Football Corner

Fifa announced their shortlist for World Player of the Year today, included on it are Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd), Kaka (AC Milan) and Lionel Messi (Barcelona).

The FA are supposedly set to offer the vacant England manager post to former Chelsea boss, Jose Mourinho according to reports in the Daily Express today.

Sheffield United are set to make an approach for out of favour Bolton winger Stelios Giannakopoulos according to reports in several of today's newspapers.

Man City are set to make an approach for Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka in the January transfer window according to reports in The Mirror today. Anelka has been linked with a move to either Old Trafford or Stamford Bridge but it now appears that Sven Goran Eriksson may be able to lure the player back to the club his former.

According to the journal, new Wigan manager Steve Bruce is lining up a £16 million move for Newcastle United striker Michael Owen. The player who was linked with a move to the JJB before joining Newcastle two years ago and they are apparently lining up a fresh bid for the injury plagued striker in January.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has apparently received a January transfer list from Bruce and Owen is rumoured to be on it. Owen has been linked with a move away from St James' since joining them really, with Manchester City and Liverpool apparently keen on the 27-year old.

It would be one of the transfers of the year to sign Owen and it probably won't happen but I wouldn't rule out a move to someone else. It is clear that Man City need a striker and I have a feeling they may bid for the player, although they may be concerned at the growing number of injuries he has been sustaining.

It is no secret that Manchester United have been watching either Miguel Veloso or Joao Moutino or both of them and Sporting Lisbon coach Paulo Bento has said today that he expects either of the pair to join United in the New Year in a "dream move".

Both players have been linked with a move to Old Trafford for some time now and both players performed well last night when Sporting travelled to Manchester in the Champions League, with Moutinho, in my view, impressing more.

United won't be without competition for the pair with Spanish giants Real Madrid said to be very keen on Veloso and a host of Premier League clubs interested in Moutinho.

I have to say it would be very interesting to see the pair join United because with Ronaldo and Nani already their, they would sure strike up a mouth watering midfield partnership.

It is likely that United will have to cough up as much as £30 million for the Portuguese pair but I'm sure Sir Alex knows what he's doing, what do you think?

Harry Redknapp has today been arrested in connection with alleged corruption in football. He along with several other high profile figures in football and will be questioned relation with conspiracy to defraud and false accounting.

Cristiano Ronaldo vs Sporting super goal champions league
Video sent by -Rush

If you haven't seen it already, here it is. Cristiano Ronaldo's superb match winner for Man United last night in their 2-1 victory over Ronaldo's former club Sporting Lisbon. Enjoy !

Chelsea are lining up a deal which would see Valencia defender, Miguel come to Stamford Bridge and Paulo Ferreira leave for The Mestalla according to a report in the Daily Mirror today.

Both Derby County and Birmingham City have appointed new managers this afternoon with Paul Jewell and Alex McLeish taking over at the respective clubs.

Manchester United have tonight come from a goal behind to beat Sporting Lisbon 2-1 at Old Trafford tonight. They went behind mid-way through the first half when Abel had a some what lucky shot that went in at Kusczak's near post.

United were level after the break when Carlso Tevez was awarded with the goal when Ronaldo's shot deflected off the Argetine. United' former Lisbon star Ronaldo struck a peach of a free-kick to send United through as group winners.

Rangers were unfortunate to be defeated at the hands of Stuttgart after taking a first half lead. Charlie Adam gave them the lead but they were pegged back just on the half when Cacau scored. Pardo gave Stuttgart the lead with a 20-yard cracker. Rangers got back on level terms when Barry Ferguson struck home from close range.

Rangers were defeated late on when Ciprian Marica scored to give the Germans their first points of the campaign. Arsenal took an early lead away to Spanish side Sevilla when Croatian striker Eduardo finished well. Seydou Keita put the sides level soon after with a stunning left footed finish.

Sevilla were in the lead just ten minutes later when Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano headed home. Former Tottenham striker Fredi Kanoute finished the scoring after he stepped up to take a penalty he earned.

According to several leading newspapers, both Tottenham and Arsenal are interested in taking unsettled Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni to the Premier League. The player has been in fine form for Bayern and is joint top scorer in the Bundesliga but off the pitch it isn't going as well.

The 30-year interested Spurs boss Juande Ramos whilst he was manager of Sevilla and it appears as though he is now interested in taking him to White Hart Lane. The Italian international joined the German giants during the summer from Fiorentina for a fee of around £8 million.

Toni was a vital part of Italy's World Cup winning squad back in 2006 although he only scored two goals in the competition. I must say it would be a very interesting prospect to see Toni in the Premier League because their is no doubt he is a quality goal scorer and I would love to see can he do the same in England.

At the half-time break during this evening's Champions League ties Manchester United and Arsenal find themselves behind against Sport Lisbon and Sevilla respectively, whilst Rangers are drawing 1-1 with German champions Stuttgart.

United went behind to a rather bizarre first goal when Sporting right-back Abel took a cross/shot that crept in at United keeper Tomasz Kuszczak's near post. Arsenal took an early lead in their game against Sevilla through Eduardo only to be pegged back by Seydou Keita and Luis Fabiano.

Rangers found themselves in front after Charlie Adam finished from close range. Cacau equalised for the home side just before the break. Remember Rangers can qualify tonight if they win and Barcelona beat Lyon away in France.

Make sure to stay tuned because there will be match reports at the final whistle to tonight's Champions League group games.

According to today's Daily Star, Tottenham manager Juande Ramos is very keen on bringing Aston Villa defender Martin Laursen to White Hart Lane. The player is in his last year of his contract, has apparently said he would be willing to join Spurs if Villa don't offer him a new deal.

The player has been a key part in Villa's great start to the season but as yet he has to be offered a new deal at Villa Park and he is apparently getting frustrated at the club. It has personally baffled me that Villa haven't offered the 30-year old a new deal straight away.

Since signing for the Midlands club back in 2004, Laursen's time at the club has been plagued by injury. Laursen has also been linked with a move back to his native Denmark, with Copenhagen supposedly keen on the player.

I'm sure every Villa fan will want Laursen to stay at the club because he has been terrific this season. It would be a real shame if he were to leave but at least he wouldn't be leaving the Premier League all together.

Birmingham City - Portsmouth 0-2 KRANJCAR
Video sent by DEASW

This goal was scored by Portsmouth midfielder Nik Kranjcar during Portsmouth's 2-0 win away to Birmingham. As you can see it is an absoloute cracker but do you think it deserved goal of the week?

Name : Carlos Tevez

Age : 23

Club : Manchester United

Position : Striker

Cost : ?

Tevez signed for United after a summer of uncertainty about the Argentine's future. He was originally brought to England in one of the most bizarre transfer dealings of Premier League history, joining London club West Ham. Since joining the Reds, Tevez has struck up a superb partnership with Wayne Rooney in the United attack.

He scored his first United goal in the game against Chelsea earlier this season and has since bagged three goals in the Premier League against Wigan and Middlesbrough(2) respectively. Tevez has quickly established himself as a fan favourite at Old Trafford and there is no doubt that if he keeps up this form he will be a United legend.

Football Corner Verdict : 8 out of 10.

Here is a list of other Football Corner Verdicts:

• Elano (Manchester City)
• Gareth Bale (Tottenham)

Several Premier League clubs including Middlesbrough, Portsmouth and Wigan are preparing offers for Reading striker Leroy Lita in the January transfer window. According to reports in today's Sun newspaper the England U 21 international is supposedly unhappy with his lack of game time at the club.

Scotland manager Alex McLeish has left his post as Scotland manager to become Birmingham City's new manager. McLeish has been heavily linked with the vacant Birmingham post in recent days and he had admitted that a move to the Premier League would attract him.

McLeish was ever so close to leading Scotland into Euro 2008 but came up just short when losing to Italy earlier this month. Billy Davies is now one of the hot favourites to replace McCleish as Scotland manager, but will the SFA give him the chance to lead them to World Cup 2010?

So do you think McLeish will be a success in the Premier League and do you think Billy Davies is the right man to take Scotland forward?

Many people have speculated in recent days that Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce may be sacked after just 5 months in the job. He has had a very average start to the season with the Magpies lying in eleventh place in the table, not where owner Mike Ashley would of liked them to be after 13 games.

Allardyce received dogs abuse from several Newcastle fans during the 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool on Saturday but would it be to soon to sack him. My opinion is that you shouldn't sack a manager after just a couple of months in the job. Let them have at the very least half a season and if things aren't going to plan, well then get rid of them.

Sam joined Newcastle from Bolton in the summer after a very successful stint at the Wanderers, getting them into the UEFA Cup in his time their. Sam spent a lot during the summer but so far the players he has bought just haven't really impressed. So do you think he deserves more time at St James' or should he be sacked now?

It has been rumoured today that Chelsea are keeping tabs on Real Madrid wing back Royston Drenthe after claims by El Mundo Deportivo says the Madrid club directors are ready to cut their losses in January and offload the Holland U21 star.

Drenthe was signed by Real in the summer after impressing whilst playing in the under-21 European championships. Chelsea were also interested at the time but Drenthe chose Real but since joining the Spanish giants it hasn't worked out as well as everyone thought it would.

Drenthe has struggled to nail down a first team place at Madrid since joining from Dutch side Feyernood for £10 million. It is obvious that Drenthe is a good player and I'm not surprised Chelsea are interested because with the sudden emergence of Marcelo at Real, they may yet get rid of the 20-year old.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs will battle it out for the signature of young Croatian hotshot Luka Modric in the January transfer window according to reports in The Daily Mail today.

According to BBC Sport Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez wants to patch things up with the clubs owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks. The two parties had a falling out after the Spanish coach criticised the American pair of holding up his transfer plans for January.

It has been rumoured in several papers today that Liverpool and Tottenham may be set to trade strikers come the opening of the January transfer window. England strikers Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe are both likely to leave their respective clubs in January and the two clubs are supposedly looking at the possibility of a straight swap deal.

Defoe has been relegated to fourth in the Spurs pecking order behind Robbie Keane, Dimitar Berbatov and Darren Bent and has been linked with a move away from White Hart Lane for a while now. It has been reported that Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has put a £10 million price tag on Crouch and Tottenham boss Junade Ramos is said to be keen on the striker.

Although this is pure speculation from the papers, I have to say it would be very interesting to see how both players would do if they were to move. I feel both really need to move and I think both players would be open to the move. I also feel that both would still struggle to nail down a first team place if they are to swap.

Another thing that may make this deal actually happen is the fact that Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez will struggle to get funds for new players out of the new owners so he will need to sell or trade players to bring more in.

With former Manchester United legends Steve Bruce, Mark Hughes and Roy Keane already managing in the Premier League, Sir Alex Ferguson can be proud of what he has produced as a manager. But is their another one on his way?

Well if you believe the bookies then their is because today after Derby County sacked manager Billy Davies both Ladbrokes and Coral closed the betting on who will become the Premier League strugglers new manager. They gave the excuse that too much money was been put on one man.

And that man is none other than Paul Ince. The MK Dons manager had seven years at the Premier League champions back in the late eighties/early nineties and he has widely been tipped to become the next Derby County boss.

He was also linked with a move to fellow Premier League stragglers Wigan a couple of weeks back when they sacked then manager Chris Hutchings. Since then Steve Bruce has been appointed but it looks a certainty now that Ince will be coming to the Premier League as a manager.

Coral said it felt the "wheels may have already been put in motion" after odds on Ince collapsed to 4-9 within hours.Ladbrokes suspended betting after taking "£50 on Ince for every £1 we were taking on Paul Jewell".

MK Dons said: "We will not allow it to compromise the excellent start Paul and the team have made to the season." A statement explained: "Paul Ince is the hottest young manager in English football and it comes as no surprise that his name continues to be linked to managerial posts in higher divisions.

This week's player of the week has to go to Liverpool's Steven Gerrard for his magnificent performance against Newcastle on Saturday. Gerrard was booed from start to finish by the home support for his part in England's failed Euro 2008 qualifying campaign but he didn't let that get to him.

Liverpool ran out 3-0 winners at St James' Park with Gerrard scoring and setting up one. Not everyone may agree with my decision and if you didn't please tell me who you think deserved to be player of the week.

Bayern Munich defender Willy Sagnol has been told he can leave the German club if he wants. It comes after Sagnol admitted he was frustrated at the club after failing to become a permanent fixture in Ottmar Hitzfeld's starting line up.

United were strongly linked with the player a couple of weeks ago, many papers claiming they are lining Sagnol up as a replacement to club club captain Gary Neville.

"If he comes to us with a club that wants to buy him, we would not stand in his way," Hoeness said. "In any case we have too many players on our books and everything would not fall apart if one or two players leave us this winter.

"But I know Willy well. He's the emotional type. Yesterday he wanted to leave, today he wants to stay and tomorrow he wants a contract extension."We should not take all this too seriously." Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoesness.

Sagnol is a quality player and I am hoping he comes to the Premier League. He has been a terrific servant to Bayern since joining them back in 2000 from French side AS Monaco. It has been rumoured that whoever wants to sign him will have to cough up £4 million and I think that sounds reasonable for such an experienced player.

According to today's Daily Mirror, Portsmouth striker Benjani Mwaruwari is set to sign a new deal at the club in favour of joining Italian side Juventus. Juventus are believed to be willing to offer as much as £7 million for the Premier League top scorer but Benjani has said : " I want to stay here (Pompey)."

The striker who struggled throughout last season to find goal scoring form Benjani has already scored eight goals this season playing no small part in Pompey's fantastic start to the season. It is no surprise to me that Juve are interested because Benjani is a quality player.

He works extremely hard and has proven this season he is a prolific goal scorer. This is obviously great news for all Pompey fans and I'm sure that with Benjani at the club they can finish in a European place.

Billy Davies has today split from Premier League stragglers Derby County. The club who were promoted last season from the Championship are looking like they are going straight back down this season and Davies has been the one to pay the penalty.

His final game in charge was the match against Chelsea in which they lost 2-0. Davies has pleaded with the Derby board to give him more time but they have finally had enough. I have never really liked Davies and I think if Derby were to have any chance of staying in the top flight they have to get rid of him.

I knew it from the start that Davies was never cut out to be a Premier League manager and so that has proved to be the case. I think he will now join a side in the Championship but I can never ever see him managing again in the Premier League.

Liverpool supporters are supposedly planning a protest against the club's American owners during the match aginst Porto in midweek to attempt to save Rafa Benitez future at the club, according to reports in The Guardian.


So if you're going to the match or even if you live nearby, bring your banners etc. to save Rafa !!!
But Remember it's only a peaceful protest !

It has been reported today that Liverpool owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks are set to sack club manager Rafa Benitez after a falling out between the two parties during the week over transfer funds. Some papers have referred to Rafa as "a dead man walking".

I'm sorry Tom and George but if Benitez is sacked there's two less Christmas cards for me to buy.

