Transfer news...

[h=1]Chelsea striker set for PSG switch[/h] Published 22:57 10/12/11 By MirrorFootball

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...t-for-Paris-Saint-Germain-article841744.html#


Salomon Kalou is set to join the Paris Saint-Germain glory train.
The ambitious French club, now under Qatari ownership, have drawn up an impressive list of potential big name signings such as David Beckham.
PSG are aware that the 26-year-old Chelsea star's contract expires next summer and that in recent weeks, the Ivory Coast international has only been on the fringes of the Blues first team.

Given his contractual situation PSG hope they can clinch a cut-price fee.


Kalou has also been linked with a move across London to Arsenal, but there's no hint of that move being ratified soon. He is also scheduled to be involved with the Ivory Coast team at next month's Africa Cup of Nations.


 
[h=1]City should never have let Daniel Sturridge go, says Roberto Mancini[/h] The Manchester City manager laments the departure of a talented striker who may come back to haunt his side





The striker Daniel Sturridge made 11 league starts for Manchester City, scoring eight times, before he moved to Chelsea in 2009. Now he faces his old club. Photograph: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto Ltd/Allstar

Manchester City's next two games are against Chelsea and Arsenal, which will not only be testing but slightly galling given London's present advantage in Champions League representation. At least City travel to Stamford Bridge on Monday top of the Premier League table and aiming to stay there, though Roberto Mancini has not only a resurgent Didier Drogba and an in-form Juan Mata to worry about but a former City player in Daniel Sturridge.
The young striker has finally managed to show his true worth for Chelsea this season and, even if his finishing remains erratic, his pace and ability to beat players will pose problems for the best defences. Last week Sturridge cut Newcastle United wide open so many times it was embarrassing. He could have scored at least a hat-trick but, though he was one on one with the goalkeeper several times, a combination of Tim Krul's reflexes and a slight lack of composure in front of goal meant he got on to the scoresheet only in the 89th minute.
Mancini has no doubt that composure will arrive with experience. Sturridge moved south on Mark Hughes's watch, before Mancini arrived in Manchester, but the City manager still cannot believe the club let such a valuable asset leave almost for free.
"I know Sturridge well, I have watched him many times," Mancini says. "It was strange because he started out in Manchester and someone let him out of the club for nothing. Given the chance I think I would have liked to have kept him, but now he is at Chelsea we can do nothing. I know for sure he was one of the best young players that was here. I asked him last year when he played for Bolton why he left Manchester City and he said he didn't know."
The usual suspects, money and restricted first-team opportunities, were partly to blame, though once at Chelsea the now 22-year-old Sturridge had to come back north on loan to pick up playing time with Bolton. Mancini would have preferred to send him out on loan from City and have him back as a first-team player by now. "It was not difficult to see that Sturridge was going to be a good player," Mancini says diplomatically.
There is nothing to be gained from picking a row with the previous manager over something that now belongs in the past, but since Sturridge's quality began to emerge at Bolton and Chelsea many City supporters have questioned the logic of the club paying over the odds to sign Roque Santa Cruz, then hardly ever playing him, while simultaneously letting a home-grown talent with an exciting career ahead of him join a rival club relatively cheaply. Sturridge is not Manchester born and bred – he hails from Birmingham and is related to the former Wolves player Dean Sturridge – but he came through the City academy after spells at Aston Villa and Coventry and his potential was quickly spotted.
"If Sturridge was here today he would be playing in our first team," Mancini says. "This season he can arrive in the national team too. I understand the situation with young players, it is difficult for them to improve if they don't get the games they need, but it is better to send them on loan rather than lose them altogether." In fact City did make a modest amount of money on Sturridge. As he was both under 24 and out of contract in 2009 a tribunal awarded City £3.5m, rising to £5.5m depending on appearances, and Chelsea will have to forfeit 15% of any future sell-on fee.
Sturridge and Drogba both scored in Chelsea's 3-0 win at Newcastle last weekend, though Mata was named man of the match, then the 33-year-old Ivorian rolled back the years to confound some of his doubters with two goals in the victory over Valencia to secure a place in the Champions League knockout stage.

"Drogba is still a strong striker," Mancini says. "Chelsea have a good mix of young and old, and that's what you need. Mata is a young player but he played for Valencia for many years in the Champions League, Sturridge is just starting out. I think every team needs young players because you cannot play with just old players, senior players. But at the same time you often need experience. If young players play with senior players they can improve every day."




 
[h=1]Blackburn target Ajax striker[/h] Published 22:57 10/12/11 By MirrorFootball

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...triker-Mounir-El-Hamdaoui-article841745.html#



Blackburn are among a selection of Premier League teams interested in Ajax *outcast Mounir El Hamdaoui, but Espanyol believe they can land him in *January.
The striker has fallen out of favour at Ajax and was given a letter ahead of the new *season telling him he will not be considered for selection.

El Hamdaoui then sought an exit, but Espanyol failed to secure terms on the final day of the transfer window.


