What The Sports Pages Say

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THE SUN: Chelsea last night confirmed their players are under orders to involve Andre Villas-boas in their goal celebrations. Also: Andre Villas-Boas launched a furious attack on Gary Neville and the 'biased' ex-players who are sticking the boot into his team; Nemanja Vidic is out for the season - but boss Alex Ferguson is refusing to panic.

DAILY MAIL: Thierry Henry wept yesterday as his statue was unveiled alongside those of fellow Arsenal greats Herbert Chapman and Tony Adams at the Emirates. Also: Andre Villas-Boas has launched an astonishing attack on Gary Neville's punditry and accused the former Manchester United defender of bias; Nemanja Vidic could be out of the game for up to a year after it emerged the Manchester United captain has damaged three major ligaments in his right knee.

DAILY MIRROR: Andre Villas-Boas launched into an astonishing verbal assault on the television pundits he feels are trying to undermine his Blues. Also: Thierry Henry broke down in years after Arsenal unveiled a statue in his honour to mark their 125-year anniversary; Martin O'Neill wants Sunderland to use Barcelona as a template for his mission at the Stadium of Light; Carlos Tevez's Manchester City nightmare could soon be over after his representatives held talks with Paris St Germain.

DAILY EXPRESS: Andre Villas-Boas has launched another astonishing attack on Gary Neville, accusing him of being biased against Chelsea and making "comic" criticisms of his team. Also: Thierry Henry has revealed he would love to return to Arsenal as manager - but only once Arsene Wenger has called it a day; Sir Alex Ferguson will refuse to panic buy in January despite Nemanja Vidic's shattering injury blow compounding Manchester United's Champions League exit.

DAILY STAR: Furious Andre Villas-Boas last night launched an astonishing attack on his critics. Also: Roberto Mancini has hit back at Andre Villas-Boas and told him to deal with the pressure of being Chelsea boss; Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has hit out at the two Manchester clubs being allowed to drop into the Europa League; Defiant Sir Alex Ferguson is refusing to push the panic button at Manchester United.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas delivered an extraordinary outburst against the club's critics yesterday, with particular vitriol reserved for Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville and Newcastle manager Alan Pardew. Also: Thierry Henry, with red and white scarf tucked around his neck, gazed at the magnificent bronze image of himself in iconic, almost messianic pose, glanced over towards his beaming family and fans and then had to avert his gaze as the tears began to well.

THE TIMES: Saracens are planning an audacious new year bid to sign Chris Ashton and hope to tempt the England wing away from Northampton with the offer of a contract worth £200,000 a year. Also: For his first trick, Jose Mourinho conquered Real Madrid, taming the club where the coach used to stand over a trapdoor waiting for the presidential lever to be yanked. Tonight we may discover if Mourinho has succeeded in subduing Barcelona, too.

THE GUARDIAN: Boxing champions generally prefer invitations to invasions. Not Amir Khan. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has said he is not planning to go into the January transfer market to help Manchester United recover from a potentially season-defining week that has downgraded them to the Europa League and left them without their captain, Nemanja Vidic, for the rest of the campaign.

THE INDEPENDENT: His voice cracking with exasperated rage, Andre Villas-Boas escalated his war of words with the media yesterday, railing against Chelsea's perceived treatment at the hands of biased television pundits, scandal-mongering managers and, in particular, Gary Neville, the "comic and ridiculous" Manchester United defender-turned-Sky analyst rapidly becoming the Portuguese's bete noir. Also: Manchester United have stepped up their interest in the Benfica midfielders Nicolas Gaitan and Javi Garcia, placing their discussions with the Portuguese side on an official footing in an attempt to prevent other clubs getting in ahead of them.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE GUARDIAN: Amir Khan will leave Washington tomorrow an angry young man, without his world title belts but at least buoyed by assurances that his next fight will be a rematch with the new local hero, Lamont Peterson. Also...Bernie Ecclestone has described Lewis Hamilton's decision to put his affairs in the hands of a management company dealing primarily in showbusiness figures as "a disaster".

DAILY TELEGRAPH: So much stayed the same for Sunderland during Martin O'Neill's first game in charge, but so much had changed by the end of it thanks to two late goals and a crucial win over Blackburn Rovers. Also...At full time, Harry Redknapp stormed down the tunnel with a burning red glow to his cheeks that was only partly a result of standing in the face of a stiff Staffordshire breeze.

DAILY STAR: Mario Balotelli faces an eye-watering £150,000 fine for breaking a club curfew to go for a midnight curry. Also...Amir Khan's furious team have hit out at the scoring of his shock world title defeat to Lamont Peterson.

THE SUN: Martin O'Neill jumped for joy after getting his Sunderland reign off to a flier and purred: It was like a dream. Also...Jose Mourinho wants to offer Chelsea a sensational swap deal that would rescue Frank Lampard from his Stamford Bridge nightmare.

DAILY EXPRESS: Angry Amir Khan is likely to get the chance to avenge his scandalous points defeat by Lamont Peterson within four months while his legal team begin an immediate battle for an inquiry into the decision here. Also...Andre Villas-Boas sent Chelsea into lockdown ahead of tonight's game against Manchester City in a move that split the club in two.

DAILY MAIL: Harry Redknapp aimed a furious blast at referee Chris Foy after his side were denied a penalty and had a goal wrongly ruled out at Stoke. Also...Relieved Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill praised his under-fire players for pulling off a stunning late 2-1 victory in his debut game at the Stadium of Light.

DAILY MIRROR: Martin O'Neill last night described Sunderland's dramatic injury-time winner as his "wildest dream". Also...Amir Khan has called for a probe into his controversial loss to Lamont Peterson, with his team claiming he was swindled.

THE TIMES: Harry Redknapp lambasted the officials at the Britannia Stadium last night after Tottenham Hotspur's six-match winning run in the Barclays Premier League came to a controversial end in a 2-1 defeat by Stoke City. Also...Luke Donald did all that was asked of him at the Dubai World Championship yesterday and in the process became the first player in history to win the money list on both sides of the Atlantic in the same year.

THE INDEPENDENT: Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli faces another inquisition from his manager Roberto Mancini after he was seen socialising until the early hours of Sunday morning, in breach of a club curfew. Also...He was welcomed onto the pitch with a resounding roar of approval, he left at half-time to a smattering of boos and when finally Martin O'Neill took his leave the home support were so drained of emotion they barely noticed him go.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is plotting a sensational move for Manchester City outcast Carlos Tevez. Also: Frank Lampard admits boss Andre Villas-Boas has not spoken to him about his Chelsea axing.

DAILY MIRROR: Ashley Cole mocked Roberto Mancini and his players by shouting: "Thursday night, Channel Five" after Chelsea beat Manchester City. Also: Darren Fletcher's season is over after he was ordered to take a complete break from the game because of a chronic bowel disease.

DAILY STAR: Manchester United have been hit by another injury blow after it was revealed Darren Fletcher will have to take an extended break. Also: Neil Warnock has launched a bid to sign Manchester City outcast Nigel De Jong on loan.

DAILY MAIL: Chelsea will listen to offers for £50million flop Fernando Torres in next month's transfer window. Also: Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher is facing a fight to save his career at the age of 27.

