What The Sports Pages Say

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THE SUN: Alex Ferguson was 'distraught' as 10-man United crashed out of the Champions League. Also: Chelsea have ramped up the pressure on Rafa Benitez to secure a top-four finish.

DAILY MAIL: Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson reacted with fury as his side crashed out of the Champions League last night - victims of a cruel and undeserved sending off. Also: Tottenham skipper Michael Dawson is back on the England radar almost two years after his last cap.

DAILY MIRROR: Manchester United's Treble dream died as Cristiano Ronaldo scored on his return to Old Trafford. Also: Georgios Samaras is calling on Turkish referee Firat Aydinus to ensure Celtic are not bundled out of the Champions League unfairly tonight.

DAILY EXPRESS: Cristiano Ronaldo broke Manchester United's hearts last night after Nani's sending off swung a tight game Madrid's way. Also: It was a crying shame that on a night when we should have been talking about the exploits of two of Europe's finest football teams, it was the referee who became the big talking point.

DAILY STAR: Manchester United crashed out of the Champions League last night after a controversial red card for Nani. Also: Stuart Pearce has admitted Jack Wilshere will NOT play for his Young Lions this summer.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: This was a good game ruined by a bad referee. A terrible decision by Cuneyt Cakir, sending off Nani for accidentally catching Alvaro Arbeloa, rightly enraged Manchester United players, who surrounded the Turkish official at the end. Good luck to Turkish Airlines renewing that United contract. Also: The Old Trafford public announcement system was playing 'Should I Stay or Should I Go?' by The Clash as news of Wayne Rooney's absence from the Manchester United team seeped out just before 6.45pm last night. It was purely coincidental, of course, but it could not have been more appropriate.

THE TIMES: Sir Alex Ferguson was left seething with rage as Manchester United's Champions League dreams were crushed by Cristiano Ronaldo on a dramatic night at Old Trafford, when a hugely controversial decision to send off Nani helped to sweep Real Madrid into the quarter-finals. Also: Neil Lennon, the Celtic manager, accused Antonio Conte of "talking rubbish" yesterday, as the row over how the Italian side defended in Glasgow three weeks ago continued to dominate the club's Champions League round-of-16 tie.

THE GUARDIAN: It was a night, ultimately, that can be added to the list of Sir Alex Ferguson's more harrowing moments as Manchester United's manager. Also: Only an astonishing second-leg comeback from Celtic would alter the discussion around their tie with Juventus.

THE INDEPENDENT: In his day job the Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir is an insurance agent so he will be well aware of the arbitrary, irrational mishaps that can blight the ordinary lives of everyday folk. He is supposed to be the man who offers mitigation against them, but last night he turned into the force that wreaks the havoc. Also: The game was fewer than 15 minutes old and Wayne Rooney, in his new maroon substitutes' vest, was down near the corner flag with Ashley Young, staring at the action with an intensity which looked like him disguising the fact that his omission from Manchester United's biggest match in a year a half was searing through his head.

 

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Latest Paper Talk
Friday March 8

Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko could hold the key to Wayne Rooney's summer exit from Manchester United ... If Dzeko joins Borussia Dortmund for £20m then the German club will allow star striker Robert Lewandowski to join United who would then allow Rooney to leave for around £35m.
Manchester City are poised to make an £8m bid for Crystal Palace midfielder Jonathan Williams, 19, with Liverpool and Swansea also interested.
Arsenal are looking to sign Auxerre striker Yaya Sanogo who will be out of contract at the end of the season.
Rangers chief executive Charles Green has taken legal advice as he plans to take the former Scottish Premier League club into the English league.
Ken Bates wants to buy a new club after selling Leeds and is considering a move for League Two strugglers Plymouth Argyle.
Dulwich Hamlet striker Daniel Carr, who has hit 23 goals in 23 games for the non-league club this season, will play for Liverpool U21s against West Ham on Monday as part of a week-long trial at Anfield.

Manchester City will not make a move for England striker Wayne Rooney this summer and are instead looking at Napoli's Edinson Cavani and Atletico Madrid's Radamel Falcao.
Liverpool and Spurs are in a £14m fight to sign for Ajax midfield star Christian Eriksen.
Wolves boss Dean Saunders wants to take out-of-favour Southampton midfielder Richard Chaplow, 28, on loan.

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has set his sights on a dream move to Barcelona this summer.
Paul Lambert will not be sacked as Aston Villa manager - even if they are relegated this season.

Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona will not offer Wayne Rooney an escape route if the 27-year-old striker wants to leave Manchester United.
Liverpool have enquired about Eintracht Frankfurt's Peru international central defender Carlos Zambrano, 23, who is valued at around £4.5m.
Meanwhile, Chelsea will attempt to hijack Liverpool's attempts to land Dulwich Hamlet striker Daniel Carr, 18, who is regarded as the hottest non-league property in the country.

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been rewarded for his goal blitz this season with his wages going up to £120,000 per week as the club implement their policy of new, incentive-based contracts.
Martin Jol has opened talks with Fulham about a one-year extension to his current contract.

Wayne Rooney favours a move to Barcelona if he leaves Manchester United - but his hopes could be hit due to a lack of serious interest in him.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce will seek assurances over his transfer budget before committing his long-term future to the club, with his contract expiring in the summer.

Wayne Rooney is in contention to return to Manchester United's starting line-up against Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday, but it has emerged that Paris St Germain were alerted to his potential availability on the transfer market as long ago as last summer.

Wayne Rooney is no longer regarded as an integral part of Manchester United's future by influential supporters' groups, who believe Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to leave him on the bench against Real Madrid was justified.

 

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THE SUN

Manchester United met with Nike officials last night to plot a mega bid for Cristiano Ronaldo. Also: Alex Ferguson is helping Barnsley plot Manchester City's FA Cup downfall.

DAILY MAIL

Sir Alex Ferguson last night promised Wayne Rooney will not be sold as Manchester United prepared an attempt to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo. Also: Carlos Tevez is primed to play in Manchester City's FA Cup quarter-final against Barnsley today despite being arrested on suspicion of another motoring offence.

DAILY EXPRESS

Chelsea will sell Fernando Torres this summer and are prepared to take a £35million loss on the misfit striker. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has told Wayne Rooney he has no regrets about leaving him on the bench against Real Madrid this week.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Sir Alex Ferguson questioned his deep faith in football after Nani was dismissed against Real Madrid. Also : Carlos Tevez is expected to play for Manchester City against Barnsley today, just 48 hours after being arrested for allegedly driving while disqualified - an offence which could lead to a six-month prison sentence.