Inter Milan are considering a move for Chelsea centre half Ricardo Carvalho in the upcoming January transfer window according to reports in The News of The World.

Arsenal target Gabby Agbonlahor is set to snub a move to London in favour of signing a new deal at Aston Villa. The Villa striker has been a key part of Villa's great start to the new Premier League season and he has been linked with a possible move to the Gunners.

But Agbonlahor has been quoted as saying that he is enjoying his football at Villa and would have no problems signing a new deal at the club. Their is no doubt that is years to come that Agbonlahor may join the Gunners but for the immediate future it looks as though his future lies at Villa Park.

The Villa boss said: "We will revisit every contract situation we think merits that. "I want to develop talent like Gabby and Ashley Young. Gabby has made tremendous strides again this season and he has shown he wants to improve. "The way he works at his game is excellent. That is why he keeps on improving."

I think it is vital Gabby signs the new deal because I feel he should develop his game over the next three or four years at Villa and then maybe start thinking of a move to a top side like Arsenal. I'm sure all you Villa fans will be delighted by Agbonlahor saying he wants to stay put.

According to today's The People, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is lining up a January transfer window bid for Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe. Defoe has long been linked with a move away from the London club and Spurs boss Juande Ramos has refused to rule out the possible sale of the England striker.

Ferguson is supposedly very keen to sign a new front man in January and he apparently sees Defoe as the perfect man. United currently have Wayne Rooney and Carlso Tevez playing brilliant stuff in the United strike force but they only have the out of sorts Louis Saha as back up.

I feel United may use Saha as a possible exchange for Defoe and I think that would be good for both clubs. For Tottenham, they have nothing to lose because Defoe is fourth in their pecking order and for United, they will be receiving a decent player in Defoe who would provide cover for Tevez and Rooney.

The draw for the qualifiying groups for the World Cup in 2010 was held today in the host nation South Africa. The draw is as follows;

According to today's News of the World, Spanish side Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso. The 26-year old signed a new deal with the Reds back in June that will keep him at the club until 2012 but Atletico are very keen to bring him back to Spain.

Alonso was signed by Liverpool back in 2004 for a fee of £10.5 million and has quickly become a fan favourite but Liverpool have an abundance of centre midfielders and Atletico want to offer guaranteed football week in week out.

It would be a real shame to see Alonso leave the Premier League and I'm keeping my fingers crossed he doesn't. He has been a terrific player for Liverpool but with Gerrard, Leiva, Mascherano and Sissoko all playing for two places it has been tough. He is expected to return from an injury in the coming days and hopefully he can get back in the Reds starting eleven.

Reading striker/midfielder Stephen Hunt committed one of the worst tackles of the season on Man City midfielder Gelson Fernandes during Saturday's encounter between the two sides. Hunt slid in on Gelson with his foot way over the level of the ball and his studs connected with the knee of the City player.

Hunt was booked at the time and in my view was saved by the reaction of Gelson who simply got up and got on with his game. I really think Hunt is a good player but he has to get his tackling sorted out!

Middlesbrough are set to make an approach for Sheffield United star James Beattie in the upcoming January transfer window according to a report in The Sun earlier this week.

Liverpool eased past Newcastle in today's early kick off. The Reds' put three past the home side with goals from Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel.

Arsenal's Gilberto Silva who is currently struggling to obtain a place in the Gunner's lineup, says he would "gladly" move to Juventus according to reports in both The Daily Star and The Daily Mail. The Brazilian international has been heavily linked with a move away from The Emirates and the rumours may just come through this January.

The Football Association of Ireland are set to go into talks with former Liverpool manager, Gerard Houllier after the draw is made for the world cup in South Africa this week, according to a report in the Irish Daily Star today.

Fabio Capello feels his chances of becoming Steve McClaren's successor have been boosted by Jose Mourinho virtually ruling himself out of the position. The Italian added: "It would be a very interesting challenge and difficult challenges have always fascinated me."

According to today's Daily Mirror, Aston Villa defender is being chased by Italian giants AC Milan and Juventus. Mellberg has long been linked with a move away from Villa Park and with his contract due to expire in the summer both Juve and AC are very keen to snap him up.

The Sweden international has apparently held talks with Villa boss Martin O'Neill but they couldn't come to any agreement and O'Neill said : "I've spoken to Olof but we've decided to leave things for a while." Mellberg has been a terrific servant to Villa and it would be a shame to see him leave the Premier League.

It is no surprise to me that sides like AC and Juve are showing an interest because he's a quality player. What would be even worse for Villa would be that they got no money out of Mellberg because I feel he's worth a few bob.

According to several leading British newspapers, Tottenham are set to make January transfer window bids for Real Madrid pair Julio Baptista and Guti. Former Arsenal striker Baptista has been linked with a move back to the Premier League for some time now with Spurs and Man City very keen on him.

Baptista struggled whilst at the Gunners but showed glimmers of his best form in the away Carling Cup tie against Liverpool in which he scored four. It is rumoured that Spurs are to make a £5 million bid for the player but will Real let him go. The other Real player Spurs are after is Guti.

Guti said in a recent interview in Spain that he would one day love to play in England and Spurs have been alerted by this. The Daily Mail today said that Spurs are stepping up their interest in the 31-year old and getting ready to make a bid for the player in January.

It has been widely speculated today that Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is interested in bringing Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart to Anfield. The player has broken into the City first team this season and has inpressed thus far.

Hart joined City from Shrewsbery from back in 2006 for an initial fee of £600,000 that could rise to as much as £1.5 million. He has also impressed whilst playing for the England under-21's and Benitez is apparently interested in bringing in Hart to replace the Villa bound Scott Carson.

Hart has proved himself to be one of England's brightest up and coming keepers and there is no doubt that in years to come he will represent the full national side. It would be a real shame for City to lose Hart because he has been a big part in City's fantastic start to the season, but hopefully for City fans they can hold on to him.

Liverpool owner Tom Hicks has today issued an informal warning to club manager Rafael Benitez to stop "talking about new players" and to start getting the best use out of those which he already has.

Martin O'Neill is the latest manager to rule himself out of the running after Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce, Man City manager Sven Goran Eriksson and former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho all declared themselves out of the running to take over from Steve McClaren.

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill said today that if England were to approach him about the vacant post he wouldn't be interested. This news comes after Martin O'Neill was installed as bookies favourite to become McClaren's successor when the former Middlesbrough manager got the sack on Thursday.

O'Neill told BBC Radio 5 Live: "My name might not even be put forward and I am uncomfortable talking about it. "But I have got a commitment to this club and I want to see it through." It appears as though many managers just don't want the job but two men that do want it are Fabio Capello and Jurgen Klinsman.

Former Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello said : "The challenge of coaching a national side like England would be something different. The job is not about coaching every day. "It would be a very difficult challenge but a very exciting one."

Germany legend Franz Beckenbaur has today said that Jurgen Klinsman would be perfect for the job. "The job would be ideal for him and England as well," Beckenbauer said. "Jurgen has very clear ideas who can enforce them. He knows what he wants, he speaks very good English and would revel in the England job."

It will be very interesting to see in the coming weeks who actually does get appointed the new England manager, but my money would be going on Capello at this early stage.

What is your favourite stadium? There are many magnificent stadiums in the world but which one do you most prefer. There's the Camp Nou in Barcelona, Wembley in London or even Celtic Park in Glasgow.

It could even be your local teams stadium like Edgley Park home of Stockport County. It can simply be any stadium.

My personal favourite is Arsenal's Emirates Stadium in London. It is a massive stadium with a superb pitch that was opened in 2006. So whats your favourite stadium?

Villarreal striker Jon Dahl Tomasson has today been linked with a move to Premier League side Bolton. The Mirror reports that Bolton boss Gary Megson is lining up Tomasson as a replacement for want away Wanderers striker Nicolas Anelka.

Megson has been to see Tomasson play for Denmark against Iceland, a game in which the Danish veteran scored in. Anelka is almost certain to leave the Reebok come the opening of the January transfer window, with Chelsea or Man City his most likely destinations.

Jon has scored seven times in 24 games for the Spanish giants but is not a regular starter. Megson won't have to fork out to much money to secure the services of the player but it's just a case of wheter or not Villarreal will sell. I t would be really interesting to see how Tomasson would do in the Premier League because he has done alright everywhere else.

It is no secret that Chelsea are interested in a striker come the opening of the January transfer window. They have been linked with several different front men in recent weeks and Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka and Rosenborg forward Yssouf Kone are the latest two to be linked with a move to London.

Bolton manager Gary Megson has admitted that the club are preparing for life without Anelka after their poor start to the season.

Anelka has admitted himself that if a big club were to come in for him he would seriously consider it and Chelsea are apparently very keen on securing his services.

They are likely to face competition from fellow Premier League side Manchester City, whom Anelka used to play for. The other striker they have been linked with today is Rosenborg striker Yssouf Kone. The player's agent claims that Chelsea have informed Rosenborg of their interest, but will they make a bid for him come January.

The Burkino Faso international has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time now with Blackburn also keen to secure the players services. "We have not received a concrete offer from Chelsea, but there is interest," Obou (Kone's agent) said in The Independent.

It has been reported in several papers in recent days that former Celtic midfielder Shaun Maloney is set for a return to the Scottish champions. Maloney has failed to settle at Aston Villa and a return to the Hoops is the most likely outcome.

Maloney left Celtic for a fee of around £1 million during last January's transfer window. Since then though he has only made 14 appearances for the Midlanders scoring just 2 goals in those games. Villa boss Martin O'Neill still wants Maloney to stay but it looks as though that won't be happening.

So with the possible arrival of Maloney at Celtic in January, Celtic may be set to lose one of their prized assets. Japanese international Shunsuke Nakamura has apparently expressed a desire to return to Japan. Nakamura has been a terrific success at the club and it would be a real shame to see him leave.

Non League side Staines Town have tonight beaten League 2 side Stockport County in the FA Cup first round. They went through on a penalty shoot out after drawing 1-1, but with no goals in extra-time the game went to peno's.

They went on to win 4-3 in the penalty shoot out to send the home support into raptures. This is the first time Staines have ventured into the FA Cup second round. All I have to say is good on you Staines and lets hope they keep progressing in the competition and you never know... Wembley!

According to today's Daily Mirror, Cardiff City are interested in signing Derby County striker Rob Earnshaw on a loan deal.

The Welsh striker joined Derby during the summer from Norwich for a fee of £3.5 million but he has failed to impress and failed to score in this seasons Premier League.

Earnshaw was a true fan favourite whilst being at Ninian Park scoring 105 goals in 205 games before joining West Brom in 2004. Earnshaw remains the only man to of scored a hat-trick in all four leagues in England and Cardiff are very keen to bring him back.

It has been a real pity for Earnshaw at Derby but I personally feel he hasn't been given a fair enough chance to prove himself. I would like to see Earnshaw go back to Cardiff and rediscover his goal scoring form. If this move were to happen it will almost certainly trigger Derby boss Billy Davies making a move for Portsmouth striker David Nugent.

Tottenham winger Wayne Routledge has admitted today that he wants to leave the club in January for some more first team football.

The 22-year old has yet to feature under new Spurs boss Juande Ramos and indeed hasn't featured since Spurs' 4-0 over Derby earlier in the season.

Routledge joined Spurs from Championship side Crystal Palace two years ago, but has been forced to go out on loan to other Premier League sides in order to get some first team football under his belt.

It is believed the Tottenham will let him leave in January on a short term loan deal, with Watford or West Brom the most likely destinations.

I really think Routledge needs to leave Spurs in January and hopefully come back a better player at the end of the season. It has been a shame really not to see Wayne play every week and I feel this move will do him the world of good.

Source : EatSleepSport.

After Steve McClaren's inevitable sacking earlier today, I want to know who do you want to replace the former Middlesbrough manage?. Many names have already been mentioned like former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, Aston Villa's Martin O'Neill and former Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello but who do you think is the right man to take England forward.

I would personally go with Mourinho, but that's just my opinion. As you all well know Mourinho done a fantastic job at Chelsea and I feel he would be a terrific replacement for McClaren. So what do you think?

England have tonight been defeated at hands of Croatia at Wembley 3-2, thus ending their hopes of qualifying for next summer's Euro 2008. England went into the game needing only a draw to progress from the group but they lost and that was coupled with Russia beating Andora 1-0.

England got off to a shocker and found themselves 2-0 down within a quarter of an hour. The first goal came due to a howler by Scott Carson in the England goal. But England came out in the second half and got their two goals that brought the sides level and all they needed to do was hold out and they qualified.

But they fell to deep and were punished when Croatia grabbed their third and England just couldn't get back from that. England boss Steve McClaren has been under pressure for some time and this will almost certainly see the former Middlesbrough boss get the chop from the FA.

I think this may be the only good news from tonight for England fans because under McClaren I thought they were rubbish. People said Eriksson was bad as the England boss but frankly compared to McClaren their was no contest. It may also just give the England players a wake up call.

Many managers in the Premier League complain that some of their players come back tired from major international tournaments in the summer. Now they can't make that excuse about their English players and maybe next the next Premier League season may turn out to be better with fresher players.

According to today's Daily Mirror, Chelsea are lining up Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka to replace Didier Drogba who is wanted by Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Drogba is set to be the subject of a £29.5 million bid from Madrid come the opening of the January transfer window after the player confirmed that he would represent Ivory Coast in next summers Olympics.

This news has led Chelsea boss Avram Grant to start searching for a new striker and it is believed he is interested in making a bid for Bolton's Nicolas Anelka. The former Real Madrid man has been linked with a move away from the Reebok for several months now due to the Wanderers poor start to the season.

It would be a real shame to see Drogba leave the Premier League. I personally think that Drogba hasn't been the same player since former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho left the club and I feel he may decide to leave the Londoners. I do think that Anelka would be a brilliant signing for Chelsea although he does have his sulky moments that may annoy some Chelsea fans.

According to several leading English newspapers, Manchester United are lining up a £12 million January transfer bid for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Miguel Veloso.

The player has long been linked with a move to the Premier League and it is likely that United and Sporting officials will have talks when Sporting travel to Manchester next week to play United in the Champions League.

United boss Sir Alex ferguson has had his brother, Martin, the club's chief scout, watch Veloso for six of Sporting's last seven games. Veloso signed a new six year deal at the club last January and it is quite possible that Sporting will hold out for more than the rumoured £12 million figure for the 21-year old.

Veloso has looked quality this season and it is no surprise that United are lining up a bid for him. I would be quite surprised if United are the only team to make an offer for the player come the opening of the January transfer window, with Real Madrid and Liverpool amongst the admirers.

Steve Bruce's unveiling as Wigan boss has been put on hold because of "unforeseen circumstances". The former Man United star was due to be presented as The Addick's new gaffer to the press sometime today but according to Chief Executive of Wigan, Brenda Spencer, "an issue between Birmingham and Steve" is causing the delay in the move.