DAILY EXPRESS: Ashley Cole taunted Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini and his staff by chanting "Thursday nights, Channel 5" to provoke a tunnel row at Stamford Bridge on Monday night. Also: Carl Froch fears he could be bitten by yet another judging outrage just days after Amir Khan was robbed in the USA.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Yaya Toure will delay his departure to the African Cup of Nations next month to minimise disruption to Manchester City's challenge for a clean sweep of trophies this season. Also: Tottenham would not have bid for the Olympic Stadium if they had known the Government was committed to retaining the running track, chairman Daniel Levy said yesterday.

THE TIMES: Sir Alex Ferguson is facing mounting pressure to spend during the January transfer window after Darren Fletcher was forced out of the Manchester United side indefinitely yesterday on health grounds. Also: Martin O'Neill has blocked loan exits for two Sunderland players who have found themselves back in favour under his new regime.

THE GUARDIAN: Manchester City have agreed special dispensation to delay the departure of a "guilty and confused" Yaya Toure to the Africa Cup of Nations so he can take part in their FA Cup tie against Manchester United and the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final against Liverpool. Also: The British Olympic Association is considering a boycott of the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year show, the last before the London Games, in protest at the lack of women on the shortlist.

THE INDEPENDENT: Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher looks set to miss the rest of the season at the very least as he battles the chronic bowel condition ulcerative colitis which could prove career-threatening. Also: The British Olympic Association will call on the services of Adam Lewis, the QC who helped Wayne Rooney secure a reduction in his England ban, in an attempt to win its campaign to bar British athletes who have served a drugs ban, such as Dwain Chambers, from taking part in next summer's London Games.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE TIMES: After probably the most tumultuous and damaging year in its long history, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) began the task of rebuilding its tarnished image yesterday by appointing Ian Ritchie as its chief executive. ALSO: The Europa League might be considered more glamorous for the arrival of Manchester United and Manchester City, but last night the competition was weakened slightly by the failure to progress of a club who in recent seasons have added their own brand of romance to the competition.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: In a North-Western hotel suite off the M6, three wise men are sitting in judgment on Luis Suarez, attempting to unravel one of the most complicated disciplinary cases ever dealt with by the Football Association. ALSO: Four jockeys, two owners and their associates were banned for a total of 66 years yesterday for their involvement in the largest race-fixing ring ever exposed in British racing history.

THE INDEPENDENT: Fernando Torres will not leave Chelsea in the January transfer window but for the first time doubts over the long-term Stamford Bridge future of the most expensive player in British football history have started to emerge. ALSO: Luis Suarez is expected to appear today in front of the Football Association's disciplinary commission to offer his account of the clash with Manchester United's Patrice Evra at Anfield in October which led to the Liverpool striker being charged with issuing racist abuse at the Frenchman.

THE GUARDIAN: Juventus have opened formal talks with Manchester City to sign Carlos Tevez in the form of a series of telephone calls direct to Roberto Mancini from Pavel Nedved, a key director for the Italian club. ALSO: The largest and most complicated investigation into alleged corruption ever conducted by the British Horseracing Authority concluded on Wednesday when racing's regulator found 11 individuals, including two owners, two current jockeys and two former jockeys, guilty of serious breaches of the sport's rules.

DAILY EXPRESS: Harry Redknapp has taunted Sir Alex Ferguson that Manchester United are not even good enough to win the Europa League. ALSO: Jockeys Kirsty Milczarek and Jimmy Quinn were banned yesterday after being found guilty of corruption.

DAILY MAIL: Andy Carroll will pick up a staggering £150,000 loyalty bonus from Liverpool next month despite making only 13 starts since his £35 million move from Newcastle. ALSO: Top female rider Kirsty Milczarek, the partner of former champion jockey Kieren Fallon, was last night banned from racing for two years after the biggest corruption probe the sport has ever seen.

DAILY MIRROR: Kenny Dalglish will lead Liverpool's defence of Luis Suarez when the striker faces an FA racism charge today. ALSO: Manchester United kid Paul Pogba is ready to snub Sir Alex Ferguson and open official contract talks with Inter Milan.

THE SUN: Dramatic new video evidence of John Terry's alleged racial abuse of Anton Ferdinand has been handed to the Crown Prosecution Service. ALSO: Fulham amazingly crashed out of the Europa League - when they were five seconds from the knockout stage.

DAILY STAR: Chelsea are preparing a £30m offer for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain. ALSO: Amir Khan has called for his controversial defeat against Lamont Peterson to be overturned.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: David Silva fired Manchester City back to the summit of the Premier League. Also: Darren Bent apologised to Aston Villa fans after going shopping while his team were losing to Liverpool.

DAILY MIRROR: Arsene Wenger conceded Arsenal have blown their title chances after defeat left them 12 points behind Manchester City. Also: Steve Kean will learn his fate when he meets Blackburn's owners on Wednesday.

DAILY MAIL: Manchester City reasserted their authority at the top of the Barclays Premier League with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Arsenal yesterday. Also: Alan Shearer is the front-runner to take over as Blackburn manager as owners Venky's prepare to put an end to Steve Kean's public torment.

DAILY STAR: Roberto Mancini has set his sights on Manchester City being top of the tree at Christmas. Also: Roy Keane has blasted Sir Alex Ferguson and accused him of trying to turn Manchester United fans against him.

THE GUARDIAN: Roberto Mancini believes his Manchester City side proved an important point about their competitive spirit by beating Arsenal to reclaim top spot in the Premier League from Manchester United. Also: Harry Redknapp has fitness doubts over a clutch of key players for the home fixture against Chelsea on Thursday, with Aaron Lennon facing "weeks" out of action with a hamstring tear and both Ledley King and Gareth Bale doubtful.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: The last time Manchester City were top of the football tree at Christmas, Wall Street had just crashed, Tintin and Popeye were setting off on their first adventures (not together) and a Bugatti had just won the inaugural Monte Carlo Grand Prix. Also: Roman Pavlyuchenko is well into his fourth season at Tottenham but, if any match should stand as a microcosm of his utterly topsy-turvy experience in English football, it was surely this.

THE TIMES: Roberto Mancini hailed an important psychological victory after Manchester City reclaimed top spot in the Barclays Premier League last night to ensure a happy second anniversary for their manager. Also: Simply breathtaking. In an exhilarating match yesterday, Harlequins produced one of the great performances in their recent history - their win in the final of the Amlin Challenge Cup against Stade Francais last season included - when they defeated Toulouse, the pool six leaders, and in doing so rescued their hopes of making the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup.

THE INDEPENDENT: Arsene Wenger last night conceded that his Arsenal team were out of the Premier League title race after a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City left them 12 points behind the leaders. Also: The agent of Jorge Mendes has cemented his position as a major driver of Manchester United's transfer business by brokering the deal which is likely to see Benfica's Argentinian midfielder Nicolas Gaitan sign for Sir Alex Ferguson at a price of 35million euros (£29.3m) next summer.

DAILY EXPRESS: Frustrated Arsene Wenger ruled Arsenal out of the Premier League title race last night as Manchester City reclaimed pole position. Also: Roy Keane has revealed how he was denied entry to a Wigan game at the turnstiles after the club refused to take his money.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Kenny Dalglish has called on the Football Association to protect Luis Suarez from the "antagonism" of opposing supporters. Also: Chelsea are attempting to sign Juventus's Milos Krasic in the January transfer window as a replacement for Nicolas Anelka.

