What The Sports Pages Say

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THE TIMES: Roy Hodgson insists it would have been "ridiculous" not to include Jack Wilshere in his England squad. Also: Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck claims that at least one player heard referee Mark Clattenburg use the word "monkey" during their match against Manchester United.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Zlatan Ibrahimovic has risked the ire of Liverpool fans by encouraging Steven Gerrard to leave England and move to "a big international club". Also: Liverpool are in talks with banking firm Standard Chartered to extend and improve their £20million-a-year shirt sponsorship deal... Ricky Hatton admits he nearly drank himself to death after retiring from boxing, ahead of his return to the ring.

THE SUN: Steven Gerrard admits England have not delivered since 1966, as he prepares to win his 100th cap. Also: Frankie Dettori has been branded "a clown" by legendary jockey John Francome after testing positive for a banned substance... Sweden boss Erik Hamren ordered his scouts to compile an emergency dossier on England's new wonderkid Wilfried Zaha.

DAILY STAR: Roy Hodgson has urged Wilfried Zaha to make up his mind and pledge his future to England. Also: Pablo Zabaleta has taunted Manchester City's Premier League rivals by insisting "no one can beat us"... Wicketkeeper Matt Prior is sure England's homework will pay off as they chase their first series win in India for 27 years.

DAILY MIRROR: Steven Gerrard revealed the chance to play alongside Jack Wilshere convinced him not to quit the England squad. Also: Wigan chairman Dave Whelan believes manager Roberto Martinez is destined for the top of European football.

DAILY MAIL: Roy Hodgson has warned Raheem Sterling and Wilfried Zaha that unless they commit to England he will pick players who are prepared to "cycle to training" with senior stars. Also: Sam Warburton will be dropped to the bench for Wales' match against Samoa, to be replaced as captain by Ryan Jones.

THE INDEPENDENT: Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic said Steven Gerrard should have left Liverpool to broaden his horizons at a "big international club." Also: Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck insists the days when John Terry called the shots at the club are finished... Former Scotland manager Berti Vogts believes whoever gets the job will be stymied by "poor players."

THE GUARDIAN: Steven Gerrard has judged his performances over 99 appearances for England at "six or seven" out of 10. Also: The Middle East private equity firm bidding to buy Leeds has released accounts which state it does not have the cash to meet its current commitments and which cast doubts over its ability to survive as a going concern.

DAILY EXPRESS: Roy Hodgson has made it clear he will not beg players with dual football nationality to pledge their allegiance to England. Also: Steven Gerrard has recalled being rejected by England as a schoolboy as he prepares to win his 100th cap in Sweden.

 

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THE SUN: Zlatan Ibrahimovic sank England with a four-goal blast - and capped it with one of the greatest strikes ever. Also: Manchester City are lining up a sensational £50million January raid for Luiz Suarez.

DAILY MIRROR: Manchester City will launch an audacious £40million bid for Luis Suarez when the transfer window opens in January. Also: Zlatan Ibrahimovic last night condemned Roy Hodgson to his first defeat as England boss with a sensational four-goal blast.

DAILY STAR: Roy Hodgson's new-look England side were flattened single-handedly by Sweden superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Also: Roberto Mancini is plotting a shock bid for Luis Suarez.

DAILY MAIL: Manchester City are considering a January move for Liverpool's Luis Suarez. Also: Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored the 'greatest goal ever seen' to complete a stunning individual display that crushed a young England side in Stockholm last night.

DAILY EXPRESS: New-look England were rocked by a stunning four-goal show from superstar striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Sweden last night. Also: Roberto Mancini is set to ask Manchester City to back him in a blockbusting move for Liverpool's Luis Suarez in January.

THE TIMES: Steven Gerrard's century of caps for his country and the debuts of five of England's next generation of stars were overshadowed by a remarkable display from Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Stockholm last night, as the Sweden striker scored four goals - including one surely destined to be discussed as one of the greatest strikes of all time. Also: Roberto Mancini wants Manchester City's recently installed hierarchy to back him in a January bid to prise Luis Suarez away from Liverpool.

THE GUARDIAN: The saga regarding the future of London's Olympic Stadium has been criticised as "a Stratford farce" by the UK Athletics chairman, Ed Warner, with negotiations surrounding the £468m facility set to drag on until the new year. Also: The Football Association has rejected claims from Peter Herbert, the chair of the Society of Black Lawyers, that the governing body is "institutionally racist" after the Metropolitan police dropped an investigation into the referee Mark Clattenburg.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is planning to launch an audacious January transfer bid for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez. Also: An investigator hired by Tottenham to help their bid for the Olympic Stadium is among three men charged with fraud after allegedly obtaining illegally the private telephone records of West Ham director Karren Brady.

THE INDEPENDENT: On the night Steven Gerrard won his 100th cap, the England captain was forced to pay tribute to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who scored what the Liverpool midfielder termed "one of the best goals I have ever seen". Also: The Football Association has reacted furiously to the Society of Black Lawyers chairman Peter Herbert's claims that football's governing body is institutionally racist, by calling them "ill-informed and unhelpful".

 

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Latest Paper Talk
Friday November 16

Defiant Brendan Rodgers has told Manchester City: Luis Suarez is not for sale.
Arsenal passed up the chance to sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Malmo for £3million 12 years ago.
Nigel Adkins insists he and fellow under-fire boss Mark Hughes will both still be in their jobs on Monday.
Christian Benteke has rocked Aston Villa by declaring his dream of playing for Arsenal.
Aston Villa keeper Shay Given wants to play for Celtic before he retires.
Chelsea are on the verge of signing Wallace.

Patrice Evra has claimed Mario Balotelli wants to leave Manchester City and return to Italy.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers last night came out fighting over Luis Suarez and warned Roberto Mancini: "He's staying here."
West Ham co-owner David Gold is prepared to sell some of his stake in the club if he can find an Upton Park sugar daddy.
Hugo Lloris has hinted that he is already considering his future at Tottenham despite only joining the club in August.
David Luiz has urged £50million-rated striker Radamel Falcao to join Chelsea.
Aston Villa keeper Shay Given has put Celtic on red alert by admitting he still dreams of playing for his boyhood club.

Wayne Rooney has been urged to become the English Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Striker Christian Benteke has dropped a bombshell on Aston Villa by admitting a dream to play for Arsenal.
Brendan Rodgers has told Manchester City to forget about signing Luis Suarez.
Jonas Olsson reckons Roberto Di Matteo's sacking by West Brom worked out well for everyone.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is ready to concede his £50million gamble on Fernando Torres has failed and step up his pursuit of Radamel Falcao.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers insists Luis Suarez won't be leaving Anfield in January.
Everton boss boss David Moyes was among those scouting Norway defender Vegard Forren during their 2-0 win over Hungary.

Luis Suarez last night turned his back on any interest from Manchester City, stressing his desire to stay at Liverpool "for as many years as I can".
Christian Benteke has stunned Aston Villa by saying he dreams of playing for Arsenal.

 

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Latest Paper Talk
Saturday November 17

Jose Mourinho could be set for a sensational return to Chelsea.
Chelsea are facing a losing battle to keep Ashley Cole - with PSG prepared to offer him a whopping £250,000 a week.
Andre Villas-Boas has warned Arsenal fans calling for Arsene Wenger's head to be careful what they wish for.
Mark Hughes insists he will still be in charge at QPR even if they don't beat Southampton.
Martin Jol is sweating on the futures of out-of-contract Fulham stars Brede Hangeland, Mark Schwarzer and Damien Duff.

Arsenal are ready to offer Liverpool Theo Walcott plus £8million for superkid Raheem Sterling.
Roberto Di Matteo has admitted he would love to land £48million Colombian striker Radamel Falcao.
Spurs striker Emmanuel Adebayor says there is no rift between him and boss Andre Villas-Boas.
Roberto Mancini threw Mario Balotelli out of his Manchester City squad because his attitud in training stinks.
Sir Alex Ferguson says Liverpool stopped Michael Owen fulfilling his potential as a footballer.
Roberto Di Matteo wants Frank Lampard to see out his career at Chelsea.
Cristiano Ronaldo admits he still misses having Alex Ferguson as his boss.
Tony Pulis has denied Stoke strikers Kenwyne Jones and Cameron Jerome the chance to go out on loan.
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has refused to rule out a January loan move for Robbie Keane.
Newcastle are keen to hijack Liverpool's £4.5million move for Sweden defender Andreas Granqvist.

