What The Sports Pages Say

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Latest Paper Talk
Monday December 31

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will launch an £8million bid for Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha this week.
Demba Ba was last night set to become the first of three Chelsea transfer window signings.
Manchester United have blocked Angelo Henriquez from representing Chile - so he can go to Wigan on loan.
Southampton are ready to launch a £13million double bid for Birmingham goalkeeper Jack Butland and Cagliari defender Davide Astori.
Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has admitted he could be heading back to the Premier League.
Harry Redknapp is trying to make Joe Cole his first QPR signing.
Lorik Cana is eyeing a return to the Premier League - and is keen to re-join Sunderland.
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce will offer Paul Robinson an escape route from Blackburn in January.
Newcastle have agreed a deal to sign defender Mathieu Debuchy from Lille.
Norwich are trying to sign Monaco striker Ibrahima Toure.
Manchester City are handing a trial to Japanese wonderkid Hideki Ishige.
Kevin MacDonald's managerial move to Blackburn is on hold as owners Venky's argue over the appointment.
Alex McLeish is ready to make Billy Sharp and Barry Bannan his first signings as Nottingham Forest boss.
Sean O'Driscoll is vying with Kevin Blackwell for the vacant manager's job at Barnsley.
Watford are ready to reward Troy Deeney with a new deal to ward off growing interest.

Frank Lampard put on a two-goal masterclass to inspire Chelsea - but is still heading for the exit door.
Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez has swooped for Newcastle striker Demba Ba.
Arsene Wenger will have on last chance to keep Theo Walcott at Arsenal over the next two weeks.
Liverpool have rubbished claims they have bid £9.5million for Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder.
Newcastle have agreed a £5million deal for Lille defender Mathieu Debuchy.
Sunderland are in talks to bring New York Red Bulls midfielder Tim Cahill back to the Premier League.
Reading want Maccabi Tel Aviv defender Steve Gohouri.
Nottingham Forest boss Alex McLeish wants to make Billy Sharp and Barry Bannan his first signings.

Demba Ba will be paid a £2million loyalty bonus by Newcastle as he prepares to complete a dream move to Chelsea.
QPR manager Harry Redknapp is closing in on a reunion with Joe Cole and the club want to back the boss with £20million to fight relegation.
Arsenal want to secure Theo Walcott's long-term future within the next fortnight.
Newcastle have agreed a £5.5million deal with Lille for Mathieu Debuchy.
West Ham are weighing up a move for Blackburn defender Gael Givet.
Swansea are hopeful of signing Bristol City winger Albert Adomah for £3million.
Bayer Leverkusen are showing an interest in Chelsea winger Marko Marin.
Fulham are hoping to conclude a deal for Wolfsburg defender Alexander Madlung.
Reading are keen on Nancy winger Lossemy Karaboue.
Sunderland are hopeful of persuading New York Red Bulls midfielder Tim Cahill to join on loan.
Leeds will compete with Norwich for Brighton striker Craig Mackail-Smith.
Former Barnsley midfielder Neil Redfearn is among the contenders to replace Keith Hill as the club's manager.

Chelsea hope to make Demba Ba their first signing of the January transfer window after opening talks with Newcastle for the striker.
Harry Redknapp will make his first move to revive QPR by signing Joe Cole from Liverpool.
Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert had a second meeting in 72 hours with owner Randy Lerner yesterday to try to solve the club's relegation crisis.
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is close to completing a £5million deal for Lille defender Mathieu Debuchy.

Chelsea were last night locked in talks with Newcastle striker Demba Ba.
Southampton have offered £8million for Cagliari defender Davide Astori but face fierce competition from Napoli and Juventus.
Newcastle have agreed a £5million deal for Lille defender Mathieu Debuchy.

Newcastle striker Demba Ba is on the verge of agreeing a £7million January move to Chelsea.
Contract talks between Arsenal and Theo Walcott's representatives will resume in early January.
Paul Lambert held a transfer summit meeting yesterday with chairman Randy Lerner yesterday but will be given a maximum of only about £10million to spend in January.

Chelsea hope to make Demba Ba their first signing of the January transfer window as they look to trigger the £7.5million release clause in the forward's contract that would allow him to leave Newcastle.
Sunderland have not given up hope of signing Danny Rose on a permanent basis.
QPR have started talks with Liverpool as they look to sign Joe Cole.

 

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THE SUN: Mario Balotelli is staying at Manchester City - because club owner Sheikh Mansour is his No 1 fan. Also: Theo Walcott last night dropped his biggest hint yet that he is ready to sign a new Arsenal contract.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Demba Ba's £7million move to Chelsea has been held up over the club's refusal to pay his agents the £2million in fees they are demanding. Also: Arsenal are today expected to sound out Southampton over their 17-year-old defender Luke Shaw, with manager Arsene Wenger having identified the left-back position as one of his transfer priorities for 2013.

THE TIMES: Roberto Mancini set the tone for the new year by stating that Manchester United use their "power" to "control" English football and that Manchester City are paying the price for their failure to act swiftly in transfer market last summer. Also: Alan Pardew has called on Demba Ba to make his intentions clear after the breakdown of the striker's transfer discussions with Chelsea.

THE INDEPENDENT: Alan Pardew has urged Demba Ba to ignore the "sharks" surrounding him and accept the £50,000-a-week final offer to stay at Newcastle United. Also: Roberto Mancini believes the failure to land Robin van Persie might cost Manchester City the title.

THE GUARDIAN: Alan Pardew has challenged Demba Ba to commit himself to Newcastle United by signing a contract extension or admit he wants to leave the club. Also: Wilfried Zaha could be the subject of an auction among Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur this month, with all four clubs monitoring the Crystal Palace winger, whose price would be around £10m.

DAILY MAIL: Alan Pardew has torn into the agents chasing a staggering £5million in commission for the sale of Demba Ba, branding them "sharks". Also: The FA have fired a New Year warning across football that their ailing Respect campaign must be stepped up.

DAILY EXPRESS: Billionaire owner Sheikh Mansour will not sanction the sale of Mario Balotelli because he is a great "worldwide advert" for Manchester City. Also: Alan Pardew insists top scorer Demba Ba must sign a new contract in the next seven days or move in this month's transfer window.

DAILY MIRROR: Roberto Mancini fears missing out on Robin van Persie will ultimately cost Manchester City their Premier League title. Also: Demba Ba's agents expect talks with Chelsea to resume this week after a hitch in his move to Stamford Bridge.

DAILY STAR: Sir Alex Ferguson will offer Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole the chance to join Manchester United when they are dumped by Chelsea. Also: Tottenham are ready to offer £10m for Crystal Palace whizz-kid Wilfried Zaha.

 

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THE SUN: Alex Ferguson is eyeing two more years as Manchester United manager. Also: Alan Pardew is lining up West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie as Demba Ba's replacement.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Goal after goal, game after game, it becomes ever clearer that Robin van Persie looks the defining force in the title race. Also: The popular image of Andre Villas-Boas has gone from genius to joke and back again, all within 18 months.

THE TIMES: Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Robin van Persie last night as the player making the difference in the Barclays Premier League title race after another two goals from the forward helped Manchester United to maintain their seven-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table. Also: Manchester City's delight as brushing aside Stoke City yesterday was tempered by an injury to Sergio Aguero that could rule their joint top goalscorer out of the Barclays Premier League match away to Arsenal on Sunday week.

