What The Sports Pages Say

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THE SUN: Arsene Wenger last night insisted he will not sell Robin van Persie to Manchester City this summer. Also: Golden girls Jessica Ennis and Rebecca Adlington went through agony and ecstasy yesterday.

DAILY MAIL: The agony was slow to dawn on Jessica Ennis. She celebrated as the screen flashed her name up with the numeral 1 next to it and, then, as the maths was slowly, agonisingly calculated her position was brought up to date and she was declared second. Also: Olympics Minister Hugh Robertson last night declared that every British Olympian should know the words to the National Anthem.

DAILY MIRROR: Arsene Wenger has vowed never to sell Robin van Persie or any other player to Manchester City. Also: Marcelo Bielsa has snubbed two approaches from Roman Abramovich - because he will not speak to intermediaries.

DAILY EXPRESS: Arsene Wenger has vowed not to sell Robin van Persie to Manchester City this summer - even if he does not sign a new contract. Also: Jessica Ennis took another blow yesterday but vowed to fight back and win gold for Britain at the London Olympics.

DAILY STAR: Arsene Wenger has promised fans that Robin van Persie is staying put. Also: Roberto Di Matteo has backed misfiring striker Fernando Torres to come good.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Stand-in coach Roberto di Matteo has no time for sentiment but he still believes he has the support of the Chelsea dressing room. Also: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is to keep striker Robin van Persie for another year even if he does not extend his contract this summer.

THE GUARDIAN: Arsene Wenger insists Robin van Persie will not be leaving, saying Arsenal 'will not lose anybody to Man City'. Also: Jessica Ennis set a pentathlon PB but had to settle for second behind Ukraine's Nataliya Dobrynska.

THE INDEPENDENT: Caretaker coach Stuart Lancaster will be in a strong position if he guides England to victory over the French in Paris. Also: Harry Redknapp, the Tottenham manager, is seemingly prepared to upset David Moyes on his 10-year anniversary match by playing Louis Saha against Everton despite a "gentlemen's agreement" between the pair.

 

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HE SUN: Red-hot Wayne Rooney turned the Premier League race on its head yesterday. Also: Mario Balotelli and Yaya Toure had a heated half-time row as Manchester City blew their title advantage.

DAILY MAIL: Manu Tuilagi set England on their way to a storming victory here yesterday that may confirm Stuart Lancaster in the head coach's job. Also: The chief coach of Britain's athletics team declared they were on target for Olympic glory after rounding off the World Indoor Championships with a flurry of medals here yesterday, including gold in the women's relay.

DAILY MIRROR: Roberto Mancini last night vowed Manchester City would fight to the bitter end in the title race after a shock defeat to Swansea. DAILY EXPRESS: Roberto Mancini last night admitted he was looking to Carlos Tevez to give Manchester City new impetus as his team conceded the Premier League leadership for the first time in five months. Also: Already a triple Olympic track gold medallist and a major Tour de France favourite, Bradley Wiggins yesterday took another big step up cycling's road-racing ladder with Britain's first win in the Paris-Nice event in 45 years.

DAILY STAR: Manchester City went into meltdown as they were knocked off the top of the table at Swansea. Also: Arsene Wenger has laid into Luis Suarez and the rest of the Premier League's play-actors.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: There was a ringing endorsement from England's leading players last night for Stuart Lancaster to be given the head coach position on a permanent basis after the 24-22 victory over France. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has challenged Wayne Rooney to break the 40-goal barrier this season and propel Manchester United to the Premier League title.

THE TIMES: Stuart Lancaster's hopes of becoming England head coach were given a significant boost with a nail-biting victory against France in Paris yesterday. Also: An eagle-eyed cameraman captured several Manchester City fans in tears after Luke Moore, the cut-price journeyman, put a dent in Sheikh Monsour's £1billion project, which does not augur well for the rest of the season.

THE GUARDIAN: The title race swung dramatically back towards the red half of Manchester yesterday as Wayne Rooney fired United top of the Premier League, as cross-town rivals City slipped up. Also: England's captain, Chris Robshaw, has urged the Rugby Football Union to give Stuart Lancaster and his fellow coaches its long-term backing following yesterday's record-breaking 24-22 victory in Paris.

THE INDEPENDENT: After his side lost the leadership of the Premier League for the first time in five months, Roberto Mancini argued the title will be decided by next month's Manchester derby. Also: British cycling's seemingly unstoppable rise over the last decade saw it pass another major landmark yesterday when Bradley Wiggins became the first Briton to claim a victory in the Paris-Nice stage race in 45 years.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: John Terry has blasted the Chelsea outsiders who accuse the English stars of running the club. Also: QPR face a financial nightmare if they are relegated - because none of their stars will be forced to take a pay cut.

DAILY MIRROR: Steven Gerrard hit a hat-trick to halt Liverpool's slide and wreck David Moyes' 10th anniversary celebrations. Also: John Terry last night broke his silence on Fabio Capello and paid the former England boss a glowing public tribute.

DAILY EXPRESS: Steven Gerrard scored a hat-trick in his 400th league game to ruin David Moyes' 10th anniversary party as Everton manager. Also: John Terry believes that tonight could be one of the greatest moments in Chelsea's history if they can pull off mission impossible against Napoli.

DAILY STAR: Lukas Podolski had a medical yesterday, paving the way for Arsenal to snap up the £10.9m striker. Also: John Terry publicly thanked Fabio Capello for the first time last night for backing him during his England race row.

DAILY MAIL: Steven Gerrard ruined David Moyes' 10th anniversary as Everton manager as he became the first player to score a hat-trick in the Merseyside derby since Ian Rush 30 years ago. Also: The first day of the Cheltenham Festival was tragically overshadowed by the deaths of three horses - the worst toll in one day at National Hunt's most prestigious meeting since 2006.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Steven Gerrard blew out the candles on David Moyes' 10th anniversary cake in emphatic fashion at a raucous Anfield last night. Also: Arsene Wenger has emerged as a potential candidate for the England manager's vacancy, with senior Football Association executives taking soundings on his suitability for the post.

THE GUARDIAN: John Terry has urged his Chelsea team-mates to transform a campaign apparently teetering on the brink into "one of our best seasons ever" and warned that the club's ability to challenge in the long term will effectively be determined by the next three months. Also: Carlos Tevez could yet remain at Manchester City beyond the end of the season despite his problems at the club.

THE INDEPENDENT: John Terry spoke for the first time last night about Fabio Capello's resignation as England manager and thanked the Italian coach for standing by him in spite of the Football Association's insistence that the defender be stripped of the captaincy of the national team for the second time. Also: Rangers have launched a 'Rangers Fans Fighting Fund' to help meet running costs while the club is in administration.

THE TIMES: John Terry thanked Fabio Capello, the former England manager, last night for standing by him after he was stripped of the captaincy of his country for a second time. Also: Tottenham Hotspur believe that they have edged ahead of Arsenal in the scramble to sign Jan Vertonghen, who is likely to be the most sought-after defender in Europe this summer.

