What The Sports Pages Say

Latest Paper Talk
Saturday May 3

Ryan Giggs believes Manchester United will land a "brilliant" boss in Louis van Gaal.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has ripped into Eden Hazard - branding the winger selfish.
Arsene Wenger has told his German striker Lukas Podolski that nobody will leave Arsenal in the summer without his say-so.
Wayne Rooney has given Roy Hodgson a pre-World Cup scare with a groin injury that refuses to stay away.
Hodgson will send his medical team to Tottenham next week to assess the fitness of defender Kyle Walker.
Ross McCormack could quit Leeds if new owner Massimo Cellino sacks boss Brian McDermott.
Ipswich put Scott Loach and Paul Taylor on the transfer list.
Southampton youngster Lloyd Isgrove is having his loan spell at Peterborough extended.

Liverpool are plotting a £7million summer move for Micah Richards from title rivals Manchester City.
Louis van Gaal will want £200m to spend on transfers when he takes over at Manchester United, according to Dutch coach Raymond Verheijen.
Ryan Giggs has backed Louis van Gaal to be a successful Manchester United manager.
Arsene Wenger says he will only make 'two or three' signings this summer, and simply wants to strengthen rather than rebuild.
Andy Carroll wants the West Ham board to stick with manager Sam Allardyce because he can deliver European football to the club when they move into the Olympic Stadium.

Liverpool are set to renew their interest in Manchester City defender Micah
Richards this summer.
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will be nursed through the final week of the Premier League season to ensure that he is fit for the World Cup next month.
Steven Gerrard will sign a new contract at Liverpool in the summer to keep him at the club beyond 2015.
Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini admits he was sad to see David Moyes get the sack.
Everton are considering an offer for West Ham's Senegal midfielder Mohamed Diame, who has a £3.5million buy-out clause, as a potential alternative to a permanent deal for on-loan Manchester City man Gareth Barry.
Everton left-back Leighton Baines admits he found Manchester United's lengthy pursuit of him last summer "stressful".
Real Sociedad forward Carlos Vela has refused to rule out a return to former side Arsenal, who can re-sign him for £3.3m.

Ryan Giggs has endorsed Louis van Gaal's credentials to become Manchester United manager but has refused to confirm whether he will be part of his coaching staff.

Jose Mourinho has hit back at Eden Hazard and insisted the Belgian ace was at fault for Chelsea's Champions League KO.
West Brom boss Pepe Mel has revealed he is only contracted to be at the club until the end of the season.
Ryan Giggs has given Louis van Gaal a big thumbs up as the new Manchester United boss.
Stoke are happy to write off big money and let star striker Peter Crouch run down his contract.
Steve Bruce is fishing for a pay rise after leading Hull to their best-ever season.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger rules out selling Lukas Podolski and Thomas Vermaelen.

Manchester City assumed pole position in the title race with a 3-2 win but Everton gave the conspiracy theories short shrift after Manuel Pellegrini's side endured a testing time at Goodison Park.

Premier League

Everton 2 - 3 Man City
Man Utd 0 - 1 Sunderland
Swansea 0 - 1 Southampto
A Villa 3 - 1 Hull City
Stoke City 4 - 1 Fulham
Newcastle 3 - 0 Cardiff
West Ham 2 - 0 Tottenham

Premier League Results

Anything other than a City victory would have handed the initiative back to Liverpool but three points put them top of the table on goal difference with Chelsea to play Sunday and the Reds a day later.

Premier League

1 Man City 80
2 Liverpool 80
3 Chelsea 78
4 Arsenal 73
5 Everton 69
6 Tottenham 66
7 Man Utd 60
8 Southampton 55
9 Newcastle 49
10 Stoke City 47
11 C Palace 43
12 West Ham 40
13 Swansea 39
14 A Villa 38
15 Hull City 37
16 West Brom 36
17 Sunderland 35
18 Norwich 32
19 Fulham 31
20 Cardiff 30

last updated 03/05 19:34

Everton, despite many fans claiming they would be happy to lose in order to help stop their near-neighbours' title bid, needed a win themselves to stay in the hunt for the Champions League but defeat handed fourth spot to Arsenal 24 hours before they play.

Having proved they would not be rolled over by taking the lead through a Ross Barkley wonder-strike and fighting back through Romelu Lukaku's header, Everton were ultimately left empty-handed as Edin Dzeko's brace and Sergio Aguero's 17th Premier League goal earned City the spoils and the advantage in the title fight.

If they win their remaining two matches at home to Aston Villa and West Ham, City cannot be caught irrespective of what their rivals do in their final two fixtures.

Cardiff and Fulham were both relegated from the Barclays Premier League after Sunderland continued their remarkable resurgence with a shock 1-0 win at Manchester United.

The Black Cats' unlikely victory means they are now out of reach of both Fulham, who lost 4-1 at Stoke, and Cardiff, who are bottom of the table after a 3-0 defeat at Newcastle.

The honeymoon period may already be over for United interim boss Ryan Giggs who enjoyed a dream start to life in the dugout with a 4-0 win over Norwich last weekend.

But if the Welshman was hoping to build a case for a longer stay in charge at Old Trafford, Sunderland did him no favours, registering their third victory in as many matches thanks to Seb Larsson's cool first-half finish.

Ten points from four games against Manchester City, Chelsea, Cardiff and now United mean Gus Poyet's men can only be caught by Norwich, who are three points back with Chelsea and Arsenal to play.

Giggs threw on Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck in search of an equaliser in the second half but United suffered from the same lack of fluency that has cost the Red Devils all season.

The defeat leaves United seventh in the table, 20 points behind league leaders Liverpool while Sunderland know one more win will almost certainly be enough to survive.

Survival was always going to be an uphill task for Fulham who have been sitting in the league's bottom three since January 28.

Felix Magath's side knew only a victory would keep their hopes of safety alive but Peter Odemwingie, Marko Anautovic and Oussama Assaidi put Stoke three ahead in the second period.

Kieran Richardson pulled one back for the Cottagers with 10 minutes to play but Jon Walters sealed the win and Fulham's relegation to the Championship.

Cardiff's stay in the top flight is also over as Newcastle recorded their first win in seven matches thanks to goals from Shola Ameobi, Loic Remy and Steven Taylor.

The Magpies had lost their previous six matches in a row and a number of the club's home fans walked out after 69 minutes to protest against the running of the club.

Aston Villa all but secured their Premier League status for another season as they beat Hull 3-1 at Villa Park.

The win means Paul Lambert's side are now six points clear of the relegation zone with a significantly better goal difference than 18th-placed Norwich.

