What The Sports Pages Say

[sarahmic]

DAILY EXPRESS: Pep Guardiola gave Chelsea a dramatic sign of how the pressure is getting to Barcelona by losing his temper ahead of the second leg of their Champions League semi-final tonight. Also: Yaya Toure says Manchester City can win their last three games and take the title off rivals United.

THE GUARDIAN: Roberto Di Matteo will send his Chelsea team out into the ferocious atmosphere of the Camp Nou convinced they have the resilience and quality to knock Barcelona, the holders, out of the Champions League and go on to claim the trophy for the first time. Also: Wayne Smith is considering whether to become part of England's quest to win the 2015 World Cup after meeting the host nation's head coach, Stuart Lancaster, in South Africa last Friday.

THE TIMES: Roberto Di Matteo has dismissed criticism of his side's defensive tactics and insists that Chelsea would be worthy European champions. Also: Roberto Mancini has been given the clearest indication yet that he will keep his job even if Manchester City miss out on the Barclays Premier League title after a public vote of confidence from Sheikh Mansour, the club's billionaire owner.

DAILY MAIL: The BBC is in danger of losing another of its sporting "crown jewels" after organisers of the Open golf championship fired a warning shot yesterday. Also: The PFA were yesterday forced to defend their decision to include convicted rapist Ched Evans in the League One team of the year.

DAILY STAR: Roberto Di Matteo last night ordered his Chelsea stars walking a disciplinary tightrope to banish fears of missing the Champions League final. Also: Pep Guardiola last night launched an amazing four-letter word outburst on the eve of his side's showdown with Chelsea.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: The hand of Jose Mourinho will be subtly guiding his former players when Chelsea embark on Operation Block Barca here in the Nou Camp tonight. Also: Yaya Toure claims Manchester United have given Manchester City a second chance of winning the Premier League title following their unexpected loss of form.

THE INDEPENDENT: Roberto Di Matteo said last night that he believed his Chelsea team have the potential to win the Champions League this season, as they prepare to defend a one-goal lead tonight in the second leg of the semi-final against Barcelona in the Nou Camp. Also: Bolton manager Owen Coyle has told his side they must forget about the injuries they have and cash in their games in hand to avoid following Wolves into the Championship.

DAILY MIRROR: Didier Drogba was last night at the centre of a Champions League "cheat" storm. Also: Arsenal striker Robin van Persie's agent has held talks about a summer move to Juventus... Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed his interest in Lille midfielder Eden Hazard.

THE SUN: Barcelona defender Gerard Pique last night challenged Didier Drogba to stay on his feet in tonight's Nou Camp face-off. Also: Nani admits that Manchester United are furious about letting rivals City back into the title race.

 

[sarahmic]

WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN

Ten-man Chelsea booked a place in the Champions League final on a sensational night at the Nou Camp. Also: England's Euro 2012 plans are a shambles - as the FA want the new boss and his squad named by May 10.

THE TIMES

John Terry insisted last night that he should not have been sent off despite what appeared to be a blatant off-the-ball kick at Alexis Sanchez, the Barcelona forward, which cost him his place in the Champions League final. Also: Bolton Wanderers sucked Aston Villa into their sights in the battle to avoid relegation from the Barclays Premier League as they came from behind to score twice in a minute and move within a point of the safety mark.

DAILY MAIL

Ten-man Chelsea turned in an epic rearguard performance last night to make it through to the Champions League final. Also: The FA's recruitment of a new England manager descended into a shambles yesterday with temporary boss Stuart Pearce outlining when he will be picking his definitive 23-man squad for Euro 2012.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

What a night. What a display of defiance from Chelsea. To the delight of their fans up in the Gods, 10 men went to mow a meadow, and thrillingly, amazingly, they cut Barcelona down to size. Also: The Football Association is set to make an approach to its target as the new England manager in the coming days, with senior sources confident that an appointment will be sealed before the end of the domestic season on May 13.

THE GUARDIAN

There are many emotions inspired by Chelsea's place in the Champions League final but, more than anything, it is sheer wonder. Also: England's Euro 2012 preparations have been thrown into further confusion after the caretaker manager, Stuart Pearce, insisted he planned to name a squad for the tournament before the end of the Premier League season.

DAILY MIRROR

Fernando Torres completed an incredible night for Chelsea as they reached the Champions League final despite having John Terry sent off. Also: The FA hope to name the new England manager before the end of the season and save themselves the embarrassment of a Euro 2012 farce.

DAILY EXPRESS

Chelsea reached the Champions League final last night after one of the most amazing performances in European football history. Also: The FA are confident of naming the full-time England manager within the next fortnight and will ask the new man to rush through picking his Euro 2012 squad.

DAILY STAR

Heroic Chelsea pulled off one of the greatest results in Champions League history last night. Also: England's Euro 2012 plans were in chaos last night with the FA and stand-in boss Stuart Pearce at loggerheads over when the final squad for this summer will be named.

THE INDEPENDENT

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech admitted it was all about survival, but on an astonishing night survival was all Chelsea needed to do to reach the final of the Champions League after a monumental 2-2 draw with Barcelona which earned them a place in the Champions League final on 19 May. Also: The prospect of relegation for the first time in 25 years looms large for Aston Villa after a numbing defeat by one of their fellow strugglers.

 

[sarahmic]

DAILY MIRROR: Triumphant Roberto Di Matteo is still only third choice to be next Chelsea boss. Also: Danny Welbeck will open talks with Manchester United over a new contract at the end of the season... Tom Hicks and George Gillett have been told by a High Court judge that he does not trust them.

THE GUARDIAN: Support for Roberto Di Matteo to be appointed Chelsea's permanent manager is building among influential figures both within the club and in the dressing room after the caretaker's extraordinary success continued with him leading the team into the Champions League final. Also: Bayern Munich denied Jose Mourinho the chance of a reunion with Chelsea, and claimed a place at a final they themselves will host, after dismissing the Spanish side on penalties.

THE TIMES: Chelsea's players have urged Roman Abramovich to appoint Roberto Di Matteo as manager on a permanent basis. Also: Never write off the Germans. Chelsea certainly will not do after Bayern Munich won the right to face the London club on home turf at the Allianz Arena on May 19, prevailing in a penalty shoot-out last night after a remarkable display of technical, physical and mental fortitude against the giants of Real Madrid.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Germans and penalties: same old, same old. Also: Chelsea are facing a desperate race against time to get both David Luiz and Gary Cahill fit for next month's Champions league final against Bayern Munich.

DAILY MAIL: John Terry's lingering hopes of lifting the Champions League trophy are set to be dashed because UEFA do not like banned players participating in the presentation ceremony. Also: Dwain Chambers will hear he has been cleared to seek Olympic selection early next week in Jamaica.

