What The Sports Pages Say

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

DAILY EXPRESS: Cesc Fabregas has criticised England's "defensive" style of football in the victory over Spain and claims they are boring without Wayne Rooney and Jack Wilshere. Also: John Terry will be banned from speaking today about his race row with Anton Ferdinand when he faces the media for the first time since the flashpoint.

THE INDEPENDENT: Fabio Capello has warned his England squad that their victory over world champions Spain on Saturday will count for little unless they can beat the less formidable Sweden team whom they face at Wembley tomorrow. Also: In a private moment played out amid the very public euphoria in the McLaren camp in Abu Dhabi's twilight yesterday, Lewis Hamilton's mother Carmen stood momentarily alone, wiping away her tears. Birthday presents come no better than the one that her son had just given her, after scoring a totally dominant - and much-needed - victory in the penultimate grand prix of his punishing season.

THE SUN: John Terry will speak publicly today for the first time since his race row with Anton Ferdinand kicked off. But the England skipper has been ordered not to answer any questions about his alleged racist comments to the QPR defender. Also: Cesc Fabregas last night warned Robin van Persie: If you don't quit Arsenal now you never will.

THE GUARDIAN: England could play the Republic of Ireland in a Euro 2012 warm-up game in Dublin after the football associations of both countries revealed they are hopeful a fixture can be arranged. There would be clear security implications around the match, potentially the first between the teams since a friendly at Lansdowne Road in 1995 was abandoned because of crowd violence. Also: Shaun Edwards confirmed on Sunday night that he is almost certain to stay coaching Wales until the next Rugby World Cup in 2015, effectively ruling out his involvement with any new England set-up during the next four years.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Cesc Fabregas, the former Arsenal captain, has offered a damning assessment of the England side fielded by Fabio Capello, dismissing the team that beat Spain as "lacking in talent to make things happen". Also: Smiling uncontrollably, for the first time in months, diamond earrings glistening beneath the floodlights of Yas Marina's shimmering circuit, Lewis Hamilton soaked up his first win since Germany this summer.

DAILY STAR: Fabio Capello has warned England: Don't ruin your good work by flopping against Sweden. Also: Cesc Fabregas has told Robin van Persie: You'll never have another chance to quit Arsenal.

DAILY MIRROR: Fabio Capello last night claimed tomorrow's game with Sweden is bigger than the shock win over world champions. Also: Roberto Mancini reckons England's young squad can win Euro 2012.

DAILY MAIL: England are being lined up for a friendly against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin next June, 16 years after rioting supporters caused the last game between the teams to be abandoned after 27 minutes. Also: Fabio Capello guided England to a famous victory against Spain amid concerns for one of his most trusted lieutenant. Ray Clemence - officially titled Head of National Teams - was taken to hospital on the eve of the match and was missing at Wembley on Saturday.

THE TIMES: Manchester City could sue Carlos Tevez for compensation should they decide to terminate his contract on grounds of gross misconduct, The Times has learnt. Also: Lewis Hamilton has told anyone who was willing to listen this week that he was feeling in a better place mentally than he had for months and under the floodlights of Abu Dhabi's stunning Yas Marina circuit yesterday, the poster boy of British motor sport ensured those words did not ring hollow.
 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: John Terry insists he has had backing from players and managers 'across the world' during his police investigation. Also: Manchester City have no idea if they will ever see Carlos Tevez again... Fabio Capello has officially ruled David Beckham out of Euro 2012.

DAILY MIRROR: John Terry last night claimed he had support from across the world and said it was his duty to "front up". The Carlos Tevez saga has descended into farce amid claims the AWOL striker is refusing to return to Manchester City because he is depressed. Michael Owen's injury jinx struck again last night when he was ruled out until Christmas.

DAILY EXPRESS: John Terry has declared himself ready to handle the fall-out from the Anton Ferdinand race row as he returns as England captain tonight. Also: The Carlos Tevez saga took a new twist last night when it was claimed he is too depressed to return to Manchester City... Fabio Capello has handed Andy Carroll a stark ultimatum and told him to take responsibility for his career to make the most of his talent.

DAILY STAR: John Terry last night revealed he had received worldwide support in the wake of the racist allegations levelled at him. Also: Rebel striker Carlos Tevez has told Manchester City he can't return because he is depressed... Fabio Capello has revealed David Beckham WILL be part of Team GB at the Olympics.

DAILY MAIL: The drunken night out that cost Mike Tindall has England career was partly paid for by the Rugby Football Union. Also: Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge, who will make his England debut as a substitute against Sweden at Wembley tonight, has been the target of alleged racist abuse from his own club's fans... John Terry has vowed he will never shirk his responsibilities as England captain or opt out of the firing line.

THE TIMES: John Terry insisted yesterday that he will never hide away and will lead out England with pride at Wembley this evening. Also: Robbie Keane turned down a request from the Los Angeles Galaxy to return to the United States early for Sunday's MLS Cup final... Celtic are likely to face a fine of more than £40,000 if Uefa's control and disciplinary body finds the club's supporters guilty of offensive chanting on December 8.

THE INDEPENDENT: John Terry issued a staunch a defence of his character as the Football Association's vow of silence on the Anton Ferdinand race row permits, insisting he had never considered hiding from an issue he feels duty-bound to face and revealing he has been offered support by players and managers from all over the world - including Jose Mourinho - as the investigation continues. Also: Carlos Tevez failed to attend a meeting with Manchester City as ordered yesterday, choosing instead to remain in Argentina, but discussions have taken place in his absence between his advisers and the club... Celtic face disciplinary action from Uefa over "illicit chanting" during the 3-1 Europa League win over Rennes at Parkhead earlier this month.

THE GUARDIAN: John Terry has revealed his frustration at being unable to defend himself publicly against allegations of racial abuse but says he has received support from "around the world" from figures within the game. Also: Carlos Tevez has risked further and severe disciplinary action by Manchester City after failing to travel from Argentina for scheduled talks with his club yesterday... Michael Owen is facing up to six weeks on the sidelines with a thigh injury, Manchester United confirmed last night.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: England's controversial captain, John Terry, says he has received messages of support from "across the world", from the English public and from his international colleagues as he lives with the intense scrutiny of a police investigation of the allegation that he racially abused QPR's Anton Ferdinand, a claim he denies. Also: Fabio Capello said yesterday that he believed David Beckham would be involved in the Great Britain squad for next summer's London Olympics... Manchester City are holding 'ongoing talks' with Carlos Tevez's representatives in an attempt to resolve the latest stand-off between club and player following the 27-year-old's failure to meet yesterday's deadline to return from his unauthorised trip to Buenos Aires.
 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: Fabio Capello hailed England's young guns after leading the nation through a first unbeaten year since 1994. Also...Robbie Keane was delighted after Ireland sealed their first Euro finals spot since 1988.