Steve McClaren it seems will choose the inform Scott Carson ahead of the experienced Paul Robinson. It also appears as though the England boss will opt for Shaun Wright-Phillips ahead of former England captain, David Beckham.

According to the poll we have been running for the previous couple of weeks we have asked you who would be the three teams to be relegated come the end of the season. We would like to thank everyone who voted and we would encourage you to vote in our next poll.

So onto the results. In total we had a massive 3,096 votes. Here they are:

• Derby - 2,962 (95%)
• Sunderland - 687 (22%)
• Bolton - 1,325 (42%)
• Birmingham - 835 (26%)
• Wigan - 1,890 (61%)
• Fulham - 524 (16%)
• Middlesbrough - 900% (29%)

Inter Milan and Chelsea defenders Walter Samuel and Ricardo Carvalho may be subject to a January exchange deal. Chelsea defender Carvalho is apparently unhappy at the club after the departure of Jose Mourinho back in September and is keen to leave the club during the transfer window.

It is believed that Inter will have to offer Argetine defender Samuel and a sum of money for the Portuguese defender. Samuel, 29, had a brief spell at Spanish giants Real Madrid two seasons ago, but unfortunately for him it didn't work out and he returned to Italy were he had spent four years at AS Roma before.

It would be a real shame if Carvalho were to leave Stamford Bridge. I feel whenever Carvalho plays alongside captain John Terry in the Chelsea centre defence he often gets overlooked for his performances by pundits. It would be interesting to see how Samuel would do in the Premier League.

Name : Gareth Bale

Age : 18

Club : Tottenham Hotspur

Position : Left Back

Cost : £10 million

Bale has arguably been Spurs' best player this season, but that's not saying much. Spurs have struggled so far this season and have changed managers but Bale has had a terrific start to his Premier League career. Bale signed from Championship side Southampton during the summer for an initial fee of £5 million that could rise to £10 million.

He scored his first goal for the club during the 3-3 draw at to Fulham. He has since scored against Middlesbrough in the League Cup and a terrific free-kick against North London rivals Arsenal. Bale has quickly established himself as a fan favourite at White Hart Lane and if he keeps up this kind of form he is bound to go far.


Football Corner Verdict : 8 out of 10.

Here is a list of other Football Corner verdicts : Elano (Manchester City)

Paulo Wanchope has today announced his retirement from football after persistent recurrences of a knee injury. The Costa Rica international finished his career at Chicago Fire in the USA.

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt has become the fifth Liverpool player in 18 months to have their homes burgled. The incident happened last Thursday, with Kuyt away on international duty with Holland.

Former Liverpool keeper Jerzey Dudek he had jewellery, a large haul of footballing memorabilia and his Porsche stolen. Defender Daniel Agger had his home in Wirral burgled last September whilst Spanish keeper Jose Pepe Reina was burgled whilst playing Liverpool's Champions League semi-final against Chelsea last May.

Peter Crouch also had his home burgled whilst on international duty with England last September. I know this may sound stupid but because of all these burglaries, many possible Liverpool targets may be put off joining the Reds.

Bolton manager Gary Megson is set to make a January bid for West Brom midfielder Zoltan Gera according to the Daily Express. Gera, who of course used to play under Megson at West Brom, has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time.

The Hungarian international impressed whilst playing in the Premier League with Albion and has apparently expressed a desire to play in it again. It is rumoured that Megson is lining up a £400,000 bid but I think Gera is worth a lot more than that.

The 28-year old joined West Brom back in 2004 for a fee of £1.5 million and he has been named Hungarian player of the year in 2002, 2004, 2005. Gera has a lot of quality and I for one would love to see him back in the Premier League. I have been surprised that he hasn't moved as yet but I feel Megson will grab his signature in January.

Chelsea and Arsenal are both set to make approaches for Dinamo Zagreb and Croatian midfielder, Luka Modric in the upcoming January transfer window. However it is expected that either of the London clubs will have to splash out up to £30 million for the midfielder.

Inter Milan, Juventus, Real Madrid, Manchester City and Tottenham are just five clubs who are to bid for Argetine star Juan Roman Riquelme come the opening of the January transfer window.

The Villarreal attacking midfielder is almost certain to leave the Spanish side due to Riquleme's fallen out with Villarreal boss Manuel Pellegrini.

The 29-year old scored twice at the weekend for Argentina against Bolivia and he continues to produce quality form for his national side. Riquelme was set to sign for fellow Spanish side Atletico Madrid but unfortunately for the player the deal fell through at the last minute.

There is no doubt Riquelme is a quality player and it is shame not to see his talents week in week out. I can't wait to see who Riquelme joins and I have no doubt that whatever the destination he will do a fantastic job and the rumoured price of £6 million sounds very reasonable.

England and Chelsea captain, John Terry has expressed his desperation to return for England's crunch tie against Croatia in Wembley on Wednesday, and the 26 year old's dream may just come through after rejoining the squad on Sunday night.

Steve Bruce has quit Birmingham City to take up the managerial position at Wigan for the second time in his career. Bruce was favourite to take up the position and a contract has been verbally agreed between the two parties.

Bolton keeper Jussi Jasskelainen is apparently attracting the interests of Premier League giants Man United and Arsenal as well as Turkish side Fenerbahce and Italian Champions Inter Milan. The rumours come after Jaaskelainen's agent, Peter Harrison said that he expects the Finn to leave the Reebok at the end of the season.

Jaaskelainen has been at Bolton for 10 years now but Bolton have had a poor start this season and after summer speculation about his future at the club, it now seems as though he is finally ready to leave.

“There are no talks planned with Bolton and various agents and clubs have been in touch with me from abroad and we will assess it in January,” he told setantasports.com. “We are very disappointed with the way talks went but we will just have to get on.“I think he will be leaving at the end of the season, I don’t think he will leave mid way through the season.”

Jussi is a quality keeper and I must say I'm surprised how long he has stayed at Bolton. Jaaskelainen is now 32 and I think it is time he moves on and experiences Champions League football and I think he is well capable of competing with Europe's best.

Newcastle are set to make a move for Chelsea centre half, Tal Ben Haim in the upcoming January transfer window according to a report in The People newspaper yesterday. But in this writers opinion Newcastle are just one of several possible destinations as Reading and Wigan may also make an approach for the Israeli international.

Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele may be set for a switch across London to West Ham after he admitted that he is considering his future at the club. Makelele has been out of favour with new Chelsea boss Avram Grant and he is said to be considering his options at the moment and this has attracted the attention of Hammers boss Alan Curbishley.

The former Real Madrid and Marseille battler said: "Will I go on after my contract in 2009? I don't know. It will depend on my desire and my physical condition. I will go on as long as I can. I will first take stock after Euro 2008."

Due to the lack of first team football at Chelsea, Makelele has struggled to get in the France side. Makelele is a very neat and tidy player. He never really does anything brilliant or never does anything bad, he's just solid. I think it would be a terrific signing if Curbishley was to sign the 34-year old and I for one want to see more of Makelele in the Premier League.

Samuel Eto'o and Louis Saha of Barcelona and Man Utd respectively, are set to swap clubs in the Summer transfer window according to a report in The People newspaper today.

Ireland have been searching for a new manager since sacking Steve Staunton last month. Many names have been mentioned like Terry Venables, Phillipe Troussier, Graeme Souness, David O'Leary etc; but one name that sticks out in my mind as a perfect candidate is bookies favourite Paul Jewell.

Jewell has been out of work since leaving Wigan at the back end of last season after keeping the Latics in the Premier League. Jewell did a marvellous job at the JJB getting Wigan from the then Division two (now League 1) right the way up to the Premier League. He even got them to a Carling Cup final.

He made some of Wigan's best signings like Jimmy Bullard and Pascal Chimbonda. He was even linked with a return to the Latics in recent weeks but has decided against returning to the club. Jewell is exactly what Ireland need, someone with a bit of bottle and passion.

Ireland currently have a lot of young talent in the squad in Kevin Doyle, Shane Long, Paul McShane, Aiden McGeady etc; and we need someone who can help them to progress and I believe Jewell's the man to do that.

Ireland have appointed managers like Brian Kerr and Steve Staunton in years gone by but, frankly they were both failures. The current squad of players seem to be keen on the idea of appointing Jewell. Kevin Kilbane said "On the training ground, he was a forward-thinking coach, and he is a good man-motivator.

Jewell hasn't ruled out the opportunity of taking the job : "I'm flattered by the interest and I'm certainly not ruling it out. I am thinking about it and we'll see if anything develops." He has apparently been having talks with Irish legend John Giles about the vacancy.

I think Jewell would be ideal for the job and I, as an Ireland fan, would love to see the FAI make a decent appointment for once and appoint Paul.

Valencia striker David Villa may be on his way to Premier League side Tottenham after his agent revealed that many English sides have enquired about the Spaniard. The player has been linked with a move to the England for some time with fellow London side Chelsea being linked with him on numerous occasions.

Villa is widely regarded as one of Europe's best strikers but many people think he should leave Valencia and have a go in the Premier League. Tottenham boss Juande Ramos has apparently lined up Villa as a possible replacement for Dimitar Berbatov who may still want to leave the club in January.

Villa is a quality player and I for one would love to see how he would do in the Premier League. It would be kind of like Fernando Torres at Liverpool because both are quite similar players. I'm sure Valencia will be very keen to hold onto their prize asset but I think Villa may just be tempted by Spurs.

According to the Daily Star Sunday, Tottenham boss Juande Ramos is lining up a £5 million move for Real Madrid attacking midfielder Julio Baptista. The player who of course used to play for North London rivals, Arsenal, is apparently high on the Spurs boss January shopping list.

Baptista of course used to play under Ramos at Sevilla and he may be interested in a move back to London due to the lack of first team football this season at the Spanish giants. He joined Arsenal in a loan exchange with Jose Antonio Reyes but Arsenal declined against making the deal permanent.

Baptista is a very strong midfielder and I think although he didn't do amazingly well at the Gunners I think he may be able to do a job for Spurs. I think £5 million sounds a pretty reasonable price for the 26-year old. Tottenham may face competition for Baptista's signature from Portuguese side Benfica come the January transfer window.

Portsmouth's Matt Taylor has today been linked with a move away from Fratton Park with Sunderland, Reading and Fulham all showing an interest. Taylor hasn't featured as much as was expected this season and is growing deeply frustrated at the lack of first team football.

Taylor was one of Pompey's star performers last season and was expected to shine once again in the Portsmouth defence this season but for some reason or another he hasn't done so. Taylor can also play left midfield and would cost any of the clubs interested in him about £4 million.

I have been very surprised by Taylor's situation at Pompey this season. He has only made four starts this season and that's clearly not enough for a player that could arguably in years to come have a chance of breaking into the England national side. I hope for his own sake he leave the club in January and starts producing the form he did last season somewhere else.

Dinamo Zagreb and Croatian midfielder, Luka Modric has been linked with a move to Chelsea according to a report in The Observer newspaper today.

However the London club will have to wait until the Summer transfer window before they can sign the Zagreb number 10.

The 22 year old has an impressive goalscoring record for a midfielder, netting 20 times in his 69 appearances for his club side. On an international level he has also looked promising, scoring 3 times since starting for his national side in March 2006.

England face Croatia on Wednesday needing a draw to guarantee their place in next summer's Euro 2008. They go into the game minus Michael Owen who picked up an injury on Friday in England's 1-0 win away to Austria. Many people think that Peter Crouch is almost certain of a start on Wednesday after scoring England's only goal on Friday, but who should partner him?

Jermaine Defoe came on for the injured Owen on Friday and played well. Defoe has struggled to gain a first team place at club side Tottenham this year but people think he has been harshly treated their and deserves a starting place for England.

The other option for England boss Steve McClaren is to play Newcastle midfielder Alan Smith alongside Crouch on Wednesday. Smith is playing in centre midfield for the Magpies but whilst he was at Leeds he was a super striker.

The last option is to play captain Steven Gerrard up front with Crouch. Gerrard has previously played in the England attack and that turned out well with him scoring a goal. Gareth Barry would probably take Gerrard's place in the England midfield and I think McClaren may end up deciding to play Gerrard up front.

What do you think, who will McClaren choose to partner Crouch on Wednesday?

Abou Diaby has been linked with a move away from The Emirates after a report in The People newspaper linked the French international with a move to White Hart Lane, but this reporter thinks that the likes of West Ham and Man City could also make a move for the Arsenal youngster.

Liverpool are set to make bids for Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta and Spanish U-21 midfielder Javi Martinez in the coming January transfer window. To read about Javi Martinez possible Reds move click here.

Premier League boo-boy, El-Hadji Diouf is a January target for form Bolton boss Sam Allardyce according to the Sunday Mirror. Diouf has been linked with a move away from the Reebok stadium after a poor start to the campaign by Bolton and Magpies boss Allardyce is said to be very keen on bringing him to St James' Park.

The Senegal midfielder was said to be upset by the departure of Allardyce from Bolton at the back end of last season and the 26-year old would be open to a move north. Allardyce has come under pressure in recent weeks after an average start to the new season but Big Sam has identified Diouf as a player that can change the Magpies fortunes.

I think Diouf is a decent player but I'm not sure the Newcastle faithful will be too happy with signing him. He is a very conterversal character and is hated by pretty much every Premier League club. I think he probably will leave Bolton in January but I think a lot of Newcastle fans will be hoping it's not to them.

According to the Sunday Mirror, West Ham are closing in on the signing of Derby County star Giles Barnes. The Hammers were close to signing the 19-year old in the summer but now that Derby are almost certain to go down this season, Derby are looking to cash in on the attacking midfielder in January before he loses value.

It is likely that West Ham will have to cough up about £5 million for Barnes. Barnes had a terrific campaign last season, helping Derby gain promotion to the Premier League, but this season due to injury he hasn't played as many games as he or Derby would of liked. Barnes has made 65 appearances for the club scoring 9 goals in those games.

I think this would be a good signing for the Hammers because Barnes clearly has a big future ahead of him. I think Derby are right to look at letting Barnes leave because if they are to get relegated, which lets face it will probably happen, his value is bound to decrease. Barnes is also said to be keen on the move so I expect a deal to go through in january.

Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool are likely to be involved in a bidding war for Ajax striker Klass Jan Huntelaar. The player said a few months ago that he will quit Ajax at the end of the season to move on to bigger and better things abroad and since then several clubs have had scouts watch him.

Huntelaar, 24, was named Ajax player of the year in 2006 and has been nicknamed "the hunter" due to his goal scoring abilities. Since joining Ajax back in 2005 he has scored an incredible 74 goals in just 92 appearances, form that has attracted the interests of the Premier League sides. It is believed that any club who wants to sign him will have to cough up as much as £20 million.