DAILY EXPRESS: Roberto Di Matteo will be kept waiting until after the Champions League final to find out if he is to be made Chelsea's permanent manager - although his future could rest on what happens in the next 72 hours in Barcelona. Also: Jose Mourinho was denied the chance of a dream Champions League final against his old club Chelsea's Bayern Munich won their semi-final on penalties.

THE INDEPENDENT: There is no certainty at Chelsea that Roberto Di Matteo will be offered the manager's job in the long term, even if he wins the Champions League final on May 19 having eliminated Barcelona in such dramatic circumstances on Tuesday night. Also: Aston Villa's last away fixture saw them face Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson. Next season it may be Peterborough United and Darren Ferguson.

THE SUN: Chelsea have made an emotional plea for John Terry to lift the Champions League trophy if they beat Bayern Munich next month. Also: Anton Ferdinand is set to take legal advice over whether he should shake hands with John Terry at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

DAILY STAR: John Terry could still get the chance to lift the Champions League trophy for Chelsea. Also: Aston Villa last night handed Alex McLeish the dreaded vote of confidence - as owner Randy Lerner issued a desperate rallying call to angry supporters.

 

[sarahmic]

THE SUN: Chelsea are ready to make a £35million summer swoop for Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain. Also: Roberto Mancini may sensationally recall Mario Balotelli for Monday's crunch Manchester derby. Also: Aston Villa could turn to Paul Lambert if they sack Alex McLeish.

DAILY MAIL: The Premier League were last night forced into an unexpected U-turn after deciding to scrap the potentially explosive pre-match handshake ahead of Chelsea's match with Queens Park Rangers at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Also: Pep Guardiola is set to start a scramble for his services today by stepping down as Barcelona head coach.

DAILY MIRROR: Roman Abramovich will open his chequebook in a bid to persuade Pep Guardiola to manage Chelsea. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson says only a "confirmed masochist" would enjoy the torture of Monday's Manchester title showdown. Harry Redknapp and Alan Pardew have admitted they will be cheering for Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.

DAILY EXPRESS: John Terry will lift the Champions League trophy if Chelsea beat Bayern Munich in next month's final. Also: Harry Redknapp has been accused of blowing Tottenham's chance of qualifying for the Champions League and turning the season into a failure by one of the club's own players.

DAILY STAR: John Terry last night vowed: I will step up to lift the trophy if Chelsea win the Champions League. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has taunted Manchester City: The pressure is all on you in the title race. Pep Guardiola is expected to quit as Barcelona boss today - but Chelsea still look set to miss out on their No.1 target.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Chelsea are expected to make a formal approach for Pep Guardiola to take over as their manager if the Spaniard quits Barcelona today. Also: The Premier League last night cancelled the pre-match handshake for Sunday's game between Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers due to John Terry's forthcoming criminal trial for a racially-aggravated public order offence.

THE TIMES: John Terry will be allowed to lift the European Cup should Chelsea beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League final on May 19, Uefa announced yesterday. Also: Arjen Robben fired the opening salvos yesterday when he said that Bayern Munich would dismantle Chelsea if they tried to "park the bus" in the Champions League final next month.

THE GUARDIAN: Sir Alex Ferguson has declared that Manchester City have overtaken Liverpool as Manchester United's most important rivals. Also: John Terry will be allowed to collect the Champions League trophy on Chelsea's behalf should they defeat Bayern Munich in next month's final, despite his being banned from playing in the game, after Uefa appeared to change its stance regarding the restrictions on all suspended players at the showpiece event.

THE INDEPENDENT: Sir Alex Ferguson has declared that Manchester City have replaced Liverpool as Manchester United's most implacable opponents, as the countdown to Monday's derby title clash begins. Also: Pep Guardiola is expected to walk away from Barcelona today, four years and 13 trophies after taking over.

 

[sarahmic]

THE SUN: Alex Ferguson insists Monday's title crunch with rivals Manchester City is the mother of all derbies. Also: Mark Hughes says Premier League chiefs wanted QPR to form a guard of honour for Chelsea skipper John Terry and co tomorrow.

DAILY MAIL: Roberto Mancini has warned Manchester United that Monday's do-or-die derby at the Etihad Stadium does not worry him - and revealed for the first time that he would one day like to manage England. Also: Three years ago Southampton were close to collapse, with players unpaid following relegation from the Championship. Now they are 90 minutes away from a place in the Barclays Premier League.

DAILY MIRROR: Roberto Mancini has vowed to demonstrate his financial firepower in the summer transfer market. Also: Pep Guardiola will be 'love-bombed' by Roman Abramovich after confirming he will quit Barcelona at the end of the season.

DAILY EXPRESS: Gary Cahill is facing the double heartbreak of missing Chelsea's FA Cup and Champions League finals. Also: Nani last night gave Manchester United an injury scare ahead of Monday's title showdown against Manchester City with fears he has aggravated an ankle problem; Anton Ferdinand has declared that the Chelsea boo-boys will not distract him from Queens Park Rangers' fight to stay in the Premier League when the clubs meet at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.

DAILY STAR: The Premier League stunned QPR by asking them to form a guard of honour for Chelsea instead of the controversial pre-match handshake. Also: Pep Guardiola quit Barcelona yesterday and then insisted he will take an extended break from football.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: A weekend of worrying and hoping, time-killing and nerve-shredding unfolds for the followers or Manchester United and Manchester City as they await anxiously and impatiently for the mother, father and sainted aunt of all derbies, for the title showdown. Also: Chelsea representatives are expected to meet Pep Guardiola in the next few days to discover whether he can finally be persuaded to join the club now that he has formally announced he is quitting Barcelona.

THE TIMES: Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that the losers in the Barclays Premier League title race will be haunted by regrets given the chances already missed by both Manchester clubs to extinguish their rivals' hopes. Also: The Premier League suggested Queens Park rangers should form a guard of honour for John Terry and his Chelsea team-mates at Stamford Bridge tomorrow as they sought to avoid the potential flashpoint of a pre-match handshake, Mark Hughes, the club's manager, has revealed.

THE GUARDIAN: Pep Guardiola will leave Barcelona at the end of the season but he has no intention of joining another team, ending speculation over a move to Chelsea or even to the England national side. Also: The Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand is braced to be the target of abuse from Chelsea supporters in tomorrow's west London derby despite Roberto Di Matteo, the European Cup finalists' interim first-team coach, urging the home fans to "behave in the right manner" given the particular sensitivities surrounding the fixture.

THE INDEPENDENT: Pep Guardiola last night denied that he had already met with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich but stopped short of ruling out a switch to the Premier League next season. Also: Roberto Di Matteo, Chelsea's interim manager, paid tribute to Pep Guardiola yesterday, three days after inflicting the remarkable Champions League defeat which led to the Spaniard's departure from Barcelona.

