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Liverpool to commemorate 25th Hillsborough anniversary
By George Ankers
Apr 15, 2014 9:17:00 AM
The 25th year since 96 fans were killed in a stadium crush will be marked by a scarf display and readings from both Brendan Rodgers and Roberto Martinez at Anfield
Liverpool will hold a memorial ceremony for the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster at Anfield from 14.45BST.
Alongside the Hillsborough Family Support Group, Reds players past and present, including those playing on the day of the tragedy, will pay their respects to the 96 fans who were killed in a crush on April 15, 1989.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers will deliver a reading at the service, as will his opposite number at Everton, Roberto Martinez, while scarves from every club in England's top four divisions will be arranged into a No.96 pattern on the pitch.
Across Merseyside, bells will be rung at 15.06BST, the time at which the club's FA Cup game with Nottingham Forest was halted on the day, with a minute's silence then asked to be observed.
In the backdrop of the memorial are fresh inquests into the truth behind the disaster, a process that began in March to re-evaluate each death after verdicts of accidental death were quashed as a result of an independent report in 2012.
The new inquest continues in Warrington and is expected to take a full year to hear all available evidence.
There were tributes across English football on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as all games kicked off seven minutes later than usual and fans all over the country given a chance to pay their respects.
Manchester United lead clubs' Hillsborough tributes to Liverpool
By George Ankers
Apr 15, 2014 11:47:00 AM
The Red Devils offer their support to the families of the victims as other Premier League teams also send messages of tribute on the 25th anniversary of the disaster
Manchester United led tributes from several English clubs on Tuesday to the 96 Liverpool fans who died at Hillsborough.
On the 25th anniversary of the disaster, United published an image on their official Twitter account to show their support for the families of the victims, in solidarity between the two rival clubs.
A memorial service is to be held at Anfield from 14.45BST, featuring readings from both Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers and Everton counterpart Roberto Martinez, with a minute's silence set for 15.06BST, the time at which the game was stopped as a result of the fatal crush in 1989.
United | The Premier League rivals reach out to mark the tragedy's 25th anniversary
Many other teams also sent messages of support. "Flags are at half-mast at the [Stadium of Light] as #SAFC pays its respects on the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster," wrote Sunderland.
"Twenty-five years ago today, 96 [Liverpool] supporters went to a game but never came home," said Everton. "We will never forget them #MerseysideUnited"
Chelsea, Manchester City, Southampton, Newcastle, Stoke City, West Ham, Crystal Palace, Swansea City and Cardiff City all also Tweeted similar sentiments.
Tuesday's commemorations follow a weekend in which all English ties kicked off seven minutes late following a minute's silence at every ground.
The future of Nicolas Anelka remains unclear after the French striker was pictured at a Kuwait religious event.
Alexandre Kalil, the president of Atletico Mineiro, announced on Twitter on April 6 that he had lured Anelka to Brazil but over a week later and the Brazilian Serie A club have yet to officially unveil the former West Bromwich Albion, Chelsea and Real Madrid striker.
Kalil tweeted 'Anelka is a rooster', referring to Mineiro's nickname 'the Roosters'.
On Monday, Arabic website Goalna tweeted a picture of Anelka in Kuwait attending an Islamic conference but Kalil remained adamant the 35-year-old will join Mineiro.
"I'm dealing with it right now and between now and tomorrow lunchtime I'll have it fixed," Kalil told AS.
Mineiro's press department added: "The President is dealing personally with the matter and we don't know any more than what has been published on his Twitter account, which is that he's an Atletico player."
Anelka is uncontracted after he was sacked by West Brom in March for gross misconduct after the Frenchman announced he had quit on Twitter.
The falling out between club and player stemmed from West Brom's insistence Anelka apologise for using the anti-Semitic 'quenelle' gesture during a Premier League match late last year and pay a 'substantial fine' before he would be available for selection again.
Anelka was also punished by the English Football Association for using the gesture with the forward given a five-match suspension and ordered to pay an £80,000 fine.
Since he made his professional debut for Paris Saint-Germain in 1996, Anelka has played for 11 different clubs in five different countries.