THE GUARDIAN

Sir Alex Ferguson has given his word that Wayne Rooney will still be a Manchester United player next season, meaning that the striker should be offered a new deal in the summer. Also: Carlos Tevez could face up to six months in prison after he was arrested for allegedly driving when disqualified on Thursday evening, and the striker may also be disciplined by Manchester City.

THE TIMES

There was a sharp intake of breath at Manchester United's training ground yesterday when Sir Alex Ferguson was asked whether, as a violent storm raged around Old Trafford on Tuesday night, he had been as guilty as his players in allowing himself to be thrown off course. Also: Rafael Benitez resisted the chance to be complimentary of Sir Alex Ferguson this week, but the Chelsea interim manager was not in a position to take even the mildest potshot against his former adversary either, before their meeting tomorrow.

DAILY STAR

Real Madrid have told Tottenham they are willing to offer £30m plus Luka Modric to land Gareth Bale. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson insists he was right to axe Wayne Rooney.

DAILY MIRROR

Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted there is no rift between him and Wayne Rooney. Also: Carlos Tevez is set to start for Manchester City today - despite being arrested on suspicion of driving while disqualified.

THE INDEPENDENT

Sir Alex Ferguson had found many a way of quashing Wayne Rooney stories, down the years. Also: Carlos Tevez has been arrested for allegedly driving while disqualified.

 

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Latest Paper Talk
Saturday March 9

Carlos Tevez could face jail after being nicked for allegedly driving while banned.
Manchester United met with Nike officials on Friday to plot a mega bid for Cristiano Ronaldo. An Old Trafford return would cost at least £65million.
Alex Ferguson is helping Barnsley plot Manchester City's FA Cup downfall. The Manchester United boss has given David Flitcroft tactical advice and allowed the Tykes to use United's training ground.
Branislav Ivanovic has delivered a damning verdict on Chelsea's season of failure and warns that time is running out to stop the rot.
Chelsea are interested in £8.5million-rated AC Milan striker M'Baye Niang.
Rio Ferdinand and John Terry could clash on Sunday for the first time since the Chelsea skipper's race row.

Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted there is no rift between him and Wayne Rooney.
Carlos Tevez is set to start for Manchester City on Saturday - despite being arrested on suspicion of driving while disqualified.
James Milner says life with Mario Balotelli was like having a child in the dressing room at Manchester City.
Benfica defender Ezequiel Garay - a Manchester United transfer target - has signed up with controversial 'super-agent' Jorge Mendes in a bid to push through a switch to Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson has given his word that Wayne Rooney will still be a Manchester United player next season, meaning that the striker should be offered a new deal in the summer.
Carlos Tevez could face up to six months in prison after he was arrested for allegedly driving when disqualified on Thursday evening, and the striker may also be disciplined by Manchester City.

Roberto Mancini has refused to rule out the possibility of Edin Dzeko leaving Manchester City in the summer, although he has no desire to push the club's leading scorer through the exit door.

Real Madrid have told Tottenham they will offer £30m and Luka Modric for Gareth Bale.
Sir Alex Ferguson admits he was right to axe Wayne Rooney for their showdown with Real Madrid.
Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard misses the FA Cup clash with Wigan today due to a broken back.

Sir Alex Ferguson has promised Wayne Rooney will not be sold by Manchester United.
Manchester United have joined Arsenal by showing an interest in AZ Alkmaar teenager Adam Maher.
Former Arsenal and Everton striker Francis Jeffers is training with Accrington Stanley.
Bolton want Leicester's Jeffrey Schlupp on loan with the view to a permanent deal.

Chelsea will sell Fernando Torres this summer and are prepared to take a £35m loss on the striker.
Sir Alex Ferguson has no regrets about leaving Wayne Rooney on the bench this week for the match with Real Madrid.
Swansea have put a £5m price tag on manager Michael Laudrup after he signed a new 12-month contract.
Portsmouth fans have signed a deal to buy their club - subject to a court ruling on the value of their Fratton Park ground.

Carlos Tevez is expected to play for Manchester City this weekend in the FA Cup despite being arrested for allegedly driving while disqualified.
Michael Laudrup has put an end to speculation over his future by signing a new contract with Swansea.
Reading striker Jason Roberts is expected to miss the rest of the season as a hip injury requires surgery.

 

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THE SUN Arsene Wenger fears that Jack Wilshere's ankle injury nightmare has returned to haunt him. Also: Lionel Messi weaved his magic as Barcelona made history to reach the last eight of the Champions League.

THE TIMES The world's leading football clubs are to be offered enormous financial inducements to participate in a 24-team tournament every two years in Qatar and neighbouring Gulf states, the Times has learnt. Also: Arsene Wenger revealed his fears last night that Jack Wilshere could suffer a recurrence of the stress fracture that has already cost him 17 months of his career if he is not given regular periods of rest.

DAILY STAR Monaco are ready to launch a blockbusting bid to sign Wayne Rooney. Also: Jose Mourinho's return to Chelsea could hinge on the removal of the club's technical director Michael Emenalo.

DAILY MAIL Arsene Wenger fears a furious backlash from supporters as he prepares to surrender Arsenal's Champions League dream against Bayern Munich tonight. Also: Cristiano Ronaldo has been advised by his agent Jorge Mendes to stay at Real Madrid for another season.

DAILY MIRROR Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes says Arsenal must stop selling their best players if they want to win trophies again. Also: Ryan Giggs wants to replace Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United boss, according to former team-mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

DAILY EXPRESS England will attack Wales in the same way as they did when they achieved their record victory over the All Blacks. Also: Arsene Wenger fears Jack Wilshere is at risk of another injury breakdown - akin to the one that kept him out for more than a year - after admitting he may have overplayed the midfielder.

THE GUARDIAN Arsene Wenger has given Jack Wilshere a three-week break on specialist's orders to guard against the fear that he could develop another stress fracture to his foot. Also: Hurricane Fly, the 13-8 favourite, became only the second horse in Festival history to regain champion status over hurdles when he charged up the hill at Cheltenham yesterday to win his second Champion Hurdle on a bruising afternoon for the bookmakers.

THE INDEPENDENT Arsene Wenger's Arsenal squad was last night in a state of disarray ahead of tonight's Champions League last-16 tie against Bayern Munich, which his team trail 3-1 from the first leg, with goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny rested and midfielder Jack Wilshere one of a number of key players missing through injury. Also: So long as they have Willie Mullins, they need never weaken.