 

[sarahmic]

WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN

Nani has blasted "careless" Manchester United and insisted the players should hang their heads in shame if they fail to win the Premier League. Also: Roberto Mancini has opened the door for Carlos Tevez to stay at Manchester City next season.

MAIL ON SUNDAY

Big spenders Manchester City and Chelsea have been warned by Europe's football bosses that if they splash out on players this summer they may be forced to cut back their Champions League squads - and even be barred from taking part in European competition. Also: Gareth Bale is preparing to leave Tottenham in the summer if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

THE SUNDAY TIMES

Sir Alex Ferguson is warning his players there will be no way back in the Premier League title race should they let Manchester City win tomorrow's epic derby. Also: Gareth Bale could lead a summer exodus of talent from Tottenham after admitting he will consider his future should Spurs fail to qualify for the Champions League.

THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Roberto Mancini will tell his Manchester City players to seize their "one chance" to end the club's 34-year league title drought by beating rivals United tomorrow night. Also: Gareth Bale has hinted he may leave Tottenham if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

THE OBSERVER

Roberto Mancini is refusing to bill tomorrow's Manchester derby as a title decider, insisting that Manchester City still have difficult Premier League games to follow away to Newcastle and at home to Queens Park Rangers. Also: Alan Pardew has promised a reaction at Chelsea on Wednesday to the complacency that saw his Newcastle team go down 4-0 at the Premier League strugglers Wigan, insisting that a Champions League finish is still a possibility.

INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY

On the eve of the local derby that could decide the Premier League title, Sir Alex Ferguson has conceded that if Manchester City beat his Manchester United side at the Etihad Stadium, they will succeed them as champions. Also: Roberto Martinez's Wigan brought a burst of Spanish sunshine to an unseasonably cold afternoon, banishing the chill wind of relegation as a bad winter memory.

DAILY STAR ON SUNDAY

Chelsea are set to make a stunning £32m raid on Everton. Also: Champions League chasers Newcastle were thrashed 4-0 by Championship dodgers Wigan yesterday.

SUNDAY EXPRESS

Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Manchester City will win the Premier League if they beat his United side in tomorrow's massive derby game. Also: Manchester rivals United and City are locked in a £25million battle to sign Lille's Belgian international Eden Hazard.

SUNDAY MIRROR

Frank Lampard wants to stay at Chelsea. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has warned his players: "Lose to City and you have blown the title."

THE PEOPLE

Harry Redknapp fears he is not going to be the next England boss - as Roy Hodgson's stock rises within the FA hierarchy. Also: Manchester United players prepared for the Demolition Derby - by hitching a ride in a battered pick-up truck.

 

[sarahmic]

THE SUN: Roy Hodgson will appeal for the backing of England fans after the FA approached him last night to become the new national manager. Also: Roberto Mancini reckons Carlos Tevez is destined to score the winner in tonight's mother of all derbies...Alex Ferguson is ready to recall Ji-Sung Park at the expense of Danny Welbeck to stop Manchester City.

DAILY STAR: Roy Hodgson will today hold talks over becoming the new England manager. Also: Roberto Mancini has warned Manchester United: Carlos Tevez can be your worst nightmare.

DAILY MIRROR: Roy Hodgson is set to become the new England manager. Also: Roberto Mancini believes Carlos Tevez is destined to score the winner in tonight's Manchester derby title showdown.

DAILY MAIL: The Football Association have taken the astonishing decision to approach Roy Hodgson to become the next England manager, ignoring widespread calls for Harry Redknapp to succeed Fabio Capello. Also: The FA were last night preparing for a backlash against their decision to snub Harry Redknapp in favour of Roy Hodgson.

DAILY EXPRESS: Roy Hodgson is set to be named as England manager after the FA snubbed Harry Redknapp and revealed West Brom's head coach is the only man on their list. Also: Roberto Mancini believes Carlos Tevez is poised for the ultimate act of redemption in tonight's Manchester derby title showdown...Fernando Torres believes there is more to come after claiming his first hat-trick for Chelsea to cap a glorious week.

THE TIMES: Roy Hodgson will be interviewed for the England manager's job today and appears certain to be appointed within days after the Football Association controversially ruled out an approach for Harry Redknapp. Also: One of the nation's leading athletics coaches has damned the move to end Britain's life ban on dopers just three months before the Olympic Games.

THE INDEPENDENT: Roy Hodgson will have talks today with the Football Association with a view to becoming the new England manager after the governing body made the surprise decision to reject the candidacy of Harry Redknapp, the runaway favourite for the job. Also: Roberto Mancini, the Manchester City manager, has declared that he believes Carlos Tevez is ''destined to score the most important goal in the history of this club; this is my belief'' as his side prepares to meet Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium tonight for the game which could prove pivotal to a shifting in the balance of power in the city and British football.

THE GUARDIAN: Roy Hodgson is set to be named as England's new manager after the Football Association opted against making an approach for Harry Redknapp and was granted permission to talk to the West Bromich Albion head coach. Also: The sprinter Dwain Chambers and the cyclist David Millar will both be eligible to compete at the London Olympic Games...Roberto Mancini has spoken of his belief that Carlos Tevez is ''destined'' to be the central figure in the most important Manchester derby ever staged and score the goal that helps to decide the title race.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Roy Hodgson will today hold talks with the Football Association about becoming the next permanent England manager in what will be a huge blow to Harry Redknapp. Also: Roberto Mancini claims Carlos Tevez can rewrite the history of Mancunian football tonight by insisting it is the Argentine's ''destiny'' to score the decisive goal in the title-deciding 163rd Manchester derby.

 

[sarahmic]

WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: Vincent Kompany turned the title heat up to boiling point last night. Also: Spurs are in no rush to offer boss Harry Redknapp a new deal.

DAILY STAR: Skipper Vincent Kompany grabbed the goal that saw Manchester City take a giant stride towards the Premier League title last night. Also: Chelsea are ready to turn to Harry Redknapp after the Spurs boss was snubbed by England.

DAILY MIRROR: Sir Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini had to be pulled apart as Manchester City put one hand on the Premier League trophy. Also: Roy Hodgson must convince England's doubting players that he is the right man for the top job.

DAILY MAIL: Manchester City have one hand on the Barclays Premier League trophy after Vincent Kompany's header gave them a 1-0 win over title rivals Manchester United. Also: Roy Hodgson will perform a dual role until the end of the season, planning for England's European Championship campaign while overseeing West Bromwich Albion's final two Premier League games.

THE GUARDIAN: Manchester City have it in their own hands to be champions of England for the first time since 1968 after a Vincent Kompany header settled the match just before the interval. Also: Roy Hodgson is expected to be confirmed as England's new manager on Tuesday after holding four hours of talks, described as "positive", with the Football Association's appointment panel at Wembley.

