Transfer news...

Transfer news...

[h=1]Friday's gossip column - transfers and rumours[/h]
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TRANSFER GOSSIP
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is considering a sensational move for unsettled Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard.
Full story: Daily Mail
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is planning a £12m double bid for Blackburn's Chris Samba and winger Junior Hoilett, while defender Vedran Corluka looks like being sold to West Ham.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Inter Milan will try to use Wesley Sneijder as a makeweight in a deal for outcast Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez.
Full story: Metro
QPR manager Neil Warnock is hopeful of signing Fulham striker Andrew Johnson after Blackburn's bid stalled due to financial constraints.
Full story: Daily Mail
Clubs including Tottenham, Liverpool and Sunderland have been alerted to the availability of Wigan's Victor Moses, after the winger's agent revealed that talks over a new contract have stalled.
Full story: Metro
Owen Coyle wants Bolton target Tim Ream to take his honeymoon in Horwich. The American centre-half is getting married in his homeland this weekend, just as the Trotters are set to seal a £2.5m deal to buy him from MLS side New York Red Bulls.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Wigan are looking to sign Manchester United striker Mame Biram Diouf on loan.
Full story: Daily Mail
Liverpool are also seriously considering a move for Celtic's young Welsh right-back Adam Matthews with sources suggesting the club are contemplating a bid for the 19-year-old.
Full story: footybunker
OTHER GOSSIP
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech expects to finalise terms on a new contract with the Stamford Bridge club soon, which will tie him to the club until 2017.
Full story: Evening Standard
The editors of nine Blackburn Rovers supporters' websites, which have more than 12,000 registered members in total, have released a joint statement expressing their disgust at the running of the club by owners Venky's.
Full story: Lancashire Telegraph
AND FINALLY
Football pundit and Strictly Come Dancing star Robbie Savage has become the latest sports person to pose naked for Cosmopolitan magazine.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Harry Redknapp has vented his anger at his Spurs players for following the latest Premier League trend of cutting the feet off their socks and instead using short tennis ones to get more of a grip in their boots.
Full story: Daily Mirror
 

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Page last updated at 19:46 GMT, Thursday, 5 January 2012

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FOOTBALL
Liverpool criticised over Suarez


2 / 3

Kick It Out chairman Lord Ouseley labels Liverpool "hypocritical" over their handling of Luis Suarez's eight-match ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra.
PFA set to act after Suarez saga
Suarez sorry for offence caused
Dalglish defends Suarez reaction

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KEY INFO: Transfers | Club news on mobile
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[TD="width: 446"] Features and comment

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[TD="class: text"] FOOTBALL Wednesday football photos
All the best action from Wednesday's games
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Would a winter break make a difference?

Do Germany's players have an advantage over England?


[TD="width: 126"] Man City steeled for title push

Phil McNulty thinks Mancini's men can stay the course

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[TD="width: 126"] Transfer list

A definitive list of all the January transfer window moves

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[TD="width: 126"] Top 50 January transfer targets

BBC Sport profiles the top 50 January transfer targets

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CLUB NEWS

 
[h=1]January transfer window: Top 50 players who could move[/h] Page last updated at 07:37 GMT, Sunday, 1 January 2012