DAILY TELEGRAPH "Ruby, Ruby, Ruby..." has become a regular chant at the Cheltenham Festival over the years and yesterday the huge crowd were at their most vocal as jockey Ruby Walsh dominated with three glorious winners, including the brilliant Hurricane Fly, victory in the main race, the Stan James Champion Hurdle. Also: Reading are set to delay their announcement of a new manager until next week but Roberto Di Matteo is understood to have ruled himself out of contention.

 

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THE SUN: Arsenal agonisingly bowed out of the Champions League. Also: Sprinter Sacre ran his rivals ragged yesterday to with the Champions Chase by 19 lengths.

DAILY MAIL: Arsenal came agonisingly close to pulling off a Champions League miracle against Bayern Munich last night. Also: Sprinter Sacre was elevated to steeplechasing's pantheon with a 19-length annihilation of his rivals in yesterday's Sportingbet Queen Mother Champion Chase.

DAILY MIRROR: Arsenal were left gutted after coming within one goal of shocking Bayern Munich. Also: Zlatan Ibrahimovic could leave Paris Saint-Germain - paving the way for a £35million bid for Wayne Rooney.

DAILY EXPRESS: Arsenal are out of Europe - but they have regained their Champions League respectability in stunning style. Also: Tom Croft will start his first Test for England since breaking his neck in the Six Nations title decider in Cardiff on Saturday.

DAILY STAR: Arsenal just failed to pull off one of the great Champions League comebacks last night. Also: Chelsea were struggling to see the funny side last night after being told they must face Manchester United again on April Fool's Day.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Arsenal went out of Europe with their heads held high. Also: Mark Clattenburg was at the centre of controversy at Ewood Park as Danny Shittu's first-half header secured Millwall's place in next month's FA Cup semi-final against Wigan Athletic at Wembley.

THE TIMES: Arsenal fell just short of an extraordinary Champions League comeback last night as they beat Bayern Munich 2-0 in Germany, only to tumble out of the competition on away goals. Also: Manchester United will lead the opposition to controversial plans to stage a rival Champions League tournament in the Middle East every two years.

THE GUARDIAN: In the end the damage in London proved irreparable. Also: Barry Geraghty likened Sprinter Sacre to Pele after guiding him to a crushing 19-length victory in the Queen Mother Champion Chase on the second day of the Cheltenham Festival yesterday.

THE INDEPENDENT: Arsenal were left with only a top-four finish to fight for after last night's heroic Champions League exit to Bayern Munich, despite winning 2-0. Also: Brazilian authorities face a race against time to complete the rebuilding of the Maracana if the iconic stadium is to be ready to host the friendly with England in June.

 

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Latest Paper Talk
Friday March 15

Roy Hodgson last night told Rio Ferdinand he could go to the World Cup with England - if he makes peace with Ashley Cole.
Thomas Vermaelen and Wojciech Szczesny could be heading for summer Arsenal exits after being ruthlessly axed.
Chelsea look set to give Romelu Lukaku the chance to claim a first-team spot next season.
West Ham are closing in on Vitoria defender Mahamadou N'Diaye.
Millwall are signing Southampton midfielder Richard Chaplow.

Roy Hodgson has recalled Rio Ferdinand and warned: "I don't want any tensions in my camp".
Chelsea have rocked their tired stars by arranging a trip to America days after the end of the season.
Phil Parkinson has emerged as the favourite to land the Reading job.
West Brom boss Steve Clarke has revealed Romelu Lukaku will be back at Chelsea next season.
Liverpool are trailing Sporting Lisbon's Diego Capel.

Roy Hodgson admitted Rio Ferdinand has every right to feel a 'grievance' towards him as he ended the Manchester United defender's international exile.
Wojciech Szczesny is set to clash with Arsene Wenger over the Arsenal manager's plans to sign a new goalkeeper.

Rio Ferdinand was recalled from the international wilderness yesterday and warned not to allow any pent-up tensions to fracture England's team spirit.

Roy Hodgson yesterday recalled Rio Ferdinand - then admitted that the Manchester United centre-back might hold a grudge against him.

Andre Villas-Boas called on UEFA to act tough after Emmanuel Adebayor was subjected to racist abuse as the forward scored a priceless goal to help Tottenham avert disaster and progress on away goals to the Europa League quarter-finals last night.
Arsene Wenger will signal his intention to build a new team at Arsenal by attempting to offload several senior players he believes are underperforming at the end of the season.

 

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DAILY MAIL: England will hurl themselves into today's RBS Six Nations title decider against Wales under the roof of the Millennium Stadium believing they are ready to end their decade-long wait for a Grand Slam. Also: Rio Ferdinand was last night thinking of effectively ending his international career by withdrawing from the England squad for the World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro.

DAILY EXPRESS: England captain Chris Robshaw is ready for his team to throw Welsh hostility back in their faces today and secure a first Grand Slam since the World Cup winners of 2003. Also: Nicky Henderson, already the most successful trainer in Cheltenham Festival history, saddled his 50th winner at the showpiece meeting yesterday.

DAILY STAR: Rio Ferdinand could deliver a humiliating snub to Roy Hodgson and turn down his England recall. Also: FA chairman David Bernstein has slammed the Inter fans who hurled racist abuse at Tottenham players.

DAILY MIRROR: Rio Ferdinand may snub Roy Hodgson by rejecting his England recall. Also: Chris Robshaw insists his England team are prepared for any Welsh dirty tricks ahead of today's Grand Slam showdown.

THE SUN: Rio Ferdinand's England future is on a knife-edge with the Manchester United defender plunged into a club-v-country row. Also: Chris Robshaw believes England can make rugby history in today's Grand Slam showdown against Wales.

THE INDEPENDENT: England have found themselves in some dark places in the 15 months since Stuart Lancaster took over as head coach with a brief to restore the team to something approaching international respectability, but they have yet to pass through a long, dark night of the soul. That dubious pleasure awaits them in Cardiff this evening. Also: Scotland captain Kelly Brown admits the country's best Six Nations campaign in recent memory still might not be enough to see him hold on to the captaincy.

THE TIMES: For the tenth time in 23 years England go into the final match of northern hemisphere rugby's blue-riband tournament with the prospect of a grand slam within reach. Also: Ireland could have been playing for the grand slam this afternoon, with a smidgin of luck. Narrow defeats by England and Scotland, the latter in a match they dominated, and a draw against France means, however, that they could finish the season in last place if they stumble in Rome today and France finally come good.