DAILY EXPRESS: Sir Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini had a furious touchline bust-up as the Premier League title race took another dramatic twist last night. Also: British athletes have slammed the decision to give drugs cheat Dwain Chambers a place in the London Olympics.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: The Noisy Neighbours are really big noises now, deafeningly so. Also: Roy Hodgson could be confirmed as England manager as early as this morning after holding four hours of "very positive talks" with the Football Association yesterday.

THE INDEPENDENT: There are not many nights in football when a raging Sir Alex Ferguson has to be dragged away from his opposing manager on the touchline by his kitman. But then there has never been a night when the Manchester United manager has watched what was once an eight-point lead in the title race reduced to dust by his local city rivals. Also: The Football Association is confident that it will appoint Roy Hodgson as the new England manager today, subject to him finalising the details of his contract this morning after four hours of successful talks with the FA chairman, David Bernstein, yesterday.

THE TIMES: Sir Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini were involved in a furious touchline exchange as tempers boiled over on a tense night at the Etihad Stadium when Manchester City took a giant stride towards ending their 44-year wait for the league title. Also: Roy Hodgson is expected to be appointed the England manager today after further talks with the Club England board at Wembley.

 

[sarahmic]

Latest Paper Talk at 11:09 BST


WEDNESDAY MAY 2

DAILY MIRROR:

Manchester City are set to sign Eden Hazard ahead of rivals United.

Roy Hodgson last night admitted he would have to be on another planet to think he was the fans' choice to manage England.

Chris Hughton has offered no guarantee he will remain at Birmingham beyond this season - with West Brom waiting in the wings.

Juventus will spend £35million on one player if they win Serie A - with Luis Suarez, Carlos Tevez and Robin van Persie top of their wishlist.

David James could be forced to bring his 24-year career to an end after being bombed out by Bristol City.

David Silva says Roberto Mancini won the mind games with Sir Alex Ferguson by taking the title pressure off his players.

DAILY STAR:

Roy Hodgson last night insisted his Liverpool nightmare has prepared him for life in the hotseat.

David Silva reckons Roberto Mancini won his mental war with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Sir Alex Ferguson will go on a summer spending spree in an attmpt to stop his neighbours from ruling the roost in Manchester.

Paul Pogba looks set to reject a new contract at Old Trafford in favour of a move to Juventus.

Chris Hughton is ready to step into Roy Hodgson's shoes at West Brom.

Fulham will battle Norwich and Swansea for £2million-rated Nottingham Forest defender Chris Gunter.

THE SUN:

Roy Hodgson last night set out his masterplan to win the Euros this year.

David Silva says United no longer hold any fears for City.

Everton and Newcastle are in a tug-of-war to sign midfielder Roman Hamouma from Caen.

Liverpool are in a battle with 15 other clubs to sign Dutch ace Luuk de Jong.

Southampton want £5m-rated midfielder Michu.

David Moyes wants to land Burnley striker Jay Rodriguez in a deal that could cost Everton £8m.

Arsenal target Yann M'Vila has been arrested in France after allegedly punching a 17-year-old.

DAILY EXPRESS:

Sir Alex Ferguson will launch a £100million summer spending bonanza in a bid to prevent Manchester United being replaced by neighbours City as the dominant force in the Premier League.

Roy Hodgson began his reign as England manager with an appeal for the nation to cut him some slack.

Tottenham's Danny Rose has hit out at Harry Redknapp's refusal to rotate his squad.

DAILY MAIL:

Roy Hodgson will talk to both John Terry and Rio Ferdinand in the hope of taking both players to the European Championship.

Liverpool will take another look at AZ Alkmaar midfielder Rasmus Elm tonight.

Middlesbrough manager Tony Mowbray is ready to turn to Ipswich midfielder Grant Leadbitter.

Asamoah Gyan looks set to complete a £10million permanent move to UAE club Al-Ain.

DAILY RECORD (SCOTLAND):

Bill Miller is on the brink of pushing through his takeover of Rangers after Brian Kennedy and Paul Murray refused to copy the American's Newco plan.

Celtic target Jay Rodriguez has refused to rule out a move to Parkhead.

 

[sarahmic]

WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: Harry Redknapp last night admitted: I'll never be England boss now. Also: Rio Ferdinand will think about going to Euro 2012 - if new England boss Roy Hodgson wants him to; Roberto Mancini has told Carlos Tevez he is welcome to stay at Manchester City.

DAILY MIRROR: Rio Ferdinand is ready to tell Roy Hodgson he can play with John Terry at Euro 2012 - for the good of England. Also: Roy Hodgson wants to make trusted lieutenant Ray Lewington his England No 2; Fabrice Muamba thanked "the whole country" for their support as he broke down in tears on his emotional return to the Reebok.

DAILY STAR: A Papiss Cisse wonder-goal inspired Newcastle to a stunning success at Stamford Bridge. Also: Steve Kean has been attacked by a fan at Blackburn's training ground; Paul Ince has been asked to join Roy Hodgson's England revolution.

DAILY MAIL: The FA were last night forced to defend new England manager Roy Hodgson after a newspaper's 'disrespectful' mocking of his speech impediment. Also: Papiss Cisse brought Chelsea crashing to earth with two spectacular goals last night and Alan Pardew warned Manchester City to expect more title twists and turns on Tyneside; One of the 'Plastic Brits' hired to represent the Great Britain wrestling team at London 2012 has failed a drugs test.

DAILY EXPRESS: Fabrice Muamba fought back the tears to make an emotional return to football last night as Bolton met Tottenham, just 48 days after suffering a cardiac arrest in an FA Cup tie between the clubs at White Hart Lane. Also: Rio Ferdinand is set to tell England manager Roy Hodgson he is ready to go to Euro 2012 if required; Papiss Cisse struck twice as Newcastle hit back in style last night after their loss at Wigan to stay right in the hunt for a Champions League place.

THE GUARDIAN: Roy Hodgson began his reign as England manager by discussing possible changes to his backroom staff with the Football Association and prioritising talks with Rio Ferdinand to establish whether the Manchester United defender would be willing to play alongside John Terry. Also: Fabrice Muamba admitted he "wished he was playing today" before receiving an emotional reception on the Reebok Stadium pitch ahead of Bolton Wanderers' 4-1 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur, the midfielder's first visit to a football match since his cardiac arrest; Newcastle United moved four points clear of Chelsea in the pursuit of a Champions League berth with victory but the outcome was overshadowed.