BBC Sport profiles the most likely transfer targets during the January window - at home and abroad.
Last January, the headlines were made on deadline day when Chelsea spent £50m on Fernando Torres and Liverpool replaced the Spaniard with £35m striker Andy Carroll.
Here are our top 50 suggestions for high-profile moves this time...
[h=2]POTENTIAL PREMIER LEAGUE MOVERS[/h]
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CARLOS TEVEZ (aged 27, forward) Manchester City The Argentine is on his way out and, although City want a permanent deal, they may be prepared to initially loan him to AC Milan.
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WAYNE BRIDGE (31, left-back) Manchester City Pocketing a reported £90k-a-week but not in manager Roberto Mancini's plans and looks certain to leave. Possible Arsenal target.
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CHEICK TIOTE (25, midfielder) Newcastle United Despite signing a new long-term contract in February, the Ivory Coast star has created a lot of interest prior to leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations.
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MAROUANE CHAMAKH (27, forward) Arsenal After a blistering start to his Arsenal career, went dramatically off the boil. He will not want to sit on the bench for too much longer.
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JACK RODWELL (20, midfielder) Everton The Toffees are desperate for a striker but David Moyes needs to sell before he can buy. Everton could be tempted if a high enough offer comes in.
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GARY CAHILL (26, centre-back) Bolton Wanderers The England international's contract expires at the end of the season and Bolton will sell him. Chelsea are the front-runners.
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CHRIS SAMBA (27, centre-back) Blackburn Rovers Unhappy at the club and has made that clear for a while now. A big asking price may put off any potential suitors from making a bid.
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JUNIOR HOILETT (21, winger) Blackburn Rovers Rovers's top performer in their despairing situation. Contract ends in the summer so Rovers may take the money for the Canadian.
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FLORENT MALOUDA (31, winger) Chelsea Has been sidelined since Juan Mata's arrival at Stamford Bridge. He may return to France and join ex-Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti at Paris Saint-Germain.
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DARRON GIBSON (24, midfielder) Manchester United Almost joined Sunderland but injury problems at Old Trafford might result in him being given further first-team opportunities.
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TOMASZ KUSZCZAK (29, goalkeeper) Manchester United Another whose contract expires at the end of the season, but the reserve keeper may move earlier having stated his desire to quit United.
[h=2]POTENTIAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE AND SPL MOVERS[/h]
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JAMES TOMKINS (22, centre-back) West Ham United Talented England Under-21 central defender who could be snapped up by a top-flight club should they be looking to strengthen their backline.
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ROBERT SNODGRASS (24, winger) Leeds United Had appendix surgery at Christmas but wants to cement his place in the Scotland team. A Premier League club could target him.
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JORDAN RHODES (21, forward) Huddersfield Town Has already scored 19 League One goals and West Ham have declared a strong interest in the English-born Scottish international.
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LEWIS McGUGAN (23, midfielder) Nottingham Forest With Forest struggling, he may be sold by Steve Cotterill to bring in more players. His thunderbolt shooting is his greatest asset.
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LIAM RIDGEWELL (27, centre-back) Birmingham The defender had a transfer request rejected in August. Nothing has changed for him to rethink his decision about leaving.
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WILFRIED ZAHA (19, forward) Crystal Palace Impressed against Manchester United in their Carling Cup win, the England Under-19 man possesses all the qualities to be a top striker.
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NICKY MAYNARD (25, forward) Bristol City After refusing to sign a new contract, he has been told he can leave Ashton Gate. There won't be any shortage of managers wanting him.
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NIKICA JELAVIC (26, forward) Rangers Nearly moved to Leicester in the summer, the Croatian will be looking to test himself in England and plenty of clubs will be lining up for him.
[h=2]POTENTIAL EUROPEAN MOVERS[/h]
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WESLEY SNEIJDER (27, midfielder) Inter Milan Inter may decide to cash-in on their Dutch star but a destination isn't clear. His sky-high wages and a hefty transfer fee could put clubs off.
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MARIO GOTZE (19, midfielder/forward) Borussia Dortmund 'The German Messi' as described by Franz Beckenbauer. Extremely skilful and attracting plenty of interest from Arsenal and Manchester United.
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CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN (19, midfielder/forward) Ajax Starred for Denmark against England in February. Manchester United are among a host of major clubs who have been tracking him.
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RASMUS ELM (23, midfielder) AZ Alkmaar The talented Swede has attracted plenty of interest from Premier League and Serie A clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United and Spurs.
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MARCO REUS (22, midfielder/forward) Borussia Monchengladbach Has made a tremendous start to the season and scored 10 goals in the Bundesliga so far. May favour a move to German giants Bayern Munich.
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XHERDAN SHAQIRI (20, midfielder) FC Basel The talented Swiss impressed against Manchester United in the Champions League and both United and Liverpool may target the £10m-rated player.
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YOANN GOURCUFF (25, midfielder/forward) Lyon Disappointing since his £18m move from Bordeaux, Lyon are ready to cut their losses on the playmaker and may even consider a loan.
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ANDRE-PIERRE GIGNAC (26, forward) Marseille His move to Fulham collapsed at the last minute in August but could be back on after a falling out with coach Didier Deschamps.
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EDEN HAZARD (20, winger/forward) Lille The exciting Belgian is a tasty prospect for Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City fans, but is also being targeted by wealthy domestic rivals Paris Saint-Germain.
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BENJAMIN CORGNET (24, midfielder/forward) Dijon Hugely impressive in his first Ligue 1 season, the dynamic attacking midfielder is reportedly attracting interest from Chelsea and Liverpool.
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OLIVIER GIROUD (25, forward) Montpellier His strength and aerial prowess make him an attractive prospect but it would take a large bid to sway the title hopefuls.
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MODIBO MAIGA (25, winger/forward) Sochaux Unhappy with Newcastle's decision to withdraw interest following a medical, the Malian would be open to offers from other Premier League clubs.
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PAPA 'BABA' DIAWARA (23, forward) Maritimo The Senegalese striker nearly moved to Celtic last summer and could be on his way this time via imminent receipt of a Portuguese passport.
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ALVARO PEREIRA (26, left-back) FC Porto The attacking full-back is strongly linked with Chelsea. The Portuguese champions have a replacement in Brazil's Alex Sandro and may be ready to haggle.
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EWERTON (22, centre-back) SC Braga The defender has impressed while on loan from Corinthians Alagoano, but his fate is not in Braga's hands. Porto and some Premier League sides are keen.
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NICOLAS GAITAN (23, midfielder) Benfica The Argentine sparkled in the Champions League group stage, but the extent of Manchester United's interest is the subject of some debate.
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HULK (25, forward) Porto Few clubs in the world have a realistic chance of luring the burly Brazil striker, who has an £83m buy-out clause - but Chelsea or Paris Saint-Germain might be tempted to break the bank.
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KAKA (29, forward) Real Madrid The Spanish giants are keen to offload a player earning £8.5m-plus per year. Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and a return to Brazil have all been mooted but the £25m price tag is too high.
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MARTIN CACERES (24, full-back) Sevilla Selling the cultured Uruguayan would raise funds for Sevilla. He has attracted admiring glances in La Liga and abroad. Juventus are keen and £8m might do it.
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NILMAR (27, forward) Villarreal The Brazilian striker initially flopped at Lyon but has impressed since arriving from Internacional. Roma and Barcelona are monitoring but would need to find £25m.
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ESTEBAN GRANERO (24, midfielder) Real Madrid Has been limited to a handful of minutes as a sub this season. Arsenal have a long-standing admiration, as do Malaga.
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CARLOS KAMENI (27, goalkeeper) Espanyol The Catalans are keen to sell to generate transfer funds and the Cameroonian stopper is one of their big assets. Moneybags Malaga are especially keen.
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JOSE ANTONIO REYES (28, midfielder/forward) Atletico Madrid The ex-Arsenal utility frontman was set to rejoin Sevilla before the arrival of Diego Simeone as Atletico coach. Sevilla and Zenit St Petersburg are keen.
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DANIELE DE ROSSI (28, midfielder) Roma His contract expires in the summer and has not yet signed a new deal. Manchester City have repeatedly denied an interest in the Italian.
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RICCARDO MONTOLIVO (26, midfielder) Fiorentina The Italian looks likely to move away from the Viola with Arsenal potential suitors. AC Milan and Liverpool are also in the frame.
[h=2]POTENTIAL SOUTH AMERICAN MOVERS[/h]
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NEYMAR (19, forward) Santos Outrageously talented wonderkid whose desire for a move may have been boosted by the mauling his Brazilian club suffered against Barcelona in the World Club Cup.
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DEDE (23, centre-back) Vasco da Gama Tall, strong and very quick. A giant in defence who also likes to make an attacking contribution. Linked with Real Madrid.
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LEANDRO DAMIAO (22, forward) Internacional Tall target man who enjoyed a wonderful 2011. Has been attracting interest from Tottenham, Arsenal and Juventus.
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CARLOS LUQUE (18, winger) Colon Displays pace and tricky dribbling skills. A hit in the World Youth Cup, which Brazil won, the Argentine has been doing well at senior level.
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LUCAS OCAMPO (17, midfielder/forward) River Plate Tall, dynamic and skilful and can play up front or in midfield, but may not be sold until his club have been promoted back to the First Division.
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ANDY POLO (17, forward) Universitario Strong and stocky bullet-fast support striker who made a huge impression in 2011. The appalling financial position of his Peruvian club could force a sale.
Compiled by contributors Andy Brassell, Tim Vickery and Matt Spiro and BBC Sport's Shamoon Hafez and Howard Nurse.
 
[h=1]Mancini 'can't fill bench' for Cup crunch[/h] Published 22:31 05/01/12 By David McDonnell


Manchester-City-Roberto-Mancini+cropped


Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini claims he can't fill the subs' bench against Manchester United – despite having a squad worth £333million.
Mancini was dealt a bitter blow on Thursday when Ivory Coast blocked his attempts to hang onto Kolo and Yaya Toure so they could play in the FA Cup third round showdown before flying off on African Cup of Nations duty.
The Italian - whose side thrashed United 6-1 at Old Trafford in the league just 11 weeks ago - now says he feels hard-up when he looks at his thin squad.
"For Sunday, we have 17 players and I don't think we will have 18 to fill the bench," said Mancini, who reckons Africa's version of the European Championship could wreck City's title hopes.

"Gareth Barry is suspended, Mario Balotelli injured his ankle in training the day before we played Sunderland and I don't think he can play - he hasn't trained for four or five days.
"Samir Nasri [who had flu] is better, but I don't know about him. And we are losing Yaya and Kolo."
But Mancini also vowed that City, as FA Cup holders, will not do anything to show disrespect to the competition.
He added: "The FA Cup is important for us because we won it last year and we want to go to the final again.
"But derbies are always difficult and at this moment maybe even more so because United will be very angry after two defeats.
"They are always very strong after a defeat, and for this reason it will be a very tough game."
 
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[TD="class: contentheading, width: 100%"]Simba yamtimua kocha wa Miembeni [/TD]
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Jackson Odoyo, Zanzibar
USHINDI wa Simba umezua mpya kwenye Kombe la Mapinduzi baada ya kocha wa Miembeni United, Salum Bausi kujiuzulu nafasi yake kwa kile anachodai viongozi wake kupanga matokeo.

Uamuzi wa kocha huyo ulikuja muda mfupi baada ya timu yake kukubali kichapo cha mabao 4-3 kutoka Simba katika mashindano ya Kombe la Mapinduzi yanayoendelea Kisiwani Zanzibar.