THE INDEPENDENT: Sir Alex Ferguson has stated there is no chance of him moving on from Manchester United, even if his side win the Premier League this season. Also: In the words of the T-shirt that Edin Dzeko displayed to the crowd, it was a happy new year at Eastlands.

DAILY MIRROR: Sir Alex Ferguson tipped Robin van Persie to win the Premier League crown for Manchester United. Also: Andre Villas-Boas revealed Tottenham are back in for Brazil striker Leandro Damiao and Shakhtar Donetsk winger Willian.

DAILY EXPRESS: Sir Alex Ferguson claimed he always knew Robin van Persie would make Manchester United a championship-winning side. Also: Paul Lambert claims his Aston Villa young guns deserve credit for the way they have responded to their Christmas nightmare.

DAILY STAR: Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Robin van Persie as perfect after watching the Dutchman hit a double in Manchester United's 4-0 romp at Wigan. Also: Manchester City's title hopes have been hit by the news that Sergio Aguero is out with a hamstring injury.

DAILY MAIL: Sir Alex Ferguson agreed last night that Robin van Persie could be the difference in the Barclays Premier League title race after watching the "magnificent" Dutchman protect Manchester United's seven-point lead with two more goals against Wigan. Also: The last time Manchester City won a game courtesy of goals from Pablo Zabaleta, Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero - in that order - was back in May when one of the Barclays Premier League's most tumultuous afternoons ended with English football crowning new champions.

THE GUARDIAN: By the end Manchester United had won with such ease it was difficult to remember this was the ground where their title hopes suffered a grievous setback during the run-in last season. Also: Arsene Wenger has rejected the possibility of Thierry Henry returning to Arsenal for a second loan spell as he criticised his players for a lack of desire and mental sharpness in the 1-1 draw at Southampton.

 

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DAILY MAIL: Shaun Wright-Phillips returned to haunt his old club Chelsea last night and hand QPR a Premier League lifeline with the winner at Stamford Bridge. Also: Joe Cole will join West Ham this week after snubbing a QPR relegation battle with former manager Harry Redknapp.

THE TIMES: Queens Park Rangers stunned Chelsea last night effectively to end their hosts' faint Barclays Premier League title hopes, condemning their rivals to a 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge. Also: Demba Ba will have a medical at Chelsea today, with the club determined to undertake a detailed examination of his knees before proceeding with the Senegal striker's £7.5million transfer from Newcastle United.

THE INDEPENDENT: Chelsea will insist that Demba Ba undergoes a medical this morning in spite of the Newcastle United striker's chronic knee problem, with the club trying to reach a deal so they can register him in time for Saturday's FA Cup tie. Also: When Shaun Wright-Phillips joined Chelsea more than seven years ago he was one of the great emerging talents of English football who has, since those days, simply lost his way. Last night he came in from the cold in spectacular fashion.

DAILY STAR: Everton piled on the agony for Newcastle last night. Also: Sunderland plunged deeper into trouble at Anfield as Liverpool climbed to eighth place in the Premier League.

THE SUN: Harry Redknapp hailed the spirit of his rock-bottom QPR side after they stunned Chelsea. Also: Chelsea are set to unveil £7.5million striker Demba Ba as Inter Milan line up a swoop for Frank Lampard.

DAILY MIRROR: Joe Cole is set to return to West Ham after Sam Allardyce beat QPR boss Harry Redknapp to the Liverpool misfit's signature. Also: Shaun Wright-Phillips came off the bench to stun his old club - and hand Harry Redknapp a massive lifeline.

DAILY EXPRESS: Shaun Wright-Phillips stunned his former club Chelsea to give relegation-threatened QPR a lifeline coming into 2013. Also: Joe Cole was last night set to rejoin West Ham on a free transfer after Liverpool agreed to a £3million golden handshake to facilitate his departure.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Part of Chelsea's history returned to haunt them last night. Also: Demba Ba will have a medical at Chelsea this morning after thrashing out personal terms ahead of a £7million move from Newcastle United.

THE GUARDIAN: Chelsea are confident of agreeing personal terms with Demba Ba and completing the £7m signing of the Newcastle United striker today, although they will insist on him taking a medical at the club. Also: The svelte figures of Jessica Ennis, Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mo Farah are still adorning billboards across the country in glorious celebration of the Olympics but imagine if those radiant figures were joined by Phil Taylor, Raymond van Barneveld and Michael van Gerwen.

 

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THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Roberto Mancini's relationship with Mario Balotelli is at breaking point after the Manchester City manager was pictured grappling with the Italian forward following a wild lunge at team-mate Scott Sinclair during training yesterday. Also: Demba Ba has completed his £7million move to Chelsea after an extraordinary row involving his representatives was finally resolved last night.

DAILY EXPRESS: Roberto Mancini's fractious relationship with bad boy Mario Balotelli has reached breaking point after their astonishing bust-up on the training ground yesterday. Also: Vincent Kompany and Rio Ferdinand last night led the support for AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng, who yesterday walked off the field in protest at racist abuse during a friendly in Italy.

THE SUN: Roberto Mancini gave a first sign he is feeling the heat after sparking an amazing bust-up with Mario Balotelli. Also: Harry Redknapp has been sensationally offered Dutch star Wesley Sneijder to boost QPR's relegation scrap.

DAILY MIRROR: Mario Balotelli's Manchester City career has reached breaking point after an amazing training ground bust-up with Roberto Mancini. Also: Rio Ferdinand last night called for UEFA to take action against Italian fans after Kevin-Prince Boateng walked off in protest against racist abuse.

DAILY STAR: Roberto Mancini accused Mario Balotelli of being a "f***ing lunatic" during an amazing training ground clash yesterday. Also: Frank Lampard has told Chelsea he will take a pay cut of £100,000 a week to stay at the club.

THE INDEPENDENT: Mario Balotelli jeopardised his relationship with the one figure at Manchester City who has supported him throughout his troubled time in England yesterday when he became involved in an extraordinary shoving match with Roberto Mancini at the club's training ground. Also: Luis Suarez, despite scoring more goals in five months than he did in the whole of last season, is likely to lose his position as Liverpool's central striker to Daniel Sturridge.

DAILY MAIL: These were the astonishing scenes at Manchester City's training ground as furious boss Roberto Mancini grappled with Mario Balotelli yesterday. Also: Kevin-Prince Boateng led his AC Milan team-mates off the pitch yesterday after black players were subjected to racist abuse during a friendly at fourth division side Pro Patria.

THE GUARDIAN: Mario Balotelli and Roberto Mancini had to be pulled apart after an angry training ground bust-up between the pair yesterday raised yet more questions over the striker's long-term future at Manchester City. Also: Brendan Rodgers is prepared to move Luis Suarez "for the common good of the team" to accommodate Daniel Sturridge in the new signing's preferred role as a central striker at Liverpool.

THE TIMES: Mario Balotelli's fractious relationship with Roberto Mancini took another turn for the worse yesterday when the controversial Manchester City striker became embroiled in a training ground fight with his manager. Also: Tottenham Hotspur lead the race to sign Moussa Sissoko, the France midfielder, on a pre-contract agreement amid strong interest from several other Barclays Premier League clubs.

 

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THE SUN: Roberto Mancini will give Mario Balotelli "another 100 chances" to prove he can change. Also: Alex Ferguson has demanded an urgent probe into Spurs' swoop for whizkid Zeki Fryers.