THE TIMES: England maintained the feel-good factor created by Saturday's surprise win over Spain by beating Sweden 1-0 last night, despite attracting the lowest attendance for an international at the new Wembley. Also...The future of international football and the domestic game came under renewed threat yesterday as Sandro Rosell, the Barcelona president, laid out his vision in which both would make way for a bigger Champions League.

THE INDEPENDENT: John Terry last night vowed he would never so much as consider standing down as England captain after returning to Fabio Capello's side for the country's first victory over Sweden for 43 years. Also...Wayne Rooney's appeal against the three-match ban which is threatening his Euro 2012 participation will be heard on December 9, UEFA has announced.

DAILY MAIL: Fabio Capello hailed his three young lions as the main reason to celebrate a win against Sweden sealed at Wembley by England's 2,000th international goal. Also...Amid the scrum of players and coaches acknowledging delirious Ireland players on a night of celebration, one tiny, beaming, grey-haired man stood out.

DAILY STAR: England celebrated their 2,000th international goal but had a veteran Swede to thank for the landmark strike. Also...Stuart Pearce last night claimed Premier League players and clubs are treating his Young Lions with contempt.

DAILY MIRROR: Gareth Barry claimed England's 2,000th international goal - but needed a helping hand from Swedish defender Daniel Majstorovic. Also...Wayne Rooney's Euro 2012 ban could be increased at his appeal hearing on December 9.

THE GUARDIAN: Wayne Rooney will learn if his three-game ban for Euro 2012 is to be upheld when UEFA hears his appeal against the suspension at its Nyon headquarters on December 9. Also...As no-contests go, this was about as enjoyable as they come.

DAILY EXPRESS: Having successfully parked the bus at the weekend, Fabio Capello might consider that the L-plates are now ready to come off his England team at last. Also...Wayne Rooney will discover his Euro 2012 fate next month when an appeal against his three-match ban is heard by UEFA.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: The Republic of Ireland completed their qualification for Euro 2012 with a 5-1 aggregate victory over Estonia. Also...Martin Johnson's assistant coach Graham Rowntree is being targeted by Warren Gatland to bolster the Welsh coaching team ahead of the Six Nations Championship.
 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: Football demanded FIFA president Sepp Blatter's resignation last night. Also: Martin Johnson admits he jumped before he was pushed after quitting as England team manager.

THE TIMES: Sepp Blatter, the most powerful man in football, sparked fresh outrage yesterday by declaring that players who are racially abused should settled disputes with a handshake. Also: One of the most cataclysmic and saddest failures in the history of England rugby was called to a close yesterday when Martin Johnson, that figurehead captain of the World Cup-winning England team in 2003, conceded defeat in his ambitions to deliver a second success in the role of team manager.

THE INDEPENDENT: It was a long, hard three and a half years, and Martin Johnson thought just as long and hard before walking away from his job as England manager - a job that ended in abject World Cup failure in the rugby badlands of New Zealand. Also: The Football Association is likely to draw on the testimony of Patrice Evra's Manchester United team-mates when Liverpool's Luis Suarez appears on charges of racially abusing the French defender during last month's Premier League match at Anfield.

DAILY MAIL: Sepp Blatter was facing renewed calls for his resignation last night after dismissing on-pitch racism - just as the FA charged Luis Suarez over allegations he racially abused Patrice Evra. Also: English rugby was plunged into further turmoil yesterday when a weary Martin Johnson resigned from the manager's job in the wake of the embarrassing World Cup campaign.

DAILY STAR: Luis Suarez is facing at least a six-match ban after being charged with racially abusing Patrice Evra. Also: Martin Johnson quit as England rugby boss yesterday with a parting shot at the players who let him down.

DAILY MIRROR: FIFA president Sepp Blatter last night sparked outrage by claiming there is no racism in football. Also: Dimitar Berbatov is a £15million January target for mega-spending Russian club FC Anzhi Makhachkala.

THE GUARDIAN: There was nothing ambiguous about Martin Johnson the player, but there was little clarity about his reason for resigning as the England team manager on Wednesday. Also: Luis Suarez faces a racism charge that threatens huge ramifications for the Liverpool striker and his club after the Football Association announced he had a case to answer over Patrice Evra's allegations he suffered sustained racist abuse during Manchester United's recent visit to Anfield.

DAILY EXPRESS: Martin Johnson walked away from his job as England team manager last night accepting full responsibility for the debacle at the World Cup, on and off the field. Also: Luis Suarez was last night facing a fight to clear his name after being charged by the FA with racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Martin Johnson took his leave of Twickenham yesterday in typically honourable fashion but with a lingering sense that he has gone on his own terms rather than suffer the indignity of being pushed. Also: Luis Suarez is set to plead not guilty to a charge of racially abusing Patrice Evra which could lead to the Liverpool forward being suspended for up to six games by the Football Association.
 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE GUARDIAN: FIFA's president, Sepp Blatter, yesterday became embroiled in a fresh row with the Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand amid trenchant calls for the Swiss to resign over his claims that racism on the football pitch is not an issue and can be settled with a handshake. Also: Patrice Evra, the Manchester United defender at the centre of the Luis Suarez racism case, has been accused of over-reacting and "crying like a baby" in an astonishing attack by Gus Poyet, a friend of the Liverpool striker.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Sepp Blatter became embroiled in an extraordinary internet row with former England captain Rio Ferdinand yesterday, as outrage over the FIFA president's remarks about racism in football intensified. Also: Liverpool rallied around under-fire striker Luis Suarez last night as they vowed to prove his innocence of racism charges.

DAILY STAR: Desperate Liverpool star Luis Suarez has called in the help of his own government in his fight against allegations of racism. Also: Shameless Sepp Blatter yesterday attempted to rewrite history in a bid to defuse the race row he ignited.

DAILY MIRROR: Sepp Blatter brushed off increasing pressure for him to quit as FIFA president last night despite being told he's "embarrassing" football. Also: Brighton boss Gus Poyet last night branded Patrice Evra a cry-baby for complaining about alleged racist comments made by Liverpool's Luis Suarez.

THE SUN: England's brave football bosses stuck the boot into shambolic Sepp Blatter last night - unlike Europe's cowardly soccer chiefs. Also: Fernando Torres says Liverpool turned Kop fans against him when he was sold to Chelsea.

DAILY MAIL: The Government led calls for Sepp Blatter to resign last night as one of FIFA's leading backers said they are reviewing their sponsorship over the president's comments about racism. Also: Sir Clive Woodward last night ruled himself out of a return as England manager-head coach, eight years after he guided the national team to World Cup glory.

DAILY EXPRESS: Sepp Blatter's future as president of FIFA appears to be in the hands of an anti-apartheid campaigner after calls for his head from all levels of sport. Also: Jonas Gutierrez has pleaded with his friend Carlos Tevez to return to Manchester City immediately and resolve his differences or leave the club.