Akizungumza na Mwananchi, kocha huyo alisema haoni sababu ya kuendelea kuifundisha timu hiyo katika mashindano hayo ambayo yanaendeshwa kimaslahi ya watu wachache.

"Mimi ni kocha mwenye kiwango na naheshimu kazi yangu siwezi kufurahishwa na matokeo haya kwa sababu kuna watu walishapanga matokeo yao kabla ya timu kuingia uwanjani," alisema Bausi

Bausi alisema hawakuwa na sababu ya kufungwa na Simba kwani walicheza vizuri na kutawala sehemu kubwa ya mchezo huo licha ya kutokuwa na wachezaji wenye majina makubwa kama wapinzani wao.

"Siwezi kusema nani aliyehusika kupanga matokeo haya, lakini mambo yamefanyika kwa uwazi na kila shabiki aliyekuwa uwanjani aliona kilichoendelea. Nimeamua kujiuzulu na tayari nimetoa taarifa kwa uongozi wa timu hata mazoezi ya leo (jana) sikwenda," alisema

"Nimeamua kujiuzulu ili kulinda heshima yangu, familia yangu pamoja na talaamu yangu, lakini pia kwa lengo la kuinusuru soka la Zanzibar na Tanzania nzima."

Hata hivyo, kauli ya kocha huyo iliungwa mkono na baadhi ya mashabiki waliokuwa uwanjani hapo huku wengine wakidai kuwa mmiliki wa timu hiyo Amani Makungu ndiye aliyehusika katika kupanga matokeo.

Mashabiki walisema muda mfupi baada ya mmiliki huyo kwenda katika bechi la ufundi ghafla wachezaji wote wakainamisha vichwa vyao na baada ya hapo wakaanza kucheza chini ya kiwango ndani ya dakika tano kabla ya Simba kupata bao na kufanya matokeo kuwa 4-3.

"Bwana hapa kila kitu kimefanyika kwa uwazi mkubwa, wote tumeona kilichotokea, baada ya Simba kuzidiwa katika matokeo ya 3-3 mmiliki wa wa Miembeni United, Makungu alishuka na kwenda kuongea na benchi la ufundi na baada ya hapo Simba wakapata bao la 4-3 katika dakika ya 47" alisema Salum Mbarouk.

Alipoulizwa kuhusu madai hayo mmiliki wa Miembeni, Makungu kabla ya kujibu alicheka na kusema hayo ni maneno ya mashabiki na kwamba hakuna kitu kama hicho na anaamani Simba imeshinda kihalali.

"Mimi ni mmiliki wa timu hii, nina haki ya kwenda kwenye benchi la ufundi na kuzungumza nao na nilichokwenda kuzungumza ni kuwaongeza wachezaji wangu hamasa ili washinde,"alisema Makungu.

Kwa upande wake kocha wa Simba, Milovan Cikovic alisema amefurahishwa na matokeo hayo, lakini hakufurahishwa na kiwango kilichoonyeshwa na wachezaji wake.

"Kuna kazi kubwa ya kuitengeneza upya timu ili kufikia kiwango ninachokitaka si uchezaji wa aina hii," alisema Milovan.

Alipoulizwa juu ya madai kwamba matokeo yalipangwa ili timu yake ishinde kwa lengo la waandaaji wa michuano hiyo kupata mapato alijibu: "Mimi sifahamu lolote kuhusu hilo, pili sifahamu mazingira soka la Tanzania bali ninachofahamu ni kwamba vijana wangu wamejituma na kupata ushindi."

Wakati huohuo, timu ya Mafunzo imetinga nusu fainali ya michuano ya Kombe la Mapinduzi inayoendelea mjini hapa baada ya kuifunga Kikwajuni bao 1-0 katika mechi iliyochezwa kwenye Uwanja wa Amaan, Zanzibar.

Kwa matokeo hayo, Mafunzo sasa itasubiri mshindi kati ya Yanga na Azam waliokuwa wakicheza baadaye jana usiku kwenye Uwanja wa Aman.

Shujaa wa mechi hiyo alikuwa Sadik Habibu aliyefunga bao pekee la ushindi katika dakika ya 59 akimaliza mpira wa krosi iliyochongwa na Jako Joma.

Kabla ya kufunga bao hilo, Habibu nusura afunge bao katika dakika ya 26 kama shuti lake lisingekwenda nje kidogo ya lango.

Kwa jumla, Mafunzo ndio waliotawala mchezo kwa kiasi kikubwa na kustahili ushindi huo wa taabu.

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[h=1]Oldham's Tom Adeyemi suffers 'racial abuse' in Liverpool FA Cup tie[/h] • Defender visibly upset after exchange with fan or fans
• Liverpool says club will ensure 'appropriate action is taken'




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Oldham Athletic's Tom Adeyemi is calmed by Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt, left, and referee Neil Swarbrick. Photograph: Tim Hales/AP

Liverpool were embroiled in a fresh racism controversy night, after the Oldham Athletic defender Tom Adeyemi alleged that he was racially abused twice by a supporter during an FA Cup tie at Anfield.
The incident occurred 10 minutes from the end of Liverpool's 5-1 win over the League One side. The 20-year-old Adeyemi, who is on loan from Norwich City, became involved in an altercation with a supporter, or supporters, at the front of the Kop. Before leaving the stadium Adeyemi gave a statement to Merseyside Police in which it is understood he claimed to have been racially abused twice by a supporter.
Adeyemi was visibly upset by the exchange and it required several team-mates, the Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard, and the referee, Neil Swarbrick, to calm him down. He was booked seconds later for a wild foul on the Liverpool substitute John Flanagan.
Witnesses reported seeing two fans wearing Luis Suárez T-shirts – similar to those worn by Liverpool players at Wigan last month, after the Uruguayan was found guilty of racially abusing Patrice Evra – confronting Adeyemi. A witness who gave evidence to Liverpool officials and the police said: "I was to the right of the Kop and the No11 turned to walk away after a tackle. I heard a single voice shout, 'You ****ing black bastard.' He spun round with shock on his face and started pointing at the crowd, from where the shout had come."
Merseyside police said that arrests were made at the game but not in relation to the alleged abuse of Adeyemi. A statement said: "Merseyside police can confirm that no one has been arrested this evening on suspicion of racially aggravated behaviour during tonight's FA Cup fixture at Anfield. However, the force and Liverpool Football Club are investigating following an incident that occurred during the second half of the game. The aim of the investigation is to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident to ascertain if any action needs to be taken."
Liverpool launched an investigation into an incident that could not have come at a worse time for a club that has been widely condemned for its vehement support of Suárez, before and after his eight-match ban for racially abusing Evra in a match last October.
The Liverpool manager, Kenny Dalglish, was not able to comment. He gave his post-match press conference shortly after the final whistle. But a Liverpool statement said: "An incident occurred in the second half of the match which is now being investigated by both the club and the police. We will continue to work closely with the police to establish the details of what actually happened and will make a further statement in due course."
The Oldham Athletic manager, Paul Dickov, said Adeyemi was calm in the dressing room after the game but said that the player's on-field response to the alleged abuse had been out of character.
"From my point of view I have not spoken to Tom but something has been said," Dickov said. "He is a placid boy and well-educated lad with a fantastic temperament. He never raises his voice so for him to react like that, something has been said but what that is I don't know. I have not heard. I've just been told the police are investigating it.
"I haven't spoken to him directly about what happened because I was in the dressing room telling all the lads how proud I was of their performance. He is fine now. He has calmed down. He is a laid-back character. Our players and the Liverpool players helped calm him down, which showed they are fantastic professionals."
 

