to have pictures taken with several who had made their way on to the pitch.The game itself saw Mourinho clock up his 128th win in his 178th game in charge. It also meant the club had gone the entire season without losing at home — save the cup final when they had occupied the away dressing room. Despite the victory there was little sign of celebrations. Another who said an unhappy goodbye was Gonzalo Higuain. He did not celebrate after scoring the game’s opener and confirmed after the match that he would not play for Real again: ‘It’s a decision I have taken calmly over time. I have been here seven years, they try to sell me every pre-season and I need to go somewhere I am truly wanted.’Arsenal will have taken note of the confirmation of his departure, as well as his insistence that a switch to Juventus had not been finalised.

On the move: Ronaldo could follow his boss out of the Spanish capital as Manchester United eye a reunion

Luka Modric and Arbeloa both had farewell photographs taken with Mourinho and his coaching staff. And when Michael Essien, on loan from Chelsea, scored Madrid’s second goal, he ran to embrace the coach on the touchline. Essien expects to go back to Chelsea with Mourinho, while, at Madrid, a new era begins as the club confirm Florentino Perez will continue as president for the next four years. His first business will be to try to persuade Ronaldo to sign a contract extension but he may be fighting a losing battle with Manchester United confident they can lure the forward back to Old Trafford, making him a spectacular signing for new manager David Moyes.

Perez met the player’s agent Jorge Mendes last week — and a two-year extension on Ronaldo’s current deal that runs until 2016 is on the table which would see him clear £13.5million a year after tax has been paid by the club. There is hope at the Bernabeu that with the increased offer and Mourinho’s departure Ronaldo is more likely to stay but the Portugal international is aware that he would be adored by United fans if he returns in contrast to the mixed reception he has received from Real supporters. Perez knows the player’s decision will impact on just how hard he must push to bring in Gareth Bale for £80m this year, as well as influencing whether a £40m bid for Luis Suarez goes ahead.

​

 

[FernandoTorres]

Napoli baulked at Villas-Boas' €11.7m Tottenham buyout clause

Jun 1, 2013 9:23:00 AM

Aurelio De Laurentiis tried to convince the Spurs manager to swap London for Naples but turned his attention to Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez after learning of the huge buyout fee

EXCLUSIVE
By Duncan Castles

A €11.7 million buyout clause in Andre Villas-Boas' contract at Tottenham ended Napoli's attempts to appoint the Portuguese as their new coach. The Serie A runners-up approached Villas-Boas last month as they sought a replacement for the outgoing Walter Mazzarri.

Impressed by Villas-Boas' achievements in his first season at Tottenham, and aware that the young coach had watched as the Premier League club failed to complete deals for his top transfer targets in both the summer and winter windows, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis explored the possibility of bringing the 35-year-old back to Italian football.

Informed of the fee Tottenham would demand for Villas-Boas, De Laurentiis ultimately chose to pursue the cheaper option of recruiting Rafael Benitez, surplus to requirements at Chelsea at the end of a six-month spell as 'interim first-team manager'.

Benitez's appointment on a two-year contract was confirmed on Monday with Napoli's president indicating that he was prepared to invest heavily on players – including a much-improved salary package for key striker Edinson Cavani – in an attempt to take the Italian title away from Juventus.

Before settling on Chelsea's outgoing coach, De Laurentiis conceded that he had approached Villas-Boas, one of Benitez's many recent predecessors at the west London club. “Yes,” De Laurentiis told Portuguese daily Diario de Noticias. “There is a very tempting argument to hire a young coach here.”

Already embroiled in a battle to prevent Gareth Bale from succumbing to the advances of Real Madrid, this summer's managerial changes pose an additional threat to Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy. Florentino Perez is said to have included Villas-Boas on "a waiting list" of back-up candidates should Carlo Ancelotti fail to extract himself from his contract at Paris Saint-Germain to succeed Jose Mourinho at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Villas-Boas is also being monitored by Barcelona as a long-term candidate to coach the club, recently meeting with directors during a visit to the Camp Nou. He has experience of working in Serie A as one of Mourinho's assistants at Inter, and has already been bought out of a contract once in his career - in 2011 when Roman Abramovich paid €15m to take him from Porto.

According to well-placed sources, Villas-Boas has been frustrated by aspects of an impressive first season at White Hart Lane in which he led the club to its highest Premier League points total only to miss out on a Champions League qualifying place by a single point. In particular, he would like to have more control over the structure of his senior squad.

 

[FernandoTorres]

José Mourinho flies into London to finalise Chelsea return

• Premier League jumps the gun in announcing deal
• Manchester City close to appointing Manuel Pellegrini

Andy Hunter
The Guardian, Sunday 2 June 2013 19.18 BST

José Mourinho could be appointed as Chelsea's new manager on Monday, according to the Real Madrid president, Florentino Pérez. Photograph: Daniel Ochoa De Olza/AP

José Mourinho has arrived in London at the start of a week that should see the Premier League's wealthiest clubs, Chelsea and Manchester City, appoint the managers they hope can wrestle the title back from Manchester United next season.

Mourinho could confirm his return to Chelsea on Monday, according to the Real Madrid president, Florentino Pérez. The Premier League's official website jumped the gun by announcing the Portuguese had taken over, prompting an apology to the Stamford Bridge club. Chelsea have refused to comment on claims that their former title-winning manager has agreed a four-year contract to succeed Rafael Benítez.

But Pérez, who was re-elected Real president unopposed on Sunday and wants to open his fourth term with statement signings such as Gareth Bale and Luis Suárez, said: "Mourinho is going to Chelsea. Probably on Monday he will be their new manager. We wish him good luck." The 50-year-old ended a turbulent three-year tenure in Madrid on Saturday with a 4-2 win over Osasuna, and to a mix of cheers and jeers from Real supporters in the Bernabéu, before arriving in London on Sunday. Last month he reached a deal with Pérez to leave Real for free by mutual consent despite having three years remaining on his contract.