THE TIMES: The fallout from England's ill-fated rugby union World Cup campaign is continuing unabated with the news that Manu Tuilagi will face further disciplinary action as a result of events during their blighted stay in New Zealand. Also: Didier Drogba has rejected an approach to play alongside Samuel Eto'o at Anzhi Makhachkala in January after being offered a lucrative contract.

THE INDEPENDENT: Luis Suarez has only himself to blame for the racism charge he now faces because he failed to apologise for, or personally explain, the Spanish slang which he claims has been the cause of the anger felt by Manchester United's Patrice Evra, the Kick It Out organisation said last night. Also: Wayne Rooney and Fabio Capello will both attend the England striker's appeal hearing against his three-match UEFA ban in person on December 8 after the meeting was arranged yesterday specifically to enable the player to be present.
 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

DAILY MAIL

Manchester City will escape with a fine if, as expected, they become one of the first clubs in Europe to break UEFA's Financial Fair Play guidelines. Also: Shamed FIFA president Sepp Blatter apologised last night for his extraordinary outburst about racism, but steadfastly refused to step down as head of world football.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Manchester City face a race against the clock to comply with UEFA's financial fair play regulations after announcing record-breaking losses of £197.5million, fuelled by a massive annual wage bill of £174million. Also: FIFA president Sepp Blatter has apologised for his comments about the scale of racism in football but insists that he will not resign, and remains committed to reforming the scandal-racked organisation.

THE TIMES

Manchester City insisted last night that they are on course to comply with UEFA's forthcoming Financial Fair Play regulations despite announcing record loss of £194.9million. Also: Leading figures in the English game have welcomed Sepp Blatter's apology for any offence caused by his view that racial abuse between players could be settled with a handshake.

THE SUN

Manchester City lost an English-record £195million last season - despite winning the FA Cup and finishing third in the Premier League. Also: Alex Ferguson has accused rivals Liverpool of leaking information in the Patrice Evra-Luis Suarez race row.

DAILY STAR

Manchester City last night revealed a staggering loss of £195million. Also: Andre Villas-Boas last night claimed goal-shy Fernando Torres has been worth every penny of his whopping £50m transfer fee.

THE GUARDIAN

Manchester City have announced the biggest loss in English football history, £197m for the most recent financial year. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager, has accused Liverpool of ignoring Football Association instructions by "drip-feeding" information about the Luis Suarez racism case, despite warnings that it could inflame tensions between the two clubs.

DAILY MIRROR

Sir Alex Ferguson accused Liverpool of defying the FA by "drip-feeding" information on the race row between Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra. Also: Pepe Reina has insisted Liverpool did not lose out by selling star asset Fernando Torres.

DAILY EXPRESS

Roberto Mancini has warned Micah Richards he needs to remember to take his brain on to the pitch if he wants to gatecrash England's Euro 2012 squad. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has aimed a double broadside at fellow managers Kenny Dalglish and Gus Poyet for commenting on the race slur row between Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra.

THE INDEPENDENT

Andre Villas-Boas yesterday admitted that the best days of Fernando Torres's career thus far were those he spent at Liverpool, but the Chelsea manager is so confident the most expensive player in British history can return to his best that he maintains he would pay £50m to sign him now if necessary. Also: Sepp Blatter, the embattled FIFA president, yesterday issued a full public apology for suggesting incidents racist abuse of the football pitch could be settled with a handshake, but his move failed to stem the rising tide of condemnation from the game's managers, players, and power-brokers.
 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: Andre Villas-Boas insists his job is safe despite Chelsea's worst start to a season under Roman Abramovich. Also: Harry Redknapp returns to the Tottenham dugout tonight just three weeks after heart surgery.

DAILY MIRROR: Defiant Andre Villas-Boas predicted he would not be sacked by Roman Abramovich - despite steering the Blues to their worst league start since the Russian bought the club. Also: Arsene Wenger has been reassured Arsenal are keen to keep him as boss until the end

of his current contract in 2014 - at least - even if they miss a Champions League place in May.

DAILY STAR: Andre Villas-Boas last night claimed it would cost Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich too much to sack him. Also: Jermain Defoe can nick Darren Bent's England spot for Euro 2012 - even though he can't get in the Tottenham side.

DAILY MAIL: Andre Villas-Boas insisted last night his job was not under threat as Chelsea's season plunged into crisis. Also: Arsenal's hopes of convincing Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott to sign new contracts have been hit by manager Arsene Wenger sparking fears over his long-term future.

DAILY EXPRESS: Andre Villas-Boas reacted defiantly to another Chelsea defeat and insisted last night he is not about to become the next victim of Roman Abramovich's trigger finger. Also: Harry Redknapp was forced to delay his return to work after heart surgery but is confident it will not keep him from White Hart Lane tonight when Tottenham take on Aston Villa.

THE TIMES: Andre Villas-Boas insisted last night that he retains the support of Roman Abramovich despite presiding over Chelsea's worst start to the season since the Russian bought the club eight years ago. Also: As Rio de Janeiro was announced yesterday as an official destination of the ATP World Tour, Roger Federer and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga conjured up a match that resembled the sort of tennis that might interrupt a stroll along a sandy beach.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Everyone talked about the Ex-Factor, about whether it would be Fernando Torres or Raul Meireles biting the hand that once fed them so generously. Nobody expected the ungrateful old boy to be Glen Johnson, who tipped his former Chelsea colleagues into a deepening depression with a magnificent late winner for Liverpool. Also: Not even a third successive Premier League victory since the neighbours announced their intentions with a stunning 6-1 win at Old Trafford could mask the unprecedented feeling of discomfort that has left Manchester United more determined than ever to lift the title.

THE GUARDIAN: Andre Villas-Boas has claimed he retains the support of the Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich, after a third defeat in four Premier League matches cast his side further adrift in the title race. Also: Tottenham Hotspur host Aston Villa tonight with Joe Jordan warning Darren Bent that Jermain Defoe could yet dislodge him from the England squad for next summer's European Championship.

THE INDEPENDENT: Andre Villas-Boas is adamant Roman Abramovich will grant him time to rebuild Chelsea in his own image despite a third defeat in their last four games against Liverpool yesterday. Also: Sepp Blatter has admitted that more members of the troubled Executive Committee that oversees Fifa could be forced out of office next month when details of the infamous ISL bribe case are released.
 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

DAILY MIRROR: Chelsea have targeted Gary Cahill as the man to sort out their defensive nightmare. Also: Roberto Mancini says Manchester City will go all out for victory in Naples tonight to banish the fear of dropping into the Europa League.

DAILY STAR: Emmanuel Adebayor gave boss Harry Redknapp the perfect pick-me-up on his return to the Tottenham dug-out last night. Also: Andre Villas-Boas must dump England captain John Terry if he wants to gain control of the Chelsea dressing room.