 

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THE SUN: Branislav Ivanovic's extra-time winner sent Chelsea through - and completed one of the greatest-ever European comebacks. Also: Carlos Tevez looks set for a Manchester City return at home to Chelsea next week.

DAILY MIRROR: Branislav Ivanovic fired Chelsea to an incredible Champions League victory last night. Also: Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards brought shame on England last night after accusing FIFA and UEFA of "stealing" the game - hours before falling fully-clothed into a hotel pool.

DAILY STAR: Chelsea produced one of the all-time great Euro comebacks last night. Also: Dereck Chisora was last night banned from boxing after being stripped of his licence.

DAILY EXPRESS: Chelsea staged one of the great European comebacks by overturning a 3-1 first leg deficit to go through against Napoli last night. Also: Dereck Chisora was yesterday handed an indefinite ban by the British Boxing Board of Control in Cardiff.

DAILY MAIL: Chelsea stormed into the last eight of the Champions League last night and hailed a great European comeback as one of their finest performances. Also: Dereck Chisora was banished from the ring last night as boxing took a stand against the thugs who are threatening the sport's very existence.

THE GUARDIAN: The Premier League was last night forced to distance itself from its own chairman after an embarrassing rant in which he accused FIFA and UEFA of "stealing" the game from Britain and told his Middle Eastern hosts they had their "heads in the sand" over proposed alcohol restrictions at the Qatar World Cup in 2022. Also: Dereck Chisora has been banned from boxing - at least for "a few years", according to the British Boxing Board of Control general secretary Robert Smith - for brawling with David Haye in Munich last month.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Chelsea's old guard dug deep last night as Branislav Ivanovic scored the winner on a night of classic drama at Stamford Bridge to send the West London club through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Also: Sir Dave Richards has risked poisoning relations with football's international governing bodies after accusing them of "stealing" football from England.

THE TIMES: Chelsea stormed into the Champions League quarter-finals for the seventh time in nine years last night with a thrilling 4-1 extra-time victory over Napoli. Also: As the British Boxing Board of Control effectively washed its hands of Dereck Chisora, telling him that he is "not a fit and proper person" to hold a licence, the Londoner faced the cameras and struck a defiant note.

THE INDEPENDENT: One of English football's best known administrators will face pressure to resign this morning after making the extraordinary claims that FIFA and UEFA "stole" the game that "England owned and brought to the rest of the world". Also: The Chelsea old guard will have to step off the stage at some point but last night they demonstrated that they intend to write at least one more famous chapter in the club's history - and there will be few European nights at Stamford Bridge quite as glorious as this one.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE TIMES: Manchester football fans, usually such bitter rivals, were joined in misery last night after both United and City crashed out of Europe for the second time in four months. Also: The deepest affections of racing folk tread delicately between joy and despair. Seldom will that line seem finer than this afternoon, when Kauto Star emerges to run in his sixth Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup, striving to win back the crown for a second time at the age of 12.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Welcome to Manchester. Facing Europa League humiliation, only a 95th-minute save from a Joe Hart header denied Manchester City an amazing passage to the quarter-finals. Just like Manchester United, City will not take their place in today's draw for the last eight. Also: Stuart Lancaster showed no signs yesterday of taking his foot off the accelerator in pursuit of his "dream job", despite the fact that tomorrow's RBS Six Nations Championship match against Ireland at Twickenham might be the last occasion on which he prepares the senior England team.

THE INDEPENDENT: Now we come to the most compelling question, the one that this afternoon carries the power to both rivet and maybe haunt all those who care about Kauto Star. Also: Were it not for a steadfast determination to do things the hardest way possible, Manchester City might yet be in the draw for the Europa League quarter-finals today rather than wondering how they find themselves eliminated by Portugal's fourth best team.

THE GUARDIAN: Sir Alex Ferguson admitted that he could have no complaints after Manchester United were knocked out of the Europa League by an outstanding Athletic Bilbao side who he hopes will go on to win the competition. Also: A stable worker from Lambourn has gone into hiding after apparently landing the bet of a lifetime, winning a sum that rumours suggest was approaching £1m.

DAILY EXPRESS: It was a dismal evening for Manchester as United and City were both dumped out of Europe for a second time despite the latter's thrilling fightback. Also: Petr Cech says the confidence has returned to Chelsea and they fear no one in today's Champions League quarter-final draw.

DAILY MAIL: There was misery in Europe again for Manchester last night, as both United and City crashed out for the second time this season. Also: Big Buck's yesterday created racing history with his fourth win in the feature Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

DAILY MIRROR: Manchester City just failed to complete a magnificent comeback on an incredible night at the Etihad Stadium. Also: Louis Saha last night admitted he is dreaming of playing his way into the France team to face England at the Euros.

THE SUN: Joe Hart came within inches of snatching a dramatic Europa League winner for City. Also: Didier Drogba insists he wants to stay at Chelsea after keeping his Champions League dream alive.

DAILY STAR: Manchester drew a Euro double blank last night as both United and City were dumped out of the Europa League. Also: Roberto Di Matteo wants to be in charge of Chelsea next season, according to his No.2 Eddie Newton.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: Roman Abramovich is still set to wield the axe this summer, despite Chelsea's Champions League heroics against Napoli. Also: Wolves will step up security measures tomorrow - to protect players from their own fans.

DAILY MIRROR: Spurs will throw everything at Jose Mourinho to entice him to the club if Harry Redknapp quits as boss. Also: Wolves players will be given a 'secret' exit door out of Molineux - if there is another hostile reaction from fans tomorrow.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Wales were last night mourning the death of Mervyn Davies, their former captain, who won two Grand Slams and three Triple Crowns with his country and was at the heart of two magnificent British and Irish Lions sides in the 1970s. Also: When Sachin Tendulkar ended 369 days of waiting for his 100th international century we witnessed a player leaving the mark of true greatness on the game.

THE TIMES: So to use a racing analogy, which seems appropriate after yet another magnificent Cheltenham Festival, the runners and riders in the 2012 RBS Six Nations Championship approach the final fence in this year's tournament this afternoon. Also: Roberto Di Matteo is adamant that he has no objections to John Terry issuing tactical instructions from the bench, insisting that he positively encourages his players to "help each other" on and off the pitch.

THE GUARDIAN: Wales stand on the threshold of emulating a feat they last achieved in the 1970s, the golden era of a country which is one of the few in the world to call rugby union its national sport when success came on demand. Also: Patrice Evra has no intention of trying to paper over the cracks.

DAILY STAR: Roberto Di Matteo has told his Chelsea players: Don't get mugged in Europe. Also: Wolves have been forced to beef up security around their own players - to protect them from their own fans.

DAILY MAIL: Kauto Star's owner gave the clearest indication yesterday that the great horse has run his last race after he was pulled up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Also: England will confront Ireland at Twickenham this evening with "no fear", says Andy Farrell.

