We need five new players – Rafa

Rafael Benitez wants a complete overhaul of his Liverpool squad. Speaking after the Reds crashed out of the Europa League against Atletico Madrid on Thursday, Benitez admitted that the club needed to make at least five new signings in the summer if it was to challenge for silverware next season. "Someone said we needed four or five players. I would more or less agree with that. That is what we have to do," said the Liverpool boss. "I do not know whether I will have any funds. We will find out in the summer." The Merseysiders still have the fourth Champions League place to aim for this season, although it remains a long shot. To make next season’s elite competition they require victory over title favourites Chelsea in their penultimate game of the season on Sunday to stand any chance, while hoping other results go their way.

Boost for Red Devils title dreams

Wayne Rooney has made a sensational recovery from injury and is expected to play in Manchester United’s final two games of the season. In what is a major boost to the Red Devils title push, the England striker has apparently overcome a niggling groin strain and is fit and raring to play against Sunderland on Sunday. The 34-goal striker has had a number of injury problems in the last two months, starting with an inflamed kneecap and then damaged tendons in his ankle. But despite having his foot put in a cast and walking with crutches after the Champions League first leg clash with Bayern Munich, he missed only one game before returning to action. In a further boost for United, Rio Ferdinand, who has missed the last two games with a groin injury, is also expected to be fit for the Sunderland game.

Mancini drops Tevez bombshell

Roberto Mancini dropped a bombshell on Thursday, claiming star striker Carlos Tevez is welcome to join Real Madrid if he is unhappy at Manchester City. Tevez, who has enjoyed a stellar season, recently criticised Mancini’s training methods. He also questioned the sacking of Mancini’s predecessor Mark Hughes. But with Real eager to sign the £30million-rated Tevez, Mancini has told the sulking hitman to look elsewhere if he is not happy. "If a top player is not happy to stay here then it's better for him to go to another team," said Mancini on Thursday. "This is not just the case for Tevez, but for all players. The same goes for for Emmanuel Adebayor, for me, for all.” Added the Italian: "I've spoken to Carlos. When I speak to a player I don't need an apology. I've played football myself, I know players very well and I know this situation."

SAF’s Champions League agony

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed the agony of having to watch the Champions League on television. The fiery Scot’s Manchester United team crashed out of Europe’s premier club competition on away goals to Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals this season. It was the first time since 2006 that the Red Devils had not reached at least the last four. "It has been absolute agony watching the matches,” said Fergie on Thursday. "But that is what happens when you are not in it. You have to watch it on TV.” He added: “Undoubtedly not being in the Champions League helps our preparation for the weekend but I know what I would rather have. The ordeals of playing on a Wednesday and then a Saturday are exactly what you want here. We have got to have it." United play Sunderland on Sunday and Wigan on the final day of the season.

United keen on Real star and other red-hot gossip

Manchester United are keeping a close eye on tough tackling Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra. The Spaniard’s have slapped a £17m price tag on the Frenchman’s head and could use him in a part exchange for Patrice Evra. The 25-year-old impressed in La Liga after moving to Madrid from Portsmouth for £20m 15 months ago, but recently lost his starting place to Fernando Gago, fuelling speculation of a return to England. Diara has also played for Chelsea and Arsenal in his career. Elsewhere, Tottenham face competition from Atletico Madrid and Galatasaray for the signature of Bayern Munich's Turkey international midfielder Hamit Altintop; Charlton will not risk playing Liverpool-bound Jonjo Shelvey in the League One play-offs - because they fear the prospect of losing his £3m transfer fee; and Borussia Dortmund have slapped a £20m price tag on Manchester United target Neven Subotic.

Red Devils identify No.1 target

Manchester United have identified their number one summer target – and it’s not a striker to replace Dimitar Berbatov as many had expected. Although plans still exist to replace the disappointing Bulgarian, the Red Devils have now turned their undivided attention to Tottenham playmaker Luca Modric. According to reports, Sir Alex Ferguson is preparing a £25million bid for the 24-year-old Croat who he likens to a young Paul Scholes. United midfielder Michael Carrick could form part of the deal. Fergie also gave a hint of the move by praising Modric in his programme notes ahead of the United’s clash with Spurs last weekend. "And I give you another wee man who'll be at Old Trafford this afternoon: Luka Modric, who is playing out of his skin at the moment." Modric signed for Spurs from Dinamo Zagreb in 2008 for £16.5m fee.

Mourinho almost sparks a riot

Jose Mourinho almost sparked a riot after Inter Milan knocked Barcelona out of the Champions League on Wednesday. The Italians went through 3-2 on aggregate despite losing 1-0 at the Nou Camp. But while celebrating the victory afterwards by charging across the field, ‘The Special One’ was involved in an amazing bust-up with Barca ‘keeper Victor Valdes. Mourinho was grabbed by Valdes in a bear hug to try to prevent him from waving at supporters high in the top tier of the stadium. Mourinho eventually freed himself from the grip, with the Inter players then confronting Valdes. Barca supporters reacted by hurling hundreds of missiles at the former Chelsea boss as he tried to applaud his club’s supporters. And to make matters worse, the Barca groundsman then turned on the sprinklers and drenched the Inter players. Mourinho later described the win as “the most beautiful defeat of my life.”

Aguero mum on EPL link

In-demand striker Sergio Aguero dodged questions about a possible move to England ahead of Atletico Madrid's Europa League semi-final, second leg against Liverpool at Anfield. The Argentine, who is Diego Maradona’s son-in-law, has been linked to Chelsea and Manchester United, and only last week was quoted as saying that Chelsea were a "great club" and that he could learn a lot from players like Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard. However, despite all the speculation, Aguero remained focussed on the Europa clash on Merseyside. "The day before an important semi-final I don't think is the right time to talk about my future," Aguero said. "At the end of the season we'll perhaps sit down with the club and decide on a course of action which best suits us both." The 21-year-old Argentinian moved to Madrid from Independiente in 2006 and forms half of a formidable strike combination with Diego Forlan.

WC form doesn’t interest Wenger

Arsene Wenger has insisted that he will not be buying players just because they starred in the World Cup. The Arsenal manager has long been criticised for not spending big to keep up with rivals Manchester United and Chelsea, instead choosing to snap up promising youngsters and develop them. But having not won a trophy since 2005, Wenger is under-pressure to produce the goods. The Frenchman, however, remains unfazed. Speaking on Wednesday, he said: "The World Cup will not affect our recruitment. It is dangerous to buy on the back of a World Cup. The prices are artificial and you have to bear in mind that anyone can have three weeks of glory. To have 10 years of success is quite different.”

Reds snap-up exciting teenage talent and other red-hot gossip

Liverpool have snapped up their first player for next season, signing Charlton's highly-rated teenage midfielder Jonjo Shelvey on Wednesday. The promising youngster will cost an initial £1.7m. According to reports, the 18-year-old has passed a medical and will officially join the Reds on 10 May. Shelvey is an England Under-17 international and made 27 appearances this season for Charlton. Elsewhere, Serie A title-chasers Roma are ready to offer Brazil goalkeeper Doni to Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United in a bid to raise funds; Liverpool are favourites to sign Rangers highly-rated 18-year-old defender Danny Wilson; Newcastle are facing a fight to keep Slovenia youngster Haris Vuckic, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool ready to make bids for the 17-year-old forward; and Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton claims to have given up drinking in an attempt to stay out of trouble and reproduce his best form on the football pitch.

City’s sensational star sale

Manchester City are set to dump three of their expensive stars in the summer. According to reports, striker Emmanuel Adebayor, winger Shaun Wright-Phillips and left-back Wayne Bridge - representing £50million worth of talent - will all be shown the door by manager Roberto Mancini. The money raised from the sale of the trio, as well as midfielder Stephen Ireland, will be used to fund a sensational move for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres. Adebayor cost the Blues £25m from Arsenal last year and has hit 13 goals in 28 games. Wright-Phillips and Bridge were bought from Chelsea for £8.5m and £10m respectively. The 23-year-old Ireland has been with the club since he was 15.

Stevie G’s the man for Euro glory

Liverpool legend Ian Rush believes Steven Gerrard is just the man to lead the beleaguered club to European glory. The Reds have had a woeful season and look likely to finish out of the top four in the league but they can salvage some pride by landing the Europa League trophy. They are currently involved in a semi-final with Atletico Madrid, trailing the La Liga club 1-0 from the first leg. The second-leg is at Anfield on Thursday. “With Torres out injured, Gerrard is crucial to our hopes of getting past Atletico,” commented Rush on Tuesday. “Of course it’s not the trophy we all hoped for at the start of the season, but it would still be a big achievement. Supporters love going to finals and it would be nice to win the first Europa League final since the competition was revamped.”

Roo in Reds plea

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has asked Liverpool to “do us a bloody big favour!” The Merseysiders can do their arch-rivals just what Rooney asked by beating EPL leaders Chelsea this weekend. United trail the Blues by a single point with two games of the season left. "We need Chelsea to slip up now so hopefully Liverpool or Wigan can do us a favour," said Rooney on Tuesday. “Liverpool are a proud club with a lot of history and I'm sure they'll want to win that game." The Reds are desperate to finish ahead of Merseyside rivals Everton in the league so should not let up against Chelsea even if it means handing United a record 19th league title.

Blues wary of Reds – Lamps

Chelsea will not under-estimate Liverpool when the two giants of the EPL clash on Saturday, claims Blues midfielder Frank Lampard. With just two games of the season remaining, Chelsea can take a huge step towards landing the league title by winning at Anfield. They currently lead Manchester United by a single point. "If you don't turn up and don't play with intensity then we'll lose at Anfield, simple as that,” said Lampard on Tuesday. "Whoever goes to Liverpool understands it's a difficult game whatever stage of the season we're at.” Added the free-scoring England midfielder: "If we win two games then we win the league, if we don't then we might have to rely on goals, depending on Man United results. We know it's coming, it's there, we've just got to try and win it."