THE SUN: Harry Redknapp saw his Spurs go third in the Prem and said: It's the perfect tonic. Also: Roman Abramovich will have to stump up £20 million to axe Andre Villas-Boas.

DAILY EXPRESS: Andre Villas-Boas has been told the only way to stamp his authority on Chelsea is to get rid of England skipper John Terry. Also: Roberto Mancini says Manchester City will go for broke here tonight in a bid to avoid the spectre of Europa League football wrecking their season.

DAILY MAIL: Football legend Johan Cruyff has landed the sport in another racism row after reportedly telling Edgar Davids he has only been promoted to the board at Ajax 'because he is black'. Also: England manager Fabio Capello will be in Naples tonight hoping to see Micah Richards make a case for a place in his squad for Euro 2012.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: In front of the Prime Minister, White Hart Lane paid homage to the man at No 10. Also: Chelsea are hoping to buy England and Bolton defender Gary Cahill in the January transfer window as manager Andre Villas-Boas strives to shore up his team's leaky backline and alleviate the growing pressure on him.

THE GUARDIAN: Andre Villas-Boas retains the support of the Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich, and the club's board despite what the manager concedes has been "the worst start for quite some time" to a season but the Portuguese admits that the Champions League game at Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday has become "massive". Also: Roberto Mancini goes into the match that could determine whether Manchester City progress to the Champions League knockout stages insisting his players have nothing to fear from the hostile atmosphere for which Napoli's Stadio San Paolo is famed and backing Mario Balotelli to come through whatever reception awaits him on his return to Italy.

THE TIMES: Roberto Mancini moved last night to play down the threat posed to Manchester City and their supporters this evening in one of the most hostile environments in European football. Also: Andy Murray had barely closed the door to his private suite full of private anguish yesterday when Roger Federer was being saluted at the O2 Arena as the most sporting player in tennis, voted for by his fellow professionals, and was further acknowledged as the most favoured of its millions of followers. Talk about kicking a man when he is down.

THE INDEPENDENT: His team an advert for the dangers of conservatism, their conquerors proof of the benefits brought by entry into the Eurozone: David Cameron, that famously devoted Aston Villa fan, might have hoped for an evening away from the business of government when watching his side lose at Tottenham. No such luck. Also: Nemanja Vidic admits that Manchester United have grown "obsessed" with the idea of exorcising the ghosts of Rome and Wembley by besting Barcelona, but the man who would be entrusted with lifting the Champions League trophy should Sir Alex Ferguson's side make it to Munich in May is adamant that the Scot's side have learned enough in defeat to be confident of beating the Spaniards at the third time of asking
 

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THE TIMES: Some of England's rugby stars were more interested in making money than representing their country, according to official documents that show how the team's World Cup campaign in New Zealand was virtually doomed from the start. Also: Many of the younger players in the World Cup squad quickly became disillusioned by the antics of some of their more senior colleagues, the Rugby Players' Association report reveals...Welcome to pandemonium. Amid bedlam and ear-splitting noise in Naples, Manchester City were left staring into the abyss on their first Champions League campaign.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Sir Alex Ferguson hoped to evoke images of Manchester United's glorious history to see off Benfica. Instead, his side were haunted by the memories of a more painful, recent past as their defensive self-destruction returned with potentially calamitous consequences. Also: Nicolas Anelka has been told he can leave Chelsea in the January transfer window and is considering offers from China, France, Italy, the Middle East and the United States...Eddie O'Sullivan, the former Ireland and Lions coach, is interested in replacing Martin Johnson as England manager.

DAILY EXPRESS: Manchester City face a daunting task to reach the knockout stages after a 2-1 defeat away to Napoli in the Champions League last night. Also: Andre Villas-Boas last night insisted he did not care if his head was on the chopping block at Chelsea...Nick Mallett has engineered a spectacular 180-degree turn to rejoin the race to succeed Martin Johnson as England manager.

THE GUARDIAN: Graham Henry has firmly shut the door on any coaching job with England, insisting he has no interest in a role at Twickenham. Also: Manchester United's stuttering Champions League campaign has delivered another unwelcome result, as a Benfica side full of adventure secured the point that leaves Sir Alex Ferguson's team requiring a draw at Basle in two weeks' time to be sure of qualification to the knockout stages.

DAILY MIRROR: Manchester City were left cursing poor goals as Edinson Cavani's double left their first Champions League campaign on the brink of failure. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson was left frustrated as Manchester United failed to wrap up a Champions League knockout place...Andy Murray last night pulled out of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London to save his bid for Grand Slam glory down under.

DAILY STAR: Roberto Di Matteo is considering his Chelsea future - just five months after being appointed assistant to Andre Villas-Boas. Also: Emmanuel Adebayor last night told Tottenham to show him the money if they want him to stay...Arsene Wenger is convinced Manchester City will find a way to escape a UEFA ban despite their massive financial losses...David Haye has been given a three-week deadline to agree to come out of retirement and fight Vitali Klitschko.

DAILY MAIL: Roberto Mancini last night admitted that Manchester City face almost certain elimination from the Champions League. Also: Arsene Wenger has told his Arsenal team not to let the battle for London supremacy interfere with their European aspirations...Lille want to make Joe Cole's loan from Liverpool a permanent deal.

THE INDEPENDENT: Nicolas Anelka has been told by Andre Villas-Boas that he is free to leave Stamford Bridge in January, as the Chelsea manager intends to recruit a striker as part of an accelerated revamp of his ageing squad. Also: Steve Kean, the Blackburn Rovers manager, says that he has personally decided to put new contract talks on hold while his side battles for Premier League survival.

THE SUN: Manchester United have a Swiss mountain to climb to avoid possible disaster in the Champions League. Also: Lille supremo Michel Seydoux has hinted at a full-time move for Joe Cole - if he continues his sparkling form...David Beckham insists Harry Redknapp would be a massive hit with England's stars.
 

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THE GUARDIAN: Rob Andrew last night insisted that he would not step down from his role at Twickenham as the fallout from England's disastrous World Cup continued to increase the pressure upon him. Also: Kenny Dalglish has warned his out of favour Liverpool players that he will not be afraid to buy replacements if their attitude to being dropped alters.

THE TIMES: Rob Andrew, the embattled elite rugby director of the RFU, conceded yesterday that the union had reached "rock bottom", but insisted he would not be resigning from his post. Also: Chelsea's underperforming players were subjected to strong criticism from Michael Ballack, their former team-mate, as Andre Villas-Boas faced up to the reality yesterday the he is engaged in crisis management.

DAILY EXPRESS: Rob Andrew last night apologised for his public attitude to Martin Johnson's resignation and admitted his own job is in the balance. Roman Abramovich is desperate not to lose face and see his great Chelsea experiment with Andre Villas-Boas fail.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Rob Andrew says he discussed "sending a player home" with Martin Johnson, the then England manager, during the calamitous World Cup campaign but now faces his own battle to avoid expulsion from the national set-up. Also: Carlos Tevez appears set to sign for AC Milan in the January transfer window after the Italian club finally opened negotiations.