[h=2]Manchester City v Manchester United, 1pm Sunday 8 January[/h] [h=1]Sir Alex Ferguson keeps mum over memories of Manchester City drubbing[/h] • Manchester United manager steers clear of motivational tool
• 'No foundation' to Frank Lampard move to Old Trafford




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Sir Alex Ferguson refused to discuss why he dropped Wayne Rooney for Manchester United's home defeat by Blackburn. Photograph: Lee Smith/Action Images

Sir Alex Ferguson has said he will not use the ordeal of Manchester City's 6-1 win at Old Trafford in October, the result that left him "shattered" and reflecting on "our worst ever day", as a motivational factor for his Manchester United players before Sunday's FA Cup tie.
"I will not be mentioning it," Ferguson replied when reminded of the October afternoon United were subjected to their biggest derby defeat since 1926. It is a day to which Ferguson seldom, if ever, refers and he was reluctant to join in the chorus of praise for Roberto Mancini's team, three points clear at the top of the league.
"They have a strong squad and an experienced squad so it is not unexpected where they are at the moment," Ferguson said. "But to my mind it is Tottenham who have been playing the best football in the country.
"A lot is going to happen between now and the end of the season but I can't see anyone outside the three top teams winning the league. Arsenal and Chelsea need all three teams to collapse and I don't think that will happen."
On the scale of Ferguson put-downs this was not one of his more acerbic moments against the club that United now routinely refer to as "noisy neighbours" on their club television channel. Yet his appraisal was still enough to raise quizzical looks at the Etihad Stadium. "I suppose it's difficult to say your neighbours play the best football, isn't it?" was Mancini's take, with a knowing smile. "It's hard [for Ferguson] but, until now, we have played the best football in the league. Over the next four months, I don't know. But it's been us to this point."
For the record, City have scored 56 goals, compared to Tottenham's 36, albeit having played a game more. Yet for many United supporters the real issue is that the debate does not involve the champions. Ferguson's team go into Sunday's Cup tie on the back of two demoralising defeats, against Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United, conceding three goals in successive league matches for the first time since February 2004.
The run of bad form means United have been made 5-2 underdogs, their longest odds in a Manchester derby in Ferguson's 25 years, and though Mancini spoke this week of struggling to fill his substitutes' bench, the striker Edin Dzeko is expected to be fit after treatment for a knee injury and Samir Nasri has recovered from illness.
Ferguson's problems with absenteeism are more acute, with eight players missing through injury or illness, and the United manager said it could be considered a success that his team were only three points behind City.
"We can say in some respects: 'Well done, to be there.' The advantage on Sunday is with City, in respect of it being a home draw. But it's a Cup tie, a derby and anything can happen in these games."
Ferguson's long-standing admiration for Frank Lampard has led to the Chelsea midfielder being informed United would be interested if, as increasingly looks the case, he were to be available. The 33-year-old is keen on the idea but Ferguson said it was unrealistic to believe United would try to sign Lampard in January and reiterated that it was unlikely United would sign anyone in the transfer window.
"What can you get in January? The players who are available that we like we won't get. And you are not going to tell me that Chelsea are going to sell Lampard to Manchester United in January, do you really believe that?
"There is no foundation to that simply because Chelsea are like us and want to do something. The second half of the season is important to them and if they want to try to win the league they are going to have to have all their best players. And that is the name of the game, the players we do like we won't get. What do you do? Do you take a second-rate player? No, of course you don't."
Ferguson was unwilling to discuss the reasons behind dropping Wayne Rooney for the Blackburn game and fining him a week's wages, because the striker seemed worse for wear in training after a night out. "I'm not getting into that," he said. A reporter pointed out it was a valid question and Ferguson replied: "Well, you got your answer."
Last night the club and Rooney issued a joint statement denying the England striker is about to leave. Stories have emerged claiming the 26-year-old's relationship with Ferguson has broken down. This has been denied by both parties.
"Manchester United and Wayne Rooney have been made aware of the theme of an article in tomorrow's Independent newspaper," said the statement. "We have not seen the detail but can assure all United fans that the manager and the club are committed to Wayne Rooney and Wayne is committed to the manager and the club.
"The player and the manager have always had and retain, the utmost respect for each other and look forward to working together in the coming seasons.
"Any suggestion that Manchester United and Wayne Rooney are to part company is complete nonsense."
But the tersest moment came when asked about Liverpool wanting clear-the-air talks over the Luis Suárez affair. "It's nice of them to do it through the press," he said pointedly. "You would have thought they would have come to Manchester United."
 
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Jackson Odoyo, Zanzibar
MSHAMBULIAJI wa Yanga, Jerryson Tegete amepinga vikali uvumi ulioenea mitaani kwamba ameanza kujihusisha na masuala ya uvutaji wa bangi.

Akizungumza jana mjini Zanzibar, Tegete alisema hawezi kuwazuia watu kuzungumza mambo wanayoyafikiria juu yake, lakini ukweli ni kwamba yeye hajawai kuvuta bangi wala sigara katika maisha yake.

"Uncle mimi sivuti sigara wala bangi, hayo ni maneno ya watu kwa sababu kuna baadhi ya watu wakikosa kazi ya kufanya wanaanza kuzungumza kila kitu wanachofikiria," alisema Tegete na kuongeza:

"Kwa hakika hata mimi hayo maneno ninayasikia, lakini ninachokifanya ni kuyapuuza tu kwa sababu mimi ndiyo najua ninachokifanya ingawa yanauma kwa sababu yanachafua jina langu katikati ya jamii."

Kuhusu madai ya kujihusisha na vikundi vya kihuni vinavyochangia kuporomoka kiwango chake alisema: "Sina kundi la kihuni, marafiki zangu wengi ni wachezaji wenzangu ambao tunakuwa nao muda wote, sasa iweje mimi nionekane muhuni na wao wasiitwe wahuni."

Tegete alikwenda mbali na kusema kama kweli angekuwa muhuni ama mvuta bangi asingekabidhiwa hata unahodha katika timu hiyo."Kaka hayo ni maneno ya watu, bwana tangu lini mvuta bangi akapewa unahodha--utaongoza vipi wenzako. Nafasi hii ya kuongoza wenzangu, maana yake nakubalika kitabia".

Akifafanua zaidi juu ya madai ya kushuka kiwango alisema:
"Sijashuka kiwango isipokuwa kuna migogoro mingi imehusishwa na kushuka kiwango changu hasa mambo ya kifamilia."

