Aston Villa - Man City

Villa are first above the relegation line with same points as Wigan. I think the market is overreacting on Bent’s arrival. First, he (probably) won’t start bagging the goals immediately. Second, I think he’s hardly overpaid and I’m not so sure it is a huge boost to the rest of the squad. The Villans have only one win of last 10 league games, haven’t kept the clean sheet in last 12 and defeated City just twice in 13 league games at Villa Park. Adding on that Gerard Houllier as manager, I wouldn’t be too optimistic. Good news is Ashley Young returns, bad (?) Heskey is suspended.

City are in a great shape with five wins and a draw (at Emirates) in last six Premier games. They also have superb record on the road with 21 points collected (just Arsenal have taken more). Whatever Mancini has been saying, I think Citizens are title contenders and failure in winning any silverware this season would bring an axe for him. Maybe that’s why he named a strong squad against Leicester in Cup game, but as long as Tevez is fit I don’t care too much about their available players. Silva or Johnson on the wing? Who really cares? Both are superb players. Mancini rested Barry, Dzeko, De Jong and Kolo Toure, all are back in contention. City have lost only twice against Villa of last 18 games, in all competitions, both at home and away (12 wins).

I think the price on City is simply too good to be refused. If they want the title they have to win games like this. Both of they away defeats came against mediocre teams (Wolves and Sunderland) and I hope they learnt the lesson.

Bet: Man City -0.25
Odd: 1.98 Canbet, 188bet
Stake: 8/10

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Manchester City - Blackburn

After 125 mill pounds spent during the summer, City started the season of great expectations with a win, draw and a loss. And while opening draw at Spurs wasn’t a big failure, demolishing L’pool was the great confidence boost, then real shock came at Sunderland (0-1 defeat). Considering circumstances and 94^th minute penalty, dressing room atmosphere is still good. They look very good defensively, that was the only goal conceded in 5 competitive games this season, while their attacking potential looks terrific. Mancini’s only concern is Tevez who will face a late fitness test (considering odds movement, he’ll be on the bench). Balotelli will be out for a while, Boateng will wait for a debut, while Micah Richards is fit again.

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Blackburn is a hard working side consisted from just average players, but with the leadership of (in my opinion) one of the best managers. They have enough quality to avoid struggling, but I can see a mid table position as their greatest possible achievement. As always majority of their points will come from home games, while on the road will be playing for a goalless draws. Under Big Sam, in first season they won just 4 away games of 19 and scored 18 goals, in second (last one) won miserable 3 and scored 13! In previous season, against all top sides (including Everton, Villa, Fulham and Stoke) except L’pool they lost with 2 goals margin at least. Defender Olsson is only doubt, while ex City striker Mwaruwari could have his debut.

 

I said once, I’ll be backing City as long as they feel as contenders for a title. They have a great potential and things will be fine as long as there’s good atmosphere. At Sunderland, they got a smack right in the mouth. They treat it as a bad luck and still believe they can win the title. So, let them believe. 

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Bet: Man City -1.25

Odd: 2.16 188bet

Stake: 8/10

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Wednesday's World Cup round-up

Uruguay's success has been enjoyed by the the people of the gritty mining city of Kimberley, where the quarter-finalists set up base camp high on South Africa's central plains at the launch of their campaign. So much so that the Uruguayan Football Association plans to develop the links forged by setting up coaching schemes in the area and inviting the best youngsters to Uruguay.
"I want to hug them. They have made us proud," said senior citizen Pulane Boikanyo, who was waiting for the Uruguayans to arrive for training ahead of Friday's quarter-final showdown with Ghana. The Dream Stays Alive - City Team Book Their Place in the Quarter, was the front-page headline in the local newspaper after Uruguay's 2-1 victory over South Korea in the previous round.

Manchester City's Argentina star Carlos Tevez is confident that his nation will beat Germany to secure a place in the last four - and believes previous opponents Mexico were a bigger threat.
"I was more afraid of Mexico than Germany because the Mexicans play better football - they took the ball from us in the first minutes of the first half and at the start of the second. We would have suffered more if we hadn't struck at the right moments," he told Argentine newspaper Clarin. 

Netherlands striker Robin van Persie has defended his angry reaction to being substituted against Slovakia. Van Persie remonstrated with coach Bert van Marwijk when he was replaced by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar 10 minutes before the end of the 2-1 win and then took no part in the Dutch celebrations of Wesley Sneijder's late goal.
Van Persie said: "What I said to Van Marwijk was not over the top. I just want to be important to the team and score. I wanted to stay on as we would have had more space with Slovakia chasing an equaliser and I felt that I could profit from that."

Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac has insisted that his players will not be affected by the pressure of attempting to become the first African side to reach the World Cup semi-finals.
Speaking ahead of their match against Uruguay, he stated: "We are not thinking about the pressure. We have already proved that we are a team that knows how to compete. We will try to relax and are very happy with the whole situation. We have no obligation but still we want to use this opportunity to do our best and to make history." 

Japanese prime minister Naoto Kan has issued a statement thanking his national team for their efforts following their World Cup exit in a penalty shoot-out against Paraguay.
"The players and the bench were united and showed the world the potential of Japanese soccer. I sincerely congratulate their efforts," he commented.

www.bbc.co.uk

Thursday's World Cup round-up

Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas faced an awkward post-match inquisition from his girlfriend Sara Carbonera, a sideline reporter for the Telecinco channel, following the defeat by Switzerland. During a post-match interview, the journalist asked Casillas: "How did you manage to muck it up?"
And a shocked Casillas replied: "I don't know what to say. I don't know if this defeat will have consequences. The dressing room is fed up."

Switzerland's Gelson Fernandes was as surprised as everyone else after scoring the winning goal in his team's historic World Cup triumph over Spain.
The St Etienne midfielder's strike seven minutes into the second half of Wednesday's Group H match proved enough for Ottmar Hitzfeld's side to beat the European champions - and left Fernandes stunned. 
"I don't think I realise what is happening right now," said the 23-year-old. "I'm a bit surprised. It's a very special moment for our country and I'm very happy. We were definitely very good against Spain and we played very well as a team." 

Argentina coach Diego Maradona has again called on referees to protect flair players such as Lionel Messi in the World Cup, urging officials to be even stricter with offending opponents.
Maradona said Messi is twice as good as any other player at the World Cup
"If we are going to see a match when the star players are not going to be mistreated then I think the referees need to be a lot stricter, and if Korea's players do something to Messi or Carlos Tevez then they need to get out the yellow cards, and if it happens a second time, then that's it," said Maradona.

Greece striker Theofanis Gekas is the latest player to call for World Cup organisers to ban vuvuzelas. Gekas was irritated by the noise in their opening game against South Korea, which his side lost 2-0.
"I do think the trumpets should be stopped. They are affecting the players as we cannot communicate properly," he stated. 