THE TIMES: Rio Ferdinand is planning to tell Roy Hodgson that he wishes to be considered for the England manager's European Championship finals squad despite his lingering antipathy towards John Terry. Also: A day after learning he had been overlooked by England, Harry Redknapp saw his Tottenham Hotspur side take a crucial step towards Champions League qualification with a 4-1 victory away to Bolton Wanderers last night; Chelsea lost what turned out to be a strangely subdued battle, but given the rollercoaster nature of this Premier League season it would be little surprise if they ended up winning the war.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Harry Redknapp was given a timely reminder that if his heart remains set on managing a golden generation of footballers, he has more chance of doing so at Tottenham than from the England dugout. Also: Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard admits Saturday's FA Cup final will define his club's season; UEFA will not change its rules on yellow cards for the Champions League for at least three years, despite six players being suspended for the final between Chelsea and Bayern Munich following cautions in the semi-finals.

THE INDEPENDENT: The new England manager Roy Hodgson hopes to speak to Rio Ferdinand within the next week to gauge the Manchester United defender's feelings about playing for England at the European Championships next month. Also: If Chelsea are to make it into a 10th successive Champions League campaign next season, the hard reality after last night's home defeat is that they may well now have to go to Munich on 19 May and win the damned thing against Bayern Munich.

 

[sarahmic]

Latest Paper Talk at 12:35 BST


FRIDAY MAY 4

DAILY MIRROR:

Manchester City are ready to make a £40m move for Spurs star Gareth Bale, 22, and have pledged to treble his current salary.

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is plotting a move for Arsenal midfielder Alex Song.

DAILY STAR:

Jose Mourinho has ruled out a return as Chelsea boss and will stay at newly-crowned Spanish champions Real Madrid.

Sir Alex Ferguson has piled the pressure on Manchester City and told them: You have to win at Newcastle to win the league.

THE SUN:

The Germans have mocked new England boss Roy Hodgson with their players and management saying: "Roy who?"

Arsene Wenger is amazed to have reached the 900-game mark as Arsenal manager.

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner has hinted Fulham's American striker Clint Dempsey is on their shopping list.

Southampton are tracking 24-year-old Bolton midfielder Mark Davies.

Cardiff are ready to fight it out with Leicester to sign Fleetwood Town striker Jamie Vardy, with Southampton and Blackpool also interested.

DAILY MAIL:

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is apparently determined to bring former manager Jose Mourinho back to Stamford Bridge.

Roy Hodgson is set to axe U21 boss Stuart Pearce from his role with the senior squad, with Ray Lewington coming in as his number two.

Aston Villa trio James Collins, Fabian Delph and Chris Herd have been disciplined after a nightclub fracas in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Newcastle and Reading are in competition to sign Barnsley's £2m-rated 21-year-old midfielder Jacob Butterfield.

Everton are on the trail of Heerenveen striker Bas Dost who is the top scorer in Holland this season. Aston Villa and German side Wolfsburg are also interested.

Swansea have had a bid to sign Gylfi Sigurdsson from Hoffenheim rejected by the German club who want £8.2m for the Iceland midfield international who has been on loan at the Swans this season.

Brazilian club Botafogo are set to launch a bid for Arsenal's Andre Santos.

DAILY EXPRESS:

Manchester City want to sign Robin van Persie from Arsenal - but value him at just £20m.

Blackburn boss Steve Kean claims there is more pressure on Bolton and QPR in the battle to avoid the drop.

DAILY TELEGRAPH:

Arsenal are facing competition from Tottenham Hotspur for Junior Hoilett as well as Jan Vertonghen and Eden Hazard.

Roy Keane admits he is unlikely to repair his broken relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson unless he bumps into the Manchester United manager while "walking his dog".

THE TIMES:

Fabio Capello has warned Roy Hodgson that he will find it difficult to forge team spirit and create a winning mentality in the England squad before the European Championships this summer.

Roy Hodgson's international credentials have been called into question by the coach of the Champions League finalists Bayern Munich.

DAILY RECORD:

American Bill Miller will complete his takeover of Rangers "in the next few days".

Motherwell's players will be rewarded for making the Champions League with pay cuts.

 

[sarahmic]

WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Chelsea want to build "one of the most iconic football stadiums in the world" in Wandsworth, south London, incorporating the four chimneys of Battersea Power Station in a 60,000-seat stadium costing more than £1billion and not being open before 2016. Also: Liverpool's goalkeeper Pepe Reina has amplified the FA Cup final tension by blaming Chelsea for the confidence crisis endured by their record signing, Fernando Torres...Mark Hughes yesterday questioned the Football Association's timing in appointing Roy Hodgson as England manager and suggested it might have fateful consequences for the top and bottom of the Premier League table.

DAILY MIRROR: Kenny Dalglish heads for Wembley today insisting he is looking to repay his debt to Liverpool. Also: John Terry is hoping that FA Cup glory will help Roberto Di Matteo become full-time Chelsea boss...Harry Redknapp admits he could be sensationally axed at Spurs.

THE INDEPENDENT: The Liverpool goalkeeper, Pepe Reina, has said on the eve of today's FA Cup final that Chelsea are to blame for Fernando Torres' struggle to deliver at Stamford Bridge, having failed to dispense with other players' egos and build a team around him. Also: Roy Hodgson announced his first appointment to the England backroom staff last night with the arrival of Ray Lewington, currently the first-team coach at Fulham, who will work with the team just for the European Championships this summer...Arsene Wenger hopes that by signing Lukas Podolski he can convince Robin van Persie to commit himself to the club by agreeing a new deal this summer.

DAILY STAR: Roberto Mancini has taunted Sir Alex Ferguson and told him: We are the top dogs in Manchester now. Also: Brendan Rodgers has accused Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini of being disrespectful...Arsene Wenger last night ruled out Robin van Persie leaving this summer and is convinced Lukas Podolski's arrival will mean he keeps his star man...Floyd Mayweather is ready to target Amir Khan after taking care of business against Miguel Cotto.

THE SUN: Jose Mourinho is set to snub Roman Abramovich and sign a new Real Madrid deal - worth a staggering £10million a year after tax. Also: Harry Redknapp ways his refusal to talk 'cobblers' cost him the England job...Dwain Chambers will line up against Usain Bolt in a 100m race later this month.

DAILY EXPRESS: Frank Lampard is dreaming about a double cup success for Chelsea in the next fortnight, starting at Wembley today. Also: Roberto Mancini has told his Manchester City stars: "You've proved you're the cream of Manchester - now show you are the best in the Premier League."...Alex McLeish says he feels let down and stunned that three of his Aston Villa players went out drinking until the early hours of the morning with the club still fighting for Premier League survival.

DAILY MAIL: Chelsea directors spoke with a member of the Qatari ruling family yesterday about investing in the club's future. Also: Harry Redknapp confessed the appointment of Roy Hodgson as England manager came as a 'relief' but also questioned why the process took the FA nearly three months to complete...Aston Villa supporters have cranked up the pressure on Alex McLeish by taking out an advert in a local paper and calling for him to be sacked.