DAILY MAIL: David Beckham is on the verge of signing for Paris St Germain after being offered an 18-month contract worth a staggering £11.6million. Also: Rob Andrew admits English rugby is 'at rock bottom'.

THE SUN: Andre Villas-Boas is fighting for his Chelsea future after only five months in charge. Also: Rob Andrew has again refused to quit despite taking responsibility for England's rugby shambles.

DAILY MIRROR: Andre Villas-Boas has called a team meeting at crisis club Chelsea - and ordered an end to dressing room cliques. Also: Jack Wilshere has given Arsenal and England a major boost.

DAILY STAR: Under-pressure Andre Villas-Boas has been rocked by a series of behind the scenes bust-ups involving his Chelsea stars. Also: Carlos Tevez could finally be on his way out of Manchester City after AC Milan opened talks about a January switch.

THE INDEPENDENT: Brian Smith, the England attack coach ferociously attacked by his own players - confidentially at first, then publicly as a result of the latest and most serious of a long line of Rugby Football Union leaks - bowed to the inevitable yesterday and resigned. Also: Carlos Tevez's representatives held preliminary talks with Milan in Italy yesterday which could bring a £25million deal for the Manchester City striker in the January transfer window.
 

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THE SUN: Wayne Rooney has slammed calls for the sacking of Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas. Also: Andre Villas-Boas would rather quit Chelsea than work with Guus Hiddink. Also: Fabio Capello insists he is not talking to Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala.

DAILY MAIL: Martin Johnson yesterday fired back at criticism of England's rugby set-up even as he conceded the English game has reached 'rock bottom'. Also: Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas last night admitted for the first time that he is fighting to save his job.

DAILY MIRROR: Andre Villas-Boas last night conceded he is fighting to keep his job after Chelsea's nightmare slump. Also: Martin Johnson broke his silence last night to voice his horror at the toxic fall-out from England's Rugby World Cup debacle.

DAILY EXPRESS: Martin Johnson, England's departed team manager, bit back last night as he described leaks of World Cup feedback as "one of the worst things I have experienced in rugby". Also: Andre Villas-Boas has admitted he is fighting for his job as manager of Chelsea.

DAILY STAR: Andre Villas-Boas last night admitted he WILL face the sack if Chelsea's slump continues. Also: Luis Suarez has been granted more time by the FA to prepare his defence against allegations of racism.

THE GUARDIAN: A defiant Andre Villas-Boas has claimed he does not need Guus Hiddink's help to transform Chelsea's season and that Roman Abramovich is still fully supportive despite a dire run of form that will become three consecutive defeats if Wolverhampton Wanderers win at Stamford Bridge this afternoon. Also: Lewis Hamilton' s outstanding form continued here yesterday when he beat Sebastian Vettel to top place in the second practice session for tomorrow's Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos.

THE INDEPENDENT: Martin Johnson looked like he had seen a ghost - hardly surprising, in light of the ghoulish coverage of his England team's spectacular pratfall at the World Cup in New Zealand - but he still had enough of the old fighting spirit to mount a fierce defence of a campaign that has sent Twickenham into meltdown and set players tearing at each other's throats in the pages of three leaked reports. Also: Roberto Mancini yesterday insisted that he would not buy another striker in January, despite Manchester City's Spanish scout having met Napoli's Edinson Cavani this week and Milan contacting the manager directly to discuss Carlos Tevez.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: James Haskell, the England forward, is threatening to sue the woman who falsely claimed she had been seriously sexually harassed by him and team-mates Chris Ashton and Dylan Hartley in a hotel room during the World Cup in New Zealand, the Daily Telegraph can reveal. Also: Chelsea players have been told by the board that Andre Villas-Boas enjoys the total backing of the club's owner, Roman Abramovich.

THE TIMES: Andre Villas-Boas believes that he has the full backing of Roman Abramovich and his Chelsea players after meetings this week to discuss an alarming slump. Also: Martin Johnson come out fighting with customary vigour yesterday to defend England's discredited World Cup and his part in it.
 

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SUNDAY NOVEMBER 27

THE PEOPLE:

Jermain Defoe has pleaded with Harry Redknapp to let him go out on loan in January with Everton heading the pack of clubs interested.

Rio Ferdinand has another two years at Manchester United despite claims he could be booted out in the summer.

David Villa could become a target for Liverpool after finding his opportunities limited at Barcelona.

Fulham plan a raid for Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega and hope to tie up an agreement before the transfer window opens.

Doncaster are offering Bolo Zenden an open-ended deal to come to the club.

Arsenal are desperate to tie up the £2million signing of Nottingham Forest defensive wonderkid Jamal Lascelles.

Blackburn are ready to raid the MLS for Robbie Rogers.

Bolton want to bring Sporting Kansas City hotshot Teal Bunbury over for talks and training.

Manchester United hitman Will Keane is wanted by Huddersfield.

Tottenham will make a £10million January move for Ajax skipper Jan Vertonghen.

Manchester United tormentor Pablo Aimar wants to move to the Premier League when his contract at Benfica expires.

QPR have slapped an £8million price-tag on wantaway Adel Taarabt.

DAILY STAR SUNDAY:

Manchester City are set for a £40million swoop for Uruguayan ace Edinson Cavani.

Jonjo Shelvey has pleaded with Liverpool to be allowed to stay on loan at Blackpool for the season.

Mario Goetze has opened the door to a £30million "dream move" to Arsenal.

Arsenal are not the only club to be showing an interest in CSKA Moscow striker Vagner Love.

Andre Villas-Boas has been urged to break the bank and land Luka Modric in January.

SUNDAY MIRROR:

Manchester City have made Robin Van Persie their number one transfer target.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has been left fighting for his job.

Udinese star Gabriel Torje is wanted by Arsenal.

Harry Redknapp has ruled out bringing any new players to Tottenham in January.

Swansea are keeping tabs on Watford defender Adrian Mariappa.

Paris St Germain are set to make a £10million move for Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh.

Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu is considering quitting the club to get regular first-team football.

SUNDAY MAIL:

Celtic captain Scott Brown is free to quit Parkhead for nothing on Thursday with Newcastle, Spurs and West Ham interested.
 

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MONDAY NOVEMBER 28

DAILY MAIL

Juventus have ruled themselves out of the running for Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez.

Arsenal want to sign Nottingham Forest defender Jamal Lascelles.

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni will sign an extension to his contract this week which will see him lead them into the 2014 World Cup qualifying series.

DAILY MIRROR

Blackburn boss Steve Kean looks good for a bumper £10million transfer kitty in the January window in a desperate attempt to buy big - and beat the drop.

Southampton are preparing a £3million raid for Coventry striker Lukas Jutkiewicz.

West Brom are taking USA defender Tim Ream on trial from the New York Red Bulls.