THE GUARDIAN: Sir Alex Ferguson has cast serious doubt over whether Rio Ferdinand will accept a recall for England in what could prove to be a major embarrassment for the Football Association and the national manager Roy Hodgson. Also: As we scan the skies above the Millennium Stadium and await the first wisps of red or white smoke, it is easy to forget the truly extraordinary pilgrimages both sides have undertaken.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Graham Rowntree last night heightened the expectation that England can land their first Grand Slam for a decade with a victory against Wales in Cardiff by declaring that "it is the right time for us''. Also: England were accused last night of "getting ahead of themselves'' by declaring that winning a Grand Slam in Cardiff today would help their preparations to emerge as serious contenders for the 2015 World Cup.

 

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Man United march on; Villa triumph

A review of Saturday's action in the Barclays Premier League, including Manchester United's win over Reading.

Manchester United need just 13 more points to reclaim the title

Wayne Rooney's 16th goal of the season was enough to propel Manchester United 15 points clear with just nine games remaining in the Barclays Premier League title race as they beat Reading 1-0 at Old Trafford.

Rooney's deflected first-half effort saw off a dogged Royals outfit, who worked hard but lacked the class to fashion an equaliser.

Reading now look certainties for relegation, sliding seven points adrift of safety with one game fewer than United to save themselves.

Thirteen points will do it for Sir Alex Ferguson's men to clinch a record 20th championship - and given one of their remaining games is against nearest challengers Manchester City, they might not even need that.

Premier League

Man Utd 1 - 0 Reading
A Villa 3 - 2 QPR
Swansea 0 - 2 Arsenal
Stoke City 0 - 0 West Brom
Southampto 3 - 1 Liverpool
Everton 2 - 0 Man City


The result saw them take advantage of Manchester City's 2-0 defeat at 10-man Everton earlier in the day.

Leon Osman and Nikica Jelavic struck in either half for the Toffees, who had Steven Pienaar dismissed after picking up two yellow cards.

There was controversy late on as City should have been awarded a penalty for a Marouane Fellaini handball with the scoreline at 1-0.

But, although referee Lee Probert spotted Fellaini's misdemeanour, he only gave a free-kick with replays showing the Belgium international was well inside the area when he blocked Carlos Tevez's strike.

Premier League

1 Man Utd 74
2 Man City 59
3 Tottenham 54
4 Chelsea 52
5 Arsenal 50
6 Everton 48
7 Liverpool 45
8 West Brom 44
9 Swansea 40
10 Stoke City 34
11 Fulham 33
12 West Ham 33



Aston Villa gave their survival hopes another huge boost after beating fellow strugglers QPR 3-2 in an enthralling encounter.

Villa, who beat Reading last time out, fell behind but eventually ran out winners to open up a six-point gap on the bottom three, while Rangers remain rooted to the foot of the table.

Jermaine Jenas struck his second goal in as many games to give Harry Redknapp's side the lead at Villa Park but Gabriel Agbonlahor's header levelled matters on the stroke of half-time.

The hosts had been on the back foot for much of the game but found themselves in front when Andreas Weimann struck on the hour.

QPR showed their new-found belief under Redknapp and equalised through Andros Townsend before Christian Benteke scored a vital winner for Paul Lambert's side - his 17th goal of the season.

Southampton recorded an impressive 3-1 win over Liverpool at St Mary's in a game they dominated for large periods.

The hosts opened the scoring early on through Morgan Schneiderlin and Liverpool-born Rickie Lambert should have doubled Southampton's advantage but shot straight at Brad Jones before the striker saw a deflected free-kick make it 2-0 12 minutes before the break.

Philippe Coutinho cut Liverpool's deficit before the break but Jay Rodriguez scored a tremendous individual effort to wrap up the points and Mauricio Pochettino's second win since replacing Nigel Adkins as Saints' manager.

 

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Latest Paper Talk
Thursday March 21

Luis Suarez has hinted he may be tempted to leave Liverpool in the summer in order to play Champions League football.
England captain Steven Gerrard, 32, feels he's been cursed at tournaments - and is desperate to return from next year's World Cup in Brazil a hero.
Chelsea and Manchester City target Henrikh Mkhitaryan wants to leave Shakhtar Donetsk this summer.
Liverpool and Manchester United are tracking Brazilian centre-half Dede, 24, after Rio de Janeiro club Vasco da Gama admitted they need to sell to ease their financial problems.
Manchester City defender Micah Richards hopes to return for the derby with United on April 8 after knee surgery.

Chelsea and Real Madrid are the leading contenders to sign 29-year-old Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure who is valued at £22m.
Wojciech Szczesny's dad has accused Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger of destroying his son by forcing the keeper to play when he was injured.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has revealed Qatar could lose the 2022 World Cup after calls for the tournament to be played in the winter.

Luis Suarez has plunged is Liverpool future into fresh doubt by admitting his prepared to quit Anfield for a team in the Champions League.
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is Real Madrid's top summer target and the Spanish side will make a £45m bid for the 24-year-old Argentine.

Manchester United will offer Anderson and Nani in part-exchange for 21-year-old Porto winger James Rodriguez who has a buy-out clause of £36m.
Blackburn are in danger of losing midfielder David Dunn, 33, after failing to offer him a new deal.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will seek talks with England manager Roy Hodgson over his use of midfielder Jack Wilshere during the end-of-season internationals.
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, who withdrew from England's World Cup qualifiers to look after his chronic back problem, will fly to Qatar to work on a television broadcast of Friday's game against San Marino.

Chelsea have held a secret meeting with Atletico Madrid over a summer move for their 27-year-old Colombian striker Radamel Falcao.
Athletic Bilbao's Venezuelan defender Fernando Amorebieta, 27, is waiting for Arsenal to make a move for him.
Arsenal plan a cut-price summer swoop for striker Loic Remy if QPR fail to avoid relegation.
Chelsea will make a third move for Bayer Leverkusen striker Andre Schurrle this summer.
Gus Poyet, 45, has been promised a large summer transfer budget to tempt him to leave Brighton and become Reading manager regardless of whether the club stays in the Premier League.

Bayern Munich and Juventus will lead the chase for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez after he hinted he could quit Anfield this summer.
Manchester United have submitted a detailed case to UEFA in a bid to prevent Nani from getting a three-match Champions League ban at Thursday's disciplinary review into the controversial red card the 26-year-old was given against Real Madrid.

Striker Luis Suarez, 26, has cast doubt on his Liverpool future for the first time after admitting he would consider summer offers from rival clubs who will be competing in the Champions League next season.
Manchester City keeper Joe Hart has compared Manchester United to a "killing machine" as he described their relentless pursuit of a 20th domestic championship.