 
[h=1]Spurs close in on Juventus striker[/h] Published 22:57 10/12/11 By MirrorFootball

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...n-Juventus-striker-Amauri-article841753.html#


Tottenham are closing in on a move for Juventus striker Amauri.
That's the claim of the agent for the Brazil-born Italy international. Amauri, 31, will be out of contract next summer. He has had a long and successful career in Serie A, but has been frozen out this season by new Juve coach Antonio Conte.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp now hopes to land the former Parma, Napoli and Palermo ace for a knockdown fee.
Ernesto Bronzetti, the striker's agent, said: "Tottenham are interested in Amauri, as are three Italian clubs. We will weigh up whether he prefers to continue playing in Italy, or go to England."
 
[h=1]Liverpool plot move for Real Sociedad defender[/h] Published 22:58 11/12/11 By MirrorFootball

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...d-defender-Inigo-Martinez-article841761.html#


The full version of this story appears in today's People
LIiverpool are plotting a move for Real Sociedad defender Inigo Martinez.

The Anfield club have sent scouts to watch the 20-year-old several times this season and will continue to monitor his form with a view to a bid in the summer.

Martinez has a clause in his contract, which runs until June 2015, which says he can go if they receive a £28million offer.
 
[h=1]O'Neill keen to land Aston Villa striker[/h] Published 22:56 10/12/11 By Ralph Ellis

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...lla-for-Nathan-Delfouneso-article841746.html#


Martin O'Neill could go back to old club Aston Villa with a £3million bid for out of favour striker Nathan Delfouneso.
The England Under-21 ace has been frozen out since the arrival of £24m star Darren Bent – he's played just five minutes of Premier League football this season.

And O'Neill, who first identified Delfouneso's talent when he was boss at Villa Park, is ironically looking for the goalscorer the Black Cats have been missing since Bent was sold.

He's one of several of his Villa old boys who will be on the O'Neill radar – Carlos Cuellar and Stiliyan Petrov could also be targets.
 
[h=1]Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Saturday's papers[/h] Published 10:40 10/12/11 By Football Spy




Transfer stories from today's Daily Mirror
Gourcuff "perfect" for Arsenal says Pires
Tevez advisors 'in transfer talks with PSG'
Two Prem clubs eye up QPR's Faurlin


West Brom say trialist Ream is totally reem
Giant striker is a big hit at West Ham
Chelsea and United have no chance of signing Modric in January warns Redknapp
Milan rule out Pato swap deal for Tevez
Stories from other papers and websites
Juventus have become the first club to indicate they are prepared to pay £20million for Carlos Tevez (Daily Mail)​
Liverpool want Porto's Fernando Reges to replace injured Lucas Leiva (Daily Mail)
Arsenal are set to sell Andrey Arshavin, Marouane Chamakh and Sebastien Squillaci in January (Daily Mail)
QPR have been offered Tottenham outcast Roman Pavlyuchenko in January (Daily Mail)
Aston Villa will listen to offers for club captain Stiliyan Petrov, defender Carlos Cuellar and midfielder Stephen Ireland (Daily Mail)
Peterborough goalkeeper Joe Lewis played for Queens Park Rangers this week ahead of a possibel January move (Daily Mail)
Swansea are close to signing NEC Nijmegen's John Goossens for £650k (Daily Mail)

Tottenham's Andros Townsend is likely to leave in January after a training ground strop (Daily Mail)

Newcastle cold move for AC Milan defender Taye Taiwo in January (TalkSPORT)
Arsene Wenger could move for Chelsea pair Alex and Salomon Kalou in January (Caughtoffside)
 
[h=1]Man United whizzkid battling to save his Old Trafford career[/h] Published 22:58 03/12/11 By MirrorFootball




Manchester United whizzkid Ravel Morrison is battling to save his Old *Trafford career.
The 18-year-old forward is regarded as the most accomplished prospect of his generation to come out of their fabled academy.
But Morrison's contract expires next summer and United have yet to begin talks about a new deal.
He made only his second senior appearance in midweek as a second-half sub in United's Carling Cup defeat by Crystal Palace.

But Morrison's progress has been hampered by off-field problems.
He escaped a custodial sentence after pleading guilty to witness intimidation and further riled United chiefs when he admitted criminal damage.

Sir Alex Ferguson has stood by him and Morrison is said to be so focused on knuckling down, he would readily sign a contract with the aim of becoming a first-team regular.


 
[h=1]RVP set to rewrite the Premier League history books[/h] Published 22:58 10/12/11 By Steve Stammers

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...s-scored-in-calendar-year-article841727.html#


Robin Van Persie is on course to write his own unique and illustrious entry in English football’s record books.
Arsenal’s master marksman is on target to overtake Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry for scoring the most Premier League goals in a calendar year.
And on the day when Arsenal celebrated their 125th anniversary with an array of their most famous old boys in attendance, there was no doubting the *quality of the Van Persie *left-foot volley that clinched the points and emphasised his value to the Gunners’ cause.
Manager Arsene Wenger said: “We needed something special to score and in the end Robin got it.