THE GUARDIAN: Kenny Dalglish has claimed he will be forever indebted to Liverpool whether or not he guides the club to a domestic cup double in today's FA Cup final against Chelsea. Also: Chelsea have submitted a formal offer to purchase the site of Battersea power station which, if accepted, could lead to the club leaving Stamford Bridge and the development of "one of the most iconic football stadiums in the world" at a cost of more than £1billion.

THE TIMES: John Terry has urged his Chelsea team-mates to beat Liverpool and win the FA Cup at Wembley this evening to help Roberto Di Matteo, the interim first-team coach, to get the job on a permanent basis. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has told his Manchester United players they will be haunted by a "stupid" and "absolutely ridiculous" performance against Everton unless Newcastle United manage to do the champions a huge favour in the title race tomorrow.

 

[sarahmic]

Latest Paper Talk at 08:58 BST


SUNDAY MAY 6

DAILY STAR ON SUNDAY

Manchester City have offered Robin van Persie £250,000-per-week to join them in the summer.

PSG want Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

Middlesbrough are leading the chase to land Manchester United's Will Kean on loan.

Shay Given has said he would fancy a move to Celtic as a swansong to his career.

Steve Kean will fight on at Blackburn next season even if they are relegated.

THE SUN ON SUNDAY

Sir Alex Ferguson fears Manchester City will blow Manchester United out of the water again in the transfer market this summer.

Stoke are set to offload Kenwyne Jones, Matthew Upson and Cameron Jerome in the summer to reduce the wage bill.

Chris Hughton is set to become West Brom boss - even if Birmingham are promoted to the Premier League.

Phil Brown is set for a dramatic return to Hull in place of the suspended Nicky Barmby.

Pavel Pogrebnyak has opened talks over a permanent deal with Fulham.

Rafael Van der Vaart has encouraged Ajax skipper Jan Vertonghen to join him at Tottenham.

SUNDAY MIRROR

Steve Bould is to become Arsene Wenger's new number two at Arsenal in a re-vamped coaching set-up.

Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle are chasing rising Dutch star Luuk de Jong.

Wigan have slapped a £10m price tag on Victor Moses to ward off any possible suitors for their prize asset.

THE PEOPLE

Craig Bellamy will be part of GB's 18-man Olympic squad - leaving David Beckham sweating on one of just two more places for over-age players.

Roy Hodgson is struggling to find a replacement for Stuart Pearce in his England coaching set-up.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon is "open" to a move to England - which will put managerless West Brom on red alert.

Chris Hughton is top of West Brom's shortlist to replace Roy Hodgson - closely followed by Gus Poyet.

Fulham's Danny Murphy fears the game with Sunderland could be his last at Craven Cottage with his contract up in the summer.

Kenny Dalglish is sweating on his summer budget at Liverpool as the owners delay an answer on funds.

Nicky Barmby is ready to stay at Hull after making peace with the club's owners.

Tottenham are ready to swoop for West Ham 'keeper Rob Green this summer.

Ipswich have made a shock £750,000 bid for Leicester striker Paul Gallagher.

Chelsea are chasing Porto star Alvaro Pereira.

Nottingham Forest's Chris Gunter is wanted by Fulham and Swansea.

Bolton want Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu next season on loan if they stay in the Premier League.

MAIL ON SUNDAY

Sir Trevor Brooking has reacted angrily to claims he single-handedly cost Harry Redknapp his chance of the England manager's job.

Manchester United fear Manchester City will steal their transfer targets this summer and wreck their chances of rebuilding.

SUNDAY EXPRESS

Sir Trevor Brooking has denied a past feud with Harry Redknapp denied the Totenham boss the chance of becoming England manager.

 

[sarahmic]

WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: Yaya Toure hit a double for title-chasing Manchester City, then roared: We've got one hand on the trophy. Also: Alex Ferguson has called on Mark Hughes to kill off Manchester City's title bid - and avenge his "unethical" sacking.

DAILY MAIL: Roberto Mancini yesterday finally conceded the title is within touching distance for Manchester City on Sunday but vowed to guard against complacency sabotaging their greatest achievement in 44 years. Also: By the time Sir Alex Ferguson delivered his traditional end-of-season address from the centre circle, there were empty red seats everywhere.

DAILY MIRROR: Sir Alex Ferguson said only a Devon Loch-style collapse can stop Manchester City from claiming their first Premier League title on Sunday. Kenny Dalglish has revealed he will sit down at the end of the season with Liverpool's owners to thrash out his future.

THE TIMES: Sir Alex Ferguson attempted one last throw of the dice in the Barclays Premier League title race last night by declaring that Mark Hughes will be out for revenge against Manchester City over his "very unethical" sacking as the club's manager. Also: Christine Ohuruogu said that she is happy to stay out of both the spotlight and the country as rumours of her rebirth continue to grow.

THE INDEPENDENT: Sir Alex Ferguson has made a last-ditch attempt at the sort of mind games he has become famed for in an attempt to stop Manchester City securing the Premier League title next weekend. Also: At the end of the game, even Roberto Mancini could not stop himself walking on to the pitch and hugging some of the players for whom he represents, for most of the time, a rather distant and unyielding authority figure.

DAILY STAR: Two-goal Yaya Toure last night claimed Manchester City have one hand on the Premier League trophy. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson is banking on a miracle from his old mate Mark Hughes to save Manchester United's title bid.

DAILY EXPRESS: Yaya Toure believes Manchester City have one hand on the Premier League trophy after he scored two superb goals to defeat Newcastle yesterday. Also: Frank Lampard is pleading with Chelsea to change their minds and hand Didier Drogba a new deal to keep him at Stamford Bridge.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: If 44 years of hurt finally end for Manchester City this week, then the history books should triumphantly record that it was Roberto Mancini's canny repositioning of Yaya Toure at critical second-half moments that reacquainted the club with the English title after so long. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson claimed Manchester United must rely on a Devon Loch-style collapse by Manchester City and a revenge mission by Mark Hughes to prevent Roberto Mancini's team winning the Premier League title.

THE GUARDIAN: Roberto Mancini was not willing to accept Manchester City now have one hand on the Premier League trophy - but Sir Alex Ferguson was.

 

[sarahmic]

WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

DAILY EXPRESS: Pep Guardiola has rejected a £12million-a-year offer from Chelsea - which could open the door for Roberto Di Matteo to land the manager's job permanently. Also: Blackburn were relegated from the Premier League after losing 1-0 at home to Wigan last night in a match that had to be stopped because of a pitch invasion - by a chicken...Ronnie O'Sullivan said he felt like an "Ironman" after winning a fourth world snooker title last night.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Blackburn Rovers were relegated last night with rain, tennis balls and relentless derision falling on their beleaguered manager Steve Kean. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson is facing a battle to persuade Paul Scholes to extend his Manchester United career beyond the end of the season...The Luxembourg Boxing Federation will license a heavyweight fight between David Haye and Dereck Chisora at Upton Park, West Ham United's home ground, on July 14, it will be announced today.