Alan Pardew remains defiant in the face of criticism from some sections of Newcastle United's support following a poor run of results.
The under-fire United manager has now served six games of the seven-match suspension handed to him by the Football Association for headbutting Hull City's David Meyler, and his absence has coincided with an alarming slump in form.
Of those six matches, Newcastle have won just one, losing the other five without scoring a goal.
The latest defeat came at Stoke City on Saturday and the unrest in the away end at the Britannia Stadium was audible.
But Pardew insists that he will continue to work hard at turning it around.
"There's a lot of it against me at the moment," he told the British media.
"I'll have to stand up to it and deal with it.
"All I can do is an honest job. I've tried to do that ever since I've been here."
Pardew signed an eight-year contract at St James' Park in 2012.
The France international admits that he put in a poor performance in his side's 3-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park and says his team must put in a flawless end to the season
Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has vowed to fire the Gunners into the Champions League and make up for a poor performance in his side's defeat to Everton.
Arsene Wenger's men lost 3-0 to the Toffees at Goodison Park in a crucial fixture that saw the hosts move ahead of their rivals in the race for a top-four spot.
Giroud is Arsenal's top scorer this season with 19 goals but admits that he was far from his best against Roberto Martinez's team and says that he is now ready to return to top form.
"Against Everton, it's true that I wasn't on my game," he told L'Equipe. "That can happen in a season. I thought about it, assessed myself and now I'm back to work."
Arsenal are now two points behind Everton with just five games left to play and face West Ham at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, having already beaten the Hammers 3-1 this season back in December.
Giroud failed to find the net at Upton Park but believes that his side must produce an flawless end of the season if they are to claim a top-four spot and the FA Cup.
"There are six finals ahead of us, five matches in the league and the FA Cup final," he added.
"If we play without errors in the league, we'll qualify for the Champions League."
Manchester United make shock move for Barcelona midfielder Song
Apr 15, 2014 2:23:00 PM
The Premier League champions are prepared to spend €15 million to land the former Arsenal star but face competition from Liverpool, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid
EXCLUSIVE
By Wayne Veysey | UK Correspondent
Manchester United have made a shock move for Barcelona midfielder Alex Song, Goal understands.
The Red Devils have indicated that they are willing to spend €15 million to land the former Arsenal star.
Liverpool, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid are also keeping close tabs on Song, who is expected to leave Camp Nou this summer, but Goal understands that United are in pole position to capture the Cameroon international as manager David Moyes steps up plans to reinforce his central midfield.
Moyes, who is also targeting Bayern Munich's Toni Kroos and Sporting Lisbon's William Carvalho, is an admirer of Song's ability to anchor the midfield as well as fill in at centre-back.
The 26-year-old has appeared in 28 of Barcelona's 53 matches in all competitions this season but has struggled to cement a regular first-team spot. He has started only 12 of the club's 43 league and Champions League matches and is now prepared to call time on his spell at Barca even though he has three years remaining on his contract.
The Spanish giants are willing to cash in on the Cameroonian if they can recover most of the £15m fee that they paid Arsenal for him in the summer of 2012.
Fifa has imposed a transfer ban on Barcelona for the next two windows but this would not prevent the club from selling players.
Vice president Manel Arroyo said last week that Barca will appeal against the decision in a bid to get the ban suspended and that "our legal team is working so that we'll be able to sign new players this summer".
Song joined Arsenal from French club Bastia as an 18-year-old and spent seven years at the Emirates Stadium, where he established himself as a key component of Arsene Wenger's midfield before following in the footsteps of Cesc Fabregas by moving to Barcelona.
Martinez laughs off reported Liverpool bid for Barkley
By Gill Clark
Apr 15, 2014 10:49:00 AM
The Toffees boss says his side have no intention of selling to their city rivals - especially given his disdain for a reported £50 million bid from Manchester United this season
Everton manager Roberto Martinez has laughed off a reported £38 million bid from Liverpool for Ross Barkley.
The 20-year-old has enjoyed an impressive season at Goodison Park, making 31 appearances and scoring six times for the Toffees, form which has seen him linked with a move to Anfield.
However, Martinez has brushed off reports of a move to Brendan Rodgers' side and says rumours about his players' futures does not bother him.