Real chasing United star and other red-hot gossip

Patrice Evra could be on his way out of Manchester United with Real Madrid ready to launch a £20m move for the French star. According to reports, the La Liga giants have turned their attention to Evra after Arsenal refused to budge on selling Gael Clichy. Other left-backs on Real's summer shortlist are Chelsea’s Ashley Cole and Fiorentina's Juan Manuel Vargas. Elsewhere, Manchester City could make a move for Bayern Munich's 32-year-old Italian striker Luca Toni, who is currently on loan at Roma; Carlos Tevez is on the verge of demanding a sensational move away from Manchester City with Liverpool ready to pay £18m for his services; Manchester City are set to rival Juventus for the services of Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez for next season; and Arsenal are in pole position to sign Fiorentina's highly rated goalkeeper Sebastien Frey.

Roo is EPL’s top dog

Wayne Rooney has been voted the best-of-the-best by his fellow players. The Manchester United striker, who has banged in 34 goals this season, was named Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year on Monday. He beat of a stern challenge from Chelsea and Manchester City hitmen Didier Drogba and Carlos Tevez. "It's a great feeling to win because it's voted for by the players. It's a great honour and I'm really proud," said Rooney. Aston Villa winger James Milner received the Young Player of the Year accolade. Rooney was also named in the EPL Team of the Year which included: Joe Hart (Man City, Birmingham on loan), Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea), Thomas Vermaelen (Arsenal), Richard Dunne (Aston Villa), Patrice Evra (Man Utd), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), James Milner (Aston Villa), Darren Fletcher (Man Utd), Antonio Valencia (Man Utd), Wayne Rooney (Man Utd), Didier Drogba (Chelsea).

I can be like Messi – RVP

Robin Van Persie believes he can emulate the feats of Lionel Messi, although he admits he has a lot of work to do. The Arsenal’s striker’s season has been ravaged by injury and he made his first start in five months for the Gunners last weekend. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger earlier stated that he thought Van Persie could have enjoyed an exceptional season like Barcelona ace Messi before being sidelined. Asked if he could be mentioned in the same breath as the little Argentine ace, Van Persie said: "Those are big words, because players like Messi are unbelievable. It is however a bit early to say. I still have to prove it but I hope to be in that place one day. I think I have the qualities to do so, but you need time, games and fitness. I just want to have a season without injuries and be happy."

‘Reds won’t do Blues any favours’

Liverpool will not roll-over against Chelsea, warned Blues midfield ace Frank Lampard on Monday. Chelsea, who have a slender one point lead over Manchester United with two games remaining, play Liverpool this weekend. Victory for the Reds could see United sneaking in to secure a record 19th title. "There's no chance that 11 Liverpool players can go out and consider Man United winning the championship in that game," said Lampard. "They go out to win the game. You wouldn't be professional otherwise but they are professional. The manager's professional, the players are.” Added Lampard: "There's no way they'll think about anything other than winning the game regardless of whether it gets them in the Champions League next year or not as well.” If United win the league they will move past Liverpool on the all-time list. Both teams have won the league 18 times in their respective histories.

City in frantic ‘keeper SOS

Manchester City have sent an S.O.S to the EPL administrators to allow them to sign a goalkeeper on loan until the end of the season. This comes after their regular stopper Shay Given dislocated a shoulder in the goalless draw with Arsenal on Saturday. With reserve ‘keeper Stuart Taylor also out injured and Joe Hart on loan at Birmingham, the Blues only have inexperienced Faroe Islands international Gunnar Nielsen available. Nielsen has played a mere 17 minutes of EPL football in his career. City are in a frantic scrap with Aston Villa Tottenham, and Liverpool for the fourth Champions League spot and cannot risk going into their final two matches with only one’ glovesman. But with the Transfer Window closing on 1 February, they need special permission to sign any new players.

Barca to offer young star for Clichy and other red-hot gossip

Barcelona are still hot on the heels of Arsenal left-back Gael Clichy. The La Liga giants are said to be so desperate to sign the French international that they will offer exciting young Spanish striker Bojan Krkic as part of a swap deal. Clichy would compete with Brazilian star Maxwell and fellow Frenchman Eric Abidal for a starting berth at the Nou Camp. The Gunners may be tempted by the offer because they have exciting English youngster Kieron Gibbs as a replacement for Clichy. Elsewhere, Liverpool are set to sign Swedish 15-year-old Kristoffer Peterson from Savedalens IF after he impressed on a trial; Aston Villa are interested in West Ham striker Carlton Cole and are ready to bid £10m for the England international; and West Ham defender Herita Ilunga is a £2m target for Paris St Germain.

My best is yet to come – Cole

Joe Cole has hit back at the critics who believe he is past it, insisting that his best years are ahead of him. The 28-year-old Chelsea midfielder recently recovered from a serious knee injury but is yet to sign a new contract with the Blues. "My best years are going to be the next four years, I think. I don't rely on pace, I keep myself fit and look after myself," said the England international on Sunday. “During my injury there were those bad thoughts that cropped up in my mind but now I am back and just concentrating on playing well. It's now the business end of the season and I am in form. The main thing is that the club wins some trophies this year.” Cole has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge to Manchester United.

‘EPL title is nothing special’

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti made a startling claim on Sunday, insisting it will be "nothing special" if he leads the Blues to EPL glory this season. The west Londoners currently lead the EPL by a single point with two matches remaining. “To win the title in my first season would be a good thing but nothing special - it's my job,” said the Italian. "If we win, I'm happy for the club. My aim is to work here and if we win the title, it could be that I did a good job, nothing else. After that we think about the next season.” Chelsea won consecutive EPL titles in 2004-05 and 2005-06 under Jose Mourinho.

Shawcross’ thoughts on Ramsey collision

Stoke City midfielder Ryan Shawcross, the player whose tackle broke the leg of Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey, has revealed what went through his mind in the moments after the sickening collision. "I turned around and straight away I could see it was serious,” said Shawcross on Sunday. "I wasn't even bothered about getting a red card, I was just so sorry for what I'd caused. That's why I was so emotional." Shawcross has however vowed not to change his approach to the game. He added: "I'm a tough tackling defender and sometimes if you're a tiny bit out it can cause bad injuries - it's the risk you take when you play football. I'd obviously caused an horrific injury to someone and although I knew it was an accident, I'd still done it. It was just unfortunate he had his studs planted. I mistimed the tackle and caught."

Carra eyeing Euro glory

Europa League glory will lift the gloom surrounding Liverpool’s season. According to veteran defender Jamie Carragher, Thursday’s second-leg semi-final against Ateltico Madroid has become the Merseysider’s biggest game of the season and it is imperative they overturn the 1-0 first-leg deficit. "People look back at 2005 and all they remember now is it was a great year because we won the Champions League," commented Carragher on Sunday. "They've forgotten we didn't do so well in the league that season and didn't finish in the top four." He added: "We received a lot of criticism in the course of that season but history always judges you on the trophies you've won! As far as I'm concerned any season in which you win a trophy is a good one."

Red Devils chase young strike sensation and other red-hot gossip

Manchester United are hot on the heels of exciting young Argentine striker Sergio Aguero, the son-in-law of Diego Maradona. According to reports, Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson is preparing a £35m bid to bring the 21-year-old Atletico Madrid player to Old Trafford. Elsewhere, Arsenal have given Cesc Fabregas a whopping £3m payment and upped his wages to £110,000-a-week to keep him at the club and ward off the advances of Barcelona; Manchester City and Chelsea are keeping a close eye on Barcelona's Brazilian right-back Dani Alves, who is in ongoing contract negotiations with the Spanish club; and Liverpool are ready to beat Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal for the signature of Charlton's 18-year-old striker Jonjo Shelvey for £3m.

United’s title hopes suffer heavy blow

Manchester United might have been buoyed by their win over Tottenham on Saturday, but they may have to do without talismanic striker Wayne Rooney for the remainder of the title run-in. This comes after the England goal ace limped off at Old Trafford with a groin injury. "Groin injuries are groin injuries, it might be two to three weeks," said United boss Sir Alex Ferguson after the 3-1 win over Spurs. "We'll give it every chance, Wayne's obviously desperate to play." The Red Devils only have two games remaining this season, at Sunderland on 2 May and when Stoke visit Old Trafford a week later. Rooney is however expected to be fit for the World Cup.

Toffees slap massive price on Pienaar

Everton have slapped a £20m price tag on the head of their sensational midfielder Steven Pienaar. The little South African has attracted much interest from a host of clubs with a string of stunning performances this season. He is now demanding £60,000-a-week from the Toffees, equal to their top earners, in order to remain at the club. Said an Everton insider: “Steven won’t be allowed to leave this club on the cheap. We’d rather keep him for the final year of his contract than lose him for a nominal fee because we would then have to spend money ¬finding a replacement.” Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City are all interested in the 28-year-old, who joined Everton from German club Borussia Dortmund for just £2m.

Fergie hails nerves of steel

Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed his players “nerves of steel” after their impressive 3-1 win over high-flying Tottenham on Saturday. The result allowed the Red Devils to move two points clear of Chelsea at the top of the EPL standings. However, the Blues can move back past them if they beat Stoke on Sunday. "We played well, that was important, but most important was we kept our nerve,” said Ferguson afterwards. "We had no signs of nerves, which is great at this time of season - that's a great quality to have." United’s goals came courtesy of two Ryan Giggs penalties and a deft chip from Nani.

Reds great blasts Rafa’s transfer policy

Liverpool great John Toshack has blasted Rafael Benitez’s transfer policy. Toshack, who is the current Wales manager, claims the Spaniard has wasted vast quantities of cash on second-rate players. He also warned Benitez that the club’s fans were fast running out of patience. “Benitez has maintained his reputation with the fans after winning the Champions League, but they are running out of patience,” commented the 61-year-old Toshack. “His transfer policy leaves a lot to be desired. Alonso was a success. It is the same for Reina and Torres, but that’s it. He must have spent more than £300m!”

United eye Argentine striker and other red-hot gossip

Manchester United will continue to look to the Americas to pick up players in the summer. According to reports, Sir Alex Ferguson has sent scouts to South America to keep an eye on £5m-rated Estudiantes forward Mauro Boselli. This comes just weeks after they signed Mexican striker Javier Hernandez from Chivas de Guadalajara. Elsewhere, Sunderland are considering an £8m bid for Tottenham striker Robbie Keane, who is currently on loan at Celtic; Aston Villa are after four Irishmen this summer - with Robbie Keane, Kevin Doyle, Aiden McGeady and Stephen Ireland all on their hitlist; and Fulham defender Brede Hangeland is on Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's wish list while Gael Clichy and Tomas Rosicky could be on their way out of the Emirates.