Ivory Coast striker Salomon Kalou has called on his team take inspiration from North Korea's resilient defensive display against Brazil where they lost 2-1.
Ivory Coast play Brazil on Sunday and the 24-year-old said: "I saw the first half of their match and North Korea defended really well and annoyed Brazil, they serve as a good example. We have the players who can make a difference, our strength will always be in attack but we must focus on defence."

www.bbc.co.uk

Tuesday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Arsenal will move for £12m-rated Lyon and France keeper Hugo Lloris, but could turn to Shakhtar Donetsk keeper Andriy Piyatov.(goal.com) 
Barcelona are in talks to sign Valencia striker David Villa, with negotiations "on track" according to Barca's vice president Rafael Yuste. (Reuters) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas could be Barcelona bound, with the Spanish champions officially approaching the Gunners with a bid that involves Yaya Toure moving the other way in part exchange.(The Sun) 
And Arsenal are also set to confirm the signing of Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh after the 26-year-old Morocco international arrived in London on Monday to finalise the terms of his deal.(Daily Mail) 
But the Gunners have had a £14m offer for Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina rejected and manager Arsene Wenger could now turn his attentions to Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon. (Footylatest.com) 
However, Liverpool could lose midfielders Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano and striker Fernando Torres in the summer, with the three considering their futures after a turbulent season.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez is keen for a return to his first club, Boca Juniors, although Real Madrid are also keen on the Argentina striker.(Daily Mirror) 
City boss Roberto Mancini could add defender Phil Jagielka and midfielder Jack Rodwell to his squad, with the Italian willing to pay £32m for the Everton pair.(caughtoffside.com) 
Benfica defender David Luiz could be another new arrival at Eastlands, with Manchester City set to bid £21.5m for the 23-year-old.(Daily Telegraph) 
Mancini will also decide against selling winger Shaun Wright-Phillips and midfielder Stephen Ireland as he needs the pair to boost the club's home-grown contingent; Premier League clubs having to name eight home-grown players in a squad of 25 next season.(Guardian) 
Manchester United are preparing a club record £50m bid to lure Franck Ribery away from Champions League finalists Bayern Munich.(Footylatest.com) 
United are also keen on Inter Milan's Argentine midfielder Esteban Cambiasso and are willing to pay £18m for the 29-year-old.(caughtoffside.com) 
West Ham will fend off competition from Birmingham and Sunderland to capture France international Sidney Govou, 30, from Lyon on a free transfer. (Daily Mail) 
Birmingham have also been foiled, at least initially, in their attempt to acquire French winger Charles N'Zogbia after Wigan turned down an £8m bid from Blues. (Daily Mail) 
Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko watched Lokomotiv Moscow at the weekend and is set to hold talks about a possible move this week.(Times) 
West Ham have dropped their interest in Ipswich striker Connor Wickham, freeing the way for Tottenham to move for the £5m-rated 17-year-old. (Daily Star) 
Southampton will take former England Under-21 midfielder Andrew Surman back to St Mary's from Wolves, a year after the 23-year-old left the club for Molineux. (Daily Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Portsmouth boss Avram Grant has agreed a deal to become West Ham manager and will sign a three-year deal.(Daily Mirror) 
Inter Milan will make an official approach for Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez if, as expected, former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho quits the San Siro for Real Madrid in the summer.(Daily Mirror) 
However, Martin O'Neill will not replace Benitez at Anfield, with Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner saying that his manager is staying put.(Daily Mirror) 
England's 2018 World Cup bid team will meet governing bodies from Europe, Africa and South America in a bid to limit the fall-out following Lord Triesman's resignation as Football Association chairman.(Daily Mirror) 
However, the FA is braced for a second round of revelations, with Triesman's former aide Melissa Jacobs considering sharing more of her recorded conversations with him.(Independent) 
Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry is sleeping in an oxygen tent in a bid to quicken his recovery from ankle ligament damage, although the chances of the 27-year-old being fit for the start of England's World Cup campaign are slim.(Daily Telegraph) 
West Ham have submitted their bid to move into the Olympic Stadium post 2012, with the possibility of Essex using the venue to host some Twenty20 cricket matches.(Independent) 
Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano has given his strongest indication yet that he will leave Liverpool in the summer, conceding that he finds life on Merseyside far from ideal.(Liverpool Daily Post) 

AND FINALLY

Portsmouth's Kevin-Prince Boateng, whose FA Cup final tackle resulted in the ankle injury that will keep Chelsea's German midfielder Michael Ballack out of the World Cup, has suffered the wrath of the German press over the incident. Tabloid Bild branded the tackle a "revenge attack", while Germany coach Joachim Loew was forced to issue a message of support for Boateng's half-brother Jerome, a German international defender who will join Manchester City from Hamburg in the summer. (Daily Mail) 
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has urged England manager Fabio Capello to keep him on penalty-taking duty after missing from the spot in Saturday's FA Cup final victory against Portsmouth.(Independent) 
Manchester United defender Gary Neville has criticised Capello for only picking one specialist right-back in his initial 30-man World Cup party, while also saying the Italian's attempt to talk Paul Scholes out of international retirement was "a bit desperate".(The Sun)

www.bbc.co.uk

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Paynter started and both scored!

Charlton Athletic 2 - 1 Swindon T.

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Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are tracking Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra, but Liverpool, who are also interested, could be put off by the Spanish team's £17m price tag.(Daily Mail) 
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund have slapped a £20m price tag on Manchester United target Neven Subotic. Arsenal and Manchester City are also keeping tabs on the 21-year-old Serbia international centre-half.(Daily Mail) 
Real Madrid are set to drop their interest in Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney with Valencia forward David Villa their preferred target. (imscouting.com) 
Manchester City are said to be one of four clubs fighting it out to sign Schalke striker Kevin Kuranyi. (imscouting.com) 
Meanwhile, City boss Roberto Mancini has told Carlos Tevez he can leave if the Argentine striker is not happy at Eastlands.(the Guardian) 
Joe Hart's return to Manchester City could see Birmingham pursue a loan deal for Manchester United keeper Ben Foster. (Daily Mail) 
Arsenal are battling it out with Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City and Liverpool for Blackburn defender Phil Jones.(Daily Mail) 
Everton boss David Moyes is set to make a £1m bid for Genk's Belgium Under-21 midfielder Kevin de Bruyne.(Daily Mirror) 
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce will make Paraguay international midfielder Cristian Riveros his first signing of the summer.(Daily Mirror) 
Bruce is also lining up a £1.5m move for Derby midfielder Paul Green.(Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham face competition from Atletico Madrid and Galatasaray for the signature of Bayern Munich's Turkey international midfielder Hamit Altintop, whose contract runs out at the end of the season. (Daily Star) 
Wolves have joined Wigan, Newcastle, Sunderland and Fulham in the race to sign AZ Alkmaar's £5m-rated forward Jeremain Lens. (Daily Mail) 
Derby lead the race to sign Notts County keeper Kasper Schmeichel. (Daily Mail) 
Stoke manager Tony Pulis looks set to axe "precious" strikers Tuncay and Dave Kitson following the 7-0 defeat by Chelsea on Sunday. (Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez's future at Anfield is in further doubt after his side's semi-final Europa League exit to Atletico Madrid on Thursday. (the Sun) 
Benitez has said that Liverpool need five new players if they are to be competitive next season. (the Guardian) 
AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi says Leonardo will quit as manager at the end of the Serie A season.(the Sun) 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said it has been "agony" watching the Champions League semi-finals on television.(the Sun) 
Roy Keane says he has wiped Manchester United from his memory - despite the Ipswich manager's medal-filled years at Old Trafford.(Daily Mirror) 
Birmingham City are set to offer manager Alex McLeish a new three-year deal. (Daily Mail) 
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan is planning on introducing a wage cap at Upton Park for next season as he attempts to cull the club's £60m wage bill by a third.(Daily Express) 
Cardiff City chairman Peter Ridsdale will stand down from his role at the end of the season following a 49% buy-out of the Championship club. (the Sun) 
Barcelona's World and European player of the year Lionel Messi has ruled out the possibility of ever playing in the Premier League.(Daily Mirror) 