I really would love to see Huntelaar join the Premier League because from what I have seen of him he has a lot of talent. He is a terrific goalscorer and has bags of pace and I'm sure any club would want him in their sides. I think it will be very tough for Man City to win his signature because I think either of the other three will appeal to Klass more.

Source: Tribal Football

After Rafa Benitez announced the asking price for Liverpool striker Peter Crouch many clubs have been linked with making a move for the player. Crouch, who hasn't really been playing enough games this season for his own liking, has been linked with several clubs in recent days after Liverpool apparently contacted a number of Premier League sides earlier in the week.

Newcastle, Portsmouth, Man City and Aston Villa are just four names that have been linked with the striker who scored another international goal last night for England in their 1-0 win against Austria. Crouch has fallen way down the pecking order this season due to the arrivals of Andriy Voronin and Fernando Torres this summer.

Benitez has been told that he must sell players before buying more in January and Crouch is almost certain to be one of the players to be sold. Crouch, who has actually be playing in recent weeks, really needs to start playing first team football week in week out. I really hope Crouch leaves Liverpool in January and starts getting his club career back on track.

England tonight have Israel to thank for keeping their hopes alive for qualifying for next summer's Euro 2008. Israel beat England's nearest rivals for Euro qualifying Russia 2-1 in Tel Aviv. England now only need to get a point at home to Croatia on Wednesday to qualify for Euro 2008.

Manchester City striker Georgios Samaras has admitted today that if Lazio were to make a bid for him in the January transfer window, he would jump at it. The player who joined City two seasons ago for a fee of £6 million has failed to produce a run of consistent games at the City of Manchester Stadium and with the possible arrival of a new striker at the club in January it is likely his first opportunities will be more scarce than normal.

The Greece international was signed by former City boss Stuart Pearce from Dutch side Herenveen. City boss Sven Goran Eriksson has given Samaras a couple of games to prove himself but he has failed to produce anything in those rare starts. Yesterday Lazio expressed an interest in the striker and he admits it would be too good to turn down.

"I don't know if they (Lazio) have made an offer to Manchester City," Samaras told Corriere dello Sport. "I can say that I feel good in England. But I must be honest, should Lazio show an interest towards me, I'd be really happy. "They are a side with a big name. I know they play in UEFA Champions League and should they if they beat Olympiakos they will go to the last sixteen. I would be proud to play for one of the greatest European sides."

He added: "At Man City I feel myself part of the team and I always hope to play. The coach told me that I'll have my chance, but that I must wait my moment. "But he also said that should I want to leave, he wouldn't put obstacles in my way."

I personally would love to see the back of Samaras at City. As a City fan myself, I have to say he has been pure muck. He has scored 11 goals in 58 games for the club and that's just not good enough for a player that cost City £6 million. I would be surprised if City manage to get half that amount out of him now. Goodbye and good luck Samaras.

Scotland's hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008 have tonight ended after they were defeated by World Champions Italy at Hampden Park 2-1. Scotland went into the game needing a win to book their place in next summer's tournament but after a heroic performance by the Scots they came up just short of their aim.

Scotland got off to the worst possible start when Italy reacted quickly after been awarded a throw in and striker Luca Toni latched onto the end of Antonio Di Natale's cross. The hom support were stunned but they kept singing and the Scotland players didn't drop their heads. Scotland may of been awarded a penalty soon after when Lee McCulloch struck a ball off the arm of Zambrotta, but the appeals were turned away by referee Manuel Enrique Mejuto Gonzalez.

Italy nearly doubled their lead soon after when Di Natale was incorrectly flagged offside when putting the ball in the back of Craig Gordon's net. David Weir was inches away from sending the sides in 1-1 at half-time when his header was cleared off the line by Pirlo. Scotland were awarded a free-kick on the edge of Italy's box mid-way through the second half.

James McFadden stepped up and hit a poor free that fell to McCulloch on the edge of the six yard box, who hit a shot straight at Buffon, but he could only parry and it fell to the feet of captain Barry Ferguson who duly finished. Replays showed that Ferguson was actually in an offside position when McCulloch took his shot.

Scotland may of taking a vital lead soon after when substitute, Kenny Miller played a lovely ball to the on rushing McFadden who shot into the side netting. Scotland pressed and pressed but to no avail and Italy booked their place in Euro 2008 when Panucci headed home a free-kick by Pirlo.

Obviously it's very unlucky for Scotland. Even though they didn't qualify, they can still be very proud of their efforts. I was very unhappy with some of the antics by the Italian players. They were going down very easily at every opportunity and unfortunately the ref fell for it most of the time.

New Spurs boss Juande Ramos has been reportedly eyeing up former Spurs star Michael Carrick in what could be the big January transfer story according to a report in The Express last Thursday.

Everton midfielder, Mikel Arteta has today said that he would consider a move back to Spain with Atletico Madrid according to a report that has shocked Toffees fans in The Sun newspaper.

Atletico Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez has admitted that he would be open to a move to Liverpool after the Reds revealed an interest in the player. The player has impressed Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez in recent months with some terrific displays for the Spanish outfit. The player joined Bilbao last year from Osasuna.

"I see Premier League matches on the television and the atmosphere is wonderful," he told skysports.com. "But I don't really know anything [about the interest] as I haven't spoken with anyone. "My sole mission at the moment is to work hard for Athletic and help the team. "If an offer does arrive I would look at what is best for two parts, myself and Athletic."

Martinez is one of the most highly rated midfielders in Spain at the moment. If Liverpool are to sign the player in January that will almost definitely see the end of Momo Sissoko's stay at the club with Everton, Inter Milan or Juventus the most likely candidates to sign the Mali international. I would be surprised if Liverpool don't face competition for Martinez' signature in January.

It has puzzled me in recent days as to why Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor isn't in the full England team. He has been in fantastic form for Villa this season (even being linked with a move to Premier League leaders Arsenal in recent days) but yet McClaren still doesn't pick him. He picks Agbonlahor's Villa team mate Ashley Young but in my view Gabby has been just as good as him.

He scored for the under-21's last night and put in another good display. So why does he still not get picked for the full team. I mean he picks players who haven't played half as many games as him this season (Crouch and Defoe). So, McClaren, if your still in the job after next week, I would suggest you start picking Gabby.

Barcelona full-back Gianluca Zambrotta may be set for a return to Italy. The Italian international has today been linked with European Champions AC Milan after is was revealed that Zambrotta's wife, Valentina has become increasingly home sick. Zambrotta joined Barca last summer after leaving Juventus due to the whole match fixing scandal.

The World Cup winner has never really performed amazingly well whilst at the Camp Nou and AC are said to be keen on offering him a route back to Italy. If Zambrotta is to leave in January the Barca will need a new full-back and Bayern Munich's Phillip Lahm has been repeatedly linked with a move to Spain.

Lahm has made no secret of his desire to play for the Spanish giants and would be the perfect replacement for Zambrotta. I think Zambrotta will leave Barca in January but I'm not sure for how much. I think if Barca were to sell Zambrotta and bring in Lahm it would terrific because Lahm is six years younger than the Italian and in my opinion and better player.

Source : Goal

Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce has told former club, Bolton, that they can forget about trying to sign Magpies striker Shola Ameobi. The player has been linked with a move to the Reebok as well as a move to Championship side Norwich but Bis Sam insists he's not for sale. There had been suggestions in recent weeks that the striker was looking for a move due to the lack of first team football at St James' Park this season.

"Shola is going absolutely nowhere, he remains very much a part of my plans and we are not interested in selling him in January," Allardyce told the Journal. "I don't want to lose him, he is a very talented player who has an important role to play in the squad.

"We've got a small squad here that can just about cope with injuries and suspensions, but we cannot afford to let anyone go. We will not be selling anyone in January. "He has been frustrated because he has not really had a chance to show me what he can do, but I know what he is capable of."

I think Ameobi will struggle to regain a first team place at Newcastle because with the quality of strikers Sam has at his disposal already in Martins, Owen and Viduka. I think Ameobi could do a job for Bolton and I feel the reason for Bolton's interest in Ameobi is because the possible departure of Nicolas Anelka from the club in January.

Source : EatSleepSport

So what do you think, is soccer am better or worse now that Tim Lovejoy has left the show and Andy Goldstein has taking his place?

Today's bet of the day comes from the meaningless Euro 2008 qualifier between Wales and Ireland at the Millennium Stadium. Both sides are in desperate need of a victory to put behind them a somewhat average qualifying campaign and I think it will be a very tight game. I think it will be that tight that I am going for a draw @ 11/5 @ Paddy Power.

Along with several new players, Sven-Goran Eriksson has introduced new training methods into the Man City set up. Just one of these training methods is the ancient art of Greco-Roman wrestling. A Man City source told The Sun newspaper, "Sven told his squad he used to wrestle at school and that it really helped him develop his strength as a player". How weird !?!?!?

According to some leading English newspapers, Birmingham City have given manager, Steve Bruce, permission to speak to Wigan Athletic about the possibility of becoming manager at the JJB. Bruce's Birmingham future has been talked about all season because of the potential new investors and he is rumoured to be unhappy with the whole thing and looking for a move.

According to the Daily Star:

Blues chairman David Gold, co-owner David Sullivan and managing director Karren Brady held an emergency board meeting this afternoon to discuss Wigan's approach.

The club are making no official statement but it is believed Bruce has been given the green light to hold talks with Whelan about becoming Chris Hutchings' replacement.

Newcastle and England striker Michael Owen has once again been injured. The injury occurred during England's 1-0 win away against Austria this evening. Owen walked off the field early on in the match with was later confirmed as a thigh injury that will definitely rule him out of England's crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia (If Russia fail to win on Saturday).

It is likely that the injury will keep him out for as much as a month, not good news for Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce who has only welcomed the striker back recently from another injury. Owen must be one of the unluckiest players when it comes to injuries. I just hope this injury isn't as bad as first thought and he is back training within a few days.

So, with this latest injury, does this make Michael Owen the unluckiest player of all time?

Everton manager David Moyes may be set to make a January move for Liverpool midfielder Momo Sissoko after the Mali international admitted that he may have to leave Anfield to start getting first team football again.

The midfielder is said to be finding it hard to understand why he hasn't received much first team football this season after such a good campaign last year.

The player said last month that he regretted not leaving Liverpool during the summer after an offer of £7 million from Italian giants cam in. It now looks as though Everton are one of the front runners for the 22-year old along with Juve and Inter Milan. Sissoko is now fifth in the pecking order at Anfield for a centre midfield place behind Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano and Leiva.

I can understand why Rafa isn't playing the player because he has got a lot of quality in that area already. I am almost certain now that Sissoko will leave the club in January but it's just who will he join. I think Sissoko is a good player and would do well somewhere else and I for one wish him the best of luck. My guess is that he may opt to go to Italy and join either Inter or Juve.

Source: EatSleepSport

According to the Daily Express today Arsenal are apparently keen on making an approach for Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor. The player has impressed since breaking onto the scene at the Midlands side last season and Arsene Wenger is reportedly keen on adding the player to his squad.

Arsenal recently recorded huge profits and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is likely to receive a sizable chunk of the money to spend of players come January and Agbonlahor is apparently his top target. Obviously Villa will be doing everything in their power to keep the player but it is very rare when one of the big four come knocking that they don't get their man.

I have heard figures of £15 million for the England under-21 international and although Villa have money themselves, it may be too good to turn down. I would personally like to see Agbonlahor stay at Villa for a couple more seasons and keep progressing before moving to a top side like Arsenal.

Am I the only missing Jose Mourinho? The Premier League hasn't been the same in my view. Those hilarious press conferences, the post match interviews, none compare to Jose. I want Jose back, anyone with me?

With the African Cup of Nations coming up in just a few months, do you think that it may hand the title to Man United or not? Obviously both Arsenal and Chelsea have a larger amount of Africans in their teams that will be going off to Ghana to represent their nations in the tournament and that in my view may yet be the deciding factor in this seasons Premier League.

Chelsea have the likes of Didier Drogba playing in the tournament for the Ivory Coast and in my opinion Chelsea aren't the same team wothout him. Arsenal have, in opinion their best defender in Kolo Toure representing the same country as Drogba and I think Arsenal will suffer without him.

Both clubs may get lucky that Ivory Coast get knocked out early but I can't envisage that happening. In total Arsenal have three players going to Ghana in January and Chelsea have four players taking part in the tournament. So, what do you think, will this effect both sides challenge for this seasons title?

Real Madrid keeper Iker Casillas has today quashed any rumours of him leaving the Spanish giants and joining either Arsenal or Tottenham.

There had been several rumours in recent days that the player may be set for a £25 million move to North London, but the Spaniard has insisted he's staying with Madrid.

"Nobody has said anything to me about a supposed offer from an English team, but in any case I am very clear on what I want - and that is to be at Real Madrid," Madrid-born Casillas said on Telemadrid."It has never entered my thoughts to be at anywhere else but Real Madrid.

"I live here, I have my friends, my family and on top of that I have the great fortune to be playing in the team. What more could I ask for?"I have not received an offer, but I insist that I am not thinking of anything other than completing my contract with Real Madrid," added the 26-year-old, whose existing deal with the Spanish champions runs until 2011.

It is no surprise that Casillas has come out and said this but nevertheless I would of loved to of seen him play in the Premier League. Casillas is a magnificent keeper and arguably the best in the world. Well you never know maybe some time in the future he may decide to come to England!

Portsmouth striker David Nugent may be set to join Premier League strugglers Derby County according to several newspapers.

The player who has failed to make any impression at Pompey since joining them at the beginning of the season from Championship side Preston North End. Nugent used to play under Rams boss Billy Davies at Preston.

Nugent is said to be growing frustrated at the lack of first team football at Fratton Park but you could hardly blame boss Harry Redknapp for not playing him due to the form of Benjani. It was also speculated that just before the close of the summer transfer window that Nugent was close to joining Derby just weeks after joining Pompey.

Nugent is said to be home sick at Pompey and often travels north for just a few hours to spend time with family and friends. Nugent cost Pompey £6 million but it is high unlikely that they will receive that amount if they were to let him go. The Derby strikers have struggled this season, none more so than record signing Rob Earnshaw and Nugent may be able to come in and do a job.

Derby look like they maybe the next Premier League club to be taken over by American investors. Derby chairman, Adam Pearson has spent the last week in America talking to the Disney family (yep, as in Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse and all that sort of stuff). He was in negations with Walt's nephew, Roy about the possibility of investing in the Premier League strugglers.

Roy Disney is the owner of Shamrock Holdings (the company in which Adam Pearson is talking to). After 50 years in the film business, he currently serves as consultant to the Disney organisation, where he holds the title of director emeritus to the board.

