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║ Barclays Premier League Season 2013-14 ║
Man City face anxious wait over 'serious' Nasri injury
Sun Jan 12, 2014 5:36pm GMT
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini attends their English Premier League soccer match against Newcastle United at St James' Park in Newcastle, northern England, January 12, 2014. REUTERS/Nigel Roddis
(Reuters) - Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri suffered a "serious" knee injury after being scythed down by Newcastle United defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa late in their 2-0 win at St James' Park on Sunday.
"It should have been a red card for the tackle by Yanga-Mbiwa on Samir Nasri," City manager Pellegrini told reporters. "A direct red card - we didn't have any extra help from the referee today.
"Nasri has a serious injury with his knee - it was directly a red card. Maybe it's medial ligaments. We'll see tomorrow what happens with him."
The 26-year-old French international, who should be named in France's World Cup squad this year, was writhing in pain on the pitch before being carried off on a stretcher after a six-minute stoppage in play as he was treated.
He left the ground on the team coach with his knee in a brace and his immediate future in doubt after the hack which earned Yanga-Mbiwa only a yellow card from referee Mike Jones who endured a torrid afternoon.
Earlier, he incensed Newcastle manager Alan Pardew by overruling his assistant to disallow Cheick Tiote's 20-metre volley, ruling that Yoan Gouffran had unsighted City keeper Joe Hart.
Pardew said the goal should have stood because Gouffran did not unsight the keeper even if he was in an offside position.
City won with goals from Edin Dzeko after eight minutes and Alvaro Negredo five minutes into the stoppage time added for Nasri's treatment.
The result took City back to the top of the Premier League, at least until Arsenal play Aston Villa on Monday.
(Reporting by Mike Collett, editing by Ed Osmond)
Giroud fit for Arsenal but Wenger still seeks new striker
Mon Jan 13, 2014 2:39am GMT
Arsenal's Olivier Giroud celebrates his goal against Newcastle United during their English Premier League soccer match at St James' Park in Newcastle, northern England, December 29, 2013. REUTERS/Nigel Roddis
(Reuters) - Arsenal manger Arsene Wenger remains on the hunt for striking options for his injury-hit squad despite being boosted by the return of forward Olivier Giroud for Monday's English Premier League clash at Aston Villa.
Giroud has not played for title chasing Arsenal since scoring in their 1-0 win at Newcastle United on December 29, the tall Frenchman forced to rest after suffering a blow to his ankle in a tackle by defender Mike Williamson.
"He played the whole game at Newcastle with an open ankle and without complaining. And when I took him off, he didn't want to come off. He needed five stitches," Wenger said in quotes carried by British media on Monday.
"He was a bit tired recently but now he is refreshed, he is back, and I am sure he will have a major impact on the second part of the season."
Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner both contributed late goals in the 2-0 win against Cardiff City on January 1 in the absence of Giroud but the Dane injured his ankle in the process of scoring and is expected to miss a few weeks.
England winger Walcott played as the central striker in the 2-0 FA Cup success over arch rivals Tottenham Hotspur last time out but his game ended early with a serious knee injury which will rule him out for the rest of the season.
German Lukas Podolski has recently returned to action following a hamstring problem but Wenger has been reluctant to field him as the central striker in Arsenal's attacking three and acknowledged he needed reinforcements to maintain their title challenge.
"That is why we are out there," Wenger said when asked about the risks of trying to compete for trophies with his current squad.
"Last summer (close season) I looked for a striker that could play with Giroud and without Giroud. In my mind it was not absolutely to replace Giroud, it was to play with or without him."
'GOOD BALANCE'
Giroud started his second season in north London with three goals in his first three games in all competitions but has found them harder to come by in recent weeks.
His winning goal at Newcastle was his eighth Premier League goal of the season but his first in seven matches for the club since scoring both in a 2-0 home win over Southampton.
Wenger said the 27-year-old, signed from Ligue One side Montpellier in July 2012, was crucial to Arsenal's style of play and his contribution went far further than scoring goals.
"He has qualities that the rest of the squad has not got. He always gives us that strength," said Wenger, whose side can return to the top of the table with a victory on Monday.
"We have small players who combine quickly, so to find someone who can hold it, keep the ball, make some room for other players, he does that very well. He gives us a very good balance."
Giroud scored after only six minutes when Arsenal last met Villa on the opening day of the season, but Paul Lambert's side struck back with three unanswered goals to grab the three points and leave the home fans at the Emirates booing Wenger.
Villa, though, have won once in their last six Premier League outings and were beaten at home by third tier Sheffield United in the FA Cup last time out.
They are 11th in the table but only six points ahead of bottom side Crystal Palace and Lambert said he felt the pressure.
"I don't sleep great, I don't eat great. The usual stuff," he added. "It is just the life of a football manager."
(Writing by Patrick Johnston; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
Hull finalising landmark Jelavic deal
Hull has hailed striker Nikica Jelavic as "our biggest ever signing" after revealing the club expect to complete a deal for the £6.5million-rated striker soon.
Allam threatens walk-out over FA row
Hull City owner Assem Allam has vowed to walk away from the club if the Football Association refuses to ratify his application to change the club's name.
Townsend on come-back trail
Tottenham winger Andros Townsend marked his return from a hamstring injury with a goal in the Under-21s 4-1 win over Newcastle.
Vidic: Next few weeks are crucial
Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic feels the club will "know exactly where" they are in the next few weeks in terms of how their BPL season is shaping up.
Mourinho: Hazard can be world-class
Jose Mourinho feels in Eden Hazard the Blues already have a player capable of becoming one of the "best in the world".
Mertesacker fires warning to title rivals
Per Mertesacker believes Arsenal's win at Aston Villa sent a strong warning to their title rivals.
City's Guidetti completes move to Stoke
Manchester City striker John Guidetti has joined Stoke on loan.
Villa closing in on Holt deal
Wigan striker Grant Holt is undergoing a medical at Aston Villa ahead of a possible loan move, the Sky Bet Championship club have confirmed.
Everton's Barkley sidelined by fractured toe
Everton have confirmed that England midfielder Ross Barkley has a fractured toe.
Matic may return to Chelsea squad
Midfielder Nemanja Matic appears to be closing in on a return to Chelsea after telling the Portuguese media he has played his last game for Benfica.
Ronaldo: Ferdinand asked me to re-join United
Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo was pestered to rejoin Manchester United last summer by former team-mate Rio Ferdinand.