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AND FINALLY

Wayne Rooney stands to make £500,000 for one night's work in a Gladiators-style contest to unearth the world's most skilful footballer.(Daily Mirror) 
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce said he used to call Sir Alex Ferguson "the Ayatollah" during his playing days at Old Trafford - but not to the Scot's face.(Daily Mirror)
www.bbc.co.uk

Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is ready to offload Emmanuel Adebayor, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Wayne Bridge and Stephen Ireland and will make a £50m bid for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.(The Sun) 
Real Madrid are preparing to launch a £20m move for Manchester United's France defender Patrice Evra, with Arsenal's Gael Clichy, Chelsea's Ashley Cole and Fiorentina's Juan Manuel Vargas the other left-backs on the Spanish side's summer shortlist. (Daily Mail) 
Barcelona are ready to make a summer bid for Newcastle defender Steven Taylor, who is valued at about £8m.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City could make a move for Bayern Munich's 32-year-old striker Luca Toni, who is currently on loan at Italian side Roma.(imscouting.com) 
Argentina striker Carlos Tevez is on the verge of demanding a transfer from Manchester City, with Liverpool ready to pay £18m.(footylatest.com) 
Birmingham will make a £5m bid for Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster if Manchester City's Joe Hart does not return to them on loan next season. (The Sun) 
West Brom have put a £12m price tag on sought-after midfielder Graham Dorrans. West Ham have had a £4m bid rejected, while Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton are also interested in the Scotland international.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City and Aston Villa are competing to sign PSV Eindhoven's Bulgarian international right-back Stanislav Manolev, 24, for £5m.(Daily Mail) 
Sunderland are prepared to spend £5m to make defender Alan Hutton's loan switch from Tottenham a permanent one.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United have made a move for Estudiantes striker Mauro Boselli, whose arrival will be made possible by the sale of Bulgarian forward Dimitar Berbatov in the summer.(footylatest.com) 
Everton have emerged as favourites to beat Fulham to the signature of Wigan defender Paul Scharner, with the Austrian likely to be part of a clear-out at the DW Stadium this summer. (Daily Mail) 
Wigan's clear-out will also include defender Mario Melchiot and midfielders Jason Koumas and Olivier Kapo.(Daily Mirror) 
Stoke are also planning a squad revamp as manager Tony Pulis tries to restore dressing-room harmony at the club. As many as 10 players, including James Beattie, Tuncay, Liam Lawrence and Dave Kitson, could be moving on.(The Guardian) 
Tottenham, Blackburn and Birmingham have all been placed on alert after Notts County agreed to release goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel on a free transfer at the end of the season. (The Sun) 
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy is considering a loan bid for Tottenham striker Robbie Keane, who is having a temporary spell at Celtic. However, Spurs would prefer a permanent £8m deal.(Daily Mail) 
McCarthy also wants Hull winger Stephen Hunt for £3m as well as Tigers centre-half Kamil Zayatte.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola's spell at Upton Park is almost certainly over after co-owner David Sullivan said the Italian "might resign at the end of the season".(Daily Telegraph) 
Manchester United have lined up two replacements in case manager Sir Alex Ferguson decides to retire this summer.(The Sun) 
Liverpool will not stand in the way of manager Rafael Benitez if he wishes to join Italian side Juventus in the summer.(The Independent) 
Portsmouth fear that goalkeeper David James will make his final appearance for Pompey in the FA Cup final against Chelsea on 15 May as the cash-strapped club cannot afford to offer him a new deal.(Daily Mirror) 
Uefa president Michel Platini says tighter financial regulation would have prevented the money problems at Portsmouth and said: "I'm not in favour of the big liberalism of what has happened to the English clubs."(The Times) 
Portsmouth are ready to go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport as they attempt to play in the Europa League next season.(Daily Telegraph) 
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, who has missed the last two matches with a groin strain, says he is fit to return for Sunday's trip to Sunderland.(The Sun) 
The agent representing Blackburn midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen says the Norwegian international wants to stay at the club.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City youngster Alex Nimely, 19, will become the latest academy graduate to pledge his future to the club when he signs a new four-year contract.(Daily Mail) 
Crystal Palace midfielder Neil Danns has apologised to the club's fans after being sent off for a headbutt during the 1-1 draw with West Brom on Monday. He will now miss the relegation showdown with Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday. (Daily Express) 

AND FINALLY

Manchester United's new strips for next season have been photographed - with the look reminiscent of what the club used to wear in the 1980s.(The Sun)
www.bbc.co.uk

Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Real Madrid plan to make a stunning £90m bid for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney - not to mention wages of £250,000 a week for five years - and also have England boss Fabio Capello in their sights.(The Sun) 
United are keeping a close eye in James Milner's contract negotiations at Aston Villa as Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson prepares to reshape his Old Trafford squad this summer. (Daily Telegraph) 
Manchester United are monitoring £9m-rated Panathinaikos midfielder Sotiris Ninis.(Daily Mail) 
Italian giants Juventus will seek to tempt Liverpool's under-pressure manager Rafael Benitez with a deal worth £16m over four years, plus a spending kitty of £70m.(Daily Mail) 
Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic is a £15m target for AC Milan, who believe the Blues will bid for Inter Milan full-back Maicon this summer.(Daily Mail)
Barcelona are plotting a raid on Arsenal this summer, with full-back Gael Clichy - not midfielder Cesc Fabregas - their top target.(Daily Mail) 
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been given the green light for a major summer spending spree after chairman Peter Hill-Wood revealed more money "than for a long time" was available - thought to be around £25-£30m. (Daily Star)
Fabregas and Wenger have been left incensed by Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood's claim that Fabregas "would not even get in" the Barcelona team.(The Sun) 
Young Gunners midfielder Jack Wilshere has told Wenger he wants to stay on loan at Bolton if he cannot get first-team football at the Emirates Stadium.(The Sun) 
Everton and Tottenham sent scouts to run the rule over Paris Saint-Germain's Turkey striker Mevlut Erdinc in his side's 3-1 win over Bordeaux last weekend. (Daily Mail) 
Sunderland look to be losing the battle to sign Kevin Kuranyi after Dinamo Moscow offered the Germany striker £85,000 a week to sign for them. (Daily Mail)
Wigan midfielder Paul Scharner has put a question mark over his part in boss Roberto Martinez's fight for survival after storming out of the DW Stadium after being substituted suring Wednesday's 0-0 draw with Portsmouth. (Daily Mirror) 
Stoke boss Tony Pulis is ready to reward defender Abdoulaye Faye with a new contract.(The Sun)