Roberto Di Matteo last night admitted for the first time he expected to be sacked by Chelsea - three months before leading them to Champions League glory.
Roberto Mancini insists he is not afraid to drop under-fire England No. 1 Joe Hart.
Jose Mourinho wants Real Madrid to make a bid for Ashley Cole in January.
Juventus will swoop for Kolo Toure and Didier Drogba in January if the reach the Champions League last 16.
Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal will find a worthy replacement for Theo Walcott if he leaves.
Reading boss Brian McDermott has vowed to ignore any talk of Dick Advocaat taking his job.

Mark Hughes has admitted his future will be out of his hands if Queens Park Rangers lose to Southampton at home today.
Arsene Wenger insists he will not be swayed by the fans over the style he brings to Arsenal.
Roberto Di Matteo wants a striker in January with his focus on Radamel Falcao.

David Beckham will not follow Emile Heskey and Alessandro Del Piero and play in Australia.
Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill has blocked Connor Wickham's loan move to Sheffield Wednesday.

 

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DAILY STAR: Mark Clattenburg is set to be cleared of racially abusing John Obi Mikel to leave Chelsea's reputation in tatters. Also: Roberto Di Matteo will try to patch up a furious dressing-room row as his Chelsea players fly to Italy today to fight for their Champions League lives...Lewis Hamilton gave McLaren the best possible leaving present yesterday with victory in the US Grand Prix.

DAILY MIRROR: Sunderland's James McClean has been rocked by death threats for not wearing a poppy. Also: QPR owner Tony Fernandes is expected to fly into London following the US Grand Prix to tell Mark Hughes his fate...Former choirboy Alastair Cook yesterday showed why he will be the rock upon which his team is built.

THE SUN: Mark Hughes is fighting to heal a dressing room rift - and save his job at QPR. Also: Fernando Torres is facing the axe after Chelsea's miserable defeat at West Brom...Lewis Hamilton showed McLaren exactly what they will be missing next year after he stormed to victory in the US Grand Prix.

DAILY MAIL: Roberto Di Matteo is fighting to save his job only six months after lifting the European Cup. Also: Sir Clive Woodward has told England rugby head coach Stuart Lancaster to stop worrying about the World Cup and start toughening up his players instead.

THE GUARDIAN: Alastair Cook's immense 168 not out gave England an outside chance of an unlikely draw in the first Test against India. Also: Northumbria police are investigating a death threat directed at the Sunderland winger James McClean on Twitter from a man who claims to be a former British soldier...There is a "big chance" of Rio Ferdinand leaving Manchester United in the summer when his current contract ends, with the 34-year-old seriously considering a move from Old Trafford.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Chelsea travel to Turin today for a crucial Champions League tie with their season in the balance after a 2-1 defeat at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday prompted a furious dressing-room inquest. Also: On the face of it, the dismantling of Aston Villa was perfect preparation for Manchester City's Champions League date with destiny against Real Madrid, but for Roberto Mancini it was not quite perfect enough. The Indian cricket board will decide today whether the second Test between India and England will be moved from Mumbai to avoid potential flashpoints following the death of Hindu nationalist Bal Thackeray.

THE TIMES: Arsene Wenger has warned Theo Walcott that he will not be permitted to leave the Emirates Stadium in January, even if he fails to reach agreement on a new contract. Also: Roberto Di Matteo has not ruled out dropping Fernando Torres as senior Chelsea players led angry inquests in the dressing room after the 2-1 defeat by West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

THE INDEPENDENT: Jose Mourinho will become the youngest manager to clock up 100 Champions League matches on Wednesday night at the Etihad Stadium. Also: Arsenal are prepared to take a £10million hit by keeping Theo Walcott until the end of the season if he refuses to sign a new contract before January...Mark Hughes was battling to save his job as manager of Queens Park Rangers yesterday, hoping that the promise of a return to the fighting spirit that avoided relegation last season will earn him a last stand at Loftus Road.

DAILY EXPRESS: Out of the fury of a Chelsea dressing-room row, manager Roberto Di Matteo must decide whether he drops £50million striker Fernando Torres for tomorrow's critical Champions League game against Juventus in Turin. Also: Mark Hughes has admitted for the first time that Queens Park Rangers face a relegation meltdown...The battle for this year's Formula One world title between Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso will go down to the wire in Brazil next Sunday.

 

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DAILY EXPRESS: Liverpool have made a firm enquiry to Chelsea for Daniel Sturridge as they look to push ahead with plans to sign the England forward in January. Also: Roy Hodgson has admitted England have under-delivered in their World Cup qualifying campaign.

DAILY STAR: Roberto Di Matteo is planning an £80m gamble in the Champions League tonight. Also: Sergio Ramos has vowed to show Manchester City's Euro flops no mercy.

THE SUN: Roberto Di Matteo has told his warring Chelsea stars to carry on arguing after Saturday's dressing-room row at the Hawthorns. Also: Mark Hughes was still clinging to his job at QPR last night after crisis talks with his players and chief executive.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: England's comprehensive defeat by India in the opening Test has left them an even bigger hurdle than the one faced by Alastair Cook and Matt Prior when trying, but ultimately failing, to save this match. Also: Dave Brailsford has ended speculation about his position in charge of British Cycling by pledging his future to the squad until Rio 2016.

THE TIMES: Mark Hughes has been given no long-term position as Queens Park Rangers manager after meeting with Philip Beard, the club's chief executive yesterday. Rumours were rife on social network sites last night that the Welshman had been sacked, but QPR dismissed the speculation. Also: West Ham United endured a frustrating evening but it was a sign of the strides that they have made that they rued failing to defeat an established top-flight side.

DAILY MAIL: Roman Abramovich will try to persuade Pep Guardiola to become Chelsea manager before the summer if he fires Roberto Di Matteo. Also: Roy Hodgson is considering bringing in a psychologist to help England's footballers take penalties.

DAILY MIRROR: Roberto Mancini's son threw down the gauntlet to Jose Mourinho, insisting: My dad knows more about football than you. Also: Liverpool are talking with Chelsea about a possible move for Daniel Sturridge.

THE GUARDIAN: Alastair Cook, who had batted so heroically in his first match as England's official captain, offered no excuses after his side slumped to a nine-wicket defeat in the first Test against India but hinted there would be changes ahead of Friday's second Test in Mumbai. Also: If West Ham United are chosen to move into the Olympic Stadium at a London Legacy Development Corporation board meeting net month, the now iconic stadium is likely to have cost at least £630m by the time it reopens in 2015 or 2016.

THE INDEPENDENT: Celtic may never surpass their night in Lisbon in 1967 but they can achieve something special there this evening nonetheless. Also: Roberto Di Matteo said last night that his Chelsea players were still united after defeat to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday and believed, ahead of tonight's crucial game against Juventus, that they would not become the first holders of the Champions League to go out at the group stages the following season.

 

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Latest Paper Talk
Wednesday November 21

Roberto Di Matteo will pay the price for a crushing Champions League setback at Juventus last night, with Rafa Benitez lined up to replace him as Chelsea manager if Pep Guardiola refuses to take over the ailing club in the summer.
Harry Redknapp has been offered the Ukraine job.
Arsene Wenger may bring Thierry Henry back to Arsenal for a third spell.
Andre Villas-Boas will be handed £20million to revive Tottenham's faltering Champions League ambitions.
QPR have joined the chase for £2million-rated FC Cluj winger Modou Sougou.
Middlesbrough are weighing up if they can afford a loan deal for Liverpool's Stewart Downing.
Blackpool are favourites to sign St Patrick's midfielder Ryan Coombes.