THE INDEPENDENT: In all its rich history, there can never have been another Gold Cup where the applause for a horse that could not complete even half the course nearly eclipsed that for the winner. Also: Mervyn Davies was such a giant of a player, his figure could easily be picked out in the enormous shadow cast across Welsh rugby by the Seventies.

DAILY EXPRESS: Kauto Star said farewell to the Gold Cup to a swell of sympathetic and reverent applause rather than the famous Cheltenham roar, which yesterday belonged to AP McCoy and Synchronised. Also: Wolves players could have minders tomorrow for their battle with Premier League leaders Manchester United.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY: The Bolton Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba was fighting for his life last night after collapsing shortly before half-time during his team's FA Cup tie, which had to be abandoned. Also: In the grandstand Gerald Davies shed tears of joy and grief, while down on the pitch the young men decked in red celebrated Wales' third Grand Slam in eight seasons.

DAILY STAR SUNDAY: Football was praying for Fabrice Muamba last night after the Bolton midfielder was left fighting for his life after he collapsed and stopped breathing at White hart lane. Also: Arsenal or Spurs face Champions League heartbreak if Chelsea win the European Cup.

THE PEOPLE: Celtic are prepared to play in League One to make their dream of a new life in English football a reality. Also: Football was stunned into silence as Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba fought for his life in a London hospital after collapsing on the pitch during the FA Cup quarter-final with Spurs at White Hart Lane.

THE OBSERVER: The FA Cup quarter-final between Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers was abandoned before half-time after Bolton's 23-year-old midfielder Fabrice Muamba collapsed on the pitch. Also: Warren Gatland, who celebrated his second grand slam in five years as Wales coach after yesterday's 16-9 victory over France in Cardiff, will be asked to head the Lions in Australia next year but has yet to decide whether he will take the job.

THE MAIL ON SUNDAY: Tottenham's FA Cup tie against Bolton was dramatically called off last night when Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba collapsed in the centre of the White Hart Lane pitch after suffering a suspected heart attack in front of 36,000 fans and a television audience of a million. Also: John Terry has revealed he is still in touch with Andre Villas-Boas and insisted that the sacked Portuguese manager should take some of the credit if Chelsea go on to win a trophy this season.

THE SUNDAY TIMES: The Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba collapsed with a suspected heart attack during last night's FA Cup quarter-final at White Hart Lane. Also: Wales set off a colossal party across the nation by taking their third Grand Slam inside eight years with a 16-9 victory over France.

SUNDAY EXPRESS: Fabrice Muamba was in hospital last night after his heart stopped beating during Bolton's FA Cup quarter-final with Tottenham. Also: Wales won the Grand Slam but it was also a day of triumph for Stuart Lancaster as his side virtually guaranteed him the England coaching job on a full-time basis.

THE SUN ON SUNDAY: Football broke down in tears as Fabrice Muamba collapsed on the pitch at White hart Lane. David Moyes was fuming last night after referee Andre Mariner failed to award two blatant penalties to Everton.

THE SUNDAY MIRROR: Fabrice Muamba was last night critically ill in The London Chest Hospital. Also: Louis van Gaal has emerged as a leading contender to take over as Chelsea boss.

THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Fabrice Muamba, the Bolton midfielder, was "critically ill" in the London Chest Hospital last night after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest during yesterday's FA Cup quarter-final with Tottenham at White hart Lane. Also: England interim coach Stuart Lancaster's main rival for the long-term position endorsed the incumbent's candidacy after his side scored two tries to beat Ireland 30-9 at Twickenham and finish second in the Six Nations as Wales won the Grand Slam.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: Bolton will hold talks with the FA in the next 48 hours before deciding whether to quit this season's FA Cup. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson saw Manchester United slap Wolves 5-0 and then told Manchester City: 'Follow that'.

DAILY STAR: Devastated Bolton could pull out of the FA Cup as Fabrice Muamba continues his desperate fight for life. Also: Jenson Button fell in love with his new McLaren racer as he launched his bid for a second Formula One world title with a stunning victory in yesterday's Australian Grand Prix.

DAILY MIRROR: Bolton Wanderers are ready to pull out of the FA Cup because of the Fabrice Muamba tragedy. Also: Harry Redknapp, Sir Alex Ferguson and Kenny Dalglish led a nation's prayers for tragic Fabrice Muamba last night.

DAILY MAIL: The football world united in support for Bolton's Fabrice Muamba yesterday. Also: Stuart Lancaster will face competition from Nick Mallett for the job of England head coach, with the South African determined to complete the interview process.

THE GUARDIAN: Fabrice Muamba was anaesthetised for a further 24 hours yesterday in intensive care in the Heart Attack Centre at the London Chest Hospital, where the Bolton Wanderers midfielder continues to fight for his life. Also: Fernando Torres admitted his relief after finally ending his five-month scoring drought with two goals in Chelsea's 5-2 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Leicester City.

DAILY EXPRESS: Fabrice Muamba spent a second night fighting for his life with the football world praying for his recovery. Also: Jenson Button won the first race of Formula One's longest season when he stormed to his third Australian Grand Prix title.

THE INDEPENDENT: Bolton Wanderers were a deeply distraught club last night and, with Fabrice Muamba still critically ill following his collapse on the White Hart Lane pitch on Saturday, have been agonising over whether they wish to stay in the FA Cup. Also: There are few teams more ruthless than Manchester United when they scent the potential for a big scoreline and, in a season in which they are hell-bent on chasing down Manchester City's superior goal difference, it does not take much to imagine the outcome Wolverhampton Wanderers feared at half-time.

THE TIMES: The draw for the semi-finals of the FA Cup created the potential for two derby matches yesterday as the competition continued to be overshadowed by fears of the wellbeing of Fabrice Muamba. Also: If nothing else 'King Kenny' appears to be turning Liverpool into this season's cup kings.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: The fiancee of Fabrice Muamba last night issued an emotional appeal for the football world to pray for the Bolton Wanderers midfielder as he remained in a critical condition in hospital after collapsing during Saturday's FA Cup tie against Tottenham. Also: Kenny Dalglish, the Liverpool manager, says his club have told the Football Association they will not play their FA Cup semi-final on the anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

 

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Latest Paper Talk at 10:57 GMT


TUESDAY MARCH 20

THE SUN

Chinese Super League outfit Guizhou Renhe are preparing a multi-million pound swoop for Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard.

Harry Redknapp feared he was witnessing a repeat of Marc-Vivien Foe's tragic death on the pitch when Bolton's Fabrice Muamba collapsed on Saturday.

Edin Dzeko is considering quitting Manchester City in the summer.

Joe Hart believes having Carlos Tevez back will be like a new signing for Manchester City.

Dimitar Berbatov is on his way out of Manchester United - because he is deemed too slow.

Roberto Di Matteo insists he did not stitch up Andre-Villas Boas.

Dickson Etuhu has vowed to quit Fulham in the summer after falling out with boss Martin Jol.

Arsenal are set to swoop for Toulouse centre-back Aymen Abdennour.

DAILY MAIL

Stricken Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba has spoken to family and friends, raising hopes the 23-year-old may recover from the cardiac arrest he suffered at Tottenham on Saturday.