The hosts were ahead within a minute as Ashley Westwood converted Gabriel Agbonlahor's cross but Hull levelled when Jordan Bowery scored an own-goal.

An Andreas Weimann double however put Villa back in front and sealed a vital three points for the home side.

Rickie Lambert strengthened his case for a place in England's World Cup squad as he scored in injury time to give Southampton a 1-0 win at Swansea.

Lambert's 12th league goal of the season means the Saints are now guaranteed to finish the campaign eighth in the table.

West Ham ended any lingering relegation concerns in the early game, beating Tottenham 2-0 thanks to a Harry Kane own goal and Stewart Downing free-kick.

Spurs played most of the match with 10 men after Younes Kaboul was shown a straight red card for bringing down Downing when through on goal.

DAILY MIRROR

Southampton have lined up Timothee Kolodziejczak of Nice as a potential replacement for Luke Shaw and are willing to pay around £6m.

Jailed owner Carson Yeung wants £25m for Birmingham City, amid reports he has received several offers for the club which only avoided relegation from the Championship on the last day of the season.

THE SUN

Jose Mourinho thinks defender Ashley Cole and his fellow veterans Frank Lampard and John Terry will still be at Chelsea next season.

QPR striker Loic Remy, currently on loan at Newcastle, has fuelled talk of a summer move to Arsenal by turning up at the Emirates to watch Sunday's 1-0 win over West Brom.

Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell, 31, will discuss a new deal at the club, despite their relegation from the Premier League.

Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott, 31 - who is out of contract in the summer - will snub a move to Turkey to stay in the Premier League.

Arsenal's hopes of landing 24-year-old Alex McCarthy have improved with the keeper confirming he wants to leave the Championship club.

DAILY STAR

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers thinks Manchester City could slip up in their title quest. "It is a tough ask for City," he said. "It is certainly not over by a long way."

Meanwhile, the Reds and Spurs are locked in £10m battle for 21-year-old Lazio midfielder Ogenyi Onazi.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is determined to turn around the club's fortunes next year and win back the fans.

DAILY MAIL

Jose Mourinho was involved in an extraordinary dressing-room bust-up with some of his players at half-time during the disappointing 0-0 draw with Norwich.

THE INDEPENDENT

Ashley Cole's show of emotion at the end of Chelsea's draw with Norwich on Sunday could mean that he is heading for the exit in the summer.

Latest Paper Talk
Tuesday May 6

Tottenham are considering making a surprise move for Everton manager Roberto Martinez and hope the appeal of a big summer transfer budget may tempt him to London.
Chelsea captain John Terry has agreed to stay with the club - but will see his pay packet slashed in half.

John Terry fears he has played his last game for Chelsea and may move to Europe. Galatasaray have a long-standing interest in the defender.
Swansea forward Wilfried Bony wants to play in the Champions League and could be heading for German side Borussia Dortmund.
Arsenal will not sign 31-year-old Swedish midfielder Kim Kallstrom when his loan from Spartak Moscow expires at the end of the season.
Nemanja Vidic will bid a special farewell to Manchester United fans at Tuesday's home match against Hull City.

Bayern Munich striker Thomas Muller has been told he needs to ask to leave if he wants to join Manchester United in the summer in a £37million deal.
Tottenham have had an opening offer of £1.8million for Hajduk Split midfielder Andrija Balic rejected.
Aston Villa and Hull City want Augsburg's 6ft 4in midfielder Kevin Vogt.
FA chairman Greg Dyke wants Premier League clubs to have B-teams, similar to the system in Spain. The B-teams could compete in a new division between League 2 and the Conference.
Liverpool and Southampton are showing interest in Cardiff defender Steven Caulker, who has a release clause in his contract.
Leicester are interested in signing Brighton's £6.5million forward Leonardo Ulloa.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has been given the green light to sign Barcelona starlet Cristian Tello.
Louis van Gaal has blocked Manchester United winger Nani's summer move to Juventus.
John Terry fears he may have played his final game for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Midfielder Jack Wilshere is hoping to prove he is fit enough to go to the World Cup by playing in Arsenal's final Premier League game of the season against Norwich on Sunday.
Everton want to sign Manchester City midfielder James Milner this summer in an ambitious swoop.
Manchester United interim manager Ryan Giggs may pick himself tonight against Hull for what may be a farewell Old Trafford appearance.

Manchester United great Bryan Robson says the board should ensure Louis van Gaal includes Ryan Giggs among his coaching staff if the Dutchman takes charge at Old Trafford.
Barcelona's 22-year-old forward Cristian Tello could be set to spark a transfer scramble between Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal.
Chelsea veteran Ashley Cole fears he has made his last home appearance for the Blues.
Jonas Gutierrez and Luciano Becchio appear unlikely to play for Norwich again after angering supporters with comments on Twitter.

Louis van Gaal will offer 40-year-old Manchester United interim manager Ryan Giggs a senior coaching role if he is named as new United boss.

Manchester City have rejected sanctions proposed by UEFA in relation to the club's breaching of Financial Fair Play regulations.

Latest Paper Talk
Wednesday May 7

Brendan Rodgers has agreed a new contract at Liverpool that could keep him at the club until 2018.
Chelsea and Manchester City will battle it out to sign Arsenal's France defender Bacary Sagna.
Jose Mourinho last night warned his Chelsea flops that what he says goes as the Blues look set to end the season empty-handed.
Aston Villa's Andi Weimann has promised Liverpool that the title race isn't over yet as Villa bid for a repeat of September's win over Manchester City.
Newcastle skipper Fabricio Coloccini has quashed talk of him quitting Newcastle in the summer.

Manchester City could be booted out of the Champions League if they go to war with UEFA over FFP.
Ryan Giggs fears his Manchester United career is over.
Mohamed Fayed believes Fulham were relegated because they removed their Michael Jackson statue from outside Craven Cottage.
West Ham are ready to raid Chelsea for their old striker Demba Ba.
Liverpool will have to battle Atletico Madrid to sign Valencia midfielder Dani Parejo.
Southampton forward Dani Osvaldo wants to make his loan move to Juventus permanent.
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender has ended talk of a summer move to Arsenal.

Gus Poyet faces crunch talks to thrash out his future at Sunderland and says keeping Sunderland in the Premier League would be is finest achievement.
Manuel Pellegrini has told his Manchester City players to learn from the collapse of Liverpool's title challenge.
Atletico Madrid are to ask star striker Diego Costa to delay his big-money move to Chelsea until summer 2015.
Frank De Boer has made a fresh pitch for the Tottenham job, despite Mauricio Pochettino being their No 1 target.
Tottenham are planning a double swoop on Cardiff for centre-back Steven Caulker, who they sold to the Welsh side only last summer, and keeper David Marshall.
Manchester City and Tottenham target Sadio Mane could be heading to Bayer Leverkusen.