Mourinho won two Premier League titles, two League Cups and one FA Cup during his first spell in charge of Chelsea between 2004 and 2007 before falling out with the owner, Roman Abramovich. Their relationship has since been repaired and he is expected to be joined at Stamford Bridge by the goalkeeping coach Silvino Louro and his trusted assistant Rui Faria.

The Premier League apologised to Chelsea after an article confirming Mourinho's imminent return was published on their website. Under the headline 'Jose Mourinho makes Chelsea return', and containing Monday's date, the article's sub-headline read: 'Portuguese coach back at Stamford Bridge after signing a XX-year contract'. The Premier League indicated the article was being prepared in readiness for a possible announcement and is attempting to discover whether publication was a result of system failure or human error. A spokesman said: "It was a publishing error. We took it down as soon as we were notified of it and we've spoken to and apologised to Chelsea. We have no prior knowledge of any movement or any announcement [regarding Mourinho]."

City, meanwhile, are due to finalise the terms of Manuel Pellegrini's move from Málaga to the Etihad Stadium this week, having agreed a deal in principle for the 59-year-old Chilean to replace Roberto Mancini as manager.

Pellegrini ended his Málaga reign with a 4-1 defeat by Barcelona on Saturday to finish the season sixth in the table and will hold talks with City officials, including the director of football, Txiki Begiristain, over the coming days as he prepares for his first move into English football. The former Villarreal and Real Madrid coach said: "I have an agreement to start conversations with Manchester City. Some rumours will be right, others won't, but I have kept my focus on Málaga until now.

"Now the league is over we will start from Monday to look forward and to see where my future lies. It is going to be hard for me to leave Spain after nine years. It's a country that has treated me marvellously well. An important era of my life ends, and my future will surely take me to another country."

Everton are also expected to end their managerial search this week although, unlike Chelsea and City, the identity of their appointment remains in some doubt. Roberto Martínez is the favourite to replace David Moyes following two interviews last week with the Everton chairman, Bill Kenwright, but the former Schalke coach Ralf Rangnick and Vítor Pereira of Porto are also under consideration. Kenwright has spent the weekenddeliberating over his shortlist and Everton hope to make an appointment early this week.

 

[Barcelona]

Pellegrini will build something at Manchester City - Van Nistelrooy
The former Manchester United forward, who played under the Chilean at Real Madrid and Malaga, believes that given time he will be a success with his old club's bitter rivals

 

[RealMadrid]

Arsenal have a 'big interest' in Celtic star Wanyama
The Kenyan's former academy coach has revealed Arsene Wenger has made contact with the Scottish giants and adds that the 21-year-old wants to move to north London

 

[FernandoTorres]

Mourinho targeting new signings to strengthen Chelsea
The newly appointed Blues boss admits it would be "fantastic" to recruit a couple of new players, with the club moving for Roma's Daniele De Rossi and Vitesse's Marco van Ginkel

Arsenal in talks with QPR to sign Julio Cesar
The Gunners are willing to pay up to €1.17 million to land the Brazil No.1 this summer and are looking to tie up a deal for Swansea City defender Ashley Williams

Fiorentina: Jovetic not on the market
The club's sporting director has ruled out selling the in-demand forward while commenting on reports linking Viola with several possible recruits

Manchester City splash €25 million on Jesus Navas
The winger had been strongly linked with the Premier League outfit, who have made the 27-year-old Spain international their first summer capture

Mourinho: I'm ready to stay at Chelsea for a long time
The Portuguese believes the Blues' young squad needs a manager who will bring stability and has suggested he is ready to end his usual pattern of three-year spells

Tottenham's failure to qualify for the Champions League was a catastrophe, admits Holtby
The midfielder is determined to turn his attention to captaining Germany at the European Under-21 Championship despite his frustration with the end of the Premier League campaign

Mourinho's focus will be on the Premier League rather than the Champions League, says Wilkins
The Portuguese failed to deliver a European trophy in his first spell at Chelsea but the former assistant manager believes domestic success should remain his priority

Second coming: Wounded Mourinho ready to take Chelsea by storm
The Portuguese sealed a return to Stamford Bridge on Monday that will delight fans and players alike and help reestablish the club at the top

'I'm one of you' - Mourinho reveals delight at Chelsea return
The 50-year-old has penned a four-year deal at Stamford Bridge and, in a brief message to Blues fans, promised to work hard to make the club successful, just as he did in 2004

I told my staff that this would be Ferguson's last year, claims Wenger
The Arsenal manager has suggested he saw the signs that the Scot would be retiring at the end of the season and insists it came as no surprise to him when it was revealed

Chelsea open talks with Roma to sign De Rossi
Incoming boss Jose Mourinho has made the £15 million-rated Italy international one of his top summer targets as he attempts to reinforce the Blues' central midfield next season

'I'm open to anything' - Sevilla star Navas fuels Manchester City speculation
Manuel Pellegrini is believed to have identified the Spaniard as a top summer target, and the winger admits he is desperate to move on to a bigger club

Wenger wants me to stay at Arsenal, reveals Rosicky
The Czech midfielder says he will see out the remainder of his contract with the Gunners despite interest from Sparta Prague and is hoping he can have more of an impact next year

Bellamy lifts lid on Mancini tenure at Manchester City
In extracts from his newly published autobiography, the Cardiff striker has revealed his version of his relationship with the Italian

Wenger admits 'huge mistake' in passing up chance to sign Bale
The Arsenal manager concedes he regrets spurning the opportunity to buy the Welsh winger as a youngster from Southampton and says he has become an incredible player