Roberto Di Matteo will be axed by Chelsea - it is now just a question of when.
Harry Redknapp is considering a mega-bucks deal to manage Ukraine - piling the press on QPR to make him an offer.
Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal legend Thierry Henry could have a third stint at the club.
Middlesbrough are ready to play the waiting game to bring Stewart Downing back to the club.
Swansea striker Danny Graham could be heading for the exit door, with Norwich willing to pay £5million.
Neymar has been told by Pele to snub English clubs.
Arsenal fancy a £5million move for Ajax goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer in the January transfer window.
Leeds boss Neil Warnock will go for Sunderland defender Matt Kilgallon after Stoke snubbed his bid to take Ryan Shotton on loan.

Roberto Di Matteo was left in the shadow of the Chelsea axe last night when his Fernando Torres gamble backfired.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger last night admitted he is ready to sign Thierry Henry for a third time.
Harry Redknapp has been offered the chance to boss Ukraine - and knock England out of the World Cup.
West Ham want David Beckham to bring the curtain down on his career at the club.
Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas will get big-money backing in the January transfer window - despite already facing a major test of his management.
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert insists he does not want to sell Darren Bent in January.
Mark Hughes will remain in charge of QPR for Saturday's trip to Manchester United - but will ask Neil Warnock's players to bail him out of trouble.
Everton are ready to sign Barnsley right-back John Stones.
Sporting Lisbon winger Jeffren Suarez is being tracked by Liverpool, claims his agent.
Bristol City want to sign Liverpool defender Danny Wilson on loan.
Ipswich want Southampton goalkeeper Kelvin Davis.
Blackpool boss Michael Appleton is set to make Leicester's Paul Gallagher his first loan signing since taking over.

Roberto Di Matteo's decision to start without a striker backfired last night as Chelsea's Champions League future was taken out of their hands with defeat against Juventus in Turin.
Arsene Wenger is aiming to sign Thierry Henry again as he looks to bring proven match-winners into his Arsenal squad.
Harry Redknapp has been made the number one target to take over as Ukraine manager after Andriy Shevchenko turned down the chance.
Stewart Downing's hopes of a loan move could be dashed due to his £80,000-a-week wages.
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert says he will not sell Darren Bent to raise transfer funds.

Carlos Tevez has told Cristiano Ronaldo he will never be as good as Lionel Messi.
Andre Villas-Boas will be given up to £20million to revive Tottenham's Champions League hopes in January.

Chelsea are considering turning to either Avram Grant or Rafael Benitez as their temporary manager should Roman Abramovich decide to sack Roberto Di Matteo.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been in direct contact with Rafael Benitez to assess the Spaniard's interest in becoming the club's manager until the end of the season should Roberto Di Matteo be dispensed with in the coming days.

 

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THE TIMES: Rafael Benitez was entrusted last night with Chelsea's short-term future after the abrupt dismissal of Roberto Di Matteo, but the former Liverpool manager's contract includes the option of an extra 12 months should the club fail to land Pep Guardiola. ALSO: It was far too little, far too late but at least Manchester City found the stomach for the fight last night before their second campaign in the Champions League came to a disappointingly premature end.

DAILY EXPRESS: Rafa Benitez stepped into the hottest seat in world football when he agreed to become Chelsea's caretaker manager. But just how long will he last? ALSO: Roberto Mancini could be the second manager in two days to be sacked for failure in the Champions League as Manchester City were dumped out at the group stage for a second successive season last night.

DAILY STAR: Rafa Benitez is the new Chelsea boss - but Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho are already waiting in the wings. ALSO: Manchester City were finally put out of their misery in the Champions League last night.

DAILY MAIL: Rafa Benitez will meet Chelsea's shell-shocked players today after being appointed interim manager in the wake of Roberto Di Matteo's brutal dismissal. ALSO: To go out was bad enough, but it was a result from mainland Europe that put the misery of Manchester City's second Champions League campaign into sharp relief.

DAILY MIRROR: Manchester City last night embarrassingly crashed out of the Champions League at the group stage once again. ALSO: Rafa Benitez will walk into a Stamford Bridge bearpit on Sunday after being appointed Roman Abramovich's ninth Chelsea manager.

THE GUARDIAN: Chelsea have appointed Rafael Benitez as their interim manager until the end of the season after the European champions reacted ruthlessly to the team's recent slump by sacking Roberto Di Matteo only six months after he won the Champions League. ALSO: At least Manchester City spared themselves another defeat on their way out of the Champions League.

THE SUN: Roberto Di Matteo was warned he would be sacked if he axed £50million flop Fernando Torres. ALSO: Roberto Mancini was down and out last night - but still in a job.

THE INDEPENDENT: Rafael Benitez was confirmed last night as the interim successor to Roberto Di Matteo as manager of Chelsea, with scope for the former Liverpool Champions League winner to stay in the job long-term if he is successful. ALSO: Andre Villas-Boas painted a vivd picture of the brutal reality of life as Chelsea manager by claiming that sackings represent "just another day at the office" at Stamford Bridge.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Roman Abramovich risked a backlash from supporters and six months of intrigue by appointing Rafael Benitez as interim manager until the end of the season, leaving the way clear for the appointment of Pep Guardiola in the summer. ALSO: In two fraught days England's leading club were carried out with the Champions League recycling and Europe's defending champions were all but eliminated.

 

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Latest Paper Talk
Friday November 23

Rafa Benitez has said that the Chelsea fans will love him by the end of this season.
Arsene Wenger is considering boosting his front line in January with Klaas-Jan Hunterlaar one of the strikers he is considering.
Ryan Nelsen has laid into his QPR team-mates and questioned their mental toughness.
Leeds have completed the signing of Alan Tate on loan until January from Swansea.
Nottingham Forest have signed Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton until New Year's Day.

Harry Redknapp has been lined up to make a dramatic return as QPR boss - on Sunday.
Rafa Benitez has promised to win over unhappy Chelsea fans.
Referee Mark Clattenburg will make his return to the Premier League in a midweek game next week.
Blackburn have told goalkeeper Paul Robinson he can leave.
Tottenham have failed in a bid to land Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic.

Didier Drogba has had his request for a loan move from Shanghai Shenhua turned down by FIFA before the transfer window.

Chelsea have refused to offer Mark Clattenburg an apology after he was wrongly accused of racially abusing John Obi Mikel.
Arsenal are considering a bid for Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
Andre Villas-Boas has blocked Brad Friedel's return to Blackburn.
Liverpool are confident of finalising a £6m deal for Blackpool's Tom Ince and will look to add Daniel Sturridge for a further £12m.
Leeds have signed Jerome Thomas and Alan Tate on loan.

Manchester City have made a £15m move for Crystal Palace sensation Wilfried Zaha.
Rafa Benitez has vowed to get Fernando Torres scoring at Chelsea.
Mark Clattenburg has accused Chelsea of trying to wreck his career.
Blackburn are still planning a fresh bid to bring Brad Friedel back to Ewood Park.
Ukraine football chiefs say Harry Redknapp will make a flying visit for talks about taking charge of their national team.
Manchester City will be without skipper Vincent Kompany for a crucial run of league matches which begin at Chelsea this Sunday.
Tottenham are stepping up their interest in Blackpool's Tom Ince but will have to pay £10m for his signature in January.
Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford has joined MK Dons on an emergency loan until January 7.

Roberto Di Matteo is being lined up for a return to football by Napoli.
Sergio Aguero has vowed to help Manchester City bounce back from their Champions League flop by winning another Premier League title.

 

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Latest Paper Talk
Saturday November 24

Harry Redknapp is heading back into football after answering an SOS call from struggling QPR.
Alex Ferguson and Rafa Benitez were at war last night as their bitter feud erupted again.
West Ham have watched Danish striker Andreas Cornelius in his last two games for FC Copenhagen and are ready to fight Arsenal for his signature.
Brazil striker Leandro Damiao wants to link up with Oscar at Chelsea.
Portsmouth want Joe Jordan to be their new manager.
Atletico Madrid have not given up on landing Luis Suarez for £40million this summer.
Steve Clarke has warned envious Premier League bosses over trying to sign Shane Long.