Brendan Rodgers has agreed in principle to sign a new contract at Liverpool.
Phil Jones' World Cup place is under serious threat after he was taken to hospital with a shoulder injury suffered in Manchester United's 3-1 win over Hull.
Manchester City will take on UEFA over their penalty for failing to comply with new financial fair-play rules.
Liverpool are preparing a surprise bid for Chelsea veteran Ashley Cole.
Pepe Mel is ready to sit down with West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace and tell him why he should stay and manage the Baggies.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho wants to bring Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, 21, to Stamford Bridge next season.

Tottenham are set to approach Southampton for permission to speak to Mauricio Pochettino early next week.
AC Milan want QPR to drop their asking price Adel Taarabt.
Dissent is increasing at the base of the football pyramid at FA chairman Greg Dyke's proposals to allow top clubs to enter B teams into the Football League structure.
Ravel Morrison, 21, has vowed to return to parent club West Ham from QPR next season.

Real Madrid have made Liverpool striker Luis Suarez their chief transfer target ahead of Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero.

Manchester City will risk possible expulsion from next season's Champions League if they fight the sanctions UEFA impose on them for being in breach of FFP.

The Premier League and Football League will block FA chairman Greg Dyke's plan to introduce a division for their clubs to field B teams.

Neil Lennon has confirmed he has launched a summer search for a big-money striker ready-made for the Champions League.
Stuart McCall reckons it will be his greatest achievement in management if he can take Motherwell to second spot again.

Latest Paper Talk
Thursday May 8

Arsene Wenger has sought clarification on Javi Martinez's future at Bayern Munich before pressing ahead with a £20m move for Lars Bender.
Manuel Pellegrini paid tribute to the entertaining way his Manchester City players have moved to the brink of winning the title after a 4-0 win against Aston Villa.
Louis van Gaal last night revealed he would love to be the next manager of Manchester United.
Steve McClaren has told his Derby players to to change the attacking mentality they have shown all season in tonight's Championship play-off semi-final, first-leg at Brighton.
Manchester United striker Will Keane could follow Paul Pogba to Juventus after failing to agree a new contract.
West Brom manager Pepe Mel will return to Spain to take up the reins at Malaga.

Manchester City's desperate bid to assemble a Champions League squad in the aftermath of their Financial Fair Play problems has been laid bare by them offering a new deal to home-grown Belgian Dedryck Boyata, who has only started five games this season.
FA chairman Greg Dyke will outline plans for far-reaching changes to the loan system and the award of work permits for overseas footballers in England.

Shinji Kagawa will ignore interest from Napoli and stay with Manchester United.
Sunderland made sure they completed the "miracle" with victory over West Brom which sent Norwich down to the Championship.
Liverpool duo Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Leiva have joined Ronaldinho, Kaka and Robinho on the list of superstars left out of Brazil's World Cup squad.
Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins is backing Garry Monk to restore the club's principles which he feared were being eroded under Michael Laudrup.

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel is a summer target for Inter Milan.
Adam Lallana has hinted he will stay at Southampton this summer.
Arsenal have suffered another transfer blow after target Josip Drmic reportedly agreed a move from Nurnberg to Bayer Leverkusen.
James Wilson is determined to kick on at Manchester United after scoring twice on his debut.
Helena Costa's appointment as coach of French Ligue 2 side Clermont will feel "weird", admits one of the club's players.
David Meyler is clear to play in the FA Cup final after escaping punishment for standing on Manchester United's Adnan Januzaj.
Garry Monk intends to "stamp his authority" on Swansea and "play attractive, attacking football."
Phil Neville revealed Manchester United's lap of apology at Old Trafford was the emptiest feeling of his career.
Tony Pulis will earn a £2m bonus for keeping Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Lionel Messi has pleaded with Barcelona to sign Manchester City ace Sergio Aguero.
Crystal Palace will open contract talks with Yannick Bolasie to kill off growing interest from the continent.
Petr Cech is out for up to two-and-a-half-months after having surgery to fix his dislocated shoulder.
Robin van Persie insists Manchester United will bounce back under his fellow Dutchman Louis van Gaal.
Phil Jones is facing up to a month out after damaging shoulder ligaments and is likely to miss the World Cup.
Gary Medel is poised to leave Cardiff for Besiktas.

Chelsea will test Real Madrid's determination to hold on to Sami Khedira.
Louis van Gaal will offer Ryan Giggs the chance to become his No 2 at Manchester United.
Jay Rodriguez is set to snub interest from Arsenal and sign a new contract at Southampton.
Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo is a target for Lille.
Steven Gerrard has urged Liverpool to sign the right players this summer to keep pace with the Premier League big boys.
Roberto Martinez is happy to play a waiting game to seal a deal for striker Romelu Lukaku.
New Leeds owner Massimo Cellino is poised to axe more than 70 staff at Elland Road.

Latest Paper Talk
Friday May 9

Liverpool have made a £20million bid for Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana.
Sam Allardyce stands to lose control of West Ham's signings.
Inter Milan want to sign Chelsea striker Fernando Torres on loan next season.
Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku still does not know if he will return to Stamford Bridge.
Arsene Wenger has called on UEFA to kick Manchester City out of the Champions League.
Greg Dyke has run headlong into a major ruck over his controversial England reforms.
Howard Wilkinson claims England will be reduced to the level of Cyprus if there is no major reform.
Rio Ferdinand hopes Louis van Gaal will let him stay at Manchester United.

Manchester City have joined the race for Ashley Cole, who is set to leave Chelsea as a free agent this simmer.
Arsene Wenger fears Arsenal will lose full-back Bacary Sagna on a free transfer this summer.
Sam Allardyce is fighting for his future as West Ham manager.
West Brom are set to make further back-room staff changes this summer as doubts continue to grow over coach Pepe Mel's future.
Rio Ferdinand admits his career is in limbo as he waits to find out whether his face will fit under the new regime at Manchester United.

Football turned on Greg Dyke's plans to shake up the English game on Thursday, with clubs, fans and governing bodies furious at his ambitious blueprint.
Sam Allardyce is set to be sacked by West Ham.
Jose Mourinho has been stunned after an FA independent regulatory commission fined him £10,000 for his sarcastic appraisal of officials.
Fulham will dangle the carrot of regular first-team football to keep teenage hotshots Patrick Roberts and Moussa Dembele.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger feels the coming days will be crucial to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's World Cup hopes, but remains positive he will be fit for Brazil.