THE GUARDIAN: Manchester City may be only 90 minutes from wrapping up the Premier League but Joleon Lescott has urged the club's fans to "not get carried away" in the run-up to the title decider this weekend. Also: Lancashire have won the battle to sign Ajmal Shahzad from Yorkshire, giving the England seamer the perfect stage on which to prove a point to his former county...West Ham United are one step away from returning to the Premier League after easing their way into the Championship play-off final with an emphatic victory over Cardiff City.

DAILY MIRROR: Pep Guardiola has knocked back a second offer from Chelsea - and that could give Roberto Di Matteo a shot at the job. Also: Angry scenes broke out at Ewood Park after Blackburn were relegated from the Premier League...Fernando Torres will face the wrath of Anfield tonight as he makes his first return to the ground where he was once idolised.

THE SUN: It's on! David Haye will fight Dereck Chisora in the grudge fight of the century - thanks to The Sun. Also: Rovers crashed through the Premier League eggsit as Wigan completed the great escape...Amir Khan's world title rematch with Lamont Peterson is on the brink of being called off.

DAILY MAIL: Blackburn ended 11 years in the Premier League after a 1-0 defeat at home to Wigan doomed them to relegation on another night of bitterness, anger and negativity at Ewood Park. Also: Manchester United's England defender Chris Smalling has suffered a Euro 2012 scare after learning his groin injury is worse than first thought...Wigan midfielder James McCarthy has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2012 squad after his father was diagnosed with cancer.

DAILY STAR: Manchester City's millionaire stars have been promised £250,000 a man for landing the Premier League title. Also: Blackburn boss Steve Kean finally had the stuffing knocked out of him as Rovers waved goodbye to the Premier League last night...Golden oldie Ronnie O'Sullivan grabbed his fourth world title at the Crucible last night.

THE TIMES: Blackburn Rovers were relegated from the Barclays Premier League last night as supporters directed the full force of their anger at Steve Kean, the manager, and Venky's, the club's owners. Also: Real Madrid scouts have been watching Papiss Demba Cisse with a view to making a move for the Newcastle United this summer...Ronnie O'Sullivan claimed a fourth world title last night to complete a remarkable turnaround in his playing fortunes and though he insisted that there was plenty more to come, it would appear a decision on a threatened retirement is deferred rather than definitive.

THE INDEPENDENT: Manchester City have identified the Montpellier midfielder Younes Belhanda as a back-up target, with their pursuit of Eden Hazard, one of the Continent's brightest talents, proving more difficult than the club had first anticipated. Also: Manchester United's Chris Smalling has emerged as an early injury doubt for Roy Hodgson's Euro 2012 squad, with a groin problem which was troubling him by the end of his side's victory over Swansea on Sunday proving more serious than initially had been thought.

 

[sarahmic]

Latest Paper Talk at 08:53 BST


WEDNESDAY MAY 9

DAILY MIRROR

Lille star Eden Hazard, 21, has dropped the biggest hint yet about his preferred Premier League destination, after saying he will "definitely" be wearing blue next season, shortening the odds on a move to Manchester City or Chelsea.

Everton left-back Leighton Baines, 27, is a summer target for both Manchester United and Bayern Munich.

West Ham and England keeper Rob Green, 32, is set to leave the Hammers after the play-off final and join Spanish side Malaga on a free transfer.

QPR midfielder Joey Barton has warned former club Manchester City they will get a "reality check" if they are already planning a title party on Sunday.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis is set to bid £4m for Blackburn's Sweden international defender Martin Olsson.

Blackburn boss Steve Kean will plead for his job when he meets club owners Venky's this weekend after the club's relegation to the Championship.

Tottenham are set to beat rivals Arsenal to the signing of Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen.

Newcastle's Hatem Ben Arfa is a summer target for Italian duo Juventus and Inter Milan.

Reading hope to beat off interest from Udinese and Genoa for Valenciennes midfielder Carlos Sanchez.

THE SUN

Manchester City want to celebrate Premier League glory by giving manager Roberto Mancini a new £22m deal.

Everton skipper Phil Neville is set to be named in Roy Hodgson's England coaching set-up, while Chelsea defender John Terry is sweating on whether he will be included in England's Euro 2012 squad.

Nick Barmby is set to sue Championship side Hull City for wrongful dismissal after being axed on Tuesday.

Everton have joined the race to sign Crewe's teenage striker Nick Powell, 18, with Manchester United, Spurs and Arsenal also in the hunt.

DAILY STAR

Roy Hodgson will name his 23-man England Euro 2012 squad without going on a single scouting mission.

Sunderland winger James McClean has received death threats after being named in the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2012 squad.

Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish is set to offer £3m for Wolves midfielder Karl Henry.

Defender Ledley King, 31, is set to remain at Spurs despite contract talks running into the summer.

West Brom are set to sign Portsmouth defender Sam Magri, 18, for £400,000.

DAILY MAIL

Chelsea defender John Terry could be the surprise omission from new manager Roy Hodgson's England squad for Euro 2012.

West Brom are in talks with former Chelsea and Inter Milan boss Claudio Ranieri to replace England-bound Hodgson.

Arsenal are lining up a summer move for Swansea keeper Michel Vorm.

The Gunners have agreed a £17m four-year summer deal in principle for 21-year-old Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila.

DAILY EXPRESS

Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez wants to stay at the club.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

In-demand Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen has urged the Amsterdam side not to price him out of a move to Tottenham.

DAILY RECORD

American Bill Miller pulled out of the race to save Rangers and warned new bidders that not even he had the funds to stave off liquidation.

Furious Rangers stars will demand showdown talks with the Ibrox club's administrators Duff and Phelps.

 

[sarahmic]

Latest Paper Talk at 08:07 BST


THURSDAY MAY 10

DAILY MIRROR

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba will play his last game for the club in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich on May 19 after his calls for a new two-year deal fell on deaf ears.

Midfielder Yaya Toure has stunned Manchester City by revealing he wants to return to Barcelona.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is preparing to make a £10m bid for Everton left-back Leighton Baines.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is ready to raid former club Blackburn for goalkeeper Paul Robinson following Rovers' relegation.

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has snubbed interest from newly-crowned Italian champions Juventus.

Benfica want to take Manchester United full-back Fabio, 21, on loan.

Swansea hope to sort out Scott Sinclair's future by the end of the month.

THE SUN

Chelsea interim manager Roberto Di Matteo expects to be axed - even if they win the Champions League.

Wigan midfielder Victor Moses has turned down a new deal and wants to leave the club.

Fulham face competition from Ajax to sign 23-year-old Vitesse Arnhem left-back Alexander Buttner.