The Football League is to examine a range of measures, including a potentially radical salary cap in the Championship, to offset the effect of vastly increased parachute payments for relegated Premier League clubs that it claims could undermine competition.

Struggling Championship side Blackburn are to be ordered to pay £2m compensation next week by the High Court to Henning Berg, 43, who is one of the three managers they have sacked this season.
Liverpool defender Daniel Agger, 28, has backed manager Brendan Rodgers to bring silverware to Anfield.

 

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THE SUN: Roy Hodgson admitted he is stunned that Rio Ferdinand refused to play for England. Also: Steven Gerrard insists he would not turn his back on England like Rio Ferdinand.

DAILY MAIL: Steven Gerrard last night claimed he could never turn his back on his country after Rio Ferdinand's remarkable snub before England's World Cup qualifier against San Marino tonight. Also: Wimbledon is set to give the green light to a roof above Court No 1 as part of another substantial redevelopment of the All England Club.

DAILY MIRROR: England captain Steven Gerrard says he would never snub England like Rio Ferdinand. Also: Massadio Haidara has slammed the FA for refusing to ban Wigan's Callum McManaman.

DAILY EXPRESS: Rio Ferdinand will be made to sweat over his international future after manager Roy Hodgson banished the defender from his thoughts in order to focus on England's critical World Cup double-header. Also: The FA are at loggerheads with the Premier League after being criticised by chief executive Richard Scudamore for failing to take action over Callum McManaman's horror tackle.

DAILY STAR: Roy Hodgson last night left Rio Ferdinand sweating on his future with the Three Lions. Also: Robin van Persie could be in hot water after branding UEFA officials "cowards".

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The death of Rio Ferdinand's England career was a gentle burial service with few mourners. Also: Steven Gerrard has warned his England team-mates to be prepared for San Marino to adopt any available tactic, whether within the rules or not, to frustrate and restrict them tonight.

THE TIMES: Roy Hodgson defended his handling of the Rio Ferdinand furore last night and suggested that the former captain may not be given another opportunity to play for England by claiming that his fitness regime is no longer his concern. Also: England continued their perfect preparations for the European Under-21 Championship finals in the summer with a record eighth consecutive victory lit up by a thrilling contribution from Wilfried Zaha at Adams Park, the home of Wycombe Wanderers.

THE GUARDIAN: Roy Hodgson insists he has no regrets at having selected Rio Ferdinand in his initial squad for England's World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro. Also: Greg Dyke, the man who rescued TV-am with Roland Rat and went toe-to-toe with Alastair Campbell as director general of the BBC, has agreed to take on the challenge of leading the Football Association in its 150th year.

THE INDEPENDENT: Rio Ferdinand's international future was once again in doubt last night after the Manchester United defender opted to fly to Qatar to work as a television pundit having pulled out of tonight's World Cup qualifier against San Marino citing fitness issues. Also: The eyes of the Welsh nation will turn to Glasgow tonight, with hopes that the pride which has been bursting throughout the streets of Cardiff in the six days since Rob Howley's men sent the country's spirits soaring can extend from rugby union to football.

 

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THE SUN: Rio Ferdinand stuck the knife into England from the comfort of a Doha commentary box. Also: Roy Hodgson's Three Lions went goal crazy as England racked up their biggest win for 26 years.

DAILY MAIL: Roy Hodgson suffered yet another setback last night when he lost Theo Walcott for the crunch World Cup encounter in Montenegro on Tuesday. Also: West Ham's owners have set a target of bringing Champions League football to the Olympic Stadium after confirming yesterday it will be their new home from 2016.

DAILY MIRROR: Roy Hodgson watched England go on a goalscoring spree last night as they enjoyed their biggest win for 26 years. Also: Job done, with the minimum of fuss. Now for the real test.

DAILY EXPRESS: England warmed up for their crunch clash with Montenegro on Tuesday by cruising to victory - as missing Rio Ferdinand came under fire from fans. Also: West Ham co-owner David Sullivan last night vowed to bring Champions League football to the Olympic Stadium after securing a 99-year lease from 2016.

DAILY STAR: England cruised to their expected victory in San Marino last night. Also: Manchester United were last night said to have agreed a £17m deal for Argentina star Ezequiel Garay.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: England fans chanted "Rio, Rio, what's the score?" as Roy Hodgson's side rattled in goal after goal against opponents whose joint-bottom Fifa ranking appeared generous. Also: Manchester United winger Nani will be banned for just one European match following his controversial red card against Real Madrid on March 5, while Alex Ferguson has been fined £8500 for refusing to speak to the media after the game.

THE TIMES: No easy games at international level? Oh, come on. A match against San Marino, 207th and joint-bottom of the world rankings, is as easy as it gets, as England demonstrated by scoring eight times to equal their biggest victory since 1982. Also: What Gareth Bale did in Cardiff last October, Aaron Ramsey and Hal Robson-Kanu did at Hampden Park last night.

THE GUARDIAN: Not an easy game, Roy Hodgson had claimed beforehand, and at the time the England manager did not appear to have his fingers crossed beneath the table. Also: On a freezing night in Glasgow Wales weathered the snowstorm to ruin Gordon Strachan's first competitive game in charge of Scotland.

THE INDEPENDENT: There are few things as absurd in international football as the San Marino football team but when all is said and done, the students, teachers, business consultants, gym owners and accountants have to be beaten and, let's be honest, they have to be beaten well. Also: There surely could be no surprise that Karren Brady was so ecstatic about her club's massive endowment from the taxpayer.

 

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THE SUN SUNDAY: Steven Gerrard last night refused to condemn England fans for barracking stay-away defender Rio Ferdinand. Also: Jose Mourinho has dropped a huge hint about a sensational summer return to Chelsea.

SUNDAY MIRROR: Chelsea are locked in a contract row over teenager Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Also: Steven Gerrard claims England fans have the right to sing what they want about Rio Ferdinand.

DAILY STAR SUNDAY: Steven Gerrard last night defended the right of the England fans to demonstrate their feelings about Rio Ferdinand. Also: David Beckham went from role model to fall guy yesterday when he landed on his Beck-side during a football demonstration...Michael Owen last night sensationally accused old club Newcastle of lying...Man United have started the search of Rio Ferdinand's successor, with Porto's £20m-rated central defender Eliaquim Mangala, 22, emerging as a top target...Chelsea hope they will finally get their man when they launch a £25million summer swoop for Everton's attacking midfielder Marouane Fellaini, 25.

SUNDAY EXPRESS: Skipper Steven Gerrard has backed the travelling England fans who slated Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand for his no-show in San Marino. Also: Michael Owen has accused former club Newcastle of lying about offering him a new deal in 2009...Everton boss David Moyes is being lined up for a summer switch to big spenders Sunderland.