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[h=2]Manchester City v Manchester United, FA Cup third round, 1pm Sunday 8 January[/h] [h=1]Sir Alex Ferguson claims City's Yaya Touré may yet face United in Cup[/h] • Ivory Coast midfielder due at Paris meeting on Saturday
• But Manchester United manager sceptical of City's claims




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Manchester City's Yaya Touré scored the winner against United in last season's FA Cup semi-final. Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian

Manchester United are preparing for Roberto Mancini to pull a fast one by naming Yaya Touré in his starting lineup for Sunday's FA Cup third-round tie at the Etihad Stadium.
The Ivory Coast management informed City on Thursday that the midfielder was required to attend a team meeting in Paris on Saturday ahead of a flight to Abu Dhabi for a two-week training camp before the Africa Cup of Nations.
City officials confirmed the information, which appeared to rule Touré out of this weekend's encounter, for which Mancini has claimed he may not have enough players to fill his substitutes' bench.
However, Ferguson is not so sure. The United manager's knowledge of the tournament does not appear that extensive – his claim that Touré could be back inside 10 days is wide of the mark given Ivory Coast's first game is not until 22 January – but that did not prevent the Scot trying some managerial mind games.
"I am not sure Touré won't be available for Sunday," he said. "He probably will. I don't know the whole background but apparently, he doesn't need to meet up until Monday, I read somewhere, which suggests he should be playing on Sunday."
Touré himself has spoken of his disappointment at missing the game, which suggests the case is now closed.
Even if the former Barcelona man is missing, though, Ferguson is not convinced it can be as detrimental to City's chances of landing some silverware this season as Mancini seems to feel. "All the teams who have African players have never really suffered much," he said. "If you check the records, they all seem to sail through it.
"I don't think it makes a great impact when you have a squad of players. There are plenty to occupy those positions until they come back."
 
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Sosthenes Nyoni
WINGA wa Simba, Ulimboka Mwakingwe amesema kitendo cha benchi la Ufundi kumrejeshea jezi namba 14 kimempa faraja na anamini sasa ni muda wake wa mafanikio.

Mwakingwe aliyekuwa akivaa jezi hiyo kwa takribani miaka nane, kabla ya kumpumzika kucheza soka muda na baadaye kujiunga na Majimaji ya Songea.

Baada ya mshambuliaji Shija Mkina aliyekuwa akivaa jezi hiyo kusajiliwa na Kagera Sugar, kutokana na tukio hilo benchi la Ufundi la Simba liiliamua kumrudisha Mwakingwe jezi yake namba 14.

Akizungumza kwa simu akiwa na Zanzibar kwenye michuano ya Mapinduzi, Mwakingwe alisema amechukulia hatua hiyo kama heshima kubwa kwake kutokana na mchango wake kwa klabu hiyo.

"Namba 14 ndiyo iliyonipa mafanikio mimi, naiheshimu sana hii namba, kitendo cha kurudishiwa nimenipa faraja kubwa ambayo kimsingi imenifanya niyaone mafanikio mengine yanakuja mbele yangu.

"Kwa kweli nakitafsiri kitendo hiki kama kumrudisha samaki kwenye maji, nimeivaa jezi hii tangu nijiunge na Simba mwanzoni mwa miaka ya 2000 hadi nilipohamia Majimaji ya Songea miaka miwili iliyopita. Kusema kweli nimefurahi sana kurudishiwa jezi hii," alisema Mwakingwe

Aliongeza kuwa yeye kama binadamu mwingine yeyote pia ana imani zake hivyo kitendo cha kuvaa tena jezi hiyo kimemfanya ajione kama mtu aliyekuwa kizuizini na sasa huko huru.

Naye Afisa habari wa Simba, Ezekiel Kamwaga kwa upande wake alikiri Mwakingwe kurudishiwa jezi hiyo.


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[h=1]No Manchester United bid for Frank Lampard, says Sir Alex Ferguson[/h] • 'There is no foundation in that,' insists United manager
• Ferguson also plays down expectations of other signings




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Frank Lampard is no longer assured of a first-team place at Chelsea. Photograph: Ian Kington/AFP/Getty Images

Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed suggestions that Manchester United will attempt to sign Chelsea's Frank Lampard this January.
With United losing a number of key midfielders to injury, it had been speculated that they could bid for Lampard - who is said to be unsettled at Chelsea, where he is no longer assured of a first-team place under André Villas-Boas. Ferguson, however, rejected the idea out of hand.
"Do you really think Chelsea would sell to United in January?" he is quoted as saying on Manchester United's club website. "There's no foundation in that. Chelsea want to do something in the second half of the season so they want to keep their best players."
Ferguson also moved to play down expectations of other signings in the present transfer window. "What can you get in January?" he said. "The players we'd like, we can't get. If the alternative is to sign a second-rate player, we don't want to do that.
"Our injuries have led to fans wanting us to sign someone but I don't want to sign a player who won't get a game when everyone's fit because he's not good enough."
 
[h=1]Carlos Tevez has lunch with Milan's Galliani as Inter join bidding[/h] • Inter go directly to City with offer as Galliani meets Tevez
• Player's adviser insists Milan are only team in the running




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Carlos Tevez is seen having lunch with Adriano Galliani and Kia Joorabchian on the front page of Gazzetta dello Sport.

The future of Carlos Tevez remains up in the air after Internazionale joined their city rivals Milan in bidding for the Manchester City forward. Milan's vice-president, Adriano Galliani, had lunch with Tevez and the player's adviser Kia Joorabchian in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday but while the Rossoneri believe they are the player's preferred destination, they are yet to reach agreement with City on a deal and Inter have now reportedly registered a bid of their own with the club.
Inter's technical director Marco Branca is understood to have met the City director Brian Marwood on Thursday, submitting an offer to take the player on loan until the end of the season and then make the deal permanent for €25m (£20.6m) in the summer. Milan have also been in contact with City, with the club's chief executive John MacBeath joining Galliani, Tevez and Joorabchian on a conference call on Thursday to discuss the details of a possible deal.
Gazzetta dello Sport report that Milan's offer could be a complex one, made up of a loan until the end of the season and then an obligation for the Rossoneri to make the deal permanent over the summer only if they are able first to sell a significant player from their existing squad. The newspaper speculates that the most likely names attached to this clause are Alexandre Pato and Robinho.
Joorabchian made it clear that his preference was a deal with Milan. "We had a dialogue with Inter over many months, but since August we haven't had any contact," he said. "Now we are talking only with Milan and Manchester City are fully aware of this."
The City manager Roberto Mancini said he simply hoped that a deal would be concluded by the end of the week, saying: "He has not played for three months, it's right that he gets back to doing so."
 
[h=1]Arsenal and Thierry Henry are reunited, and there's love all around[/h] • Striker rejoins on short-term loan for at least six weeks
• 'I'll mostly be on the bench' says returning legend




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Thierry Henry during his last appearance for Arsenal in March 2007. He will expect to return, almost five years later, on Monday night against Leeds United in the FA Cup. Photograph: Christian Liewig/Liewig Media