THE INDEPENDENT: The Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish declared last night that football required specific guidelines about what language was considered racist, at the end of a week in which his striker Luis Suarez has been dealt an eight-game ban and his former team-mate Alan Hansen has been engulfed in controversy over his use of the word "coloured". Also: Ayegbeni Yakubu has admitted that the toxic atmosphere at Ewood Park is affecting the Blackburn players.

THE GUARDIAN: Sir Alex Ferguson has broken his silence on the Luis Suarez affair, describing the Liverpool striker's eight-match ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra as "the right decision" and indicating that the Anfield club should accept the guilty verdict. Also: Arsene Wenger will prioritise a loan move for a left-back in January, after Kieran Gibbs underwent a second groin operation, and the Arsenal manager also admitted he would decide over the next week whether to offer a short-term contract to the club legend Thierry Henry.

THE TIMES: Sir Alex Ferguson insisted yesterday that the Football Association was right to ban Luis Suarez for eight matches for racially abusing Patrice Evra. Also: Adam Johnson believes that Manchester City's squad is so strong that it would be "hard not to win games".

THE SUN: Chelsea have snubbed captain John Terry by crushing his hopes of a public show of support from team-mates. Also: Kenny Dalglish fears Luis Suarez is set to run a nationwide gauntlet of hate.

DAILY STAR: Arsenal are on the verge of clinching the loan signing of Thierry Henry. Also: Gary Cahill is on the brink of completing his £7m move to Chelsea, according to Bolton boss Owen Coyle.

DAILY MIRROR: Sir Alex Ferguson has advised Liverpool to accept Luis Suarez's ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra. Also: Steve Kean is avoiding a meeting with fans over fears for his safety.

DAILY MAIL: A gang tried to break into John Terry's home while the Chelsea captain was away playing in Thursday night's Barclays Premier League game against Tottenham. Also: Wayne Bridge has hit back at his Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini after deciding it was time to defend his own professional reputation.

DAILY EXPRESS: Owen Coyle is prepared to let Gary Cahill join Chelsea on January 1 after confirming talks are ongoing. Also: England have scrapped next month's pre-Six Nations training camp in Portugal and decided to head to the north of England instead in a back-to-basics response to the humiliation of the World Cup.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE TIMES: Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Manchester United's strength of character as his side turned up the pressure on Manchester City in the title race. Also: Darkness was falling on Kempton Park but Paul Nicholls still stood in the winner's enclosure, green-and-yellow scarf around his neck, serene smile fixed on his face and talking animatedly of parading Kauto Star around his Somerset village of Ditcheat today. Bring out the flags. This is a homecoming worth celebrating.

DAILY STAR: Andre Villas-Boas threw in the towel in the title race last night. Also: Kauto Star was crowned King of Kempton for a staggering fifth time yesterday.

DAILY EXPRESS: Roberto Mancini last night angrily hit out at Sky TV's scheduling of their Festive fixtures after watching his Manchester City team surrender their points advantage at the top of the Premier League. Also: Kauto Star saw off Long Run's challenge in yesterday's William Hill King George Chase to record a record fifth victory in the race.

DAILY MIRROR: Sir Alex Ferguson challenged his Manchester United players to give him the perfect 70th birthday present - top spot in the Premier League. Also: Andre Villas-Boas last night admitted Chelsea are out of the title race after their third straight draw.

THE SUN: Roberto Mancini last night blasted Premier League chiefs claiming the holiday fixture list favours arch-rivals Manchester United. Also: Andre Villas-Boas conceded the title to Manchester as Chelsea blew up again.

THE INDEPENDENT: The Manchester City players who are filmed icing a "1-6" scoreline onto a Christmas cake for the club's seasonal video knew last night just how far they are from applying the finishing touches to the title campaign. Also: Paul Nicholls' veteran Kauto Star regains the King George VI crown with a record fifth win.

THE GUARDIAN: Kauto Star established himself as the finest performer in the history of the King George VI Chase, and perhaps as the best steeplechaser that National Hunt racing has seen, when he won the feature event on the Boxing Day card here for the fifth time on Monday. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson praised his Manchester United team for their strength of character after they had pulled level with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League despite a run of injuries and illness that has left him with a full XI of players needing treatment.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: For all the annoyance Sir Alex Ferguson may have felt at Manchester City topping the Premier League on Christmas Day, the flip side is the prospect of toasting his 70th birthday on New Year's Eve with Manchester United looking down on their "noisy neighbours" again. Also: The most famous five-timer in jump racing was recorded more than seven decades ago when Golden Miller strung together a sequence of Cheltenham Gold Cups between 1932 and 1936. But, at Kempton Park, Kauto Star joined that great chaser and arguably even the untouchable Arkle in terms of reputation, when he collected an unprecedented fifth King George VI Chase.

DAILY MAIL: Manchester United drew level with neighbours City at the top of the Barclays Premier League with a five-goal demolition of Wigan. Also: Arsenal have received a massive boost with the news Jack Wilshere could start running by the end of the week.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE TIMES: Tottenham confirmed their emergence as the team most likely to gatecrash the Manchester title party as Gareth Bale scored both goals in a 2-0 win away to Norwich last night. Also: Andre Villas-Boas has instructed intermediaries to sound out representatives of Gonzalo Higuain to establish if the Real Madrid striker would consider moving to Stamford Bridge.

DAILY EXPRESS: Spurs put down a marker as the team most likely to keep up with the Manchester clubs after Gareth Bale inspired a classy 2-0 win at Norwich last night. Also: Manchester United are facing a fight to keep two of their brightest young stars out of the hands of rivals Manchester City.

THE SUN: Mick McCarthy accused referee Stuart Attwell of crumbling under the pressure of the Emirates. Also: Gareth Bale scored two in a stunning display as Tottenham beat Norwich to move four points clear in third.

DAILY STAR: Gareth Bale fired Tottenham to within seven points of the Premier League summit last night. Also: Defiant Joe Hart last night warned Manchester United: City are still the team to beat in the title race.

DAILY MIRROR: Gareth Bale struck a superb double to power Spurs to victory at Carrow Road. Also: Joe Hart admits his Manchester City side are feeling "the pressure" at the top of the league but insists they are still favourites for the title.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: A whirlwind swept through Norwich last night - and it wore a white shirt with No 3 on it. Gareth Bale in full flight is one of the great sights of the modern game, the Welshman showing touch and turbo in destroying Norwich City's defence. Also: Patrice Evra says team spirit has carried Manchester United back to virtually top of Premier League.

THE GUARDIAN: Joe Hart has conceded that he and his Manchester City team-mates are starting to feel the strain of being Premier League title favourites. Also: Phil Taylor suffered a second-round exit against Dave Chisnall in the World Darts Championship.

DAILY MAIL: Harry Redknapp hailed Gareth Bale as 'unplayable' as he fired Tottenham firmly into the title chase. Also: Bolton will give Owen Coyle the January transfer window to turn their fortunes around before deciding on the manager's future.

THE INDEPENDENT: Florent Malouda yesterday became the latest Chelsea player to signal that he is dissatisfied with life under Andre Villas-Boas when he announced that he favoured a move this January to Paris St-Germain, having been given little playing time this season. Also: The Manchester clubs will have taken notice of a Spurs performance and result which confirms the Premier League is not a two-horse race just yet.