“I have to give credit to Alex Song who gave him a great ball, but it’s never easy to score this kind of goal. You have to get the timing right. It is an art, but Robin masters it well. We seem to be very Van Persie-dependent at the moment. He *delivered something special. It was *exceptional, but even he said it was not his best of days.”
That’s the thing with great goalscorers. Sometimes they don’t play well but they still grab the headlines.
But one sensational headline Wenger was quick to dismiss was the suggestion that Henry might be on the brink of a shock return to the club.
On Friday, the French *superstar shed a tear as he *unveiled the status in his honour that stands outside the Emirates Stadium.
Yesterday Martin Keown, his old Gunners team-mate *tweeted the suggestion that Henry was looking good in training and merited a shock return to the Arsenal playing ranks.
Henry was among the great and good in attendance at the game with the likes of former boss George Graham.
And Wenger was quick to block that controversial *suggestion – but then delivered an equally contentious suggestion of his own.
On Henry, who has just completed a season with New York Red Bulls, Wenger said: “He is going back to a training camp on January 15.
“I am losing players like *Marouane Chamakh and *Gervinho to the African Cup of Nations, but I have players like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ju Young Park and Andrey *Arshavin to come in.”
To the suggestion that Van Persie deserves permanent recognition, Wenger said: “A statue for him? Well, we were historical today because we won 1-0! George Graham was here and deserves a statue.”
Everton boss David Moyes paid his tribute to the goal from Van Persie.
Moyes said: “It was a terrific finish. I have to admit that we were fortunate to go in 0-0 at half-time. We defended well at times and badly at others.
“There was always someone there to make a block and cover. Tim Howard only had two saves to make from Gervinho in the first half and from Theo Walcott in the second.
“Arsenal are full of confidence and we’re having a tough time. This was always going to be a hard place to come, but I thought our players acquitted themselves well.”

Other Gunners legends at the game included Frank *McLintock – double-winning captain in 1971 – along with Ian Wright, Anders Limpar and Charlie George, record appearance holder David O’Leary.


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[h=1]Nasri: Man United the title threat, not Chelsea[/h] Published 22:58 10/12/11 By Simon Mullock

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...-Chelsea-says-Samir-Nasri-article841315.html#


There were capital gains in the Champions League during the week, but Samir Nasri still believes that the biggest threat to Manchester City's title dream is closer to home.
Having both made it through the group stages of Europe's top *competition, London giants Arsenal and Chelsea are now tasked with *halting City's rampant charge towards the Premier League crown in the next seven days.
Roberto Mancini's men travel to Stamford Bridge tomorrow before *taking on the Gunners at the Etihad Stadium next Sunday having blasted 48 goals in a 14-match unbeaten start to the campaign. Yet while both City and local rivals Manchester United have been licking their wounds in the three days since their own Champions League demise, Nasri is in no doubt where City's biggest challenge will come from in the coming months.
"Man United are still the threat to us," said the Frenchman. "I say that because they have more experience than any other team. It will be difficult when we play Chelsea, of course, but we knew it would also be difficult going to places like Spurs, Man United and Liverpool - and we had great *results against those teams.

"So I don't know what we have to fear about Chelsea."
City have laid waste to Premier League defences this season.
United were blasted for six on their own Old Trafford turf, while Spurs' surge into the title reckoning came after City had humiliated them 5-1 at White Hart Lane. Even Liverpool couldn't beat City, drawing 1-1 despite producing their best performance of the season against a side reduced to 10 men in front of a baying Kop.
Nasri continued: "We are *confident about our quality and we will try to play the same game that *Liverpool did when they beat *Chelsea in the league at Stamford Bridge. We know that if we press them high and play our football, then they will be in difficulty."
The 24-year-old midfielder has no doubts that he has already become a more rounded *player since he swapped Arsenal red for City blue. Nasri will always be grateful for the influence that Arsene Wenger has had on his career. But under Mancini he has added even more strings to his bow. "I had six assists last year with Arsenal," he said. "I have already had the same number with City. I have learned new things tactically, you know? *
"Tactically the Italians are very strong. The manager here is really into his tactics. He knows how he wants us to defend and so you always know where you have to be when we lose the ball. Mancini told me that I already knew how to *attack because that's what I did with Arsenal.
"The important thing wasn't to work on what I did going forward but to show me what I had to do *defensively. I still know that I have to improve that part of my game. But I am only 24, so I can improve a lot. Mancini is never happy with the result.
"Even when we won 5-1 he was angry because he wanted a clean sheet as well as three points. The players agree with him. We know that if we want to be one of the biggest teams in the world we need to defend as a unit. It doesn't *matter whether I play, or it is David (Silva), James *(Milner) or Adam (Johnson), we have to help our defenders."
City's own European agony was *compounded by a 10-point haul from a group of death featuring Bayern *Munich, Napoli and Villarreal.
And while Nasri agrees with his manager that Barcelona have to be the benchmark in the coming years, he feels English clubs are at a disadvantage when it comes to Europe.
Nasri said: "You know the problem is that you lose too much energy when you play in England. Even when you play the team at the bottom you have to give everything so it is always difficult for teams like City and United. Barcelona play Almeria and win 8-0 easily. Last week we beat Norwich 5-1 but it was never easy. You never win 8-0 in the Premier League. It is a more demanding league at every level.
"In Spain last season, the difference between second and third was 20 points. Of course, Barca and Real *Madrid are top teams. They show it in the Champions League every year.
"Our model is Barcelona. As a team we defend very high up the pitch and I believe that's why we are scoring so many goals.