Coates hits out at referees
Stoke chairman Peter Coates has accused the Premier League's top referees of big-club bias after again falling victim to the latest perceived injustice.
Gutierrez confident of helping Norwich
Midfielder Jonas Gutierrez is confident his experience can help steer Norwich away from the BPL relegation zone after signing on loan from Newcastle.
Man City's Nasri likely out until mid-march
Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri is likely to be out of action until mid-March after learning the full extent of his knee injury.
Gerrard: Liverpool have bottle for top-four
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard insists they have the bottle to close out a top-four place this season.
Luis Garcia announces retirement
Former Liverpool and Spain forward Luis Garcia has announced his retirement from football.
Tuesday 14th January 2014
Garcia hangs his boots up after a 17-year career which included winning the Champions League title with Liverpool in 2005 when the Reds famously fought back from a 3-0 half-time deficit in the final to beat AC Milan on penalties.
The much-travelled 35-year-old, who scored 30 goals in 121 appearances while at Anfield and won the 2006 FA Cup, also played for the likes of Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Panathinaikos and, most recently, Mexican side Pumas.
He made 20 appearances for Spain, representing them at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, and was named in UEFA's Team of the Year in 2005.
Garcia made the announcement on his official website, saying: "Today I've decided to retire as a professional footballer, thanks for the interest from the teams that spoke with me in recent weeks, but I think the time has come to end this important chapter in my life and move to the next page.
"To each and every one of the people over my 17-year career that have been with me, have helped me and supported me at every stage, I will be forever grateful."
14 January 2014
Last updated at 16:19 GMT
Sergio Aguero named in Man City's squad to face Blackburn
Sergio Aguero will return to the Manchester City squad for Wednesday's FA Cup third-round replay against Blackburn at Etihad Stadium.
The Argentina forward has been out since 14 December with a calf injury sustained in the 6-3 win over Arsenal.
"Sergio is working normally with the whole squad and he is on the squad list for tomorrow," City manager Manuel Pellegrini said.
Aguero is City's leading scorer this season with 19 goals.
City have won seven of the eight matches they have played since Aguero's injury, with the 1-1 FA Cup draw at Blackburn the only lapse, but Pellegrini feels the 25-year-old is still an integral part of the team.
"He is a very important player for us," the ex-Malaga manager said. "It doesn't matter if we are scoring a lot of goals, Sergio will always be a very important player and we are happy he is coming back."
Manchester City's provisional squad: Hart, Pantilimon, Zabaleta, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Nastasic, Demichelis, Boyata, Kolarov, Clichy, Milner, Navas, Fernandinho, Garcia, Negredo, Dzeko, Lopes, Aguero.
13 January 2014
Last updated at 15:57 GMT
Transfer window: Kevin De Bruyne set to leave Chelsea for Wolfsburg
By Ben Smith
BBC Sport
Chelsea midfielder Kevin de Bruyne is expected to make a £16m move to German club Wolfsburg in the next 48 hours.
The Belgium international, who spent last season on loan at Werder Bremen, has started just five matches since joining Chelsea from Genk in 2012.
English roots
Kevin de Bruyne's mother was born in Ealing, west London, making him eligible to play for England. However, he opted for the country of his birth, making his debut for Belgium in August 2010 while still a teenager.
The 22-year-old is expected to sign a five-year deal and his fee could rise to close to £20m with add-ons.
De Bruyne's sale will allow Chelsea to pursue a deal to re-sign midfielder Nemanja Matic, 25, from Benfica.
Blues boss Jose Mourinho walked out of a news conference earlier this season after being irritated by questions about De Bruyne.
The Portuguese has identified Matic as a key target in this transfer window and talks are under way between the clubs over a fee that is expected to exceed £20m.
The Serbia defensive midfielder, who is in Zurich to attend the Fifa Ballon D'Or ceremony, left Chelsea in 2011 as a makeweight in the deal to sign David Luiz.
He had moved to Stamford Bridge in August 2009 from MFK Kosice but made only three appearances for the London club and spent the 2010-11 season on loan with Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem.
I've changed, says Suarez, and Liverpool are back
LONDON Tue Jan 14, 2014 11:11am GMT
Liverpool's Luis Suarez celebrates his goal against Stoke City during their English Premier League soccer match at the Britannia stadium in Stoke-on-Trent, central England January 12, 2014. REUTERS/Darren Staples
(Reuters) - Luis Suarez thinks his enforced absence from the game last year has changed him and believes Liverpool are ready to claim a Champions League berth for the first time in five years.
Suarez has scored 22 goals in 16 English Premier League games since returning in September from a 10-match ban for biting the arm of Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic during a clash at Anfield in April.
The Uruguayan striker's form has led English media to describe him as one of the best players in the world this season, and has drawn favourable comparison to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who on Monday won FIFA's Ballon d'Or for the second time.
"When you are a child, you imagine a lot. Now many people or players speak about that (being one of the best in the world), and it's unbelievable for me," Suarez, 26, told Liverpool's website (www.liverpoolfc.com) on Tuesday.
"And also for Liverpool, because in the last two or three years we have not played very well and not demonstrated our level. Now we are back to that.
"You work hard for the supporters and the people. It's important because the last few months were a little difficult for me. Now I've changed and it's okay."
Suarez netted twice against Stoke City on Sunday - the eighth time this season he has scored two or more in a game - to lead Liverpool to a 5-3 win.
They are fourth in the Premier League, six points behind leaders Arsenal and on course to qualify for Europe's top club competition for the first time since 2009.
"It's very important because we know that in the last two years we haven't demonstrated that Liverpool can play in the Champions League," said Suarez, who said he wanted to leave Liverpool in the close season.
"Now we are playing very well and we have the level to play in the Champions League. We have really good players and if we continue at this level, we can do it."