Pressure’s all on Chelsea – Fletch

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher believes Chelsea are starting to feel the heat as the EPL title race reaches a feverish climax. The Red Devils trail Chelsea by a single point with three matches remaining. This weekend United play Tottenham while the Blues tackle Stoke City. "Chelsea are the team leading the league and all the pressure is on them. We are just taking care of ourselves,” Fletcher told Sky Sports on Thursday. "They were in a situation where they might have felt they could have pulled away and be in a real strong position but they are not. All we can do is win our games. That's all we can do. Whatever happens happens.” Added the Scot: “There have been some strange results all season. No one has really put a run together and that is credit to the league. The teams are getting stronger."

Blues to axe ageing stars for youth

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti will wield the axe at the end of the season in a bid to bring young blood into the club. According to reports, the Italian will promote five players from the youth academy. Heading for the exit door are veterans Hilario, Paulo Ferreira, Juliano Belletti and Deco, while question marks continue to hang over Joe Cole and Michael Ballack as they have yet to sign new deals. The five youngsters who will get their chance next season are Fabio Borini, Nemanja Matic, Gael Kakuta, Patrick van Aanholt and Jeffrey Bruma. “Some players will maybe move on. It's not because we don't have the money. It's because we want to give strength to our Academy,” said Ancelotti on Friday. "We have very good young players and this is the time to put them in the squad for next year."

Reds to go Dutch

Liverpool will go Dutch next season as they look to sign Real Madrid midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart. Reds Manager Rafa Benitez will fork out £6m for a player who has remained on the fringes at the Bernabeu for the past two years. Van der Vaart made his name at Ajax Amsterdam before starring for Hamburg in the Bundesliga. He is considered one of the most talented players Holland has ever produced. Benitez plans to raise transfer funds by offloading Ryan Babel, Fabio Aurelio and Albert Riera.

Aquillani going nowhere

Alberto Aquillani’s agent has denied rumours that the Italian is looking to escape from his Liverpool hell. The £20m signing from Roma has hardly featured for the Reds since joining the club from Roma at the beginning of the season. This has been down to both fitness and form. His representative Franco Zavaglia insists the proposed sale of the Merseyside club will have no bearing on the midfielder's future at Anfield. "I don't think Liverpool will dismantle the team because they are in an economic crisis," Zavaglia told Tuttomercatoweb.com. "Plus, Alberto has a five-year deal there. How can people say that he will be sold?"

Rafa blasts City over Torres and other red-hot gossip

Rafa Benitez has reacted angrily to Manchester City's public pursuit of Fernando Torres. According to the Daily Mail newspaper, City are prepared to break the bank to land the Spanish striker. Offers of £60m are being bandied about. But Benitez replied angrily on Friday: “When you talk to Fernando, you realise he is happy to be a Liverpool player, so hopefully everything will be ok. He is not for sale.” Elsewhere, Manchester City's Kolo Toure has admitted that the breakdown in his relationship with former Arsenal team-mate William Gallas ultimately led to his departure from the Emirates; Fulham are ready to step up interest in Aston Villa striker John Carew to ease the burden on striker Bobby Zamora; and Arsenal have joined a growing list of EPL clubs interested in the signature of Everton teenager Jack Rodwell.

No excuses – Rafa

Rafa Benitez has refused to blame Liverpool’s loss to Ateltico Madrid on fatigue. The Reds went down 1-0 to the Spaniards on Thursday in the first leg of the semi-finals of the Europa League. The result came after the Merseysiders were forced to make the 2000 km journey to Madrid by bus and train because of disruption to air traffic caused by the Iceland volcano. But despite looking lethargic in the match, Benitez was not making excuses. "It was fine. We were working hard - that's the main thing,” he said afterwards. “The second leg is at Anfield and I am confident. Anfield is massive and with the fans behind us we can beat anyone." Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan scored the only goal of the match, while Reds ‘keeper Pep Reina, whose father played for Atletico, made a string of saves to keep his team in the tie.

Berba in sensational swap with Milan star

Star Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar could be heading to Manchester United in a sensational swap deal that will see Old Trafford misfit Dimitar Berbatov move to AC Milan. According to reports, Milan board member Adriano Galliani has admitted that Huntelaar could be on his way to the EPL. Berbatov was earlier this week linked with a £20m move to the San Siro. "When Klaas was at Real Madrid, he had the chance to go to England, Germany or Italy, and he chose Milan. But England could be a future solution,” said Galliani on Thursday. But he refused to be drawn on United’s Bulgarian flop. "I have read about our interest in Berbatov and I have nothing to add." Watch this space!

Capello to gamble on Spurs crock

England boss Fabio Capello is ready to hand Ledley King a World Cup lifeline, despite it being a huge gamble because of the Tottenham captain’s chronic knee problems. King has struggled with fitness problems for the last couple of years and rarely plays two games in a row and seldom trains. But Capello rates King very highly and expects him to push Rio Ferdinand and John Terry hard for a starting place. King has impressed in Tottenham’s recent wins over Arsenal and Chelsea and many regard him – when fit – as England’s best defender. Other options for Capello at centre-back include West Ham’s Matthew Upson and King’s Spurs teammate Michael Dawson. England’s first game of the World Cup is against the USA on June 12. They then face Algeria (18 June) and Slovenia (23 June).

Moyes scoffs at United link

Everton manager David Moyes has laughed of suggestions that he is in line to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. Ferguson is set to retire in 2012 and has tipped his fellow Scot as the best bet to take over from him, despite reports linking the Red Devils to luminaries such as Jose Mourinho, Guus Hiddink, and Pep Guardiola. Moyes however has scoffed at Fergie’s suggestion, claiming he is committed to the Toffees. "As far as I'm concerned this is a load of nonsense,” said Moyes on Thursday. "What I will say is I think it will be a terrible day when Sir Alex does finish." Moyes has impressed in his eight years at Goodison Park, making Everton a regular top eight club despite limited resources.

Rafa to take Torres to Italy and other red-hot gossip

Rafael Benitez will take star striker Fernando Torres with him to Juventus if he opts to leave Liverpool for the Serie A giants. According to reports, Benitez believes Torres is the man to fire Juve back into the upper echelons of Italian and European football. Elsewhere, Juve are also hoping to lure Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna to the Stadio delle Alpi, while they will use goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and midfielder Felipe Melo to lure Robin van Persie from Arsenal to Turin; Brazil striker Luis Fabiano has hinted Manchester United would be his destination of choice if he leaves Sevilla in the summer; and Hamburg defender Jerome Boateng is set to join brother Kevin-Prince, the Portsmouth forward, in English football with a move to Manchester City.

Essien set for WC agony

Michael Essien’s World Cup hopes are hanging by a thread as he struggles to overcome knee knack. The combative midfielder has been out since January but had hoped to make a long awaited return against Stoke this weekend. But this now looks unlikely which also casts a massive shadow over his dreams of starring for Ghana in South Africa. "I'm taking it day by day and if I can make it I will," the 26-year-old said on his official website. "The World Cup is the best and most difficult football tournament in the world and I would rather be there fully fit." He added: "We will just have to wait and see. If not I'll have to sit at home and support the team like every Ghanaian." Ghana's first game of the World Cup is against Serbia on 13 June.

Hellish bus ride unites Reds

It may have brought a large part of the World to a standstill, but Rafa Benitez believes Iceland's volcanic eruption has helped Liverpool forge new team spirit. The Reds have had to travel by bus to Madrid, a long 24 hour, 2000km journey, to play Atletico in a Europa League semi-final first-leg match on Thursday because of the ash cloud caused by the volcano. "It's been good. They will be tired but it can help team spirit when everyone has something in common,” said Benitez. "If you are on a plane for just one or two hours, everyone is just watching a film, on PlayStations or whatever. Now they're talking more and stuff like that, all together rather than just sticking in their normal groups. It is an experience but we can stick together and get to know each other a little bit better.”

Fulham’s highway kickabout

Spare a thought for Fulham. As if a tough 17-hour bus trip to Germany to play Hamburg in a Europa League semi-final first-leg match on Thursday was not enough, they were held up in stationery traffic for over three hours after a huge accident en route. Undeterred, the squad held a short training session on the side of the road. "Of course it will be a little bit harder for us. It's not an ideal situation,” commented manager Roy Hodgson of the long journey. "It was 17 hours from leaving Motspur Park to arriving at the Hyatt Hotel in Hamburg. But three hours of that was standing kicking a ball about thanks to a traffic accident on the autobahn.” Fulham did not fly because of the airline chaos caused by the Iceland Volcano eruption.

United’s timely defensive double boost

Manchester United have received a double boost ahead of their enormous clash with Tottenham on Saturday, with defenders Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown both returning to full fitness. Ferdinand missed last weekend’s sensational win over Manchester City with a groin problem while Brown has been out since breaking his foot against Wolves in early March. The Red Devils can go top of the table with a win against high-riding Spurs as current leaders Chelsea only play Stoke on Sunday. A win over Harry Redknapp’s men, who themselves are chasing the last Champions League place, will pile the pressure on the Blues.

Blues chase coveted duo and other red-hot gossip

Chelsea’s summer spending is set to involve two of European football’s most coveted players with Frank Ribery of Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero firmly in the west London club’s sights. According to reports, the Blues are ready to up their efforts to land the pair who are valued at £60m and £40m respectively. Elsewhere, Liverpool are preparing to rub city rivals Everton nose in it with a move for the Toffees' South African midfielder Steven Pienaar; on-loan striker Eidur Gudjohnsen wants to stay at Tottenham next season; and Bolton are expected to place a £17m price tag on defender Gary Cahill who is being closely watched by Arsenal and Manchester United.