Arsene Wenger believes Manchester City and other clubs who fall foul of UEFA's Financial Fair Play regulations should not be allowed to compete in the Champions League.
Monaco are ready to rescue Ashley Cole's career this summer after offering the Chelsea defender a £12million two-year deal.
Fabio Borini is facing a summer dilemma whether to return to Liverpool and fight for his place or seek a permanent move to Sunderland.
Greg Dyke believes Premier League clubs can force the Football League to buy into the idea of accepting B teams for a bargain £2million per club per year.
Randy Lerner is not expected to fly in next week and will announce Aston Villa's future from 3,000 miles away at his New York home.
Spurs midfielder Sandro is convinced Tim Sherwood will be sacked in the summer and cannot wait for the chance to impress his successor.
Gareth Barry is considering a move abroad in the summer which will complicate Everton's hopes of persuading him to sign permanently.

Rio Ferdinand admits he is still in limbo over his Manchester United future.
Greg Dyke was last night forced to defend his plans to save English football.
Sunderland hero Fabio Borini admits he could return to the Stadium of Light next season.
Hull goalkeeper Allan McGregor is targeting a shock FA Cup final appearance - just seven weeks after nearly losing a kidney.

Greg Dyke's radical vision for the future of English football immediately met fierce opposition yesterday, but he believes that the Football League will agree to his controversial 'League Three' proposal in exchange for a sweetener of £20million a season.
Gareth Barry is considering finishing his playing career abroad in a move that would thwart Roberto Martinez's hopes of keeping the England midfielder at Everton.

Sam Allardyce should discover his West Ham United fate inside a week with his prospects of avoiding the sack becoming increasingly slim.

Latest Paper Talk
Saturday May 10

Arsenal were last night rocked as Arsene Wenger was offered the Monaco job.
Adam Lallana has held showdown talks with Southampton and pleaded: Let me join Liverpool.
Malky Mackay issued a grovelling apology and dropped his £7.5million court case against Cardiff yesterday - without a penny in compensation.

Chris Hughton is in line for a quick return to management at West Brom.
Jordan Henderson has agreed in principle to a contract extension that would tie him to Liverpool for at least the next four years.
Liverpool are ready to capitalise on Cardiff's relegation to finally land Steven Caulker.
Bacary Sagna will delay a decision on his future until after the World Cup - giving Arsenal fresh hope of keeping hold of him.
Manchester United and Liverpool keen on bringing £8m former Arsenal man Alex Song back to the Premier League.
Gus Poyet's Sunderland future was cast into more doubt yesterday ahead of a make-or-break summit with owner Ellis Short.

Jose Mourinho will hand Roman Abramovich a dossier of his plans for next season on Monday and the Chelsea manager will set out his case to keep veteran trio John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole.
Pepe Mel is facing his last match as a Premier League boss at Stoke. But the Spaniard insists that if he does get the chop his biggest regret will be not showing West Brom fans what a good coach he is.
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert insists he will not walk out on the club.
Totteham are already planning for their summer recruitment drive, with Newcastle loanee Loic Remy top of their wanted list.

Brendan Rodgers has admitted Liverpool are facing another crucial summer in the transfer market as they look to maintain their position as title challengers.
Sam Allardyce insists there should be no question marks over his ambition at West Ham as he prepares to fight for his future in a crunch meeting with the club's owners on Tuesday.
Paul Lambert has told Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner that the club will face relegation next season unless there is investment in the team.
Laurent Koscielny has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal.

Jose Mourinho wants to keep out-of contract trio John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole at Chelsea.
Inter Milan have revived their interest in Tom Ince. The 22-year-old is out of contract at Blackpool and can move abroad for as little as £155,000 in compensation.
Liverpool are looking at a £5million move for Swansea goalkeeper Michel Vorm.
Valencia will make a new bid to sign Southampton striker Dani Osvaldo once his loan with Juventus finishes.
Newcastle defender Steven Taylor is attracting interest from Turkish side Fenerbahce.
Besiktas are monitoring Crystal Palace winger Yannick Bolasie.

Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as the clear favourite to take over at Tottenham Hotspur as Tim Sherwood, the present head coach, revealed some of the disharmony at the club.

Sunday May 11

Cardiff v Chelsea

Cardiff will be without Juan Cala after the defender was handed a three-match suspension. The Spaniard was sent off in the Bluebirds' 4-0 defeat at Sunderland last month for denying Connor Wickham a goalscoring opportunity, but this punishment related to his conduct as he left the field and made his way to the players' tunnel. With Cardiff relegated following last Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Newcastle, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks set to make changes as the Welsh club target a winning send-off on home soil before returning to the Championship next term.

Frank Lampard is ill and is expected to miss a potential farewell appearance for Chelsea. Lampard, Ashley Cole and captain John Terry, who has a knock, are all out of contract at the end of the season, as is striker Samuel Eto'o, who recently had a knee injury, and is doubtful after being injured in training on Thursday. Oscar (hip) missed last week's draw with Norwich, Ramires is suspended for the third of four matches and goalkeeper Petr Cech (shoulder) is out.

Last season: No corresponding fixture

Last five league matches: Cardiff L W D L L; Chelsea W W L W D

Top scorers (all competitions): Fraizer Campbell (Cardiff) 9; Eden Hazard (Chelsea) 17

Referee: Michael Oliver (Northumberland)

Our verdict: Cardiff 0 Chelsea 1

Fulham v Crystal Palace

Club-record signing Kostas Mitroglou could return to the Fulham starting line-up as the Cottagers look to salvage some pride in their final game of the season. Fulham were relegated after a 4-1 defeat at Stoke last weekend and Mitroglou, who had been out with a knee injury since March 8, came off the bench at the Britannia. Long-term absentee Damien Duff has also been suffering from a knee problem and is ruled out.

Crystal Palace boss Tony Pulis has a fully-fit squad to select from. Striker Cameron Jerome was unavailable for the 3-3 draw against Liverpool at Selhurst Park on Monday due to illness, but has since returned to training and is in contention to face the Cottagers. Midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi returned from a knock in Monday night's game and suffered no adverse reaction, playing 85 minutes before being replaced by Tom Ince.

Last season: No corresponding fixture

Last five league matches: Fulham W W L D L; Crystal Palace W W W L D

Top scorers (all competitions): Steve Sidwell (Fulham) 8; Jason Puncheon (Crystal Palace) 7

Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire)

Our verdict: Fulham 2 Crystal Palace 2

Hull v Everton

Hull goalkeeper Allan McGregor is in contention to start after a six-week lay-off. The Scotland international appeared to be out for the season when he broke three ribs and damaged a kidney at the end of March but has been battling desperately to prove his fitness before the FA Cup final on May 17. Paul McShane (ankle) may also feature for the first time since February, with captain Curtis Davies due a rest alongside cup-tied duo Shane Long and Nikica Jelavic, but Robbie Brady (groin) and James Chester (hamstring) are definitely out.