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OTHER GOSSIP


A former Syria international claims to be close to buying Liverpool. Talks between businessman Yahya Kirdi and Anfield owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks are alleged to be at "an advanced stage". Former Celtic captain Andy Lynch says he has been brought on board by the Gulf-based millionaire.(Daily Mirror) 
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres could have played his last club game this season after being forced to undergo another scan on his injured knee. (Daily Star) 
Greater Manchester Police are to impose a large-scale alcohol exclusion zone and increase patrols in Manchester city centre in an effort to prevent Saturday's derby suffering a repeat of the disturbances that marred January's Carling Cup semi-final first leg at Eastlands. (Daily Mail) 
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and his City counterpart Roberto Mancini will be told to keep a lid on their players' derby-day goal celebrations in a warning from Manchester police.(Daily Mail) 
City striker Carlos Tevez and United defender Gary Neville, two of the central figures in the acrimony that has surrounded this season's Manchester derbies, will be under police orders not to do anything that could incite crowd trouble on Saturday.(The Guardian) 
Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo has announced he will take legal action against a Spanish television program, "categorically" denying accusations he held wild parties before and after the defeat to rivals Barcelona.(Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon claims he is fit to return from a groin injury and play his first game of 2010 when Spurs host Chelsea on Saturday.(The Sun) 
MK Dons manager Paul Ince is facing the sack in a drastic cost-cutting move.(Daily Mirror) 
The Premier League has moved to introduce tough new measures to flush out potentially "unfit" club investors in the wake of growing criticism over poor ownership and spiralling debt. (The Times) 
Broadcaster ESPN will consider supporting radical innovations to the FA Cup including moving the latter rounds to midweek and scrapping replays.(Daily Telegraph) 
Roma boss Claudio Ranieri, the former Chelsea manager, is the new favourite to become the next Italy coach with Marcello Lippi set to leave his post after the World Cup.(Daily Mirror) 
Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier is being lined up a the new Wolsburg boss, with Markus Babbel as his assistant. (Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Sunderland striker Darren Bent is to wed Sir Alex Ferguson's former daughter-in-law Nadine Ferguson, who separated from Sir Alex's son Darren in 2007. Nadine announced the news on social networking site Twitter.(The Sun) 
Manchester City winger Adam Johnson is ready to miss out on his summer holiday - in the hope he can book a dream ticket to the World Cup with England. (Daily Star) 
Hull boss Iain Dowie has hit out at the "iPod generation" of players for hiding behind their "big earphones" and forgetting what has got them to where they are.(Daily Mirror)
www.bbc.co.uk

Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will try to persuade Old Trafford chiefs to allow him to splash out £60m this summer to sign striker Karim Benzema and winger David Silva from Real Madrid and Valencia respectively. (The Sun) 
Chelsea are also planning a raid on Valencia, with £50m-rated forward David Villa the target.(caughtoffside.com) 
However, both Manchester United are Chelsea are set to fail in their attempts to sign Ajax's Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, who wants to remain with the Dutch side.(imscouting.com) 
Manchester United could also miss out on Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who is also wanted by Bayern Munich.(imscouting.com) 
Liverpool are ready to make a renewed effort to snap up promising Dutch winger Eljero Elia for £9m from Hamburg this summer.(caughtoffside.com) 
Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna's agent Christophe Mongal claims he has held informal talks with Inter Milan over a possible move to Serie A for the Frenchman. (Footylatest.com) 
The Gunners may also seek to strengthen their defence this summer by making a move for Uruguay defender Martin Caceres, who is on loan at Juventus this season from Barcelona.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester City have put 26-year-old Paraguayan striker Oscar Cardozo on their list of summer targets after he caught the eye in Benfica's Europa League quarter-final clash with Liverpool. (Daily Mirror) 
Cardozo could replace fellow Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz at Eastlands, with Tottenham considering a move for the out-of-favour 28-year-old. (caughtoffside.com) 
Everton will try to sign Inter Milan's former Portsmouth midfielder Sulley Muntari this summer. (caughtoffside.com) 

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OTHER GOSSIP

The Football Association is considering spending £90,000 to relay the Wembley pitch for the 11th time in three years in time for the FA Cup final on 15 May and England's friendly match against Mexico just over a week later.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney's ankle injury will be reassessed on Tuesday to determine his chances of playing in Saturday's derby game at Manchester City. Rio Ferdinand is also a doubt for the match at Eastlands after suffering a groin injury in the 0-0 draw at Blackburn on Sunday.(Daily Mail) 
Striker Carlos Tevez has been prevented from speaking out by Manchester City ahead of Saturday's derby match with rivals Manchester United. The Argentine sparked a war of words with his former club when the two teams met in the Carling Cup semi-final and he branded Red Devils defender Gary Neville a "boot licker" and a "moron".(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United are ready to sell striker Dimitar Berbatov at the end of the season. The Bulgarian has struggled to make an impact since his £30.75m switch from Spurs in September 2008 and it appears as though manager Sir Alex Ferguson has lost faith in him.(The Sun) 
Portsmouth boss Avram Grant has received an offer from an unnamed Premier League club to be their manager next season. The Israeli guided Pompey to the FA Cup final on Sunday via a 2-0 win over Tottenham, but the south coast club are already consigned to Championship football next season.(The Sun) 
Hull fear winger Stephen Hunt may not play again this season and have sent the Irishman for an exploratory operation to get to the bottom of the foot problem that has kept him sidelined since February.  (The Sun) 
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres could miss out on a return to his old club Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-final on 22 April after being booked in for further treatment on his knee injury with a specialist in Barcelona. (Daily Mail) 
Victory in next month's FA Cup final against Chelsea would net Portsmouth about £3.2m, the club's administrator Andrew Andronikou estimates. (Daily Mail) 
Tottenham's hopes of an Aaron Lennon comeback in Wednesday's north London derby have been dashed. The England winger trained last week but was forced to undergo another scan on the groin problem that has kept him out since December, ruling him out of the game against Arsenal. (Daily Mail) 
However, injury-prone centre-back Ledley King is confident he has shaken off the thigh problem that has kept him out since February and may start for Spurs.(The Guardian) 
Celtic's majority shareholder Dermot Desmond has told interim manager Neil Lennon he still has a chance of being awarded the job on a permanent basis, despite Saturday's embarrassing Scottish Cup semi-final defeat by minnows Ross County.(Daily Mail) 
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has insisted that the club are not "oppressive" when it comes to contract negotiations but they refuse to be held to ransom by players. The club are undertaking talks with a number of players over improved terms following what has been a successful first season back in the Premier League for the club.(Daily Mirror) 
Bolton manager Owen Coyle thinks 18-year-old midfielder Jack Wilshere, who is on loan at the Reebok from Arsenal, should be selected by England boss Fabio Capello for the World Cup this summer.(Daily Mirror) 
Leeds are a reported takeover target for Australian billionaire Frank Lowy, who is chairman of the sport's governing body in the country, Football Federation Australia.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Brazilian legend Pele, often considered the best player in football history, has offered a retort to those hailing Barcelona forward Lionel Messi as the greatest star to have played the game. The three-time World Cup winner says people should only start drawing comparisons when Messi has equalled his goal tally of over 1,000 career goals. The Argentine took his senior career tally to 133 goals, which includes 42 this season for club and country, with a goal against Real Madrid on Saturday.(Daily Mail)
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dark saturday