Fergie champions Moyes cause

While Manchester United executives are weighing up moves for some of the biggest names in football as a replacement for Sir Alex Ferguson, the fiery Scot himself knows exactly who should replace him in the Old Trafford hot seat. And it’s not Jose Mourinho, or Guus Hiddink, or Pep Guardiola! No sir, Fergie would rather see his fellow Scot David Moyes take over the reins of the Red Devils. According to reports, 68-year-old Ferguson believes Everton boss Moyes can provide the continuity United crave to keep them challenging for the top honours. He also knows the 46-year-old Glaswegian well and has constantly championed his impressive achievements at Goodison Park on a shoestring budget. Furthermore, Ferguson believes that a British coach should succeed him.

Forlan vows to add to Reds pain

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan has vowed to heap more pain on Liverpool by dumping them out of Europa League semi-finals on Thursday. And the former Manchester United player believes that will be made all the easier because Fernando Torres will not be playing for the Reds. "I won many times for United against Liverpool so I know they are not invincible - especially without Torres,” said the Uruguayan on Tuesday. "And even though Liverpool wouldn't have been our first choice to play at this stage, we have a great chance of beating them. We must play a sensational game at home to make sure we are still alive for the second leg at Anfield." Forlan added: "I wish Torres a full recovery from his knee problem but it is undoubted that Liverpool are a lot different when he plays.”

Hellish journey is no excuse – Lucas

Liverpool’s journey from hell cannot be used as an excuse for failure in Europe, claims Liverpool’s Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva. The Reds have had to take the bus to Madrid to play Atletico in a Europa League semi-final first-leg on Thursday due to the ban on air travel because of the Icelandic Volcano ash cloud. The long trip will see the Merseysiders arrive in the Spanish capital less than 24 hours before kickoff. “When I was younger, I lived in Porto Alegre to play for Gremio and my home town was 1300kms away. I used to go back by coach quite a lot on holiday,” said Leiva. “That was 24 hours, sometimes more. You just have to relax, so we will have plenty of movies, Play Station, books, whatever. It won’t be easy, but we have to be ready and accept that and not think too much about it.”

Fletch’s tribute to ageing stars

Darren Fletcher has paid tribute to Manchester United’s ageing stars, claiming they are an inspiration to the club’s younger players. Ryan Giggs, 36, and 35-year-olds Paul Scholes and Gary Neville all starred in United’s last-gasp win over Manchester City last weekend, a result that catapulted them right back into the title race. "Players like them are wanted here because they're an inspiration to us,” said 26-year-old Fletcher on Tuesday. "Scholesy is a legend - we won't ever see another one like him. If I can get anywhere near to that when I am 35, I'll be very happy." Fletcher has been one of United’s best players this season commanding the midfield with increasing authority. United trail EPL leaders Chelsea by one point with three matches to play.

City want tearaway Villa winger and other red-hot gossip

Manchester City have turned their attention to exciting Aston Villa winger Ashley Young and are prepared to offer £25m for the English star. According to reports, the Blues will sell Craig Bellamy, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Martin Petrov to fund the move and are keen to have Young causing havoc on one wing with his fellow England hopeful Adam Johnson tearing down the other wing. Elsewhere, Arsenal left-back Gael Glichy has no interest in joining Barcelona, claiming he wants to help Arsenal land trophies; Serbian winger Zoran Tosic, who cost Manchester United £10m in 2009, wants to turn his loan spell with German club Cologne into a permanent move; Chelsea are unsure whether to risk Didier Drogba's groin injury by playing him in this weekend's match against Stoke as the title chase nears its climax; and AC Milan will offer Manchester United £20m for misfit striker Dimitar Berbatov.

Gunners collapse amazes Silvestre

Arsenal’s amazing capitulation at Wigan on Sunday has completely baffled defender Mikael Silvestre. The Gunners finally saw their title hopes go up in smoke at the JJB Stadium after throwing away a 2-0 lead in the final 10 minutes to lose 3-2. "We knew that three points was the only result to get back into the title race, and 20 minutes from the end, we thought we were going to get that result," Silvestre told Arsenal TV Online. "Even with the players we were missing, we had enough quality and experience to get the three points. The 32-year-old added: "We have to respect the club and the fans who travelled to Wigan and show them we can respond in the best way possible - which is a win against Manchester City this coming weekend.” Silvestre won four EPL titles and the Champions League with former club Manchester United.

Search on for Fergie’s replacement

Manchester United have started their search for Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor. This comes after the fiery Scot vowed to complete “one more season” before calling time on the most successful coaching career in British football history. According to insiders at Old Trafford, the club are canvassing top opinion regarding who Fergie’s replacement should be. One man being hotly tipped to take over is former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho because of his experience of winning titles. Other names being bandied about are Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola, England boss Fabio Capello, Guus Hiddink, Martin O'Neill and Arsene Wenger.

Pav’s incredible about-turn

Tottenham’s Russian striker Roman Pavlyuchenko has done a dramatic about-turn and insists he wants to stay at White Hart Lane and fight for his place. The £12m signing from Zenit St Petersburg appeared destined to leave the north Londoners after struggling initially but has since discovered his touch and has been a major force behind the club’s push for fourth place. "When the team wins and I am constantly playing the relations cannot be anything but good. Now I feel the manager's trust and do my best not to let him down,” said Pavlyuchenko on Monday. "I have dropped all my previous ideas about leaving Spurs in the summer and I am concentrated on one thought only - what we need to do to finish fourth.” Pavlyuchenko is set to keep his place for Saturday's visit to Manchester United.

Chelsea’s timely boost!

Chelsea’s push for the league and FA Cup double has been given an incredible boost by the return of arguably their best player – tough-as-nails midfielder Michael Essien. The muscular Ghanaian has been out with knee knack since January but has now recovered and is set for a sensational return against Stoke on Sunday. Essien’s recovery will also be a major boost for Ghana ahead of the World Cup in South Africa. In other Chelsea news, Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel is doubtful for the weekend after hurting his knee while Didier Drogba hopes to put off hernia surgery to the end of the season.

Barca chasing Arsenal star and other red-hot gossip

La Liga giants Barcelona are determined to prise Gael Clichy away from Arsenal. The Catalans are set to offer £10m for the left-back who was voted best in his position in the EPL last season. Clichy would compete with fellow Frenchman Eric Abidal for the position at the Nou Camp. Elsewhere, Manchester United are chasing 17-year-old Newcastle midfielder Haris Vuckic; Birmingham City want to take Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster on loan next season; Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic could be on his way to Juventus in a swap deal which would see goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon arriving at Old Trafford; Arsenal may move for Bolton defender Gary Cahill to replace William Gallas, who is out of contract at the end of the season; and Tottenham are tracking Everton playmaker Steven Pienaar who they value at £14m.

Ronaldo outshines Ronaldo!

Cristiano Ronaldo recently went head-to-head with....Cristiano Ronaldo! On Friday on a stage in Madrid the Portugal international battled a 10 metre high virtual image of himself in a spectacular duel. Earlier the former World Player of the Year had been filmed on the Real Madrid training ground dribbling through cones on a a 24-metre course to set a blistering club record of 10.49sec. This video footage was then projected on to a backdrop as he tried to beat himself as part of World Cup sponsors Castrol's ‘Challenge Ronaldo’ event. And Ronaldo didn’t disappoint in the live version as he broke his own record with a blistering time of 9.33sec. "I've competed against some of the best players in the world, but I have never had the chance to challenge myself. I want to show I am the best, so I had to get the fastest time!” said Ronaldo afterwards.

Berba begging to stay

Manchester United misfit Dimitar Berbatov is desperate to stay at Old Trafford, amidst widespread rumours that the club are ready to ditch him. Recent reports have suggested that Sir Alex Ferguson has finally lost patience with his record £30.75m signing and is prepared to take a significant knock in price to get rid of him. But the Bulgarian, who joined United in 2008, is desperate to stay and prove himself. "People have not seen the real Berbatov this season and I would have liked to have done more for the club,” said Berbatov on Saturday. "But I do not worry about the critics. In football it is harder to be a forward because people analyse errors more than success. My morale is high and I am always trying to overcome the situation." Berbatov scored 14 goals for United last season and has weighed in with another 12 this term.

Heartbreak for El Nino

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is out for the rest of the season after undergoing the knife on Sunday to try and clear up his chronic knee problem. The 26-year-old will miss all of the Reds remaining games and is a major doubt for the World Cup. His rehabilitation is expected to take six weeks. Spain open their campaign for global glory in South Africa on 16 June against Switzerland. Their manager Vicente del Bosque is monitoring the situation closely and has vowed to give Torress every opportunity to recover and star in the World Cup. Torres has scored 22 goals in all competitions for Liverpool this season, despite carrying various injuries throughout the campaign.

United thrown down the gauntlet

Tottenham defender Michael Dawson has thrown down the gauntlet to Manchester United, saying they can expect no more favours from his team. Spurs impressive 2-1 win over EPL leaders Chelsea on Saturday helped United reignite their title challenge, just days after they looked totally out of it. But Spurs now travel to Old Trafford and need a result to maintain their challenge for the last Champions League place. "We will go there and we have got no fear whatsoever. Six points out of six against Arsenal and Chelsea so we will go to Old Trafford full of confidence and with nothing to lose.” Dawson added: "It is certainly going to be exciting, they did us a favour by beating Manchester City then we did them a favour. But we will go there next week, and hopefully get something and be right in the mix.”

Fab loves Gunners too much to leave and other red-hot gossip

Cecs Fabregas has vowed to stay at Arsenal next season, telling his close mates “he loves Arsenal too much to leave”. The Gunners skipper is the No. 1 summer transfer target for Barcelona, the club he played for as a young boy. Said his teammate Alex Song on Sunday: "He has never mentioned even thinking about going to Barcelona.” Elsewhere, Manchester United are in a rush to offer Wayne Rooney an improved £150,000 per week contract amidst speculation linking him to Real Madrid; temperamental striker Craig Bellamy had a bust up with a Manchester City official only moments before Saturday’s Manchester derby after demanding an advance on his £90,000-a-week salary; and 20-year-old Arsenal midfielder Fran Merida is set to join Atletico Madrid at the end of the season.