Steven Pienaar looks set to return to action, while Lacina Traore could also make his comeback from injury. Toffees boss Roberto Martinez is optimistic winger Pienaar, absent for 10 games because of a knee complaint, will be fit to feature but has stressed the need for caution with regard to on-loan striker Traore, who has had an even longer spell out due to a hamstring problem. It seems the match will come too soon for the recovering Darron Gibson (knee) to make his first appearance since October, while fellow midfielder Gareth Barry, having been unable to play against his parent club Manchester City last weekend, is eligible for selection again.

Last season: No corresponding fixture

Last five league matches: Hull W L D L L; Everton W L W L L

Top scorers (all competitions): Matt Fryatt (Hull) 6; Romelu Lukaku (Everton) 15

Referee: Howard Webb (South Yorkshire)

Our verdict: Hull 1 Everton 3

Liverpool v Newcastle

Liverpool have midfielder Jordan Henderson available again following a three-match ban, an absence which has coincided with the team's title challenge faltering. The conclusion of the ban means that, other than long-term knee injury victim Jose Enrique, manager Brendan Rodgers has a full squad to choose from.

Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse could need four monthsto recover after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured kneecap. The Senegal international, who suffered the injury during a 2-1 Barclays Premier League defeat by Swansea on April 19, will miss Sunday's final day trip to Liverpool as a result. Manager Alan Pardew was otherwise coy about his fitness concerns, although utility man Ryan Taylor is back in light training after a second bout of knee surgery.

Last season: Newcastle 0 Liverpool 6, Liverpool 1 Newcastle 1

Last five league matches: Liverpool W W W L D; Newcastle L L L L W

Top scorers (all competitions): Luis Suarez (Liverpool) 31; Loic Remy (Newcastle) 14

Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire)

Our verdict: Liverpool 2 Newcastle 0

Manchester City v West Ham

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is back in contention. The Argentina international has overcome the groin injury that forced him off against Everton last weekend and ruled him out of Wednesday's victory over Aston Villa. Aguero's return means manager Manuel Pellegrini has a fully-fit squad available as City seek to secure their second title in three seasons.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has a fully-fit squad to choose from. Only a West Ham victory at the Etihad Stadium will give hope to fellow challengers Liverpool, who need also to beat Newcastle at home to be crowned champions.

Last season: Man City 2 West Ham 1, West Ham 0 Man City 0

Last five league matches: Man City D W W W W; West Ham L L L L W

Top scorers (all competitions): Sergio Aguero (Man City) 28; Kevin Nolan (West Ham) 7

Referee: Martin Atkinson (West Yorkshire)

Our verdict: Manchester City 3 West Ham 0

Norwich v Arsenal

Norwich look set to be without on-loan defender Joseph Yobo (calf) while winger Anthony Pilkington (hip) is sidelined. Midfielder David Fox (knee) is another absentee for the Canaries, who are all but relegated to the Sky Bet Championship, and so youngsters like Josh Murphy could be included.

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere could feature at Norwich having recovered from a fractured foot suffered while on international duty with England. Aaron Ramsey (thigh) should also be in the squad, along with full-back Kieran Gibbs, out since the FA Cup semi-final win over Wigan with a hamstring injury. Midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (groin) is still out, as are Theo Walcott and Serge Gnabry (both knee).

Last season: Arsenal 3 Norwich 1, Norwich 1 Arsenal 0

Last five league matches: Norwich L L L L D; Arsenal L W W W W

Top scorers (all competitions): Gary Hooper (Norwich) 8; Olivier Giroud (Arsenal) 22

Referee: Lee Mason (Lancashire)

Our verdict: Norwich 0 Arsenal 2

Southampton v Manchester United

Southampton have no fresh injury concerns, with Morgan Schneiderlin (thigh) and Rickie Lambert (buttock) having played in last week's win at Swansea. Jay Rodriguez (knee), Gaston Ramirez (ankle) and Maya Yoshida (knee) remain absent, as is back-up goalkeeper Kelvin Davis (back).

Defender Phil Jones (shoulder) and striker Wayne Rooney (groin) are out for Manchester United. Goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard (illness) and defender Rafael (thigh) are doubts. Centre-back Jonny Evans (ankle) is unavailable but 18-year-old striker James Wilson should be fit despite suffering a knock on his goalscoring debut against Hull on Tuesday.

Last season: Man Utd 2 Southampton 1, Southampton 2 Man Utd 3

Last five league matches: Southampton L L D W W; Man Utd W L W L W

Top scorers (all competitions): Jay Rodriguez (Southampton) 17; Wayne Rooney (Man Utd) 19

Match odds: H 13-8 A 9-5 D 21-10

Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral)

Our verdict: Southampton 2 Manchester United 2

Sunderland v Swansea

Midfielder Lee Cattermole is a slight doubt after he turned an ankle during Wednesday night's 2-0 victory over West Brom, which secured the club's top-flight status, and will be assessed on Saturday. Manager Gus Poyet has hinted he will make changes, with several of his players suffering the after-effects of a remarkable survival mission, but goalkeeper Keiren Westwood (shoulder) and striker Steven Fletcher (ankle) remain on the sidelines and loan signing Ki Sung-yueng and full-back Andrea Dossena have left the club.

Swansea are set to be without injured pair Michu and Angel Rangel but defender Chico Flores, who has been absent through suspension and then injury in recent games, could return. The Stadium of Light clash will be Garry Monk's first game in charge since being appointed permanent Swansea manager on a three-year contract.

Last season: Sunderland 0 Swansea 0, Swansea 2 Sunderland 2

Last five league matches: Sunderland D W W W W; Swansea L L W W L

Top scorers (all competitions): Adam Johnson (Sunderland) 10; Wilfried Bony (Swansea) 24

Referee: Chris Foy (Merseyside)

Our verdict: Sunderland 2 Swansea 0

Tottenham v Aston Villa

Kyle Walker will not feature for Tottenham in their final game of the season. The England defender will still be hoping to go to the World Cup but a pelvic injury means he is again unavailable for Tottenham head coach Tim Sherwood this weekend. Winger Andros Townsend (ankle) remains sidelined along with club-record signing Erik Lamela (back) while Jan Vertonghen (ankle) and Etienne Capoue (foot) will hope to be involved after returning to training.

