Football Corner

Many people have claimed that Arsenal are back in the race to win the Premier League following their 2-1 win against Chelsea today, however I don't believe that's the case. The Gunners now lie just eight points behind leaders Chelsea and Liverpool, a margin that can increase to eleven points if Liverpool can manage to beat West Ham tomorrow.

William Gallas' recent comments about his team-mates (which lost him his captaincy) were spot on. Arsenal are not brave enough to win a title. They are too inexperienced and although I back Wenger's decision to give Cesc Fabregas the armband, I don't think that will be enough to win them the title.

Arsene Wenger's men have already been beaten five times this season and personally I think that's one defeat too many. I understand that we are not even half-way through the season, however I feel Arsenal have lost too many games to go on and seriously challenge for the title.

Stoke City, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Hull City and Fulham have all beaten Arsenal this season and let's be honest if you want to win a title you can't be losing to these kind of teams. Arsenal's main rivals for the title (Man United, Liverpool and Chelsea) have only lost five games between them and I feel Wenger will end up ruing their early season form.

Liverpool are to make a £2 million January bid for Newcastle United striker Michael Owen. The former Liverpool front man's contract runs out at St James' Park at the end of the season, so Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear must cash in on Owen in January or face letting him leave on a free at the end of the season.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is desperate to add another striker to his squad once the transfer window opens on January 1st and Owen is now seen as a possible acquisition. The 28-year old has had a terrible time with injuries since joining Newcastle back in 2005 and has only managed to make 58 appearances for the Magpies.

Personally I think Owen would be a bargain at £2 million. I am sure the majority of Liverpool fans would love to see him return to Anfield and I feel Benitez should do his best to sign him. Obviously Owen has become quite injury prone and that may be a problem, however I still believe should Liverpool manage to persuade him to return he may turn out a quality signing.

The former Real Madrid man costs just £6.5 million in this season's "You the Manager" and I feel he is definitely worth a look. So follow the link below to enter your team to be in with a chance of winning some great weekly and monthly prizes.

Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez is ready to leave Old Trafford to join La Liga giants Real Madrid. The Argentine international is understood to be fed up with sitting on the bench at the Premier League Champions and is now preparing for a January exit.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has always spoke of his desire to sign Tevez on a permanent basis after his two-year loan deal expires, however as yet the club haven't agreed a fee to sign him. Real Madrid manager Bernd Schuster is desperate to bring a new striker to the Bernabeau in January, with Ruud Van Nistelrooy currently out of action for some time.

United will have to cough up £32 million to sign Tevez, a figure which the Champions League Champions are currently unwilling to pay. Following the arrival of Dimitar Berbatov at the club in the summer, Tevez has found first team opportunities hard to come by making a January move to Madrid a real possibility.

It will be a real shame to see Tevez leave England because he is a magnificent player. I personally feel he has been harshly treated at United because during his first season he was tremendous and played no small part in the club winning two trophies. Tevez is a fighter and I am sure Premier League defenders will love to see the back of him. Wherever he does end up, I certainly wish him all the best.

Manchester United have today beaten local rivals Manchester City 1-0 at the City of Manchester Stadium, however the main talking point has to be Cristiano Ronaldo's red card. Wayne Rooney grabbed the only goal of the game to hand United all three points but it was Ronaldo who grabbed all the headlines.

The Portuguese winger was shown his second yellow mid-way through the second-half after he handled the ball inside the City box. Despite the United protests Ronaldo was given his marching orders by referee Howard Webb. Ronaldo jumped up for the header and for some strange reason he decided to put his hands over his face and handle the ball with both hands.

The 24-year old later claimed that he heard a noise as he jumped up for the header, but just what was that noise. As we all know any derby game in the Premier League is bound to be noisy and today's game was no exception. Personally, when I was watching the incident I didn't have a clue why he handled the ball. He wasn't pushed and the referee definitely didn't blow his whistle before he put his hands over his face.

There seemed to be a loud noise just as Ronaldo rose to head the ball, however the noise was clearly a horn from the crowd. So what else may he of heard?

Liverpool and Manchester City have today joined Tottenham in the race to sign Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing. The England international has been heavily linked with a January exit from the Riverside, with Spurs boss Harry Redknapp understood to be winning the race, however now both Mark Hughes and Rafa Benitez are ready to start a massive bidding war for the player.

The 24-year old only recently signed a new long-term deal at Boro which will keep him at the club until 2013 and Gareth Southgate has recently spoke of his desire to keep Downing at the club. Downing has been at Boro for over seven years now since joining back in 2001 and has since gone on to make over 180 appearances for the club.