 

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THE INDEPENDENT: Liverpool were under mounting pressure last night to issue an apology for Luis Suarez's conduct towards Manchester United's Patrice Evra. Also: Less than 24 hours after Blackburn Rovers pooped Sir Alex's Ferguson's birthday party at Old Trafford, Ji Dong-won lobbed a counter spanner into the works of the two-horse Mancunian Premier League title race.

THE TIMES: Wayne Rooney was fined a week's wages and dropped by Manchester United when a furious Sir Alex Ferguson accused him of being unfit to train after a Boxing Day night out. Also: Roberto Mancini tore into his players for their reckless naivety as the Manchester City manager appeared to question his team's title credentials.

DAILY EXPRESS: Roberto Mancini questioned Manchester City's title credentials as they became the latest victims of a crazy weekend in the Premier League with defeat at Sunderland. Also: Wayne Rooney was fined and dropped from Manchester United's team by Sir Alex Ferguson because he was not in a fit state for a training session after a night out.

DAILY MAIL: Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini questioned his players' title credentials after they blew their chance to open up a three-point gap over rivals Manchester United at Sunderland. Also: Wayne Rooney was fined more than £200,000 and dropped by Manchester United because he was thought to be the worse for wear and unable to train properly after a night out.

DAILY MIRROR: Wayne Rooney was axed by Sir Alex Ferguson after the Manchester United boss deemed he wasn't fit to train. Also: Roberto Mancini openly questioned Manchester City's title credentials in a ruthless inquest after Ji Dong-won's last-gasp winner.

THE SUN: Chelsea stars are in open mutiny over Andre Villas-Boas' management. Also: Alex Ferguson will smooth his bust-up with Wayne Rooney - by telling him to get Manchester United's title charge back on track.

DAILY STAR: Angry Roberto Mancini last night questioned Manchester City's title credentials after watching his side blow their chance to open up a three-point lead at the top. Also: Wayne Rooney was axed and fined £200,000 by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson because he was not in a fit state to train after a night out.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Martin O'Neill, the maker of teams and dreams, is not a man to shout the odds but the chances of Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa and his Sunderland side all winning their games against the elite this crazy Premier League weekend was 2,365-1. Also: Wayne Rooney was fined a week's wages and dropped from the Manchester United team for Saturday's defeat against Blackburn after angering Sir Alex Ferguson with a 'lethargic' display in training following a Boxing Day night out with team-mates Darron Gibson and Jonny Evans.

THE GUARDIAN: Roberto Mancini was left reflecting, ruefully, on what might have been last night. Manchester City's manager struggled to disguise his frustration after his side wasted the chance to go clear at the top of the Premier League, surrendering to Ji Dong-won's goal four seconds from the end of stoppage time for a 1-0 defeat. Also: Liverpool have been urged to abandon any thoughts of appealing against the eight-match ban and £40,000 fine that Luis Suarez received for racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra, with a leading anti-racism campaigner warning the club that their vehement support of the Uruguayan is damaging their reputation.

 

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THE SUN: Andre Villas-Boas sensationally blanked Chelsea star Frank Lampard after his late winner at Wolves. Also: Arsene Wenger faces a certain FA rap after an astonishing attack on referee Lee Probert; Adrian Lewis retained his world darts title then boasted next year's is already in the bag.

DAILY MIRROR: Joey Barton last night accused Bradley Johnson of conning the officials to get him sent off. Also: Chelsea players gave Andre Villas-Boas a group hug to show their faith as the Blues finally got back to winning ways.

THE TIMES: Arsene Wenger accused Lee Probert, the referee, of costing Arsenal vital Barclays Premier League points after his side slumped to a dramatic 2-1 defeat away to Fulham yesterday. Also: Chelsea's hopes of signing Hulk have been boosted by the Brazil forward refusing to rule out leaving Porto this month.

DAILY MAIL: Angry Arsene Wenger blamed Fulham for fooling referee Lee Probert into sending off defender Johan Djourou as Arsenal crashed to a late 2-1 defeat at Craven Cottage last night. Also: Joey Barton is likely to face an FA charge for accusing Norwich midfielder Bradley Johnson of 'conning' officials after he was sent off yesterday; Andrew Strauss yesterday admitted that the scourge of corruption could still be hanging over cricket as he led England to Dubai for their highly-sensitive Test series against Pakistan.

THE GUARDIAN: Arsene Wenger voiced dark conspiracy theories in a bitter tirade at the referee Lee Probert after watching his 10-man Arsenal side stunned by Fulham to miss the chance of moving back into the Premier League's top four. Also: Andrew Strauss left for the United Arab Emirates yesterday hoping to draw a line under the spot-fixing scandal of 2010, when England and Pakistan last met.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: This was a tale of two Achilles heels: Bobby Zamora's and Arsenal's. Also: So often Joey Barton stands accused of playing the game with his heart rather than his head.

THE INDEPENDENT: Arsene Wenger was furious with referee Lee Probert last night as Arsenal lost 2-1 to Fulham and dropped to fifth in the Premier League. Also: Frank Lampard spent so long celebrating with the Chelsea fans in the Steve Bull stand at the end of the match yesterday that Andre Villas-Boas gave up waiting for him and walked down the tunnel with the rest of his victorious team, leaving his match-winner to come back in his own time.

DAILY EXPRESS: Arsene Wenger accused Fulham of getting Johan Djourou sent off after his Arsenal side lost to a stoppage-time Bobby Zamora goal. Also: Joey Barton accused Bradley Johnson of cheating to get him sent off as Queens Park Rangers' poor run continued with a 2-1 home defeat against Norwich.

DAILY STAR: Chelsea's match-winner Frank Lampard admitted he was lucky not to get sent off at Wolves. Also: Arsene Wenger last night astonishingly accused Fulham players of getting Arsenal defender Johan Djourou sent off.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE GUARDIAN: Liverpool will not appeal against Luis Suarez's eight-match ban for calling Patrice Evra "negro", a decision that was followed by a remarkable and inflammatory statement from Anfield accusing the Manchester United defender of in effect making up his story and the Football Association of putting together a "highly subjective" case in favour of the Frenchman. Also: Manchester City returned to authoritative ways.

DAILY STAR: Luis Suarez risked more damage to his reputation last night when he refused to apologise for being racist and insisted he had done nothing wrong. Also: Manchester City bounced back from Sunday's dramatic defeat at Sunderland with a comfortable win last night.

THE INDEPENDENT: Liverpool last night accused the Football Association of systematic bias and effectively accused Patrice Evra of lying, in an extraordinary statement which saw them begrudgingly accept Luis Suarez's eight-match ban for the abuse of the Manchester United defender. Also: Tottenham's commitment to attacking in numbers was rewarded last night as they beat West Bromwich Albion 1-0 at White Hart Lane.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Liverpool launched a scathing attack on the Football Association last night after deciding not to appeal against the eight-match suspension handed out to Luis Suarez for racially abusing Patrice Evra. Also: It was Manchester City making the strong statement to Manchester United last night.

THE TIMES: Liverpool and Luis Suarez grudgingly accepted the Uruguay striker's eight-match ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra last night, but club and player struggled to conceal their contempt for the ruling. Also: Only a couple of days late, Manchester City last night discovered the new year's resolution that is required of any team with Barclays Premier League title-winning aspirations.