"In terms of speculation we already turned down a £50m bid from Manchester United so we're not going to take £38m from Liverpool," he told reporters.
"I think it's enjoyable to speak about speculation. It shows how well our players are doing and those are the type of football compliments that we want."
Team-mate John Stones has also been linked with a move away from Goodison Park with Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham all reportedly interested in signing the defender.
When asked if he had heard of any interest from any big clubs in the defender, particularly Tottenham and Chelsea Martinez added: "It's a good sign. It's not bad for a young man just starting his career.
"I haven't heard about those rumours but I'm sure he's going to be at a level where we wouldn't send players on loan."
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says the expense of Arsenal's Emirates Stadium could be behind their nine-year wait for a trophy.
The north London outfit have not won any silverware since their triumph in the 2005 FA Cup final, but stand on the brink of glory with Hull City awaiting them in the showpiece match of this year's tournament.
And Allardyce, whose side face Arsenal in the Premier League on Tuesday, believes the club's 2006 relocation from Highbury should take much of the blame for the slump.
"I still go back to the fact that Arsenal's building of the Emirates is one of the main reasons why they have not won another trophy or won the league since," he is quoted as saying in the British press.
"They haven’t had the spending power to sustain what they had before. They used all the money to build the stadium which limited their spending. So I'd say that was the start of what they haven’t been able to recover from."
The spending power of clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester City has seen both surpass Arsenal in the past decade, and Allardyce feels it would take more than £120million to see Arsene Wenger's men challenging for the Premier League title once again.
"I would say looking at them that it’s a spending problem," he continued. "Can you spend £120-£150m in one year? Because that's what happened at Manchester City and that’s what happened at Chelsea.
"£100m-plus in one year. Is that within the capabilities of Arsenal’s spending power at the moment?
"I would say probably not because they are in a position where they run that club in that particular way.
"They obviously give Arsene as much as they can but I don’t think they can give as much as a Manchester City or probably a Chelsea can do."
Everton's manager Roberto Martinez reacts ahead of their English Premier League soccer match against Arsenal at Goodison Park in Liverpool, northern England, April 6, 2014. REUTERS/Darren Staples
(Reuters) - Roberto Martinez has led Everton to their highest Premier League points tally in his first season at Goodison Park, but remains wary of Tony Pulis's transformation of Crystal Palace as he seeks to keep their Champions League ambitions on track on Wednesday.
Saturday's 1-0 win over Sunderland, Everton's seventh consecutive league victory, lifted them to fourth spot with 66 points, beating their previous best of 65 in 2007-08 despite having five matches still to play.
With Arsenal, trailing by two points, able to reclaim fourth spot when they meet West Ham United on Tuesday, victory over Crystal Palace the following day will ensure Everton's Champions League dreams remain in their own hands.
Martinez has received much praise since replacing David Moyes at Everton and has them on the verge of Europe's premier club competition for the first time since 2005, where they failed to reach the group stage after being knocked out in the third qualification round by Spain's Villarreal.
However Pulis, his opposite number in Wednesday's catch-up match at Goodison Park, could claim to have done an even better job since joining Crystal Palace.
He replaced Ian Holloway in November with the south London club languishing in 19th place and seemingly certain candidates for relegation, but now has them in 12th spot, seven points above the drop zone and looking likely to spend a second consecutive season in the Premier League for the first time.
BIG CHALLENGES
Martinez acknowledged the impact of Pulis, saying the Welshman had turned them into the best defensive side in the league, having kept nine clean sheets in 21 matches.
"We know how difficult it's going to be," the Spaniard told a news conference on Tuesday.
"The mind is very much set on the two big challenges that we have - two away games and three massive home games.
"Those home games start on Wednesday against Crystal Palace. You look at Palace and in my eyes they are the best defensive set-up in this league, especially when Tony Pulis arrived at the club.
"They don't concede many goals, if any, and they are on their best run of the year with three consecutive wins. So we're well aware at Everton that we need to create a special atmosphere under the floodlights and help the players face a very difficult fixture."
The Spaniard said there was nothing complicated about the way Palace operated but breaking them down was still a challenge.