Blues refusing to hit panic button

Panic? Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti doesn’t even know the meaning of the word! According to the Italian, the Blues’ title ambitions are still firmly in their own hands despite Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Tottenham, a result which saw Manchester United close to within one point of them with three games to play. After the game at White Hart Lane, Ancelotti said: “Every team would want to be where we are. What we need to do is stay calm. We have to set out to win the three games we have left. Yes, there is pressure but all the teams are now under pressure.” Chelsea still have to play Stoke, Liverpool and Wigan. United’s final three games are against Tottenham, Sunderland and Stoke.

Ron’s thoughts on Roo and Fab

Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that he would love to play under Fabio Capello at Real Madrid while he cannot ever see Wayne Rooney joining the club. England boss Capello has been linked with a return to the Bernabeau after the World Cup while Rooney has been the subject of much speculation regarding a spectacular £90m move to the La Liga giants. "I am still friends with Rooney, Ferdinand and Vidic at Manchester United," Ronaldo told the News of the World on Sunday. "I think Rooney is very happy in Manchester and even if Real Madrid tried to sign him, I don't think he would want to join me here." When asked about possibly playing under Capello, Ronaldo declared: "Definitely! He is a very important coach, one of the best in the world, has done a fantastic job in England and has won many titles in Italy so why not?"

Torres facing season-ending anguish

Liverpool star Fernando Torres faces a heart-breaking end to the season and the possible anguish of missing the World Cup. The ace hitman is suffering from chronic knee knack which the Anfield medical staff believes will only be cleared up by an operation. To make matters worse he has been unable to fly to Barcelona to see a knee specialist because of the British ban on flying due to ash from the Iceland volcano. “We are not sure whether he will play again this season. He needs to see the specialist and he will tell us whether Fernando needs an operation,” admitted Reds manager Rafa Benitez on Saturday. Liverpool play West Ham on Sunday with Torres definitely missing out. His possible absence in South Africa will be a big blow for Spain who are one of the favourites to land the coveted title.

Berba set for German salvation

Bayern Munich are ready to save Dimitar Berbatov from his Manchester United hell by bringing him back to the Bundesliga. According to reports, the German giants are keeping a close eye on the Bulgarian’s situation at Old Trafford. Berbatov has cut a lonely and frustrated figure in recent months as he has been continually benched for United’s big games. The Red Devils also recently signed Mexican striker Javier Hernandez and have been linked to Real Madrid star Karim Benzema, all of which paints a gloomy picture for the club’s record signing. Before moving to England to play for Tottenham, Berbatov starred for Bayer Leverkusen in Germany. Berbatov has scored 12 goals this season, which places him as the 11th most prolific striker in the EPL.

Real in swoop for City star and other red-hot gossip

Real Madrid are set to turn their attention to Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez, if he can’t agree a new deal at Eastlands. The La Liga giants are believed to be weighing up a £50m, £200,000 per week offer for the Argentine. Elsewhere, Liverpool are keeping a close eye on Feyenoord teenager Georginio Wijnaldum but could lose Dirk Kyut to Juventus; Arsenal are willing to pay £8m for Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart, who is currently on loan at Birmingham City, with West Ham 'keeper Robert Green also on the Gunners' wanted list; Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega has welcomed speculation linking him with a move to Arsenal; Aston Villa beanpole John Carew looks set to join Fulham after spending £2.6m on an apartment within two miles of Craven Cottage; and Sir Alex Ferguson is determined to remain as Manchester United manager for at least one more season, disappointing Jose Mourinho.

Fergie rubbishes Roo reports

Sir Alex Ferguson has laughed off reports that ace striker Wayne Rooney could join Real Madrid at the end of the season. On Friday, The Sun tabloid reported that the La Liga giants would bid £90m for the Manchester United hitman, offering him a staggering £250,000 a week. "It's the silly season isn't it," scoffed Fergie. "It always happens at the end of the season. Wayne Rooney will still be here next year." One thing Rooney could do, added the fiery Scot, is recover from his ankle knack in time to play in Saturday’s Manchester derby. "He has done some work over the last couple of days and we will see how he is for Saturday's game," said Ferguson.

Carrick clings to hope

Manchester United have not chucked in the towel, believing they can still land a record fourth consecutive EPL title. This is according to central midfielder Michael Carrick, who firmly believes the Red Devils can still close a four point gap on leaders Chelsea despite only four games remaining this season. "We are not giving up," said Carrick ahead of United’s clash with bitter rivals Manchester City on Saturday. "We still have that lifeline and whilst we still have half a chance, we will continue to fight.” With United crashing out of the Champions League and losing ground in the EPL title race recently , Carrick admitted that the last few weeks have been difficult. "The standards we have set over the last few years have been incredibly high and when you don't achieve them it is disappointing.”

Fabio may get some Real work

England manager Fabio Capello has not ruled out a sensational return to Real Madrid after the World Cup. According to reports the La Liga giants want the tough-as-nails Italian to return to the Bernabeau and re-establish the club as the best in Europe. The Sun newspaper on Saturday reported that a source close to Capello said: "What happens after the World Cup finals? Who knows? Anything can happen in football. Fabio is aware of the story but he is concentrating only on the World Cup finals and his work with England. Real can make all the noises they like but he will not listen while his work with England is ongoing." Capello has won two La Liga titles with Real and is seen as the right man to take over from Manuel Pellegrini.

Our rivals are going backwards – Wenger

It’s been five long years since Arsenal last won any silverware, yet manager Arsene Wenger bizarrely insists that the Gunners are the only club in the top four who are on the up! And in an astonishing interview, the Frenchman also branded title favourites Chelsea over-the-hill and claims the FA and Carling Cups are way down his list of priorities. “We are going on an upward curve, that is for sure,” insisted Wenger. “They (others in top four) are coming down, that is for sure as well.” He added: “Chelsea have six or seven players over 30 years old. They will not go up. But Roman Abramovich can say in the summer, ‘I buy seven players of 24’ and then you are in the same race again.” Arsenal's long-suffering fans may not agree!

Villa to lose their crown jewels and other red-hot gossip

Aston Villa risk losing two of their most exciting players if they fail to secure Champions League football next season. Young stars James Milner and Ashley Young are being tracked by Manchester United and Real Madrid respectively, and with Villa looking less and less likely to finish in the top four, the Birmingham based club will do well to hang onto their prized assets next season. Elsewhere, new Liverpool CEO Martin Broughton has insisted "We'll give Rafael Benitez cash to splash.”; Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia could leave the club after reports that Arsene Wenger has lost faith in the gaffe-prone glovesman; a Barcelona sporting director has denied promising Arsenal they will not try to sign Cesc Fabregas during the summer; and Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is set for showdown talks with Carlos Tevez over criticism of his training methods.

Roo favourite for top award

The nominees for the PFA Player of the Year have been announced and unsurprisingly Wayne Rooney has been installed as the overwhelming favourite to land the coveted prize. The Manchester United hitman, was joined by fellow EPL aces Cesc Fabregas, Didier Drogba and Carlos Tevez on the short-list announced on Thursday. But with a whopping 34 goals for Manchester United, the England international looks most likely to walk away with the prize. If he does, it will be the fourth consecutive season that it has gone to a Manchester United player, following on from Ryan Giggs last year, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who was player of the year in the two seasons before that. But let’s not forget the other players, with Fabregas almost single-handedly holding together Arsenal’s title challenge and Tevez and Drogba weighing in with a glut of goals for Manchester City and Chelsea respectively!

Real to raid EPL’s Crown Jewels

Shivers will be running down the spines of Manchester United and Arsenal fans when they read this! Real Madrid are plotting a sensational double swoop for EPL maestros Wayne Rooney and Cesc Fabregas. And according to reports from Spain, the La Liga giants will stop at nothing to land the pair. Transfer fees of an incredible £90m for Rooney and £60m for Fabregas are being bandied about, with the Englishman set to earn a whopping £250,000 a week for five years - which is way beyond Manchester United’s strict wage structure! Real president Florentino Perez is known to want to reunite Rooney with Cristiano Ronaldo with Fabregas creating the magic from the hole just behind the two. And Perez gets what he wants – think David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo!

‘Tevez determined to nail ManU’

He has netted a healthy 26 goals this season, but Carlos Tevez would trade every single one of those strikes to hammer home the winner against Manchester United on Saturday. According to Manchester City winger Adam Johnson, the hard-working Argentine wants to show Sir Alex Ferguson once and for all that they were mad not to sign him when they had the chance by putting the final nail into the Red Devils title challenge. Tevez joined City for £25m, a figure United refused to pay despite Tevez spending two seasons on loan at Old Trafford. "Carlos will be extra motivated against United, without a doubt," commented Johnson on Thursday. "I think if you asked him, he'd take all his goals away to score the winner on Saturday!" Johnson added: "He's got even stronger since he came here. He's tried even harder to prove a point and he's definitely done that.”

City gaffe left Rio in the doldrums

Despite edging Manchester City 4-3 in a nail-biting derby earlier this season, Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was left depressed - because his late howler almost cost the Red Devils victory! For those of you with short memories, United were leading 3-2 with minutes to go when Ferdinand gifted City an equaliser by giving the ball away to Craig Bellamy. Sensationally little Michael Owen popped up in the sixth minute of injury time to score the winner and spare Ferdinand the blushes. “It was just a ‘phew’ moment,” admitted Ferdinand on Thursday. “I said a big ‘thank-you’ to Michael at the time and I sent him a text again later that night to say it again.” He added: “It was odd in the dressing room afterwards. We’d won the game so the lads were bouncing around, going crazy, but I was just depressed, sitting thinking about how lucky I’d been.”

Fuzz to eye Tev and Nev and other red-hot gossip

Feuding former teammates Carlos Tevez and Gary Neville risk running into the strong arm of the law if they misbehave in Saturday’s Manchester derby at Eastlands. The two were involved in some nasty stuff when City and United clashed earlier this season, so much so that they will be under police orders not to do anything that could incite crowd trouble on Saturday. Elsewhere, Serie A giants Juventus are trying to tempt Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez with a deal worth £16m over four years, plus a spending kitty of £70m; Manchester United are keen on Aston Villa winger James Milner as Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson prepares to reshape his squad this summer; Barcelona are tracking Arsenal full-back Gael Clichy; and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will be given a £25-£30m transfer kitty in the summer.