Aston Villa hope striker Gabriel Agbonlahor will be fit. The striker missed the midweek 4-0 defeat at Manchester City with a knee injury but boss Paul Lambert hopes he will be recovered in time for the trip to north London. Winger Marc Albrighton (groin) is a doubt for the match while the likes of Jores Okore, Christian Benteke and Libor Kozak are still absent with long-term injuries.

Last season: Aston Villa 0 Tottenham 4, Tottenham 2 Aston Villa 0

Last five league matches: Tottenham W D W W L; Aston Villa L D L W L

Top scorers (all competitions): Emmanuel Adebayor (Tottenham) 13; Christian Benteke (Aston Villa) 11

Match odds: H 1-2 A 13-2 D 14-5

Referee: Jon Moss (West Yorkshire)

Our verdict: Tottenham 2 Aston Villa 1

West Brom v Stoke

Liam Ridgewell could return to West Brom's starting line-up after missing the last three games. He suffered a knee injury in the defeat at Manchester City but is back in contention after training this week. Morgan Amalfitano could figure after being rested in the midweek loss at Sunderland, but Billy Jones and Zoltan Gera (both hamstring) and Steven Reid (groin) are definitely out.

On-loan Liverpool forward Oussama Assaidi is likely to miss out. Assaidi scored in last week's 4-1 defeat of Fulham but then suffered a reaction to the knee injury that sidelined him in February. Captain Ryan Shawcross returns from suspension while striker Peter Odemwingie is set to start against the club he controversially left last year.

Last season: Stoke 0 West Brom 0, West Brom 0 Stoke 1

Last five league matches: West Brom D L W L L; Stoke L W D L W

Top scorers (all competitions): Saido Berahino (West Brom) 9; Peter Crouch (Stoke) 9

Referee: Lee Probert (Wiltshire)

Our verdict: West Brom 1 Stoke 2

Latest Paper Talk
Monday May 12

Manchester United have bid £27m for Southampton's teenage full-back Luke Shaw.
Celtic manager Neil Lennon is high on Norwich's list to replace interim manager Neil Adams this summer.
Former Manchester City star Francis Lee claims that FA chairman Greg Dyke should not be criticising the new Premier League champions for only having two England players in their ranks - Joe Hart and James Milner.

Hull City are interested in Cardiff striker Fraizer Campbell, 26, who wants to leave the club after Premier League relegation and would be available for as little as £800,000 because of an escape clause in his contract.
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce wants Norwich winger Robert Snodgrass to head summer spending spree.
Nikola Zigic, apparently on £60k-a-week, wants to remain at Championship club Birmingham now that he is out of contract at St Andrews.
Manchester United defender Phil Jones has two weeks to prove to Roy Hodgson he will have recovered from his shoulder injury in time for the World Cup, with Everton teenager John Stones ready to replace him.
Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood remains unsure over his future after 3-0 win against Aston Villa.

Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United are eyeing 34-year-old Barcelona playmaker Xavi, despite the Spain international still having two years left on his contract.
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew wants to sign midfielder Fabian Delph, 24, and striker Andreas Weimann, 22, from Aston Villa in a double deal that could cost the Magpies £15m.

Chelsea have opened talks with Atletico Madrid in an attempt to complete the £32m signing of striker Diego Costa ahead of the World Cup.
Former Cardiff manager Malky Mackay and ex-Watford boss Gianfranco Zola are in the frame as relegated Norwich City plan to name a new manager within a week.

France left-back Patrice Evra, 32, could follow fellow defender Nemanja Vidic to Inter Milan from Manchester United this summer.
Meanwhile, United interim boss Ryan Giggs is confident striker Danny Welbeck will not leave Old Trafford in the summer, despite the 23-year-old England frontman attracting interest from Arsenal and Tottenham.

Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole, 33, rejected a chance to be placed upon Roy Hodgson's list of seven standby players for the World Cup after being left out of England's squad.

Latest Paper Talk
Tuesday May 13

Chelsea defender David Luiz is set join Barcelona for £30m.
Roy Hodgson has confessed he might have made an almighty cock-up by dumping Ashley Cole.
Chelsea will confirm the £32million capture of Diego Costa after the Champions League final.
Sandro insists Spurs' signings last summer can spark their Champions League charge next season.

Southampton are lining up a move for Portuguese youngster Rafa Silva as a potential replacement for Adam Lallana.
Arsenal target Karim Benzema could leave Real Madrid in the summer, with Manchester United another possible destination.
West Brom have set their sights on Spurs boss Tim Sherwood after dismissing Pepe Mel.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is to discover his fate later today as speculation increases.
England striker Wayne Rooney has been forced into extra training in a bid to prove his fitness for the World Cup.
Rio Ferdinand is to leave Manchester United after not being offered a new Old Trafford deal.
Roy Hodgson has told England stars Luke Shaw and Adam Lallana to sort out their club future before the World Cup.

Chelsea have agreed a £32m fee with Atletico Madrid for striker Diego Costa.
Louis van Gaal has vowed to make Manchester United a force again.
West Brom could turn to old boy Derek McInnes in their hunt for a new manager.
Kevin Nolan claims West Ham bosses would be crazy to sack Sam Allardyce.
Oscar Garcia resigns as Brighton boss, with Spurs chief Tim Sherwood in line to replace him.
Alan Pardew is going to be given time to rebuild his Newcastle squad.

England left-back Luke Shaw will join Manchester United from Southampton for £27m before the World Cup in Brazil.
Rio Ferdinand's Manchester United career is over after the veteran defender was informed that he will not be offered a new contract.
Brendan Rodgers has been crowned LMA Manager of the Year at a glittering end of season ceremony on Monday evening.
Roy Hodgson claimed England could win the World Cup on Monday as he prepares to unleash his young Lions in Brazil.
Tim Sherwood will hold crunch talks with chairman Daniel Levy on Tuesday, a meeting that is expected to signal the end of his reign as Tottenham boss.
On the day he was named in the England World Cup squad, Luke Shaw was also on the brink of completing his transfer to Old Trafford.

Manchester United want Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels to replace Rio Ferdinand.
Ferdinand was told by United's executive vice chairman Ed Woodward that the club would not be extending the one-year deal that expires this summer.
Paul Lambert is flying out to New York to discuss his Aston Villa future with owner Randy Lerner after the club was put up for sale.
Louis van Gaal is open to keeping Ryan Giggs as his number two at Manchester United.
Sebastian Giovinco's agent has opened the door for a move to Arsenal this summer after admitting the diminutive striker's future at Juventus remains uncertain.

Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis is planning to raid relegated Norwich for goalkeeper John Ruddy, who is on standby for England's World Cup squad.

Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney has gone on holiday to Portugal with two fitness trainers to make sure his groin problem is sorted out before the start of next month's World Cup.

Latest Paper Talk
Wednesday May 14

The Premier League managerial merry-go-round gathered pace yesterday as Tim Sherwood was thrown out of the Tottenham hotseat - and Sam Allardyce was left clinging on at West Ham.
Terry Venables has finally broken his silence over his bitter battle with Alan Sugar - and admitted: "It was the worst time of my life."
John Terry has signed a new one-year deal at Chelsea.
Lee Cattermole is set to be offered a bumper new four-year deal to stop interest from Stoke and West Ham.
Roy Keane has blamed Manchester United's awful season on their spineless midfield and defence.

Louis van Gaal could bring Feyenoord and Holland defender Bruno Martins Indi with him to Manchester United as he looks to replace departing centre-back duo Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.
West Ham have made a £7million bid for Stuttgart defender Antonio Rudiger - despite uncertainty over their own manager Sam Allardyce's future.
Barcelona's Javier Mascherano has opened the door on a sensational return to Liverpool, four years after he left Anfield for the Nou Camp.
Arsene Wenger remains interested in bringing Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria to Arsenal.
Manchester City defender Micah Richards has hinted that he will leave the club this summer, declaring "you have to do what's best for your career."
Tim Sherwood was sacked as Tottenham boss after top stars told chairman Daniel Levy: "Either he goes - or we do."
Ryan Giggs wants to carry on playing for Manchester United and join new manager Louis Van Gaal's coaching team.
Paul Lambert will not walk out on Aston Villa, despite the club being in limbo after owner Randy Lerner's decision to sell up.
Celtic boss Neil Lennon is ready to take charge at Norwich as they prepare for the Championship.

Arsenal are weighing up a summer move for Real Madrid's Angel Di Maria - but Manchester City are also interested.
Ryan Giggs will hold face-to-face talks with Louis Van Gaal today to discuss his Manchester United future.
Mauricio Pochettino is Tottenham's number one choice to replace axed Tim Sherwood.
Roy Keane has launched a scathing attack on Phil Jones and Chris Smalling claiming the defensive duo have gone backwards at Manchester United.
Liverpool fans have pleaded with Ross Barkley to ditch Everton and make a stunning move to Anfield.
Brendan Rodgers has backed Raheem Sterling to take the World Cup by storm this summer.

New Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal will meet with Ryan Giggs to thrash out the Old Trafford legend's future at the club.
Nemanja Vidic has insisted that the Manchester United players did not fall out with David Moyes, instead falling out among each other.
Steve Bruce has left the door open for Rio Ferdinand to extend his Premier League career with FA Cup finalists Hull.
Samir Nasri's girlfriend has launched an extraordinary outburst after the Manchester City midfielder was left out of the France World Cup squad.
Chelsea will turn their attention to securing the future of Frank Lampard after confirming John Terry has signed a new 12-month contract.

Tottenham want Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager after Tim Sherwood was sacked yesterday.
Ryan Giggs is set for showdown talks with Manchester United manager-to-be Louis Van Gaal today.
Bruno Martins Indi and Matts Hummels have been identified by Manchester United as potential replacements for veteran pair Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
Liverpool are hopeful of pushing through a deal for England's Adam Lallana before the World Cup.
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert will be given the go-ahead this week to offer new deals to Ron Vlaar and Fabian Delph.

Mauricio Pochettino would consider an approach from Tottenham to become their manager after the sacking of Tim Sherwood on Tuesday, but Southampton have opened talks with the Argentinian aimed at persuading him to stay at St Mary's.
Adam Lallana's hopes of joining Liverpool before the World Cup may rest on informing Southampton he is determined to leave St Mary's, with the two clubs yet to agree a deal for the England midfielder.

Tottenham sacked Tim Sherwood as head coach yesterday because they feared losing some of their best players if he remained in charge.
Everton have indicated that Romelu Lukaku will not return to the club next season by making the first move to sign Loic Remy, the QPR striker who spent the past season on loan at Newcastle.

Latest Paper Talk
Thursday May 15

Louis van Gaal is expected to be named Manchester United boss today and Ryan Giggs is poised to accept the role as his assistant
Real Madrid will launch a full-scale bid for Luis Suarez this summer, and are prepared to let Arsenal target Karim Benzema leave to make way for the Uruguayan
The Gunners meanwhile have been joined by Napoli in the fight to sign Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin
Hull will offer manager Steve Bruce a new £2.5m-a-year contract this summer after he led his side to the FA Cup final
Steven Gerrard will have a decision to make about retiring from international football after the World Cup according to Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers
Chelsea are after MK Dons' teenage wonderkid Dele Alli - but face competition from Manchester City
Former England midfielder Joe Cole is being eyed by Major League Soccer chiefs

Louis van Gaal and Ryan Giggs are set to be revealed as Manchester United's new dream team today
Mauricio Pochettino has told Spurs he wants a £3m per year deal to take over as their coach
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is prepared to let as many as 12 players leave as he refreshes his squad in the summer
Chelsea are set to hand Romelu Lukaku a two-year contract extension - and Everton will be hoping to borrow him again

A new era at Manchester United could begin today with Louis van Gaal expected to be named as manager
Arsenal will check on the availability of Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema after the Champions League final as his employers prepare a bid for Luis Suarez
However, Suarez said there is no cause for concern among Liverpool fans as he denied Barcelona and Real Madrid have priority over bidding for him this summer
Bayern Munich are poised to launch a £25m bid for Chelsea defender David Luiz
Liverpool have joined the queue of clubs keen to sign Sevilla left-back Alberto Moreno, who was part of Sevilla's Europa League winning side
Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino will have to personally fork out £2million if he wants a move to Tottenham

Chelsea have joined Liverpool and Arsenal in the chase for highly-regarded 18-year-old MK Dons midfielder Dele Alli
Everton are keen on Hannover striker Didier Ya Konan and have lined him up as a replacement for Romelu Lukaku

Liverpool fear they could miss out on Adam Lallana if Mauricio Pochettino swaps Southampton for Spurs

Arsenal will launch a £30m move for France striker Karim Benzema, who has only one year left on his contract at Real Madrid

Chelsea are set to offer striker Romelu Lukaku a new contract after he impressed on loan at Everton

Latest Paper Talk
Friday May 16

Chelsea are ready to offer David Luiz as part of a swap deal to land Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic.
Everton have joined Newcastle in the chase for Tottenham winger Andros Townsend.
Swansea striker Wilfried Bony is wanted by Everton - to replace Romelu Lukaku, who is returning to Chelsea after a season's loan.
Stoke boss Mark Hughes is snapping up veteran midfielder Steve Sidwell on a free from his old club Fulham.
Brighton are stepping up their bid to land former Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood.