"I think it comes with his experience and obviously he's accumulated a very strong method of work, you can see how hard the team works, how well organised, and the defensive set-up is impressive.
"The way they work in dead-ball situations and the strategy of their goal-scoring threats are huge.
"We know what to expect and the biggest compliment I can pay to Tony Pulis is that even though you know what to expect, it's very, very difficult to compete against."
Phil Jagielka will not feature despite being close to full fitness, meaning impressive 19-year-old John Stones will continue at centre back, while Steven Pienaar also remains sidelined.
(Reporting by Josh Reich; Editing by Ossian Shine)
Manchester City and PSG set to discover FFP verdicts
By Kris Voakes
Apr 14, 2014 6:11:00 PM
The giants are believed to be among 76 clubs across Europe who will come under the Club Financial Control Body's spotlight this week
Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are set to find out this week whether they will be punished for breaches of Uefa’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
The European governing body’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) will meet on Tuesday and Wednesday to investigate a swathe of cases relating to possible breaches, with the two heavyweights believed to be among the total 76 clubs under the spotlight.
Under Uefa’s FFP rules, clubs must register football-related losses of no more than €45 million for the three years ending June 2014, with year-on-year reviews determining whether they might realistically meet the targets put in place.
Both City and PSG have posted huge annual losses over the last two full seasons, but each have covered those deficits with controversial commercial deals worth hundreds of millions of euros. The Qatari-owned French champions have signed a €200m-a-year deal with the Qatar Tourism Authority, while the English League Cup winners signed a €475m sponsorship contract with Etihad and pumped millions into the formation of New York City FC and the rejuvenation of Melbourne Heart in Australia.
Uefa has said that it will study the suitability of such cases very carefully, and a judgement is expected to be handed down by the CFCB’s investigatory chamber during its two-day meeting.
If outfits are deemed to have seriously breached the FFP regulations, they will be referred to the CFCB’s adjudication panel for a final verdict. Sanctions will then be announced by Uefa at the beginning of May.
The two major clubs under investigation are both expected to appeal any sanctions they face, with a final adjudication by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) possible in every case.
However, former Chelsea chief-executive Trevor Birch told Goal recently that cases which go to CAS could well be played out by some of the world’s finest lawyers.
"Presumably, Manchester City and PSG are being very well advised," said Birch. "They have taken a view that what they have done is appropriate and will stand up to scrutiny by the Fair Play panel.
"On the face of it, it sounds feasible for them to have set up franchises in Australia and America, and for them to buy intellectual property there. But it will come down to the fine detail, and the accountants at City will have to sign off on it. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating in that once these start being adjudicated upon, these clubs will be represented by some very clever lawyers."
Sanctions imposed on those clubs failing to provide good reason for making losses outside of the regulations could range from transfer bans to suspension from Uefa competitions.
The regulations came into force from the summer of 2011 as part of a push for financial equality by Uefa president Michel Platini.
Wenger meets Gazidis as Arsenal boss steps up preparations for next season
Apr 15, 2014 3:55:00 PM
The Gunners manager is keeping his staff in the dark over his future but the expectation in the boardroom and at London Colney is that he will sign a two-year contract extension
EXCLUSIVE
By Wayne Veysey | UK Correspondent
Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis was at the club's training ground on Monday for talks with Arsene Wenger as the manager continues to make preparations for next season despite so far failing to sign the two-year contract extension agreed last October.
Wenger's backroom staff, including closest ally Boro Primorac, are being kept in the dark over the Frenchman's future. Nevertheless, the two-year extension remains on the table and the expectation both in the boardroom and at London Colney is that the Frenchman will sign it, although that is unlikely to be before the end of the season.
The Gunners boss, who retains the unwavering support of the board led by majority shareholder Stan Kroenke, has publicly maintained that he has given his word that he will sign the €9 million-a-year agreement that is on the same terms as his current deal.
Chief executive Gazidis, who is based in the club's Highbury House offices adjacent to the Emirates Stadium, made the journey to Colney on Monday for what were believed to be routine discussions.
The board are continuing to plan under the proviso that Wenger will be in command next season, with the club whittling down their priority transfer target list, finalising scouting reports and holding meetings with agents. Equipment has also been bought for the training ground, with the manager fully involved in all the key decisions as usual.