MK Dons boss Karl Robinson is a leading candidate for the Hull City job.

DAILY STAR

Liverpool are close to finalising a £7m move for Swedish midfielder Rasmus Elm from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.

Stoke have been told they will have to pay £8m to sign Blackburn left-back Martin Olsson.

DAILY MAIL

Gus Poyet is on the verge of quitting as manager of Brighton after it emerged he is on the wanted list of three top West Midlands clubs. West Brom and relegated Wolves are on the lookout for new managers and Aston Villa are also considering Alex McLeish's future.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has been accused of racism by former Everton winger Royston Drenthe.

Blackburn winger Junior Hoilett is a target for German duo Bayern Munich and Borussia Monchengladbach.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll hopes he has caught the attention of England manager Roy Hodgson after his end-of-season goal flourish.

THE GUARDIAN

Juventus have become the first club to publicly express an interest in signing Robin Van Persie, but Arsenal are confident they can keep the Netherlands striker at Emirates Stadium.

DAILY RECORD

Rangers striker Steven Naismith has pleaded for the club's takeover saga to be ended.

Inverness keeper Ryan Esson, 32, wants to stay with the club.

 

[sarahmic]

WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: Yaya Toure wants to lead Manchester City to world domination. Also: Manchester United have told the FA Ryan Giggs is the only over-age player they will release for the Olympics.

DAILY MAIL: Mark Hughes is in line for a £1million bonus if he keeps QPR in the Barclays Premier League on Sunday with a result that could also stop his former club Manchester City winning the title. Also: Last Sunday evening in the North East, before Roberto Mancini boarded the team bus back to Manchester, there was a phone call to make. The one he always makes after a match; to one of the most exclusive mobile phone numbers in Abu Dhabi.

DAILY MIRROR: Kop chiefs are ready to let Kenny Dalglish carry on as Liverpool boss - but with a vastly-reduced budget for signings. Also: Yaya Toure claims he wants to help make Manchester City the biggest club in the world.

DAILY EXPRESS: Mark Hughes will pick up a £1million bonus if he keeps Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League. Also: Amir Khan has made a demand for the return of the two world titles he lost to drugs cheat Lamont Peterson and wants the American fighter banned from boxing immediately.

DAILY STAR: Arsene Wenger is desperate not to end up feeling sick on Sunday - like their Champions League rivals Tottenham did. Also: Amir Khan came out fighting last night and insisted: A cheat took my titles - now I want them back.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Yaya Toure has claimed that Manchester City are capable of becoming "bigger than any club in the world" if they secure their first league title in 44 years on Sunday. Also: The man known as "Mr Arsenal", Pat Rice, is leaving the club after 44 years' distinguished service as apprentice, double-winning number two as a player and double-winning No 2 as a coach who occasionally kicked Arsene Wenger when tension gripped the dugout.

THE TIMES: Roman Abramovich is refusing to accept defeat in his attempts to persuade Pep Guardiola to be the next Chelsea manager. Also: Yaya Toure has warned his team-mates that they must be prepared to fight until the "final ball" to wrest the title from Old Trafford on Sunday, but is committed to establishing City as "bigger than any club in the world".

THE GUARDIAN: Police in Portugal are planning to question Manchester United about the club's 9m euro (£7.2m) signing of the striker Bebe from the Portuguese club Vitoria Guimaraes, as part of their criminal investigation into the deal. Also: Stuart Lancaster has warned his new-look England tour squad to behave on and off the field in South Africa next month if they wish to remain in the national squad.

THE INDEPENDENT: Arsene Wenger paid tribute yesterday to Pat Rice, who is stepping down as his assistant manager and will be replaced by the former defender Steve Bould. Also: The owners of Blackburn Rovers finally broke their silence yesterday following relegation, and the message was one of defiance.

 

[sarahmic]

WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: Alex Ferguson has warned Manchester City: Blow the title and you will never recover. Also: Frank Warren has accused the British Boxing Board of Control of 'hypocrisy'.

DAILY MAIL: Brace yourselves for the final day of the finest season in 20 years of the Barclays Premier League. Also: England manager Roy Hodgson is giving Darren Bent every chance to prove himself fit for this summer's European Championship.

DAILY MIRROR: Roberto Mancini has taunted Sir Alex Ferguson by claiming Manchester City have played the best football this season and deserve to be champions. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Manchester City they could do "untold" damage to their future by bottling the title.

DAILY EXPRESS: Sir Alex Ferguson has cranked up the title pressure on Manchester City with the warning: "If you bottle it now, you may never recover." Also: England captain Scott Parker is a major doubt for Euro 2012 as his persistent Achilles tendon injury drags on into the summer.

DAILY STAR: Sir Alex Ferguson reckons Manchester City will be scarred for life if they blow the title. Also: Chris Smalling has been left heartbroken after being ruled out of England's Euro 2012 campaign because of a serious groin problem.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: The Premier League champions' flag may be about to make the five-mile journey from Old Trafford to the Etihad Stadium this weekend, but Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted it will not be replaced by a white one at Old Trafford. Also: Garry Cook will attend Manchester City's title decider against Queens Park Rangers at the Etihad Stadium tomorrow after being invited back to the club for the first time since losing his job as chief executive in the wake of a leaked e-mail mocking Nedum Onuoha's cancer-stricken mother.

THE TIMES: Sir Alex Ferguson has aimed one final broadside at Manchester City before tomorrow's final showdowns in the Barclays Premier League, warning of the "untold" damage Roberto Mancini's team could suffer if they miss out on the title.

THE GUARDIAN: Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Manchester City they will face "untold" ramifications if they fail to secure the title tomorrow. Also: Roberto Mancini believes that Manchester City deserve to win the title, as they have "played better football" than Manchester United.

THE INDEPENDENT: After experiencing the torture of his own side's capitulation and then the mild torture he has attempted to inflict on his adversary Roberto Mancini, yesterday there was only equanimity from Sir Alex Ferguson as he calmly faced up to the prospect that Manchester City will be English champions the next time he engages in a public discussion of his team. Also: Roberto Mancini, the Manchester City manager, declared yesterday that it would benefit the Premier League to have a new club crowned champions and that he hoped to end a hard half-century for his club's supporters by changing the balance of power in Manchester tomorrow.

 

[sarahmic]

UNDAY MIRROR

Liverpool are preparing for life without Kenny Dalglish.

Sir Alex Ferguson flew into Berlin on Saturday to check out Borussia Dortmund star Shinji Kagawa.

Ritchie De Laet and Matty James are heading to Leicester in a £2million double deal.

Former Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd is one of the backers behind an English consortium linked with a move for Rangers.

Roy Hodgson has persuaded Ben Foster to come out of international retirement.

Martin Olsson is being lined up as the £7million successor to Ashley Cole at Stamford Bridge.