Hot Frenchman’s decision imminent and other red-hot gossip

Bayern Munich sensation Franck Ribery will decide on his future within the next ten days. The flying Frenchman is wanted by a host of Europe’s top clubs with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, and Manchester City all ready to break the bank for the flying Frenchman’s services. Elsewhere, Manchester City are on the verge of sealing the £11m signature of giant Hamburg defender Jerome Boateng, the younger brother of Portsmouth's Kevin Prince; Real Madrid are ready to sell Karim Benzema to Manchester United for £17m, despite having paid Lyon a whopping £35m for him last summer; Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho is confident that Steven Gerrard will quit Liverpool and join the Italian champions next season; and Fernando Torres "will do whatever it takes to be ready" to face his old club Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-final next week!

No Silva lining for United

Real Madrid are determined to pull a fast one on Manchester United for the second season running by stealing Valencia forward David Silva from right underneath Sir AlexFerguson’s big purple nose. United have been chasing Silva for the past year and have made him one of their prime summer targets. But just as they did last season when they snapped up hot Frenchman Karim Benzema just as the Red Devils thought they had landed their man, it seems the La Liga giants are now set to do the same with Silva by sealing a £22m deal before the start of the World Cup. Real apparently want the 24-year-old as the main piece of their rebuilding work this summer after a disappointing campaign. Good news for United is that they could now finally land Benzema, who will certainly leave the Bernabeau if the club signs Silva!

Tevez shakes his little toosh on the catwalk

With 22 EPL goals for Manchester City, Argentine striker Carlos Tevez has been one of the hottest players on show in England this season. But while the plucky Argentine may sizzle on the football field, he’s really not so hot when trying to look cool off it. On Tuesday Tevez was joined by City team-mates Emmanuel Adebayor, Stephen Ireland and Kolo Toure on the catwalk to model the latest fashions for charity. The 'Fashion Kicks 2010' show at Lancashire County Cricket Ground was organised by City goalkeeper Shay Given to raise cash for Macmillan Cancer Support. According to watchers of the show, Tevez looked like a “duck out of water” and should really “stick to what he knows best!”

Gunners’ title hopes up in smoke

Arsenal finally kissed their fading title chances away on Tuesday night after going down to bitter enemies Tottenham 2-1 in the north London derby. The Gunners are now six points behind EPL leaders Chelsea with four games to play. Manager Arsene Wenger admitted after the game at White Hart Lane that the club’s faint hopes of glory were now truly on the scrapheap. "We must forget the title race and try to finish as high as we can," he moaned afterwards. "It shows that we're not mature enough because you can't afford to lose these games if you want to win the league." The Gunners have now not won the league since 2004, while their last silverware was the FA Cup in 2005, a dismal return for the proud club!

City want to stuff full-strength United

Manchester City want to line-up against Wayne Rooney on Saturday – so bitter enemies Manchester United have no excuses if they get stuffed in the Manchester derby. Rooney has scored 34 goals for the Red Devils this season but has been troubled by ankle knack over the past few weeks. "I think it is better if Rooney plays on Saturday," City manager Roberto Mancini told the club’s official website on Tuesday. "I think it is best if both teams are full strength and then the side who takes the three points can truly say the best team won and there is no reason that cannot be us." City are desperately chasing fourth place and the final Champions League place. They currently lead Tottenham by a single point in the race for the honour of playing in Europe’s elite competition next season!

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City want to stuff full-strength United

Manchester City want to line-up against Wayne Rooney on Saturday – so bitter enemies Manchester United have no excuses if they get stuffed in the Manchester derby. Rooney has scored 34 goals for the Red Devils this season but has been troubled by ankle knack over the past few weeks. "I think it is better if Rooney plays on Saturday," City manager Roberto Mancini told the club’s official website on Tuesday. "I think it is best if both teams are full strength and then the side who takes the three points can truly say the best team won and there is no reason that cannot be us." City are desperately chasing fourth place and the final Champions League place. They currently lead Tottenham by a single point in the race for the honour of playing in Europe’s elite competition next season!

Gunners’ title hopes up in smoke

Arsenal finally kissed their fading title chances away on Tuesday night after going down to bitter enemies Tottenham 2-1 in the north London derby. The Gunners are now six points behind EPL leaders Chelsea with four games to play. Manager Arsene Wenger admitted after the game at White Hart Lane that the club’s faint hopes of glory were now truly on the scrapheap. "We must forget the title race and try to finish as high as we can," he moaned afterwards. "It shows that we're not mature enough because you can't afford to lose these games if you want to win the league." The Gunners have now not won the league since 2004, while their last silverware was the FA Cup in 2005, a dismal return for the proud club!

Tevez shakes his little toosh on the catwalk

With 22 EPL goals for Manchester City, Argentine striker Carlos Tevez has been one of the hottest players on show in England this season. But while the plucky Argentine may sizzle on the football field, he’s really not so hot when trying to look cool off it. On Tuesday Tevez was joined by City team-mates Emmanuel Adebayor, Stephen Ireland and Kolo Toure on the catwalk to model the latest fashions for charity. The 'Fashion Kicks 2010' show at Lancashire County Cricket Ground was organised by City goalkeeper Shay Given to raise cash for Macmillan Cancer Support. According to watchers of the show, Tevez looked like a “duck out of water” and should really “stick to what he knows best!”

No Silva lining for United

Real Madrid are determined to pull a fast one on Manchester United for the second season running by stealing Valencia forward David Silva from right underneath Sir AlexFerguson’s big purple nose. United have been chasing Silva for the past year and have made him one of their prime summer targets. But just as they did last season when they snapped up hot Frenchman Karim Benzema just as the Red Devils thought they had landed their man, it seems the La Liga giants are now set to do the same with Silva by sealing a £22m deal before the start of the World Cup. Real apparently want the 24-year-old as the main piece of their rebuilding work this summer after a disappointing campaign. Good news for United is that they could now finally land Benzema, who will certainly leave the Bernabeau if the club signs Silva!

Hot Frenchman’s decision imminent and other red-hot gossip

Bayern Munich sensation Franck Ribery will decide on his future within the next ten days. The flying Frenchman is wanted by a host of Europe’s top clubs with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, and Manchester City all ready to break the bank for the flying Frenchman’s services. Elsewhere, Manchester City are on the verge of sealing the £11m signature of giant Hamburg defender Jerome Boateng, the younger brother of Portsmouth's Kevin Prince; Real Madrid are ready to sell Karim Benzema to Manchester United for £17m, despite having paid Lyon a whopping £35m for him last summer; Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho is confident that Steven Gerrard will quit Liverpool and join the Italian champions next season; and Fernando Torres "will do whatever it takes to be ready" to face his old club Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-final next week!

It’s ours for the taking – Ancelotti

EPL glory is ours for the taking, boasted Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti after Tuesday’s tight 1-0 win over Bolton at Stamford Bridge. The win, courtesy of a Nicholas Anelka goal, sent the Blues four points clear of Manchester United with just four games left to play. "The league is in our hands. We have to stay focused and calm," said Ancelotti afterwards. Bolton manager Owen Coyle however was left fuming with the result, claiming his side were denied “two stonewall penalties”. "I know Drogba is a world-class player, but he could play world-class volleyball for anybody on that evidence," moaned Coyle. Replays showed the ball hitting the arm of Drogba in the first half and Terry after the break following a cross from Chung-Yong Lee. Ancelotti was not interested in Coyle's protests. "It's not my job to judge the work of the referees," he added.

Roo raring to give it to City

Ace Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is champing at the bit as he prepares for Saturday’s clash with bitter rivals Manchester City. The 35-goal striker has sat out United’s last two EPL games with ankle knack. But he has now told his mates that he is ready to have a crack at City. Without Rooney, the Red Devils dreams of a fourth consecutive EPL title have all but disappeared following a loss to Chelsea and a draw with Blackburn. They now trail Chelsea by four points with just four matches left to play. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson gave the United squad Monday off but Rooney went to their Carrington training ground to do some light training and receive more work on his injury.

Juve in Rafa ultimatum

Juventus have issued an ultimatum to Rafa Benitez - resign from Liverpool by Friday or we will look to someone else to become our next manager. The Serie A giants have been chasing Benitez since Christmas. He has refused to rule himself out of the role but is determined to see out the season at Anfield before making a decision on his future. But it appears that Juve are now prepared to put the Spaniard on the spot, by demanding a decision before the end of the week. Benitez is believed however to want to stay in England with Liverpool, but he knows his position is not entirely secure after a disappointing season. Juve have gone through three coaches in the past 12 months. They are also tracking Brazil coach Dunga and Cagliari head coach Massimiliano Allegri, although Benitez remains their first choice.

Greater freedom behind Tevez’s goal glut

Carlos Tevez believes his goal glut this season is down to the new role he has been offered at Manchester City. The hard-working Argentine, a £25m summer signing from Manchester United, has banged home 28 goals, including an impressive 18 in his last 20 matches. He puts his impressive form down to the greater freedom he is given to attack. "I am playing now as a free striker. This is my position," Tevez told the Daily Mail on Tuesday. "I am now playing in the position I played in Argentina and Brazil and in the last 10 games for West Ham. At Manchester United, I was asked to defend more. Now I go on to the pitch and I say to myself, 'you have to win the game for City'. In my head, before the game, I think, 'goals, goals, goals'. It's 28 of them and still counting."

Wenger laughs off Fab move and other red-hot gossip

Arsene Wenger is adamant that his captain Cesc Fabregas will not be leaving Arsenal amid intense speculation that the midfield magician is set for a return to Barcelona. Fabregas played for Barcelona’s youth team before moving to north London as a 15-year-old. "Some people are specialists at making players unhappy. I cannot stop them talking in Spain,” fumed Wenger on Tuesday. Elsewhere, AC Milan are ready to break the bank in order to land Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, according to reports in Italy; Barcelona are to fight it out with Inter Milan in the race to sign Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna; Arsenal will hit the transfer market with a £45m kitty, which could see them go after Juventus midfielder Felipe Melo and Inter striker Mario Balotelli; and Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wants £60m to splash on Karim Benzema and David Silva from Real Madrid and Valencia respectively.