However, there is a growing sense that the outcome of the final month of the season could determine whether Wenger formally commits to a deal that would extend his reign to a remarkable 20 years.
A series of terrible performances have left Arsenal's attempts to qualify for the Champions League in major jeopardy and they needed penalties to defeat second-tier Wigan and limp into the FA Cup final, where they will face Hull City.
Wenger is believed to have been struck by the toxic atmosphere in the stands in recent weeks as Arsenal supporters grow restless at the endless marquee-match setbacks on top of the nine-year trophy drought.
There have been a series of occasions in the last six months when there has been a signal from within the club that Wenger was about to formally sign the new contract but, each time, the manager made a U-turn and put his future beyond this season, when his current deal expires, on hold.
The feeling now is that Wenger will wait to see how the season pans out before putting pen to paper.
The uncertainty has repercussions for his backroom team, who have also been offered new agreements that mirror those of the manager and run until 2016. The key assistants include Primorac, assistant manager Steve Bould, first-team coach Neil Banfield, goalkeeper coach Gerry Peyton and fitness coach Tony Colbert.
Senior medical and technical staff have also agreed deals that run until 2016, while more junior members of Wenger's backroom team are on 12-month rolling contracts.
It is understood the agreements are all in place and only need to be formally rubberstamped but Primorac, Tony Colbert and Peyton are all likely to leave should Wenger make the shock decision to call time on his Arsenal tenure.
The Gunners are in fifth place in the Premier League as they prepare to host West Ham on Tuesday night and attempt to overcome their two-point deficit on fourth-placed Everton.
Unusually, Wenger decided not to put on a full training session on Monday a day before the match, with the players undergoing a relatively light workout due to the slew of injuries that have ravaged the squad.
They were due to reconvene at London Colney for an activation session on Tuesday, with Wenger due to assess the fitness of his players before selecting the team.
One good piece of news is that Laurent Koscielny has been passed fit and is expected to return to the starting line-up after three-and-a-half weeks out with a calf injury. Tomas Rosicky has also passed a fitness test after missing the Wigan victory.
Manchester United flop to seal permanent move to Italy
By talkSPORT | Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Manchester United are in the process of offloading Anderson to Fiorentina for good, according to reports in Italy.
The Brazilian midfielder - who arrived at Old Trafford in 2007 with a stellar reputation - is not fancied by David Moyes.
The left-footed South American was sent on loan to the Serie A side in January, as United had Darren Fletcher returning from illness and Adnan Januzaj breaking through, does not look like getting a second chance.
Fiorentina's sporting director Daniele Prade and technical director Eduardo Macia have both been more impressed with Anderson than anyone at United as he has helped them up to fourth place in the Italian top-flight.
United laid out around £20m for the former Porto man but they will be lucky to recoup around a third of that with Fiorentina well aware that he is surplus to requirements.
Blow for Man United as midfield target commits future to Borussia Dortmund
By talkSPORT | Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Manchester United target Ilkay Gundogan has committed his future to Borussia Dortmund by penning a new contract with the Bundesliga giants.
The highly-rated German midfielder was attracted interest from a host of top European clubs, including the Red Devils who were reportedly chasing the 23-year-old in January.
But Gundogan has ruled out a summer exit from Dortmund after signing a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2016.
"I am very grateful that my club gives me the opportunity to continue to be part of this special team and this very special environment,” the Germany international told the club's official website:
"I will do everything to be able to help my team-mates again soon and am very optimistic heading into the coming weeks and months."
The news is a huge boost for Dortmund and coach Jurgen Klopp, who is set to lose star striker Robert Lewandowski to rivals Bayern Munich in the summer.
Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc also added: "Against the backdrop of this special injury-related situation we are very happy with this deal and hope that Ilkay will fulfil his full potential for Dortmund in the coming season."
Arsenal 3-1 West Ham: Podolski at the double as Gunners reclaim fourth spot
By Joe Moore (@JoeyMoore) | Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Arsenal have risen above Everton and back into the Premier League’s top four after Lukas Podolski’s brace led the Gunners to a 3-1 victory over West Ham.