"When you win the ball in the other team's half it will always be easier to score because you are closer to goal. You have less distance to run and you are fresher running just 30 metres.
"We cannot win the Champions League now, but our objective at the start of the season was the league."
Mancini: Sturridge move was a City blunder


 
[h=1]City and Chelsea target vows to focus on Napoli[/h] Published 22:58 10/12/11 By MirrorFootball

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/tra...i-vows-to-focus-on-Napoli-article841756.html#


Manchester City and Chelsea target Edinson Cavani has spoken of his admiration for English football – but says he's focusing on Napoli for now.
The striker is top of Roberto Mancini's wanted list at City – and he caught the eye by scoring twice for the Italian club against City in the Champions League last month.
Uruguay international Cavani, 24, is one of the most wanted strikers in European football, with Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas also keen.
Napoli believe Cavani is worth around £50m and face a fight to hold on to their star asset when the transfer window opens in January.

Cavani said: "I like English football a lot. There are teams there that are very dynamic and strong.
"I also like Spanish football as there is more space, which is ideal for my game. But my future is at Napoli, I have no doubt.
"The season is long and hard. At the moment, I am just focused on next weekend's game."


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[h=1]Monday's gossip column - transfers and rumours[/h]

TRANSFER GOSSIP
Everton boss David Moyes has admitted making an approach to New York Red Bulls striker Thierry Henry, who is currently training with Arsenal during the MLS off-season, in an attempt to sign the Frenchman on loan in January.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Arsenal's Marouane Chamakh has conceded he may have to leave the club to revive his career and has hinted he could be set for a return to his former team Bordeaux.
Full story: Daily Mail
Manchester United are chasing 17-year-old Dutch left-back Jetro Willems, who plays for PSV Eindhoven, as manager Sir Alex Ferguson looks for the next Patrice Evra.
Full story: Daily Mirror
OTHER GOSSIP
Phil Jones believes it is wrong to criticise his Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney for a lack of goals before the weekend's win against Norwich because he does so much important work for the side in other areas.
Full story: talkSPORT
New Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has warned the Black Cats supporters that there will be plenty of dark days ahead of them despite their much-needed win over Blackburn on Sunday.
Full story: Daily Telegraph
AND FINALLY
Liverpool's Craig Bellamy and QPR's Joey Barton were involved in an argument moments after the final whistle in Saturday's game at Anfield as bad blood between the two spilled into the tunnel area.
Full story: Daily Mail
 
[h=1]Man United plot swoop for Dutch starlet[/h] Published 22:28 11/12/11 By Alan Nixon




Manchester United are chasing Holland's wonder boy Jetro Willems – as Sir Alex Ferguson looks for the next Patrice Evra.
Ferguson sent his brother Martin, a United scout, on a spying mission to watch the 17-year-old left-back play for PSV Eindhoven at the weekend, teeing up a quick move for the teenager.
Willems joined PSV from Sparta Rotterdam at the end of August, but could be on the move again if Fergie thinks the time is right to act before rivals get their act together.
The star Holland youth international has already played 20 senior matches in Dutch football – catching the eye of top clubs in England and Europe.


Fergie does not have an obvious player to groom for Evra's role within the Old Trafford ranks.
And he could swoop soon for Willems, who signed a three-year contract at PSV, rather than wait for his price to rise.

Willems would be eligible for United's Europa League campaign if they do *business in the New Year market.
United are likely to watch him again before the next transfer window opens, but he is a live target.


 



[h=1]Penalty hero Fraser Forster hopes for permanent move to Celtic[/h] • On-loan goalkeeper seals win with last-gasp save
• Tips Celtic to win at Udinese in Europa League





[h=2]Scottish Premier League 2011-12[/h]
Celtic 1
  • Wanyama 72
Hearts 0




The Celtic goalkeeper, Fraser Forster, celebrates his side's Scottish Premier League victory against Hearts at Parkhead. Photograph: Russell Cheyne/Reuters