THE INDEPENDENT: Kevin-Prince Boateng, the AC Milan player who was widely commended for walking off the field in reaction to racist abuse, has told UEFA he would do it again, no matter how high-profile the match happens to be. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has accused Tottenham of manipulation the transfer market to avoid paying Manchester United compensation for their former 20-year-old left-back Zeki Fryers.

DAILY MIRROR: Sir Alex Ferguson wants a Premier League inquiry into ex-Manchester United defender Ezekiel Fryers' move to Tottenham. Also: Mario Balotelli's horror tackle that sparked his training-ground spat with Roberto Mancini was worthy of two red cards.

DAILY STAR: Roberto Mancini insists he won't ditch Mario Balotelli after his amazing bust-up with the striker. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has called for a Premier League investigation Into Zeki Fryers' £900,000 move to Spurs from Standard Liege.

DAILY EXPRESS: John Terry was yesterday forced to back down after a very public show of support for Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has accused Tottenham of colluding with Belgian club Standard Liege to sign former Manchester United youngster Ezekiel Fryers on the cheap.

THE TIMES: John Terry was forced into an embarrassing climbdown yesterday when he removed a posting from his Instagram account expressing devastation at Frank Lampard's probable departure from Chelsea after being given a dressing down by club officials. Also: Demba Ba risked antagonising his former Newcastle team-mates last night by saying he will find it easier to perform alongside world-class players at Chelsea.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Demba Ba announced his arrival at Chelsea yesterday with the confident, if undiplomatic declaration that he believed he had moved into a completely new league from the one he inhabited at West Ham and Newcastle. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has sparked a row with Tottenham Hotspur by urging the Premier League to investigate their "blatant manipulation" of transfer regulations to sign former Manchester United defender Zeki Fryers.

DAILY MAIL: Manchester City are ready to sell Mario Balotelli as soon as possible after Roberto Mancini privately conceded he cannot change the wayward Italy striker. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has called on the Premier League to block Zeki Fryers's move to Tottenham, suggesting it was engineered to leave Manchester United up to £3million out of pocket.

THE GUARDIAN: John Terry has been forced into a climbdown after he broke ranks to question Chelsea's stance on the non-award of a new contract for his team-mate Frank Lampard. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson wants the Premier League to examine Tottenham Hotspur's signing of Ezekiel Fryers from Standard Liege, with the manager claiming there will be a mobile phone "trail" after the north London club failed to agree terms with Manchester United for the defender during the summer.

 

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Latest Paper Talk
Monday January 7

Frank Lampard will not be offered a new deal by Chelsea "under any circumstances".
QPR boss Harry Redknapp flew to Marseille yesterday to start talks over an £8million move for Loic Remy.
Hugo Lloris has revealed he did have showdown talks with Andre Villas-Boas after being dumped on the bench.
Leeds have tabled a £750,000 bid for Nottingham Forest striker Dexter Blackstock.
West Brom have joined Liverpool in eyeing Reading's Irish defender Alex Pierce, who is stalling over a new contract.

Frank Lampard last night publicly accepted his Chelsea career will be over in the summer.
Swansea boss Michael Laudrup does not want to sell Danny Graham this month.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to ditch David De Gea and sign a new keeper in the January window.
Sam Allardyce has refused to rule out a move to bring David Beckham to West Ham.
QPR have made a £6.5million bid for one-time Spurs and Arsenal target Yann M'Vila.
West Ham have agreed a deal for Brazilian star Wellington Paulista.

Arsenal have revived their interest in Birmingham goalkeeper Jack Butland.
Arsene Wenger could also step up his bid to sign Spain star David Villa as Arsenal find themselves facing a fixture crisis.
Newcastle could land £5m Valenciennes defender Nicolas Isimat-Mirin this week.
Hull are closing in on £2m Manchester United winger Robbie Brady.

Frank Lampard has been told his Chelsea contract will not be renewed after a showdown meeting with Ron Gourlay.
Schalke have opened the way for Tottenham to sign Lewis Holtby this month.
Liverpool have made a £7million offer for Italy defender Davide Astori but are likely to lose out to Southampton, who have offered Cagliari £9.5million.
Liverpool are also struggling to close a deal with Blackpool for Tom Ince.
Newcastle want Bastia midfielder Florian Thauvin.
QPR boss Harry Redknapp is stepping up his interest in Marseille's Loic Remy.
West Ham have signed Wellington Paulista from Cruzeiro.

Arsene Wenger has set his sights on two signings before the end of the transfer window.
QPR were last night locked in talks with Marseille over an £11million move for Loic Remy.

 

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DAILY MAIL: ITV's woeful new peaktime Saturday night reality show Splash! has re-ignited anxieties in British Swimming about Tom Daley's commercial commitments away from diving. Also: Popular ESPN commentator Jon Champion has been officially reprimanded by the FA Cup broadcaster for calling Liverpool striker Luis Suarez a cheat during Sunday's game against Mansfield.

THE TIMES: Chelsea have identified Marouane Fellaini as their preferred replacement for Frank Lampard and are planning to trigger a buyout clause in the Everton midfielder's contract at the end of the season. Also England's women's football team face an unsettling build-up to the new season because of a dispute with the FA over their central contracts, The Times had learnt.

DAILY EXPRESS: TV commentator Jon Champion has been reprimanded by his bosses for labelling Luis Suarez "a cheat" following the striker's controversial handball during Liverpool's FA Cup win over Mansfield. Also: Lionel Messi strengthened his claim to be considered the greatest footballer of all time by winning a record-breaking fourth consecutive Ballon d'Or last night.

THE SUN: Pep Guardiola has opened the door for a move to the Premier League by declaring: I'll be back next season. Also Nikica Jelavic set Everton on the Road to Wembley. Also: Tottenham are reeling from a UEFA charge - despite their fans enduring vile racist chants.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Sir Alex Ferguson is considering a summer move to take Frank Lampard to Manchester United following Chelsea's decision to allow the midfielder to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of his contract. Also: Lionel Messi is monopolising the world player of the year title the way his feet dominate the ball.

DAILY MIRROR: Pep Guardiola fired the starting pistol on the biggest managerial scramble for years by revealing he is ready to return to the dug-out. Also: Lionel Messi described his World Player of the Year award as "amazing" - as he scooped the crown for the fourth year running last night.

DAILY STAR: Leighton Baines proved he really is the third-round maestro to help Everton easily avoid an FA Cup banana skin at Cheltenham. Also: Fuming Mansfield chairman John Radford has blasted Luis Suarez and Liverpool for cheating his non-league side out of a lucrative FA Cup replay.

THE INDEPENDENT: Mansfield Town's chairman has launched an extraordinary attack on Luis Suarez, declaring that Liverpool's directors were "embarrassed" by the handball goal that helped the club knock his non-league side out of the FA Cup on Sunday and claiming that the player gloated when he realised it would be allowed to stand. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has been monitoring Frank Lampard's position at Chelsea and is considering making a sensational summer move for the player, whom he has always admired.

THE GUARDIAN: ESPN has defended its decision to apologise and hold talks with the commentator Jon Champion after he labelled Liverpool's striker Luis Suarez a "cheat" in the wake of the striker's controversial goal against Mansfield Town. Also: Another record falls. Lionel Messi finished 2012 on 91 goals in 69 games. He began 2013 by winning the Fifa Ballon d'Or (with 41.6% of the votes), Cristiano Ronaldo (23.7%) came second and Andres Iniesta (10.9%) third. It is the fourth time Messi has won it and no one else has won it so often.