(Writing by Stephen Wood. Editing by Patrick Johnston)
Aguero aiming for full recovery in time for Barcelona clash
The 25-year-old returned from injury to net against Blackburn in the FA Cup on Wednesday, and is now looking to rediscover his top form before the Champions League tie next month
Borini sets sights on Liverpool return
The Sunderland striker has ruled out a potential permanent switch to Wearside and stated that he hopes he has proven he is ready for first-team football at Anfield next season
'Blue is my favourite colour' - Zouma revels in Chelsea interest
The 19-year-old says Jose Mourinho contacted him last month and adds he is looking to leave Saint Etienne in the summer, possibly to move to west London
Menez rules out January transfer
The France international, who had been linked with Juventus, Liverpool and Monaco, says he will not leave the Parc des Princes before the end of the season
Julian Draxler should jump at the chance to join Arsenal
The Gunners are mulling over a move for the Germany international and a transfer to England would benefit him in almost every single sense
Tottenham demand €12 million for Napoli target Capoue
The Serie A side are favourites to land the Frenchman with Spurs boss Tim Sherwood willing to cash in despite the 25-year-old, who only arrived in the summer
Matic a 'fantastic all-round midfielder' - Mourinho
Chelsea signed the 25-year-old from Benfica on Wednesday for a fee of €25m three years after allowing him to leave London as part of the David Luiz deal
Pellegrini admits five-goal haul was harsh on Blackburn
The Chilean lavished praise on the Championship outfit for their endeavours, while he dismissed notions of a problematic selection headache following the return of Sergio Aguero
Cruzeiro reject bid from unnamed English club for Brazilian starlet Everton Ribeiro
The agent of the 24-year-old says a Premier League side has made an offer for the playmaker's services, though his club are reluctant to sell and are holding out for a higher bid
Moyes admits FA misconduct charge
The Manchester United boss labelled the performance of referee Andre Marriner and his officials as "terrible" after their Capital One Cup semi-final first-leg loss to Sunderland
Manchester City secure Watford clash - the FA Cup fourth round draw in full
Manuel Pellegrini's men needed a replay to overcome Blackburn Rovers but will now host the Hornets at the Etihad Stadium in the next round, while Kidderminster meet Sunderland
Arsenal step up interest in Senegal defender Kouyate
CSKA Moscow have already lodged a formal bid for Anderlecht's towering centre-back, but the Gunners are ready to jump in having lined up talks with the player's agent on Thursday
Willian 'learning so much' under Mourinho at Chelsea
The winger has hailed the manager as "one of the best coaches in the world", and is delighted with his decision to move to Stamford Bridge back in August
Schalke: No offers for Arsenal target Draxler
Goal exclusively revealed that the Germany international is on Arsene Wenger's radar for a January move, but sporting director Horst Heldt insists no bid has been made
West Ham ready to take £4m hit on QPR-bound Maiga
The Hammers are ready to send the Mali striker on loan to QPR as they bid to make room on their wage bill after handing Carlton Cole a £25,000-per-week contract extension
Agyemang-Badu: I would be very happy to join Liverpool
The Ghana midfielder is keen for a move to Anfield but admitted that Udinese have received no formal approach from the club over his services
Cardiff chairman expects Solskjaer to utilise Manchester United contacts
The former Old Trafford striker has already moved to sign two of the club's former youth prospects, and Mehmet Dalman has encouraged further use of the Norwegian's connections
Rosicky one of the best in Premier League, says Ozil
The club's record signing says himself and the Czech midfielder are similar in their approach to football, hailing him as one of the top performers in England
Official: Chelsea re-sign Matic for €25m
The Serbian international has signed a five-and-a-half year contract at Stamford Bridge following his spell at Benfica, only three years after he left west London
Coutinho keen to improve Liverpool goal return
The Brazilian is celebrating a year at Anfield in January having left Inter during the 2013 winter transfer window, but has netted just twice so far this season
Chadli seeking Tottenham exit - agent
The summer signing fears missing out on the World Cup for Belgium if he is continually started on the substitutes' bench and played out of position, according to his representative
Confidence the key for Liverpool's Sterling
Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling admits confidence has played a significant part in him feeling at home as a first team regular.
Everton's Distin back in training after injury
Everton defender Sylvain Distin has returned to full training and is likely to be in the squad for Monday's trip to West Brom.
McDonald: Morrison a happy Hammer
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald has played down reports that midfielder Ravel Morrison is angling for a move to Fulham.
McDonald: Morrison a happy Hammer
New Hull striker Nikica Jelavic has written an open letter to Everton fans in which he admits his concerns over his World Cup place forced him to move.
Long game pays off for Hull
Hull have had an offer accepted for West Brom striker Shane Long and have been given permission to begin talks with the player.
Duos' return set to boost Swansea
Dwight Tiendalli and Roland Lamah are set to hand Swansea manager Michael Laudrup a fitness boost by returning to action against Tottenham this weekend.
Pochettino future at Saints in question
Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino's future at the club appears to be in serious doubt after key ally Nicola Cortese quit his post as the Saints' executive chairman.
Hull looking to secure Long transfer
Hull City are expected to turn their attention to securing West Brom's Shane Long after completing the signing of Nikica Jelavic from Everton.
Pellegrini welcomes "selection" dilemma
Sergio Aguero took no time to make a goalscoring return for Manchester City to leave Manuel Pellegrini with some welcome selection headaches in their quest for glory.
Pellegrini to keep foot on the gas
Manuel Pellegrini has promised Manchester City will not ease off the throttle as they reached a staggering 99 goals for the season by annihilating Blackburn in the FA Cup.
Cole aiming for safety with Hammers
Carlton Cole is hoping to score the goals that can keep West Ham in the Barclays Premier League after the striker signed a new deal at Upton Park.
Mourinho: Matic is much better now
Jose Mourinho feels he has brought a much-improved player back to Chelsea after completing the signing of Nemanja Matic.
Hull wrap up Jelavic signing
Nikica Jelavic insists he has a "great opportunity" at Hull after the club completed the record signing of the Croatian striker from Everton.
Moyes accepts FA charge
Manchester United manager David Moyes has accepted a charge of misconduct following comments about match officials, the Football Association has confirmed.
Coutinho desperate to add more goals
Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho knows he must add goals to his creativity if he wants to become a great player.
Nicola Cortese quits as Southampton chairman as manager considers role
• Mauricio Pochettino said to be reluctant to stay without Cortese
• Katharina Liebherr takes over as non-executive chairwoman
Dominic Fifield
The Guardian, Wednesday 15 January 2014 14.41 GMT
Southampton executive chairman Nicola Cortese has quit his position at the club. Photograph: Henry Browne/Action Images
Southampton were a club coming apart at the seams on Wednesday night after the executive chairman, Nicola Cortese, quit and left the owner desperately trying to convince the manager, Mauricio Pochettino, not to follow suit before Saturday's visit to Sunderland.