The Celtic goalkeeper, Fraser Forster, has hinted he could be ready to turn his temporary spell in Glasgow from Newcastle United into a permanent one. The 23‑year‑old, who also had a loan period at Celtic last season, saved a penalty in the dying moments of the 1-0 win against Hearts on Saturday. Although nothing has been said officially, Forster's long-term prospects at St James' Park seem bleak.
"If it happens, it happens," said Forster, of completing a transfer to Celtic. "I'm just focused on trying to play well here, and if you play well, anything can happen.
"This is a great club, and I have loved my time here so far. The manager has been brilliant with me, so I can't really ask any more. It is a fantastic club here, and the chance to play in Europe is something that very few players get to do. So I'm just honoured to be playing for such a big club and I just work hard and see where it takes me."
Forster's save of Eggert Jonsson's spot-kick prompted wild scenes inside Celtic Park. Victor Wanyama had earlier claimed the game's only goal, a stunning hit from 25 yards.
"I think I was due to make a penalty save at some point," Forster said. "It was a fantastic victory and three points for us. I didn't think it was a penalty in the first place, so justice was done in the end. The referee thought it was a hand ball, but I was disappointed it was given."
Celtic remain four points adrift of Rangers in the Scottish Premier League, after the leaders won 2-0 at Hibernian. The focus for Celtic now reverts to the Europa League. Only victory at Udinese on Thursday will take Neil Lennon's team into the knockout phase; Celtic have never won a competitive fixture in Italy.

"Records are there to be broken," Forster said. "So we've just got to go there and play the way we know we can. I don't see why we can't go there feeling confidence in our ability in this squad.

"We are on a great run, and winning breeds confidence. It is important we keep that run going. We can be delighted with the way we have played in the Europa League, and I don't see why we can't win in Udinese, knowing the way we can play."




 
[h=2]Chelsea 2-1 Manchester City [/h] [h=1]Chelsea v Manchester City: five things we learned[/h] Neither Chelsea nor Manchester City are particularly solid defensively but the darker Blues are right back in the title race




David Silva of Manchester City is brought down by José Bosingwa and Ramires, right, of Chelsea. Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images

[h=2]1 David Luiz's absence does not solve defensive problems [/h]
It is rare for supporters to welcome the suspension of a player but many of the Chelsea faithful may have breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing that David Luiz was suspended for this game. The Portuguese has appeared 14 times for the hosts this season but it can be safely said that his reputation has not strengthened with each passing game. André Villas‑Boas has been at pains to defend the player, particularly against criticism from Gary Neville, and, in fairness to Luiz, he did play well in Chelsea's last game, the 3-0 win over Valencia, but question marks remain and here Villas‑Boas was given the chance to see if Branislav Ivanovic could form a more reliable central‑defensive partnership with John Terry. The answer, after less than two minutes of play, had to be no, as the pair's naive split created the space for Sergio Agüero to play in Mario Balotelli to score. Nervousness then spread across the back four, with José Bosingwa particularly affected and the full-back was fortunate that the referee, Mark Clattenburg, did not deem his trip on David Silva inside the area after 14 minutes worthy of a penalty. More errors followed and while it would be foolish to say Luiz's presence would have helped the hosts' cause, particularly against such deadly opponents, w hat is apparent is that Chelsea's defensive problems cannot be pinned on him alone.
[h=2]2 Manchester City's defence is also less than great [/h]
City have scored goals at a staggering rate this season – Premier League leaders now have 49 in their first 15 fixtures and have scored three or more in 11 of those – it has been somewhat forgotten they have been less than impressive defensively. Roberto Mancini's men had not kept a clean sheet in their seven fixtures before this game, their worst run in two years. Constant changes to the back four is part of the explanation and another alteration was made here from the defence in the 2-0 win over Bayern Munich, with Pablo Zabaleta coming in for Stefan Savic. Marshalled by Yaya Touré and Gareth Barry, City's back four started well, keeping a deep and disciplined line. But on 34 minutes came the customary goal against, with Raul Meireles allowed far too much room in a central position to volley in Daniel Sturridge's cross. The wait for a fifth Premier League clean sheet of this campaign goes on.
[h=2]3 Mario Balotelli can be trusted in the big games [/h]
Following Balotelli's red card in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool two weeks ago, Mancini said he would have to consider leaving the forward out of key fixtures. The manager clearly experienced a change of heart in the interim, deciding as he did to select his Italian compatriot for this game. The decision appeared particularly curious given that the persistently controversial striker broke a club curfew over the weekend, but less than two minutes after kick-off here the 21-year-old had more than justified his selection by scoring the opening goal, collecting Agüero's cute through pass before calmly rounding the Chelsea goalkeeper, Petr Cech, and rolling the ball into an empty net. Perhaps he should stay out for a curry every night.
[h=2]4 Frank Lampard is far from finished [/h]
For a second match in succession, Villas-Boas picked a midfield that did not contain Frank Lampard. The 33-year-old was not missed against Valencia and with Ramires and Meireles impressing as Chelsea clawed their way back, it appeared he would not be a loss here either. But cometh the 72nd minute, cometh the man, with Lampard's arrival as a replacement for Meireles swinging the game in Chelsea's favour. The midfielder's passing was crisp and his movement threatening and it was his ball to Sturridge that led to the decisive penalty. Lampard took it and he scored. Stamford Bridge erupted and those who continue to doubt the England man once again fell silent. After Chelsea had fallen 1-0 down, it felt as if his experience would be required.
[h=2]5 Chelsea are a match for the big boys[/h]
Defeats by Manchester United and Arsenal and twice by Liverpool not only damaged Chelsea's Premier League standing and participation in the Carling Cup but also questioned their ability to perform against the biggest and best opposition. This, therefore, was a test in more ways than one and it will have greatly pleased Villas-Boas that his side finally overcame stellar opposition with a performance that highlighted their powers of recovery, resilience and, in the shape of Sturridge and Juan Mata in particular, attacking prowess. Now seven points behind the leaders, City, this Chelsea team are well and truly back in the title race. Here they looked well equipped to remain as a leading contender for the rest of the campaign.