Chelsea 2-4 Man City

Manchester City inflicted Chelsea's first home Premier League defeat this season in a game which began with Wayne Bridge refusing John Terry's handshake.
Frank Lampard's low strike put Chelsea ahead but Carlos Tevez equalised after a long ball was not dealt with, before Craig Bellamy shot beyond Hilario. 
Tevez scored a penalty after Juliano Belletti saw red for a trip on Gareth Barry before a Bellamy tap-in. 
Michael Ballack also saw red and Lampard scored a consolation penalty. 
City had failed to score in their previous seven visits to Stamford Bridge, while Chelsea had only conceded eight at home in the Premier League all season. 
But those statistics were rendered meaningless on an afternoon of triumph for City coach and former Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini, who pitted his wits in the Premier League for the first time against ex-AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti. 
City saw their hopes of silverware this season ended by their FA Cup defeat at Stoke in midweek but they boosted their prospects of a top-four finish by completing the double over Chelsea for the first time since 1957.
With Manchester United not in league action this weekend, victory would have taken Chelsea four points clear at the top of the Premier League. 
But it was a disastrous afternoon for Ancelotti, whose side had only dropped points in one previous home game this season, a 3-3 draw with Everton. 
What's more, his team lacked discipline after the break and were vulnerable in defence, with Hilario looking particularly suspect.
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Swansea 1 - 0 Peterborough

David Cotterill extended promotion-chasing Swansea City's unbeaten run to 12 games and pushed bottom club Peterborough closer to relegation.
Cotterill struck from the spot after Charlie Lee brought him down. 
Nathan Dyer had an effort cleared off the line while keeper Joe Lewis denied Ferrie Bodde and Lee Trundle. 
Lee Frecklington put a header wide for the Posh but Swansea's biggest worry was the injuries to midfielder duo Bodde and Darren Pratley. 
Bodde was making his return from five months out with a knee problem and the Dutchman's exit after just 28 minutes raised question marks as to whether he was ready to play. 
It was the third time in 15 months Bodde has suffered an injury to his left knee. In November 2008 he suffered cruiciate ligament damage and then broke down after eight minutes of his starting return against Sheffield United last September. 606: DEBATE 
Give your thoughts on Swansea v Peterborough 
The double-blow will add to manager Paulo Sousa's midfield woes with Joe Allen, Andrea Orlandi and Jordi Lopez already sidelined. 
But the fourth-placed Swans kept their focus on the job in hand and are seven points off an automatic promotion spot and eight ahead of Sheffield United in seventh. 
Peterborough remain 10 points adrift of safety and winless on the road.
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Chelsea - Man City

Chelsea played an exhausting match in Italy at Wednesday, but Man.Utd. are on just point behind and they have to continue collecting the points. Good thing is they, despite a defeat, made a good result. At Stamford they have a brilliant record in Premier with 12 wins from 13 games (and draw vs. Everton 3-3), scored 38 goals and conceded just 8! Bad thing is they lost Cech for at least a month and Hilario will take his place. There’s nothing much to say about Chelsea and their shape. They’re most quality team in Premier, playing without turbulence through the season and they’re desperate to win. Beside mentioned Cech, Ancelotti will miss Bosingwa, Deco, Essien and Ashley Cole. In last 8 games against City at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea won 7 and drew one game with goal difference 20-1!

It seems the “honeymoon” for Mancini in Manchester has been finished as they won just once in last six competitive games. Considering their players’ quality they should be just behind Chelsea, but problem is motivation, as they could attract only specific kind of players that evaluate material motives (money) before sport’s. Robinho for example has already left the club, while Adebayor looks bored and not interested (got 4 games ban at Stoke and won’t appear, btw.). There’s also unrest in the dressing room between Mancini and the players. Started with Bellamy (who else?), continue with other players who are dissatisfied with training sessions and progress with Tevez’ trip to Argentina. Tevez has returned to England and will play, but was accused from Mancini for lack of fitness (got response “I don’t care”). This issue is getting on importance as Argentinean is the best goal scorer with 19 goals, second is Adebayor with 9 and with Bellamy that’s almost all attacking potential for Citizens. Also, the reason for Tevez’ trip to home was his wife who just had a birth before the date and his concentration today will be questionable. City also played a game at Wednesday and were knocked from the Cup at Stoke after 120 minutes. Their away shape isn’t something to be proud on as they have won just one of their last 11 league matches on the road. 

This game will also have a tension as “old friends”, Terry and Bridge will have to face each other which could include rest of the players. As the result I can see few more yellow cards and maybe one red on the visitors side (can’t to not think on Bellamy). Considering all, this game is a derby only on a paper. The Blues are hard favorites and anything less than a win with 2-3 goals margin would be a first class surprise. Odd isn’t too high, but considering the risk looks adequate. Home win with -1 asian handicap.

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Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Barcelona defender Dani Alves has ruled out a move to Chelsea but has admitted to being flattered with their reported interest in him.(The Independent) 
Former Notts County director of football Sven-Goran Eriksson had planned on luring LA Galaxy and England midfielder David Beckham to Meadow Lane as a part of ex-owners Munto Finance's ambitious plans for the club. This was before the full extent of the financial problems at Notts became clear and Munto sold the club.(Daily Telegraph) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge quit England because of ex-Chelsea team-mate John Terry's failure to apologise over his alleged affair with his former partner, Vanessa Perroncel.(Daily Mail) 
England coach Fabio Capello will try to persuade left-back Bridge to change his mind and join the Italian's World Cup squad for South Africa this summer. (Various) 
Everton left-back Leighton Baines is likely to benefit from Bridge's decision to quit the national squad by being given a call-up to face Egypt in a friendly on Wednesday 3 March. First-choice left-back Ashley Cole is out after undergoing surgery on a broken foot.(Daily Star) 
Alternatively, Capello could turn to Aston Villa left-back Stephen Warnock, who has recovered early from a shin injury that threatened to end his season.(Daily Express) 
"Friends" of Terry claim Bridge has long been considered a "bottler" in the dressing room as the bad feeling between the pair shows no sign of abating.(The Guardian) 
Arsenal forward Theo Walcott is set to deputise for Tottenham's Aaron Lennon on the right wing for England's friendly against Egypt in five days time.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is definitely out of his side's Champions League second leg match at Old Trafford against AC Milan on 10 March.(Daily Mail) 
Bournemouth have been served another winding-up petition by Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs, with a hearing set for 31 March over an outstanding debt of £314,000 the club owes in tax.(Bournemouth Echo) 
Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez has returned from compassionate leave in Argentina following the premature birth of his second daughter, and is in contention to face Chelsea on Saturday. (Daily Mail) 
Roberto Mancini's tenure at Manchester City is coming under intense boardroom scrutiny for the first time after a run of two wins in eight matches. The Italian was only appointed to the City job in December last year.(Daily Mail) 
The Football Association is considering switching the majority of FA Cup matches to midweek to make it "more relevant".(Daily Mail) 
Neil Warnock has moved a step closer to becoming the new QPR boss after beginning compensation talks with current employers Crystal Palace. (Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY

England boss Fabio Capello's World Cup worries for the summer tournament in South Africa mounted last night as it emerged the England WAGs are planning their own base-camp 15 miles from the squad's Rustenburg headquarters.(Daily Mirror)
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Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Stipe Pletikosa's move from Spartak Moscow to Tottenham is back on as the Croatian keeper's knee injury has improved.(Daily Mail) 
Everton manager David Moyes has been on a personal scouting mission to check out Benfica striker Oscar Cardozo, who is also attracting the attention of Tottenham, Aston Villa and Blackburn. (The Sun) 
Moyes is also tracking Nuremberg left-back Javire Pinola but faces competition from Stoke for the Argentine. (The Sun)
Strikers Kris Boyd of Rangers and Aiden McGeady of Celtic are on Birmingham's shopping list as boss Alex McLeish looks to strengthen.(Daily Mail) 
Striker Jon Stead's move to Coventry from Ipswich has put on hold because of his pregnant wife.(The Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

The Premier League is considering having play-offs for the final Champions League slot for the clubs that finish fourth to seventh. (The Guardian) 
Striker Carlos Tevez is set to miss Manchester City's match against Liverpool on Sunday because he has flown home to Argentina to be by the side of his pregnant partner.(Daily Mirror) 
Burnley boss Brian Laws is letting exciting Ecuador winger Fernando Guerrero leave because he does not fit into the club's survival fight.(Daily Mirror) 
Fulham are ready to open talks on a new contract for Swedish striker David Elm. (Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Derby midfielder Robbie Savage has blasted Birmingham's Roger Johnson after the defender told him "I'll be drinking the champagne tonight" after the Blues beat Derby in the FA Cup.(Daily Mirror)
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Man City 2-0 Bolton

Manchester City moved up to fifth place in the Premier League with an uninspired victory over Bolton.
Carlos Tevez struck with a fierce penalty that went in after hitting goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. 
It was awarded after Paul Robinson brought down Adam Johnson, while Bolton should have had a spot-kick after Kolo Toure tangled with Johan Elmander. 
Tevez hit the crossbar with a free-kick before Emmanuel Adebayor struck a ferocious volley to secure the points. 
The match was a pale imitation of the thrilling 3-3 draw the two teams contested at The Reebok in December, with the tempo often disappointing and clear openings at a premium. 
But after losing two of their last three Premier League matches, it was a welcome result for Roberto Mancini's team as they continue their quest for fourth place. 
City have not lost at home since April 2009 and Bolton have not won on the road since September so the result is hardly a surprise. 
But it nonetheless adds to the precariousness of Bolton's position. Owen Coyle's side were hardly outplayed during what was for the most part an even contest but the result means they remain one place above the relegation zone. Bolton have now lost four out of six since Coyle took charge.
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini:
"He (Adam Johnson) is a young player who wants to do well. 
"He can play on both the left and the right and he can also play behind the main striker. He can continue to grow and I think he can be a very important player." 
"I feel good after a victory but if we want to arrive at our targets we must improve. We must win at home, we must win away and we must play better. 
Bolton manager Owen Coyle:
"City have a squad that cost over £200m and we made them look ordinary. If they are honest they will admit they were fortunate. 
"We played with lots of spirit and quality but we must be more clinical when chances present themselves. 
"The first five minutes belonged to Man City but I thought that we really took the game to them after that."
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Friday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Wigan are in talks with Villareal about signing Argentine international striker Marco Ruben, who is thought to be keen to move.(skysports.com) 
Manchester City have offered £15m for West Ham's Swiss midfielder Valon Behrami.(Daily Telegraph) 
West Ham have offered £2m for Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy, but the Lancashire side want more to part with the South African.(skysports.com) 
Striker David Nugent is happy to extend his loan spell from Portsmouth to Burnley until the end of the season but does not want to decide on his long-term future until then.(skysports.com) 
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson says he has had no contact with Arsenal about £7m-rated former non-league defender Chris Smalling, and he would expect Arsene Wenger to get in touch personally if they were interested.(The Independent) 
Hamburg have joined West Ham and Tottenham in the race to sign striker Ruud van Nistelrooy from Real Madrid.( imscouting.com) 
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is interested in Real Madrid's Argentine midfielder Fernando Gago.(Itv.com) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

New West Ham owners David Gold and David Sullivan have made a sensational swoop for Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, offering him £100,000-a-week to move to Upton Park. (The Sun) 
However, Tottenham are now favourites to sign Dutchman Van Nistelrooy after the former Manchester United player rejected a big-money offer from the Hammers.(Daily Mail) 
Tottenham, Sunderland and Manchester City are all chasing Portsmouth defender Younes Kaboul, with Spurs putting together a £10m bid.(Daily Mail) 
Spurs are closing in on a £11m swoop for Palermo central defender Simon Kjaer, but the player's wage demands are proving to be a problem.(Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth goalkeeper David James's loan move to Stoke is back on as the clubs have renewed talks.(The Guardian) 
Manchester United and Manchester City are both interested in Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini. The 25-year-old's agent says he is also talking to Tottenham.(Daily Mail) 
Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh has promised Arsenal and Liverpool that he will make a decision about his future by the end of the month.(Daily Mirror) 
Aston Villa have played down reports saying they are close to signing Rangers striker Kris Boyd.(The Independent) 
West Ham and Birmingham are both keen on signing AC Milan striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar on loan.(Daily Mirror) 
Sunderland are set to complete a £1.8m move for 32-year-old Aston Villa defender Habib Beye.(The Sun) 
Manchester City are weighing up a £5m move for Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson. Sunderland, Chelsea and Wolves are also interested in the 22-year-old.(The Sun) 
Burnley manager Brian Laws is hoping that Portsmouth see "common sense" and allow David Nugent to stay on loan at Turf Moor until the end of the season. (Daily Express) 
Wigan are looking to spring a surprise signing with a £5m bid for 23-year-old Villarreal striker Marco Ruben. (Daily Mail)
Former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson will finally walk away from Notts County next week if the club cannot find fresh investment to stave off a winding-up order.(The Times) 


OTHER GOSSIP

Arsenal defender William Gallas will not receive any punishment for his challenge on Mark Davies in the 4-2 victory over Bolton on Wednesday. After the game, angry Bolton boss Owen Coyle said the challenge "was closer to an assault than a tackle".(The Times) 
Bolton's anger over the tackle and the fact that the ball was not put out of play is showing no signs of diminishing, with Wanderers defender Paul Robinson saying: "It was a disgusting tackle. He's lucky he hasn't broken his leg. We deserved better and are disappointed not to have got anything."(Daily Telegraph) 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has warned his players: "If anyone steps out of control, that's them dead." The Scot was talking at a lecture in Dublin. (The Sun) 
Cash-strapped Derby have placed every member of the squad on the transfer list as they try to raise £8m by the end of the month.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

So what did Carlos Tevez really say about his former Manchester United team-mate Gary Neville in a South American radio interview? He's a "moron" (Daily Mirror and Daily Express), "idiot and creep" (Daily Star and Daily Mail), "stupid bootlicker" (The Sun) and a "bootlicking moron" (Guardian, Independent and The Times) are the general themes.