Roy E Disney, 77, is still the third largest individual stakeholder in Disney, owning 16million shares and is best known for orchestrating the sacking of chief executive Michael Eisner in 2005. He uses Shamrock as his personal investment vehicle and the company, founded in 1978, have diverse global interests in telecommunications, hotels, radio and TV stations as well as real estate and private equity dealings.

Disney is likely to remain in the background, kind of like the way Malcom Glazer is doing at Man United, with Pearson remaining in day-to-charge at Pride Park. It will be very interesting to see how this story develops over the coming weeks and months and I'm sure a lot of Derby fans will want to get the money from the potential investors in soon if they are to have any hope of surviving in the Premier League.

According to the mirror today Reading boss Steve Coppell may let star striker Leroy Lita leave the Royals in the coming transfer window if his form doesn'timprove. The player, who was one of Reading's best performers last season, scoring 14 goals in 27 matches, has failed to score in this campaign so far and was left out of the side that played Arsenal on Monday night.

Both Gareth Southgate and Harry Redknapp are both said to be keen on the England under-21 international. Portsmouth boss Redknapp made an unsuccesful bid of £5 million for the 22-year old last summer but he could be set to make another move for the player now. Boro boss Southgate is in desperate need of a striker after losing both Viduka and Yakubu in the summer.

Lita's form has really surprised me this season. Last season he was magnificent but unfortunately for the Royals he just hasn't shown anything like that form this season. I think he may leave the Madejski in January and I would think it would be a fee of around about £4 million that may force Coppell to let him go.

Doubt it, but if I had to pick one, I would personally pick England.

What is Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez doing? He has today cleared the way for keeper Scott Carson to leave the club permanently. The player who is currently on loan at Aston Villa, who is in my view England's best keeper, is set to sign for the Midlands side for £10 million. Carson is only 22-years old and in my view will be England's number one for the next World Cup qualifying campaign.

I understand that Liverpool have Jose Pepe Reina as their number one but they are making a real mistake letting Carson go. The player is set to make his international debut tomorrow and I think it may convince England boss Steve McClaren to start him in next Wednesday's crucial qualifier against Croatia.

I really think Benitez will regret this decision in a few years time and Villa will reap the benefits.

Chelsea keeper, Petr Cech has admitted today that he would be interested in a move to Spanish giants Barcelona if the opportunity was to arise. The Czech international joined Chelsea back in 2004 for a fee of £7 million by then manager Claudio Ranieiri. He has been one of the key reasons behind Chelsea's emergence as one of Europes best clubs.

Cech told a Czech website: "Can I imagine staying in England? That I cannot answer. "So far I have been very happy at Chelsea and I have started to love the Premier League. I have got used to life in London and my wife and I like it. "But in the case of Barcelona showing interest, yes, certainly it would be worth considering."

Cech signed a new deal a year and a half ago that runs out in 2010. At the moment I think Barcelona only need to improve one position and that is their keeper. They have Victor Valdes but in my view he's not good enough for Barca. I'm sure Barca would be very interested in signing the 25-year old but it will cost them a fair bit.

I have read today that Spurs are set to make a £18 million bid to bring Michael Carrick back to White Hart Lane. I'm sure you have all heard in recent weeks about Man United's interest in Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov. So, what I think may happen is Man United pay Tottenham about £5 million + Carrick for Berbatov.

Two seasons ago United payed £18.6 million for Carrick from Tottenham and in his first season he made a decent impact. This season he has been out with injury for a large part of it and since then has struggled to get back in ahead of new signing Anderson in the United midfield. United also signed Owen Hargreaves in the summer and in my view Carrick and Hargreaves are very similar players.

Funnily enough, Carrick said yesterday that he would love Berbatov to join him at United. Berbatov has been unhappy for some time at Spurs and although he said last week that he would remain at the club many people still think a move to the Champions could be on the cards. Berbatov was a class act last season, but he has struggled so far this campaign.

So, could it be that the pair switch clubs in January? I certainly wouldn't bet against it.

Former Liverpool striker, Milan Baros' agent has confirmed that clubs from England, Germany and Spain have expressed an interest in him. Baros who left the Premier League last year after leaving Aston Villa has admitted this week that he has fallen out with Lyon boss Alain Perrin which could see the departure of the Czech Republic striker in January.

Asked if any club has shown interest in Baros, Paska told Sport: "Not just one, three clubs - and if Lyon agree, then the clubs are willing to buy Milan in January. "They are from England, Spain and Germany, I cannot be specific though." Asked about the quality of the clubs, he replied: "I will say it this way - they are clubs that are within reach of the Champions League."

It is reported that Lyon would be willing to let the player go for around about £4.5 million. It wouldn't surprise me at all if Baros rejoined the Premier League and I think he would be perfect for a side like Man City or West Ham. Both sides are looking for a striker and I think Baros would fit the bill perfectly.

Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby has today admitted that he is considering his options due to a lack of first team football at the Gunners. The player has made only seven starts this season, mainly filling in for injured players and he is growing deeply frustrated at the club. Diaby joined Arsenal from Auxerre in 2006 for a fee of £2 million.

"This time I have not been called up by France and I do not play that much for Arsenal," Diaby told football365.fr. "I need playing time. I thought that I would continue [to play] after I scored (against Derby County) but it did not happen. "I remain patient and do not give up because I know that my chance will come. "Arsenal's team is doing well so I have to show patience and it will be unlocked then.

I do not regret my choices. Those things happen. "The situation is like this today but it can change tomorrow. The players that are on the pitch are not automatically better than those who are on the bench, but they do their job very well. "The season is long so I do not plan a move yet. Maybe later if it continues, but not in January."

Although I understand why Diaby isn't getting played I think he is a good player and would be a good first team player for a lot of other Premier League clubs. I think Diaby will leave in the summer and I don't blame him but I for one hope that he stays in the Premier League because I think he could make a name for himself in England.

AC Milan star, Kaka, has today threatened to leave the club if the violence in the country continues.

The player has been widely tipped to sign a new deal at the San Siro but he has warned the he may not sign a new deal at the club. The violence in Italy in recent days has been caused by the death of a Lazio fan after being shot dead by Italian police at the weekend.

“Could I leave Italy? Yes, if these violent episodes continue,” Kaka told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “I love football because it brings me happiness, but at the moment I can’t enjoy myself.

“If there are big problems in Italian football that prevent me doing my job properly, anything could happen.“I am worried for my family’s safety as my wife and parents frequently come to watch me, so there is a chance I could move to another country.”

Kaka is likely to pick up the player of the year award in the coming months and is also likely to pick up many other various awards for this years amazing year. He has been linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid all summer but both parties cooled the interest after the close of the transfer window.

It wouldn't surprise me at all now if Real become interested in kaka again because of this development in Italy. I would love to see Kaka join Real because I think he would be perfect for La Liga but it will cost a hell of a lot of money for Milan to sell him.

Glasgow Celtic are set to make an approach for Everton and Scotland striker, James Mcfadden in the upcoming January transfer window, according to reports in the Daily Mail newspaper today.

Manchester United and Liverpool have today been linked with a move for Racing Santander defender Ezequiel Garay. The Guardian report that either side will have to cough up at least £10 million to stand a chance of landing the 21-year old.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has reportedly put a defender as his main priority in the January transfer window and Garay is said to be his first target.

The player can play at either centre back or right back and those are positions that both clubs probably need to look at. For United, they need a right back to be a long term replacement for captain Gary Neville who is now 32. The player is highly regarded in Argentina and made his international debut back in August.

Both Liverpool and United are likely to face stiff competition from Real Madrid and Juventus for the players signature. This signing for Liverpool may spell the end of Sami Hyypia at Anfield because he is now 35 and many people think Benitez will try and replace him in the side come January.

Tottenham could be set to make a move for former Chelsea midfielder Sam Dalla Bona. The player who left Stamford Bridge five years ago to join Italian giants AC Milan has since joined Napoli but new Spurs boss, Juande Ramos, is said to be very keen on bringing him back to London. The player is currently playing for Italian side Napoli.

He is said to be open to a move back to England and Spurs look like his most likely destination. The 26-year old made fifty five appearances for the Blues and was sold for £1 million to AC in July 2002. He had been out on loan at several Italian clubs throughout his spell at AC including Bologna, Lecce and Sampdoria.

I remember watching Dalla Bona at Chelsea and I always thought to myself that he had the potential to be a terrific player. He was always very frustrating, not really producing that bit of quality to make him stand out from any other player. I hope that he has improved whilst being in Italy these last few years because I think he would be a great asset to Spurs if he has.

Sheffield United are interested in making Aston Villa defender Gary Cahill's loan deal permanent according to the mirror. The player, who joined the Blades during the summer on a short term loan deal (that is expected to run out next month) has impressed United boss Bryan Robson, so much so that he willing to pay £1.5 million for the player.

It is likely that Villa will be willing to sell come the opening of the January transfer window. Cahill moved to United in search of first team football and he has been getting that thus far at the Blades and is likely to be in favour of a permanent deal to the club. The 21-year old is ironically a fan of arch rivals Sheffield Wednesday.

I think this is a good move for both United and Cahill because he clearly has a big future ahead of him and I think it's vital for him to be getting first team football. At Villa he was only going to be used as a substitute at most and I think the move to the Championship will only make him better to come back to the Premier League in the future.

Name : Blumer Elano

Age : 26

Club : Manchester City

Position : Attacking midfielder

Cost : £8 million

Elano joined Manchester City in the summer from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk for a fee of £8 million. Sven Goran Eriksson signed him as part of his redevelopment plans at Manchester City after the club were taking over by foreign investors. Elano is a Brazilian international and scored twice when Brazil played Argentina in Wembley last year.

Elano has made an immediate impact at the City of Manchester stadium, quickly becoming a fan favourite. His link up play with the City midfield and attack has been splendid and is definitely a candidate for player of the season so far. He is City's top scorer this season with five goals in all competitions and has contributed in no small part to the club's terrific start to this Premier League season.

Football Corner Verdict : 9 out of 10.

We at Football Corner are starting up a new feature called Verdict. You may be asking what is verdict? Well every Tuesday we will assess one summer signing from the Premier League and talk about how they have done and give them a rating. We would encourage you all to get involved and tell us what you think of the player(s).

If you would like any players in particular to be featured please just leave us a comment. We will try and balance out how many players we do from each team and try and get in as many players as possible!

Former Liverpool striker, Djibril Cisse, has today been linked with a January move to either West Ham or Manchester City. The Mirror reports that the Marseille striker is a £5 million target for both the Hammers and City. The player who was signed by Liverpool in 2004 for a £14 million fee, has been linked with a return to the Premier League for some time.

Whilst at Liverpool, Cisse never really lived up to expectations and suffered a really bad injuries whilst playing for the club (broke his leg... twice). The player is said to be keen on a return to England to try and prove people wrong about him and West Ham or Man City are the most likely destinations for the Frenchman.

Man City boss, Sven Goran Eriksson, has been linked with dozens of strikers in recent months due to the lack of form from Rolando Bianchi and Emile Mpenza. West Ham have also been linked with a few strikers and Cisse is said to be very high on Hammers boss Alan Curbishley's wish list. I really hope Cisse joins either of the two sides because I really think he has more to offer than he did whilst at Anfield.

Championship side Preston North End have today sacked manager Paul Simpson after a poor run of results. Preston currently lie in 21st place in the Championship table and it had been widely rumoured in recent days that the Preston board would give him the sack and so that has proved.

It was noticed by several papers and probably by some onlookers that Blackburn midfielder David Bentley's name was spelt wrongly in the clash between Man United and Blackburn at Old Trafford, as the back of his shirt read Betnley.

North London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal are reported to be interested in Sevilla midfielder Diego Capel according to the people. Capel, who of course used to play under Spurs boss Juande Ramos at Sevilla, impressed during the under-20 World Cup for Spain and is said to be worth as much as £8 million.

He has been likened by some as the new Jose Antonio Reyes who of course used to play for the Spanish giants. Spurs boss Juande Ramos has been linked with a whole host of his former players at Sevilla but Capel is said to be very high on his wish list for the January transfer window. Wenger is said to be a long term admirer of the player and is very keen to make a bid for him come January.

It will be very interesting to see who wins the race to sign his signature in January (presuming he leaves of course). He is only 19-years old and has a big future ahead of him and I would love to see him progress in the Premier League. Capel said: It’s great praise to have big clubs in Europe interested in me.”

CCTV footage of West Ham centre half, Anton Ferdinand, allegedly hitting a man outside a nightclub, has today been shown to a jury, in a case which the 22 year old denies charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray.

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has today escaped any punishment from the FA after his challenge on Dickson Etuhu during Sunday's Tyne-Wear Derby. Barton who joined Newcastle in the summer, appeared to stamp on Etuhu's groin just before the half-time whistle at the Stadium Of Light on Saturday.

After the incident, Etuhu reacted by squaring up to the former Manchester City player, but amazingly enough Barton escaped any punishment at the time by referee Martin Atkinson. The FA announced on Sunday that they would investigate the challenge, but nothing has come of it. If Barton had of been found guilty he would of faced a possible three match ban.

An FA spokesman said: "The Football Association can only take action in the case of incidents that are not seen by officials. "Whilst it is clear that the officials did not see the full extent of the incident, they did see players coming together and to take any further action would be tantamount to re-refereeing the game and this would be contrary to the laws of the game."

Now as England approach next weekends crucial qualifier against Croatia in Wembley, do you think the manager has to go if the side fail to qualify? I ask the question because in recent weeks many high profiled football pundits, former/current players etc; have said that even if England don't qualify that McClaren should still stay on in the job.

Now, I'm from Ireland and I personally think that with the squad of players McClaren has at his disposal he should of got England qualified by now for next summers Euro 2008. England go into Saturday's game against Croatia needing a win and even if they do that they still need other results to go their way.

So, should McClaren get the sack if England fail to qualify or should the FA stick by their man and let him take charge of the qualifying campaign for the World Cup in 2010? And if England are to get rid of McClaren, who should take over from him?

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehman has admitted that he is looking for a move come the January window in order to regain first team football. The German international has been kept out of the Gunners side in recent weeks due to the manager's (Arsene Wenger) preference to pick Manuel Almunia ahead of him.

Lehman made two dodgy mistakes at the beginning of the season against Blackburn and Fulham respectively and since then has failed to regain his first team place.

The Germnay number one wants to leave the Emirates to maintain his starting place for Euro 2008. "I definitely want to play at Euro 2008. Playing there has always been my aim.""The Bundesliga is always attractive and is an option, and maybe the German second division is too."

It has been quite clear that Lehman was going to leave Arsenal since the Bolton game last month. After a good international break for the 38-year old, Lehman was quoted as saying that he expected to be back in the Arsenal team for the home game against Bolton, but unfortunately for him he hasn't been picked since.

Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho is set for a spell on the sidelines after is was confirmed today that the defender is to have a scan on a back injury. The injury was sustained during Chelsea's 1-1 draw at home to Everton yesterday, with the Portuguese defender coming off during the first half of the game.