Rotherham chairman Tony Stewart has sacked Andy Scott as manager - breaking the news minutes after Scott had finished giving an interview about the heart condition that ended his playing career.

Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp is emerging as a serious contender to be Chelsea's next boss.

Carlos Tevez is expected to be on the bench for Manchester City's Premier League game against Chelsea tomorrow night.

Luis Suarez has pledged his future to Liverpool after receiving assurances there is no desire to sell him.

Sir Alex Ferguson sent his brother Martin to run the rule over Rayo Vallecano midfielder Michu on Saturday.

Everton defender Sylvain Distin has agreed terms on a new deal before his contract expires in the summer.

Tottenham will ask to be kept informed over negotiations between Manchester City and Lille over Eden Hazard.

Aston Villa sent scouts to watch Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud and defender Benjamin Stambouli against Nancy on Saturday.

DAILY STAR

Fabrice Muamba last night looked to be taking his first steps on the long road to recovery.

Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque has promised Fernando Torres he has not given up on him.

Liverpool will play their FA Cup semi-final on April 14 to avoid a clash with the anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

Roy Hodgson wants Jeremy Peace to use West Brom's £18million profits to keep defender Jonas Olsson.

Eden Hazard insists he will not be distracted by Manchester City joining the race for his signature.

DAILY MIRROR

Roberto Di Matteo has hit out at reports that he stabbed Andre Villas-Boas in the back at Chelsea.

Former boxer Michael Watson has joined the nation's vigil for Fabrice Muamba and told him: "Miracles do happen."

Blackburn's Spanish star Ruben Rochina plans to leave in the summer if Steve Kean continues to ignore him.

Wigan's Irish striker Conor Sammon is wanted on loan by promotion-seeking Sheffield Wednesday.

DAILY EXPRESS

Bolton captain Kevin Davies called for fans to end the culture of hatred as an enduring tribute to Fabrice Muamba as hopes rose in his brave battle for life.

Harry Redknapp will check on the mental state of his distressed Tottenham players before deciding on a team to face Stoke tomorrow after his entire squad demanded heart tests.

Roberto Di Matteo insists he did not stab Andre Villas-Boas in the back when he succeeded him as Chelsea manager.

Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cotterill is fuming his bid to raid old club Portsmouth for Luke Varney collapsed.

THE TIMES

Bolton Wanderers are not expected to withdraw from the FA Cup, although their Barclays Premier League match at home to Blackburn could be postponed.

THE INDEPENDENT

Chelsea are planning a £30m raid in the summer to land the Newcastle pair Cheick Tiote and Tim Krul.

Dimitar Berbatov's agent has said that the Manchester United striker is embarrassed to be receiving such a high salary and will accept his departure this summer with good grace.

THE GUARDIAN

Fabrice Muamba is showing "small signs of improvement" for the first time since suffering a cardiac arrest while playing for Bolton against Tottenham.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Kevin Davies has described the sense of helplessness and fear he felt as he watched his team-mate Fabrice Muamba fight for his life.

Chelsea have held talks to sign the Brazilian striker Hulk.

DAILY RECORD

Kilmarnock boss Kenny Shiels has promised the club will help Liam Kelly through the trauma of losing his dad no matter how long it takes.

Kilmarnock chairman Michael Johnston has revealed he is on the verge of agreeing an extended deal with Shiels.

Dunfermline are to hold more talks with former Hearts boss Jim Jefferies this week.

Kyle Lafferty could be poised for a shock comeback in Sunday's Old Firm clash at Ibrox.

 

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Latest Paper Talk at 11:26 GMT


WEDNESDAY MARCH 21

THE SUN

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is ready to unleash Carlos Tevez after claiming the striker is a changed man.

Fernando Torres will be back on the bench tonight despite ending his five-month Chelsea goal drought at the weekend.

QPR have been told to forget about scrapping the pre-match handshake before their league clash at Chelsea on April 29.

DAILY MIRROR

Roberto Mancini has vowed Manchester City will win the title.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle is ready to get back to work - after Fabrice Muamba's dad told the club to carry on playing.

Wolves are standing by manager Terry Connor.

Blackburn remain in the hunt for Bolo Zenden.

Sheffield Wednesday are making an ambitious £1.5million bid for Crystal Palace winger Sean Scannell.

DAILY STAR

Premier League supremo Richard Scudamore yesterday branded John Terry's race row with Anton Ferdinand as "c**p".

Charles N'Zogbia will be offered as bait in Aston Villa's attempt to land Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud in the summer.

DAILY EXPRESS

Harry Redknapp says he wants to invite heroic Tottenham fan Dr Andrew Deaner to the club's training ground and shake him by the hand.

Bolton were gearing up for an emotional return to football at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday, as Fabrice Muamba's condition continued to improve at the London Chest Hospital yesterday.

Roberto Mancini has urged Manchester City fans to lay off Carlos Tevez when he ends his 182-day exile from the team tonight.

Terry Connor has refused the offer of an experienced number two as he bids to save Wolves.

Rio Ferdinand is set to snub a move to China because he is confident he has at least one more season at the top with Manchester United.

DAILY MAIL

Fabrice Muamba's amazing recovery from a cardiac arrest has raised hopes he could make a top-flight comeback.

Chelsea were told to ditch their interest in Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp yesterday.

Wolves boss Terry Connor has refused the offer of assistance.

Swansea face frustration in their attempts to keep Gylfi Sigurdsson beyond this season.

Jacob Mellis, the 21-year-old sacked by Chelsea, is training with Burnley with a view to a permanent move.

Liverpool are still monitoring Aalborg winger Lucas Andersen.

Paul Williams has emerged as a contender for the vacant manager's job at Burton.

DAILY RECORD

Police will today meet Rangers' administrators as the net closes on shamed owner Craig Whyte.

Jim Jefferies will be unveiled as the new boss of Dunfermline today.

The SFA has written to every club in Scotland demanding they own up to making any secret player payments.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Fabrice Muamba had to be brought back to life on Saturday night after spending nearly an hour and 20 minutes without his own heartbeat, his medical team have revealed. Also: Nemanja Vidic claims he is on course to be fit to start the 2012-13 campaign after targeting a return to pre-season training with Manchester United following his cruciate ligament injury...Sprinter Dwain Chambers has flown to Jamaica to train alongside former 100 metres world record holder Asafa Powell in a clear sign that he expects to be cleared to run at this summer's Olympics.

THE TIMES: Carlos Tevez got off the substitutes' bench to help to inspire Manchester City to a dramatic comeback against Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium last night and give the club's title prospects a huge boost. Also: If Stuart Lancaster is appointed as the next England head coach, a process that is due to reach a conclusion shortly, one of the first issues he will want to address with the RFU is the establishment of a national centre of excellence.