 

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DAILY MAIL: Phil Parkinson saluted his Bradford City giant-killers last night and backed them to become the first fourth-tier team to reach a major cup final in 50 years. Also: Arsenal will this week make an improved offer of £25million to Theo Walcott in a bid to resolve his contract saga.

THE TIMES: Rafael Benitez warned Chelsea's senior players last night that they must face up to the prospect of their inevitable departures from Stamford Bridge. Also: This was another glorious night for Bradford City. The job is only half-done, with another 90 minutes to see if they can become the first fourth-tier club to reach the League Cup final in more than half a century, but it remains to be seen how much fight Aston Villa's youngsters will have left in them after an experience as chastening as this.

DAILY EXPRESS: Frank Lampard is agonising over whether to break Chelsea hearts by signing for Manchester United this summer. Also: Pressure was heaped on the head of Paul Lambert last night as Aston Villa dramatically lost the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final at Valley Parade.

THE SUN: Bradford humiliated Aston Villa last night - and are on the verge of becoming the first fourth-tier team to reach a big Wembley final. Also: Arsenal will make a £26million offer to keep Theo Walcott...David Beckham has been offered a bumper two-year deal to join the Qatar Stars League.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: This was a classic cup tie, a gem of a game containing a performance of great vibrancy and belief from League Two's Bradford City that will long linger long in their fans' memory. Also: Rafael Benitez has given the clearest signal yet that Chelsea's old guard will be jettisoned as he praised the club's "legends" for their service but insisted that new blood was essential to bring more silverware to Stamford Bridge.

DAILY MIRROR: Theo Walcott will be presented with a stunning £25million five-year contract by Arsenal. Also: League Two Bradford stunned Villa to put Wembley within tantalising reach.

DAILY STAR: Rio Ferdinand is willing to turn his back on a £10m fortune and pledge his future to Manchester United instead. Also: Nakhi Wells helped put Bradford a step closer to an amazing Capital One Cup Final appearance with a goal dedicated to a boyhood pal...Ryan Nelsen was yesterday named as the new boss of Toronto - despite still being a QPR player.

THE INDEPENDENT: Rafa Benitez told Chelsea fans today they must accept that the "legends" of Stamford Bridge have to be moved on as the club prepares to bid farewell to many of the players who have been a key part of their most successful period ever. Also: Not since 1911 have Bradford had a night like this. Not for more than 100 years has a small outpost in Yorkshire experienced such delight.

THE GUARDIAN: Bradford City - skint in League Two, on a journey that has taken them close to financial ruin and fielding a side here that cost the grand total of £7,500 - are close to producing one of the great cup stories of the modern era. Also: The Northampton flanker Calum Clark will today be offered a fresh chance to build a Test career after being included in England's plans for the forthcoming Six Nations championship.

 

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Latest Paper Talk
Thursday January 10

Manchester United have blown Arsenal and Spurs out of the race for Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha with a £12m package.
Meanwhile, Tottenham have been warned that it will cost them £25m to land Brazil striker Leandro Damiao from Internacional.
PSG boss Carlo Ancelotti wants to sign England left-back Ashley Cole from Chelsea.
QPR have made a £5m bid for West Brom's 29-year-old Swedish defender Jonas Olsson.
Fulham are closing on the signing of defensive midfielder Derek Boateng, 29, from Dnipro.
Birmingham City's £6m-rated England keeper Jack Butland, 19, says he will only for first-team football - not to be a reserve.
Leeds, Huddersfield and Wolves are chasing Bradford City's £1m-rated League Cup hero Nahki Wells.

Manchester United are keeping a close eye on Rayo Vallecano's Brazil striker Leo Baptistao, 20, who is rated at £5m and is also being tracked by Liverpool, QPR, Leeds and Brighton.
Sunderland midfielder David Vaughan is wanted on loan by Championship side Crystal Palace.
Kenny Dalglish could make a shock return to Liverpool in his old position as club ambassador.
Wolves have joined Brighton in the race to sign out-of-favour Ipswich striker Jason Scotland, 33, on loan for the rest of the season.
Blackburn defender Gael Givet, 31, is ready to join French club Evian, while Rovers want Blackpool boss Michael Appleton as their new manager.

Everton are lining up Wigan Athletic's James McCarthy, 22, as a replacement for Marouane Fellaini who is wanted by Chelsea and Manchester United.
Newcastle full-back Davide Santon is set to snub Serie A giants AC Milan and remain in the Premier League.
Championship sides Leeds and Derby are both chasing Dagenham & Redbridge left-back Femi Ilesanmi.

Tottenham's hopes of signing Brazilian forward Leandro Damiao, 23, have suffered a blow after his agent said he expected him to stay with Internacional.
QPR boss Harry Redknapp wants to sign defender William Gallas from former club Spurs.
Swansea have been told to raise their offer for Real Betis midfielder Jose Canas, 25, after having a bid of £800,000 rejected.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers wants his scouts to make the most of the wealth of emerging talent on their own doorstep.

Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez says manager Roberto Mancini has fired up his strikers by praising Manchester United forward Robin van Persie.

Manchester United are leading the chase for Crystal Palace's England winger Wilfried Zaha, 20, and hope to tie up a £12m deal.
Newcastle have edged ahead in the race to sign Toulouse midfielder Moussa Sissoko, 23, this summer.
London rivals Arsenal, Chelsea and West Ham are all tracking another Toulouse midfielder, Etienne Capoue.
Liverpool have stepped up their bid to sign central defender Nicolas Isimat-Mirin from French club Valenciennes.
Serie A giants Roma have rejected a bid from Fulham to sign Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.
Utrecht and Zambia striker Jacob Mulenga has been offered to Norwich City and Reading.

Nottingham Forest could move for QPR keeper Robert Green after releasing Northern Ireland international Lee Camp.
Liverpool are preparing to offer former manager and player Kenny Dalglish another Anfield comeback, lining him up for a return to his role as a club ambassador.

 

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Latest Paper Talk
Friday January 11

Rafa Benitez is a dead man walking at Chelsea following the humiliating home defeat by Swansea.
Manchester City are expecting AC Milan to make a £24million bid for Mario Balotelli - despite branding him 'a rotten apple'.
Bradford boss Phil Parkinson could spurn a possible Wembley appearance to take the reins at Blackpool or Doncaster.
QPR boss Harry Redknapp is set to sign Stoke's Wilson Palacios.
Inter have agreed to Galatasaray's £8m bid for Wesley Sneijder.
Newcastle are set to beat Spurs and West Ham to sign Cameroon defender Gaetan Bong.
Manchester United are eyeing up an £8m bid for Atletico Madrid keeper David Gil, 18.

Manchester City are confident a deal can still be struck with AC Milan to offload Mario Balotelli.
Southampton face a battle to keep record signing Gaston Ramirez as he is being lined up for a return to Italy with Inter Milan.
Fulham are set to make the first move in the race for Birmingham keeper Jack Butland.
Harry Redknapp is competing with LA Galaxy for Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne.
Bolton winger Martin Petrov is making a shock move to Espanyol.
Nottingham Forest boss Alex McLeish is set to sign winger Chris Burke from his old club Birmingham in a £500,000 deal.