Cortese, who had smoothed Markus Liebherr's £14m purchase of the south coast club in 2009, walked away having originally offered to resign to the current owner, Markus's daughter Katharina, last October once it was clear he did not share her vision for Southampton's future. His exit was accepted only after lengthy talks between the pair's legal representatives throughout Wednesday, with an early-evening statement issued that Katharina had taken over as non-executive chairwoman.
She expressed regret at the Italian-Swiss banker's decision to leave having overseen the club's rise from administration in League One to mid-table in the Premier League, though her claim that "it is business as usual" ignored the reality that Pochettino is now considering his position. It is only a year since the Argentinian took up the reins but he has made no secret of the fact he would not countenance working at St Mary's without Cortese, who had recruited him.
The manager's instinct was to quit but he was at the stadium on Wednesday night and spoke with his outgoing chairman and with the owner, with both attempting to persuade him to remain at the club. Pochettino is considering his options and is due to hold his regular pre-match press conference on Thursday, where he will be reminded of his comments last May in support of the chairman. "I would not understand staying in this role if Nicola was not here," he said then. "The person who actually called me from the start, told me about the project and put the faith in me was Nicola."
Katharina has made clear she will continue "to back and support" the manager for the foreseeable future, yet senior players who had bought into Cortese's vision to challenge for Champions League football are also understood to be dismayed at his departure. The highly rated Luke Shaw is interesting Chelsea and Manchester United, both of whom will sense an opportunity to prise away the left-back. Shaw tweeted on Wednesday night: "Gutted with that news, but would just like to thank Nicola Cortese for everything he has done for me and the club." West Ham have also not given up hope of recruiting the England forward Rickie Lambert, whom they value at around £7m, and are increasingly confident they can secure his services this month.
The relationship between the executive chairman and owner at Southampton had fractured beyond repair over Katharina's apparent desire to sell the asset left to her when Markus died in 2010. Cortese had opposed a swift sale and, having come close to quitting last May, the pair remained distant even after a tentative truce had been struck. Matters came to a head again in the autumn, when the team were third in the table, with Cortese resistant to the Liebherr Group playing more of a role in the day-to-day running of a club he had effectively and impressively overseen since 2009.
It is understood there were also differences of opinion over how much Cortese would be due should the Liebherr Group push through a sale, all of which convinced the 45-year-old that the time had come to leave. Regardless, Katharina recognised the impact he had made at the club and had made offers described as "eye-watering" and "insane" by sources close to the negotiations in an attempt to persuade him to stay on. Those were rejected, with Cortese departing with Southampton comfortably placed in ninth.
Liebherr intends to implement a reconstitution of the board to ensure the everyday running of the club does not come down to one individual, and is looking to appoint a chief executive at the earliest opportunity. Yet, having converted £33m in loans into equity last year to demonstrate the family's continued financial commitment, the owner is well aware that the club's value has escalated over recent years, and saw Fulham bought by Shahid Khan for £150m last year.
"With great regret we have accepted the resignation of Mr Cortese," said Katharina in a statement. "He has done a wonderful job at the club and we very much wanted him to stay. A search has now begun for a successor. In the meantime, it is business as usual and we will ensure that the manager, the team and all the staff at the club have all the help and support they need."
Chelsea seek to end United's title defence
By Toby Davis
LONDON Thu Jan 16, 2014 2:12am GMT
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho watches his team during their English Premier League soccer match against Southampton at St Mary's stadium in Southampton, southern England January 1, 2014. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth
(Reuters) - Riding the wave of a five-match winning streak, Chelsea face Manchester United on Sunday with a chance to reinforce their own Premier League credentials and read the last rites to their opponents' title defence.
Jose Mourinho's battles with Manchester United in his first stint as manager were frequently billed as decisive skirmishes in the title race, but this encounter will lack that extra edge.
Chelsea are in the slipstream of leaders Arsenal, who host Fulham on Saturday, and second-placed Manchester City, who entertain Cardiff City, but United are way off the pace.
Eleven points separate David Moyes's side from the summit and defeat would effectively end any lingering hopes they have that a strong run-in could propel them into contention.
Perhaps more pressing, however, is the fact that a reverse could leave United eight points adrift of fourth place and Champions League qualification if Liverpool beat Aston Villa on Saturday.
In the run-up to the weekend's standout fixture, the difference between the two protagonists has also been felt in the transfer market.
Chelsea flexed their muscles by spending 21 million pounds on Benfica midfielder Nemanja Matic while United continue to keep their powder dry with fans crying out for reinforcements, especially in midfield where they have lacked creativity.
With striker Robin van Persie still out injured and Wayne Rooney's involvement doubtful after returning from a warm-weather break planned to restore his fitness, United's approach is likely to be focused on containment.
Chelsea were cautious in the teams' clash at Old Trafford in August, which finished in a goalless draw, but with Arsenal and Manchester City both at home this weekend, dropped points could see them hand the initiative to their rivals.
TITLE FIGHT
Arsenal will look to make the most of any Chelsea slip-up and their manager Arsene Wenger said his side have the stomach for a title fight as they approach a period when they have frequently been found wanting.
They capitulated in all competitions between December and February last season, but the current team are showing signs that they are made of sterner stuff and confidence is permeating through the squad.
"We just look at ourselves and think we are good enough to respond to any challenge they give us," defender Per Mertesacker said on the back of a resilient display in a 2-1 win over Aston Villa on Monday.
Fulham are involved in a relegation battle but showed they are not without quality in a confident 3-0 win over Norwich City in the FA Cup on Tuesday.
Manchester City will not need reminding about the danger of underestimating Cardiff after they lost 3-2 in Wales this season.
Cardiff have since replaced manager Malky Mackay with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and although they are third from bottom they held Arsenal for 88 minutes at the Emirates Stadium on New Years' Day before losing 2-0.
City have won their last six league games, averaging three goals a match and beating Blackburn 5-0 in an FA Cup replay on Wednesday, and their form has prompted manager Manuel Pellegrini to target a quadruple trophy haul.
"It's difficult (to win all four) but we'll try," he said.
"That's why nobody has done it before. But I think we must have the mentality to try to do it."
Liverpool can maintain their faint title hopes if they can make it three successive Premier League wins at home to Aston Villa.
They welcomed back striker Daniel Sturridge against Stoke City last weekend and reunited him with the prolific Luis Suarez, who notched his 21st and 22nd goals of the season in a 5-3 win.