 
[h=1]Sir Alex Ferguson aims to rotate United squad over 'hectic' period[/h] • 'It's going to be a hectic spell … that's when the squad kicks in'
• Butt says United should improve squad in January if they can





Sir Alex Ferguson says he will have to rotate his squad to get through the busy winter period. Photograph: Paul Thomas/Action Images

The Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has said he will have to utilise the full depth of his squad as the fixture list picks up over the festive period. From Sunday, when United go to QPR, the team play five matches in 18 days before their high-profile FA Cup third-round match at Manchester City.
And as Ferguson is without the likes of Nemanja Vidic, Javier Hernández, Michael Owen, Tom Cleverley, Anderson, Rafael and Fabio da Silva there are a number of fringe players who will have to come in to lighten the load.
"December is a particularly busy month when we often play eight or nine games," he told Inside United. "We've got a Boxing Day Game, a New Year's Eve game … it's going to be a hectic spell and that's when the squad really kicks in."
In spite of his long injury list Ferguson last week played down the possibility of making new signings when the January transfer window opens. However, the former United midfielder Nicky Butt believes if there are improvements to be made Ferguson should make them.
"Every team can improve, no matter who they are," he said. "Even Barcelona can improve so I'm sure Sir Alex will sign players, whether it be in midfield, defence or up front. He's always looking to enhance his squad."

Butt also thinks United will benefit from having a settled partnership in midfield. "I think it's difficult to pick the four starting across the midfield," Butt said. "In years gone by, everyone knew who the strongest four or five was. It's different now but we've still got some good players.
"I think Sir Alex will be looking to try and get a steady pairing in the centre. He's had injuries to Darren Fletcher, Cleverley and Anderson so it's been difficult to get a regular line-up in midfield. It helps when you can get everyone on a roll and playing well together."





 
[h=1]Arsenal left short at back after André Santos is ruled out until March[/h] • Arsène Wenger has no recognised full-back to select
• Arsenal may be forced to make loan move in January





Arsenal's André Santos was injured during the effectively meaningless Champions League match at Olympiakos. Photograph: Aris Messinis/AFP/Getty Images

Arsenal look set to head into the hectic festive schedule with no recognised full-back after it was confirmed André Santos would be out of action for around three months with ligament damage to his right ankle.
The club revealed on Monday that the Brazil international – who had impressed in recent matches following his August transfer deadline move from Fenerbahce – was set to have surgery in his home country after sustaining the injury in what was effectively a meaningless final Champions League group game away against Olympiakos last week.
Given Kieran Gibbs is not yet fully fit from his hernia problem, while both right‑backs Bacary Sagna and Carl Jenkinson are also sidelined, the Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, fielded four centre-backs in defence against Everton.
The young Spaniard Ignasi Miquel is another option, although the 19-year-old reserve captain's more natural position is also in central defence, and Arsenal could now look to bring in some experienced cover, perhaps on loan, when the transfer window opens again in January.
The 28-year-old Santos is not expected to be available until mid-March at the earliest. A statement on the club's website read: "We can confirm that, following investigations and subsequent medical opinions by club specialists, left-back André Santos will have surgery to repair ligament damage in his right ankle sustained in the game against Olympiakos last week. André will have surgery in Brazil this week and is expected to be out for around three months. Everyone at the club wishes him well."
Wenger will also have some juggling to do in the Arsenal frontline at the start of 2012. The Ivory Coast forward Gervinho is set to head to the Africa Cup of Nations in January, which could cause him to be unavailable for almost two months.
While Wenger admits his back-up attacking options will be stretched, as Marouane Chamakh is also set to be away with Morocco, the Arsenal manager has ruled out bringing in any more forwards during the transfer window – preferring instead to give the South Korea captain, Park Ju‑young, and Andrey Arshavin the opportunity to impress. "We have Arshavin, and we have [Alex] Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has made great progress already, who can come in. We also have Park, now his adaptation period is over, we will see much more from him in the second half of the season," said Wenger.