Andre Villas-Boas yesterday hit back at Harry Redknapp, telling him: You don't know what you're talking about.
Manchester City are still confident of striking a deal with AC Milan to offload troubled striker Mario Balotelli.
Wayne Rooney has told Sir Alex Ferguson he is desperate to face bitter rivals Liverpool this weekend.
Aston Villa have approached Inter Milan over a move for midfielder Phillipe Coutinho.

Angry Chelsea fans have decided to boycott matches until Rafa Benitez is dumped, it was claimed last night.
Jamie Oliver was Manchester City's surprise transfer-window signing yesterday, agreeing a five-year deal to take care of all catering needs at the Etihad.
Tottenham are in talks over a £15m swoop for Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo.
Newcastle are keen on landing Rennes bad boy Yann M'Vila this month.
Sunderland are giving a 10-day trial to American goalkeeper Joe Willis.
QPR are weighing up a deal for Zulte Waregem striker Habib Habibou.
Nottingham Forest will move for Blackburn keeper Paul Robinson.

Roman Abramovich will make Pep Guardiola a "take it or leave it" £18 million-a-year deal to become Chelsea's next manager in the summer.
Real Madrid have opened negotiations with Ashley Cole over a summer move to start the race for the England full-back's signature.

Rafael Benitez believes he could be a target for Real Madrid in the summer if his spell as interim manager of Chelsea finishes with the sack at the end of the season.

Newcastle have been rocked by the request of their captain, Fabricio Coloccini, to leave the club during the January transfer window. The 30-year-old told club officials yesterday that he wants to return to Argentina.
Arsenal have joined the race to sign Loic Remy from Marseille in a deal which could cost them £10m.

Andre Villas-Boas, who says he has not spoken to Harry Redknapp in more than a year, may be expected to have a frank exchange of views with his predecessor as Tottenham Hotspur manager when the pair stand shoulder to shoulder at Loftus Bridge tomorrow lunchtime.

Manchester City believe Mario Balotelli could be bought by Milan, despite Silvio Berlusconi branding him a "rotten apple", and the Premier League champions are willing to accept about 30 million euros (£24.6m) for the troubled striker.

 

[sarahmic]

Latest Paper Talk
Saturday January 12

Sir Alex Ferguson fears Manchester United could fall victim to Luis Suarez's dirty tricks tomorrow.
Steven Gerrard has insisted he will celebrate if he scores a handball winner for Liverpool at Old Trafford.
One of Arsenal's biggest fans' groups feels it is time for Arsene Wenger to change its approach or leave.
QPR manager Harry Redknapp is preparing a £4million move for West Brom's Peter Odemwingie. Redknapp, meanwhile, has admitted he was sacked by Spurs after becoming a victim of politics.
Carlton Cole is fuming after being told he can leave West Ham.
Sunderland are closing in on £2.5million French midfielder Moussa Sissoko.
Southampton and West Ham have both made an enquiry to take Manchester City's John Guidetti on loan.
Rafael Benitez has claimed Chelsea fans will fall back in love with Fernando Torres.
Tony Pulis is stunned Manchester City and Arsenal failed to rival Chelsea for Demba Ba's signature.
Leon Osman will celebrate the 10th anniversary of his Everton debut by signing a new three-year contract with the club.
Fabricio Coloccini will captain Newcastle at Norwich today - despite asking to quit the club because of personal reasons.
West Ham will be offered an eye-watering 1,000 players over the course of this January transfer window, which Sam Allardyce has slammed as "out of control".

Sir Alex Ferguson reckons old rivals Liverpool face an uphill battle to get back to the top of English football.
Rafael Benitez has leapt to Fernando Torres' defence - because he has been battling on despite a stomach bug.
Fabricio Coloccini could play his last game for Newcastle at Norwich today.
Roberto Mancini fears Carlos Tevez could end up walking out on Manchester City for nothing at the end of next season.
Arsene Wenger expects Theo Walcott to sign his near £90,000-a-week new contract at Arsenal before the transfer window shuts.
Martin Jol has told Brede Hangeland to hurry up and sign a new contract at Fulham.
Harry Redknapp insists Tottenham axed him for political not football reasons.
Tony Pulis insists he feels vindicated following his attempt to sign Demba Ba two years ago.
Sam Allardyce has slammed the January transfer window - revealing he will field 1,000 calls from agents this month.
Paul Lambert has told Aston Villa fans to stop dreaming of big-name arrivals this month after admitting they can only afford to shop for bargains.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday expressed his fears that the antics of Luis Suarez could prompt referee Howard Webb to give Liverpool crucial decisions in tomorrow's Premier League clash at Old Trafford.
The chairman of the Referees Association and his predecessor have resigned in an expenses scandal.
Arsene Wenger has backed Theo Walcott to go from strength to strength after confirming the striker is close to signing a new contract.
Harry Redknapp says he still has no idea why Tottenham sacked him.
Newcastle are facing a battle to hold on to talismanic captain Fabricio Coloccini after he told the club he wants to return to Argentina.
Rafael Benitez has hit back at the Chelsea critics who call for his head and
QPR want West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie and have offered £7.5million for Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila.
Everton are keen on 6ft 5in South Korea striker Kim-Shin Wook.
Sunderland are close to signing French star Moussa Sissoko, 23, in a £3.5million deal.
Nottingham Forest and Bolton want Dedryck Boyata on loan from Manchester City.

Sir Alex Ferguson fears Manchester United could fall victim to Luis Suarez's controversial antics at Old Trafford tomorrow.
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has urged the club's hierarchy to consider a new contract for their one-time rebel striker Carlos Tevez.
Unsettled captain Fabricio Coloccini is set to lead Newcastle today despite growing doubt about his future.
Arsene Wenger had a beam on his face yesterday with Theo Walcott set to sign a new £90,000-a-week deal with Arsenal by the end of the month.
Chelsea will make a £25million summer move to rescue Luka Modric from his Real Madrid nigthmare, and finally get the man they have been chasing for more than two years.
Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill is set to agree a loan deal for controversial defender Abdou Kader Mangane.
Paul Lambert says Aston Villa fans are in dreamland if they think the club can afford star names to dig them out of yet another crisis.
Swansea have told Real Betis they will not be held to ransom over Jose Canas.

Luis Suarez will quit the Premier League if people keep having a go at him.
Wayne Rooney has handed Manchester United a boost ahead of their crunch match against Liverpool by returning to training.
Steven Gerrard says Liverpool team-mate Luis Suarez is the best striker he has ever played with.
Chelsea are ready for another crack at landing Luka Modric. Blues owner Roman Abramovich will dangle £22m in front of Real Madrid to land the midfielder.
QPR boss Harry Redknapp believes his shock summer sacking by Tottenham had nothing to do with football.
Cardiff's Rob Earnshaw is being linked with Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday.
Cardiff boss Malky Mackay plans to loan out Stephen McPhail.
Daniel Carrico had to Google Reading before he joined them - as he had no idea where it was.

Steven Gerrard, the Liverpool captain, fears a culture of ageism is infiltrating English football, with experienced players being discarded because of a growing obsession with investing solely in youth.
Harry Redknapp says he was sacked by Tottenham Hotspur for "political" reasons rather than results.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers yesterday risked breaching Football Association rules governing discussion of officials before games, having been drawn into a debate about Luis Suarez which was initiated by Sir Alex Ferguson.
Roberto Mancini, the Manchester City manager, has raised the prospect of a 12-month contract extension for Carlos Tevez - an extraordinary turnaround for a player who was in an outright state of civil war with the club just a year ago.