While the Toffees are still to play Crystal Palace on Wednesday, the win at least rekindles Arsenal’s hopes of securing Champions League qualification as they rise a point above the Merseysiders.
West Ham took a surprise lead when Matt Jarvis headed in shortly before half-time, but their advantage was soon scrubbed out by Podolski, with the German grabbing his second after Olivier Giroud netted with a fine finish.
It was a familiar pedestrian start from Arsenal, who have failed to hit their top gear for a number of weeks now.
It was familiar stuff from West Ham too, though they were at least posing a threat in doing so as they constantly looked for Andy Carroll in the box, with Per Mertersacker using his equal height to clear well from their searching passes throughout the 90 minutes.
With Arsene Wenger preferring to leave Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the bench and Theo Wallcott still on the sidelines, Arsenal lacked pace on the counter-attack, which gave the Hammers plenty of time to intervene as the Gunners failed to really test their London rivals in the opening stages.
The visitors looked comfortable in the first-half, with Matt Jarvis proving a constant menace on the left wing while Carroll, Mo Diame and Antonio Nocerino all went close to opening the scoring.
And it was Jarvis who eventually found a way past Wojciech Szczesny to give West Ham the opener on 40 minutes, the winger latching onto a loose ball to bravely head past the Polish stopper after Nocerino’s initial effort was saved.
But their lead only lasted four minutes as Podolski found the bottom corner with a clinical finish, capitalising after a mistake by Stuart Downing on the edge of his box.
Arsenal fans have questioned why manager Arsene Wenger hasn’t opted to switch the Germany international from the wing to a more central position given Giroud’s poor recent form, and the forwards’ differing fortunes only seemed to support that hypothesis.
The misfiring Frenchman had a terrible first-half, squandering a number of decent opportunities to frustrate the Emirates crowd, but the frontman offered a glimpse of his class as he soon put the Gunners in front ten minutes into the second-half.
Showing impeccable touch in the box, Giroud used tow touches to first bring down Thomas Vermaelen’s long ball and then fire through West Ham stopper Adrian's legs from close-range – the forward’s 20th goal of the season, which he celebrated with a kiss to his commemorative black Hillsborough armband.
That goal put the hosts firmly in the ascendancy as they looked to add to their tally, with Podolski forcing a decent save from Adrian with a drilled free-kick before Santi Cazorla went close with a curling effort.
West Ham really struggled to get back into the game after losing their lead and any hopes of claiming a share of the points were crushed when Podolski capped off a bright performance with Arsenal’s third.
The 28-year-old again proved his worth in that central position with a scorching volley to seal a crucial victory for the Gunners, whose eyes will surely be on the action at Goodison Park on Wednesday as they hope Everton slip up in the race for that Champions League spot
This is why Arsenal and Chelsea are queuing up for Everton's new rock
By Dom Bryant (@dom_bryant) | Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Everton defender John Stones
It doesn't take long for the big clubs to start sniffing around the best young talent in football, so talkSPORT Transfer Spotlight reveals why Arsenal and Chelsea are watching Everton's John Stones...
Name: John Stones
Date of birth: 28 May, 1994
Birthplace: Barnsley, England
Position: Defender
Club: Everton
International appearances: Eight England Under-21 caps
What’s the latest?
Teenager Stones has been thrust into the spotlight in recent weeks as he deputises for injured captain Phil Jagielka in the heart of the Toffees defence and his measured displays have not gone unnoticed at the so-called 'bigger' clubs. He has delivered a succession of composed displays to keep the Toffees in the hunt for a Champions League spot. Unsurprisingly, Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea have cast their eyes over the centre-half, but boss Roberto Martinez and chairman Bill Kenwright know they have a real talent on their hands and will demand a high fee before they even consider selling.
Did you know?
1) Stones came through the ranks at hometown club Barnsley, joining the academy when he was just seven. He made his Championship debut when he was on 17 years old in March 2012, replacing Scott Wiseman in a 4-0 defeat to Reading.
2) Having just stayed up the previous season, the Tykes gave Stones a regular opportunity to stake a claim in defence for the 2013/14 season. The 18-year-old quickly excelled, racking up 26 appearances before immediately earning a stunning £3m January move to Goodison Park.