It appears unlikely now that he will remain a Boro player any longer with Benitez, Redknapp and Hughes all prepared to meet the club's valuation of £12 million for the player. Personally, I feel that on his day, there is no better left winger in the Premier League than Downing, however for me he doesn't have enough of those days. I think a lot of people will agree with me when I say, he is a bit overrated and that whoever does eventually sign him may be making a big mistake.

Either Liverpool, Spurs or City will have to pay more than £5.5 million for Downing, but you won't. Yes, the former Sunderland man costs just that in this season's "You the Manager" and he may be worth a look. So follow the link below to enter your team to be in with a chance of winning some terrific weekly and monthly prizes.

Yes, during a poll that has been running on Football Corner over the past week or so, you the readers were unanimous in your decision. We asked you whether or not you thought the FA's "Respect the Ref" campaign was working and the answer by some distance was no.

Here is the full result of the poll :

No - 40 votes (67%)
Kind of - 10 votes (17%)
Yes - 9 votes (16%)

Total Votes : 59

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who voted and I would encourage all of you to vote in our latest poll. Who will be top of the Premier League on Christmas day? The poll can be found on the top right of the site, so place your votes now.

Tottenham and Arsenal have today been linked with a move for Fulham defender Brede Hangeland. The Norwegian defender is stalling a signing a new contract at Craven Cottage and now both Harry Redknapp and Arsene Wenger are keen to take advantage of the situation.

The former FC Copenhagen man has been one of Fulham's top performers this season and has caught the attentions of both North London clubs. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is desperate to bring a new centre-back to the Emirates come January, with William Gallas likely to depart after his recent troubles.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has been linked with several defenders since arriving at the club, however Hangeland is now seen as a possible acquisition. I have always thought that Hangeland has never really got the credit he deserves because he has been brilliant since arriving the Premier League. He is only 27 and I feel he would be a very decent signing for either Spurs or Arsenal.

Hangeland must be worth a look in this season's "You the Manager". The 6ft 5in defender costs just £3 million and I would strongly really recommend you put him in your team. So follow the link below to enter your team to be in with a chance of winning some terrific weekly and monthly prizes.

The pressure is mounting on Sunderland boss Roy Keane after his side fell to their 8th Premier League defeat this afternoon in humiliating fashion. The Black Cats were beating 4-1 at home to Bolton Wanderers, a defeat which leaves everyone wondering how long Keane will remain at the club.

The former Manchester United captain yesterday spoke about possibly leaving the club at the end of his current deal, which expires at the end of the season. Sunderland currently lie 18th in the Premier League after today's results and look in desperate need of a result.

It doesn't get any easier for Keane. His side travel to Old Trafford next weekend to face the Premier League and Champions League Champions, Manchester United. Although we are not even half-way through the season, I personally worry for Sunderland. People often talk about second season syndrome and I feel that is just what is happening to Sunderland.

Today marked Keane's 100th game in charge of the club and I am sure not many results will have annoyed him as much as the one today. Keane brought in a whole host of new faces in the summer, many of which have failed to make any sort of impact. Although I doubt Niall Quinn will have the balls to sack Keane, I don't think Keane will remain Sunderland manager beyond the end of this campaign.

Tottenham are lining up a £12 million move for Bordeaux striker Fernando Cavenaghi. Harry Redknapp is desperate to add to his striking options once the January transfer window opens after Spurs lost Dimitar Berbatov to Manchester United on deadline day last summer.

Cavenaghi, 25, has an impressive scoring record in Ligue 1 with Bordeaux, scoring a goal every other game. The Argentine international has previously been linked with a move to White Hart Lane but for whatever reasons he remains a Bordeaux player, however that may not be the case come February 1st.

Spurs have been linked with a whole host of strikers, including the likes of Lukas Podolski and Andrei Arshavin, since Redknapp's arrival at the club earlier this season. The former Portsmouth manager is likely to be given a hefty sum of money to spend in the January transfer window and Redknapp is preparing to splash a chunk of it on Cavenaghi.

Personally, I feel Cavenaghi would be a terrific signing for Spurs. Although their form has improved in recent weeks, I think it is vital they strengthen their attacking options and signing Cavenaghi would be a great start. They probably need to sign another one or two strikers if they are to challenge for a Top 6 spot in the Premier League this season.

Now here's a great chance to win a hefty some of money. The Daily Mirror's fantasy football game "You the Manager" is giving away £10,000 to the Manager of the Month for December and you never know, it could be you.