Premier League clubs are expected to consider a range of proposals, including a suggestion that all 20 offer free coach travel to away supporters for every match, against a backdrop of growing outrage from fans over the price of away tickets.
Rafael Benitez has launched a resolute defence of Fernando Torres after the striker was booed off the pitch during Chelsea's defeat against Swansea City, insisting the supporters "will love him again" when his form improves.

 

[sarahmic]

THE SUN ON SUNDAY: Pep Guardiola will decide to become Manchester City manager in the summer. Also: Paul Lambert's future was on a knife-edge last night.

SUNDAY MIRROR: Sir Alex Ferguson has delivered a damning assessment of Liverpool. Also: Manchester United will have to pay £15million, including add-ons, and allow Wilfried Zaha to stay at Selhurst Park for the rest of the season to sign the Crystal Palace whizz-kid.

SUNDAY PEOPLE: Liverpool have made a sensational bid to hijack Wesley Sneijder's move from Inter Milan to Galatasaray. Also: Edin Dzeko reckons he could be on his way out of Manchester City - and not Mario Balotelli.

DAILY STAR: Liverpool were last night trying to work out a way to hijack Wesley Sneijder's £8million move from Inter Milan to Turkish club Galatasaray. Also: Everton manager David Moyes - out of contract at Goodison Park at the end of the season - will be the top target of German clubs Schalke and Werder Bremen in the summer.

SUNDAY EXPRESS: Fabio Capello will be attending the prestigious launch of the FA's 150-year anniversary celebrations this week - after healing the rift with his former employers. Also: Tottenham have told Real Madrid they will have to pay a British record £55million if they want to sign star winger Gareth Bale.

MAIL ON SUNDAY: Luis Suarez will walk out to face Manchester United in the most antagonistic atmosphere of the entire season at Old Trafford today. Also: Arsene Wenger revealed last night that he believes Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas will return one day to Arsenal.

THE OBSERVER: Chelsea put poor recent results behind them to move into third place in the Premier League table with a convincing 4-0 thrashing of Stoke, ending in the process the last unbeaten home record in all four divisions. Also: What has been whispered in tennis for a little while could emerge as a statement of fact at the Australian Open starting here tonight: the game's new rivalry is between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic.

SUNDAY TIMES: Arsene Wenger believes Cesc Fabregas will be an Arsenal player again, but admits he will have to wait for the former Gunners captain. Also: Frank Lampard converted a spot-kick and gave a man-of-the-match performance in Chelsea's 4-0 win at Stoke to break another scoring record and heap further embarrassment on Roman Abramovich and his executives.

THE INDEPENDENT: The abuse that Manchester United fans will rain down on Luis Suarez at Old Trafford today could rebound on them, according to his team-mate Lucas Leiva. Also: Britain's Paralympic track-and-field heroes will get the chance to compete in a revolutionary new international grand prix circuit for elite athletes with disabilities this summer.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Sir Alex Ferguson says that he has "never even thought" about where Liverpool are in the Premier League this season, indicating how far he feels they have fallen behind Manchester United. Also: Arsene Wenger says that he can persuade Cesc Fabregas to come back from Barcelona and rejoin Arsenal, because his former star "really loves this club".

 

[sarahmic]

DAILY MAIL: Roberto Mancini was furious with referee Mike Dean last night after Manchester City's Vincent Kompany was shown a straight red card for a tackle on Jack Wilshere. Also: A breakaway group of elite clubs are attempting to curb the spending power of Manchester City and Chelsea.

THE TIMES: Roberto Mancini believes his Manchester City side need only to cut Manchester United's lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League to "four or five points" before their visit to Old Trafford on April 16 to remain on target to retain their title. Also: Lance Armstrong is expected to confess to at least some of his sins to Oprah Winfrey this week, in what will be for many a catharsis that has been almost 15 years in the making.

DAILY EXPRESS: A linesman has waded into the row over ticket prices at Arsenal by telling Manchester City's Joe Hart and Joleon Lescott to applaud fans who had to shell out £62 to watch their team yesterday. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson praised his players' winning mentality after Manchester United claimed another crucial victory in their pursuit of a 20th top-flight title success.

THE SUN: Angry Roberto Mancini hit out after Vincent Kompany's straight red card at Arsenal. Also: Jose Mourinho has hailed Real Madrid's Champions League clash with Manchester United as the "match the world wants to see".

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Manchester City's manager, Roberto Mancini, insisted the tackle which led to referee Mike Dean sending off Vincent Kompany was not even a foul. Also: Manchester United's 2-1 victory against Liverpool appeared to come at a heavy price with Ashley Young leaving the stadium on crutches and Nemanja Vidic limping off with a knee injury to add to Sir Alex Ferguson's injury concerns.

DAILY MIRROR: Sir Alex Ferguson hailed his "magnificent" Manchester United side as they took another step towards a 20th league title. Also: Roberto Mancini last night vowed to appeal against Vincent Kompany's red card - claiming ref Mike Dean got the decision completely wrong.

DAILY STAR: Sir Alex Ferguson hailed his "magnificent" Manchester United after the league leaders took another giant step towards a record 20th league title. Also: Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini last night warned rivals United: We'll fight you to the bitter end.

THE INDEPENDENT: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insisted last night that an elusive first win against a top 10 Premier league side could help his own team to turn the corner in a difficult season which has left them 24 points behind leaders Manchester United. Also: Arsene Wenger last night chose to blame his players rather than the referee for the 2-0 home defeat to Manchester City.

THE GUARDIAN: Roberto Mancini is confident Manchester City will retain the title if they travel to Manchester United within "four or five points" of their hosts after his team responded impressively to the leaders' 2-1 victory over Liverpool to register a first league win at Arsenal since 1975. Also: English football's most illustrious rivalry produced yet more regrets at Old Trafford but this time they originated from a wildly fluctuating contest only.

 

[sarahmic]

DAILY MAIL: Rory McIlroy took a major step yesterday to becoming the United Kingdom's first billion-dollar sportsman after he was officially unveiled as a Nike athlete. Also: The linesman who urged Manchester City players to go to salute their fans after winning at Arsenal because they had paid £62 each for their tickets has been pulled from duty tonight.

THE SUN: Samir Nasri suffered a barrage of vile abuse from Arsenal yobs as he ran a gauntlet of hate outside the Emirates. Also: Harry Redknapp last night sealed a shock £15million swoop for France stars Loic Remy and Yann M'Vila.

THE TIMES: Nicole Cooke, Britain's greatest female road cyclist, claimed yesterday that doping in the sport has not been restricted to Lance Armstrong and the male peloton but was widespread in women's racing as well. Also: With the tide seemingly turning against him, Darren Clarke last night made himself unavailable for the captaincy of the 2014 Europe Ryder Cup team - and thus opened the door for what could be a dramatic and unexpected return to the role for Colin Montgomerie.

DAILY MIRROR: Jose Mourinho last night gave another huge hint he plans to return to the Premier League this summer. Also: Golden girl Nicole Cooke bowed out of cycling with a bitter tirade at drug cheat Lance Armstrong last night.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: English football has a special place in the heard of Jose Mourinho, who yesterday voiced his desire to return to manage in the Premier League. Also: Cristiano Ronaldo has ruled out a return to the Premier League this summer by insisting he will see out the remaining two years of his Real Madrid contract, despite claiming that "anxiety" is inescapable at the Bernabeu.