Rafa Benitez has had a bust-up with two senior Chelsea stars just two days into the job.
Harry Redknapp scooped a £4 million jackpot after agreeing to come to QPR's rescue.
Sir Alex Ferguson has stuck the boot into Rafa Benitez and branded him a "lucky manager".
Roberto Mancini has told Jose Mourinho to shut up and stop meddling in his business.
Steve Clarke has told England's top clubs to forget about signing Shane Long in January.
Nigel Adkins says Alan Pardew can't take credit for Southampton's rise from League One to the Premier League.

Harry Redknapp will hit a jackpot of more than £1million if QPR stay up.
Rafa Benitez and Sir Alex Ferguson were back at each other's throats last night.
Michael Laudrup has cast doubt over whether Ashley Williams will shake hands with Luis Suarez tomorrow.
Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg have made a move to re-sign Andrey Arshavin in January.
Liverpool are trying to snatch German youth international Donis Avdijaj away from Schalke.

QPR caved into pressure and went for fans' choice Harry Redknapp to replace Mark Hughes.
Frank Lampard was left fuming at blundering Rafa Benitez last night.
Arsenal have signed a £150million shirt deal and the money will be ploughed back into the team.

Harry Redknapp is the new QPR manager after Mark Hughes was sacked amid angry scenes at the club's Harlington HQ.
Tottenham are tracking Sampdorio striker Mauro Icardi.
Fulham are the latest club to show an interest in Andrey Arshavin who is also wanted by Reading and Zenit St Petersburg.
Evertom have stepped up their pursuit of Vegard Forren after David Moyes led a high-profile delegation to watch the Norwegian defender.

Harry Redknapp will return to football at Queens Park Rangers after agreeing to replace Mark Hughes in a deal worth around £7.5million until the end of the 2014-15 season.
If you thought that time had tempered Sir Alex Ferguson's antipathy towards Rafael Benitez, think again.

 