THE INDEPENDENT: These are still early days and this type of road to recovery can be fraught with setbacks but a full picture of Fabrice Muamba's emergence from catastrophic heart failure became clear last night, illustrating that his survival has been little less than miraculous. Also: Newcastle and Sunderland were yesterday fined a total of £60,000 for failure to control their players as a result of the mass brawl in the match between the two clubs earlier this month.

DAILY EXPRESS: Tottenham's heroic fan Dr Andrew Deaner has revealed he had a tear in his eye the moment he realised he had helped save the life of Fabrice Muamba. Also: Wales' domination of the 2012 Six Nations was made complete yesterday when Dan Lydiate was named player of the tournament...Gareth Ellis has agreed a lucrative three-year deal at Hull after rejecting other Super League clubs.

DAILY MAIL: Samir Nasri's goal capped a stunning Manchester City fightback to beat Chelsea 2-1 and keep the Barclays Premier League title race on a knife-edge last night. Also: Thierry Henry made what he wanted to be a secret visit to see Fabrice Muamba yesterday, flying in from the US for a few hours and then going straight back again...West Ham will still bid for the tenancy of the Olympic Stadium but 'not at any price' after losing out on lucrative naming rights.

THE SUN: Roberto Mancini hailed Carlos Tevez's amazing return to the Premier League and then admitted: "Now I know what squeaky-bum time is." Also: Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre insists boss Kenny Dalglish was not "hung out to dry" over the Luis Suarez racism saga...Newcastle are set to open talks with £2.5million-rated Virgil van Dijk.

DAILY MIRROR: Jose Mourinho has advised Inter Milan against hiring his former assistant Andre Villas-Boas. Also: Bolton boss Owen Coyle has told his players to let him know if they are not ready to start playing after Fabrice Muamba's heart scare...Johan Cruyff has hailed Lionel Messi as a world footballing treasure after he set a new scoring record for Barcelona...Furious Lewis Hamilton has vowed to hit back in Malaysia after letting victory slip through his fingers at the opening round in Melbourne.

DAILY STAR: Spurs grabbed a last-minute equaliser against Stoke last night - but have still not won in four Premier League games. Also: Paul Robinson reckons his retirement from England duty is helping Blackburn beat the drop...Jonathan Trott has backed England team-mate Ian Bell to bounce back from his run of poor form.

THE GUARDIAN: Fabrice Muamba was "effectively dead" for 78 minutes in the immediate aftermath of his cardiac arrest, according to the Bolton Wanderers doctor, Jonathan Tobin. Also: Nick Mallett flew back to England on Tuesday and is due to be interviewed today for the head coach role of the national side.

 

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Latest Paper Talk at 12:45 GMT


FRIDAY MARCH 23

THE SUN

Roman Abramovich is ready to hand Pep Guardiola a four-year deal worth £40million after tax to become Chelsea boss.

Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes is ready to extend his comeback to another season.

Diego Maradona says he told Carlos Tevez to end his Roberto Mancini feud - and fire Manchester City to the title.

Wolves boss Terry Connor has told Roger Johnson's wife: I pick the team - not you.

Steve Cotterill wants Nottingham Forest to speed up contract talks with Garath McCleary.

DAILY MIRROR

Samir Nasri wants Manchester United to set up a title shoot-out by winning all their games.

Owen Coyle has told his Bolton players to put Fabrice Muamba to the back of their minds for 90 minutes tomorrow.

Carlos Tevez is set to play a leading role in Manchester City's push for the title following his incredible comeback.

Liverpool striker Raheem Sterling could quit the club this summer, with his mum keen for him to move back to London.

Liverpool are trying to steal away Crewe wonderkid Dan Smith after his move to Manchester City hit a stumbling block.

Neil Warnock has told his Leeds flops they are playing for their Elland Road futures at Millwall tomorrow.

DAILY STAR

Samir Nasri has warned Manchester United that Carlos Tevez will be unstoppable between now and the end of the season.

Owen Coyle admits he doesn't have a clue who to pick for Bolton's relegation scrap with Blackburn.

Fulham have opened contract talks with Brede Hangeland.

Nottingham Forest striker Matt Derbyshire has snubbed loan moves to Walsall and Brentford.

DAILY MAIL

Chelsea will have a fight to keep David Luiz this summer, with Barcelona preparing a £35million bid for the defender.

Manchester United continue to negotiate a summer deal for Benfica midfielder Nicolas Gaitan but are reluctant to pay more than £22million.

Sunderland are weighing up moves for Blackpool winger Matt Phillips and PSG defender Sylvain Armand.

DAILY EXPRESS

Samir Nasri hopes the Manchester derby on April 30 turns out to be a straightforward shoot-out for the Premier League title.

Fabrice Muamba has still not seen his three-year-old son Joshua, four days after waking up following his cardiac arrest at White Hart Lane on Saturday.

Alex McLeish insists the days of big-money arrivals at Aston Villa are not necessarily over.

Alberto Aquilani is close to confirming a permanent move from AC Milan to Liverpool.

Nile Ranger's career at Newcastle is over as the striker was yesterday loaned out to Sheffield Wednesday until the end of the season.

THE TIMES

Laurent Blanc, the France coach, has emerged as the leading contender to manage Chelsea next season should Roman Abramovich's preferred targets - Pep Guardiola, of Barcelona, and Jose Mourinho, of Real Madrid - prove beyond reach.

Two of England's European Championship fixtures are among four group games at the tournament yet to sell out, Michel Platini, the UEFA President, has said.

THE INDEPENDENT

Bryan Robson believes Sir Alex Ferguson's man management will be the decisive factor in the Premier League title race.

Wayne Rooney yesterday apologised via Twitter to a nine-year-old fan whose wrist he broke with a shot in the warm-up to United's match at Wolves on Sunday.

THE GUARDIAN

Samir Nasri has underlined the confidence running through Manchester City after their comeback against Chelsea by revealing he hopes Manchester United do not drop a point before they arrive at the Etihad Stadium for a potential title decider on April 30.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

Rio Ferdinand says Manchester United will stop more Manchester City supporters from coming "out of the woodwork" by winning the Premier League title this season.

Tony Pulis has avoided a driving ban after claiming that losing his licence would have damaged Stoke City and caused hardship for the people of Stoke-on-Trent.

DAILY RECORD

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has told SPL clubs to back down over their demands for a change to our game and called for a 14-team top-flight.

The battle for Rangers will take a crucial twist this afternoon when Ticketus find out if they are owed money from Craig Whyte.

Brian Kennedy will attend Sunday's Old Firm game as administrators weigh up his bid to buy Rangers.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN

Alex Ferguson has branded Manchester City as "desperate" for recalling Carlos Tevez. Also: Arsene Wenger warns Jack Wilshere will not go to the Euro finals this summer unless he plays for Arsenal first.

THE TIMES

Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Manchester City that he boasts "plenty of ammunition" for the inevitable mind games that characterise the climax to the Barclays Premier League title race. Also: It is Arsene Wenger who says it, with a rueful smile perfectly encapsulating the sentiment, but Harry Redknapp and Roberto Di Matteo would echo his five terse words. "Nobody," says the Arsenal manager, "wants to finish fifth."