MAIL ON SUNDAY: England captain Steven Gerrard has warned Wayne Rooney not to lose his head again in the cauldron of Montenegro, with England's World Cup hopes resting in the balance on Tuesday night. Also: Sky Sports have confirmed that they are in talks with former England captain Andrew Strauss over him joining their stellar commentary team for this summer's Ashes series.

THE SUNDAY TIMES: This year's Lions captain may sit on the sidelines for the three Tests against Australia, ending the age-old tradition of leading his men into the toughest battles. Also: Roy Hodgson has railed against the "disrespectful" treatment of England centre-backs Joleon Lescott and Chris Smalling, saying they have been belittled by continual debate over Rio Ferdinand's withdrawal from his squad and lamentations that John Terry has retired...A US multimillionaire has agreed a deal to purchase a half share of Coventry City's stadium with a view to buying the League One club out of an impending administration.

THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Steven Gerrard has defended the right of England fans to abuse Rio Ferdinand over his withdrawal from the squad last week. Also: Roy Hodgson reaches the first defining point of his time as England manager on Tuesday evening in the Montenegrin capital of Podgorica.

INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY: Roy Hodgson is poised to make up to six changes to the England team that beat San Marino 8-0 on Friday night for the World Cup Group H qualifier against Montenegro on Tuesday that the national team cannot afford to lose. Also: After a quiet night in San Marino enlivened only by his fifth goal in four England games this season, Wayne Rooney will become the centre of attention again as he takes the field on Tuesday for a serious football match against Montenegro.

THE OBSERVER: Steven Gerrard has urged his England team-mates to "take responsibility" and maintain their discipline as they focus on the daunting prospect of Tuesday's trip to Montenegro, with the squad braced for a hostile occasion against the Group H leaders in Podgorica. Also: McLaren's team leader, Martin Whitmarsh, has admitted responsibility for going into the new Formula One season with an uncompetitive car...Northern Ireland's World Cup qualifier against Fabio Capello's Russia side was postponed for the second time within 24 hours as freezing weather conditions wreaked havoc with the sporting calendar.

THE PEOPLE: Harry Redknapp will be asked to lead West Ham towards the Olympic Stadium if they part company with Sam Allardyce. Also: Steven Gerrard last night refused to condemn England supporters over their venomous attacks on the absent Rio Ferdinand in San Marino.

 

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THE SUN: Wayne Rooney will make Montenegro pay if they try to wind him up tomorrow. Also: Jose Mourinho will make an emotional return to Chelsea today.

DAILY MAIL: Montenegro skipper Mirko Vucinic has taunted Wayne Rooney ahead of the crucial clash against England tomorrow night, branding the striker a loose cannon. Also: If looks could kill, Sebastian Vettel would be a dead man after he disobeyed team orders and overtook Red Bull colleague Mark Webber to win the Malaysian Grand Prix.

DAILY MIRROR: Wayne Rooney is ready to unleash a World Cup "backlash" on Montenegro tomorrow. Also: Mark Webber went to war with Red Bull team-mate Sebastian Vettel after the German pipped him at the post in Malaysia.

DAILY EXPRESS: Just lay off Wayne Rooney. Also: Arsenal are in danger of being priced out of a move for striker Stevan Jovetic, who is aiming to wreck England's World Cup tomorrow.

DAILY STAR: Wayne Rooney has been warned that Montenegro are out to get him. Also: Jose Mourinho is heading back to Chelsea, according to one of his former coaches.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: In an explosive and quite extraordinary Malaysian Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel brazenly disobeyed team orders to claim his 27th victory yesterday from his incandescent Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber. Also: Montenegro have been warned that any attempt to provoke Wayne Rooney into another reckless red card tomorrow night could backfire and only inspire the England striker to produce a match-winning performance.

THE TIMES: Sebastian Vettel faces a reprimand from Red Bull after deliberately ignoring team orders to snatch victory from his team-mate at the Malaysian Grand Prix yesterday. Also: There will not be too much pre-Ashes gloating, given the difficulties England have been having in Auckland, but a fourth successive defeat for Australia in India, the latest inside three days in Delhi, leaves the oldest enemy with a few tricky questions to answer about selection and character before the come to England in the summer.

THE GUARDIAN: Red Bull's Mark Webber said he was considering his future after his team-mate, Sebastian Vettel, robbed him of victory in Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix in defiance of orders from the team principal, Christian Horner. Also: In different circumstances Joleon Lescott might have been on a quick getaway to Paris to help take his mind off another bruising disappointment and the alarming sense that the chance to play in his first World Cup might elude him.

THE INDEPENDENT: Wayne Rooney will step into the City Stadium in Podgorica tomorrow night a calmer individual more able to handle the pressure of a high-stakes qualifying game in a hostile atmosphere, according to his England team-mate Joleon Lescott. Also: It should have been a celebration not just of a timely Red Bull one-two that catapulted the team from Milton Keynes to the top of both the drivers' and constructors' world championships, but also of Sebastian Vettel equalling Sir Jackie Stewart's tally of 27 grand prix victories.

 

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THE SUN: Steven Gerrard hit back at mouthy Montenegro coach Branko Brnovic last night. Also: Tiger Woods has taken golf's No 1 spot off Rory McIlroy.

DAILY MAIL: Steven Gerrard responded to Montenegro's dirty tricks by ordering England's senior players to keep their cool in tonight's World Cup qualifier or risk blowing their last chance of success. Also: West Ham are ready to begin talks with manager Sam Allardyce this week over a new three-year contract.

DAILY MIRROR: England players have been labelled 'arrogant' in an astonishing attack by the man plotting their downfall tonight. Also: Jose Mourinho is close to a Chelsea return after Roman Abramovich agreed to swallow his pride and reappoint the 'Special One'.

DAILY EXPRESS: Montenegro striker Mirko Vucinic believes the central defensive pairing of Joleon Lescott and Chris Smalling are England's weak point - and says they should not even be in the team. Also: Roman Abramovich is close to clinching a deal to bring Jose Mourinho back to Chelsea.

DAILY STAR: Mouthy Montenegro boss Branko Brnovic last night told England: ''You're just a long-ball team and you don't scare us.'' Also: Roman Abramovich has told Jose Mourinho he wants him back at Chelsea.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: England were accused on Monday of being arrogant, scared and simply a long-ball team as Branko Brnovic, the Montenegro coach, launched an extraordinary attack before Tuesday's pivotal World Cup qualifier and sparked an immediate response from Steven Gerrard, the captain. Also: Nigel Adkins has been promised a £1.5million survival bonus and substantial transfer funds for this summer if he takes over at Reading.