Tottenham Hotspur, in sixth, visit Swansea City on Sunday and Everton, who are fifth, have to wait until Monday to face West Bromwich Albion. ($1 = 0.6116 British pounds)
(Editing by Ed Osmond)
5 things to know about the Premier League
9:54 AM Friday Jan 17, 2014
LONDON (AP) So much for the Manchester United crisis.
A couple of domestic cup losses after an English Premier League setback produced waves of critical comments about David Moyes' suitability to manage United.
The reality about the "crisis," though, is that last weekend's success over Swansea was United's fifth win in six league games, leaving the team just five points from the fourth Champions League place.
The Red Devils have a chance to prove their critics wrong or show that they really are falling behind their rivals when they visit Chelsea on Sunday.
Here are five things to know about this weekend's Premier League games:
___
MOURINHO VS. MOYES: The season's first meeting between Jose Mourinho's Chelsea and United proved to be a letdown as the sides drew 0-0 in August. A repeat result would be considered an achievement for Moyes, given that Chelsea is unbeaten at home in the league across Mourinho's two reigns. While Moyes claims he will not make much-needed reinforcements to the squad in the January transfer window, Mourinho has acted swiftly to strengthen his third-place team, with the return of a familiar face.
Serbia midfielder Nemanja Matic has rejoined Chelsea from Benfica this week for 25 million euros ($34 million) three years after being offloaded by the London club. "He has grown as a player in Portugal and has become a fantastic all-round midfielder," Mourinho said. "I am sure he will become a very important member of the squad and help us to achieve our ambitions."
CITY CENTURIONS: Manchester City has knocked in 99 goals in all competitions this season, and next to feel the force of the formidable strike force on Saturday is Cardiff, which is in the relegation zone as it heads to the Etihad. City is only a point behind leader Arsenal having won all 10 home games, and Sergio Aguero is back from injury. The Argentina striker marked his comeback with a goal in a 5-0 rout of Blackburn in the FA Cup on Wednesday. "Maybe in a week I'll be on top form," he said. "Obviously the more you play the better you feel."
ARSENAL'S AILMENTS: There's a London derby for the leader on Saturday as Arsenal hosts struggling Fulham. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, though, has injury concerns aside from long-term absentee Theo Walcott. Defender Nacho Monreal is a major doubt after twisting a foot ligament, while captain Thomas Vermaelen (knee), and midfielders Mikel Arteta (calf) and Aaron Ramsey (thigh) are also sidelined. But Wenger still feels his squad has enough strength in depth, with defender Kieran Gibbs, midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lukas Podolski back from injury recently. "In midfield we have plenty of quality players who you can rotate easily without really feeling, 'Today we are weaker,'" Wenger said. "We have fantastic players in midfield and it always allows us to keep what we call the 'engine' of the team fresh."
SAINTS UNCERTAINTY: Earlier in the season, Southampton was being touted to upset the elite by gatecrashing the top four. The stay around the top didn't last long, and the south-coast club is in ninth place and mired in uncertainty after the exit this week of executive chairman Nicola Cortese. Talk of Mauricio Pochettino following Cortese out of St. Marys proved wide of the mark when the manager committed his future to the club until the end of the season at least. "I am fully committed to the staff, the players, the club and it would make no sense to leave in the middle of our path," Pochettino said on Thursday. Pochettino will be hoping the boardroom uncertainty doesn't lead to the key talent, including defender Luke Shaw and striker Rickie Lambert, leaving. "No player that I don't want to leave will leave this club," Pochettino said.
UNDER PRESSURE: Could Chris Hughton be the next manager out of a Premier League club? Norwich exited the FA Cup at Fulham on Tuesday, while sitting just two points above the Premier League relegation zone after six games without a win. But is it really so bad for the east England club?"In a league that is very tight around we know we're only three points away from 10th place," Hughton pointed out.
Exclusive - Villas-Boas rules out Premier League return
By Ian Cruise (@Ian_Cruise) | Friday, January 17, 2014
The 36-year-old was sacked as Tottenham manager in December and, after also failing to deliver at Chelsea, he now sees his future elsewhere.
When asked if he was ruling out England as his next destination, he told Keys and Gray: “Yeah, most likely, I think so. I had some great professional experiences in England with two of the greatest clubs in the world and I enjoyed my time there, but in reality I couldn’t achieve the success I wanted and I feel I’m in another place right now.”
Even though he arrived in England with the reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young coaches, Villas-Boas was given just nine months to get things right at Chelsea before he was fired, and only 18 months at Spurs before he suffered the same fate.
And that lack of patience is, he believes, one of the problems with English football.
“England is a great country full of very open-minded people,” he added. “But the reality is it [football] is a results driven business and you have to achieve that immediately because the world is about the next second.
“Unfortunately in England we are losing that era we had with the likes of Arsene Wenger of giving stability to managers. It’s not just related to [football] clubs, but also to society. What is new is what is best.
“People expect change immediately and no time is given [to build] and when that is the case you can’t really judge people.”
Villas-Boas was linked earlier this week with the vacant managerial position at AC Milan, before Clarence Seedorf accepted the job, but he insists he will not return until next season.
He added: “I will stop until June. It’s the right time to refresh myself and for me and my staff to discuss the next step.
“It’s important to take the next step carefully and choose well. We have had some contact already and I’m sure something good will happen for us.
“We have to look for a club with ambition to win trophies. I’m not too selective about what country [I work in next]. I’m open-minded to understanding what clubs want to achieve.”