Thursday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Liverpool will take Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones on loan, with a view to a permanent transfer in the summer. This would enable both clubs to carry the impact of the transfer on their balance sheets into the next tax year, which begins in April.(Daily Mirror) 
West Ham are set to make Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy the first signing of the David Gold/David Sullivan era after lodging a £1.2m bid.(Daily Star) 
Chelsea and Manchester City have both made offers to 18-year-old Spanish midfielder Sergio Canales, who is out of contract and free to leave current club Racing Santander this summer.(www.imscouting.com) 
Manchester City remain hopeful of signing Rubin Kazan left-back Cristian Ansaldi.(Daily Mail) 
Celtic have intimated they are willing to sell winger Aiden McGeady to Birmingham but only if the Midlands club stump up £11m.(Daily Mirror) 
Stoke have made a £2m bid for Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.(Daily Star) 
However, West Ham have also made enquiries about former Manchester United striker Van Nistelrooy.(www.imscouting.com) 
Bayern Munich midfielder Arjen Robben has advised teammate Franck Ribery not to join Real Madrid. Robben spent two years with Madrid before joining Bayern last summer.(www.imscouting.com) 
Portsmouth goalkeeper David James' on-off move to Stoke is back on. The clubs have re-opened negotiations after the transfer collapsed on 15 January because the Potters were not prepared to pay the proportion of James's salary that Pompey wanted from them.(Daily Mirror) 
Alternatively, Stoke boss Tony Pulis is keen to sign Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Lee Grant for £2m.(Daily Star) 
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has made a move to sign out-of-favour Stoke striker James Beattie.(Daily Mirror)
Everton boss David Moyes is ready to sell striker James Vaughan in the January transfer window.(Daily Mirror) 
Moyes has resurrected a move to sign Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos on loan, six months after they pulled out of a deal to sign the Swiss international.(The Times) 
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Babel is set to perform a u-turn and agree to a £9m move to Birmingham after initially rejecting a move to St Andrews.(The Sun) 
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is eyeing a £1.75m swoop for Sheffield United centre-back Matthew Kilgallon.(The Sun) 
Bolton boss Owen Coyle wants to snap up Jamie O'Hara from Tottenham - but the move will require Fifa's permission as the move would mean the midfielder playing for his third club of the season, which is not allowed.(Daily Mirror) 
Derby boss Nigel Clough is in talks with Arsenal to sign French striker Gilles Sunu on loan for the rest of the season.(Daily Mirror) 
Derby are ready to snap up Millwall's highly-rated left winger Dave Martin in a £150,000 swoop.(Daily Mirror) 
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is ready to make a £4m swoop for Mallorca's highly-rated striker Aritz Aduriz to boost his attack.(Daily Mirror) 
Hull are considering offering a lifeline to out-of-favour Sunderland striker David Healy.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester City forward Robinho insists he has not fallen out with manager Roberto Mancini and has vowed to prove his worth at the club. The Brazilian was taken off during the 2-0 defeat at Everton on Saturday after having come on as a substitute.(Daily Mirror) 
The agent of Russian national team manager Guus Hiddink says that a number of clubs, including Liverpool, have sounded him out about the availability of his client.(The Sun) 
Portsmouth manager Avram Grant says the Premier League are going against the spirit of football by refusing to lift the transfer embargo imposed on the south-coast outfit because they have outstanding debts to other English clubs.(The Sun) 
Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta hopes to make his comeback from a cruciate ligament injury in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool on 6 February. The Spaniard has been sidelined for a year.(The Sun) 
Manchester United defender John O'Shea's season appears to be over because of complications to the leg injury he sustained playing for the Republic of Ireland in France two months ago.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor is set to return for the Carling Cup semi-final second leg at Manchester United next week, after being given compassionate leave since he was caught up in the gun attack on the Togo team bus at the Africa Cup of Nations. (The Sun) 
Striker Daniel Cousin says he wants to quit Hull because he cannot stand manager Phil Brown. "The gaffer and I don't have a good relationship. It's difficult to stay. I want to leave," said Cousin.(The Sun) 

AND FINALLY

Manchester City's Carlos Tevez claims his ear-cupping celebration after scoring against Manchester United in the Carling Cup was not a dig at Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson for refusing to sign the striker last summer but was a tribute to a popular Argentine children's puppet Topo Gigio. (Daily Mirror)

Saturday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Tottenham hope to sign Arsenal target Marouane Chamakh on a free transfer, as the Bordeaux striker is out of contract at the end of the season. (Daily Mail)
Bolton insist that they will not cash in on defender Gary Cahill in the January transfer window. (Daily Star) 
But with defender Joleon Lescott injured and Kolo Toure departing for the African Nations Cup in January, Manchester City are the latest club rumoured to be interested in Cahill.(Daily Express) 
Arsenal want QPR wonderkid Raheem Sterling and are considering a player-plus-cash deal involving Gunners striker Jay Simpson.(Daily Mirror) 
Gunners manager Arsene Wenger says the club will not be "busy" in the January transfer window, also urging football to get its financial house in order.(Daily Telegraph) 
New QPR boss Paul Hart wants to make Gillingham's £1.5m-rated striker Simeon Jackson his first signing.(Daily Mirror) 
Birmingham are stepping up their efforts to sign Schalke's Germany striker Kevin Kuranyi. (Daily Mirror) 
And Birmingham manager Alex McLeish says he will bring in "two or three" new players in January as he looks to maintain their fine season. (The Independent) 
Stoke City say they will listen to offers for striker James Beattie in January's transfer window after his dressing-room altercation with manager Tony Pulis.(The Times) 
Wolves are interested in West Bromwich Albion's Slovenia midfielder Robert Koren. (Daily Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is set to be axed this weekend - even if his side beat Sunderland at Eastlands on Friday.(The Sun) 
Russia boss Guus Hiddink and former Germany manager Jurgen Klinsmann are on Manchester City's wanted list to replace Hughes.(The Sun) 
And Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has refused to rule himself out of the running to replace Hughes at City.(Daily Star) 
But City striker Carlos Tevez has urged the club not to "panic" and sack Hughes with former Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini waiting in the wings to take over. (Daily Telegraph) 
West Ham's director of football Gianluca Nani is coming under pressure within the club to justify his signings, with the club languishing in the relegation zone. (Daily Mirror) 
Former Northern Ireland and Fulham Lawrie Sanchez boss has declared an interest in the vacant manager's job at Reading. (The Times)

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AND FINALLY

The total amount in fines that Tottenham's players will have to pay for their secret Christmas party in Dublin is £1.3m.(Daily Mirror)

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Saturday's epilogue

Bolton 3 - 3 Man City

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Carlos Tevez scored twice to salvage another draw for Manchester City in a thrilling game against Bolton.
Ivan Klasnic opened the scoring despite appearing to be offside before Tevez levelled with a deflected strike. 
Gary Cahill's curler put Bolton ahead before Micah Richards equalised - but Klasnic's swivelling shot made it 3-2. 
Craig Bellamy was controversially sent off after being booked for diving, but Tevez's long-range effort claimed a late draw in a memorable game. 
The result means City have now drawn their last four away matches and ensures questions remain as to whether Mark Hughes' side can produce the consistent form necessary to challenge for a top-four finish. 
Bolton, meanwhile, will feel frustrated that they failed to take all three points after an often-dominant display in which they took the lead on three occasions.
The hosts were much-improved from their loss at Wolves last week but that will come as little comfort to manager Gary Megson who is increasingly facing a relegation battle.