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BBC
• Substitution queries irk Wenger 24 November 2012 22:20
• Inter 'will not select' Sneijder 24 November 2012 21:59
• Victory "magnificent" - Butcher 24 November 2012 20:28
• VIDEO: Villa are improving says Lambert 24 November 2012 20:22
• VIDEO: Arsenal 'lacked fluency' in attack 24 November 2012 20:21
• Celtic form unacceptable - Lennon 24 November 2012 20:20
• Wigan 3-2 Reading 24 November 2012 19:43
• Redknapp's QPR to survive - Bowen 24 November 2012 19:42
• Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal 24 November 2012 19:21
• VIDEO: McDermott wants 'ruthless' Reading 24 November 2012 19:02
• VIDEO: Martinez praises 'outstanding' Gomez 24 November 2012 18:58
• VIDEO: QPR showed they can stay up - Bowen 24 November 2012 18:25
• Leeds 2-1 Crystal Palace 24 November 2012 18:23
• Lawro's Premier League predictions 24 November 2012 18:18
• VIDEO: Hughton satisfied with Norwich point 24 November 2012 18:17
• VIDEO: Moyes disappointed after Norwich draw 24 November 2012 18:05
• VIDEO: 'Teams giving Stoke more credit' 24 November 2012 17:55
• VIDEO: Stoke almost a rugby team - Jol 24 November 2012 17:48
• VIDEO: Man Utd had 'brilliant 10 minutes' 24 November 2012 17:46
• Middlesbrough 1-3 Bristol City 24 November 2012 17:43
• Man Utd 3-1 QPR 24 November 2012 17:40
• Everton 1-1 Norwich 24 November 2012 17:31
• Stoke 1-0 Fulham 24 November 2012 17:26
• Donegal Celtic 2-5 Crusaders 24 November 2012 17:25
• Wrexham 5-0 Rushall Olympic 24 November 2012 17:01
• Hibernian 0-1 Aberdeen 24 November 2012 17:00
• Celtic 0-1 Inverness CT 24 November 2012 16:59
• Barnsley 1-2 Cardiff 24 November 2012 16:56
• Clarke plays down talk of Europe 24 November 2012 16:32
• VIDEO: Penalty was turning point - O'Neill 24 November 2012 16:16
• Sunderland 2-4 West Brom 24 November 2012 16:10
• VIDEO: Baggies dominated Sunderland - Clarke 24 November 2012 15:40
• Official launch for buy-out trust 24 November 2012 15:31
• Scolari, Guardiola in Brazil link 24 November 2012 14:52
• Motherwell 0-0 Hearts 24 November 2012 14:48
• Brazil problems come from the top 24 November 2012 14:29
• VIDEO: Focus pundits on Chelsea and QPR 24 November 2012 14:08
• VIDEO: Redknapp appointed QPR manager 24 November 2012 12:56
• VIDEO: Redknapp excited by QPR challenge 24 November 2012 12:54
• Muamba to dance in Strictly show 24 November 2012 12:46
• 'Advanced talks' in club takeover 24 November 2012 12:43
• VIDEO: Rodgers confident of Liverpool revival 24 November 2012 12:41
• Redknapp 'fancied' Ukraine role 24 November 2012 12:19
• Jordan to meet QPR boss Redknapp 24 November 2012 12:08
• Redknapp returns to rescue QPR 24 November 2012 11:22
• Redknapp confirmed as QPR manager 24 November 2012 11:03
• Lampard and Cole 'could leave' 24 November 2012 09:39
• Fergie time: Does it really exist? 23 November 2012 23:09
• VIDEO: Statue 'proud moment' for Ferguson 23 November 2012 19:53
• VIDEO: Europe exit can help City - Mancini 23 November 2012 16:36
• VIDEO: Benitez lucky with Chelsea timing - Ferguson 23 November 2012 15:15
• Power to the Pompey people 23 November 2012 11:25
Sky Sports
• Source: Pep will snub Chelsea 25 November 2012 07:57
• City turned down Torres deal 25 November 2012 07:36
• Real stunned, Malaga win 24 November 2012 22:53
• Zlatan stars in PSG win 24 November 2012 22:41
• QPR line up Dawson move 24 November 2012 22:05
• Villa effort pleases Lambert 24 November 2012 21:32
• Wenger on defensive after draw 24 November 2012 21:19
• Sunderland deny O'Neill claims 24 November 2012 20:11
• Hughton: Point was deserved 24 November 2012 19:41
• Moyes frustrated by Canaries 24 November 2012 19:34
• Points shared in drab draw 24 November 2012 19:26
• Late scares frustrate Pulis 24 November 2012 19:22
• Jol: Stoke pressure too much 24 November 2012 19:20
• Fergie welcomes back Fletcher 24 November 2012 19:02
• Inter set Sneijder agenda 24 November 2012 18:59
• Lennon threatens: I'll quit 24 November 2012 18:51
• McDermott: Defeat was harsh 24 November 2012 18:42
• Martinez: Get behind Gomez 24 November 2012 18:40
• Bowen defends Hughes record 24 November 2012 18:29
TeamTalk
• Barton reveals R's money factor 25 November 2012 08:11
• Mancini reveals Torres snub 25 November 2012 08:08
• Rafa aware of Pep's Blues link 25 November 2012 08:04
• QPR line up new Dawson move 25 November 2012 08:02
• Paul Lambert praises Aston Villa display after 0-0 draw with Arsenal 24 November 2012 21:32
• Premier League gallery 24 November 2012 21:26
• Arsene Wenger hits back at Arsenal critics after 0-0 draw at Aston Villa 24 November 2012 21:19
• Sunderland deny O'Neill claims 24 November 2012 20:51
• Chris Hughton: Norwich showed great character to grab a late point at Everton 24 November 2012 19:41
• Everton boss David Moyes was irritated by the 1-1 draw with Norwich 24 November 2012 19:34
• Aston Villa and Arsenal settle for a point apiece in goalless draw at Villa Park 24 November 2012 19:26
• Tony Pulis disappointed with Stoke's failure in front of goal in 1-0 win over Fulham 24 November 2012 19:22
• Boss Martin Jol admits Fulham struggled at the Britannia Stadium 24 November 2012 19:20
• Sir Alex Ferguson highlighted Darren Fletcher's goal after Man Utd beat QPR 24 November 2012 19:02
• Brian McDermott believes Reading deserved more than a 3-2 defeat at Wigan 24 November 2012 18:42
• Roberto Martinez says Jordi Gomez deserves more credit from Wigan fans 24 November 2012 18:40
• Mark Bowen defends Mark Hughes after defeat at Old Trafford 24 November 2012 18:29
• Harry Redknapp watches QPR lose as Man United return to Premier League summit 24 November 2012 17:06
• Charlie Adam scored the only goal as Stoke beat Fulham at the Britannia Stadium 24 November 2012 17:03
• United beat QPR, Potters win too 24 November 2012 16:56
• Norwich claimed a late point at Everton as Sebastien Bassong headed home 24 November 2012 16:56
• Jordi Gomez's hat-trick earns Wigan a 3-2 win over Reading at the DW Stadium 24 November 2012 15:59
• Simon Mignolet error adds to Sunderland's problems as West Brom move third 24 November 2012 14:43
• Mancini not feeling City pressure 24 November 2012 13:24
• Redknapp confirmed as QPR boss 24 November 2012 11:03
Daily Mirror
• Looking out for No.1: Why the only Chelsea fan that Abramovich is loyal to is himself 25 November 2012 07:31
• Up yours! Why Pep Guardiola could strike a blow for football by sticking two fingers up at Abramovich 25 November 2012 07:30
• Becks appeal: Redknapp wants David Beckham to join QPR revolution 24 November 2012 23:59
• 'Don't call me, I only signed for the money': Joey Barton rules out QPR rescue 24 November 2012 23:00
• Oscar worthy: Benitez reckons Brazilian holds the key to unlocking Torres 24 November 2012 23:00
• Red alert! Buy-out clause means Suarez can leave Liverpool for £40m 24 November 2012 23:00
• Saints alive! Di Matteo is favourite to become next Southampton boss 24 November 2012 23:00
• The Isco kid: Manchester City line up move for Malaga wonderkid 24 November 2012 23:00
• Hoop dreams: Sunderland lead chase for Celtic Striker Gary Hooper 24 November 2012 23:00
• Pierre pressure: Newcastle want to beat Villa to striker Aubameyang 24 November 2012 23:00
• Chip off the old block? Man United chase Henrik Larsson's teenage son 24 November 2012 23:00
• Man down! Chelsea must convince Guardiola to give up his United dream 24 November 2012 22:31
• Lucky escape? Mancini reveals City turned down the chance to sign Torres 24 November 2012 22:30
• Enter the Dragon: Joe Allen wants to live up to 'the Welsh Xavi' billing 24 November 2012 22:30
• Red mark: Liverpool didn't do their homework before signing Andy Carroll, says Fergie 24 November 2012 22:30
• Andy Dunn's Big Match Verdict: Why hard grafters not fancy crafters will save Harry Redknapp 24 November 2012 22:30
• Jolly Rodgers: Liverpool boss is confident he has the owners' long-term support 24 November 2012 22:30
• Samtastic! Don't knock what Allardyce has done at West Ham, says Fergie 24 November 2012 22:30
• Congestion charge: Chelsea could pay the cost for not sorting out fixture list 24 November 2012 22:30
• Hold that thought: Wilfried Zaha's £20m move to United will have to wait 24 November 2012 22:30
• Out of Africa? Mancini wants to know if Yaya Toure is still leaving for Cup of Nations 24 November 2012 22:30
• Knackered! Why exhausted Newcastle will struggle to stop their slump at Southampton 24 November 2012 22:30
• Touch of Klaas: Huntelaar up for £6m Arsenal move now Van Persie has gone 24 November 2012 22:30
• Gone Fisching: Ajax fear losing wonderkid Fischer to Manchester clubs 24 November 2012 22:30
• Thierry eyed return: Henry unable to resist signing for Arsenal again 24 November 2012 22:30
Guardian
• Said & Done: the week in football – Ken Bates, Fifa's gift and Miss Bumbum 2012 25 November 2012 02:00
• Football news in brief 25 November 2012 01:21
• Now Man Utd stand accused over low level of corporation tax 25 November 2012 00:06
• Football: When racism is involved, the FA must be brave and stop games | Peter Herbert 25 November 2012 00:03
• Madrid's title hopes take hit after 1-0 defeat at Betis 24 November 2012 23:18
• Fernando Torres could make Roberto Mancini and Manchester City pay 24 November 2012 23:00
• Benítez beats the drum for Torres 24 November 2012 23:00
• Rob Smyth on Eric Cantona 24 November 2012 22:47
• Saturday Sundae: Wigan's Jordi Gómez performs Premier League trick 24 November 2012 22:37
• Harry Redknapp and Rafael Benítez are opposites in a ruthless world | Daniel Taylor 24 November 2012 22:00
• Chelsea beware: Pep Guardiola the perfectionist holds all the cards | Sid Lowe 24 November 2012 22:00
• Nathan Dyer offers warm welcome to Brendan Rodgers on Swansea return | Stuart James 24 November 2012 22:00
• Five crucial issues Harry Redknapp must tackle at Queens Park Rangers | Jamie Jackson 24 November 2012 19:44
• Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal 24 November 2012 19:37
• Football League: your thoughts | Ian McCourt 24 November 2012 19:27
• SPL round-up: Niall McGinn scores as Aberdeen win 1-0 at Hibernian 24 November 2012 19:24
• Aston Villa v Arsenal – as it happened | Scott Murray 24 November 2012 19:22
• Redknapp: players are to blame 24 November 2012 19:16
• Celtic 0-1 Inverness Caledonian Thistle | Scottish Premier League 24 November 2012 17:33
• Charlton Athletic 1-1 Huddersfield Town | Championship match report 24 November 2012 17:18
• Stoke City 1-0 Fulham | Premier League match report 24 November 2012 17:17
• Wigan Athletic 3-2 Reading 24 November 2012 17:10
• Everton 1-1 Norwich City | Premier League match report 24 November 2012 17:09
• Manchester United 3-1 Queens Park Rangers | Premier League match report 24 November 2012 17:05
• Saturday football clockwatch – as it happened!| Ian McCourt 24 November 2012 17:03
Telegraph
• Chelsea v Manchester City: Rafael Benítez refreshed and relishing trophy hunt with new club 25 November 2012 07:30
• Billy McKay secures victory with the only goal as Neil Lennon's Celtic side's European hangover strikes again 25 November 2012 00:45
• Tony Fernandes was forced to sack Mark Hughes by QPR board 25 November 2012 00:32
• Chelsea v Manchester City: Roberto Mancini will pose fresh problems for old rival Rafael Benitez 24 November 2012 23:00
• Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United: Andre Villas-Boas puts faith in Hugo Lloris ahead of Brad Friedel 24 November 2012 22:00
• Aston Villa 0 Arsenal 0: match report 24 November 2012 19:29
• Wigan Athletic 3 Reading 2: match report 24 November 2012 17:28
• Everton 1 Norwich City 1: match report 24 November 2012 17:13
• Stoke City 1 Fulham 0: match report 24 November 2012 17:11
• Aston Villa v Arsenal: live 24 November 2012 17:10
• Manchester United 3 Queens Park Rangers 1: match report 24 November 2012 17:02
• Premier League clockwatch: as it happened 24 November 2012 16:25
• Premier League clockwatch: live 24 November 2012 16:25
• Sunderland 2 West Bromwich Albion 4: match report 24 November 2012 14:51
• Sunderland v West Bromwich Albion: live 24 November 2012 14:25
• Harry Redknapp appointed Queens Park Rangers' new manager following Mark Hughes' sacking 24 November 2012 11:18
• Football's soap opera can have a happy ending as Harry 'Red Adair' Redknapp rides to QPR's rescue 24 November 2012 00:35
• Sunderland v West Bromwich Albion: Steve Clarke takes to management like a fish to water 24 November 2012 00:00
• Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson moved by unveiling of his statue at Old Trafford 23 November 2012 23:00
• Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini hits back at jibes from Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho 23 November 2012 23:00
• Sir Alex Ferguson: Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez is lucky and inherits success 23 November 2012 23:00
• Harry Redknapp set to sign £7.5m deal as Queens Park Rangers manager after sacking of Mark Hughes 23 November 2012 22:30
• Chelsea v Manchester City: Rafael Benitez reveals Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard likely to leave Stamford Bridge 23 November 2012 22:30
• Rangers visit off as Elgin City sell too many tickets 23 November 2012 22:30
• Chelsea v Manchester City: Rafael Benitez promises to revive faltering Fernando Torres 23 November 2012 22:30