Yes, all you have to do is follow the link below to enter your team to be in with a chance of winning the top prize. There is also £500 up for grabs for 2nd place and £250 for 3rd place. It costs £5 to enter and you can also avail of an offer which entitles you to five teams for the price of four.

When you sign-up you will have a £60 million budget to spend on eleven players (you must have a 4-3-3 formation). Here are some players who I feel are definitely worth a look : Petr Cech (Chelsea) - £5 million, Jamie Carragher (Liverpool) - £6 million, Stephen Ireland (Manchester City) - £4 million, Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) - £8 million, Crisitiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) - £9 million, Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea) - £5 million.

So enter your team now by following the link below.

AC Milan star Kaka continues to be linked with a move to the world's richest club, Manchester City. The Brazilian international has been talking about one day moving to the Premier League and with Man City boss Mark Hughes ready to splash the cash come January, Kaka is now seen as a possible acquisition.

The 26-year old is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the world and has won several awards during his career. Since joining Milan back in 2003 from Brazilian side Santos, Kaka has made over 240 appearances for the Italian giants, scoring 80 times in the process.

Kaka has had this to say on the matter : "I like the Premier League. It's a great championship with big players and big teams ... I know it is the best league in the world. So one day, maybe - I don't know when but it would be great to play in the Premier League."

The current FIFA World Player of the Year went on to talk about his relationship with international team-mate Robinho : "I have a lot of friends who are playing there so I am watching some games ... I speak with Robinho sometimes about Manchester City."

Although I would love to see Kaka come to the Premier League in January, I just can't see it happening. I have always been a massive fan of Kaka's and I feel the sooner he comes to England the better, however I think it will be at least another year or two before we see him in the country. As a City fan myself, I must admit I am over the moon to see us linked with player's of the quality of Kaka but I don't know whether or not we will manage to get them. Stay tuned to Football Corner for all the latest news and gossip.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had today been told he will have money to spend when the January transfer window opens. The North London club have struggled this season, currently lying 5th in the Premier League, 10 points behind leaders Liverpool and Chelsea, with fans demanding investment in the team.

The Gunners spent just £18.55 million on new players during the summer, a figure that was well behind some of their nearest rivals. Liverpool spent more money on Robbie Keane than Arsenal spent all summer, whilst Manchester United spent over £30 million on Dimitar Berbatov.

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood had this to say about the matter : "He certainly has money if he wants to spend it ... There have been suggestions we keep stopping him from buying - that is not the case ... He's very sensible with the way he approaches the transfer market, he's not going to buy anybody just because the press or fans say he should ... He's only going to buy somebody if he thinks they're going to improve what is a young squad but a very talented one."

Although I do admire Wenger's ability to integrate one of the youngsters into the first team, I do however feel he needs to sign a £25 million player in order to have a chance of competing for titles. It may of been OK for Wenger just to spend £10 million here and there and different players five years ago, but now clubs have so much money and they are using it and if Arsenal aren't careful they could fall behind.

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres faces another three weeks out of action after injuring his hamstring in his side's 1-0 win over Marseille on Wednesday night. The Spanish international only recently returned from a hamstring injury and this will no doubt come as a massive blow to Reds boss Rafa Benitez.

Since moving to Anfield in 2007, the 24-year old has had no fewer than three hamstring injuries, much to the annoyance of the Liverpool faithful. "Fernando has a strain in his right hamstring and will be out of action for between two and three weeks." a club spokesman confirmed.

This is really starting to worry me. It is clear that Torres has a real problem with his hamstrings and I feel the club shouldn't try and rush him back because that could lead to even more problems. This will obviously mean that Robbie Keane will play a more prominent role in the weeks to come and with his current form, I think Liverpool may struggle to keep up their great start to the season.

Middlesbrough midfielder Stewart Downing has today been linked with a move to Harry Redknapp's Tottenham. The England international has previously been linked with a move to White Hart Lane but for whatever reasons he remains a Boro player, although that may be about to change.

With Spurs boss Redknapp desperate to add to his midfield options once the transfer window opens on January 1st, Downing is now seen as a likely acquisition. It is understood that Boro manager Gareth Southgate will not let the 24-year old leave the Riverside for anything less than £11 million and Spurs are ready to meet their valuation.

For me, Downing has always been overrated and I feel Redknapp would be making a massive mistake spending such a large amount of money on him. Personally I think Spurs would be better off going for someone like Bayern Munich's Lukas Podolski. With January fast approaching, make sure you stay tuned to Football Corner for all the latest news and gossip.