Thierry Henry has got these type of acceptance speeches down to a fine art. Arsenal's returning idol came across as overwhelmed when he talked of his never-ending love story. He majored on trademark humility and I-can't-believe-this-is-happening-to-me moments and, as if to complete the Gwyneth Paltrow schtick, there were tears. Or, at least, references to them.
"When I left this club, I cried," Henry said. "I cried for the statue [of himself, which was unveiled at Emirates Stadium last month]. I haven't cried a lot in my career but when I do, it seems that something is happening with Arsenal. I can be a pain at times but I love the club. They say love is blind but it is difficult for me to say 'No' to Arsenal."
Henry is back, on a wave of emotion, undercut by painstaking expectation management, having seen his loan move from the New York Red Bulls signed off just before midday on Friday, making him eligible to play in Monday night's FA Cup tie at home to Leeds United. He is not yet fit enough for 90 minutes but Arsène Wenger, the manager, suggested he would feature.
The 34-year-old has signed until 16 February, with an option to stay for an extra 10 days, which the Red Bulls hold. Arsenal play Tottenham Hotspur at home on 26 February, a date lost on nobody, particularly not Henry. The MLS season kicks off on 10 March. Henry will be added to Arsenal's Champions League squad and he will be available for the first leg of the last-16 tie away to Milan on 15 February but not the return on 6 March. Manchester United's Premier League visit on 22 January is also on his mind.
"Arsenal and me has always been a love story, with some bad days," Henry said. "Hopefully people agree with me that there were more good days than bad days but I just love Arsenal football club. When the club you love asks you just to be a squad player, so be it. I just love the club so much.
"Arsenal are the only club that could make me come back and play, and actually did. I also want to send a message to the Red Bulls and my fans and team-mates there – I said I was never going to come back and play in Europe, but it becomes hard when it comes to Arsenal and my heart. When it comes down to Arsenal my heart will always do the talking."
The Arsenal faithful will see a different Henry from the one who left for Barcelona in 2007, after eight seasons at the club, 370 appearances and a record 226 goals. For a start, he has taken the No12 shirt, which he used to wear for France. The electric pace has gone; so, too, has a little of the strength and a lot of the selfishness.
"He is like everyone who develops in life, he is more open to people," Wenger said. "When you are a young striker, you are more focused on yourself and today, what he can give to others is of a higher level than he could do five or six years ago."
Wenger, though, believes that his protege retains his touch, passing ability and overall quality. "I am not 25 any more," Henry added. "I remember Dennis Bergkamp … he was playing behind the striker [in his later years] and if you have the awareness to see things before players, you can get away with not having your legs.
"Ryan Giggs is not the same Ryan Giggs but he can see the game. He is always available, he puts himself in a position where he can receive the ball alone and then you will never lose your touch. That's what I am going to try to bring to this team if I have to play."
Wenger admitted that with Thomas Vermaelen out with a calf problem for at least another two weeks, he would prioritise the search for on-loan cover at left-back while he also expressed his frustration at Ivory Coast, who have insisted that Gervinho joins up with them on Saturday for the Africa Cup of Nations, meaning that Arsenal's plea to keep him for the Leeds tie has gone unanswered. Morocco have been more flexible over Marouane Chamakh and they have allowed him to report after the Leeds game.
"With Ivory Coast, we have always the same problem," Wenger said. "And François Zahoui [the coach] is a friend. I had him as a player at Nancy. But I do not want to take advantage. If I keep Gervinho, and Yaya and Kolo Touré [the Manchester City players] have to go on Sunday, it would be unfair."
It was Henry, though, as you suspect he may for some weeks, who hogged the agenda. "I'm not coming back to be a hero or to prove anything," Henry said. "I hope people are not going to compare to what I did before. I'm going to be most of the time on the bench. It's a helping process."
 
[h=1]Saturday's gossip column - transfers and rumours[/h]
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TRANSFER GOSSIP
Paul Scholes is ready to answer an SOS from Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and come out of retirement.
Full story: The Sun

Tottenham have emerged as contenders for the signature of Juventus winger Milos Krasic, after it was initially thought he would go on loan to Chelsea in January.
Full story: Metro
Manager Harry Redknapp also wants £10m-rated Fulham forward Moussa Dembele and could offer Niko Kranjcar in part exchange.
Full story: Daily Mirror
QPR are set to go head-to-head with Tottenham for the services of Blackburn star Junior Hoilett, who is available for a cut-price £7m.
Full story: talkSPORT
Demba Ba, who is heading to the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, has put England's top clubs on red alert after it emerged that he has a £10m release clause in his Newcastle contract.
Full story: Daily Mail
One player Harry Redknapp will not be signing is Santos star Ganso. Spurs had been linked with the 22-year-old Brazilian but the Spurs manager admitted he had never heard of him.
Full story: talkSPORT

Gary Cahill will miss the FA Cup third-round trip to Macclesfield and could be a Chelsea player by Sunday, according to Bolton boss Owen Coyle.
Full story: Manchester Evening News
Arsenal are looking at Lyon defender Aly Cissokho as they seek a left-back on loan to help cope with a rash of injuries at full-back.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Liverpool have held talks with the representatives of Colombian international striker Jackson Martinez, who could make an £8.5million move from Mexican side Jaguares.
Full story: Daily Mail
Everton manager David Moyes has had to rethink his transfer strategy after defender Phil Jagielka was ruled out for six weeks. Moyes had been in the market for a striker.
Full story: Guardian

OTHER GOSSIP
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has expressed concern at the spending limitations being placed on him and declared that his club need to buy again now if they are to drive home their ascendancy.
Full story: Independent
Thierry Henry says returning to *Arsenal is not about being a hero but a glorious *opportunity to *represent the club he loves again. Full story: Evening Standard
Tottenham will hold talks with Mayor of London Boris Johnson to discuss an £18m 'final offer' from the public purse to fund the club's planned stadium development.
Full story: Goal.com
AND FINALLY
Joey Barton has threatened to quit playing Football Manager, the computer game, because his own in-game character is annoying him so much.
Full story: Metro
 
[h=1]EXCLUSIVE: £10m Ba bill! Star striker Demba can leave Newcastle for bargain fee[/h] By Neil Ashton
Last updated at 10:45 PM on 6th January 2012


Demba Ba has put England's top clubs on red alert when it emerged he has a £10million release clause in his Newcastle contract.

Ba has stunned the Barclays Premier League after scoring 15 goals for Alan Pardew's side since his summer move from West Ham.

The Senegal striker negotiated the clause when he signed a three-year deal worth £40,000 a week after quitting Upton Park following their relegation.


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Bargain: Demba Ba (left) has made a huge impact since his free transfer

Ba, who is the Premier League's second top scorer behind Robin van Persie, was named Barclays Player of the Month for December.
New Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill won the manager's award.



Ba confirmed his class when he scored the first goal in Newcastle's 3-0 demolition of champions Manchester United on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old arrived in England after quitting German club Hoffenheim last January and was a popular figure with West Ham fans during their failed bid to stay in the Premier League.

He signed for Newcastle in the summer, but has now left the country to play in the Africa Cup of Nations with club-mate Cheick Tiote, who will star for the Ivory Coast.


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Inspirational: Ba scored as Newcastle beat Manchester United this week

There have been long-standing fears over an injury to his right leg that Ba first sustained with Belgian club Mouscron, but he has regained full mobility.

Surgeons hammered a 25cm nail into his leg as part of the operation to save his career and there were fears he would not be able to play again.

However, he made a startling recovery, and although he is sometimes in mild discomfort, it has not stopped him becoming one of the most talked about names in Europe.

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Please don't go: Ba's exit would be a big blow for Alan Pardew (right)

Although Newcastle have no intention of allowing Ba to leave, he could trigger the release clause in his contract if a top club matched the figure.

He negotiated a similar clause when he moved to West Ham and was able to quit on a free transfer when they were relegated to the Championship.

Meanwhile, ITV4 have announced they will cover the Africa Cup of Nations with a combined package of highlights and live coverage of one quarter-final, one semi-final and the final.



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FOOTBALL
Man Utd deny Rooney exit rumours


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Manchester United and Wayne Rooney issue a joint statement denying newspaper reports that the England international is to be sold in the January transfer window.