 

[sarahmic]

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: This was the first time that divorce papers were filed on the first date. As Rafael Benitez stepped out of the tunnel, Chelsea fans made venomously clear their total unwillingness to form any sort of relationship with this "interim first-team manager" who had replaced the popular Roberto di Matteo and who had derided those who keep the blue flag flying high during his Liverpool days. This was brutal. Also: If this was an evening when Tottenham rediscovered the simple pleasures of goals and glory, it was also when the game was reminded of one of its festering sores.

THE SUN: Rafa Benitez vowed to win over the Chelsea hate mob. Also: West Ham face an FA probe after their fans' sick anti-Semitic chants at Tottenham yesterday; Harry Redknapp has ordered his QPR squad to rewrite history.

DAILY EXPRESS: Rafa Benitez was met by an extraordinary hail of abuse from Chelsea fans as he took his seat for his first game in charge, but Petr Cech pleaded: "Give the man a chance." Also: West Ham fans marred yesterday's London derby at Tottenham with sickening chants of "Lazio" after a Spurs fan was stabbed in Rome this week.

THE TIMES: Rafael Benitez admitted last night that the only way he will win over the Chelsea fans is to deliver results after the new manager was subjected to deafening boos and hostile abuse in his first match in charge yesterday. Also: Sebastian Vettel claimed his third drivers' championship yesterday after a thrilling Brazilian Grand Prix.

THE INDEPENDENT: They came to boo Rafa Benitez, not to praise him, and when finally Stamford Bridge did roar their disapproval at the club's new manager they may even have surprised themselves with the fervour of it. Also: Southampton appear to want to erase Alan Pardew from their club history and the Saints team he used to manage treated his Newcastle side just as dismissively on the pitch yesterday.

DAILY MIRROR: West Ham could face an FA investigation after Spurs fans were subjected to sick chants for the second time in a week. Also: Rafa Benitez vowed to win over the hate mobs after walking into a storm of abuse and booing on his Chelsea baptism.

DAILY MAIL: West Ham United are facing an FA investigation after their fans subjected Tottenham supporters to vile chants at White Hart Lane yesterday. Also: Sebastian Vettel became the youngest three-time Formula One world champion last night after a thrilling end to the season in Brazil.

THE GUARDIAN: A defiant Rafael Benitez has vowed to win over Chelsea's support after his debut as the club's interim first-team manager prompted a poisonous reaction from the stands and a show of support for the dismissed Roberto Di Matteo. Also: Tottenham Hotspur fans were subjected to anti-Semitic abuse from a section of the travelling West Ham United support during their 3-1 derby victory yesterday.

DAILY STAR: Rafa Benitez vowed to win over the furious Chelsea fans who showered him with abuse on his Stamford Bridge debut last night. Also: Brendan Rodgers last night warned Kop fans that Liverpool won't be big spenders in the January window; West Ham could face an FA investigation after their fans taunted Tottenham with sick chants yesterday.

 

[sarahmic]

DAILY TELEGRAPH: There was no Ring of Fire like the last time England won here in Mumbai, but the prosaic way they settled the second Test, after MS Dhoni conceded four byes down the leg side, did not begin to explain the tectonic performances that led to Alastair Cook's side levelling the series with a 10-wicket victory. Also: This has been a truly remarkable year in the life of Henry James Redknapp. He has been cleared of tax evasion, missed out on the England job, been dismissed by Tottenham after leading them to fourth, wooed by Ukraine and now recruited to rescue Queens Park Rangers.
THE SUN: Alex Ferguson is weighing up a shock move for QPR's maverick midfielder Adel Taarabt. Also: Harry Redknapp has told his new QPR players they should be embarrassed by their start.

DAILY EXPRESS: Harry Redknapp has labelled his QPR players an "embarrassment" and has told them to buck up their ideas or get out. Also: West Ham have banned a season-ticket holder for life for making racist gestures at Tottenham on Saturday.

THE TIMES: Chelsea took the first steps towards making peace with Mark Clattenburg in face-to-face talks yesterday. Also: The crucial innings of the second Test match was played in the first. England's perfectly compiled victory in Mumbai sprang from what happened in Ahmedabad a week earlier, and what happened there was Alastair Cook.

THE INDEPENDENT: West Ham yesterday issued their first life ban to a supporter following the anti-Semitic chanting towards Tottenham fans at White Hart Lane on the day that the former manager of both clubs, Harry Redknapp, labelled the fans that sing such "filth" as "cowards". Also: Rory McIlroy has pledged to "keep improving" after wrapping up 2012 with his fifth victory of the year.

DAILY MIRROR: Harry Redknapp has told his QPR players they should be "embarrassed" by their desperate start to the season. Also: West Ham last night banned a season-ticket holder for life after the shame of White Hart Lane.

DAILY MAIL: Harry Redknapp has warned English football is in danger of returning to the dark days of the Seventies after the disgraceful scenes at White Hart Lane on Sunday. Also: Chelsea held secret meetings with Mark Clattenburg and his 15 elite referee colleagues yesterday.

THE GUARDIAN: Alastair Cook heaped praise on the reintegrated Kevin Pietersen after England completed an astonishing 10-wicket victory in the second Test against India to level the four-match series. Also: Stuart Lancaster has responded to Saturday's frustrating defeat by South Africa by backing his captain, Chris Robshaw, and promoting Owen Farrell to the starting line-up to face New Zealand on Saturday.

DAILY STAR: Harry Redknapp last night told QPR's flops: You should be ashamed of yourselves. Also: Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill last night insisted he won't be the next Premier League boss to lose his job.

 

[sarahmic]

DAILY EXPRESS: Harry Redknapp's return to management last night ended in a chorus of boos - not for him, but Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill. Also...Sorry remains the hardest word at Stamford Bridge as a joint statement issued yesterday designed to draw a line under the Mark Clattenburg affair failed to include an apology by Chelsea.

DAILY MAIL: Chelsea finally admitted they got it wrong over their handling of the Mark Clattenburg affair last night - but still stopped short of apologising to the referee. Also...Harry Redknapp has coined the nickname Harry Houdini but the new QPR manager could not quite work his magic last night as his new charges were held to a 0-0 draw at Sunderland.

THE TIMES: Rafael Benitez became the first Chelsea manager yesterday to question openly whether Fernando Torres would ever reproduce the form that he showed under him at Liverpool. Also...Ramires remains adamant that he heard Mark Clattenburg make a racist comment despite Chelsea resolving their differences with the referee in a public statement yesterday.

THE GUARDIAN: Harry Redknapp's first game as QPR manager will at least bring a measure of encouragement. Also...Chelsea have expressed regret over their handling of aspects of the complaint of abuse lodged against Mark Clattenburg, with all parties involved now seeking to draw a line under the controversy ahead of the official's return to top-flight refereeing tonight.

DAILY STAR: Sunderland stopped the rot at the Stadium of Light last night. Also...Ruud van Nistelrooy has backed Robin van Persie to make Manchester United Premier League champions again.

DAILY MIRROR: Chelsea last night refused to say sorry to Mark Clattenburg for the three-week ordeal that left his career on the line. Also...Harry Redknapp got his much-hyped return to the Premier League under way with a battling point at Sunderland.