Blackburn have joined Newcastle in the race to sign Birmingham defender Liam Ridgewell.

THE SUN

Alex Ferguson has warned the home nations against joining England to form a Great Britain Olympic team.

Bournemough wing wonder Marc Pugh is being tracked by Fulham, Blackpool, Southampton, Crystal Palace and Burnley.

Honduras winger Andy Najar is to train with Tottenham.

DAILY STAR

Under-fire Sunderland boss Steve Bruce admitted last night that fans' abuse could force him out of the club.

El Hadji Diouf has told Blackburn's under-fire owners to boot out boss Steve Kean - or face relegation.

DAILY RECPRD

Garry Kenneth will leave Dundee United at the end of the season.
 

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WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 30

THE SUN

Samir Nasri was involved in a tunnel bust-up on his return to Arsenal with Manchester City last night.

Joey Barton has fired another blast at Newcastle owner Mike Ashley.

Steve Kean faces showdown talks with Blackburn today.

Andre Villas-Boas warns that Chelsea's season faces total meltdown.

Sir Alex Ferguson will let Bayern Munich use Manchester United's Carrington training base ahead of their clash with Manchester City.

Chelsea will not loan out Romelu Lukaku during January.

Tony Pulis has urged Stoke keeper Thomas Sorensen to sign a new deal.

Ghana's Under-20 skipper Mumuni Abubakar has been given a trial by Liverpool.

Steve Bruce has been told he is wasting his time trying to save his job at Sunderland.

Portsmouth have been plunged into a new financial crisis.

DAILY MIRROR

Andre Villas-Boas is under mounting pressure after Chelsea's third home defeat in their last four games at Stamford Bridge.

Crisis club Portsmouth are looking for a new owner - but will not be hit with a Football League points penalty.

Newcastle are lining up a cut-price January move for wantaway Celtic skipper Scott Brown.

Leeds are among a group of Championship clubs keen to sign Preston keeper Thorsten Stuckmann.

Moussa Sow has put the Premier League on alert after claiming contract talks with Lille have broken down.

Arsenal and Chelsea have lost out to Real Madrid in the race for 15-year-old Javier Gonzalez.

DAILY MAIL

The PFA will send out advice on handling depression to all 4,000 of its members after Gary Speed's death.

Carlo Cudicini sees similarities between the current Spurs side and Jose Mourinho's Chelsea.

Joey Barton has accused Newcastle owner Mike Ashley of trying to sack him.

Newcastle are keen to tie up a £3million deal for Holland international Erik Pieters despite the defender breaking a foot last month.

New York Red Bulls' Tim Ream is set for training spells with West Brom and Bolton.

Manchester United are monitoring Peterborough defender Ryan Bennett.

Chelsea scouts watched Palermo's Josip Ilicic at the weekend.

Portsmouth are staring into the void as they once again face the prospect of administration.

DAILY EXPRESS

Pressure mounted on Andre Villas-Boas last night after Chelsea suffered another home defeat.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle reckons he can cope without having big bucks to spend in January.

DAILY STAR

Football will unite to pay tribute to Gary Speed this week.

Portsmouth are seeking another new buyer for the club.

Harry Redknapp's hopes of changing his entire team for the Europa League have been hit by a freak injury to Roman Pavlyuchenko.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

The Carling Cup doesn't matter - as Roman Abramovich told Andre Villas-Boas - and the Chelsea manager is apparently not in danger of losing his job.
 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: Martin O'Neill and Mark Hughes both want to replace axed Steve Bruce at Sunderland. Also: Alex Ferguson apologised to Manchester United fans after Crystal Palace dumped them out of the Carling Cup... Kyle Walker was raging as 10-man PAOK left Spurs staring at a Europa League exit.

DAILY EXPRESS: Sunderland last night bowed to fan power and fired manager Steve Bruce, with former Aston Villa and Celtic manager Martin O'Neill ready to answer the call to replace him. Also: The Twickenham gates opened wide last night for former Springbok coach Nick Mallett to follow Martin Johnson as England boss.

THE TIMES: Martin O'Neill is expected to be offered the opportunity to transform Sunderland into an established top-ten side in the Barclays Premier League after the club decided to sack Steve Bruce yesterday. Also: Lucas Leiva will have a scan today amid fears that the knee injury that resulted in the Liverpool midfield player being carried off at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday could rule him out for the rest of the season.

DAILY STAR: Martin O'Neill was last night waiting for the call to become the next Sunderland boss following Steve Bruce's sacking. Also: Crystal Palace pulled off a stunning Carling Cup success at Old Trafford last night... Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour has told Roberto Mancini there is no rush to land the Premier League title.

DAILY MIRROR: Martin O'Neill is ready to replace Steve Bruce as Sunderland boss. Also: Carlo Ancelotti has told Chelsea not to make Andre Villas-Boas carry the can for his "old" team... Arsene Wenger will try to break the bank with a stunning £30million move for Mario Gotze in January.

DAILY MAIL: Rob Andrew was finally stripped of all responsibility for England's rugby team yesterday. Also: Steve Bruce yesterday became the first Barclays Premier League manager to lose his job this season after Sunderland chairman Ellis Short described results as "simply not good enough".

THE INDEPENDENT: Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas is likely to keep his job even if Chelsea are eliminated from the Champions League next week, though the first substantial sense that his players are beginning to doubt him emerged in the aftermath of the desperately poor Carling Cup defeat to Liverpool on Tuesday. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson had eulogised about the Carling Cup's propensity for delivering up the future David Beckhams though the challenge of turning up the future crown jewels was revealed in its full enormity last night, as Manchester United were knocked out by a moderate Championship side.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Sunderland will focus their search for a new manager on Martin O'Neill and Mark Hughes after sacking Steve Bruce yesterday. The club believed that Bruce's reputation had been damaged beyond repair in the eyes of supporters. Also: Roman Abramovich has "no intention whatsoever" of sacking Andre Villas-Boas as Chelsea manager despite being upset at the club's poor run of form, according to a source close to the Russian billionaire.

THE GUARDIAN: Mark Hughes and Martin O'Neill top Sunderland's shortlist as Ellis Short, the club's chairman, strives to appoint Steve Bruce's successor in time for Sunday's game at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Also: Any prospect of a return to the Rugby Football Union for Sir Clive Woodward appeared to end on Wednesday when the ruling body announced plans for a major overhaul of its structure.
 

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FRIDAY DECEMBER 2

THE INDEPENDENT:

The job of Sunderland manager is Martin O'Neill's to turn down with Mark Hughes, the other preferred candidate, forced to wait to discover whether the Northern Irishman sees the Stadium of Light as the platform on which to end his 16-month hiatus from football.

Fabio Capello has no current plans to reconsider his decision to leave his post as England manager after next summer's European Championships in Poland and Ukraine, sources close to the Italian have confirmed, despite Sir Trevor Brooking's suggestion yesterday that the Football Association may yet ask him to remain in the job.