THE GUARDIAN: The apparent inevitability of Paul McGinley being named as Europe's 2014 Ryder Cup captain this week has been tempered by a late surge for the post by Colin Montgomerie. Also: The former world and Olympic cycling champion Nicole Cooke has retired from the sport with a stinging broadside at Lance Armstrong, Tyler Hamilton and other drug cheats who "robbed" her and other clean riders of victories and prize money during her 11-year professional career.

THE INDEPENDENT: The emergence of Colin Montgomerie as a candidate for the Ryder Cup captaincy has Abu Dhabi in a spin ahead of tonight's selection meeting. Also: The assistant referee who told Joleon Lescott to thank the Manchester City fans at the Emirates on Sunday has been removed from duty for tonight's FA Cup third-round replay between West Bromwich Albion and Queen's Park Rangers as punishment by referees' officials.

DAILY EXPRESS: Jose Mourinho has put the Premier League's elite on alert after flagging up his potential availability in the summer by confirming he wants to manage in England again. Also: Roberto Mancini will step up his search for a new defender if the FA reject Manchester City's appeal over Vincent Kompany's red card at Arsenal.

DAILY STAR: Cristiano Ronaldo last night told his Premier League suitors they will have to wait two years to sign him. Also: Manchester United keeper David De Gea is the No. 1 name on a shortlist of top European goalkeepers wanted by Barcelona.

 

[sarahmic]

Latest Paper Talk
Wednesday January 16

Pep Guardiola has confirmed he wants to be a Premier League boss.
Arsene Wenger has warned Arsenal fans not to expect him to be busy buying players during the transfer window.
AC Milan are plotting to hijack Jose Mourinho's summer return to the Premier League.
Danny Graham wants talks with Swansea boss Michael Laudrup to force a move to Sunderland.
Fulham's bid for Derek Boateng has hit the rocks over a legal wrangle with his old club.
Tim Krul is a £10million target for AC Milan.
Everton are closing in on Toulouse's £10million-rated Etienne Capoue.
Andre Villas-Boas admits Chelsea were right to sack him.

Arsene Wenger claims there are no players available who can improve his struggling squad.
Marseille want to sign Joey Barton for a second season after claiming he is a model professional.
Fabricio Coloccini will be asked to stay at Newcastle until the summer.
Pep Guardiola last night signalled he is ready to go head-to-head with Jose Mourinho in the Premier League.
QPR flop Djibril Cisse is set to be sent out on loan, while DJ Campbell could return to Ipswich.
Southampton are poised to beat Liverpool to £4million Vegard Forren.
Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill is set to make a £2million for Barnsley right-back John Stones.

Pep Guardiola has confirmed he wants to manage in the Premier League.
Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal can splash the cash this month, but he wants to build his side around a core of homegrown talent.
AC Milan are planning a summer swoop for Newcastle keeper Tim Krul.
Toulouse midfielder Moussa Sissoko is on Aston Villa's January shopping list.
Andre Villas-Boas says his early success at Tottenham is down to the mistakes he made at Chelsea.

Referees were left angry and bemused after the FA overturned Vincent Kompany's red card against Arsenal.
Newcastle are planning a £9million move for Ajax captain Siem de Jong.
Norwich are rivalling Ipswich for Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Lee Camp.
Southampton hope to finalise terms with Molde's Vegard Forren today.
Fulham are considering a move for out-of-favour Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock.

Referees are in a rage after Vincent Kompany had his red card rescinded.
Pep Guardiola has indicated he will reignite his rivalry with Jose Mourinho in the Premier League.
Crystal Palace are expected to reject Manchester United's £12million bid for Wilfried Zaha as they want more of the fee up front.
Rafa Benitez says true Chelsea fans will back the team no matter who is in charge.

 

[sarahmic]

THE SUN: Wayne Rooney looked to the heavens in memory of his sister-in-law firing an FA Cup third-round replay winner. Also: Luis Suarez has admitted diving for Liverpool to try and help them win a game. Also: Pep Guardiola last night broke Premier League hearts by agreeing to take over as Bayern Munich boss.

DAILY MAIL: Roman Abramovich's worst fears came true when Pep Guardiola snubbed Chelsea's millions to join Bayern Munich. Also: England are in talks to bring old foes Argentina to Wembley as the final piece of their 150th anniversary celebrations.

DAILY MIRROR: Luis Suarez is at the centre of a new 'cheat' storm after admitting he took a dive against Stoke. Also: Arsene Wenger labelled Jack Wilshere "outstanding" after he bailed out Arsenal's strikers with a late winner.

DAILY EXPRESS: Pep Guardiola last night finally turned his back on the Premier League when he signed a £27million three-year deal to become the new coach of Bayern Munich at the end of this season. Also: Luis Suarez has admitted he cheated to try to win a penalty against Stoke earlier this season.

DAILY STAR: Pep Guardiola last night delivered a huge snub for Roman Abramovich and moneybags Manchester City. Also: Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has admitted deliberately going to ground in a bid to win a penalty against Stoke earlier this season.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Pep Guardiola delivered a resounding snub to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich yesterday, agreeing a three-year deal to become manager of Bayern Munich from next season. Also: An evening that began with good news from Germany ended in cold comfort at home for Rafael Benitez, as Chelsea tossed away a 2-0 lead to be held to a draw by Southampton.

THE TIMES: Rafael Benitez's application to be given the Chelsea manager's job on a permanent basis now that Pep Guardiola, Roman Abramovich's preferred candidate, is out of the running got off to a dismal start as the Spaniard watched his side through away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with relegation-threatened Southampton at Stamford Bridge last night. Luis Suarez, the Liverpool forward, believes his status as the Barclays Premier League's pantomime villain can be attributed to a suspicion of a media inherently biased to Manchester United.

THE GUARDIAN: The Premier League's elite have suffered a painful reality check after Pep Guardiola, the most coveted coach in world football, turned his back on a prospective move to England and was confirmed as the next manager of Bayern Munich. Also: If Manchester United do go on to win their first FA Cup for nine years, then the story of how they overcame West Ham on a freezing night will quickly be lost in the small print.

THE INDEPENDENT: The worst fears of the Chelsea hierarchy were confirmed yesterday when Pep Guardiola, football's most sought-after out-of-work coach, agreed a three-year contract to take over at Bayern Munich from next season. Also: Rafael Benitez may not be keeping the Stamford Bridge dugout warm for Pep Guardiola any more but the Spaniard's prospects of staying on himself receded further last night as Chelsea let slip a two-goal lead at home to Southampton.

 

[sarahmic]

HE SUN: Brendan Rodgers slammed Luis Suarez after his amazing cheat confession and told him: "It is unacceptable". Also: Theo Walcott has finally agreed a new contract at Arsenal.

DAILY STAR: Roman Abramovich will take complete control of picking Chelsea's next boss after being swayed into hiring Rafa Benitez. Also: Luis Suarez is facing a club fine and a potential FA charge after admitting he took a dive... Wayne Rooney has been relieved of his penalty-taking duties at Manchester United.

DAILY EXPRESS: British teenager Laura Robson toppled the world number eight Petra Kvitova in Australia - and labelled it "pretty ugly". Also: Liverpool will make a sales pitch to Wesley Sneijder if the Inter Milan playmaker is serious about accepting a drop in his colossal wages.