Chamakh has faded since making a quick impact at the start of last season and has spoken of his frustration at being overlooked. "I am 27. I need to play. I cannot stay like this forever," he told the French TV station TF1's Telefoot programme. "If I played more, of course, I would have more confidence and score more goals."





 
[h=1] Tuesday's gossip column - transfers and rumours [/h]


TRANSFER GOSSIP
Crystal Palace defender Nathaniel Clyne has been targeted by Sir Alex Ferguson as the ideal replacement for Gary Neville, who retired last season. The England Under-21 international impressed during the recent Carling Cup win over Manchester United.
Full story: Daily Mail
After agreeing a deal to sign Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka, Shanghai Shenhua are now eying a move for his Blues team-mate Didier Drogba.
Full story: London Evening Standard
Tottenham are poised to make an ambitious January move to take Real Madrid misfit Kaka on loan for the rest of the season. The 29-year-old Brazilian has struggled to find a place in the team under Jose Mourinho and is likely to be sold in the summer, if not sooner.
Full story: Daily Express
Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cotterill is considering selling £1.5m-rated Lewis McGugan in an attempt to raise funds for a new striker. Full story: Daily Mirror
West Brom manager Roy Hodgson is still unsure whether he will be dipping into the transfer market in January admitting there are still players at the club who are pushing for starts.
Full story: Birmingham Mail
Arsenal are believed to be preparing to make a move for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.
Full story: footylatest.com
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy expects the form of Steven Fletcher to catch the eye of several managers before the end of January. The Scottish striker has now scored 16 goals in his last 23 matches.
Full story: Birmingham Mail
Tottenham are ready to spend big to sign Lille striker Moussa Sow. The Senegal international has scored 29 goals in 48 games and is expected to cost around £18m.
Full story: talkSPORT
Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish has denied claims in some newspapers that midfielder Stiliyan Petrov will be sold in January.
Full story: Birmingham Mail
QPR are believed to be leading the race to sign Fulham's Bobby Zamora, who is set to leave the club in January. Sunderland and Aston Villa are also said to be interested in the striker who could cost £10m.
Full story: Daily Mail
Liverpool have won the race to sign Wycombe youngster Jordan Ibe. The 16-year-old had also caught the eye of Manchester United and Tottenham after scoring against Sheffield Wednesday in October.
Full story: talkSPORT
Chelsea are now said to have joined the chase for Newcastle midfielder Cheik Tiote, who is already attracting the attentions of both Manchester United and Tottenham.
Full story: Footie-online
Bolton will turn their attentions to Crawley's highly-rated 24-year-old defender Kyle McFadzean if Gary Cahill is sold in next month's transfer window.
Full story: Daily Star
Rangers boss Ally McCoist has opened contract talks with United States international midfielder Maurice Edu, who has been targeted by Blackburn.
Full story: Daily Record
Celtic have been given first refusal on 23-year-old Senegal international striker Baba Diawara, currently top-scorer in Portugal with Maritimo.
(Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP
Celtic are considering an appeal against their £13,000 fine for pro-IRA chants by their supporters.
(Daily Record)
Barnet manager Lawrie Sanchez has denied having any contact with the Irish Football Association about returning to the international fold to replace Nigel Worthington.
Full story: London Evening Standard
Midfielder Steven Reid is warning his West Brom team-mates to beware the threat of his former side Blackburn Rovers when the two sides meet at Ewood Park on Saturday.
 Full story: Birmingham Mail

AND FINALLY
Stoke are facing a probe by the FA for their use of towels during Sunday's win over Tottenham Hotspur. Ryan Shotton was wearing a towelling top under his shirt which he used to dry the ball, before launching his long throws.
Full story: Daily Mail
 
[h=1]Transfer news, rumours and gossip from Tuesday's papers[/h] Published 09:02 13/12/11 By Football Spy

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...sip-from-Tuesday-s-papers-article842417.html#


Transfer stories from today's Daily Mirror
Wenger rules out January move for Lyon star
Anelka set for January Shanghai switch
Arsenal striker hints at summer exit