THE INDEPENDENT: The Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck was left in no doubt as to the feelings of the Premier League's 16 Select Group referees over the Mark Clattenburg affair in a meeting with them on Monday that prompted yesterday's statement of "regret" from the club. Also...Rafael Benitez, the interim Chelsea manager, has said that Fernando Torres may never be the same player he was at Liverpool, though will change his training regime to try to restore the striker's pace.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Harry Redknapp began his mission to rescue bottom-placed QPR with a well-deserved point and a team performance brimming with graft, if little craft, on a wet Wearside last night. Also...Darren Bent suffered another humiliating snub but just when Aston Villa's players threatened to further ridicule his continued omission, Christian Benteke spared his manager from a more severe inquest.

 

[sarahmic]

THE TIMES

Manchester United and Manchester City tightened their grip at the top of the Barclays Premier League last night as West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea, their closest pursuers, slipped up. Also: At least they waited to see the game first, but still the boos flowed for Chelsea and for Rafael Benitez at the final whistle last night.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Chelsea fans staged a silent protest over the controversial regime change in the dug-out. The poor quality of football on display was also enough to turn the most voluble of home supporters mute at the Bridge. Also: On a night when Old Trafford appeared more interested in wallowing in nostalgia for Eric Cantona, Robin van Persie gave further evidence of his modern-day status as Manchester United's talisman by securing an uninspiring victory against West Ham.

THE GUARDIAN

There was no thunderous booing for Rafael Benitez to endure before kick-off here, but acceptance into new surroundings must still feel like a pipe-dream. Also: Queens Park Rangers are ready to offer Darren Bent an escape route out of Aston Villa, with Harry Redknapp confident he can patch up his differences with the striker he fell out with a Tottenham Hotspur when he accused the England international of missing a chance "my missus could have scored".

THE SUN

Rafa Benitez got another frosty reception at Stamford Bridge as owner Roman Abramovich saw Chelsea struggle again. Also: Robin van Persie hit the fastest Premier League goal of the season to keep Manchester United top.

DAILY MIRROR

Robin van Persie scored the fastest goal of the season as Manchester United turned the screw at the top of the table. Also: Mario Balotelli took centre stage to rescue Manchester City from an embarrassing upset.

DAILY MAIL

Referee Mark Clattenburg stepped straight into controversy as he made his Premier League return in Southampton's 1-1 home draw with Norwich last night. Also: Roy Hodgson has made the surprising admission he would settle for a place in the play-offs after a stuttering start to England's World Cup qualifying campaign.

THE INDEPENDENT

At times the game last night was so forgettable that even the militants at Stamford Bridge seemed to have slipped into a daze in which they had forgotten that Roberto Di Matteo had been sacked and Rafael Benitez installed as his successor. Also: Ryan Nelsen believes the appointment of Harry Redknapp as manager will galvanise Queen's Park Rangers as the club look to avoid relegation.

DAILY EXPRESS

Robin van Persie scored the quickest goal in the Premier League this season to give Manchester United victory over West Ham. Also: Ashley Giles can prove himself a worthy successor to Andy Flower in his role as limited-overs coach, according to the England bosses who announced his appointment yesterday.

DAILY STAR

Robin van Persie kept Manchester United on top of the Premier League last night. Also: Stoke piled more pressure on under-fire Newcastle boss Alan Pardew last night.

 

[sarahmic]

Latest Paper Talk
Friday November 30

Jose Mourinho is ready and willing to take over as manager of Manchester City next summer.
Luka Modric has pleaded with former Spurs team-mate Gareth Bale to join him at Real Madrid.
Brendan Rodgers has warned Liverpool's teen sensation Raheem Sterling: You'd be foolish not to sign your Kop contract.
Rodgers is tailing £3.5million-rated Dutch centre-back Stefan de Vrij, 20.
Jermain Defoe wants to commit himself to Spurs for the rest of his career.
QPR are lining up an £8million bid for Loic Remy.
Martin O'Neill's move for Danny Graham could be scuppered by Darren Bent's Aston Villa axe.
Stephen Hunt is top of Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy's January wish list.

Chelsea are set to clinch the £10million signing of Brazilian attacker Taison in January.
Brendan Rodgers has told Raheem Sterling to commit his future to Liverpool or face looking like a fool.
Harry Redknapp is set to go head to head against one of his former clubs in the race to sign exciting Benfica star Nolito.
Sunderland are weighing up a £5m January swoop for Swansea striker Danny Graham.
Swansea are in talks with Wayne Routledge over a new contract.

Fernando Torres has a month to prove to Rafa Benitez he can be the player he was at Liverpool.
Nemanja Vidic is back in full training with Manchester United and could return to first-team action within a fortnight.
Brendan Rodgers has told Raheem Sterling he would be foolish not to sign a new contract with Liverpool.
Gabby Agbonlahor is confident Darren Bent has not played his last game for Aston Villa.
Harry Redknapp wants £10million-rated Marseille striker Loic Remy t shoot QPR out of trouble.
Stephen Warnock wants Aston Villa to flog him to Bolton in January.
Owen Coyle has expressed an interest in the vacant Scotland manager's job.

Rafa Benitez will give Fernando Torres a month to prove he can turn his and Chelsea's season around.
Brendan Rodgers has warned Raheem Sterling he would be very foolish not to pledge his long-term future to Liverpool.
Sheffield Wednesday manager Dave Jones has been given a vote of confidence by chairman Milan Mandaric.

Arsenal players will be forced into taking significance wage cuts if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
Joe Cole is wanted by Harry Redknapp to push Queens Park Rangers away from the drop zone.
Tottenham have joined the list of clubs following Nancy full back Massadio Haidara.
Liverpool are on the trail of Feyenoord defender Stefan de Vrij.
Newcastle have revived their interest in Anderlecht defender Chiekhou Kouyate.
Loic Remy is likely to rebuff any attempts by QPR to take him to Loftus Road.

Andre Villas-Boas offered fresh reassurance last night over the future of Gareth Bale, insisting that Tottenham had no intention of selling the Wales winger next summer.
Roberto Mancini is prepared to listen to loan offers for out-of-favour Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott in January.

 

[sarahmic]

Latest Paper Talk
Saturday December 1

Raheem Sterling is involved in a contract row with Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.
Rafa Benitez has told his Chelsea flops they are not fit enough and have just TWO GAMES to save their futures.
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is trying to talk Yaya Toure out of going to the African Nations Cup.
David Moyes admits he would take Joleon Lescott back to Everton.
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert may have to sell Darren Bent for a cut-price £10million.
Arsenal are poised to swoop for Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina - and Brendan Rodgers would let him go.
Manchester United winger Nani is wanted by PSG to replace Nene.
Liverpool and Chelsea both want Vitesse Arnhem striker Wilfried Bony.

Bad boy Joey Barton last night claimed Harry Redknapp will not be able to save crisis club QPR from relegation.
Police have banned MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon players from kissing the badge on their shirts tomorrow.
Raheem Sterling has not been made a new contract offer by Liverpool.
Sam Allardyce is keen on taking Joe Cole back to West Ham on loan.
Inter Milan are set to sell Wesley Sneijder after talks over a wage cut stalled.
PSG have joined Juventus in the race to sign Manchester United winger Nani.
Millwall have offered West Brom £1million for Chris Wood.

New Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez has told his players: You're not fit enough.
Harry Redknapp wants Liverpool to stump up £5.5million to let Joe Cole join QPR next month.
David Moyes is ready to take Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott back to Everton.
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is confident he will not be sacked at the end of the season.

Rafa Benitez has told Roman Abramovich his Chelsea squad are not fit enough, fresh enough or big enough.
Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski is heading to Manchester United.
Alex McLeish has emerged as a surprise contender for the Wolves job if Stale Solbakken fails to reverse the club's fortunes.
Manchester City are keeping an eye on the Raheem Sterling contract negotiations at Liverpool.
Fulham boss Martin Jol has hinted he many rival new QPR manager Harry Redknapp in a January move for Aston Villa striker Darren Bent.
David Moyes has admitted he would jump at the chance to re-sign Joleon Lescott if the defender feels he needs to seek a loan move away from Manchester City.