JT texts Milner but no sorry

John Terry has sent his England teammate James Milner a text message following his horror tackle on the Aston Villa winger during Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final at Wembley – but has refused to apologise. According to reports, Terry sent the message to find out if Milner was ‘OK’ following his studs up lunge which could have left the 22-year-old with a broken leg. Furious Villa manager Martin O’Neill labelled the tackle “horrendous” after the game, won 3-0 by Chelsea. Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti didn’t agree. Said Ancelotti: "I saw the tackle on the television. John touched the ball before making contact with Milner. I know that Terry called Milner and, for Milner, it was OK. I think the decision of the referee was right. It was a yellow card. The rules say that, if you have the intention to touch the ball, it's not a red card.”

Carra refuses to concede CL defeat

Liverpool veteran Jamie Carragher has refused to throw in the towel in the race for the fourth Champions League place. This comes after Reds manager Rafa Benitez finally admitted that their chances of overhauling Manchester City or Tottenham in the race for the coveted place in Europe’s premier competition next season were virtually nil following their 0-0 draw with Fulham on Sunday. Liverpool now trail fourth placed City by six points having played a game more. But Carragher insists the Merseysiders could still sneak into the final slot. "The other teams ahead of us will now be expected to get into the top four but they might not be able to deal with that pressure, so we won't give up," Carragher told the club's official website. "You never know what can happen in football so the pressure is on and we will see what happens."

Time is up for Berba

Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to dump flop record signing Dimitar Berbatov. And he is prepared to take a massive knock on the £30.75m Bulgarian in the process. Berbatov has struggled to make an impression at Old Trafford since his switch from Tottenham in September 2008. His lacklustre recent performances in the Red Devils defeat to Chelsea and draw with Blackburn have been the final straw. Such is his lack of faith in Berbatov that Fergie chose to field a half fit Wayne Rooney in the Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Bayern Munich last week. Now his time is up with United reportedly looking to bring in Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema for around £25m.

Tevez a lazy trainer – Rio

Rio Ferdinand has taken a swipe at former teammate Carlos Tevez, labelling the little Argentine a lazy trainer. Tevez played alongside Ferdinand at Manchester United for two seasons before joining their arch-enemies Manchester City for £25m at the beginning of the season. "Carlos is an interesting character. When he was at United, he saved all his energy for the games - he didn't really go over the top at training,” Ferdinand told The Sun newspaper on Tuesday. "He worked hard in the gym - he was a professional in that sense - but everything he did was geared towards the match at the weekend.” United and City clash this weekend with the red-hot Tevez set pose a problem for United’s defenders. The 26-year-old has scored 22 EPL goals this season and trails only Wayne Rooney (26) and Didier Drogba (25).

Ade calls time on Togo and other red-hot gossip

Manchester City star Emmanuel Adebayor has turned his back on Togo by retiring from international football. He says he made the decision in the wake of the attack on the Togo team during this year's African Nations Cup, in which two people were killed. The gangly striker is only 26-years-old. Elsewhere, Manchester City are targeting four key signings for next season - Werder Bremen midfielder Mesut Ozil, Roma forward Mirko Vucinic, plus two defenders, Hamburg's Jerome Boateng and Leonardo Bonucci of Bari; Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna could be on his way to Inter Milan after his agent held talks with the Italians; and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney's ankle injury will be reassessed on Tuesday to determine his chances of playing in Saturday's derby game at Manchester City.

Slip sliding away - Fergie

Manchester United’s chances of securing a record fourth consecutive EPL title are slipping away, admitted manager Sir Alex Ferguson after their goalless draw at Blackburn on Sunday. With just four matches left to play, the Red Devils are now a point behind leaders Chelsea but have played a game more. "We had to win every game going into today and we didn't do it. It has slipped away from us today,” conceded Fergie after the Ewood Park clash. "It is going to be very difficult to win this league. We have a lifeline if Chelsea blow it. But to my eyes they have an easy game against Bolton on Tuesday. We would expect them to win that and it will put them four points clear." To make matters worse, Rio Ferdinand (groin), Ryan Giggs (hamstring) and John O’Shea (knee) all picked up injuries.

‘Bring on the Red Devils’

Young Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha is eager to get stuck into Manchester United next weekend. City have really hit their straps in recent weeks and on Sunday hammered Birmingham 5-1. They have now scored 14 goals in their last three matches, an ominous sign for United ahead of next Saturday’s Manchester derby. "We're confident going into the derby. We're winning games and scoring goals so we should have a good chance,” said the Nigerian-born Onuoha. "You know what derby games are like, anything can happen, but hopefully it'll be our day. We're in the driving seat, we just need to keep winning." City are six points clear of Liverpool, who have just four matches to go, and it now looks like a straight battle between City and Spurs for the fourth and final Champions League place.

Champions League footy a goner – Rafa

Rafa Benitez has finally conceded what everyone else seems to have known for most of the season, Liverpool will not be playing Champions League football next season. The once mighty Reds churned out a goalless draw against Fulham at Anfield on Sunday to fall six points behind fourth placed Manchester City, who have played a game less. Their most pressing issue now seems to try and now finish ahead of fierce Merseyside rivals Everton. “I think we have to be realistic, it will be very difficult now to get fourth,” said Bentitez afterwards. “Yes, the Europa League is the priority, we will try to win all our games and aim for the top four, but clearly that will be very hard now. A six-point gap is maybe too much, especially with their (Man City’s) game in hand, and it will be very difficult.”

Life’s ‘Messi’ for Ronaldo

Lionel Messi did more than ram home who is the world’s best player in Saturday’s ‘El Classico’. The Argentine maestro inspired Barcelona to a 2-0 over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, in the process ending Ronaldo’s honeymoon with the Real fans as they booed the £80m signing from Manchester United. The Catlan’s skipper Carles Puyol then taunted Ronaldo further when he claimed afterwards: “We don't have to compare them. But, for me, Leo is way above everyone else." Ronaldo, however, tried to look on the bright side, adding: "It's not a disaster to lose against Barcelona. I don't think they're so much superior to us." The win left Barcelona in pole position to defend their La Liga title as they now lead Real by three points with seven games to play.

Spurs to snap up City under-achiever and other red-hot gossip

Tottenham want to take England international Micah Richards from Manchester City, with Roberto Mancini prepared to listen to offers for the 21-year-old. Richards, who burst on to the scene as a 17-year-old, has failed to deliver on his undoubted potential and is now surplus to requirements at Eastlands. Spurs manager Harry Redknapp believes he can bring out the best in a player who he values at £7m. City have slapped a £15m price tag on Richards’ head. Elsewhere, Robin Van Prersie is set to make his long awaited comeback for Arsenal in the north London derby against Tottenham on Wednesday; Arsenal have missed the chance to sign goalkeeping target Fernando Muslera from Lazio after the highly-rated 23-year-old Uruguayan signed a five-year deal with the Rome club; and Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon are to take Manchester United's Brazilian teenage defender Fabio Da Silva on loan.

City’s shock transfer target

Manchester City are set to test Arsenal’s resolve by waving a cool £50m under their noses to prise Cesc Fabregas to Eastlands. According to reports, the bid is dependent on City securing Champions League football next season. The ambitious club currently occupy fourth place, one point ahead of Tottenham with five games left to play. And their transfer targets don’t end there, with star strikers Fernando Torres and Zlatan Ibrahimovic also on the club’s hit list. Other players being considered are Benfica pair Angel Di Maria and David Luiz, as well as Hamburg defender Jerome Boateng.

Mellower Fergie still has the fire

Sir Alex Ferguson has mellowed a bit with age but still resorts to his famous ‘hairdryer’ in order to get the best out of Manchester United. "It's still very scary when he gives you the hairdryer but speaking to the likes of Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes, they will say that he has definitely calmed down over the years,” United midfielder Darren Fletcher told the News of the World newspaper on Sunday. “The foreign players are now the ones who get the real fright because they've never experienced anything like that before in their careers.” Fletcher adds that there have been occasions recently when Fergie has gone off, much to the shock of the clubs newer players. "It's great looking at some of their faces and expressions when he has just walked out of the dressing room after giving us a volley. It's priceless."

Liverpool on the market!

Liverpool’s American owners have placed the legendary club on the market. According to reports, millionaires George Gillett and Tom Hicks have instructed Barclays Capital to find a buyer for £600m. The club’s fans have long wanted to get rid of the American duo and will consider it a triumph if they sell up. Gillett and Hicks bought the club for £219m in 2007. Reds manager Rafa Benitez will demand a transfer kitty of £80m from any new owners to rebuild the team. “I don’t want to talk about an exact figure, but if you analyse what Fernando Torres and Jamie Carragher have said about needing four or five top players then you can see what we are looking at,” said Benitez on Sunday. “Yes, I think we do need this many players. And whether we need three, four or five players, the cost of a top-class player is about £20m.”

‘Messi will never play in England’

EPL fans can forget about seeing Lionel Messi gracing the fields of the world’s best league. This is according to Newcastle star Jonas Gutierrez who is a teammate of Messi’s in the Argentine national team. Gutierrez says he believes Messi is eternally loyal to Barcelona and will never leave the club unless it is to finish his career in Argentina. “He asks me about England, but he said he’s not going to come because he’s at a big club. It would be difficult for him to leave Barcelona,” commented Gutierrez on Saturday. “I think he is going to finish his career there – he’s always said that. In Spain, they talk the same language and he’s been there since he was very young. Messi could do it anywhere, no problem about that. But he’s at one of the biggest clubs in the world and happy at Barca.”

United's interest in Spanish star fading and other red-hot gossip

Manchester United’s interest in Spanish star David Villa appears to be waning. This comes after Valencia placed a £40m price tag on the striker’s head, while the player himself is said to be demanding wages of £200,000 a week! Instead, the Red Devils are going to up their bid to sign Real Madrid misfit Karim Benzema. Elsewhere, Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun is set for £9m move to CSKA Moscow; Shakhtar Donetsk winger Doug Costa, the Brazilian winger described as the new Ronaldinho, has said that he has not given up hope of a move to Manchester United; Newcastle are hoping to sign Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara for £5m; and Arsenal are battling it out with Manchester United over Fiorentina keeper Sebastien Frey.