DAILY MIRROR: Liverpool launched a final attack on the FA - even after confirming they will not appeal Luis Suarez's suspension. Also: Skipper Vincent Kompany hailed a "massive win" for Manchester City, who gave notice of their title intent by demolishing Liverpool.

DAILY MAIL: Sergio Aguero proved once again that he is undroppable as Manchester City re-opened a three-point gap at the top of the Premier League. Also: Liverpool and Luis Suarez showed a staggering lack of remorse last night, accusing the FA and Manchester United of collusion.

DAILY EXPRESS: Manchester City extended their lead at the top of the Premier League with a 3-0 win against Liverpool at Eastlands. Also: Luis Suarez last night protested his innocence as he reluctantly began his eight-match ban, with Liverpool angrily accusing football's authorities of holding a kangaroo court.

THE SUN: Manchester City splashed their way to a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League - thanks to a helping hand from Pepe Reina. Also: Alan Pardew fears Wayne Rooney will explode back into action tonight.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE GUARDIAN: Luis Suarez has issued a qualified apology for saying "negro" during his confrontation with Patrice Evra at Anfield and maintained he used the word once and not in the derogatory manner that resulted in an eight-match ban plus £40,000 fine for racist abuse. Also: Manchester United endured a second consecutive defeat that leaves them three points behind the Premier League leaders, Manchester City, but there is far more than that to concern the losers.

THE INDEPENDENT: Luis Suarez last night issued a public apology for using the word "negro" during his side's match against Manchester United, as Liverpool provided the first indication that they might have better handled a case which has left the club's reputation badly tarnished. Also: Manchester City's attempts to get Carlos Tevez off their books this month have been boosted by a move by Internazionale, while discussions also resumed yesterday between the player's representatives and Milan.

THE TIMES: Luis Suarez has finally issued a qualified apology to Patrice Evra, telling him that he is regretful if the Manchester United defender was offended at being referred to as "negro". Also: Harry Redknapp is preparing to offer Blackburn Rovers £15million for Christopher Samba and Junior Hoilett in and attempt to bolster the Barclays Premier League title challenge of Tottenham Hotspur.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Newcastle United were as good as Manchester United were poor last night. Also: Liverpool will seek urgent talks with the Football Association chairman, David Bernstein, to demand reform of the disciplinary procedures that led to the suspension of Luis Suarez.

DAILY STAR: Luis Suarez is ready to walk out on English football. Also: Shell-shocked Manchester United crashed to their second defeat in the space of five days.

DAILY MIRROR: Manchester United last night blew the chance to move back level with Manchester City in the title race when they suffered a shattering defeat. Also: Joey Barton says he is ready to take up acting classes after failing to get his red card against Norwich overturned.

THE SUN: Alex Ferguson last night suffered a nightmare at Newcastle and admitted: It's advantage Manchester City. Also: Manchester United are monitoring Gary Cahill's on-off move to Chelsea.

DAILY EXPRESS: Manchester United's title defence was blown off course last night when stunning goals by Demba Ba and Yohan Cabaye - and a Phil Jones own goal - earned Newcastle a thrilling 3-0 victory at St James' Park. Also: Luis Suarez belatedly issued a public apology for his race row with Patrice Evra last night, but stopped short of saying sorry to the Manchester United defender.

DAILY MAIL: Luis Suarez last night finally issued a public apology for racially abusing Patrice Evra but stopped short of saying sorry to the Manchester United defender. Also: England's first-choice fly-half, Toby Flood, could miss the start of the Six Nations after suffering a knee injury.

 

[sarahmic]

WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: Paul Scholes is ready to answer an SOS from Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and come out of retirement. Also: Oldham midfielder Tom Adeyemi was reduced to tears during last night's FA Cup clash at Liverpool after alleged abuse from a section of the Anfield crowd.

THE INDEPENDENT: The Christmas bust-up between Wayne Rooney and Sir Alex Ferguson has run so deep that it could lead to the player's departure as early as the current transfer window. Also: The simmering tension between Liverpool and Manchester United looks unlikely to be resolved before the two teams play each other next month.

DAILY MAIL: Demba Ba put the Barclays Premier League's top clubs on red alert last night when it emerged he has a £10million release clause in his Newcastle contract. Also: Thierry Henry will return for Arsenal on Monday after being cleared to face Leeds in the FA Cup.

DAILY MIRROR: Steven Gerrard started and scored as Liverpool went into the fourth-round draw - but the night ended on a sour note. Also: Furious Manchester United last night issued a statement denying they are ready to sell star striker Wayne Rooney.

DAILY EXPRESS: Oldham defender Tom Adeyemi was left in tears last night after an angry confrontation with Liverpool supporters. Also: Roberto Mancini says Sir Alex Ferguson has developed a blind spot about Manchester City.

THE GUARDIAN: Sir Alex Ferguson has said he will not use the ordeal of Manchester City's 6-1 win at Old Trafford in October, a result that left him "shattered" and reflecting on "our worst ever day", as a motivational factor for his Manchester United players before tomorrow's FA Cup tie. Also: Queens Park Rangers have had offers rejected for the Fulham striker Andrew Johnson and the Blackburn Rovers defender Christopher Samba.

THE TIMES: Roberto Mancini has dismissed Sir Alex Ferguson's claims that Manchester City are not playing the best football in the country as tensions rise before their eagerly awaited FA Cup third-round match. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted for the first time that Manchester United need to buy, but the manager has warned fans that he will not lower his sights just to pacify the masses.

DAILY STAR: Manchester United are prepared to sit tight until the end of January in their pursuit of Chelsea star Frank Lampard. Also: Roberto Mancini reckons rival boss Sir Alex Ferguson is too stubborn to admit Manchester City have been the best side this season.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Manchester City have stoked up the derby intensity ahead of the FA Cup third round by accusing Manchester United of being in denial about their rivals' current ascendancy in English football. Also: Chelsea expect to complete the £7million signing of Gary Cahill this weekend.

 

[sarahmic]

WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: Roberto Mancini last night accused Wayne Rooney of deliberately getting Vincent Kompany sent off. Also: Patrice Evra is set for a sensational return to Anfield after last night's FA Cup draw lined up an explosive set of ties; Mark Hughes is being lined up as the new boss of QPR.

DAILY MAIL: Roberto Mancini accused Wayne Rooney of getting Vincent Kompany sent off as Manchester United knocked neighbours City out of the FA Cup. Also: Manchester United were last night handed a potentially explosive FA Cup fourth-round tie at Liverpool.

DAILY MIRROR: Roberto Mancini accused Wayne Rooney of getting Vincent Kompany sent off as Manchester United knocked out the FA Cup holders. Also: Neil Warnock left QPR last night after a bust-up with owner Tony Fernandes over signing Blackburn striker Yakubu.

DAILY EXPRESS: Wayne Rooney was last night hailed a hero and branded a villain after Manchester United dumped neighbours City out of the FA Cup. Also: Manchester United's trip to Liverpool will light the touch paper to a powder-keg FA Cup fourth-round draw that could not have been worse for the football authorities; Mark Hughes is being lined up as the new boss of QPR after Neil Warnock was sacked last night.