Rafa Benitez has told Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich: Your squad is not fit enough.
Roberto Mancini has received assurances from Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak that his job is not under threat.
West Brom manager Steve Clarke has targeted a new striker in January after new Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez hinted at recalling Romelu Lukaku.
Brendan Rodgers wants Liverpool to lead the rush in the January sales.

Arsenal will step up their search for January signings this weekend with expected scouting missions for Holland internationals Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Kevin Strootman.

 

[sarahmic]

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Gareth Bale has given the clearest indication yet that he sees his future beyond White Hart Lane, most likely in Spain, after saying the he will "look seriously" at attractive offers from overseas. Also: Rebellion on the terraces is one thing; any revolt in the dressing room would be cataclysmic for Rafael Benitez.

DAILY MAIL

Roman Abramovich is considering a shock move that would see Avram Grant return to Chelsea. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson believes Jose Mourinho could be the man to replace him at Manchester United.

THE SUN

Rafa Benitez launched a furious attack on his Chelsea players, claiming they have no leaders, no confidence and no character. Also: Alex Ferguson has given his clearest hint yet that Jose Mourinho would be a worthy successor to him as Manchester United manager.

DAILY MIRROR

Steve Bould branded Arsenal's underperforming flops a big "let down" in a furious dressing room inquest. Also: Martin O'Neill marks a year in charge of Sunderland fighting to end one of the worst spells of his career.

THE GUARDIAN

The chief executive of Borussia Dortmund, who play Manchester City in the Champions League tomorrow, has launched a passionate defence of German football principles and attacked English clubs' ownership by rich men from overseas. Also: Rafael Benitez believes he retains the support of the Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich, despite seeing his team endure a third winless match under his interim management at West Ham United on Saturday, though there remains the possibility the oligarch could offer Avram Grant a consultative role if results continue to deteriorate.

THE TIMES

Roman Abramovich, Chelsea's owner, is said to be "furious" at seeing his club collapse against West Ham United at the weekend in their seventh Barclays Premier League game without a win. Also: While it would be premature to conclude that on the evidence of one performance, however uplifting and unexpected it may have been, that England are suddenly contenders for the 2015 World Cup, the position they are in at the end of the QBE autumn series is significantly stronger than it was four weeks ago.

THE INDEPENDENT

Arsene Wenger is prepared to sacrifice the chance to win Champions League Group B in order to improve the club's worrying domestic form. Also: Benjamin Disraeli's famous jape about lies, damned lies and statistics may be a long-standing calumny upon serious statisticians, but the figures that encrust sport can be as misleading as they are absorbing; there were a few intriguing ones to conjure with, however, before Norwich City kicked off against Sunderland yesterday.

DAILY EXPRESS

Avram Grant is being considered by Chelsea to take over the reins again at Stamford Bridge - just three games into Rafa Benitez's unpopular spell in charge. Also: England go into today's 2015 Rugby World Cup draw in London with Ben Youngs suggesting they fear nobody after their record 38-21 victory over New Zealand at Twickenham.

DAILY STAR

Raging Rafa Benitez has questioned Chelsea's character, in a furious dressing room rant, after their derby disaster at West Ham. Also: Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill is under even more pressure after his struggling side lost 2-1 at Norwich yesterday.

 

[sarahmic]

Latest Paper Talk
Tuesday December 4

Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge, 23, is demanding £80,000 a week to move to Liverpool in January.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will make a £6m January bid for Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
Paris Saint Germain will rival Chelsea in a bid to make Pep Guardiola their new manager in the summer.
Manchester United have added to speculation Nani will be sold in January by leaving the 26-year-old Portuguese out of their 2013 club calendar.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils have been told to forget about signing Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski after reports in Germany had claimed a £12m deal and five-year contract had been agreed.

Manchester United are on the alert after Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder refused to accept a pay cut.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will go all out to sign Newcastle striker Demba Ba in January.
Jose Mourinho admits his days as Real Madrid manager are numbered, opening the door for a return to the Premier League.
Former Manchester United and Newcastle midfielder Nicky Butt wants to move into management with League Two side Fleetwood Town.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger wants to sign Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, 29, next month and the Dutchman could be available for a cut-price £6m.

Sir Alex Ferguson has piled the pressure on Manchester City by insisting their title hopes could be damaged if they bomb out of Europe.
Defender David Luiz has added to Chelsea's air of crisis by claiming he regularly rows with team-mates.

Manchester United are prepared to wait until the end of the season before making a renewed bid for Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowskiwho has been valued at £24.3m.
Rafael Benitez is banking on the return from injury of John Terry and Frank Lampard to buy him time to make the changes he believes are necessary at Chelsea.

Defiant and undaunted, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has rounded on his critics, launching a staunch defence of his approach and his record.

Arsene Wenger claimed it is "fashionable to be against Arsenal" at present as he railed against emotional and dramatic analysis of the club's season so far and sought to close ranks to inspire a fightback.
Rafael Benitez has been assured of his immediate future by Chelsea but has told the hierarchy he does not want Avram Grant at Stamford Bridge.

Roberto Mancini will play his shadow squad in the Europa League if Manchester City salvage the dubious consolation prize of third place in their Champions League group

 

[sarahmic]

THE SUN: Chelsea have been told to back off Pep Guardiola or risk losing out on the former Barcelona coach...Manchester City could not even make the Europa League as their Champions League campaign ended in disaster.

DAILY MAIL: Rafa Benitez has launched a bizarre defence of Fernando Torres as Chelsea stand on the verge of an embarrassing Champions League exit tonight...Pepe Reina's future at Liverpool is under threat, with manager Brendan Rodgers considering January moves for Birmingham's Jack Butland or young German prospect Ron-Robert Zieler.

THE INDEPENDENT: The line-up may have changed significantly but Arsenal's malaise continues. Arsene Wenger made seven changes to the team dispatched by Swansea last weekend but defeat to Olympiacos carried all the hallmarks of his first-choice side...Ronnie O'Sullivan is close to accepting an invitation to make a shock comeback at next year's world championship at the Crucible in Sheffield, where he will defend his crown after holding a series of secret meetings with the World Snooker chairman, Barry Hearn.

THE TIMES: Rafael Benitez questioned last night whether Chelsea's players still have the hunger and fighting spirit that helped them to win the Champions League last season...Alastair Cook believes that the addition of Ashley Giles to England's full-time coaching staff can re-energise the squad without undermining the authority of Andy Flower as team director.

THE GUARDIAN: England have waved aside suggestions their 2015 Rugby World Cup pool qualifier against Wales could be played in Cardiff rather than London, with Australia also expressing concerns about the potential unfairness of facing the Welsh team at their Millennium Stadium home...Another fitful performance, another soulless defeat. When some Premier League cheerleaders predicted that Manchester City might make a statement in Europe this season this, surely, was not what they had in mind.

DAILY STAR: Sir Alex Ferguson is willing to put Wayne Rooney in the firing line against Cluj in tonight's meaningless Champions League clash at Old Trafford...Juan Mata insists Chelsea will not wilt under the pressure if fans continue their hate campaign against Rafa Benitez.

DAILY MIRROR: Brendan Rodgers is set to gamble with Luis Suarez to keep Liverpool's European hopes alive...Shane Warne has opened the way for a shock Ashes return next summer.

DAILY EXPRESS: Roberto Mancini's Manchester City are now officially the worst English team in Europe...Chelsea have finally found something the hapless Fernando Torres is good at - defending corners.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: The Rugby Football Union moved swiftly yesterday to reassert its authority as host of the 2015 World Cup by firmly declining the offer from its Welsh counterparts for England to play their pool match against Wales at the Millennium Stadium...Whatever twists might be in store tonight for Celtic, who will progress to the last 16 of the Champions League if they achieve a better result at home to Spartak Moscow on Wednesday night than Benfica manage in Barcelona, it is unlikely they will encounter anything as bizarre as yesterday's pre-match press conference.