3) Stones would have to wait for his Toffees debut but that did not stop him from breaking into Peter Taylor's England Under-20s World Cup squad last summer. In Turkey, the Three Lions endured bitter disappointment, crashing out at the group stages without winning a game, though the Everton man did emerge with credit for his promising showings.
4) Unperturbed by the difficult tournament, Stones was soon the name on all Everton's fans lips when he made his debut in pre-season and showcased his sheer confidence with an outrageous 'panenka' chip in a penalty shoot-out victory over Juventus. During the game the youngster helped nullify the threat of Fernando Llorente and Carlos Tevez and his spot kick was sweeter considering it came right after Andrea Pirlo missed his.
5) Stones' brilliant pre-season displays convinced new England Under-21 boss Gareth Southgate to promote him, where he has so far made eight impressive displays. This season Everton boss Roberto Martinez has preferred to limit the youngster to cameos off the bench until he made his full debut in a 1-1 draw at Stoke on New Year's Day. Since captain Phil Jagielka was ruled out with a hamstring injury in February, Stones has replaced him with ease.
What is being said?
They say:
“John listens, his reading of the game is great and he has a good mentality. That’s the most important thing too. He’s a big character and a great guy who is willing to listen and learn. He’s got that new generation confidence. When I started as a footballer I wouldn’t speak. But this new generation are a lot more confident. They go forward a lot more too."
– Everton defender and team-mate Sylvain Distin
"John Stones has been phenomenal. I don't think his position in the team is going to be based on other players coming back or not. It's going to be based on how he feels and how his body is coping with this new experience.”
– Everton boss Roberto Martinez admits he has a dilemma when Phil Jagielka returns
Title-chasing Liverpool are hopeful striker Daniel Sturridge will be fit for this weekend's Barclays Premier League trip to Norwich.
Thursday 17th April 2014
The England forward, who has scored 23 goals for the Reds this season, was forced off after 66 minutes of Sunday's 3-2 win over Manchester City with an apparent hamstring injury.
Sturridge has since been assessed and has not yet been ruled out for the leaders' game at Carrow Road on Sunday.
A report on the club's website, www.liverpoolfc.com, read: "A small strain was detected following a scan.
"The 24-year-old will now undergo a treatment programme in order to try and be available for the trip to Carrow Road."
Liverpool are two points clear of Chelsea at the top of the table and know that victories in their final four games will secure a first title since 1990.
Damien Duff will end his five-year association with Fulham this summer, and is contemplating a move to Australia or the United States before returning home to Ireland.
Wednesday 16th April 2014
After spells with Blackburn, Chelsea and Newcastle, the 35-year-old moved to Craven Cottage in August 2009 and that season helped the Whites to the Europa League final.
Duff has made 173 appearances in all for the west Londoners, although February's appearance off the bench in the FA Cup fourth-round exit to Sheffield United looks to have been his last for the club
A knee injury has brought this campaign to a premature end and, once recovered from surgery, he is planning to move in search of "something new" at the end of his contract.
"I'm up at the end of the season," Duff told the Irish Times. "The club haven't spoken to me and I haven't spoken to the club but we don't need to speak: I'll be leaving Fulham. I've had a great time here but that's football.
"I've had a few whispers from here and there but I'm just trying to get this [injury] right first.
"I've looked at the Australia or America thing for a bit, it would be a different way of life, a different league; I think life's too short just to be stuck in the rat race, if that's the right phrase, over here so I'd maybe like to taste something new before I go back home."
Duff would like to do a "year or two elsewhere" before plying his trade in the League of Ireland, with the winger admitting former Republic of Ireland team-mate Robbie Keane, now of LA Galaxy, has suggested a move to Major League Soccer.
"We've had a bit of banter all right," he said. "He obviously loves it and every six months I see he's signed a new deal so he'll be there for a good while yet.
"We'll see what happens but I wouldn't mind trying it to be fair but I have to get back fit first, I've got a screw in my knee now and a screw in the knee of a jinky winger doesn't really go hand in hand but we'll see what happens.
"We'd be up for it and we'd like to see the world but it wouldn't be for a jolly up. I'm still as hungry as ever."