Maybe you totally disagree with me and you think Downing is a quality player, then make sure you put him in your team. Downing costs £5.5 million in this season's "You the Manager" and may be worth a look. So follow the link below to enter your team to be in with a chance of winning some terrific weekly and monthly prizes.

AC Milan are preparing £5 million bid for Arsenal defender William Gallas when the January transfer window opens. The Italian giants are keen to bolster their defensive options and are now looking to bring Gallas to the San Siro after his recent troubles at the Emirates.

The French international was recently stripped of the captaincy after he made comments about his fellow team mates. The North London club have since given Cesc Fabregas the armband and although Gallas returned for the side's 1-0 win over Dynamo Kiev in midweek, his future still remains unclear.

Arsene Wenger signed the 31-year old back in 2006 as part of the deal that took Ashley Cole to Chelsea. Since then Gallas has gone on to make over 60 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 8 times in the process. He has also been linked with a move back to France, where he began his career, however AC are determined to bring him to Italy.

As far as I see it, Gallas will not be a Arsenal player come February 1st. Even though Wenger and his agent have said he still has a future at the club, I personally feel the damage has been done and he will be gone once the window opens. If Arsenal do sell him, they will definitely have to go out into the market and find a new centre-back.

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has moved closer to leaving the Camp Nou after it was revealed that talks over a new contract have once again broke down, news that will put Manchester United and Arsenal on red alert. The Spanish international has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time now as his contract talks continue to collapse.

The 28-year old is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world and both Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger are desperate to bring him to England. It is understood that there have been nearly a dozen meetings between the player's representatives and the Catalan club but as yet the player's future at the club remains unresolved.

Txiki Begiristain, the director of football at the La Liga giants said: "Xavi is a great player and has some large expectations. In the world of the football it is not easy to close this type of contract because of the length of the deal and the need to keep a salary equilibrium of the staff. If it was easy the deal would already would be done."

Wouldn't it be great to see a player of the quality of Xavi come to the Premier League. I have always been a huge admirer of Xavi's and I think he would be a tremendous success if he were to come to England. I am not surprised to see Xavi reject so many new contract offers because he deserves to be paid as much as some of the club's top earners are because he without doubt one of Barca's best players.

Arsenal and Tottenham are to go head-to-head for Wolves goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey. The Welsh international has been a long-term target of both North London clubs and with Hennessey currently struggling to keep his place in Mick McCarthy's starting eleven a January move may be on the cards.

The 21-year old is widely regarded as one of the best keepers outside of the Premier League and both Harry Redknapp and Arsene Wenger are ready to meet Wolves' valuation of £5 million for the player. Spurs boss Redknapp is keen to bring in Hennessey to replace Heurelho Gomes who has been simply awful since his summer move from Dutch giants PSV.

Arsenal have conceded 18 goals in just 14 games this season and Gunners boss Wenger is ready to bring in Hennessey to try and correct that problem. I would be very surprised to see Hennessey still at Molineux come the start of February. He is a top class keeper, who I feel would prove an excellent signing for either Arsenal or Spurs, although I think he may opt for Spurs if he has the choice only because he would have a better chance of first team football at White Hart Lane.

Source : Daily Telegraph

Liverpool have today joined Tottenham in the race to sign Bayern Munich striker Lukas Podolski. The German international is set to depart the Bundesliga giants once the January transfer window opens after yesterday telling the club he wanted to leave in the winter.

The 23-year old yesterday handed in a transfer request after a difficult start to the season. Podolski has struggled to maintain his place in the Bayern starting eleven this season and he is now ready to leave the Allianz Arena for pastures new.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp was yesterday linked with a possible move for Podolski, however he will now face competition from Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez. Both managers are looking to strengthen their squad's once the window opens and Podolski could become the centre of a massive bidding war.

Whether it's White Hart Lane or Anfield Podlski ends up at I don't care. I just want to see him come to the Premier League because I feel he would be a real success in England. He is without doubt one of Europe's best strikers and he would definitely make either side in question a better outfit.

Both Arsenal and Manchester United have this evening booked their places in the next stage of the Champions League. Arsenal qualified for the next round with a win at home to Ukrainian side Dynamo Kiev, whilst United qualified with a draw away at Villarreal.

Tonight's game at the Emirates marked Cesc Fabregas' first game as the new captain of the Gunners and thankfully for him and the fans it started on a positive note. Arsene Wenger's men ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a late goal from striker Nicklas Bendtner.