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Sir Alex Ferguson has issued a withering attack on rivals Manchester City, describing their decision to recall Carlos Tevez as "desperate" and warning he has "plenty of ammunition" if City want to engage in title-race mind games. Also: Arsene Wenger has highlighted the next three weeks as pivotal in deciding whether Jack Wilshere is capable of playing again for Arsenal this season and then representing England at Euro 2012.

DAILY MIRROR

Sir Alex Ferguson has hit back at Manchester City, saying that Roberto Mancini's recall for Carlos Tevez smacked of "desperation". Also: Muamba mania will hit Bolton today - with 5,000 extra fans turning up for the relegation crunch with Blackburn.

DAILY MAIL

Sir Alex Ferguson taunted Roberto Mancini over his U-turn on Carlos Tevez yesterday and challenged the Manchester City manager to a mental duel during the title run-in. Also: Steve McClaren has urged the FA to appoint an England manager sooner rather than later, warning them "you can't just turn up" at the European Championship.

THE GUARDIAN

Sir Alex Ferguson has ridiculed Manchester City's U-turn on Carlos Tevez as an act of desperation and warned he has "plenty of ammunition" should United's title rivals challenge him to mind games in the fight for the Premier League. Also: Jack Wilshere is on course to give Arsenal and England a major boost by returning from injury in time for the Premier League run-in and the summer's European Championship.

DAILY EXPRESS

Robin van Persie has shot to the top of Real Madrid's wanted list and Arsenal fear the striker may be tempted by a move to Spain. Also: Bolton captain Nigel Reo-Coker will tell his team-mates to "play for Fabrice Muamba" in their first game since he collapsed at White Hart Lane last Saturday.

DAILY STAR

Sir Alex Ferguson last night launched a blistering attack on title rivals Manchester City. Also: John Terry has denied trying to muscle in on Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo.

THE INDEPENDENT

His weekly press conference was delayed by half an hour yesterday - an uncommon occurrence - and if extra preparation time had been required, then it helped. Sir Alex Ferguson made his point. Also: Arsene Wenger is confident that Jack Wilshere will play again this season.

 

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Latest Paper Talk at 10:06 BST


SUNDAY MARCH 25

MAIL ON SUNDAY

Fabio Capello is ready to return to England to manage in the Premier League.

Laurent Blanc is the latest name to be considered as the man to oversee Roman Abramovich's rejuvenation of Chelsea.

THE SUNDAY TIMES

Roman Abramovich's plans for a massive overhaul of the Chelsea squad this summer have advanced with the news that the club will enter the race to sign Eden Hazard.

THE PEOPLE

Roman Abramovich and Jose Mourinho are planning a face-to-face meeting as the Real Madrid boss considers a sensational return to Chelsea.

Kenny Dalglish clashed with Roberto Martinez as Liverpool's nightmare run continued with defeat to Wigan.

Spurs are ready to go head-to-head with Chelsea in the race to sign Demba Ba.

Arsenal are ready to go back to Rennes for their highly-rated France midfielder Yann M'Vila.

Sunderland and Newcastle are both chasing Tottenham's England U21 full-back Danny Rose.

THE INDEPENDENT

Mark Hughes branded the challenge by Djibril Cisse that led to the forward's second sending-off in only his fifth start for Queens Park Rangers as "crazy".

SUNDAY EXPRESS

Kenny Dalglish remained defiant last night after Liverpool slumped to a fifth defeat in six Premier League matches.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle dedicated his side's 2-1 win over Blackburn to Fabrice Muamba - and said his players were inspired by a message of support from their hospitalised team-mate.

Chelsea and Spurs both want to sign Newcastle's Demba Ba for a bargain £7million this summer.

THE SUN

Fabrice Muamba sent a good-luck message to his Bolton pals before yesterday's win over Blackburn.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has ruled out an emotional return for Jose Mourinho.

Chelsea are facing a battle to hang on to striker Salomon Kalou.

Newcastle have offered Demba Ba a £50,000-a-week, four-year contract to prevent him leaving this summer.

Benfica's Axel Witsel is on Man Utd's radar.

SUNDAY MIRROR

Luka Modric will not sign a new deal at Tottenham - until he knows who will be boss next season.

The two Manchester clubs are set to wage a £25million war for Benfica winger Nicolas Gaitan.

Tottenham and Chelsea are set to compete for Napoli striker Ezequiel Lavezzi this summer.

Liverpool are preparing to buy another Suarez - after Anderlecht's £20million-rated striker Matias Suarez emerged as their top target.

DAILY STAR SUNDAY

Manchester City are planning a £25m swoop for Athletic Bilbao star Javi Martinez.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

DAILY EXPRESS

Sir Alex Ferguson last night admitted he got it wrong in Europe, but vowed to make amends by winning his most satisfying Premier League title yet. Also: Jenson Button apologised to his team after throwing away the chance of victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix by crashing into the slowest car on the track.

DAILY MAIL

Sir Alex Ferguson will open talks over a new Manchester United contract for Rio Ferdinand this summer - to ward off interest from America, Russia and China. Also: Jenson Button said sorry after McLaren's chances were flushed away in a rain-interrupted Malaysian Grand Prix yesterday.

DAILY MIRROR

Alan Pardew last night saw Newcastle move level on points with fifth-placed Chelsea - then claimed they still can't qualify for the Champions League. Also: Roberto Mancini has laughed off Sir Alex Ferguson's claims that he won't beat him at mind games.

DAILY STAR

Sir Alex Ferguson insists beating Manchester City to the Premier League title would be his sweetest win of all. Also: Roberto Di Matteo has warned his Chelsea squad not to give themselves another mission impossible in Europe.

THE SUN

Rio Ferdinand is heading for a new deal at Old Trafford. Also: Tony Fernandes has ripped into Djibril Cisse.

THE INDEPENDENT

Glenn Hoddle insists he has unfinished business with England after his controversial sacking. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to hand a new contract to 33-year-old defender Rio Ferdinand.

THE GUARDIAN

Kenny Dalglish, increasingly under pressure after five Premier League defeats in six games, has expressed his "amazement" at suggestions Liverpool have had an underwhelming season. Also: Warren Gatland will lead Wales on their three-Test summer tour to Australia, even though he will have been appointed as the head coach of the Lions.

THE TIMES

Gareth Barry believes Manchester City must win all eight of their remaining Barclays Premier League matches. Also: England went into the Sri Lanka series this morning amid suspicions of ball tampering during the build-up to the first Test.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Chelsea are considering whether to launch an incredible £80million bid to sign Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain. Also: Rio Ferdinand is to be offered the chance to extend his Manchester United career.

 

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THE SUN: Wayne Rooney found the key to the title - with his 21st league goal of the season. Also: Didier Drogba faces a Benfica backlash tonight after being filmed mocking the Portuguese giants on Chelsea TV.

DAILY MIRROR: Wayne Rooney delivered a crushing title blow as Manchester United opened up a three-point lead on their noisy neighbours. Also: Benfica coach Jorge Jesus last night pleaded to make Didier Drogba pay for "disrespecting" the Portuguese giants.