Pellegrini: City not giving up title chase
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is convinced his side are still firmly in the Barclays Premier League title race.
Wednesday 16th April 2014
Pellegrini insists little has changed as a result of Sunday's defeat to leaders Liverpool.
The loss left third-placed City trailing the Reds by seven points and Chelsea by five but, with two games in hand, Pellegrini claims the battle could still be too close to call.
The Chilean said: "I think the team knows perfectly what they have to do.
"We lost that game but we have still to play six games more and we will fight to the end to win the title.
"If we don't do it, it is because Liverpool will win their four games, but I don't think some things change after the game on Sunday.
"Of course, the fans believe that we can do it.
"The two games postponed - if we win both we are just one point behind Liverpool.
"If you don't believe (when you are) just one point behind the leader, nobody can believe anything.
"We have had a very good season so far and we hope we finish in the last six games in the same way."
City's title destiny may be out of their hands but they will look to apply pressure as they play the first of their games in hand at home to bottom side Sunderland on Wednesday.
"The important thing is that we win our games," Pellegrini said.
"We can do nothing about the other teams but we can do a lot of things here.
"That is why I am sure the players know exactly what they have to do and we will try to start winning one of the two games postponed so both teams, Chelsea and Liverpool, must feel we are only three or four points behind them with one game also to play at the end of the season."
Pellegrini accepts it will be difficult for his players to pick themselves given the manner of the defeat at Anfield.
After a sluggish start, City recovered from 2-0 down to level but Philippe Coutinho pounced on a Vincent Kompany error to settle a pulsating clash 12 minutes from time.
That capped a chastening afternoon for Kompany, who had been a fitness doubt going into the game and was also at fault for Liverpool's first two goals.
But the City boss said: "We are recovering. It is not easy to recover from that game but we are recovering.
"The players are very conscious of what we are fighting for and the only duty we must do is to win our games."
Sunderland proved tough opponents for City when the sides met in the Capital One Cup final last month.
Since then the Black Cats' plight has worsened considerably and they are now seven points from safety at the foot of the table.
Pellegrini said: "I think it is very dangerous, the position that they are in the table - more dangerous than a match that was one month ago.
"Sunderland are in a very bad position and they know they have to win so they will be very dangerous."
City will be without key midfielder Yaya Toure, who limped off just 19 minutes into Sunday's game with a leg injury and will be out for 10 days to a fortnight.
That means he could also miss matches against West Brom and Crystal Palace but the problem does not appear as bad as first feared.
"Yaya has a muscle injury," Pellegrini said. "We will see with the doctor how many days.
"Maybe it is not so hard as we thought at the beginning, but I think he needs at least 10 days or two weeks to recover."
Kompany and top scorer Sergio Aguero, who made his comeback at the weekend after five games out with a hamstring injury, are both fit.
De Gea keen for European competition next term
David de Gea says Manchester United are determined to ensure that they will be competing in European competition next season.
Wednesday 16th April 2014
The reigning Premier League champions have been unable to put themselves in a position to defend their top-flight crown in 2013/14, and have slipped off the pace in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification.
David Moyes' men - in his first campaign at the Red Devils' helm - sit seventh at present, nine points adrift of the top four and three behind sixth-placed Tottenham.
Edging above Spurs would guarantee them a Europa League berth, and Spanish goalkeeper De Gea claims bringing continental football back to Old Trafford is a top priority.
He told United's official website: "There are still plenty of important games to play. We are Manchester United and it's our duty to win every game we take part in.
"That's what we'll try to do now because we want to finish as high as we can in the league, ensure we're playing in a European competition next season and show we are still around and that we will never give in."
United's European quest this term was halted by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals, with a 4-2 aggregate defeat sending them crashing out.
De Gea believes the Red Devils offered enough over the course of a two-legged tie, though, to suggest that they are capable of competing with the best in the business.
He added: "The Bayern defeat was tough for us to take. We put in two really good performances, we did well in both games of the tie and, with a bit of luck, I think we could have got through.
"But it was always going to be a difficult task going to Munich and they pressurised us a lot in the Allianz Arena. But of course we have to keep going."