Bolton manager Gary Megson:
"We're delighted given how both football clubs are run. It's a decent result because of that but on the other side of the coin we took the lead three times.
"But in terms of what's been going on for us it's a great point. They've got quality all over the pitch and on the bench. Our lads played well and gave it everything. 
"Kevin Davies was right back to his best and I don't think we would have got that result without him. Zat Knight was excellent and so was Paul Robinson." 
Manchester City manager Mark Hughes:
"The first goal was clearly offside and how the hell the official couldn't see that was beyond me.
"I thought the officials were in general very poor. The decision to send Craig Bellamy off was quite honestly laughable. 
"My assistant has been in to ask and he thought Craig had tried to deceive him. I've known Craig for 15 years and I've never seen him dive. 
"If Mr Clattenburg feels he knows my players better than me then I would disagree."

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Watford 0 - 1 Derby

Substitute Chris Porter's second-half header earned Derby their first away win since April at Watford.
Lee Hendrie and Paul Connolly had Derby chances early on before Danny Graham went close for Watford following a poor clearance by Stephen Bywater. 
But the keeper made amends just before half-time, saving Heidar Helguson's shot through a crowded penalty area. 
Replacing DJ Campbell was a surprise move but it paid off when substitute Porter headed in Hendrie's free-kick. 
Watford manager Malky Mackay told BBC London 94.9:
"It was a disappointing afternoon for us. I think we need to make sure that we come here and do the basics. 
"There are going to be games were you go and break a team down and you have to do those basics properly, and Derby came here today and did that. 
"I think there is a patience needed at times, you've got to keep your decision making and your quality up." 
Derby manager Nigel Clough:
"It's been a long, long wait for it (a first away win) but for the three performances we've put in this week we've deserved to win at least one of those games. 
"We look solid, we restricted an extremely good attacking side to very few opportunities and then we looked relatively dangerous ourselves. 
"We just felt if we kept it at 0-0, put the ball in the right areas then on a very difficult surface we might just get some reward today."

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Friday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Former Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini says he is prepared to take charge of Nigeria's national team after receiving an unofficial approach (Gazzetta dello Sport) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea are battling it out with Arsenal for Inter Milan's £18m-rated striker Mario Balotelli.(Daily Mail) 
Chelsea have also been linked with a £13.5m move for Santos striker Neymar. (Daily Mail) 
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is set to land Switzerland World Cup keeper Eldin Jakupovic as competition for current number one Heurelho Gomes.(Daily Mirror) 
AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso could be heading for the Premier League after talks over extending his contract at the Italian club broke down. (The Sun) 
Newcastle have turned down the opportunity to sign former England defender Sol Campbell who is now a free agent after leaving Notts County. (Daily Mirror) 
The Magpies however, could move for former Newcastle midfielder Laurent Robert who is a free agent after leaving Larissa. (Daily Mirror) 
But, Robert's plea to be given an opportunity at St James' Park is likely to go unanswered.(The Times) 
Stoke want to sign Huddersfield keeper Alex Smithies in a £3m deal and then loan him back to the Terriers. (Daily Mirror) 
Burnley want on-loan striker David Nugent to join on loan from Portsmouth on a permanent basis. (The Times) 
Birmingham are being linked with a move for Valencia forward Nikola Zigic in January. (The Times) 
Peterborough United boss Mark Cooper is setting up a move for Crewe's giant striker Calvin Zola when the transfer window opens in January. (Daily Mirror) 
Malky Mackay, the Watford manager, does not expect to have to sell players despite the club's precarious financial situation. (The Times) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Notts County director of football Sven-Goran Eriksson is on the brink of quitting the League Two club because he is not being paid the full amount of his seven-figure contract. (Daily Mail) 
The 32 nations who made it to South Africa will share a jackpot of more than £250m next summer.(The Sun) 
Meanwhile, 200m people across the globe are expected to watch Friday's World Cup draw.(The Sun) 
Football fans will also be able to watch next year's World Cup in 3D for the first time.(Daily Telegraph) 

AND FINALLY

Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez has hit out at the lack of loyalty shown to him by fans at his former club, Manchester United. (The Sun) 
Middlesbrough have offered fans a gamble - anyone buying a half-season ticket by 21 December will get their money back if Gordon Strachan's men go on a winning streak of four games in a row.(Daily Mirror)
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Carling Cup

Blackburn 3-3 Chelsea

Blackburn dumped Chelsea out of the Carling Cup in a penalty shoot-out to set up a semi-final with Aston Villa.
Nikola Kalinic put Rovers ahead from six yards before a header from substitute Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou's finish sent Chelsea in front. 
Hilario failed to deal with a deflected Brett Emerton cross and Benni McCarthy scored a penalty, but Paulo Ferreira levelled at 3-3 deep into extra-time. 
Gael Kakuta missed the crucial spot kick as Rovers won the shoot-out 4-3. 
The 18-year-old Kakuta, who Chelsea controversially signed from Lens, struck the ball straight at Paul Robinson, who had earlier sensationally tipped Michael Ballack's spot kick on to the post. 
Premier League leaders Chelsea went into the tie unbeaten in nine games while Carlo Ancelotti's team had not conceded in their previous four matches. 
But the Italian will not be winning the Carling Cup in his first season in English football after his team produced a largely below-par performance at Ewood Park.
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Man City 3-0 Arsenal

Manchester City deservedly sealed a place in the Carling Cup semi-final against arch-rivals Manchester United after beating a youthful Arsenal side at vibrant Eastlands.
Carlos Tevez's spectacular strike five minutes after half-time put City on the path into the last four and a stunning angled drive from Shaun Wright-Phillips sealed the victory for Mark Hughes' side. 
Substitute Vladimir Weiss wrapped up City's triumph with an emphatic finish a minute from time and rounded off a miserable night for Arsenal and manager Arsene Wenger. 
City had the better of an encounter that failed to touch the heights - but their jubilant fans were in no mood to complain as they celebrated a win that moves them a step closer to a first Wembley cup final in 28 years.
For Arsenal boss Wenger, it was more disappointment as his traditionally revamped Carling Cup side crashed to defeat just days after his more familiar line-up was dismantled by Chelsea at the Emirates. 
And his disappointment was demonstrated when he pointedly refused to shake hands with opposite number Hughes at the final whistle - an action that left the City boss accusing his Arsenal counterpart of being ungracious in defeat. 
Wenger, without a trophy since the FA Cup win against Manchester United in Cardiff in 2005, saw his much-heralded youngsters eventually overpowered by City as the opportunity to advance to a major final was sacrificed in favour of giving experience to his emerging talent.
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