THE TIMES: Steven Gerrard dismissed claims by Montenegro of English arrogance and insisted that the home team have more to fear before their crucial World Cup qualifier in Podgorica tonight. Also: In a packed room at Podgorica's City Stadium yesterday, The Montenegrin Mourinho put on a bravura performance.

THE GUARDIAN: The Montenegro coach, Branko Brnovic, believes his side will confront an England team running scared on Tuesday, suggesting the visitors have been arrogant in their attitude towards progress to Brazil and dismissing their apparent concerns over the state of the turf at the City Stadium by claiming the English have "always favoured long passes". Also: Steven Gerrard has dismissed Branko Brnovic's pre-match criticisms of England and suggested the Montenegro coach's comments actually revealed the visitors have their hosts "right where we want them", with the locals perturbed by the size of the task ahead.

THE INDEPENDENT: Steven Gerrard said last night that England had got Montenegro "exactly where we want them" after manager Branko Brnovic produced a remarkable diatribe against Roy Hodgson's team before tonight's World Cup qualifier, accusing them of being scared and using long-ball tactics. Also: Is he back? You bet, roared the galleries in Florida, who watched Tiger Woods add the Arnold Palmer Invitational tonight to the WGC-Cadillac Championship he won two weeks ago. Appropriately enough for a regal golfer, Woods received the Bay Hill trophy from the King, Arnold Palmer himself. The coronation confirmed Woods as the world's No 1 golfer for the first time since October 2010.

 

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THE INDEPENDENT: England captain Steven Gerrard insisted Roy Hodgson's side can still qualify automatically for next year's World Cup in Brazil. Also: Owner Anton Zingarevich admitted yesterday that Nigel Adkins' promotion expertise - rather than his survival skills - got him appointed as Reading manager.

THE TIMES: England suffered the chastening experience of history repeating itself last night as they were pegged back and made to settle for a draw with Montenegro as their World Cup qualifying prospects suffered a blow. Also: Jenson Button has warned that the war between Red Bull's drivers could cost them the World Championship.

THE SUN: England's rocky road to Rio was last night blocked by a Dam. Also: Bolton were last night accused of being the meanest club in Britain after axing captain Kevin Davies five days before he is due a testimonial.

DAILY MAIL: England's World Cup dream was under threat last night after a late equaliser put paid to Wayne Rooney's bid for glory. Also: The new Reading manager Nigel Adkins has crammed plenty into his 10-week spell away from football.

DAILY MIRROR: Roy Hodgson had victory snatched from his grasp as England buckled in Montenegro. Also: Wales' faint World Cup hopes evaporated as Gareth Bale badly misfired despite scoring from the spot.

DAILY STAR: England hung on for a desperate draw in Montenegro last night. Also: Nigel Adkins has revealed he was talked into becoming Reading's new manager by sacked Brian McDermott.

THE GUARDIAN: It was a night, ultimately, of disappointment for England bearing in mind their supremacy in the first half and the potentially serious ramifications of what happened when they lost their way after the interval. Also: In the most nail-biting end to a series, England defied the odds and batted out the last day of the final Test in Auckland to share the series with New Zealand.

DAILY EXPRESS: England were lucky to come away with a point last night after substitute Dejan Damjanovic spoiled their party. Also: Jose Mourinho has reiterated his desire to return to Chelsea by saying: "One day, I have to be back."

DAILY TELEGRAPH: On a night of early hope and ultimate pain, England were as wretched and nerve-riddled in the second half here as they had been fluid and confident in the first. Also: Jose Mourinho continued his flirtation with Chelsea during a visit to London yesterday.

 

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DAILY MIRROR: Roberto Mancini is being offered a £170million transfer fund to tempt him to move to Monaco. Also: Roy Hodgson last night admitted he fears England could be forced into the lottery of a World Cup play-off.
Roy Hodgson: Fears England could end up in the play-offs


THE SUN: Roy Hodgson admits he may have bodged our chances of automatic World Cup qualification. Also: Bernie Ecclestone says Sebastian Vettel was right to ignore his boss Christian Horner.

DAILY STAR: Wayne Rooney yesterday admitted that World Cup minnows Montenegro gave England a lesson. Also: Tottenham are plotting a move to pip Liverpool in the race to sign £8m-rated Thomas Ince.

DAILY EXPRESS: Roy Hodgson has raised for the first time the possibility that England could be condemned to the lottery of the play-offs as they seek to salvage their World Cup hopes. Also: Manchester United are determined to make the Sunderland fans pay for their taunts on the final day of last season.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: The Football Association stands to miss out on as much as £26 million in income if England fail to qualify for next year's World Cup and could also be left in a seriously weakened position when it comes to negotiating new sponsorship deals at the end of the 2013-14 season, industry experts have warned. Also: FIFA will today study the reports of referee Jonas Eriksson and their match delegate before deciding whether to take disciplinary action against Montenegro for the behaviour of their fans in the 1-1 draw with England on Tuesday night.

THE TIMES: Joe Hart accused his England team-mates of complacency yesterday as the realisation grew among the players that they face a battle to qualify for next year's World Cup. Also: FIFA will decide today whether to open disciplinary proceedings against Montenegro after England's players were repeatedly pelted with missiles during the World Cup qualifier.

THE GUARDIAN: Birmingham City, in financial difficulties due to the imminent trial of their chairman Carson Yeung for alleged money-laundering, face further serious questions about the club's governance and transparency, based on internal information seen by the Guardian. Also: Roy Hodgson has accepted for the first time that England may have to qualify for next year's World Cup in Brazil through the play-offs as the national manager contemplates a daunting game of catch-up in Group H.

THE INDEPENDENT: There are growing concerns surrounding the viability of England's prestigious friendly against Brazil going ahead in Rio de Janeiro this summer after the city's Olympic Stadium was yesterday closed indefinitely amid fears the roof could collapse. Also: Roy Hodgson has conceded that England might have to qualify for the World Cup finals next summer via the play-offs in November after the 1-1 draw with Montenegro on Tuesday night left them unbeaten but two points adrift of the Group H leaders.

 

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DAILY MIRROR: England were last night facing the nightmare prospect of playing their next World Cup qualifier behind closed doors. Also: Roberto Mancini has accused his Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany of defying him by playing for Belgium against Macedonia.