Fellaini nearing return from injury for Manchester United
The midfielder has seen the start to his Old Trafford career disrupted by wrist and back injuries, but is expected to be back to action in a matter of days
Henry: Wenger changed the philosophy of Arsenal
The ex-France striker hailed his former boss and said he is praying that the north Londoners are crowned champions of England this year
Tottenham manager Sherwood 'happy' to sell
The Spurs boss says he is happy to allow players to leave, particularly in a World Cup year, and adds that he has no problem with Etienne Capoue
Moyes fined £8,000 by FA following Sunderland outburst
The Red Devils manager admitted a charge of misconduct after claiming that his side were "having to play officials as well as the oppositions" after losing in the Capital One Cup
Manchester City boss Pellegrini wants to avoid quadruple talk
The Chilean's men are 6-0 up in the Capital One Cup semi-finals and remain involved in the FA Cup and Champions League but he is keen to take things game by game
Solskjaer relishing Manchester City challenge
The Cardiff City boss takes his 18th-placed side to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, where Manuel Pellegrini's men have scored 38 goals in just 10 Premier League games so far
Moyes confirms Rooney and Van Persie will miss Manchester United's clash with Chelsea
The Red Devils face Jose Mourinho's side at Stamford Bridge on Sunday but will be without the two strikers who are still struggling with injury
Mourinho 'not desperate' to win Premier League
The Chelsea boss insists planning for the long term is more important, but adds his side will fight until the end to win the title this season
Wenger: I rate Berbatov but there's no Arsenal bid
The Gunners boss admitted he admires the Bulgarian but reiterated that he is not a January target, and insists he is not close to signing anyone in this window
Bertrand joins Aston Villa on loan from Chelsea
The 24-year-old defender, who has had loan spells with five other clubs since arriving at Stamford Bridge in 2006, moves to Paul Lambert's side until the end of the season
Furious Zaha storms out of Manchester United training ground as loan move blocked
Sources have told Goal a meeting between the 21-year-old and club officials became a heated exchange when he was told David Moyes had vetoed a January loan move
Wenger hopeful over Mertesacker & Sagna contract renewals
The Gunners have been in negotiations over new deals for the defensive duo, while the Frenchman insists that the club are not close to signing a new player in the January window
Benitez backs Liverpool to pip Manchester United to fourth
The Napoli boss believes that the Reds can capitalise in the second half of the season without any European commitments and has hailed the progress of winger Raheem Sterling
Manchester City quadruple a matter of time - Kompany
The Belgian believes Manuel Pellegrini's men will win four trophies in a single season sooner or later, and hailed the Chilean's attacking focus since arriving in the summer
Southampton tell Chelsea: Shaw will cost you £25m
The highly-rated left-back is the subject of interest from a number of top Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, but he will not be allowed to leave cheaply
Premier League Previews – Fixtures, team news and live commentary
By Sport Magazine (@Sportmaguk) | Thursday, January 16, 2014
Chelsea v Manchester United Sunday January 19; Stamford Bridge, 4pm
Assuming his groin responds well enough to a week in the sun, Wayne Rooney could be back in the Manchester United side for their trip to Stamford Bridge, where his talents are so publicly admired.
David Moyes’ side ended a run of four defeats in six domestic home games with a win against Swansea last weekend. But their form on the road has been better, with one defeat (in the Capital One Cup at Sunderland) and one draw alongside four wins.
Jose Mourinho’s side left Old Trafford with a point earlier this season after holding United to a goalless draw – the first on United’s home turf in the league since May 2009. And despite the fact United beat Chelsea at the Bridge in the league last term, Mourinho will be confident of extending his dominance over Moyes – the Chelsea boss is unbeaten in seven league matches against the Scot, with four wins and three draws.
The Blues’ 2-0 win against Hull last Saturday left Mourinho satisfied on many levels: a clean sheet, goals in back-to-back league appearances for Fernando Torres for the first time since December 2012 and a sublime showing from Eden Hazard who has been involved in eight goals (five goals, three assists) in his past eight league appearances. They can still improve though, said Mourinho afterwards, perhaps musing on what a certain sun-kissed United player could bring to his side.
Key Stat: Juan Mata has scored in each of his last three Premier League starts against Manchester United.
Sunderland v Southampton Saturday, January 18; Stadium of Light, 12.45pm
Gus Poyet’s side haven’t won at home in the league since November. But Sunderland’s battering of Fulham last Saturday gives them a lift ahead of two home games – against Southampton and Stoke – that Poyet will see as winnable. Saints have won one of their past six on the road, but were boosted by the return of goalkeeper Artur Boruc for last weekend’s 1-0 win against West Brom – only their second clean sheet since October.
Key Stat: Southampton are unbeaten in their last five league trips to the Stadium of Light (W1; D4)
West Ham United v Newcastle United Saturday, January 18; Upton Park, 3pm
‘Long-ball team’ West Ham are the only side yet to score a headed goal in the league this season. But, following their vital win at Cardiff last week and the reintroduction of Andy Carroll after eight months, that might change: Carroll has scored four and assisted five in his past nine league appearances. Alan Pardew returns to his former club having lost four on the bounce with Newcastle. Now that’s something to eff and blind about.
Key Stat: Newcastle have failed to score in the last three Premier League games against the Hammers
Arsenal v Fulham Saturday, January 18; Emirates Stadium, 3pm
Fulham have conceded 46 goals in the league so far this term. Even discounting the six they let in at Hull, that’s still five more than the next most generous teams. Arsenal, meanwhile, have let in 19 – putting them level with Chelsea and Everton in the battle for the title of the league’s meanest defence. With Olivier Giroud back from injury and straight into scoring form against Aston Villa, Fulham’s tally could be heading for a half century.
Key Stat: Fulham have never won away at Arsenal in any competition, losing 22 of the 27 visits to the Gunners. They have, however, drawn the last two meetings at the Emirates
Crystal Palace v Stoke City Saturday, January 18; Selhurst Park, 3pm
Tony Pulis bumps heads with his former side for the first time on Saturday. His replacement Mark Hughes is likely to be feeling sheepish after Stoke’s 5-3 defeat to Liverpool last weekend – the first time the Potters have conceded five (or more) goals in a top-flight home game since 1982. Stoke have also conceded eight in their past two on the road – a return that will give Pulis hope of Crystal Palace adding to their tally of just 13 goals this term.
Key Stat: Only four teams in Premier League history have had fewer goals after 21 games than Palace do (13).
Manchester city v Cardiff City Saturday, January 18; Etihad stadium, 3pm
Manchester City have scored a total of 99 goals this season – one more than the whole of last season, with Alvaro Negredo (pictured) bagging seven in his past four games in all competitions. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Cardiff, on the other hand, are not such hot shots. Expect new signings Magnus Wolff Eikrem and Mats Moller Daehli – both formerly of Molde and Manchester United – to feature as they try to end a run of just one win in 11 league games.
Key Stat: Cardiff came from behind to beat Man City 3-2 earlier in the season with all five goals in their 3-2 win coming in the second half.
Norwich City v Hull City Saturday, January 19; Carrow Road, 3pm
Norwich have won one of their past eight in the league and sit two points off the relegation zone. So tight is it in the bottom half of the table, however, that they are also just three points off Hull in 10th. The form of Gary Hooper, with five league goals in 11 games, gives the Canaries a chance of flying higher. For their part, the Tigers have been solid without scoring many – their 22 in 21 games is skewed by their 6-0 thumping of Fulham.