This news couldn't of come at a worse time for Chelsea boss Avram Grant who already has keeper Petr Cech and defenders John Terry and Paulo Ferreira on the injury list. After Sunday's match, which leaves Chelsea five points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United, Grant conceded: "We have too many injuries.

Although it is not clear yet as to how long the 29-year old will be out for, this is obviously bad news for Chelsea. This kind of injury can keep a player out for at least a month and Chelsea fans will obviously be hoping that doesn't turn out to be the case. Carvalho is a central part of the Chelsea team and it will be a real blow if he were to be out for some time.

This news could see out of favour defender Tal Ben Haim get a run in the team. The player has been linked with a move away from the club in January after only joining them in the summer but he may now get a chance to prove the doubters wrong.

So who do you think will get the sack next? Either Derby County boss Billy Davies or Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate.

Both sides are woefully out of form and it is almost certain that it will be either of two to be the next Premier League manager to get the sack. There have already been 4 managers that have left their posts this season and I strongly feel that that number will be added to by the new year.

So, who do you think will be first to get his marching orders?

According to the sunday mirror, Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has vowed to play out his career at the Gunners despite the interest from Spanish giants Barcelona. The player, who has had a magnificent start to this season's Premier League, has been repeatedly linked with the side which he left four years ago as a trainee.

Although Fabregas signed a new eight year contract at the Emirates last season the speculation has failed to go away but now it looks as though it may. Fabregas has arguably been the player of the season in the Premier League so far and this is obviously great news for the Gunners.

I have no doubt that in years to come Fabregas will be captain of Arsenal because his leadership qualities are terrific. He has a great presence about him on the field and he has been one of the main factors of Arsenal's splendid start this season. I really hope Fabregas stays in the Premier League for the rest of his career because it is an absolute privilege to watch him every week and with age he is bound to get even better.

Sheffield United striker James Beattie has today been linked with a move to Premier League side Middlesbrough according to the people.

The player who joined the club during the summer has impressed immensely since leaving Everton and it now seems as though Boro boss Gareth Southgate may offer him a route back into the Premier League.

The 29-year old left Everton during the summer for a fee of £4 million after spending three seasons at the club scoring just 15 goals in all competitions. Before that he played at Southampton and was their star player. He spent seven seasons their and scored 76 goals during his time at St. Mary's.

Beattie has impressed me since joining Sheffield United but I think he's found his league in the Championship. During his time at Everton he struggled and I personally feel he is a Championship standard player. Boro have struggled to replace Yakubu and Viduka at the Riverside but I personally don't believe Beattie would have the ability to fill the gap.

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano is reportedly attracting the interests of both Manchester City and Barcelona according to the people. The player who is on loan at Anfield has today been linked with a £16 million move to high flying City. Barca have been interested in the player for some time and they are likely to launch a similar bid.

Liverpool have a whole host of centre midfield players in Gerrard, Alonso, Sissoko, Leiva and Mascherano and the player may leave soon if the club don't make a decision as to the his future.

The Argentine has impressed since joining Liverpool from West Ham but it is surprising that Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is taking so long to decide wheter to buy him or not.

Mascherano is a quality player and it is no surprise clubs like Barcelona and Man City are expressing an interest in him. City boss Sven Goran Eriksson has apparently made a new midfielder and a new striker his top priority's in January and Mascherano would be a brilliant signing. It will be very interesting to see how this rumour develops.

Chelsea have today been linked with Feyernood attacking midfielder Jonathan De Guzman according to the sun. Chelsea boss Avram Grant is apparently lining up an £8 million bid for the 20-year old in a bid to make him his first signing at the London club.

The player has been personally recommended to Roman Abramovich by the veteran Dutch coach Piet De Visser. De Visser was also the man to bring John Obi Mikel, Saloman Kalou and Alex to Chelsea's attention.

The player has stated on numerous occasions that he wouldn't turn down a move to the Premier League and Chelsea looks like his most likely destination. The player who has yet to decide wheter to represent Holland or Canada at international level is widely regarded as Dutch football's most promising prospect.

Although the player recently extended his contract at Feyernood until 2010, Chelsea are confident they can persuade the player to join in January. £8 million sounds like a lot of money for a 20 year old but I'm sure Chelsea boss Avram Grant knows what he's doing. It will be very interesting to see how De Guzman progresses in the next few years or so and I for one hope it's in the Premier League because he's obviously a promising talent.

Liverpool keeper Scott Carson has today claimed that Liverpool and Aston Villa have agreed to have his loan move to the midlands club permanent. The keeper joined Villa during the summer on a season long loan deal but Villa were keen to make the deal a permanent one and it appears as though that now is the case.

Carson said: "I think the clubs have agreed something where, if everyone is happy, my move could be made permanent and it is something I would welcome. "I would prefer to establish myself as a number one at Villa." "What I want now is to be settled for the next five to 10 years. I've been out on loan a lot over the last couple of seasons.

I think this is great news for both Carson and Villa because Carson is in my view England's best keeper. He is young and will undoubtedly be England's number one in years to come and I think this move will help immensely for his international ambitions. It is believed that the deal will cost Villa as much as £10 million which will make Carson the most expensive British keeper ever.

Chelsea defender Tal Ben Haim could be set for a return to Bolton in the January transfer window due to the lack of first team football at Stamford Bridge. The player who left the club during the summer to sign for the Blues has struggled thus far to gain a place in the Chelsea starting eleven and is said to be growing deeply frustrated at the club.

It is rumoured that the player may join Bolton on a six month loan deal in January and that would take to the end of the season. When Ben Haim signed for Chelsea in the summer I knew it wouldn't work out. I mean Ben Haim is a good player and I don't think he's been given a fair enough chance at Chelsea.

I really hope Ben Haim decides to rejoin Bolton because whilst he was at the club he was a terrific player. He is too good a player to waste and it is a real shame to see him siting on the bench every week or just playing in the Carling Cup. I'm sure Gary Megson would be chuffed to get the player back at the club and I'm sure most Bolton fans will welcoming him back to the Reebok.

Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi has today been linked with a move to Championship side Norwich City. The player who has fallen out of favour at St. James' Park is said to be frustrated at the lack of first team football coming his way and Norwich boss Glenn Roeder is keen to sign the player.

Ameobi, who of course used to work under Roeder at Newcastle, has only started one Premier League game all season and is almost sure to leave the club in January.

Roeder refused to name his man but said: “He’s a real Premiership player but his manager doesn’t fancy him.” Ameobi is fourth in pecking order for a starting place at the Magpies behind Martins, Owen and Viduka.

Ameobi is not a Premier League player, simple as that. He hasn't got the quality to play in the league and is not a surprise to see him on the bench every week. I think he would be more at home in the Championship and I feel he should join Norwich and try and start scoring goals again, a bit like James Beattie is doing at Sheffield United.

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney and Blackburn's Mark Hughes have today both been awarded with the Premier League's player and manager of the month awards respectively.

Rooney was rewarded for scoring four goals in three games in what turned out to be a terrific October for both Rooney and United.

The bad news for Rooney though is that he won't be in the running for Novembers award after picking up an ankle injury that will keep him out for up to a month. Blackburn boss Mark Hughes had a great month leading his side to three consecutive victories over Tottenham, Birmingham and Reading.

Obviously both awards were well deserved and Blackburn can only hope that this doesn't change their side's form. Blackburn have only lost once this season and ly sixth in the table and a lot of credit has to go to Hughes.

Obviously the news of Rooney's injury is terrible news for United because he has already missed a chunk of the season due to a different injury and it's a real shame he won't be able to carry this months form into November.

Manchester United have agreed an undisclosed fee for 14-year old Burnley striker John Cofie. The player who has been linked with Chelsea and Liverpool in recent days refused to turn up for training with Burnley because of the clubs desicion to reject a £250,000 bid from Liverpool last week but the club have now granted him his wish to join one of the top 4 Premier League sides.

Burnley have inserted a 25% sell-on clause in the deal, which also gives them first refusal on any loan deal and an option of a future friendly match with United. It will be three years before Cofie can sign professional terms at Old Trafford and the friendly game will take place within 12 months of that.

"The player was unwilling to come back to Burnley so we didn't have a choice in keeping him here," Burnley operational director Brendan Flood told his club's website. "He was going to go to one of the clubs chasing his signature and in the end, we all felt that Manchester United was the right option."He has a good future ahead of him and hopefully we can try and keep youngsters of John's quality at the club in future."

The German born Ghanaian has been the centre of a lot of talk during the week and it is amazing to think that Liverpool had a quater of a million pound bid rejected for a 14-year old. He obviously must have a lot of talent and it will be interesting to see how he develops at the Red Devils.

Manchester City have today entered the race to sign Stevan Jovetic from Partizan Belgrade. The player, who is also being pursued by local rivals Manchester United will cost either side £7 million to prize him from Belgrade. The 18 year old Montenegro striker made his international debut last season in a friendly against Hungary.

The player is widely regarded as the being a bit special and United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is rumoured to of already tabled a bid of around £7 million for the player. The player is also rumoured to be wanted by Spanish giants Real Madrid and Italian outfit Sampdoria. Jovetic has made 54 appearances for Partizan and scored 18 goals in those games.

I have only seen videos of the player and have to say he looks a terrific young talent. He is appears to be a very skillful player with a great finish. I would love to see the player join the Premier League and hopefully progress in England and in the next couple of years we see a terrific player emerging.

In recent weeks I have noticed that Peter Crouch is starting to get more game time at Liverpool and in my view he has impressed. I'll be perfectly honest and say I'm not a fan of Crouch and I think the £12 million price tag put on him by Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is obscured.

The 26 year old has been linked with a move away from Anfield for months now but Benitez insists he has a future at the club and I think Reds fans and Benitez are starting to see more from the lanky guy.

Last season Crouch was Liverpool's top scorer with 18 goals in all competitions, four more than Dutch striker Dirk Kuyt. Crouch has made eleven appearances this season but the majority of those have come as a substitute or in Champions League/Carling Cup. He has scored two goals this season, both in Tuesdays 8-0 win over Besiktas but I feel in the last few games he's starting to show the critics what he's made of.

Many people thought Crouch's Liverpool days were over when they went out and bought Fernando Torres (£26 million from Atletico Madrid) and Andriy Voronin ( free from Bayern Leverkusen). Torres is in my view, Liverpool's best striker and it is between Voronin, Crouch and Kuyt for Liverpool's second man up front.

Kuyt has disappointed me this season. He has scored two Premier League goals, both in the mersey side derby and both of which were penalties and he has three goals in the Champions League. He, in my mind was rubbish against Blackburn last week, wasting every chance that fell to him, although most of the Liverpool players played crap that night.

I feel Crouch needs to be given more first team starts at Liverpool because Kuyt has been rubbish (apart from the Everton game). People say that Kuyt doesn't score goals, but he battles.. but sorry, that's not good enough for a top side like Liverpool who need their strikers scoring week in, week out to give them a realistic chance of challenging for the league.

I think Crouch and Torres should be given a chance as a strike partnership because with Fernando's pace and Crouch's aerial ability, I for one think they would be a good pairing. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think the pair have played at all together this season. So what I propose is for Benitez rotates (which he likes to do a lot of) and give Torres and Crouch a go up front for one of Liverpool's up coming Premier League games.

Arsenal are set to make an approach for Lyon pair, Karim Benzema and Hatem Ben Arfa in the upcoming January transfer window according to The Sun newspaper, however it has been rumoured that they will inquire about playmaker Juninho as well as the strike force. It is thought though that they will be accompanied by Real Madrid, Liverpool and Inter Milan in the chase for the trio.

This week sees two derbies in the Premier League with Sunderland entertaining Newcastle at Saturday noon. Both sides are in real need of a win and there is no doubt this will be a game to watch. Sunderland go into the game on the back of an away loss at Manchester City and Newcastle had a shocking week last week when losing 4-1 to Portsmouth at St. James' Park.

Aston Villa travel to local rivals Birmingham in the early kick-off on Sunday. Villa saw off Derby last week and will be hoping to carry that form into Sunday's game whilst Birmingham were very unlucky last week, losing 3-1 away to Everton. Mark Hughes brings his Blackburn side to Old Trafford to face Man United on Sunday, with his side flying high in the league. Blackburn are always tough opposition and this is sure to be a tricky game for United.

Paul Jewell has today agreed to hold talks with former club Wigan about the vacant manager's position after the sacking of Chris Hutchins last week. Jewell left the club at the end of last season after keeping the side in the Premier League but his predescor failed in his twelve Premier League games and Wigan chairman, Dave Whelan is very keen to lure Jewell back to the JJB.

According to the English media, Jewell is "very interested" in regaining the reigns at the troubled northern club, with whom he spent six seasons at. Whelan and Jewell are set for talks next week upon returning from their respective foreign trips.

The chairman said earlier, "We will see what materialises but he was a brilliant manager for us and he is my first choice for the job if he wants to come back. "There's obviously still a lot of talking to be done. I will also be taking a look at a list of applicants but Paul is naturally the top choice."

I think every Wigan fan would love to see Jewell return to the club because when he left, I know they weren't happy and wanted him back in the Latics hot seat. Jewell has been linked with several jobs since leaving the club but he never signed for anyone and I really hope he goes back to Wigan.

By the way many of you may of noticed that I actually wrote a post about four days ago when Hutchins was sacked and I predicted that Jewell would be back at Wigan within weeks and what do you know I was right (I think).

Manchester City have today been linked with Russian striker Roman Pavlyuchenko, the man who has severely dented England's hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008. The player who scored both Russia's goals against England last month when Russia beat England 2-1, has today been linked with a £10 million move to Eastlands.

City boss Sven Goran Eriksson has been linked with endless amounts of strikers in recent months, due to the poor form of £8.8 million man Rolando Bianchi and the inconsistency of Emile Mpenza. It is believed that Bianchi may be sold in January and Pavlyuchenko be brought in to replace him at the club.

When I saw the player play against England, I have to say I was immensely impressed, not only by his two goals but by his all round play. Spartak Moscow chief Leonid Fedun revealed City are set to have Pavlyuchenko, 25, watched in their final game of the season this week as they face Zenit St Petersburg. Fedun said: “I know City plan to send a scout.”

Manchester City striker Rolando Bianchi is a target of Italian giants Juventus. The player who has struggled to settle in England since his move is reported to be interested in a return to his homeland and Juventus are just one of a number of clubs vying to secure the 24 year olds signature.

Juve boss Claudio Ranieri is said to be very keen on adding to his current striking options in Alessandro Del Piero, David Trezguet and Vincenzo Iaquinta. City would probably not recieve the amount they paid for the striker back in the summer which was £8.8 million because of the strikers lack of goals and form.