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[h=1]Picture of Wayne Rooney night out that cost Manchester United striker £200,000[/h] Exclusive by Tom Bryant, Daily Mirror 7/01/2012
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Wayne Rooney (Pic: Daily Mirror Exclusive)


This is the night in a bar that landed Wayne Rooney a £200,000 fine. Wife Coleen looks on as the striker leans forward in his seat. His team-mate Jonny Evans appears to help him.
Advertisement >>


The Manchester United striker was fined £200,000 and disciplined by furious boss Sir Alex Ferguson for a dismal effort in training just hours after the picture was taken on a fellow partygoer's BlackBerry.
But the shot has sparked a mystery. Phone records show it was snapped at 2.12am on the morning after Boxing Day. Rooney's spokesman insisted that was incorrect and initially said the star was in bed at midnight, sober. But he later changed the time to 12.30am.
He added: "I can only assume that the *BlackBerry phone clock was wrong for whatever reason. There is no question of Wayne having been up at anything like that time. He was in bed by 12.30am."
Roo, 26, Coleen, 25, Evans, 23, and another team-mate, 24-year-old Darron Gibson, were on a night out at the lavish Tony McGee bar in The Vincent Hotel, Southport.
In the picture, Coleen looks on as her husband leans forward in his seat, while Evans seems to help him.
Hotel owner Paul Adams backed the Rooney camp's version of events and times and said the England forward spent the night there.
He added: "Wayne went to bed shortly after midnight, about 12.30am. There was no rowdy behaviour. Wayne was not drunk, he was just having a quiet evening with friends."
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The Tony McGee Bar
Mr Adams, a business partner of Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard, said Rooney was only in the bar briefly.
He added: "Wayne and Coleen came with two other players and their partners for a meal. They were in the front restaurant and went to the bar at the back of the hotel for about 15 minutes."
BlackBerry said if the phone which took the picture was on roaming mode the shot would "automatically have the correct date and time". However, the firm added that the clock on the handset could also be altered manually, which would change the picture time.
In the shot, Roo is perched in a chair in the *cocktail lounge. The partygoer who took it said the whole group was "in the Christmas spirit" with Wayne smartly dressed for the occasion in a shirt and jumper. Coleen opted for a sequinned white dress.
An onlooker added: "They were all dancing, singing and having a great time. Wayne and Coleen were dancing together."
Roo's group had a table *underneath framed shots taken by photographer, Tony McGee, who the bar is named after. They were celebrating United's 5-0 win over Wigan earlier on Boxing Day.
The three players were not breaking club rules by going out. But when they turned up for training the next morning Sir Alex said they weren't performing to his *high standards.
The trio were ordered in on Wednesday, their day off, for extra training. Rooney was dropped for United's shock 3-2 defeat to *Blackburn Rovers last Saturday. So was Gibson. Evans was out injured.
When asked why his striker was axed, Fergie said: "Wayne hasn't trained well." Rooney's camp insisted it has not affected the player's *relationship with his boss and the matter "is forgotten about".
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Wayne Rooney & Coleen Rooney in August 2011
The player has remained tight-lipped about the incident and watched the match from the stand. He tweeted: "My resolution, to start the year as a champion, and finish it as a champion."
However, last night Manchester United issued a statement denying a report they are ready to sell their star striker.
United have reacted angrily to suggestions Ferguson's patience with Rooney had finally snapped and he was ready to cash in on the £50million-rated England star at the end of the season.
Rooney said on Twitter: "The manager and I have no issues. Anyone who says different don't know what they're talking about."
In another tweet, he added the claims were "absolute rubbish my future is with Manchester United and the club and I are totally committed to each other."
The club issued a joint statement insisting there was no foundation to rumours the player was on his way out.
Rooney has had several run-ins with Sir Alex Ferguson in his Man Utd career.
In October 2010, the striker told Fergie he wanted to leave the club. But days later he did a U-turn and signed up until 2015. The same month, Rooney was dropped after it emerged he slept with a vice girl.
Just weeks ago, he mocked Fergie at a quiz by miming an incident when David Beckham had a boot kicked in his face by the boss.
 
[h=1]Picture of Wayne Rooney night out that cost Manchester United striker £200,000[/h] Exclusive by Tom Bryant, Daily Mirror 7/01/2012
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Wayne Rooney (Pic: Daily Mirror Exclusive)


This is the night in a bar that landed Wayne Rooney a £200,000 fine. Wife Coleen looks on as the striker leans forward in his seat. His team-mate Jonny Evans appears to help him.
Advertisement >>


The Manchester United striker was fined £200,000 and disciplined by furious boss Sir Alex Ferguson for a dismal effort in training just hours after the picture was taken on a fellow partygoer’s BlackBerry.
But the shot has sparked a mystery. Phone records show it was snapped at 2.12am on the morning after Boxing Day. Rooney’s spokesman insisted that was incorrect and initially said the star was in bed at midnight, sober. But he later changed the time to 12.30am.
He added: “I can only assume that the *BlackBerry phone clock was wrong for whatever reason. There is no question of Wayne having been up at anything like that time. He was in bed by 12.30am.”
Roo, 26, Coleen, 25, Evans, 23, and another team-mate, 24-year-old Darron Gibson, were on a night out at the lavish Tony McGee bar in The Vincent Hotel, Southport.
In the picture, Coleen looks on as her husband leans forward in his seat, while Evans seems to help him.
Hotel owner Paul Adams backed the Rooney camp’s version of events and times and said the England forward spent the night there.
He added: “Wayne went to bed shortly after midnight, about 12.30am. There was no rowdy behaviour. Wayne was not drunk, he was just having a quiet evening with friends.”
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The Tony McGee Bar
Mr Adams, a business partner of Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard, said Rooney was only in the bar briefly.
He added: “Wayne and Coleen came with two other players and their partners for a meal. They were in the front restaurant and went to the bar at the back of the hotel for about 15 minutes.”
BlackBerry said if the phone which took the picture was on roaming mode the shot would “automatically have the correct date and time”. However, the firm added that the clock on the handset could also be altered manually, which would change the picture time.
In the shot, Roo is perched in a chair in the *cocktail lounge. The partygoer who took it said the whole group was “in the Christmas spirit” with Wayne smartly dressed for the occasion in a shirt and jumper. Coleen opted for a sequinned white dress.
An onlooker added: “They were all dancing, singing and having a great time. Wayne and Coleen were dancing together.”
Roo’s group had a table *underneath framed shots taken by photographer, Tony McGee, who the bar is named after. They were celebrating United’s 5-0 win over Wigan earlier on Boxing Day.
The three players were not breaking club rules by going out. But when they turned up for training the next morning Sir Alex said they weren’t performing to his *high standards.
The trio were ordered in on Wednesday, their day off, for extra training. Rooney was dropped for United’s shock 3-2 defeat to *Blackburn Rovers last Saturday. So was Gibson. Evans was out injured.
When asked why his striker was axed, Fergie said: “Wayne hasn’t trained well.” Rooney’s camp insisted it has not affected the player’s *relationship with his boss and the matter “is forgotten about”.
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Wayne Rooney & Coleen Rooney in August 2011
The player has remained tight-lipped about the incident and watched the match from the stand. He tweeted: “My resolution, to start the year as a champion, and finish it as a champion.”
However, last night Manchester United issued a statement denying a report they are ready to sell their star striker.
United have reacted angrily to suggestions Ferguson's patience with Rooney had finally snapped and he was ready to cash in on the £50million-rated England star at the end of the season.
Rooney said on Twitter: "The manager and I have no issues. Anyone who says different don't know what they're talking about."
In another tweet, he added the claims were "absolute rubbish my future is with Manchester United and the club and I are totally committed to each other."
The club issued a joint statement insisting there was no foundation to rumours the player was on his way out.
Rooney has had several run-ins with Sir Alex Ferguson in his Man Utd career.
In October 2010, the striker told Fergie he wanted to leave the club. But days later he did a U-turn and signed up until 2015. The same month, Rooney was dropped after it emerged he slept with a vice girl.
Just weeks ago, he mocked Fergie at a quiz by miming an incident when David Beckham had a boot kicked in his face by the boss.
 