DAILY STAR: Furious Roberto Mancini last night accused Wayne Rooney of getting his Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany sent off. Also: Manchester United's reward for dumping neighbours City out of the Cup is a potentially explosive trip to Anfield; Mark Hughes last night emerged as the hot favourite to take over as QPR boss after Neil Warnock was given the boot.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Roberto Mancini claimed Wayne Rooney told referee Chris Foy to dismiss Vincent Kompany for a two-footed challenge on Nani which left Manchester City with 10 men for 79 minutes of a remarkable match. Also: Mark Hughes is expected to be installed as manager of Queens Park Rangers following the sacking last night of Neil Warnock.

THE TIMES: Roberto Mancini accused Wayne Rooney of helping to convince Chris Foy to send off Vincent Kompany as Manchester United survived a dramatic fightback to reach the FA Cup fourth round on a day of high drama at the Etihad Stadium. Also: Ask Andy Murray what he considers the best thing about being Andy Murray and initially he gives an off-the-cuff response. Then, two hours later, he sends a message saying that the best thing about being Andy Murray is "being normal".

THE GUARDIAN: Manchester United and Liverpool will hold peace talks over the next few weeks after being paired together in an FA Cup fourth-round draw that also throws up the possibility of John Terry's Chelsea playing at Queens Park Rangers only a few days before his court appearance for allegedly racially abusing Anton Ferdinand. Also: The decision to call Paul Scholes out of retirement, 225 days after his last appearance in Manchester United's colours, was just the start of an afternoon that veered from the surreal to the fantastical.

THE INDEPENDENT: The Manchester City manager, Roberto Mancini, last night accused Wayne Rooney of attempting to influence referee Chris Foy's decision to dismiss City's captain, Vincent Kompany - the pivotal moment as Manchester United knocked out the FA Cup holders and progressed to a potentially inflammatory fourth-round encounter at Liverpool. Also: The QPR chairman, Tony Fernandes, a keen user of new media, pleaded on Twitter last night for fans critical of his decision to fire Neil Warnock to "be patient" and to "give us time".

 

[sarahmic]

Latest Paper Talk at 11:47 GMT

FRIDAY JANUARY 13

DAILY MIRROR

Chelsea told Lille to name their price for Eden Hazard - on a day when they were left frustrated by the Gary Cahill saga.

Inter Milan are strong favourites to land Carlos Tevez after a deal to take him to rivals AC Milan collapsed last night.

Steven Gerrard is staying at Anfield for the rest of his career - and beyond.

Chelsea defender Alex has turned his back on a move to QPR - because he no longer wants to stay in England.

The PFA are set to make a renewed attempt to get Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra to patch up their differences.

Frank Lampard was last night told by Andre Villas-Boas he is still wanted at Chelsea.

Chris Samba wants to leave Blackburn after slamming owners Venky's for a lack of ambition and broken promises.

Sunderland want all of their £4.7million back for "homesick" Craig Gardner if the midfielder heads back to the Midlands.

Everton hope to unveil Republic of Ireland international Darron Gibson after a £2million deal.

Niko Kranjcar is being offered an escape route out of Tottenham by CSKA Moscow.

QPR manager Mark Hughes is considering a cut-price move for Roque Santa Cruz from Manchester City.

Cash-strapped Coventry are ready to sell striker Lukas Jutkiewicz to Middlesbrough.

Southampton boss Nigel Adkins may bid up to £6million for his former protege Gary Hooper.

THE SUN

Harry Redknapp has taunted Spurs' title rivals by claiming: We haven't bought our success like you.

Darron Gibson is set to seal a cut-price move to Everton today.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is set to miss out on £6million-rated striker Luuk de Jong.

West Brom are targeting Germany striker Patrick Helmes.

Chelsea's teenage starlet Josh McEachran will join Swansea on loan net week.

Steve Kean will sit down with Chris Samba today to try and stop him turning his back on Blackburn.

Juventus plan to raid Manchester City for Aleksandar Kolarov.

AC Milan have abandoned talks over a deal for Carlos Tevez.

New Hull boss Nick Barmby wants his first signing to be Manchester United's Joshua King.

Tim Ream, the player Bolton want to replace Gary Cahill, earns less in a year than the England defender gets paid every week.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has made a £2million bid for Watford striker Marvin Sordell.

DAILY STAR

Steven Gerrard has been handed a job for life at Liverpool after signing a new contract.

Mick McCarthy has been told to buck up his ideas by Wolves chairman Steve Morgan.

Steve Kean is set for showdown talks with Chris Samba today - but insists Blackburn's skipper is staying put.

Robbie Keane says he could be the man to get Darren Bent firing again for Aston Villa.

Alex has snubbed QPR and told Chelsea he does not want to join the relegation strugglers.

Chelsea wonderkid Josh McEachran will join Swansea next week.

DAILY EXPRESS

Carlos Tevez's hopes of a move to AC Milan have suffered a blow after the Italian club pulled out of talks over a transfer.

Robbie Keane says Luka Modric was right not to go to Chelsea because Tottenham are now a bigger club.

Steven Gerrard has been handed a job for life by Liverpool after signing a new contract that includes a unique ambassadorial role at the club once his playing career is finally over.

Andre Villas-Boas has delivered the brutal truth to Frank Lampard: In some matches there will be players who I need more than you.

Everton are set to complete the signing of Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson in a four-and-a-half-year deal.

Martin Jol is being coy about the possible departure of Fulham striker Andy Johnson to Blackburn but has pinpointed Huddersfield's Jordan Rhodes as the man to replace him if the money is available.

Raymond Verheijen has warned the Football Association of Wales they would "turn their back" on Gary Speed if they were to bring in an entirely new management team.

Nigel Pearson is ready to offer Swansea winger David Cotterill a chance to revive his career at Leicester.

DAILY MAIL

Steven Gerrard last night signed a new Liverpool contract that offers him a job for life.

David Moyes' need to sign a new central defender has assumed an ever greater urgency after Sylvain Distin joined Everton's mounting injury list.

QPR manager Mark Hughes is making a move for Tottenham's Steven Pienaar.

Fulham's hopes of signing Maxi Lopez on loan for Catania have been dented after their sporting director insisted they want a fee for the 27-year-old.

Newcastle have made an improved offer of £1million for Manchester United's Ravel Morrison.

Blackburn boss Steve Kean will hold talks with Chris Samba today to determine if his captain is in the right frame of mind to face Fulham after he indicated he wanted to leave Ewood Park.

Kenny Dalglish has called Crystal Palace manager Dougie Freedman about the availability of Wilfried Zaha.

Crystal Palace are close to a deal for Hull defender Paul McShane on loan.

West Ham are set to complete the loan signing of FC Dallas defender George John - and the deal for the 24-year-old could become permanent.

West Brom manager Roy Hodgson is considering a move for Reading striker Noel Hunt.

Middlesbrough hope to tie up a deal for Coventry striker Lukas Jutkiewicz today after the clubs agreed a deal.

Preston are set to appoint Stevenage boss Graham Westley as their new manager.

THE TIMES

Andre Villas-Boas has described his relationship with Frank Lampard as "fantastic" and insisted that the Chelsea midfielder remains a core part of his long-term plans, but he offered a thinly veiled warning to the 33-year-old that he can no longer expect to be first among equals at a club where he has been an automatic selection for more than a decade.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Carlos Tevez is facing the prospect of another six months as an outcast at Manchester City after negotiations over a transfer to AC Milan collapsed last night.