Meanwhile in Spain, United held Villarreal to a goalless draw at the Estadio El Madrigal. Cristiano Ronaldo came closest to breaking the deadlock but Diego Lopez did superbly well to tip his effort onto the crossbar. The hosts ended the game with just ten men, Joan Capdevila seeing red for a challenge on Ronaldo.

Good stuff from the two English sides. It gives both a bit of room to manoeuvre with in their final group games. I felt it was vital that Fabregas got off to a winning start as Arsenal captain and they just about did that. I watched the United game against Villarreal and I have to say I thought it was one of the worst games I have seen in a while. The home side never really tried to win the game and in truth probably deserved to lose in the end.

Elsewhere in the Champions League it finished : Aalborg 2-1 Celtic, Bate Borisov 0-1 Real Madrid, Bayern Munich 3-0 Steaua Bucharest, Fenerbahce 1-2 FC Porto, Fiorentina 1-2 Lyon, Zenit St Petersburg 0-0 Juventus.

Manchester City are ready to make a surprise January move for Arsenal defender Kolo Toure. With opening of the January transfer window getting ever nearer, the world's richest club are preparing to strengthen their squad and City boss Mark Hughes has now set his sights on a move for Toure.

The Ivory Coast international has struggled to nail down a first team place in the centre of the Gunners defence in recent months and with first team football virtually guaranteed at Eastlands he may be tempted by a possible move. Hughes is looking to improve his defensive options once the window opens on January 1st and Toure is seen as a possible acquisition.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is likely to fight to hold onto the 27-year old, however if City were to offer somewhere in the region of £15 million for Toure he may well be tempted to take the money. I have always rated Toure and as a City fan myself I feel he would be a very good signing. City currently have Richard Dunne and Micah Richards in centre-back, so Hughes may opt to put Toure in either right or left back if he was to sign him.

There is no doubt that Toure is a quality defender and I would strongly recommend you have him in your team. He costs just £5.5 million in this season's "You the Manager" and in my opinion represents good value for money. So follow the link below to enter your team to be in with a chance of winning some terrific weekly and monthly prizes.

Real Madrid are preparing a £15 million bid for Liverpool winger Ryan Babel. The Dutch international has found first team chances limited this season as Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez continues to opt for Albert Riera on the left of the Reds midfield.

Real manager Bernd Schuster is desperate to add to his attacking options once the January transfer window opens with Ruud Van Nistelrooy currently out with a long-term knee injury. Babel, 19, is now seen as a possible acquisition with Real ready to offer him first team football in a bid to lure him away from Anfield.

Babel has been at Liverpool for over a year now since joining from Dutch giants Ajax for a fee of £11.5 million. He has since gone on to make over 50 appearances for the Merseyside club, scoring 11 goals in the process. With Benitez not currently picking Babel in his starting eleven, the Spaniard could well be tempted to accept the £15 million on the table from Real.

Real will definitely have to pay more than £5.5 million for Babel, but you won't. Babel costs just that in this season's "You the Manager" and may be worth a look. So follow the link below to enter your team to be in with a chance of winning some terrific monthly and weekly prizes.

Source : Premiership Latest

Tottenham are ready to make a January move for Bayern Munich striker Lukas Podolski after the player admitted he wanted to leave Bayern. The German international was strongly linked with a summer exit from the Bundesliga giants but for whatever reason he remains a Bayern player, however it looks unlikely that will be the case come February 1st.

Podolski, 23, told Bild Newspaper : "I have made my mind up that I would like to leave the club in the winter .... I have already told the management that I want to leave this winter." Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is keen to add to his attacking options come the new year and Podolski is seen as a possible acquisition.

The former FC Koln man has made over 60 appearances for Bayern since signing in 2006 and has managed 30 goals in that time. I personally have always wanted to see Podolski play in the Premier League and hopefully that will happen in January. He is without doubt, one of Europe's best strikers and Spurs would be signing a real talent if they managed to bring him to White Hart Lane.

Cesc Fabregas has this afternoon been named the new Arsenal captain. The Spanish international replaces William Gallas as the Gunners captain after Gallas was stripped of the captaincy last week. I am personally delighted to see Fabregas get the armband but are Arsenal fans happy with the news? Leave your comments below.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has today told Serie A side Lazio to forget about making any bid for Reds midfielder Javier Mascherano. The Italian giants have been linked with a £20 million January move for Mascherano in recent days as speculation over the player's future at the club has come into question.