DAILY EXPRESS: Wayne Rooney continued his rich form with the only goal against Fulham to take Manchester United back to the top of the Premier League. Also: Sir Clive Woodward has been linked with a surprise return as England rugby union coach.

DAILY STAR: Nervous Manchester United returned to the top of the Premier League last night - but only just. Also: Benfica last night warned Didier Drogba they'd shake him up for real tonight in the Stadium of Light.

DAILY MAIL: Wayne Rooney stepped up his seemingly one-man mission to keep the Barclays Premier League title at Old Trafford last night. Also: Didier Drogba was last night warned to expect a Benfica backlash after performing what appeared to be a celebration jig at the prospect of a Champions League clash with the Portuguese team.

THE TIMES: Chelsea are prepared to make Laurent Blanc the highest-paid manager in Britain if the France coach is interested in taking charge at Stamford Bridge this summer. Also: When Fabrice Muamba collapsed on the pitch at White Hart lane 10 days ago, most feared for his life, but as the Bolton Wanderers players prepare to return to the scene of that traumatic episode for the first time tonight, they will do so with a growing sense of encouragement about their stricken team-mate's health.

THE GUARDIAN: Manchester United have moved three points clear of Manchester City, with eight games to go, and will enjoy the view from the top of the table. Also: Chelsea will consider lobbying the Football Association to have their FA Cup semi-final brought forward by 48 hours to a Friday evening should they progress beyond Benfica to confront Barcelona or Milan in the last four of the Champions League.'

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Manchester United moved three points clear of Manchester City in the race for the Premier League with a typical piece of unerring finishing by Wayne Rooney, but this game ended controversially. Also: There's a video, first aired on Chelsea TV, apparently showing Didier Drogba shaking with fake fear when he is told that Chelsea had drawn Benfica in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

THE INDEPENDENT: Roberto Di Matteo last night attempted to bolster his Chelsea team's morale ahead of tonight's Champions League quarter-final first-leg tie against Benfica, following a withering assessment of their season by Frank Lampard. Also: It will not be a normal FA Cup quarter-final at White Hart Lane tonight.

 

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THE SUN: Chelsea grabbed a stunning first away Champions League win of the season at the perfect time. Also: Gareth Bale helped send Spurs to Wembley for a capital crunch with Chelsea.

DAILY MIROR: Salomon Kalou's winner conquered the Stadium of Light to put the Blues on the verge of a sixth Champions League semi-final in nine seasons. Also: Mario Balotelli took a day off from Manchester City's title challenge - to gate-crash a press conference in Milan.

DAILY STAR: Salomon Kalou put Chelsea in full control of their Champions League quarter-final with a crucial away goal against Benfica. Also: Sunderland's Wembley dream was shattered by impressive Everton last night.

DAILY EXPRESS: Salomon Kalou capped a fine Champions League away performance by Chelsea with a priceless away goal against Benfica in the quarter-final first leg in Lisbon last night. Also: Rio Ferdinand believes the Premier League title race will now come down to which of the two Manchester clubs can hold their nerve.

DAILY MAIL: Arsenal want to clear out fringe players currently costing the club £23million a year in wages as Arsene Wenger prepares for a summer spending splurge. Also: Chelsea have reopened talks with Porto over their long standing interest in forward Hulk.

THE TIMES: Chelsea shrugged off their domestic difficulties to take a huge step towards a sixth Champions League semi-final in nine years last night by securing a 1-0 win in the first leg of their quarter-final with Benfica. Also: It should have been wrapped up far sooner for Tottenham Hotspur but they required late goals finally to extinguish resistance from a brilliant display by Adam Bogdan to reach the FA Cup semi-finals last night.

THE GUARDIAN: These are the moments when Chelsea make it seem barely plausible that they have based long parts of their season on the theory of chaos. Also: Tottenham Hotspur have their place in an FA Cup semi-final with Chelsea but only after a show of persistence by Bolton Wanderers and particularly the goalkeeper Adam Bogdan.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Roman Abramovich's advisers have opened a dialogue with Pep Guardiola's representatives to establish the Barcelona coach's intentions at the end of this season. Also: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is in line for a significant pay rise at Arsenal this summer, with the club hoping to partly fund new deals for existing players by trimming peripheral squad members from their wage bill.

THE INDEPENDENT: Chelsea are 90 minutes from a probable Champions League semi-final against Benfica as caretaker coach Roberto Di Matteo got his tactics spot on during a 1-0 win at the Estadio da Luz against Benfica last night. Also: The Football Association will not confine its appointment process of a new technical director to English candidates, opening the possibility that the high-profile position could go to a foreign coach, or manager.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

DAILY MAIL: Stuart Lancaster was last night acclaimed as the man who can guide England to glory at the home World Cup in 2015, after his appointment as head coach was confirmed at Twickenham. Also: Terry Venables has called on the FA to appoint the next England manager as quickly as possible.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Stuart Lancaster was last night left in no doubt about the weight of expectation that accompanies his appointment as England's new head coach as Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie hailed him as the man who will lead the national side to World Cup victory in 2015. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has hit back at Patrick Vieira's claim that Manchester United receive favourable treatment from officials, claiming Manchester City have enjoyed their own luck with decisions and suggesting the Frenchman is risking sanctions if he continues to talk about referees.

DAILY MIRROR: Fernando Torres is set to be offered a £45million way out of his Chelsea nightmare. Also: Andy Carroll returns to Newcastle for the first time on Sunday, with Kenny Dalglish insisting he still believes in his striker.

THE SUN: Alex Ferguson cranked up the mind games last night by suggesting Patrick Vieira could face an FA charge. Also: Tottenham are planning for life after Harry Redknapp and preparing a move for Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers.

THE GUARDIAN: Stuart Lancaster will tell the Rugby Football Union that he wishes to retain his entire current managerial team for England's summer tour of South Africa following his appointment as head coach until 2016. Also: It would be expecting too much to find Andrew Strauss beaming and communicative after his England team had slumped to their fourth consecutive loss of the winter.

DAILY EXPRESS: Brendan Rodgers has jumped to the front of the queue of managers to whom Tottenham will turn if Harry Redknapp becomes the next England boss. Also: Stuart Lancaster was named England's new rugby union coach yesterday - and instantly gave his players no more than a year to make his World Cup team for 2015.

THE INDEPENDENT: England's recent rugby history has been about as harmonious as Ancient Rome in the reign of Caligula, but when the great and good of Twickenham came to appointing a new head coach to guide the national side through to the home World Cup in 2015, there could not have been more of a consensus. Stuart Lancaster's appointment was unanimously supported, not only by the five men who interviewed him, but also by the management board which endorsed their choice. Also: There was a short period yesterday, a little longer than the blink of an eye, when it seemed that England might create history.

DAILY STAR: Sir Alex Ferguson believes Patrick Vieira should face an FA charge for his latest gig at Manchester United. Also: Fernando Torres' agent last night hinted the Spaniard could be on his way to Roma.