Key Stat: Ricky van Wolfswinkel has managed only four shots on target in 12 Premier League appearances
Liverpool v Aston Villa Saturday, January 18; Anfield, 5.30pm
Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge have scored 32 Premier League goals between them this season – only one fewer than they managed last term. And Sturridge scored the winner in the reverse of this fixture in August. Aston Villa’s answer could be a bruising combo of Grant Holt – loaned from Wigan – and Christian Benteke. Holt conceded more fouls in 2012-13 than any other player; Benteke, on 66, was fifth on that same list.
Key Stat: Liverpool won the reverse fixture against Villa back in August with their only shot on target of the game.
Swansea City v Tottenham Hotpsur Sunday January 19; Liberty Stadium, 1.30pm
Tim Sherwood has seen his side bag 13 points out of 15 since taking charge at Tottenham, who are now just two points away from the Champions League places. Swansea haven’t won in the league since beating Newcastle 3-0 in December. They are just three points away from the drop zone, and (relative) form man Wilfried Bony this week emphasised the need to begin picking up points, with Fulham, West Ham, Cardiff City and Stoke next up.
Key Stat: Tottenham have won four and lost none of the five Premier League meetings with Swansea
West Bromwich Albion v Everton Monday January 20; The Hawthorns, 8pm
West Brom’s new head coach Pepe Mel takes the reigns for the first time on Monday, with the Baggies looking to bounce back from defeat to Southampton. They face an Everton side that’s starting to suffer on the injury front, with Ross Barkley joining Sylvain Distin and Gerard Deulofeu on the sidelines. Kevin Mirallas and Aiden McGeady, signed from Spartak Moscow last week, will be tasked with providing the Toffees’ usual creative sparkle.
Key Stat: Everton have won four and lost just one of the last six meetings with West Brom in all competitions.
Rooney and Van Persie to miss Chelsea game
Fri Jan 17, 2014 2:28pm GMT
Manchester United's Robin Van Persie smiles during a soccer training session at the club's Carrington training complex in Manchester, northern England December 9, 2013. REUTERS/Phil Noble
(Reuters) - Manchester United strikers Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney will miss Sunday's Premier League game at Chelsea, manager David Moyes said on Friday.
Rooney, who has not played since the New Year's Day defeat by Tottenham Hotspur, has returned to the club from warm weather training but will not be available to face Jose Mourinho's team.
"He's training, doing some running and looking quite good. I don't want to put a date on his return just now as I don't want to say he'll be fit for whatever game and then find he's not. We've just got to take it bit by bit," Moyes told a news conference.
Moyes sounded more confident about Van Persie's fitness.
"I'm hoping Robin has a good chance of training at the start of next week. It would be a great boost. Most of the players are getting close to full fitness," Moyes said.
(Reporting by Mark Young, editing by Ed Osmond)
Chelsea boss Mourinho undergoes elbow surgery
The 50-year-old is thought to have aggravated an old childhood injury and travelled to Paris for the operation, though returns to work on Tuesday to prepare for the visit of Stoke
Too much is expected of Ozil, says Wenger
The Gunners boss does not believe the Germany international can be expected to make a difference on his own, though says the 25-year-old's best years are ahead of him
Chelsea hat-trick hero Eto'o eager to finish career at Mallorca
The Cameroonian, who helped the Blues to victory over Manchester United on Sunday, is keen to return to the club where he spent four years before joining Barcelona
Champagne: I don't think I can beat Blatter for Fifa presidency
The Frenchman has cast doubt over his intentions to stand for the top job in world football if the current incumbent aims for a fifth term in office
Zoopla to end West Brom sponsorship deal following Anelka controversy
The property website have decided to cut ties with the Baggies at the end of the season in light of the recent racism row sparked by the Frenchman
Liverpool defender Ilori moves to Granada on loan
The 20-year-old centre-half who joined the Reds on deadline day last summer from Sporting Lisbon, has moved to the Liga outfit in search of first-team football
Cabaye: I am happy at Newcastle
The midfielder insists his mentality has not changed following Arsenal's interest in the summer, while Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc has failed to rule out a bid
Cabaye on PSG shortlist, confirms Blanc
The Ligue 1 champions are keen to sign a midfielder and have turned their attention to the Newcastle star, while Lucas Moura is determined to stay at PSG
Suarez dived to win penalty - Guzan
Aston Villa's shot-stopper says even the striker was surprised to see the spot-kick awarded, as the Liverpool man admitted he was not sure if he was touched
Arsenal appoint Andries Jonker as academy manager
The Wolfsburg assistant coach, who has experience at the Dutch football federation, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, will replace Liam Brady at the end of the season
Vidic: Title race is over for Man Utd
The 32-year-old, who was sent off in his side's 3-1 defeat to Chelsea, also refused to blame David Moyes for the club's inconsistent form this season
Wilshere: Giroud can lead Arsenal to the title
The England midfielder believes Arsene Wenger does not need to invest in a new striker this month as long as the ex-Montpellier man remains free of injury
Arsenal set for Vucinic talks
The Montenegro international has been offered to the Premier League leaders but, while Juventus want to sell, the Gunners would prefer a loan deal
Moyes must convince players he is up to Man Utd job
The Scot is not motivating his squad enough, while departed Southampton chief Nicola Cortese was undone by his thirst for power
Van Gaal: I rejected Tottenham offer
The Netherlands head coach says he was contacted by Spurs in late 2013 and admits managing in the Premier League interests him
Ronaldo nears Suarez again in European Golden Shoe standings
The Portugal international netted once at the weekend to nearly close the gap with his rival, while several more players in the top 10 scored
Liverpool wait on Lucas injury
The Brazilian midfielder came on as a second half substitute in the Reds' 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday evening but suffered a knee injury just 20 minutes later
Mourinho: Torres out for a 'few weeks'
The striker came on as a second half substitute but had to be replaced after injuring his knee, while the Portuguese praised his players for their display at Stamford Bridge
Manchester United won't throw in the towel, says Moyes
The Red Devils fell to a 3-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge, with Nemanja Vidic seeing red in the latter stages, but the Scot is relishing the challenge of resurrecting the season
Sherwood: Top-four failure could see me sacked
Jan 20, 2014 1:21:00 PM
The former Spurs midfielder was only installed as Andre Villas-Boas permanent successor last month but he suspects he needs Champions League football to keep his job
Tottenham head coach Tim Sherwood believes the club must finish in the top four if their season is to be deemed a success.