The Argentine international has found it hard to keep his place in the Liverpool starting eleven due to the great form of Xabi Alonso. The 24-year old has become a real favourite at Anfield since his move from fellow Premier League side West Ham last year. Mascherano's agent, Walter Tamer failed to rule out a move to Lazio when he was questioned about the situation earlier in the week.

This can only be good news for Liverpool fans. They need to keep hold of their best players if they are to have a chance of winning the title this season and Mascherano is certainly one of them. I have been a little bit disappointed not to of seen more of him this campaign, but you can't blame Benitez for sticking with Alonso because he has been terrific

The Argentinian captain costs just £3 million in this season's "You the Manager" and I personally think he is a bargain at that price. Follow the link below to enter your team to be in with a chance of winning some great weekly and monthly prizes

Could Arsene Wenger's time at Arsenal be about to come to an end? The Premier League giants fell to their fifth defeat of the season today when they were beaten 3-0 by Manchester City leaving question marks over the future of Wenger at the club.

The past week or so have been a disaster for the Gunners. Two Premier League defeats against Aston Villa and Man City respectively have seen Wenger's men drop to fourth in the league, ten points behind leaders Liverpool and Chelsea.

The William Gallas situation hasn't helped things at the Emirates and the pressure is really starting to show on Wenger. It doesn't get any easier for Arsenal, they face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next weekend. So Arsenal fans, what have you got to say on the future of Wenger at the club? Is it time he walked or should he stay on?

Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise could be on his way back to the Premier League with Newcastle interested in signing the player. The Roma left-back has found it difficult to settle in the Serie A since his summer move from Anfield and a move back to England could be on the cards.

The Norwegian international has only made six appearances for the Italian giants since joining them and is understood to be growing increasingly frustrated at the lack of first team football. Magpies interim manager Joe Kinnear is keen to add to his defensive options once the January transfer window opens and he has admitted an interest in the 28-year old.

Kinnear revealed: "I have already got my shortlist ready and I will be giving it to Mike [Ashley] ... We need two players in as soon as possible, and I have them in mind. One is with Roma and he is not in the team at the moment. The other is a player who has already scored against us this season ... I know their agents and what they would be is loan deals from January until the end of the season. I already know the player in Rome would cost us £2million to bring over here."

The other player who Kinnear is referring to is Arsenal's Denilson. Riise would be a very decent signing for a side like Newcastle. The Magpies really do need to strengthen their defence is January considering they have already conceded over 20 goals in the league this season. I don't think Newcastle will be alone in wanting to sign Riise because he still is a very good defender.

Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon has told the Serie A giants that if a bid of £60 million is on the table from Manchester City they should accept it. The Italian international has been strongly linked with a move to the world's richest club over the past 24 hours with several papers claiming City are willing to smash the world-record transfer fee of £47 million which Real Madrid paid Juve for Zinedine Zidane back in 2001.

City boss Mark Hughes is to be given £200 million to spend on new players in the January transfer window and it is now understood that Buffon is the club's number one target. City's new Arab owners are willing to treble Buffon's current wages of £80,000 and make him the highest-paid footballer in the world. Juve have so far denied any contact with the Premier League side but Buffon has had this to say about the rumours.

He said: "If a club is willing to pay that much for you, it would be fair to say I will tell the club and my agents to make the deal happen. Juve can go and buy a team full of champions of their own." The 30-year old has spent more than seven years at the Stadio Del Alpi and has become one of, if not the, greatest goalkeepers in the world.

Wouldn't it just be great to see Buffon come to England. In my mind, he is pure quality and would make City a far better side. If City were to pull this move off it would surely be one of the most surprising transfers of all time and it would send a real signal to Europe's elite that they plan to become serious contenders on the European stage.

Source : Daily Mirror

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has today confirmed his desire to finish his career at the Merseyside club. The England international has spent his whole at the club since he was he was just seven and has since then become one of the world's best midfield players.

The Liverpool captain told the club website : "Hopefully I will sign another one and stay for the remainder of my career ... I don't know what's going to happen over the next 10 years but certainly for the next five or six I hope I'm playing in Liverpool's first team."

"If someone had said 10 years ago that I would go on to be captain and lift the European Cup then I wouldn't have believed them," Gerrard added. "But I've had to work very hard to get to where I am and to win trophies both on a personal level and as part of the team ... I'm very proud to be able to say I have played for the first team for 10 years."