THE SUN: Roberto Mancini has rapped Vincent Kompany for defying him to play for Belgium. Also: The economy will be hit for £1billion if England fail to make the World Cup finals.

DAILY STAR: Furious Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has told Vincent Kompany: Put your club first. Also: Rafa Benitez says John Terry is better off without England - and that Chelsea will benefit from his decision to quit international football.

DAILY EXPRESS: Arsene Wenger says that England are in deep trouble if they are relying solely on Jack Wilshere to solve all their problems. Also: Frank Lampard wants Jose Mourinho to become the next Chelsea manager, so he can work alongside the Special One in a coaching role.

DAILY MAIL: England have been reported to FIFA over alleged racist chanting by fans towards Rio Ferdinand and his brother Anton. Also: Oscar Pistorius could compete at the World Athletics Championships in August despite being accused of murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: England supporters were reported to Fifa on Thursday night for alleged racist chanting towards Rio Ferdinand and his brother Anton by Football Against Racism in Europe (Fare). Also: Steve Clarke has accused Peter Odemwingie of damaging West Bromwich Albion's impressive season and ordered the forward to stop sniping at the club on Twitter.

THE TIMES: England face the possibility of having to play a World Cup qualifier at an empty stadium after thier fans were accused of racist chanting. Also: Arsene Wenger turned up the pressure on Tottenham Hotspur yesterday, reminding them that his Arsenal side have twice come from behind to deny them a place in the Champions League.

THE GUARDIAN: Roberto Mancini said he was disappointed with Vincent Kompany after the Manchester City captain decided, against his manager's express wishes, to play for Belgium in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Macedonia. Also: England have been reported to Fifa after fans allegedly aimed racial abuse at Rio and Anton Ferdinand during last week's 8-0 victory over San Marino.

THE INDEPENDENT: The sports psychiatrist who has been employed by Liverpool to replicate the methods which have played a huge part in British Cycling's Olympic success has urged the club to make a Premier League title or top-four finish an aspiration rather than a concrete goal. Also: Martin O'Neill spent Wednesday morning at a Sunderland supporters' forum. It is yet another time on Wearside to rally the troops. The football club he has managed for almost 16 months is in serious trouble. The fans were generous. There was humour, but its colour was black.

 

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DAILY MIRROR: The FA last night broke its silence on the Rio Ferdinand abuse row to warn they will ban any England fan guilty of racist chanting. Also: Arsene Wenger has warned his players to reach the Champions League or risk being sold.

THE SUN: Rio Ferdinand's racism row escalated last night when the FA said they had no evidence of the vile chants from fans. Also: Michael Laudrup has a £10million price on his head.

DAILY STAR: Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Rio Ferdinand to beat the boo-boys. Also: Chelsea have edged ahead of Manchester City and Real Madrid in the race to net £40m striking sensation Falcao.

DAILY EXPRESS: Arsene Wenger has warned his players they are playing for their Arsenal futures after threatening a summer clearout. Also JT McNamara has been left paralysed after his fall at the Cheltenham Festival.

DAILY MAIL: The Football Association have raised major question marks over allegations England supporters racially abused the Ferdinand brothers in San Marino last week. Also: Arsene Wenger has warned his under-achieving stars that they are playing for their Arsenal futures.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Arsene Wenger has warned Arsenal's players that they are playing for their future at the club over the last nine games of the season. Also: Rafael Benitez says that he must take risks with some of his players as they face the "impossible" task of performing at their best twice in 48 hours this Easter weekend.

THE TIMES: Rafael Benitez insists it will be impossible for his Chelsea players to perform to the same high level twice in 48 hours as his team chase a Champions League place and FA Cup success. Also: David Moyes has given the strongest hint yet that he could remain at Everton beyond this season.

THE GUARDIAN: Robbie Rogers needs to be brave again on another freezing morning in east London. Also: The Football Association has responded to the alleged racist abuse of Rio and Anton Ferdinand by stating that so far "we have not found any recorded evidence of the specific discriminatory chanting".

THE INDEPENDENT: Rafael Benitez remembers it was a different Sir Alex Ferguson he met at Stade de France, on a May night in Paris seven years ago.

 

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SUNDAY TIMES: Martin O'Neill was sacked as manager of Sunderland last night only hours after his side lost 1-0 to Manchester United. Also: Brendan Rodgers plans to open contract talks with Steven Gerrard this week and hopes to persuade Liverpool's owners to relax their policy of focusing investment on younger players by inducing the midfielder to stay at Anfield.

SUNDAY MIRROR: Frank de Boer has emerged as the front runner to replace Roberto Mancini at Manchester City. Also: Martin O'Neill was last night sacked as manager of Sunderland.

SUNDAY PEOPLE: David Cameron wants Celtic and Rangers to play their football in England. Also: Martin O'Neill was last night sacked as Sunderland boss.

THE OBSERVER: Rafael Benitez defended his controversial team selection at Southampton after Chelsea suffered a 2-1 defeat that jeopardises their pursuit of Champions League qualification, and defiantly insisted his side will finish in the top four. Also: Laura Trott has declared an ambitious intent to win seven Olympic gold medals during her career - a feat which would make her Britain's most decorated Olympian.

DAILY STAR SUNDAY: Liverpool want to open talks with skipper Steven Gerrard about a new two-year contract. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday saluted the "courage" of his players as they closed in on the Premier League title.

THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY: Martin O'Neill last night parted company with Sunderland as manager after yesterday's 1-0 defeat by Manchester United. Also: The battle to retain their title may have been lost but Manchester City are not yet ready to declare a ceasefire.

MAIL ON SUNDAY: Rio Ferdinand will be offered a new one-year deal by Manchester United next month and be given the opportunity to extend his playing career into his 36th year. Also: Rory McIlroy insisted yesterday that he will be right for the Masters next week after adding another tournament to his schedule.

SUNDAY EXPRESS: Jose Mourinho is returning to Chelsea - and wants to bring Cristiano Ronaldo with him to Stamford Bridge. Also: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers wants skipper Steven Gerrard to sign a new contract.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: The pressure mounted on Rafael Benitez last night after his gamble in making seven changes to his Chelsea side backfired spectacularly as they slumped to a 2-1 defeat at Southampton that raised fears over their chances of qualifying for next season's Champions League. Also: Liverpool are considering a move for Swansea City goalkeeper Michel Vorm as part of a summer shake-up planned by manager Brendan Rodgers.

THE SUN ON SUNDAY: Roy Hodgson has told his weary England stars to be available for the summer friendlies against Ireland and Brazil. Also: Robin van Persie must wait to see whether his Manchester United goal drought is over.