THE TIMES: Stuart Lancaster yesterday laid out his plans for guiding England to World Cup glory on home soil in 2015. Also: Anzhi Makhachkala, the Russian Premier League club, were linked with Fernando Torres last night, but one of the Spain striker's representatives added to the confusion surrounding his future when he was forced to deny remarks attributed to the player that his position at Chelsea would be resolved in the coming months.

 

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THE SUN: Sergio Aguero has a seriously blistered foot after a "stupid" training-ground blunder that furious Roberto Mancini fears could cost his side the title. Also: Arsene Wenger slammed UEFA after vowing to appeal a three-match Euro ban and a £33,000 fine...Andy Carroll has begged Newcastle fans: Don't hate me.

DAILY MIRROR: Alex McLeish is urging Aston Villa's players to beat Chelsea today for their seriously-ill skipper Stiliyan Petrov. Also: Arsene Wenger accused European football chiefs of "injustice" after banning him yesterday...Chelsea's hopes of silverware this season are in danger of being sunk by the Titanic...Sergio Aguero has put Manchester City's Premier League title hopes in jeopardy - after damaging his foot on his child's motorbike.

DAILY STAR: Stunned Aston Villa star Stiliyan Petrov last night vowed to win his fight for life after being diagnosed with leukaemia. Also: Manchester City's title hopes have suffered a new blow following a bizarre injury to star striker Sergio Aguero...Roberto Di Matteo has accused the FA of taking the mickey out of Chelsea.

DAILY EXPRESS: Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish says Stiliyan Petrov is "fighting like a captain" after the shock news he has leukaemia. Also: Roberto Mancini admits he cannot rely on Mario Balotelli to salvage Manchester City's title hopes after Sergio Aguero was ruled out for up to a month following a bizarre accident...Chelsea were left fuming last night after being forced to play their FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham at 6pm on a Sunday night - less than 72 hours before a possible Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

DAILY MAIL: Aston Villa were in shock yesterday after captain Stiliyan Petrov was diagnosed with acute leukaemia. Also: Chelsea are livid they will have to play their FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham at 6pm - just three days before a potential Champions League last-four clash with Barcelona or AC Milan...The Metropolitan Police want to ensure there will be no London fixtures during the Paralympics.

THE TIMES: Stiliyan Petrov, the Aston Villa captain, has had acute leukaemia diagnosed. Also: Roberto Di Matteo has expressed anger and disappointment at the decision to stage Chelsea's FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur at 6pm on Sunday, April 15.

THE GUARDIAN: Sergio Aguero will be missing from Manchester City's game against Sunderland today after a freakish injury that has infuriated Roberto Mancini and may also keep the Argentinian out of the game at Arsenal next weekend. Also: Rio Ferdinand is considering an offer to move to club football in China when his contract at Manchester United finishes at the end of next season.

THE INDEPENDENT: Perhaps it is because he doesn't know how long the pay cheques will last that Roberto Mancini calls in at his newsagent in Alderley Edge each Friday morning and hands over £20 for a EuroMillions lottery ticket. The Manchester City manager could use a change of luck, given that Sergio Aguero will miss today's critical home match against Sunderland because of a severe reaction to a chemical spray which is understood to have left his foot badly blistered and burnt. Also: Harry Redknapp suggested yesterday that Luka Modric could be interested in a lucrative move this summer, with Roberto Mancini admitting his admiration for the Tottenham midfielder.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: While Sir Alex Ferguson treats his Manchester United squad to a weekend of golf and relaxation at St Andrews, Roberto Mancini must overcome the freak injury sustained by leading scorer Sergio Aguero and a loss of trust in Mario Balotelli to keep Manchester City's title hopes alive. Also: Stiliyan Petrov, Aston Villa's Bulgarian international, has been diagnosed with acute leukaemia.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN ON SUNDAY: Gareth Bale today tells Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp: "You can't turn down the England job." Also: Mario Balotelli scored twice but still copped a stinging blast from Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini...Arsenal will land Lukas Podolski after the £11million striker snubbed Manchester United...Liverpool's owners want to know why Kenny Dalglish's megabuys are doing so badly.

THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY: The grand dreams have not left the Etihad Stadium but after what he called a "crazy emotional game", Roberto Mancini conceded it would be hard for Manchester City to win the title. Also: It is tough at the top but tighter at the bottom. An afternoon of tension and fluctuation fortunes for the four clubs at the wrong end - Blackburn do not play until tomorrow against Manchester United - finished with wins for three of them, including Queens Park Rangers.

THE PEOPLE: Madcap Mario Balotelli was Public Enemy No.1 once more last night as Manchester City slipped up again in the title race. Also: Stiliyan Petrov will take inspiration from the bravery shown by Bolton star Fabrice Muamba as he begins his own battle to overcome a life-threatening illness...Brendan Rodgers has risked pricing himself out of becoming the next Tottenham boss by having a £5million compensation clause written into his Swansea contract.

SUNDAY EXPRESS: Roberto Mancini is booked in for talks over a lucrative new contract in the summer which will secure his Manchester City future. Also: Misfiring £35million Liverpool striker Andy Carroll can still end the season with a bang - a surprise call-up for England's Euro 2012 finals campaign.

DAILY STAR SUNDAY: Pressure was mounting last night on Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini. Also: Jose Mourinho will not return to the Premier League to manage Man City or Chelsea.

SUNDAY MIRROR: Manchester United have lined up a £15million deal for 'the new Roy Keane'. Also: Mario Balotelli and Aleksandar Kolarov had to be pulled apart as they squabbled over who took a free-kick...Tottenham will have to splash £4million if they want to take Brendan Rodgers from Swansea City to succeed Harry Redknapp as manager.

THE MAIL ON SUNDAY: Mario Balotelli fell out with Manchester City's fans and his own team-mates yesterday as the club's title challenge looked to be on the verge of cracking up. Also: The tension and frustration of trying to stay in the Premier League boiled over at Molineux yesterday when Wolves captain Roger Johnson almost came to blows with his own goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.

THE OBSERVER: It was difficult not to come away thinking this was the moment when it all unravelled for Manchester City. Also: Arsene Wenger is not known for giving his players a public dressing-down, but after watching his team let themselves down with a flat and error-strewn performance at Queens Park Rangers, he did not even feel the need to find any excuses.

THE SUNDAY TIMES: Roberto Mancini is ready to cut loose Mario Balotelli after finally losing patience with the mercurial striker. Also: The rugby career of Gavin Henson, the 30-year-old Welsh back, could be over.

THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Roberto Mancini has again been scathing in his criticism of Mario Balotelli after Manchester City failed to win at home for the first time in the league this season and it is understood the club are now prepared to listen to offers for their controversial Italian striker. Also: Stuart Lancaster looks set to further strengthen his coaching team in time for the three-Test tour of South Africa in June, with Brian Ashton last night emerging as one of the names thought to be under consideration for a short-term position.