Toon chasing French striker
Seedorf: Tevez will choose PSG money over Milan
Blackburn Racing to sign Santander star
Wolves fear rivals will lech after Fletcher
Exclusive: Swansea agree January deal for Blackburn midfielder
Rodallega set for new Wigan deal despite loss of form
Worried Forest willing to sacrifice McGugan
Blackpool to loan out Clarke again
Bywater set to say bye-bye to Derby
Leeds make move for goalkeeper
Stories from other papers and websites
Tottenham are ready to offer out-of-favour Kaka an escape from his Real Madrid nightmare. Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is set to offer to take the 29-year-old on loan in January. (Daily Express)
Arsenal are preparing to make a move for Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, according to reports in Spain. Arsene Wenger has put the French striker at the top of his hitlist. (Daily Mail)
Shanghai Shenhua completed the extraordinary £175,000-a-week signing of Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka – and then revealed they want Didier Drogba as well. (Daily Express)
QPR have made the first move for Bobby Zamora following a rift between the Fulham striker and manager Martin Jol. Sunderland and Aston Villa are also interested. (Daily Mail)
Sir Alex Ferguson sees Nathaniel Clyne as the answer to Manchester United's right back problems. Fergie was impressed by Clyne in Palace's shock Carling Cup quarter-final win. (Daily Mail)
Bolton manager Owen Coyle is plotting a swoop for highly-rated Crawley defender Kyle McFadzean, 24, if Gary Cahill is sold next month. (Daily Star)
Roman Pavlyuchenko's agent claims Queens Park Rangers have been offered the chance to sign the Tottenham Hotspur striker in January. (SkySports.com)
Tottenham are leading the chase to sign Lille's £18m-rated striker striker Moussa Sow, 25. (talkSPORT)
Liverpool have won the race to sign Wycombe teenage sensation Jordan Ibe. The 16-year-old, who shot to fame by scoring a wonder strike against Sheffield Wednesday in October, is in his final year at secondary school in South London and will make the move to Merseyside next summer for a fee of around £500,000. (talkSPORT)

Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers is chasing Dutch midfielder John Goossens, of NEC Nijmegen. (The Sun)
West Ham have made an offer for Jubilo Iwata and Japanese national team striker Ryoichi Maeda. (Goal.com)


 
[h=1]Fergie lays it on the line for his Euro flops at team meeting[/h] Published 22:31 12/12/11 By David McDonnell

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...t-reveals-Michael-Carrick-article842275.html#


When Sir Alex Ferguson speaks, everyone takes notice, even without a flying tea cup or stray boot.
His words after Manchester United's devastating Champions League exit lacked fury, but contained the inspiration and intensity only four decades at the summit of the game can bring.
The message to his shell-shocked troops was simple – failure is not an option for anyone chosen to wear the famous red shirt.
And those words, spoken with the conviction of a man who wrote several chapters of Old Trafford history, hit their target, according to midfielder Michael Carrick.

"He sat down with us the other day, quietly," he explained.
"There was no rant, he just put things into perspective, reminded us what we're here for and what the club is about," said Carrick.
"It wasn't a rant or anything like that, it was a simple talk, but the way he does it is like no-one else. It really grabs the attention.
"You could sense the whole room taking in everything he was saying and really wanting to pull together and be prepared for what's ahead.
"It's always been the same – we have to be in contention when it matters.
"He's always had a good response from us in the past and I'm sure he will get one between now and Christmas. That's definitely our aim."
For United, the cost of European failure can be counted in millions, and could damage their transfer policy, with Fergie already insisting he has no appetite to dip into the January market.
But even though failure to reach the Champions League knock-out stages is almost unheard of at Old Trafford, what has always been a feature of their early-season form is an inconsistency born of the manager's desire to rotate.
Fergie's game-plan is simple.
He knows he can pick his strongest side and flatten opponents early in the campaign, but doing so leaves them exhausted come the business end of the season.
Instead, the experience of the legendary manager tells him to gamble with early-season form, to keep his side fresh for later.
History tells us his opening gambit usually pays dividends, but not this year.
With United flying at the start of the season, Sir Alex rotated his team aggressively – and paid the price in Europe.
But it is a different story in the Premier League, even if the Reds have had to endure some criticism of their form.
While they have not played particularly well, the stats make interesting reading – after 15 matches, their record is better than it's been at this stage of all but TWO seasons since the Premier League began.
It means they are very much in contention, but have rested far more players than even Manchester City, with their massive squad, have achieved.
Carrick believes that could be a crucial factor at the end of the campaign.
"City have obviously set the standard and not dropped many points, but there is a cluster of clubs behind them which we're heading up, so we're quite happy with the way things have gone," he said.
"We are actually in a better position than last season, in terms of points won and games played, and hopefully we'll be even closer to City come the end of the year.
"At this stage, it is not all about form, but about winning games and building momentum.
"Of course we'd like to do even better, but hopefully it won't be too long before we're winning games by two, three and four-goal margins."
Ferguson has long insisted that pre-Christmas form is merely about staying in contention while storing up form and fitness for the last two months of the season.
But he is acutely aware that the festive season is also the time when games arrive thick and fast.
"I always say December is an important month – if we get to the New Year still in the frame we have a great chance," said the Scot.
"But it is a tough time, when we often play eight or nine games. We've got a Boxing Day game, a New Year's Eve game. It's going to be a hectic spell and that's when the squad really kicks in."
Carrick is confident United can stay in touch with City and be the team left standing with them when the other contenders have been eliminated.
"We've seen a lot of big teams move up the table – Tottenham have been on a great run, Arsenal have come on strong and Liverpool are picking up points too," he added.

"It may stay like that for a while – even going into February, March time you can have three or four teams involved, then it ends up being only two.
"The important thing for us is making sure we stick close to those teams and hopefully get that top spot as soon as we can."


http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/new...t-reveals-Michael-Carrick-article842275.html# Print Send Share


 
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