DAILY RECORD

Hibernian have made a controversial move to sign Hearts striker John Sutton on loan.

Hearts rebel Ryan Stevenson is set for a shock return to action at former club Ayr United.

Four Rangers players have been asked if they would make themselves available for Team GB at the Olympics. Allan McGregor, Steven Naismith, Steven Whittaker and Steven Davis have been notified they will be considered by Stuart Pearce if they give the go-ahead.

Murray Davidson wants Fran Sandaza's St Johnstone future sorted out fast - before he ends up public enemy No 1.

Craig Brown is looking to take Russell Anderson back to Aberdeen - even if he can't play for two months.

Dundee manager Barry Smith has told Calum Elliot he's free to seal a Dens Park return - but he'd have to play for nothing.

Marian Kello is in no rush to quit Hearts despite the financial uncertainty - but says he would leave in January if the transfer money helped the club.

 

[sarahmic]

WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE TIMES: Tottenham Hotspur are battling to keep Jermain Defoe after the forward complained about his lack of playing opportunities this season. Also: A week that began with one of Manchester United's most celebrated players making a wholly unexpected comeback looks set to end with one of their most promising, but troubled, prospects seemingly on his way out of the club.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Arsene Wenger has claimed that some rival Premier League clubs are obtaining an unfair advantage in the fixture schedule because of the influence they exert on television companies. Also: A private investigator retained by Tottenham Hotspur who obtained West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady's telephone records at the height of the Olympic Stadium bidding process has been arrested on suspicion of fraud offences.

THE INDEPENDENT: Arsene Wenger has launched an astonishing attack on the Premier League's fixture scheduling, accusing clubs of asserting influence on television broadcasters to their own benefit. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson was at odds with his prodigious 18-year-old midfielder Ravel Morrison last night, after declaring that the club have made a contract offer to a player who now seems to be lost to Manchester United.

THE GUARDIAN: Jermain Defoe's agent has told Tottenham Hotspur that the striker wants to move in this transfer window because he is not in Harry Redknapp's first team. Also: Andre Villas-Boas's diagnosis was brutally honest. Chelsea have not written off a title challenge just yet, their faith fuelled by the stumbles being endured by some of those above them, but there is an acceptance that, up to now, they have hindered themselves.

DAILY EXPRESS: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has hit out at the Premier League's "unfair" fixture list and claimed "we have sold our souls to television". Also: David Platt has hit back at Harry Redknapp's claim that Manchester City have tried to buy their way to the Premier League title.

DAILY MAIL: Arsene Wenger has sensationally accused rival Barclays Premier League clubs of influencing television stations to doctor the fixture list. Also: Joe Cole has received a letter from the FA asking if he will be available to represent Great Britain's Olympic football team at the London 2012 Games.

DAILY MIRROR: Gary Cahill is finally on his way to Chelsea in a £7million deal - after 17 days of agonising. Also: Ranting Arsene Wenger has accused the Premier League of letting the fixture list conspire against Arsenal.

THE SUN: The title race exploded last night as Manchester City blasted Harry Redknapp's claim they are trying to buy glory. Also: Amir Khan has finally been granted a rematch with Lamont Peterson.

DAILY STAR: Ravel Morrison is a shock target of European champions Barcelona. Also: Amir Khan last night vowed to win back the two world titles he controversially lost last month.

 

[sarahmic]

Latest Paper Talk at 09:23 GMT

SUNDAY JANUARY 15

THE PEOPLE:

Manchester United are struggling to agree new contracts with Danny Welbeck, Paul Pogba and Ravel Morrison.

Mark Hughes believes he can tempt Birmingham to part with goalkeeper Ben Foster.

Neil Warnock could make a swift return to football at Ipswich.

Aston Villa will test Liverpool's resolve to hang on to striker Andy Carroll in the summer - and could offer Darren Bent as part of the deal.

Liverpool are continuing their hunt for firepower with Spanish striker Fernando Llorente a possible target.

David Bentley is going to make a summer loan move to the MLS.

Bolton could loan out midfielder Sean Davis to a Championship club.

Swindon winger Matt Ritchie is a target for Reading, Crystal Palace and Sheffield Wednesday.

Crystal Palace will move for Nottingham Forest defender Brendan Moloney if they lose Nathaniel Clyne to Newcastle or Fulham.

Fulham's Matthew Briggs is to join Bristol City on loan.

Wolves have earmarked Bolton's Kevin Davies as a potential January signing.

Huddersfield are to offer Jordan Rhodes a new deal - and will put a fixed price on his head.

Tottenham are the latest club to watch Cardiff midfielder Joe Ralls.

Hull have warned Leicester against making a third bid for Cameron Stewart.

Grimsby striker Liam Hearn is being watched by a number of clubs including Chelsea and Reading.

DAILY STAR SUNDAY:

Juventus are planning a £36million double raid on Manchester City for Edin Dzeko and Aleksandar Kolarov.

Harr Redknapp will get a £60million transfer war-chest if he stays at Tottenham in the summer.

Spurs will move for Chris Samba after seeing Gary Cahill finally join Chelsea.

Leeds are planning to make a loan move for Eric Lichaj this week.

Middlesbrough, Hull and Ipswich all want Derby midfielder Paul Green.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has denied he wants to leave Arsenal.

Manchester City have snapped-up Real Madrid whizz-kid Jose Angel Pozo in a deal that could eventually be worth £5million.

 

[sarahmic]

Latest Paper Talk at 10:32 GMT

MONDAY JANUARY 16

THE SUN

Thierry Henry's dream Premier League return turned into a bitter nightmare last night.

Mark Hughes saw QPR fire another blank at Newcastle - then admitted: I need to sign a striker...quickly.

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov could be on his way to Bayern Munich.

Steve Kean has told AWOL skipper Chris Samba he will not engineer a move away from Blackburn.

Chris Coleman admits he will take the Wales manager's job with a heavy heart following the death of Gary Speed.

Chelsea will this morning complete the £7million signing of Bolton defender Gary Cahill.

Ipswich boss Paul Jewell has made a £1.5million double bid on Swindon for Paul Caddis and Matt Ritchie.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp jetted out to France to see Loic Remy score twice for Marseille last night.

Bristol City want Fulham's Matthew Briggs on loan until the end of the season.

Reading manager Brian McDermott is lining up a £400,000 swoop for Northampton wingman Michael Jacobs.

Coventry want Portsmouth veteran Hermann Hreidarsson.

DAILY MIRROR

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is ready to test Tottenham with a £10million offer for Jermain Defoe.

Angry Arsene Wenger accused Swansea's Nathan Dyer of being a diver after Arsenal crashed to a devastating defeat.

Chris Coleman will hold formal talks with the FAW this week to discuss the vacant Wales manager's job.

Roberto Martinez will let Hugo Rodallega quit on a free - to ensure Wigan keep banking on the Premier League's money.

Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill wants Senegal striker Papiss Cisse - but faces a massive fitness gamble to get his man.

Manchester United and Liverpool have been warned Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha is not for sale.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp made a flying visit to Marseille last night to watch £22million target Loic Remy.

Blackburn and Montpellier are battling for Bastia right-winger Wahbi Khazri.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle is ready to swoop for Tottenham's Giovani Dos Santos in a £4million deal.