Gerrard, 28, has made over 450 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 102 goals in the process. This is obviously great news for all Liverpool fans. There is no doubt that Gerrard is one the greatest Liverpool players of all time and it would be great to one day say Gerrard manage the club.

Gerrard has been in fine form this season and is a bargain at £8 million in this season's "You the Manager". So follow the link below to enter your team to be in with a chance of winning some terrific monthly and weekly prizes.

Arsenal defender William Gallas has this evening been stripped of his captaincy. The French international recently made some controversial comments about his Arsenal team-mates and claimed they weren't strong enough to win a Premier League title.

These comments have now seen him lose his captaincy and a place in the side to face Manchester City tomorrow afternoon. I personally am not too surprised by Arsene Wenger's decision to axe Gallas as club captain. This has been coming since his outburst at Birmingham last year when the 31-year old sat on the pitch after the final whistle was blown in frustration at his side's failure to win the game.

So what do you think should happen next? Who should be the new captain of the North London giants, will Gallas still be at the club come the end of January and has Wenger made the right decision? Leave your comments below.

That's according to our latest poll on Football Corner. Over the past week or so, we asked you, the readers, where you thought Tottenham would end up finishing in the Premier League this season and the answer was, 5th or 6th.

Here is the full result of the poll :

5th or 6th - 31 votes (39%)
Top Half - 30 votes (37%)
Bottom Half - 12 votes (15%)
Top 4 - 6 votes (7%)

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who voted and I would also like to encourage everyone to vote in our latest poll, which can be found at the top-right hand corner of the site.

Lazio are lining up a January move for Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano. The Argentine international has found first team opportunities limited this season as Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez continues to pair Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso in the centre of the Reds midfield.

Reports in Italy now claim that Lazio will try and persuade Mascherano to join them once the transfer window opens on January 1st. The 24-year old joined Liverpool back in 2007 after spending a controversial six months at fellow Premier League side West Ham. Since then he has become a real fan favourite at Anfield and I am sure Liverpool fans won't be overly pleased to hear he may be leaving.

The player's agent, Walter Tamer has not ruled out a possible move to the Serie A giants come the new year. I personally feel it would be a real shame to see such a talented player leave the country. I am a bit surprised to have seen so little of him this season, however you can't blame Benitez because Alonso has been terrific this campaign.

The Argentinian captain costs just £3 million in this season's "You the Manager" and I personally think is definitely worth a look. Follow the link below to enter your team to be in with a chance of winning some great weekly and monthly prizes.

Arsenal will look to bring Inter Milan striker Adriano to the Emirates once the January transfer window opens. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is keen to add to his attacking options once the window opens after Theo Walcott was ruled out for at least the next three months.

The Brazilian international has fallen out of favour at the San Siro with Inter manager Jose Mourinho and a January exit has been speculated. Adriano recently spent six months on loan with Brazilian side Sao Paulo where he made 28 appearances, scoring 17 goals in the process.

The 26-year old has only made two appearances for Inter this season, both of which came in the Champions League. It is understood that Adriano is growing increasingly frustrated at the Serie A giants and he could be let go for as little as £10 million.

Personally, I have always wanted to see Adriano come to the Premier League. He is still a terrific player that would definitely make Arsenal a better side. With Walcott now out injured for the foreseeable future, I feel it is vital they go out into the market and buy a top quality player like Adriano. I think £10 million would prove great value for money should Arsenal sign him.

Arsenal have today been rocked by the news that midfielder Theo Walcott will be out of action for three months. Walcott injured his right shoulder during a training session before England's friendly against Germany on Wednesday and is now likely to miss a large chunk of the season.

The 19-year old has really begun to establish himself as a first team regular at the Emirates and this will come as a massive blow to Gunners boss Arsene Wenger. The Frenchman had this to say : "It will be three months before he can play but longer before he uses his shoulder. "When a player has this injury it takes time for him to play competitively."

With Arsenal currently struggling in the league this season, this is just what they didn't need. One of their better players this campaign picking up an injury that will keep him out until February. It will be interesting to see who replaces Walcott in the Gunners starting eleven. I am sure I speak on behlaf of every Arsenal fan when I say get well soon Theo.

Brazilian striker Ronaldo has today claimed he is close to joining Manchester City. The former Real Madrid man has been linked with a move to the world's richest club for months now after it was reported that City manager Mark Hughes wanted to bring the former World Player of the year to Eastlands.

The 32-year old had this to say : "I am at 70 per cent. In other words, very close to playing again. "I know that there's interest from Manchester City - and I am focused on my recovery to explore this." His representative Fabiano Farah said: "We want a project that will live up to the history of Ronaldo."