Cole’s steely balls

Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has hit back at his critics who claim he is a ‘show pony’ who doesn’t like to do the hard yards. The England international showed his silky skill in last Saturday’s 2-1 win over Manchester United with a cheeky back-heeled goal. It was typical Cole but magic moments like that have been rare in recent years. This has led to criticism of his ‘team ethic’ from some quarters. But Cole insists he works as hard as any winger in the game and the label of being a 'flair' player is simply unfair. "I have steel, I've got some balls," said the 28-year-old. "People who market me as just a flair player are a bit lazy. Come and watch me for five or six games. I don't think there is a winger or an attacking midfielder who works as hard as me.”

Tevez is our Rooney – Mancini

Roberto Mancini has hailed Carlos Tevez, labelling the plucky Argentine Manchester City's very own Wayne Rooney. Tevez has blasted 26 goals for City this season as the ambitious club have surged into fourth place in the EPL with just six games left to play. "Carlos is most important for us like Rooney is for United. He is scoring a lot of goals and I am very happy with him,” said Mancini on Friday. Rooney and Tevez are set to go head-to-head next Saturday when the two giants of Manchester clash. Tevez's strike partner Emmanuel Adebayor also complimented Tevez. "It's great for me coming back into the game to play alongside him. He's one of the best in the business and we just pray he can keep going,” said the Togolese. Before turning their attention to United, City host Birmingham on Sunday.

Cut out the football - Sagna

Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has called on his teammates to forget their silky passing game and show some steel. The Gunners currently lie third on the standings just three points behind leaders Chelsea with five games to play. And with the team badly hit by injuries, Sagna believes Arsenal must "cut out the football" if they are to keep their title bid alive. "Sometimes I think we play too much," the 27-year-old France international said on Friday. "We just want to do that and do not think about what is good for us - sometimes we just need to cut out the football, stop playing for a bit and just consider what will help us achieve what we want." The defender added: "Two months ago we were 10 points behind and came back quickly - we did it once, we can do it again.”

Evra wants a winner in the mirror

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra wants to look in the mirror come May and see a EPL winners medal around his neck. Fresh from United’s Champions League heartache against Bayern Munich earlier this week, the French international is now solely focussed on overhauling Chelsea and landing the Red Devils their fourth successive EPL title. “When the league is finished I want to go to the mirror, look at myself and know I have done everything,” said the 28-year-old on Friday. "I don't want any regrets. I am ready for the fight." United trail Chelsea by two points with five matches to play. They play Blackburn on Sunday.

La Liga giants chase Villa star and other red-hot gossip

Flying Aston Villa winger Ashley Young is on the shopping list of La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. According to reports, the 22-year-old England international is seen as a £22m alternative to Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery. Elsewhere, Diego Maradona’s son-in-law Sergio Aguero has put Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United on alert by declaring he is ready to leave Atletico Madrid; Everton are tracking Standard Liege striker Dieudonne Mbokani; and England defender John Terry believes the national team will benefit from the early elimination of all four of the EPL’s Champions League participants.

Fabregas expected to make World Cup

Midfield maestro Cesc Fabregas will be fit in time to play for Spain at the World Cup, according to Arsenal physio Craig Lewin. The 22-year-old, who suffered a broken leg playing in the first leg of Arsenal's Champions League quarter-final tie against Barcelona late last month, will however not play for the Gunners again this season."Cesc is doing well," Lewin told the club's website. "He is likely to be out for the rest of the season with a hairline crack of his fibula. If everything goes well he will comfortably make the World Cup and we will be constantly monitoring him." Spain head to the World Cup as one of the favourites to lift the trophy. Fabregas is however only expected to play second fiddle to the Barcelona pairing of Xavi and Andres Iniesta in their midfield.

Fergie branded a sore loser

Sir Alex Ferguson has been told that he is a bad loser following Manchester United’s Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich earlier this week. This comes after the fiery Scot lashed out at the Bayern players for getting young defender Rafael red-carded early in the second-half of Wednesday’s quarterfinal second-leg between the two sides. But Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has angrily hit back, saying: "We lost in 1999 like gentlemen. Now United should do the same." Fergie also accused the Bayern players of targeting Wayne Rooney’s injured ankle in the match. "It's an over-reaction on his part maybe because he was disappointed to lose. Normally he is a fine gentleman but I think what he has said is not right,” added Hoeness. Despite winning 3-2, United went out on the away goals rule.

CR7 hails arch-rival Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo has hailed the ability of Lionel Messi but warned his Real Madrid teammates not to just focus on one player when they clash with bitter rivals Barcelona this weekend. "He (Messi) is having a phenomenal season. He's in great form and is among the best players ever,” commented Ronaldo on Thursday. "He's phenomenal, but Messi doesn't play on his own. The coach and his team-mates deserve credit as well. Whoever knows about football knows what I'm saying," Ronaldo added. Messi has scored 39 goals this season and heads to the Bernabeu as unarguably the greatest player on the planet. He has scored 15 goals in his last 10 games, including three hat-tricks. Ronaldo himself is also having a great season and has scored 18 goals in 21 league appearances for Real since his world record £80million move from Manchester United last summer.

Reds to battle on two fronts

Rafa Benitez is adamant Liverpool can battle it out on two fronts. This comes after the Reds surged into the semi-finals of the Europa League with an impressive 4-1 win over Benfica on Thursday. Afterwards, Benitez stressed that the fight for fourth in the EPL would continue and he is targeting success on both fronts. "We will try to win every game," he said. "We will try to do it against Fulham (in the EPL on Sunday) and try to get close to the top four. If we can get to the final and win the final we will be very pleased. We have two targets now and we will try to do both." Liverpool face Fernando Torres' former club Atletico Madrid in the semis, with the first leg in Spain on 22 April. They lie sixth in the EPL four points behind fourth placed Manchester City.

City signing to antagonise United and other red-hot gossip

So impressed were Manchester City with Bayern Munich striker Ivica Olic in the German club’s Champions League win over their arch-rivals Manchester United, that they want buy the Croatia star. In a move that will surely antagonise their neighbours, City are ready to offer £30m for the player and team him up with Carlos Tevez in attack! Elsewhere, Mathieu Flamini has squashed speculation linking him with amove away from AC Milan to Lyon and Manchester City - saying he wants to remain with the Serie A giants; Tottenham are weighing up a move for Real Madrid midfielder Guti with the 33-year-old former Spain international expected to be available on a free transfer this summer; and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will try to lure Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema to Old Trafford with the prospect of more regular first-team football.

Vida scoffs at exit rumours

Nemanja Vidic is adamant that he has never wanted to leave Manchester United. Speculation has surrounded the Serbian star’s future at Old Trafford for much of the season, with claims his wife Ana is not happy in England. He has been linked with moves to AC Milan and Real Madrid. "I have never said anything about wanting to leave," Vidic told United Review recently. "The speculation has all been generated by other people. I think one reason it went on for so long was because I was injured and didn't have many chances to speak out about the issue. But I haven't spoken to any other clubs. United is a great club. I have had a lot of success and made a name for myself here." Vidic, a bargain £7m buy from Spartak Moscow in 2005, has won three EPL title with United.

Messi’s frightening message

In a message that will send shivers down the spines of every club on the planet, Lionel Messi claims there is still room for him to improve. Fresh from his four-goal Champions League heroics for Barcelona against Arsenal on Tuesday, the 22-year-old Argentine said: “I am so lucky to have a dressing room where everybody loves me and supports me and always say beautiful things about me but as I say I want to keep improving and keep growing as a player.” Messi’s Barcelona teammate Xavi added: “Leo is on another level completely from every other player in the world. He is in a different class. If you are lucky, you might find a player like this coming along every quarter of a century.” Bookmakers have stopped taking bets on Messi retaining his title as World Player of the Year.

We need cash to flash – Rafa

Liverpool will flop again next season unless there is a massive injection of cash into the club, claims manager Rafa Benitez. The Spaniard also hinted that he has taken the Merseysiders as far as he possibly can unless expensive new players are brought in. "If we want to take one step forward we need money to compete with the top four. For six years I have been wheeling and dealing to keep this club at a very good level. I think now it's time to just focus on football and the game and see what happens,” said Benitez on Wednesday. "I watched Barcelona against Arsenal, in a massive stadium, big money and lots coming through the system. That's the way to do things if you want to compete at the maximum level.” Liverpool are in a desperate fight to finish fourth - currently lying sixth, four points behind fourth-placed Manchester City.

Fergie blasts ‘typical Germans’

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson blasted Bayern Munich's players after his team crashed out of the Champions League on Wednesday, angrily accusing them of getting Rafael Da Silva sent off. Despite beating the German giants 3-2 on the night, the Red Devils went out on away goals with Da Silva’s second half red-card the turning point. "It was 35 yards from goal," fumed Ferguson of Rafael's tug on Franck Ribery. "There was no threat and the referee wasn't going to do anything about it until they surrounded him. It is typical of Germans. They are like that." Ferguson's allegation was met with a rebuttal from Bayern coach Louis van Gaal. "I do not share Sir Alex's opinion. Control is part of being a professional footballer. If you pick up one yellow card, a second means a sending off. Every player should know that,” commented Van Gaal.

German giants urge star to stay and other red-hot gossip

Bundesliga club Wolfsburg are desperate for star striker Edin Dzeko to turn down a possible move to Chelsea or Manchester City. The burly Bosnian striker, who netted 26 goals in 29 league starts last season to help fire the German club to their first title and has hit another 18 in the current campaign, is being closely tracked by the two EPL giants who are ready to test Wolfsburg’s resolve by offering £30m for the hitman. Elsewhere, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez remains Juventus' number one target and they want him to put pen to paper by the end of the month; Manchester City are ready to spark battle with Manchester United for £24m-rated Roma striker Mirko Vucinic; Tottenham are tracking £5m-rated Atletico Madrid keeper Sergio Asenjo to come in as back up Heurelho Gomes; and ageing star Patrick Vieira expects to remain at Manchester City next season despite interest from clubs in the American MLS.