Coventry are making a swoop on Portsmouth for Hermann Hreidarsson.

West Ham have left a £3million bid on the table for Cardiff midfielder Peter Whittingham.

Ipswich have made a £1.5million bid for Swindon pair Matt Ritchie and Paul Caddis.

DAILY STAR

Thierry Henry was involved in a bust-up with one of his own fans as Swansea heaped more misery on Arsenal.

German giants Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich are locked in a battle to sign Dimitar Berbatov.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp flew to France last night to make a personal check on Loic Remy.

Chris Coleman will feel guilty about holding talks about the Wales coaching job.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez insists he will not cash in on Hugo Rodallega - as his goals will lead the Latics to Premier League survival.

DAILY MAIL

Thierry Henry was involved in an angry confrontation with a fan after Arsenal's shock defeat at Swansea yesterday.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp was at Marseille's Ligue 1 clash against Lille last night to watch Eden Hazard and Loic Remy.

Mark Hughes vowed to spend big after QPR's defeat by Newcastle and denied he wants to sell Joey Barton.

Japan striker Ryoichi Maeda's transfer to West Ham has collapsed, according to his club Jubilo Iwata.

Chris Coleman will meet FAW officials this week to confirm his appointment as Wales manager.

Chris Samba will consider going on strike if Blackburn continue to turn down offers for their unsettled captain.

DAILY EXPRESS

Brendan Rodgers believes Swansea attacking trio Nathan Dyer, Danny Graham and Scott Sinclair would fit straight into Fabio Capello's England squad for Euro 2012.

THE GUARDIAN

Blackburn Rovers' controversial ownership is once again under scrutiny after the publication of a remarkable letter signed by three members of the previous board revealed the depth of their concerns about the way the club was being run as long as a year ago.

THE TIMES

Arsene Wenger accused Nathan Dyer of diving to win a penalty yesterday after Arsenal slumped to a 3-2 defeat away to Swansea City.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Thierry Henry was involved in a heated verbal exchange with an Arsenal fan after yesterday's 3-2 defeat, while manager Arsene Wenger accused Nathan Dyer of diving to win Swansea's penalty.

THE INDEPENDENT

While Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers urged the England manager, Fabio Capello, to call up his match-winners against Arsenal yesterday, Arsene Wenger accused Nathan Dyer of "diving" and Michael Oliver of granting a penalty which he called "complete imagination".

DAILY RECORD

Enar Jaager last night jetted into Glasgow determined to land the biggest deal of his life at Rangers.

Kris Commons last night warned Celtic's money men that Gary Hooper is priceless.

Honduran ace Jorge Claros last night claimed he's set for a trial at Rangers.

Mohamed Bangura's national boss has admitted concerns over the frontman's future at Parkhead.

Dundee United's move for Hamilton star Dougie Imrie has stalled after the clubs failed to agree a fee.

 

[sarahmic]

THE SUN: Thierry Henry last night used The Sun to personally apologise for swearing at an Arsenal supporter. Also...Roberto Mancini reopened his feud with Wayne Rooney as Manchester City edged ahead again in the title race.

DAILY MIRROR: Edin Dzeko scored his first goal in 12 matches to end the Manchester City mini-crisis. Also...Blackburn reacted furiously to a transfer request from £15million-rated defender Chris Samba - by asking for money back from the player.

DAILY MAIL: Roberto Mancini's red-card row with Wayne Rooney was re-ignited on Monday night as Manchester City's hard-fought win over Wigan was overshadowed by yet another moment of touchline controversy at the DW Stadium. Also...Seven footballers from across the four home nations have turned down invitations to play in the Team GB Olympic football team.

DAILY EXPRESS: Edin Dzeko moved Manchester City three points clear again at the top of the Barclays Premier League. Also...Chris Samba last night sparked a tug of war between Tottenham and QPR after handing in a transfer request at Blackburn.

DAILY STAR: Edin Dzeko helped Manchester City end their away-day blues and go three points clear at the top of the table last night. Also...Blackburn last night blocked Chris Samba's bid to quit Ewood Park.

THE GUARDIAN: Manchester City's lead at the top of the Premier League is back to three points, courtesy of Edin Dzeko's first goal in two months and a measured performance against willing but limited opponents. Also...Robin van Persie has revealed that Arsenal want his five-year-old son to enter their youth training ranks.

THE TIMES: Ministers were accused yesterday of "frittering away" £22million of public money on a market-research survey that could have funded the entire Great Britain Olympic sailing team for four years. Also...Manchester City have told Inter Milan that they want at least £25million for Carlos Tevez after rejecting a bid from the Italian club for their rebel striker.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: This was an ugly win for Manchester City but a very important one. Also...Liverpool have decided to proceed with their original, nine-year-old stadium plans once they have secured the finance to start construction.

THE INDEPENDENT: Manchester City appeared to be inching closer to ending the Carlos Tevez transfer saga last night, with Internazionale - now the clear front-runners in the pursuit of him - only £4m short of the £25m asking price which may persuade the club to let him go. Also...Harry Redknapp was told by the Marseille president, Vincent Labrune, that Loic Remy will not be allowed to leave the club this month when the Tottenham manager attended the club's home game against Lille on Sunday night.

 

[sarahmic]

WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: Arsene Wenger is ready to gamble by signing no new stars during the transfer window. Also: Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal took seven wickets to send England crashing to 192 all out - then got engulfed in a chucking storm.

DAILY MIRROR: Mick McCarthy has demanded Roberto Mancini be told to stop waving imaginary cards. Also: Mark Hughes led QPR to their first FA Cup victory for 11 years when a Danny Gabbidon goal gave them a lucky 1-0 win over MK Dons.

DAILY MAIL: Roberto Mancini will run the risk of FA sanction if he keeps waving imaginary red cards at referees. Also: England began the defence of their world Test crown in the worst possible way in Dubai on Tuesday. The tourists were demolished on the first day of the first Test that featured yet another controversy involving Pakistan.

DAILY EXPRESS: Alan Pardew could have found another iconic number nine for Newcastle with a £10million swoop for Senegal forward Papiss Demba Cisse. Also: Stuart Lancaster has five England matches in the Six Nations to assert his claim to be the long-term coach.

DAILY STAR: Scott Sinclair and Leon Britton's reward for shooting down Arsenal could be a shock place at Euro 2012. Also: Manchester City's manager Roberto Mancini has been told to cut out his card-waving antics.

THE GUARDIAN: England reflected on familiar failings against spin rather than fuelling a fresh debate over the legitimacy of Saeed Ajmal's doosra after an inauspicious launch to their first year as the top dogs of Test cricket. Also: Stuart Lancaster has effectively been given only three games to stake his claim as England's permanent head coach.

THE INDEPENDENT: The Football Association considers Roberto Mancini's habit of waving imaginary cards at officials to be unsportsmanlike, though last night it was the growing criticism from his peers that looked the most likely to force him to desist from repeating the gesture.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Saeed Ajmal wanted to talk about what he described as the "best bowling of my life" but instead had to defend the legality of his actions as suggestions of throwing flared on the first day of the series.

THE TIMES: Carlo Ancelotti has advised his successor as Chelsea manager, Andre Villas-Boas, to sell Didier Drogba.