I have to say I'm disappointed that City boss Sven Goran Eriksson hasn't played Bianchi more. Although he has been injured for some of the season, I don't think he has been given a fair chance and I'm not surprised he wants to leave Eastlands. I think he will go for around £7 million if he is to leave the Citizens and I think Juve would be the ones to sign him.

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has today signed an extension to his current United deal that will keep him at the club until 2012. The centre-back has impressed immensely since joining United back in 2006 from Spartak Moscow for £7 million, which now looks like an absolute bargain.

He has struck up a terrific partnership with Rio Ferdinand in the United defence. "Nemanja has made a terrific impact at the club," Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson told the club's website."He has forged a partnership with Rio Ferdinand that was a major part in us winning the title last year.

"Playing in this team is a great privilege," stated Vidic. "This is such a great club, I am delighted to be able to extend my stay here."The fans and everyone at the club have been very special to me. I hope I can do my bit to bring the club even more trophies in the years ahead."

This is terrific news for United because Vidic in my mind is quickly proving himself as one of the Premier League best defenders. Vidic had what has to be said an unconvincing start to his United career but he quickly forged his way into the first team and he hasn't looked back since. I think with Vidic and Ferdinand at the heart of the United defence they can go a long way in the Champions League this year and maybe even win it.

Bolton have tonight shocked German giants Bayern Munich by grabbing a 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena. Bolton took an early lead through Ricardo Gardener when he finished well from 18 yards out after a pass from Mikel Alonso. Bayern equalised on the half hour mark when Lukas Podolski curled a beautiful left footed shot into the Al Habsi's goal.

Bayern took the lead two minutes after the restart when Podolski grabbed his second of the night after linking up well with Frank Ribery. Bolton kept going and were rewarded with a late goal when Kevin Davies struck a superb volley past Oliver Kahn in the Bayern goal to send the travelling Bolton fans happy.

Tottenham grabbed a much needed win away against Hapoel Tel-Aviv in Group G. To be fair the match was pretty poor until Tottenham's captain Robbie Keane popped up with a good goal after setting up the move by sending Malbranque down the left flank. Spurs had the points in the bag five minutes later when Malbranque was the provider again with Berbatov getting on the end of it this time to give Tottenham their first points of the group.

Obviously good results for both sides especially for Tottenham after losing their first UEFA Cup group game against Getafe a forth night 2-1. It was nice to see Berbatov get on the score sheet again because he has been out of form of late. A terrific result for Bolton against the might of Bayern Munich and I'm sure Gary Megson will be chuffed with his Bolton sides performance.

Newcastle, Tottenham, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Portsmouth all sent scouts to watch Portuguese sensation Joao Moutinho in his sides 2-2 draw against Roma last night. Moutinho has attracted interested from all of these sides after a string of impressive performances for both Sporting Lisbon and the Portuguese national team.

He is the youngest ever captain of Sporting Lisbon at just 21 years and he has even been dubbed the new Rui Costa, high praise for such a young player. He is an attacking midfielder with bags of pace. Although he has only scored 11 goals in 110 goals in his career he makes up for the lack of goals with bags of assists.

Moutinho said after the game:"I do not know which clubs were here, I do not know of the interest of anyone, but I have to continue to do my work. "If clubs are interested, then that's good, but it only gives me more motivation to work and achieve better results."

Italian giants Juventus are reportedly getting close to agreeing a pre contract agreement with Olof Mellberg of Aston Villa. The player's contract runs out next June and this has alerted Juventus and they are said to be very close to agreeing terms with the Swede. When Mellberg's agent, Anders Wallensten, was asked about the interest from Juventus he declined to comment.

Apparently when Mellberg was asked about this speculation he failed to rule out a move to Juventus and that is why I think he will indeed leave the midlands for Turin in the summer. The 30 year old has been a great servant to the midlands club for over six years now and I'm sure Villa fans wouldn't hold a grudge against the player if he were to leave.

It would be a shame for Villa to not receive any money for this deal because he is worth a few bob. I really hope Mellberg signs a new deal at Villa Park but when a big side like Juventus come along it is very rare to see any player turn them down. Juve would offer Mellberg Champions League football and I think he is cut out for that level of football.

Celtic defender Bobo Balde has today been linked with a January switch to Premier League side Derby County. Balde has fallen out of favour at Celtic Park and is reportedly unhappy and interested in a move away from the club during the transfer window. The 32 year old was rumoured to be close to signing for Sunderland during the summer but that deal never materialised.

Balde has been at Celtic since moving from French side Toulouse in 2001. Balde said during the summer that he would be happy to fulfill his contract at the Scottish side but since then he has been told he is fifth in line in centre back at the club and he has been rumoured to of said that is he is very unhappy and in search of a move.

Balde impressed me whilst playing at Celtic but unfortunately for some reason or another he has falling way down in the pecking order at the club. I really hope Balde leaves Celtic and joins Derby or anyone else for that fact and starts playing first team football again because he is too good a talent to waste. It is rumoured that Derby will have to pay at least £1 million and I think that is good value for money.

Man Utd are set to make an approach for Tottenham Hotspur striker, Dimitar Berbatov in the upcoming January transfer window according to an article in The Sun newspaper today.

It has today been rumoured that Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce is set to make January moves for out of favour Villareal star Juan Roman Riquelme and Russian captain Andrei Arshavin. Riquelme has fallen out with Villareal boss and has hardly played any first team football this season and is almost certain to leave the Spanish side come January.

Riqueleme has been linked with many Premier League sides in recent months including Man City and Tottenham but Newcastle are set to challenge for the players signature. Arshavin's domestic season ends at the weekend and has said that he may leave his club, Zenit St. Petersburg if they win the title.

Both are very attacking players with Riqueleme an attacking midfielder and Arshavin is a striker. The talk is that Newcastle will have to cough up £8 million for both players and that sounds like reasonable value to me. Newcastle have in my view struggled up front this season and with the unpredictability of Michael Owen (injuries) and the lack of pace from Mark Viduka I'm not surprised Allardyce is showing interest in attacking players.

It has been reported today that Chelsea have met with the agent of Brazilian striker Lulinha according to the Independent.The striker has been dubbed the "New Ronaldinho" and is said to be the subject of an £8 million bid from the Londoners. The players agent, Wagner Ribierio, flew into London to talk with Chelsea representatives last night about the 17 year old signing for the Blues.

The player has been told he can leave his club, Corinthians, if the asking price is met and Chelsea are apparently willing to meet that. Chelsea scouts watched the player last week in Corinthians 2-2 draw with Flamengo. He has also been linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid but he has been quoted as saying he would love to join Chelsea.

I have seen several videos of the player and I have to say he looks very good. He plays as an attacking midfielder or as a striker. He has great finishing and hopefully over the next few years he will develop into a great player and scores many many goals in the Premier League. £8 million is a very high price to pay for a 17 year old but I'm sure Chelsea know what they are doing.

Manchester United defender, Gerard Pique has today been linked with a move to Spanish side Atletico Madrid according to the mirror. The player who scored in United's 4-0 win over Dynamo Kiev on Wednesday has impressed Atletico and they are said to be very keen on securing a loan deal for the Spanish under-20 captain.

Pique's current United deal runs out in 2009 and his representatives believe United may sell the player. The 20 year old was signed by United in July of 2004 from Barcelona and has since then been on loan at Spanish side Real Zaragoza. Pique made his Premier League debut in October 2005 when he came on for John O'Shea in United's 3-1 victory over Sunderland.

I think it would be a shame to see Pique leave the Premier League because he is only starting to get played at Old Trafford and in my opinion he has real potential. He can play at right or centre back and I think he may be a long term replacement for Gary Neville at the Red Devils. I'm not sure how much it would cost Atletico to sign him on a permanent deal but I wouldn't sell for anything under £6 million.

Tottenham and Blackburn have today both been linked with the signing of Fiorentina defender Tomas Ujfalusi. The players contract is set to expire at the end of this season and this has alerted the two Premier League sides. Several other top European clubs have been linked with the player including AC Milan and Juventus and Bayern Munich.

Ujfalusi is a quality player and I personally would love to see him play in the Premier League. He is 29 years old and one would think that he is running out of time to join the Premier League or indeed any other league. The players agent, Dalibor Lacina has confirmed that the player will not leave the club in January but a summer move could be on the cards.

"At this moment we are registering approximately eight specific offers from top clubs. The reality is though that Tomas Ujfalusi will fulfil his contract at Fiorentina," Lacina said. "The offers of course are there but we will start discussions when Ujfalusi's contract expires. And it is not a certain if Tomas will leave Fiorentina at all." It will be interesting to see how this story develops over the next few months or so.

Arsenal and Manchester United are likely to become involved in a bidding war come the opening of the January transfer window for Angel Di Maria who currently plays for Portuguese giants Benfica. The 19 year old has impressed both Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson and both are likely to make attempts to sign the Argentinian.

He is known by many football fans as "The Little Angel". Benfica signed the player for 6 million euros after the player impressed whilst playing for the Argentinian under 20's in the 2007 FIFA u-20 World Cup and they will be hoping to hang on to the player but when United and Arsenal come knocking they rarely fail to land their targets.

He is an attacking winger or a striker and has been tipped by some as the new Lionel Messi of Barcelona. I have to admit I have only seen videos of him on the Internet but from them he has looked amazing and it will be interesting to see how his game progresses over the next few years whoever he ends up at.

It has been reported in several English newspapers today that London clubs; Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal are going to make an approach for young Burkina Faso midfielder, Charles Kabore in the coming January transfer window.

Tonight, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates 21 years in charge of the club. Ferguson has undoubtedly been one of the greatest managers of all-time. He has won more trophies than anyone in English football and was the first manager ever to lead an English team to a treble, which came in 1999 when United won the Champions League, the Premier League and the FA Cup.

Ferguson's reign at United nearly ended in 2002 when he announced his retirement plans, but fortunately for the United faithful he agreed to stay at Old Trafford. Ferguson has never been one to sit back and say nothing when somethings bothering him and he's never one to back down in an argument. The likes of Wenger and Mourinho would have that experience first hand.

Happy anniversary Sir Alex and let's hope that you continue to do the business at United.

It has today been reported in various papers that AC Milan are set to win the race to sign Inter striker Adriano. The news comes after West Ham United were said to be very keen on making a offer for the Brazilian come the opening of the January transfer window and this news obviously dents Hammers boss Alan Curbishley's chances of signing the powerhouse of a striker.

West Ham were said to of been very close to agreeing a deal for the 25 year old during the summer but unfortunately for the club things didn't materialise. The striker is apparently unsettled at Inter and in search of a move and that has alerted West Ham but now AC are said to be very interested in him, I can only see one outcome.

Obviously a player like Adriano wants to play at the highest level and at AC he will still be able to play Champions League football whereas at the Hammers he can't even play in the UEFA Cup. It is rumoured that whoever wants to sign him will have to cough up £17 million and that in my mind is a little bit much for a player that has promised so much and yet has failed to live up to the media and indeed the publics hype about him.

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher may be set for a January transfer window move to Rangers after once again being left out of the United team at the weekend. The player who has had a limited amount of chances at the Champions this season is growing increasingly impatient at the club and in search of a move.

Although the 23 year old has played nearly 100 games for the club he has always, in my book never been given a long enough run of games in the starting eleven and I think he should maybe leave Old Trafford and go and play first team football every week. United signed Owen Hargreaves in the summer which has added more competition in the United ranks and I don't think Darren will manage to win his place back now.

Fletcher is still only young and has his best playing days ahead of him but I think it will be somewhere else. I think the a move to Scottish giants Rangers would suit him because he would still be involved in Champions League football and obviously he's Scottish and he may want to move nearer his family.

Liverpool have tonight recorded their biggest ever Champions League, and indeed the Champions League biggest ever victory by beating Besiktas 8-0 at Anfield. It's hard to believe that this same Liverpool side lost to Besiktas 2-1 only two weeks ago. At times it was like an exhibition match with Liverpool simply destroying the Turkish side in all areas of the field.

Liverpool took the lead after a quarter of an hour when Peter Crouch finished well after having a shot well saved by the Besiktas keeper Arikan. Yossi Benayoun got on the score sheet soon after when he finshed well from the right hand side of the penalty area. Benayoun grabbed a second after the break when got on the end of a John Arne Riise shot which had been saved well by Arikan.

Benayoun got his hat-trick only two minutes later when he once again finished after a Steven Gerrard shot was saved by Arikan and parried into his path. It was 5-0 soon after when captain Gerrard's shot was deflected home into the Besiktas net and he was substituted soon after. Substitute Ryan Babel got in on the act when he finished from close range.

It was 7-0 two minutes later when Babel scored again to send the Kop into raptures. Liverpool finished off the job with two minutes to go when Peter Crouch grabbed his second of the night when he headed home to send the Liverpool faithful home very happy. Obviously this was a great performance by Liverpool but to be fair they were facing a poor Besiktas side.

Shefield United defender Chris Morgan has today been linked with a move to Premier League strugglers Bolton. New Bolton boss Gary Megson has reportedly expressed an interest in bringing the 29 year old to the Reebok. Morgan has said in the past that current Blades boss Bryan Robson doesn't have a clue when it comes to choosing the starting eleven for the Championship outfit.

This outburst has led many people to believe he may be on his way out of the club come the opening of the January transfer window and Bolton are looking like his most likely option. Morgan is a tough-tackling defender and would be perfect at Bolton in my view.

Morgan joined the Blades in 2003 from Barnsley and has impressed at United ever since. He is currently the club captain at Bramill Lane and was voted club player of the year in his first season. I'm not sure what the transfer fee may be, but I would guess around about the £1 million mark and I would think that would be good value for money.

Man United and Tottenham managers, Sir Alex Ferguson and Juande Ramos are urging the Premier League to change it's rules. The pair have brought up the issue of being allowed seven players on the bench for a league game instead of the current five. This issue has come up on several occasions in the past and is likely to come up again until the Premier League change the rule.

In Champions League and international games the managers can choose from seven subs and Ramos and Ferguson would like that to happen in England. "Every club has players of squads of more than 16 players," said Ferguson. "I didn't choose Darren Fletcher for the Arsenal game and that was a kick in a teeth for him and it didn't sit easy with me," added Ferguson.

The Premier League have replied to the comments by saying that they are willing to look at the issue but no change is likely in the immediate future. "If member clubs want to raise it then we'll look and discuss it as a league," a Premier League spokesman told BBC Sport. "We've resisted the idea before because we feel it favours the bigger clubs who have bigger squads. "If it was raised it would go to (our) summer conference, and if the clubs agreed it could be in place for the start of the 2008/2009 season."

I think this rule should of been changed a while ago because at the moment in big leagues like La Liga they have seven substitutes on their bench and that is right. Some managers in England are forced to sometimes choose five outfield players on the bench and have no goalie, something that happened last season at Bramill Lane and it should never really happen.