DAILY STAR:

The FA last night vowed to stand behind John Terry as England captain despite police handing files into his alleged race row to the Crown Prosecution Service.

Defiant Andre Villas-Boas last night claimed he won't be sacked as Chelsea boss - whatever happens this season.

Martin O'Neill was last night on the verge of being appointed Sunderland boss.

Corinthians are poised to make a fresh bid to land Carlos Tevez.

THE GUARDIAN:

Sunderland have made Martin O'Neill their first choice to replace the sacked Steve Bruce and hope to formalise his appointment as the new manager within the next 24 hours.

Fabio Capello is anxious to avoid being placed in the same group as the Republic of Ireland in this evening's draw for the Euro 2012 finals and has reiterated that it will be his last tournament in charge of England, despite Sir Trevor Brooking hinting that he might stay on.

DAILY MIRROR:

John Terry faces an anxious wait after prosecutors yesterday began to consider whether he should be charged over his alleged racist rant.

Martin O'Neill was in advanced talks with Sunderland last night - and could be boss in 24 hours.

THE TIMES:

Andre Villas-Boas launched a fierce defence of his football philosophy yesterday, insisting that he has the unswerving support of Roman Abramovich and the Chelsea players and that he will not be sacked even if the season ends in failure.

Kenwyne Jones celebrated Stoke City's equalising goal nine minutes from time with a trademark somersault and manager Tony Pulis must have felt like following suit.

DAILY MAIL:

A seven-inch knife was discovered in a Chelsea dressing room by cleaning staff, leading to an internal investigation at the club.

Sunderland owner Ellis Short was in talks with Martin O'Neill last night and was believed to be on the verge of persuading him to take the Wearside vacancy.

Ipswich manager Paul Jewell says he will expect the sack if he fails to arrest the team's slump in form.

Sporting Lisbon striker Yannick Djalo has revealed he will join Aston Villa on loan next month.

Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers is keen on Cliftonville striker Rory Donnelly.

Roma are showing interest in Tottenham defender Vedran Corluka.

Sampdoria are moving for former Arsenal full-back Thomas Cruise.

DAILY EXPRESS:

Fabio Capello has confirmed he will quit as England manager after 2012.

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has been told by owner Roman Abramovich his job is safe and insists he will see out his three-year contract.

THE SUN:

Martin O'Neill is on course to become the new Sunderland boss within the next 48 hours.

Fabio Capello last night insisted he will definitely quit after Euro 2012.

Corruption scandals threaten to overshadow Euro 2012 for both hosts, Poland and Ukraine.

Alan Pardew wishes Joey Barton would just shut up.

Giant Costel Pantiliomon has vowed to fight Joe Hart all the way for the Manchester City No.1 shirt.

Ryan Giggs is in line for another 12-month contract - if he decides to play on.

DAILY RECORD:

Top brass at UEFA last night warned Rangers face expulsion from European football next season unless the club's financial house is put in order.
 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

DAILY TELEGRAPH: There was a small feeling of relief for England at the relatively negotiable nature of a group comprising France, Sweden and Ukraine, but there was also a reliance on some rather large maps. Also...Sunderland are set to confirm Martin O'Neill as their manager today after he agreed in principle to take the job.

THE TIMES: Fabio Capello lauded the importance of Wayne Rooney to England's European Championship hopes last night as the Manchester United forward's appeal against his international ban was thrown into confusion by the draw for the tournament. Also...Sunderland will announce Martin O'Neill's appointment as manager today after a second round of productive talks, with the 59-year-old likely to watch tomorrow's match away to Wolves from the directors' box.

THE SUN: Fabio Capello breathed a huge sigh of relief as England avoided a Euro 2012 Group of Death. Also...Anton Ferdinand was forced to flee his home in terror just hours before facing Manchester City last month.

DAILY MIRROR: Lucky England were handed a fantastic chance to make a Euro 2012 impression last night. Also...Martin O'Neill will sign on as Sunderland boss today after holding fresh contract talks with Niall Quinn last night.

DAILY STAR: England boss Fabio Capello did his best to hide his delight last night as England avoided the big guns at Euro 2012. Also...Martin O'Neill will be at Molineux tomorrow for Sunderland's crucial match against Wolves, but will play no active role.

DAILY MAIL: Fabio Capello expressed relief last night at avoiding Europe's big guns as he was handed a golden chance to end his reign as England manager with success at the European Championship. Also...Kolo Toure has told Manchester City he could demand to leave the club in the next transfer window if he does not win back a first-team place.

THE INDEPENDENT: Could have been better, but could have been much worse was Fabio Capello's verdict on last night's Euro 2012 draw after England were paired with France, Sweden and co-hosts Ukraine. Also...Andre Villas-Boas has identified Chelsea's long-serving goalkeeper Petr Cech as one of a number of players who would be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of this season as part of the comprehensive overhaul of the club's ageing squad.

DAILY EXPRESS: Fabio Capello failed to disguise his sense of relief after England avoided a daunting Euro 2012 draw last night. Also...Harry Redknapp has urged the FA to hold fire on earmarking a successor to Fabio Capello after the Italian made it clear once and for all that he is leaving after the summer.

THE GUARDIAN: Fabio Capello could not disguise his sense of relief after England avoided being thrust into a group that included Portugal and Holland and were, instead, drawn with France, Sweden and the hosts Ukraine in Group D at Euro 2012. Also...The inheritance Martin O'Neill is contemplating at Sunderland can be described as a complex jigsaw puzzle in which certain key pieces seem to have been mislaid and others appear to be uneasy fits.
 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

SUNDAY EXPRESS: Martin O'Neill answered the prayers of Sunderland fans yesterday - but their new manager will need to turn miracle-worker to revive the fortunes of the Wearside club. Also: Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp heaped praise on Gareth Bale last night after the Welsh wizard scored the first goal to set his side up for a remarkable sixth successive Premier League victory.

DAILY STAR SUNDAY: It will be a case of life's a beach for England next summer - when they prepare for Euro 2012 in Marbella. Also: Phil Jones celebrated scoring his first professional goal at Aston Villa to keep Man United five points behind Man City.

SUNDAY MIRROR: Frank Lampard may be used as a shock makeweight in a deal to lure Spurs star Luka Modric to Chelsea. Also: Martin O'Neill's revolution at Sunderland could cost owner Ellis Short in the region of £30 million.

THE PEOPLE: Fabio Capello will take his England stars on a sunshine break to the millionaires' playground of Marbella before Euro 2012. Also: Andre Villas-Boas has accepted transfer requests from Nicolas Anelka and Alex - and admits he has forced the unsettled duo to train away from the rest of Chelsea's first team.

THE OBSERVER: The RFU are confident of appointing an interim England coach by Christmas and say they would be happy to reappoint him on a permanent basis, should next year's Six Nations go well enough. Also: One goal was again enough to secure three points for Manchester United and keep them within touching distance of their neighbours at the top of the table.