DAILY MAIL: Brendan Rodgers has torn into Luis Suarez after he admitted diving in an attempt to win a penalty earlier this season, describing the Uruguayan's actions as 'not acceptable'. Also: Laura Robson caused another sensational Grand Slam upset to reach the third round of the Australian Open - even if she described the win as "ugly".

DAILY MIRROR: Angry Brendan Rodgers has told Luis Suarez it was "unacceptable" for him to admit to diving. Also: Gianfranco Zola has emerged as a serious contender to become Chelsea's next full-time boss - and help to change the mood at Stamford Bridge.

THE INDEPENDENT: If there were any remaining doubts about Laura Robson's status as the most exciting young talent in women's tennis they evaporated into the hot night air at the Australian Open yesterday. Also: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has taken a calculated risk with this season's single world-class Anfield player, Luis Suarez, by declaring after the Uruguayan admitted diving that his behaviour had been "unacceptable" and "wrong".

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Luis Suarez has been given a verbal dressing-down by his manager Brendan Rodgers and reminded of his responsibilities to promoting Liverpool's image after admitting diving to try to win a penalty. Also: Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher will miss the rest of the season because of a chronic bowel complaint.

THE TIMES: Brendan Rodgers has publicly rebuked Luis Suarez and reminded him of his duty to the ethics of the club after the Liverpool forward admitted to diving in a television interview. Also: It was still 35C at midnight in Melbourne Park, Petra Kvitova's face was covered in a mixture of sweat and tears and Laura Robson was scenting blood. She drew it from the 2011 Wimbledon champion half an hour later to complete a famous victory.

THE GUARDIAN: Supporter's groups have warned the Premier League there is a danger of "future generations being lost" to the game after a Guardian survey revealed its cheapest tickets were the most expensive of the four major leagues in Europe and more than double those in Germany or Italy. Also: The remarkable teenage cool of Laura Robson was a key factor in her stirring if flawed win over the 2011 Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova to reach the third round of the Australian Open, and there may be more drama to come.

 

[sarahmic]

Latest Paper Talk
Saturday January 20

Sir Alex Ferguson joined Southampton supporters in condemning the sacking of Nigel Adkins.
Rafa Benitez will gamble on John Terry in a bid to stop the rot at Chelsea.
Mario Balotelli is all packed up and ready to join AC Milan in a £24million deal.
Chelsea are preparing for a £10million Barcelona raid on goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Aston Villa and Wigan are joining Swansea and West Brom in the race for Bristol City winger Albert Adomah.
Brighton are poised to trump Tottenham, Arsenal and AC Milan for the signature of French wonderkid Jeremy Balmy.

Nigel Adkins knew he was going to be sacked before he met with Southampton supremo Nicola Cortese.
Blackpool want talks with Nigel Adkins about becoming their new manager after his Southampton exit.
Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas has refused to rule out the arrival of Lewis Holtby this month instead of the summer.
Harry Redknapp is trying to persuade Porto defender Rolando to sign for QPR.
Hull are ready to spend £1million on QPR striker DJ Campbell.
Leeds are ready to sign Ivory Coast striker Aruna Dindane.
Birmingham boss Lee Clark has held a crunch meeting with players and told them urgent sales are vital to avoid club redundancies.

New Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino is facing a player revolt after Nigel Adkins was brutally sacked yesterday
Frank Lampard is poised to sign for LA Galaxy this summer after agreeing a deal with the MLS club.
Tottenham have joined the race for Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila.
Paul Lambert admits that Aston Villa may not be able to bring in any fresh faces.
Fulham hope to sign a goalkeeper and Roma's Maarten Stekelenburg is the top target.
Manchester City are keen on 17-year-old PSG striker Hervin Ongenda.
Arsenal want Guingamp midfielder Gilbert Imbula.
QPR defender Anton Ferdinand is a target for Turkish side Bursaspor.
Sevilla want to sign Manchester City striker John Guidetti on loan.
Sheffield Wednesday are in talks over a deal for Gent striker Shlomi Arbeitman.
Leeds are close to sealing a deal for former Portsmouth striker Aruna Dindane.

Nigel Adkins was masterminding Southampton's climb to safety with a noose around his neck after it emerged new manager Mauricio Pochettino was put on standby weeks ago.
Sir Alex Ferguson has waded into the Luis Suarez diving row by blaming foreign players for the escalation of diving in English football.

Roberto Mancini claims he will see out his contract at Manchester City.
Sir Alex Ferguson has told Liverpool to stop Luis Suarez diving - just like he did with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Rafael Benitez is preparing to gamble on John Terry's fitness after admitting his Chelsea squad is short of natural leaders.

Arsenal have broken their wage structure to persuade Theo Walcott to sign a three-and-a-half year contract extension worth £100,000-a-week that will also bring him a £3million loyalty bonus.
Liverpool have launched an audacious £8million bid for Inter Milan's Brazilian youngster Philippe Coutinho.

 

[sarahmic]

THE SUN: Ashley Cole is to sign a new mega deal with Chelsea worth a whopping £10million. Also: Manchester City have been told to drop their £31million asking price for Mario Balotelli tomorrow - or forget about selling him to AC Milan.

SUNDAY MIRROR: Arsene Wenger will be offered a massive £30million deal by Paris Saint-Germain to quit Arsenal this summer. Also: Manchester United's bid to sign the hugely talented Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha is on the brink of collapse.

SUNDAY PEOPLE: Frank Lampard is set to make a sensational summer move to AC Milan - but Ashley Cole will stay at Chelsea for another season. Also: Carlos Tevez wants to quit Manchester City but knows he must wait at least 18 months before returning home to Argentina.

DAILY STAR SUNDAY: AC Milan last night told Man City: We will only pay £15m for Mario Balotelli - take it or leave it. Also: Man United hope to announce the signing of Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha - for an initial £7m fee - in the next 48 hours.

SUNDAY EXPRESS: Ashley Cole will sign a new deal within the next 48 hours to remain at Chelsea for at least another year. Also: Chelsea star Frank Lampard is following the David Beckham trail to Hollywood by agreeing to join LA Galaxy.

MAIL ON SUNDAY: Roman Abramovich last night offered an olive branch to hostile Chelsea fans by giving England defender Ashley Cole a new contract to stay at Stamford Bridge beyond the summer. Also: Lance Armstrong deserves his lifetime ban for doping and should now tell the authorities everything he knows, says the head of the UK Anti-Doping Agency.

INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY: English rugby will be asked to agree to a broadcasting revolution that would see coaches sharing tactics and gameplans with television commentators before matches. Also: Mauricio Pochettino probably thought he had left Spanish football behind when he was announced as Southampton manager on Friday, two months after being sacked by Espanyol.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Lance Armstrong says he deserves to have the "death penalty" of his life ban from elite sport reduced. Also: Ashley Cole has accepted a new one-year contract to remain at Chelsea, with a formal announcement expected tomorrow.

SUNDAY TIMES: Ashley Cole is to stay at Chelsea after reaching agreement on a one-year contract extension. Also: Arsene Wenger says Arsenal need to toughen up and adopt a "more physical and more aggressive" approach to achieve Champions League qualification for a 16th successive season.

THE OBSERVER: A season of struggle for Newcastle United appeared to reach a watershed yesterday when a previously patient crowd at St James' Park turned on their team during the 2-1 defeat to Reading.