Then Sheffield United player Phill Jagielka had to go in goals for the last half hour or so of a Premier League game against Arsenal because of an injury to keeper Paddy Kenny. Luckily for the Blades, they won the game 1-0 but they may not of been so lucky with the outfield player going in goals so I also urge the Premier League to change it's rules and let teams have seven substitutes.

It has today been rumoured that Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones is a target for Liverpool according to the mirror. The striker who has impressed this season since signing from Southampton in the summer is reportedly very high on Liverpool boss Rafa Bentiez's wish list and a January move could be on the cards.

The paper is reporting that the fee could be as high as £12 million but I'm not sure he's worth that much. He has been terrific thus far this season for Sunderland, and if a deal of £12 million was to go through that would calculate to a 100% profit for the club. This move will almost certainly spell the end of Peter Crouch's career at the Reds and he may yet be part of the deal.

Sunderland boss Roy Keane admitted : "There are not a lot of target men out there, so the fact Kenwyne's quick and has a good touch makes it obvious people will identify him." I think Jones will be key for Sunderland to stay up this season and if they were to loose him that may send the club straight back down to the Championship.

Real Madrid are set to make a move for Chelsea pair, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba in the upcoming January transfer window according to The People newspaper.

This weeks Premier League player of the week goes to Fulham's Simon Davies. The player contributed in no small part to Fulham's 3-1 victory over Reading at the weekend getting himself on the score sheet in the process as well as assisting another of Fulham's goals. He ran away with the man of the match award and Fulham fans will be hoping he continues this good form for the rest of the season.

Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen is reportedly attracting interest from Man United, Arsenal and Newcastle according to the papers. The player whose Bolton contract runs out at the end of the season has long been a target of several Premier League sides and with Bolton's current bad run in the league the Finn.

Arsenal have been linked with several keepers in recent weeks due to the form of Jens Lehman and the unreliability of Manuel Almunia and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is said to be very keen on bringing the player to the Emirates. Current Man United number one Edwin Van Der Sar is pushing on a Jaaskelainen is reportedly been lined up as a replacement for the Dutchman.

Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce, who of course used to manage Jussi at Bolton, is said to be on the look out for available keepers with the current form of Harper and Given. I really would like to see Jussi leave Bolton because with all due respect to Bolton, I think he has the ability to play for a better team. I would love to see how he would cope at one of these big clubs and maybe see him play in the Champions League.

Man Utd and Chelsea are both set to make an approach for new Barcelona youngster Giovani Dos Santos come the Summer transfer window according to The Sun and Daily Mirror newspapers.

It has been rumoured today that Chelsea centre-half, Tal Ben Haim may be on his way out of the London club in the upcoming January transfer window despite only signing for the club last Summer.

Today's Premier League bet of the day comes from tonight's only match between Manchester City and Sunderland. City will be looking to overcome last week's humiliating 6-0 defeat to Chelsea and Sunderland will be looking for a first win in five Premier League games against Sven Goran Eriksson's side. The bet is Elano to score at anytime @ 9/5 @ Paddy Power.

Everton boss David Moyes is lining up a January transfer window move for Arsenal full back Justin Hoyte. Hoyte has been forced to go out on loan to gain some first team action and is said to be frustrated at the Gunners and in search of a move. He was at Sunderland two years ago and really impressed.

Hoyte has also been linked with a move to midlands sides Birmingham and Aston Villa. Wenger has also rated Hoyte highly but his chances at the Gunners only usually come during Carling Cup ties but a player like him needs to be playing week in, week out in my view. Everton are likely to be without defender Joseph Yobo in the New Year due to the African Cup of Nations and Hoyte would fit in nicely.

I would personally love to see the young defender leave Arsenal and join the Toffees because when I have seen him play he has shown me a lot of talent and I think that he will only get better with first team football. Arsenal currently have a lot of defenders and Hoyte is probably surplus to requirements at the Emirates so Wenger may let him go, but probably only on a loan deal.

Wigan Athletic have today sacked manager Chris Hutchins after only five months in the job. Hutchins was appointed after the resignation of Paul Jewell at the end of last season but a poor start to the season has seen the end of him. Funnily enough the last time Hutchins took charge of a club after Jewell he was sacked after five months at Bradford.

Chairman Dave Whelan said: "It is crucial for our development that we maintain our Premier League status. "Following results and performances in recent matches we feel it is critical to act now. It is in the best interests of the club and its long-term future."

Saturday's 2-0 defeat at home to Chelsea turned out to be the last game for the 50 year old. Already people are starting to speculate about the successor to Hutchins with names like Gary Johnson at Bristol City being mentioned quite frequently. I feel Dave Whelan may elect to try and get Paul Jewell at the club and I'm sure a lot of Wigan fans would be well behind the idea to bring back the man who heroically kept them in the Premier League last season.

Tottenham striker Darren Bent has today admitted he wants out of the London club according to the people. The striker who only joined the side four months ago has only started four league games this season after his £16 million move from Charlton during the summer. He admitted that he regrets picking Tottenham over West Ham in the summer after both sides had matched Charlton's asking price.

Bent is now fourth in the Spurs pecking order and is said to be fed up and in search of an exit come the opening of the January transfer window. Spurs have also been linked with several strikers in recent weeks and that will push Bent further down the Spurs pecking order should new arrivals come in.

Bent is a quality player and it is a shame to see this happening at Spurs. Both Manchester City and Aston Villa are both said to be in the market for a new striker and Bent would certainly fit the bill. Bent has proved in recent seasons at Charlton that he has got a lot of talent and a lot of goals in him and it will be interesting to see how this story develops in the coming months.

Reading boss Steve Coppell has today been linked with a Portsmouth left sided player Matt Taylor. Taylor has been out of favour at Fratton Park this season and is apparently interested in a move away from the club. It is likely that Reading will have to cough up a club record £5 million bid for the player.

Taylor had a terrific season last season but for some reason or another he finds him self in the cold at Pompey. Pompey have had a terrific start to the season and the defence has been instrumental in their start, so it is likely that Taylor will have to leave the club to start getting first team football again.

I think Taylor would be a terrific signing for the Royals because he is only 25 years old and I feel he has a big future, but not at Portsmouth. Reading, I feel are in need of a left sided player and Taylor provides that option, playing in the defence or midfield. I really hope Taylor leaves Pompey in January because he's too good a player to be sitting on the bench every week.

West Ham are set to make an approach for Inter Milan striker Adriano in the upcoming January transfer window, according to the Sunday Mirror newspaper.

After Liverpool's woeful performance not only against Blackburn today but in recent weeks, in my opinion, questions have to be asked of Rafa Benitez, his rotation policy and his tactics... and I'm a Liverpool fan !!!

Last season Dimitar Berbatov was arguably one of the players of the season but why is he not producing that kind of form this season. The player who scored an impressive 23 goals in 49 games last season just hasn't looked himself this season and it's a shame to see this happening. At the beginning of this season he supposedly had a bust up with former Spurs boss Martin Jol but even though he's gone, things still haven't changed.

He was brought on as a second half substitute today against Middlesbrough and failed to show anything. It has been widely speculated that both Sir Alex Ferguson at United and Avram Grant at Chelsea are very interested in bringing the Bulgarian to their club. Both clubs have been linked with several strikers over the past few months but Berbatov is reported to be high on both sides wish list.

It has been reported that Berbatov is set for showdown talks about his future in the coming days with new Spurs boss Juande Ramos. Spurs have an influx of strikers already and they have been linked with a whole host of new front men in recent days so will Berbatov be allowed leave the Londoners. It is likely to cost whoever buys him, at least £20 million but on this years form he is certainly not worth that kind of money.

There were 16 teams involved in Premier League action today including all of the big four. The big clash of the day came at The Emirates where Arsenal's young guns took on an in form Man Utd side in the early kick off. (Match report below)

Arsenal have reportedly made an offer for Real Madrid's Pablo Sarabia. The 15 year old, has been touted by some as the next Fernando Torres and has apparently caught the eye of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger. Wenger has a nag for signing young talent and Sarabia is likely to be the next on a long line of players to be signed by Wenger.

Cesc Fabregas would be a prime example of Wenger's ability to pick out quality young talent. If Sarabia is half as good as Fabregas I'm sure the Gunners faithful will be chuffed because the way in which the young Spaniard has played this season is nothing short of amazing. Sarabia is too young to be offered a professional contract in Spain and Wenger is poised to make a move.

Sarabia is currently plays for the Real Madrid youth team and is very highly rated by Madrid officials. It would be very interesting to see, if Wenger were to sign him, how he would might adapt to the English game over the next four or five years. I'm sure several other top clubs may try and make an approach now that Wenger has shown an interest, because he is very rarely wrong about young talent.

Arsenal and Manchester United have today played out a terrific 2-2 draw at the Emirates. This one of the most eagerly anticipated games of the season and it didn't disappoint with both sides playing some lovely football. Arsenal began the game very brightly with Alexander Hleb running straight at the United defence from the whistle.

Neither side had any real clear cut chances in the opening exchanges, but Ryan Giggs maybe should of put his side into an early lead when he failed to react from a Cristiano Ronaldo cross and tamely glanced the ball wide. Arsenal probably should of taken the lead soon after when William Gallas glanced a header straight at Van Der Sar's legs in the United goal after a terrific free-kick from Fabregas.

United broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time after some good work from Wes Brown and he laid off Ronaldo who produced a lovely cross into the Arsenal box and Wayne Rooney struck the ball off Gallas and into the Arsenal goal. Wenger must off got stuck into his players at half-time because they were level no more than two minutes after the break when Sagna crossed the ball to an unmarked Cesc Fabregas and he cooly slotted home.

United should of taken the lead just after the hour mark when Ryan Giggs played a sumptuous ball to the head of Rooney but his effort was well off target. With the game drawing to a close it looked as though both sides had accepted a point but United stole a lead when Saha played an exquisite pass to Evra who played in Ronaldo who only had to direct the ball goal wards to send the travelling United fans into raptures.

But in the dying moments, captain Gallas struck to save Arsenal's unbeaten record this season. It came after Clichy put a ball in the box and it cause an almighty goal mouth scramble that fell to Gallas whose shot was saved by Van Der Sar, but unluckily for the Dutchman, he was about two yards in the goal. Overall it was a very entertaining game and probably a draw was a fair result.

By the way, you may of noticed that my bet of the day today was a score draw in the game @3/1 @ Paddy Power. That now maintains my 100% record in the Premier League since starting the "bet of the day" feature so make sure to see what bet I choose tomorrow, you never know I may make you rich!

Today's Carling Cup draw produced some terrific ties including Chelsea against Liverpool. Of course Chelsea beat Liverpool in the final of this competition not too long ago and the Reds will undoubtedly be up for revenge against Avram Grant's blue army. Arsenal whizz kid's face a tricky trip to Ewood Park next to play Mark Hughes' Blackburn.

Many people have been tipping Blackburn to go all the way this year but can they manage to see off Arsene Wenger's Arsenal. West Ham were drawn against Everton in what should be a terrific tie at Upton Park. Both sides saw off lower league teams in the last round and I'm sure this game will prove to be a great encounter. Sven Goran Eriksson's Man City play Tottenham for a place in the semi's. Tottenham of course saw off Blaackpool in the last round in what was new boss Juande Ramos' first game.

Here is the draw in full:

• West Ham v Everton
• Man City v Spurs
• Chelsea v Liverpool
• Blackburn v Arsenal

All ties in w/c 17 December except West Ham v Everton which is in w/c 10 December.

New Tottenham boss Juande Ramos has today been linked with the signing of Sevilla striker Alexander Kerzhakov according to the Mirror. The striker who used to play under Ramos at Sevilla may be the subject of a £8 million bid come the opening of the January transfer window. Ramos has been linked with fellow Sevilla striker Fredi Kanoute but he is believed to of turned his attentions to Kerzhakov.

It has also been reported that Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov is set for showdown talks with Ramos over his future. Berbatov was said to of been unhappy whilst playing under Martin Jol at Spurs but it seems as though he just wants out from the London club and both Chelsea and Man United are both reported to be interested in the Bulgarian.

Kerzhakov, 24, only joined Sevilla barely a year ago and has since then really impressed. When he first joined the Spanish outfit he was overlooked by Guus Hiddink, the Russia national team coach but since then he has managed to win a place in the Dutchman's side. I personally think Kerzhakov would be a terrific addition to the Spurs team and £8 million doesn't sound too dear either.

Today's bet of the day comes from the Arsenal -V- Man United game at the Emirates. This is obviously the game of the week and I'm sure most of you will be watching so this bet will make an even more enjoyable game. Arsenal and United both go into the game in fine form and it is very hard to split them so the bet is a score draw @ 3/1 @ Paddy Power.

By the way if have seen my previous two bet of the days you may of noticed neither of them won but that was because they were in the Carling Cup because at the moment I have a 100% record in the Premier League and I am pretty sure that will continue this week.

It has today been reported that Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka could make a return to his former club, Man City in the January transfer window.

Arsenal's Jens Lehman and Gilberto Silva are set for January exits from the club due to the players growing frustration at the lack of first team football. Gilberto played in Arsenal's 3-0 over Sheffield United in the Carling Cup in midweek but the fact that he wasn't named as captain for the game has left people thinking that he is set for the exit doors at the Emirates.

Gilberto had a great season last year but the form of Matthieu Flamini has kept him on the bench and it has been widely speculated that he has had enough and is set to join Juventus. Lehman, 37, has been reported as saying that he feels he may of played his last game for the club after he was dropped in favour of Manuel Almunia at the club.

Lehman said after a recent international game with Germany that he felt he would be reinstated into the starting eleven at Arsenal but that hasn't happened and he is also certain to leave in January. There have been rumours that a move abroad will be Lehman's destination but there has also been speculation that Man City Sven Goran Eriksson may make a bid for the player in January.

This week sees the top two teams in the league go head to head at the Emirates. Arsenal take on Man United in what has been one the most eagerly anticipated games in a long time at Saturday noon. Arsenal go into the game unbeaten this season after coming through a tricky game last week against Liverpool drawing 1-1. United on the other romped past Middlesbrough 4-1 at Old Trafford last week to make it eight straight wins in the league.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Juande Ramos' Tottenham face a tricky trip to Middlebrough with the new boss hoping to carry Wednesday's winning ways into this game. Middlesbrough were well and truly beaten last week losing 1-4 to Man United and Tottenham also lost last week at the hands of Blackburn at White Hart Lane. Monday sees former Man United player Roy Keane return to local rivals Manchester City at the City of Manchester Stadium. City of course had a horrible week last week losing 6-0 to Chelsea but Sunderland managed to snatch a point against Fulham last weekend.

It has been rumoured today that Real Madrid and Man Utd will make an approach for Everton's Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill respectively in the coming January transfer window.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been linked with want away Ajax striker Klass Jan Huntelaar and out of favour Barcelona striker Ei