THE INDEPENDENT: France's coach, Laurent Blanc, has begun the psychological tussle with England ahead of their critical Euro 2012 opener, claiming Fabio Capello wanted to avoid his side at all costs. Also: Yakubu's four-goal rush lifted Blackburn off the bottom of the table.

MAIL ON SUNDAY: Controversial FIFA chief Sepp Blatter has accused English football of holding a grudge against him because of their failed 2018 World Cup bid. Also: Nick Easter launched a staunch defence of his behaviour at the World Cup after being named by England team-mates as the player who greeted the team's exit following their quarter-final defeat by France in Auckland by saying: 'That's £35,000 down the toilet.'

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Manchester City powered on at the top of the Premier League with a crushing defeat of Norwich at the Etihad Stadium. Also: Shane Williams' fairy-tale stoppage-time try in his final international failed to produce a Wales victory in Cardiff.

SUNDAY TIMES: England are going to grab some sunshine to stop themselves freezing on the big stage. Also: Chelsea have accepted transfer requests from Nicolas Anelka and Alex, who are no longer training with the first team.
 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE GUARDIAN: Manchester City have been drawn at home against Manchester United in an FA Cup third-round tie between the Premier League's leading two clubs which will increase Roberto Mancini's concerns about a fixture pile-up in January. Also: Didier Drogba has conceded that Chelsea are suffering from a degree of internal disharmony but has backed Andre Villas-Boas to unify his team before tomorrow's crucial match against Valencia...Martin O'Neill pledged to do his "utmost to bring a bit of success to Sunderland" having been told by the club's owner and chairman, Ellis Short, that he will have funds to strengthen the squad during next month's transfer window.

DAILY STAR: Wayne Rooney's Euro 2012 hopes are still hanging in the balance. Also: Kenny Dalglish is tempted to set Maxi Rodriguez loose on Fulham tonight...Ronnie O'Sullivan blasted past boyhood idol Steve Davis in York last night.

DAILY EXPRESS: Fabio Capello has increased the pressure on UEFA to reduce Wayne Rooney's Euro 2012 ban this week. Also: Martin O'Neill says he is ready for the challenge of keeping Sunderland in the Premier League...Manchester United have been given an early chance to gain revenge for their derby humiliation by neighbours City.

DAILY MIRROR: Fabio Capello is considering leaving Wayne Rooney out of his Euro 2012 squad - if the striker's three-game ban is not reduced this week. Also: Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is relishing the chance for revenge over Manchester City after the clubs were drawn together in the FA Cup third round...Gareth Barry says Manchester City believe they can still make the Champions League knockout stage.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Manchester United fear Javier Hernandez will miss their next seven matches after he suffered a freakish ankle injury on Saturday which will rule him out for about a month. Also: Joao Havelange, the former president of FIFA, has resigned from the International Olympic Committee to avoid being potentially censured for receiving bribes...Andy Flower yesterday cast doubt on whether he would coach England at the next World Cup in 2015 but is planning to leave behind a long-term legacy as his players start the new year looking to protect their status as the world's best Test team.

THE TIMES: Manchester City were drawn against Manchester United in the FA Cup third round yesterday as an increasingly bitter rivalry that threatens to dominate the landscape of English football took another twist. Also: A British criminal lawyer, instructed by the family of Peter Roebuck to investigate his death last month, arrived in Cape Town yesterday, hoping to talk to South African police...Rory McIlroy fired a warning shot across the bows of Luke Donald with a stunning winning performance at the UBS Hong Kong Open yesterday.

THE SUN: Fabio Capello has cranked up the pressure on UEFA to reduce Wayne Rooney's three-match suspension at Euro 2012. Also: Joe Cole is desperate to inspire Lille into the knockout stages of the Champions League...Promoter Frank Warren has called for an immediate rematch after Dereck Chisora's controversial points defeat by Robert Helenius in Helsinki.

DAILY MAIL: Chelsea will listen to offers for six senior players in January as owner Roman Abramovich backs Andre Villas-Boas to rebuild the club. Also: Fulham players have been hit with a gagging order to stop tales of dressing-room unrest leaking to the media...Rafael Nadal mounted a thrilling comeback from a set down to beat Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro 1-6 6-4 6-1 7-6 and clinch Spain's fifth Davis Cup title...Four of England's disastrous World Cup squad will find out today whether they could be banned for more indiscipline in Premiership matches over the weekend.

THE INDEPENDENT: Fabio Capello's attempt to change the style of England's build-up for the European Championships next summer from their preparation for last year's World Cup finals was underlined this weekend when the Football Association announced the team would be spending a week in Marbella. Also: Ronnie O'Sullivan began his quest for a fifth UK Championship title with a 6-1 first-round victory over six-time former champion Steve Davis.
 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: Manchester United were dumped into the Europa League last night and lost Nemanja Vidic to a bad injury. Also: Luis Suarez could miss two of Liverpool's crucial Christmas matches.

DAILY MIRROR: Manchester United legend Roy Keane slammed his former club for getting "what they deserved" after they were humiliated in the Champions League, crashing out at the group stage. Also: Roberto Mancini admitted his team were not good enough after being bundled out of the Champions League.

DAILY MAIL: It was double agony for Manchester last night as both United and City crashed out of the Champions League in the group stages. Also: Niall Quinn launched a blistering attack on the Professional Footballers' Association yesterday and accused them of not doing enough to help players cope with the aftermath of quitting.

DAILY EXPRESS: It was a Champions League night to forget for Manchester - as both United and City went crashing out of Europe's elite club competition. Also: Wayne Rooney will today find out his Euro 2012 fate in Nyon, with England's Championship rivals Sweden praying his three-match ban is upheld by UEFA.

DAILY STAR: Manchester United paid the ultimate price for a disastrous defensive performance in Basle. Also: The FA threw the book at Liverpool last night by charging Luis Suarez with improper conduct AND the club with failing to control its players.

THE GUARDIAN: Sir Alex Ferguson defended Manchester United's young players last night, saying they were not to blame for their humiliating exit from the Champions League. Also: Luis Suarez has been charged with improper conduct and Liverpool with failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion for incidents that occurred during the 1-0 defeat at Fulham on Monday evening.

THE TIMES: Manchester United crashed out of the Champions League last night after a shock defeat to Basle in Switzerland. Also: Andre Villas-Boas has been given assurances that he will be given significant funds to spend in the transfer window next month.

THE INDEPENDENT: Sir Alex Ferguson's raw emotion at his club's first Champions League group-stage exit in six years led him to round on his former captain Roy Keane last night. Also: Liverpool were in a state of indignation last night after the Football Association charged Luis Suarez with improper conduct.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association. Also: Jon Obi Mikel is the latest player to be unsure of his future at Chelsea.
 
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