[h=1]Thierry Henry: If Giggsy can do it as his age so can I[/h] Published 23:00 06/01/12 By John Cross


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Thierry Henry wants to emulate Ryan Giggs after finally completing his emotional return to Arsenal.
World Cup winner Henry admits that, at 34, he is not the player he was in his first spell at the club when he earned legendary status and was honoured with a statue last month.
But Henry says Manchester United veteran Giggs, 38, is an example that you can carry on towards your 40s if you change your game.
Henry used to be all about pace, power and goals and yet now the Frenchman has warned Arsenal supporters not to expect the same level of brilliance.

"I am not 25 anymore, I am not going to take the ball from the middle of the park and dribble past five or six players. Don't expect that," said Henry.
"I remember Dennis [Bergkamp] and he used to be the main front guy. Suddenly he was playing behind the striker and if you have the awareness to see things before players, you can get away with not having your legs.
"If you look at Ryan Giggs, it's not the same Ryan Giggs who used to take the ball from the wing or from Denis Irwin and dribble past everyone and deliver a great cross.
"But what Ryan Giggs has is he can see the game, he is always available, he puts himself in a position where he can receive the ball alone and then you will never lose your touch. That's what I am going to try to bring to this team if I have to play.
"Well, right from the start, as I said, it looks more like I'm going to be a bench player. Or maybe not on the bench but more of an out of the side type of player.
"I can definitely have some input out there, to talk to the guys and let them know what it means to win. I am a competitor and that will never leave my body.
"I never had any expectations, even when I first came to Arsenal, and will try to play 100 per cent whenever I get the chance to. I'm just going to help those guys get through some difficult moments."
Henry's loan deal is for six weeks, can be extended for another ten days until February 26 and then he has made it clear that he will return to New York Red Bulls for their pre-season training.
That could mean he is available for the north London derby at the Emirates on February 26, and boss Arsene Wenger said he will be available for the Champions League ties with AC Milan.
Henry admitted he cannot wait for the chance to play for Arsenal again, starting against Leeds in the FA Cup on Monday.
"Arsenal are the only club that could make me come back and play, and actually did," he added.
"I also want to send a message to the Red Bulls and my fans and team-mates there - I said I was never going to come back and play in Europe, but it becomes hard when it comes to Arsenal and my heart.
"At the end of the day I am not coming back for the whole season, I will be back to play with my team because I am 100 per cent committed to winning the MLS with the Red Bulls.
"I don't know if I will still be there for the Tottenham game because I also want to go back and prepare with my team. Being the team captain I have some duties to respect. I will have to talk with Arsene.
"I will definitely be there for the Man United game. I don't expect to start. The team will be what it is, but if I can give 10, 15, 20 minutes or whatever Arsene thinks I can give then obviously [I will play].
"Being involved with Arsenal again is just amazing. Even if it is just five seconds, one second, or just talking in the dressing room, I will give my best whatever it is.
"For me being able to come here and train, being in the dressing room and seeing all the training staff, I have no words to describe it. To wear the jersey one more time, I can only be honoured.
"People might think I am just saying that, but when I left this club I cried, I cried for the statue. I haven't cried a lot in my career, but when I do it seems that something is happening with Arsenal."
Wenger: 'World class' Henry will embellish his legend during loan spell
Team news: Henry in Arsenal squad to face Leeds
Arsenal eyeing up on-loan left-backs
 
[h=1]Fergie must buy big to keep Rooney happy[/h]
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By Robbie Savage
Published 20:59 05/01/12



http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opi...o-keep-Wayne-Rooney-happy-article849485.html#
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Why Barton can't moan too much over red card
Festive thrills mean we should never have a winter break
When Wayne Rooney looks lost and unhappy, you know there is something wrong at Old Trafford.
Dropped for the home defeat by Blackburn, United's only remaining player with the X-Factor was a non-factor as they lost against at Newcastle.

And though what would be a blip to most teams automatically turns into a major crisis when it happens to the world's biggest club, Sir Alex Ferguson must have worries over his talisman than extend far beyond what did or didn't happen on his Boxing Day night out.
When the last January transfer window approached, Rooney was ready to walk out of the Theatre of Dreams. Manchester City seemed a likely destination, especially when he released that statement questioning United's ambition to "attract the top players in the world".
The master, Sir Alex, talked him out of it then but now you sense Rooney may be wondering what exactly has changed in the 14 months since.
Now, I'm not saying United are in crisis or anything approaching it. The champions are still only three points behind Manchester City in the league. They're a point better off than this time last season, and a lot of the blame has to lie with a crippling injury crisis which has claimed probably their most important player after Rooney, Nemanja Vidic, as well as the midfield creativity of Tom Cleverley.
But they are further away from Barcelona than ever in the last few years and have thinner and less well-balanced squads than City and Spurs domestically.
And those "top players in the world"? They have yet to arrive.
I love Phil Jones, who will be a future England captain. But injuries and inconsistency have slowed down Ashley Young since his flying start, while David de Gea continues to make costly mistakes.
The last two defeats may not have been particularly damaging as the other title contenders also dropped points, but they must be the worst two games any United side has played under Fergie since the 1980s. Rafael and Ji-Sung Park offered no midfield creativity against Blackburn and at Newcastle United were over-reliant on Ryan Giggs, who has been the greatest player in Premier League history but who, at 38, can't be expected to win games single-handedly any more.
The danger for United is that Rooney gets disenchanted and disillusioned all over again. They simply cannot allow that to happen.
When Cantona and Ronaldo left Old Trafford, great players were on hand to step in and fill the gaps. You can't say that anymore. Let Rooney leave and they would still be a very good side but some distance from being a great one.
It is vital that they do something to keep him happy this January. Maybe look at Cheik Tiote, who shackled him so brilliantly at St James' Park.
And - though I know I sound like a stuck record here - bring in Wesley Sneijder if he can be persuaded to leave a team still in the Champions League AND take a pay cut to fit in with United's wage structure.
Cleverley is a huge talent but it is unfair to put so much responsibility on him.
In their next six games, United face City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool. What happens there will make or break their season.
But what happens in the transfer window over the remaining 25 days could make or break them for the next three years.
**
In the aftermath of Sunderland's smash-and-grab victory over Manchester City, I watched as Martin O'Neill walked onto the Stadium Of Light pitch.
Applauding his other players as they headed down the tunnel, he marched straight over to captain Lee Cattermole, put his arm around him and started talking.
I didn't need a lip-reader to know what was being said. Martin would have been telling Cattermole - who was outstanding - how brilliant he had been and Cattermole would have walked off that pitch feeling 10 feet tall.
That is the genius of O'Neill and why Sunderland have prospered since he replaced Steve Bruce. He has an incredible aura and is the best man-manager in the business.
**
Vincent Kompany of Manchester City has named Fulham's Moussa Dembele as the most under-rated player in the Premier League. Great shout, and I would also put a word in for Stoke's Jonathan Walters, whose consistency and quality too often goes unnoticed.
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