Although I have always wanted to see Ronaldo come the Premier League, I question Ronaldo's motives in making a possible move to City. It is obvious to me that Ronaldo is looking to make a bit more money before he calls it a day and City's new Arab owners will have no problem offering him mega wages.

Looking good Ronaldo!

Tottenham are to make a January move for West Ham keeper Robert Green in order to replace Heurelho Gomes as number one at White Hart Lane. Since taking over at the club, Harry Redknapp has seen Gomes making several mistakes in the Spurs net which has led him to go out and try and find a new keeper.

Green, 28, is now understood to be Redknapp's number one target for the January transfer window and with West Ham currently in a bit of financial bother, they may be forced to sell. The England international has been one of the Hammers outstanding performers over the past 18 months or so and it would come as a major blow to Gianfranco Zola if he were to depart Upton Park.

Personally, I feel Green is just what Spurs need. A solid, reliable keeper who rarely makes a mistake, something which certainly can't be said about Spurs' current keeper. I think it is vital that Spurs manage to swap East London for North London as soon as possible because the longer Gomes stays in goal, the longer it will take to move the club forward.

I feel Spurs should do their best to sign Green and I also think you should. Green costs just £3.5 million in this season's "You the Manager" and in my view is great value for money. So follow the link below to enter your team to be in with a chance of winning some terrific weekly and monthly prizes.

Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena may be ready to leave the Premier League giants after only joining the club four months ago. The Italian international has failed to impress since his £7 million move from Serie A side Udinese last July and a January move may be on the cards.

Both Juventus and Roma are understood to be keen on offering Dossena the chance to return to his homeland once the January transfer window opens. The 27-year old was brought to Anfield by Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez and a replacement for former Reds left-back John Arne Riise but unfortunately for both player and club it hasn't worked out.

Dossena, who has made just seven appearances for the Merseyside club, recently told The Guardian this : "I am not fully happy with my level. I must now get to a high level and maintain that, but first I have to battle to win selection. I am learning all the time.

Personally, I feel Benitez should get rid of him as soon as possible. I am sorry to sound harsh, but Dossena is simply average and if Liverpool are to mount a serious title challenge this season they need to sign a new left-sided defender (maybe Tottenham's Gareth Bale) come the new year. I think I speak on behalf of the majority of Liverpool fans when I say, Dossena won't be missed.

Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton is set to miss the next two months of the Premier League season with knee ligament damage. Barton picked up the injury during his side's 2-2 draw at home to Wigan Athletic on Saturday afternoon after a challenge by Latics Lee Cattermole.

The 26-year old only recently returned to the Newcastle fold after a suspension handed to him by the FA for his involvement in a training ground bust-up with former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo. Barton said: "I am not blaming Lee in any way. It was a 50-50 ball and we both went for it, these things happen ... It's disappointing and frustrating. My sole intention is to knuckle down and bounce back and get fit again."

Magpies interim-manager Joe Kinnear will now have to do without one of his best midfield players until at least next year which will no doubt come as a big blow. This really couldn't of come at a worse time for Joey. He has just come back into the team and in fairness he looked as though he was settling in well but unfortunately for him he picks up this injury. Ah well, maybe he deserves it for being such a scum bag.

Tottenham are to make a £12 million bid for Portsmouth midfielder Niko Kranjcar once the January transfer window opens. Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is keen to bring the Croatian international to White Hart Lane in a bid to bolster his midfield options.

Kranjcar, 24, has been linked with an exit from Fratton Park in the past with Arsenal and Liverpool understood to be interested. Redknapp brought Kranjcar to the Premier League two and half years ago when he signed the player for Pompey from Hajduk Split. Since his arrival in England, Kranjcar has been a real success, helping Portsmouth to their first major trophy in nearly 80 years winning the FA Cup last season.

It would not surprise me one bit to see Kranjcar on his way out of Pompey come the new year. When Redknapp left Pompey almost a month ago, I personally thought of several players who may follow him to Spurs and Kranjcar was definitely a name I had in mind. With no disrespect to Tony Adams, I feel the former Gunners skipper may find it hard to hold onto some of his big name players once January comes and that is why I think Spurs may well get their man.

Spurs will definitely have to pay over £5 million if they want Kranjcar in their team, but you won't. Yes the Croatian playmaker costs just that much in this season's "You the Manager" and in my view is a bargain. So follow the link below to enter your team to be in with a chance of winning some terrific monthly and weekly prizes.