The White Hart Lane club sit level on points with fourth-placed Liverpool in the Premier League, after recording their fifth straight top-flight away victory at Swansea City on Sunday.
Sherwood, who took over from Andre Villas-Boas in December, says finishing outside the Champions League qualification spots would be seen as a failure and could result in him losing his job.
Asked whether fourth place remained the brief for the campaign, as it was with his predecessor, Sherwood replied: "Yes, anything other than that is going to be a disappointment.
"If the season were to end tomorrow, I don't think the chairman [Daniel Levy] would be too happy because we're fifth. The final league position has to meet the expectation of the club, otherwise it's 'goodbye Charlie'."
Tottenham have not featured in Europe's premier club competition since the 2010-11 season, when they reached the quarter-finals under Harry Redknapp.
Sherwood believes his side should be one of the sides competing for a Champions League berth, but conceded the form of sides around them makes doing so a difficult proposition.
"Realistically, we should be in and amongst it but it's not easy is it? There's a lot of top teams in there and no-one seems to be giving any leeway," he mused.
"I keep looking at the results thinking 'surely they're going to drop points here today' and they don't seem to be doing it. It's going to go right down to the wire - it's about keeping that consistency and belief."
Sponsor Zoopla ends West Brom deal after Anelka row
BY KEITH WEIR
LONDON Mon Jan 20, 2014 4:09pm GMT
French soccer player Nicolas Anelka walks to the gate as he board a flight to London at the international airport in Cape Town, June 20, 2010. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
(Reuters) - Property website Zoopla is ending its sponsorship of English soccer club West Bromwich Albion following an outcry over an alleged anti-Semitic gesture made by striker Nicolas Anelka during a Premier League game last month.
The company said the deal would not continue beyond the end of the current season in May. The statement followed reports that Zoopla would pull out of the 3 million pound ($4.9 million) deal unless West Brom dropped Frenchman Anelka.
West Brom play Everton on Monday evening in a high-profile televised game, the first since Pepe Mel took over as team manager.
Anelka made the "quenelle" gesture after scoring the first of his two goals in a 3-3 draw at West Ham on December 28.
The quenelle, invented by French comedian Dieudonne, has drawn widespread condemnation in Anelka's homeland and from anti-racist and Jewish groups in England who have demanded the player be banned.
"Zoopla has been reviewing its position over the past few weeks in light of the actions of striker, Nicolas Anelka, during the match against West Ham over the Christmas period and has decided to focus its attention on other marketing activities after this season," the company said in a statement.
The Football Association is yet to report back on its investigation into the matter and the club said in a statement on December 30 that Anelka remained eligible for selection.
Anelka, who has played in both West Brom's league matches since, promised not to repeat it but did not apologise for his actions.
Zoopla, a company co-owned by Jewish businessman Alex Chesterman, became the club's main sponsor in 2012 and said then that the agreement would run at least until the 2014-15 season.
According to the Daily Mail, Zoopla had demanded that the company name was removed from Anelka's shirt for Monday's Premier League match against Everton.
Zoopla is part-owned by the Daily Mail & General Trust, the parent company of the newspaper.
(Additional reporting by Josh Reich, editing by Ed Osmond)
Tottenham's Capoue asking price absurd - agent
The north Londoners are holding out for €12 million for the midfielder they signed from Toulouse for €11m in the summer - a valuation Napoli have so far refused to match
Van Persie & Fellaini return to Manchester United training
The duo, who have both been out of action since December, are unlikely to feature in Wednesday's Capital One Cup semi-final but are on the verge of being available again
Manchester United prepare Mata bid as Chelsea open door to £40m exit
Initial talks between the Premier League rivals have begun as David Moyes looks to strengthen his midfield with the signing of the Spain international playmaker
Man Utd interested in Dante
The Brazilian denied reports he is set to leave Bayern, but, while his agent has confirmed the Red Devils’ interest in his client, he maintains there have been no talks
Vidic red card appeal rejected
The Man Utd defender's ban has been upheld after he was given a straight red card for his challenge on Eden Hazard against Chelsea on Sunday
Casillas should leave Madrid, says Cazorla
The ex-Malaga man thinks that the Blancos skipper should try his hand away from the Santiago Bernabeu and suggested Juan Mata is bound to leave Chelsea
Julio Cesar poised for QPR exit, reveals Fernandes
The Loftus Road chief believes the Brazil international is likely to finally seal a move away from the west London club in January
Anelka should not be banned for ‘quenelle’ gesture, says Lukaku
The Belgium international has defended the West Brom striker saying he was only supporting a stand-up comedian and that people want to see him playing
Sunderland sign Oscar Ustari
The 27-year-old arrives at the Stadium of Light from Almeria on a free transfer after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with the Spanish club on Tuesday
Szczesny among top five Premier League goalkeepers, says Wenger
The Poland international has kept 10 clean sheets this season and the Gunners boss believes the 23-year-old has become more mature
Coates wants to leave Liverpool for Nacional
The Uruguay international is keen to complete his recovery from knee surgery in his homeland but warned that a potential deal may take some time to complete
Man City track Sevilla star Moreno
The left-back is seen as a long-term replacement for Gael Clichy at the Etihad Stadium, with club officials having scouted the 21-year-old on a number of occasions
Vlaar delighted with rejuvenated Benteke
The Belgium international has returned to goalscoring ways after ending a drought that had lasted since September, while the Aston Villa captain also praised Andreas Weimann
Cahill itching to add Premier League to Chelsea medal haul
The 28-year-old has won the FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League with the Blues but is eager to count the top-flight domestic championship amongst his collection of honours
Marchisio targets Juventus stay amid Manchester United links
The midfielder has dismissed suggestions that he could be on his way out of the Bianconeri and is eagerly anticipating the Coppa Italia game against Roma
Rooney set for Manchester United return against Sunderland
The England striker had been easing himself back into work at Carrington after returning from a warm-weather recuperation break in Egypt, but is now back in full training
FA charge Anelka over 'quenelle' gesture
The former France striker faces at least five games on the sidelines under the governing body's new laws if he is found guilty of making an offensive gesture