Wayne Rooney has slammed the pitch where Roy Hodgson's England squad will train next week ahead of the World Cup.
Manchester United have revealed David Moyes cost the club £40million.
Samuel Eto'o has called Jose Mourinho a "fool" for calling him an old man.
Stevan Jovetic has vowed to stay at Manchester City to prove he can be a hit.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers will slug it out with Chelsea for Europa League winner Alberto Moreno.
Everton want to keep Lacina Traore for a second loan spell - despite him playing just an hour of the first.
Newcastle are ready to make a move for West Brom striker Saido Berahino.
Tom Ince is ready to snub interest from Inter Milan to stay in the Premier League.

Manchester United run the risk of alienating the Class of '92 for good with their ongoing wait to finalise the make-up of Louis van Gaal's backroom staff.
Chelsea are playing hardball with Frank Lampard as talks over his new contract threaten to break down.
Manchester City hope to finalise terms with Arsenal's Bacary Sagna following the FA Cup final.
Manchester City are considering Mehdi Benatia at Roma as their next centre-back purchase.
Liverpool have targeted Sevilla's Alberto Moreno as Brendan Rodgers looks to bring in a new left-back.
Romelu Lukaku is reluctant to sign a new contract at Chelsea and wants crunch talks with Jose Mourinho after the World Cup.
Stoke are keen on a deal for Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell.
Newcastle are lining up a summer swoop for West Brom forward Saido Berahino.

Chelsea are eyeing a swap deal with Bayern Munich involving David Luiz and Mario Mandzukic.
Manchester United may not be in a position to confirm the appointment of Louis Van Gaal as their new manager until early next week.
Liverpool and Arsenal are to go head-to-head to sign Lille winger Salomon Kalou.

Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has urged Arsene Wenger to snap up Real Madrid ace Karim Benzema.
Ryan Giggs has left Louis Van Gaal in limbo after asking Manchester United for more time to decide his future.
Arsenal and Liverpool are still keeping tabs on former Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou.

Arjen Robben, Thomas Muller, Mats Hummel, Luke Shaw and Toni Kroos are among Louis van Gaal's transfer targets for Manchester United.

Bacary Sagna has informed his Arsenal team-mates that he firmly expects to join Manchester City on a free transfer after playing in the FA Cup final.

Latest Paper Talk
Sunday May 18

Arsene Wenger lifted his first trophy in 3,283 days and insisted: I'm here to stay.
Manchester City will offer Bacary Sagna £7m per year to beat off competition for his signature from Manchester United.
Manchester City will push on with plans to let five English players leave this summer - despite the UEFA squad restrictions imposed on them. Micah Richards, Jack Rodwell and Scott Sinclair are all heading for the Etihad exit - along with out-of-contract Joleon Lescott and Gareth Barry.
Roy Hodgson is not worried about the World Cup availability of Arsenal pair Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Shola Ameobi has turned down a one-year extension to stay with Newcastle United and he is set to leave this summer.
Norwich could appoint Malky Mackay as their new manager this week.
West Brom are hoping to sign Cardiff striker Fraizer Campbell.
Fulham have made Stoke striker Cameron Jerome one of their key summer transfer targets.

James Milner is set to quit Manchester City after the World Cup in Brazil.
Manchester United are set to hijack Bacary Sagna's move to Manchester City - and that won't be the end of their raids on north London.
Brendan Rodgers wants to make Wilfried Bony his third big Liverpool striker next season.
Liverpool are on alert to join the bidding if Javi Martinez leaves Bayern Munich this summer.
Chelsea are stepping up their interest in Everton kid John Stones and want a £12million done before the World Cup.
Swansea are hoping to land Ravel Morrison from West Ham for a cut-price £3.75million.

Arsene Wenger will make Swansea striker Wilfried Bony his main summer transfer target.
West Brom could make a move for Arsenal coach Steve Bould as their new manager.
Southampton fear they are under siege with Spurs set to take manager Mauricio Pochettino from them, a move that could lead to a series of high-profile departures on the playing side as well.
West Ham are plotting to bring in Ronald Koeman as their new manager as the pressure continues to build on current incumbent Sam Allardyce. David Moyes could also be under consideration.
Brighton are hoping to make Real Madrid coach Paul Clement their new manager.
QPR will make a move for Swansea captain Ashley Williams if they secure a return to the Premier League through the play-offs.
Derby will open talks with Chelsea to sign striker Patrick Bamford if they beat QPR to reach the Premier League.
Seamus Coleman is poised to sign a lucrative new contract with Everton.
Crystal Palace are lining up a move for Fulham midfielder Kieran Richardson.

Louis Van Gaal will make a deal for Arsenal full-back Bacary Sagna a priority if, as expected, he is confirmed as Manchester United boss this week.
Luis Suarez has committed himself to a renewed title challenge with Liverpool by enrolling his four-year-old daughter in a Merseyside school.
Owner Katharina Liebherr is set to call a crisis meeting this week in a desperate bid to stop Southampton's Premier League success story turning into a horror one.
Monaco's hopes of tempting Arsene Wenger away from Arsenal appear set to fail with the long-serving boss likely to sign a new long-term contract soon.
Jozy Altidore is keen to stay with Sunderland despite a disappointing Premier League season.
Rio Ferdinand could be a target for Hull City with owner Assem Allam also planning to offer manager Steve Bruce a new contract.
Alan Pardew is keen on Hertha Berlin striker Pierre-Michael Lasogga, who has just completed a season on loan with Hamburg.
Manchester City, Everton and Tottenham are locked in a battle for Fenerbahce striker Emmanuel Emenike, who has previously been linked with Liverpool and Chelsea.
Rob Green admits he is thrilled with his form at QPR after a nightmare time since the 2010 World Cup.

The Football Association want Roy Hodgson to remain in his post as England coach through the 2018 World Cup in Russia to guide the country's young stars.
Real Madrid believe Liverpool will be powerless to stop them signing Luis Suarez for £70m this summer despite the Uruguay striker committing his future to the club.
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is pushing ahead with the signing of Porto's £20million midfielder, Fernando, as he devises a strategy to win the Champions League next season with just 21 players.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be given the chance to lead Cardiff City back to the Premier League.
Ryan Giggs is ready to accept a No 2 role to Louis Van Gaal at Manchester United.
Sam Allardyce's failure to develop West Ham's young players could end in him being sacked this summer.
Steven Gerrard is set to quit England after the World Cup - whatever the outcome in Brazil.

Glen Johnson will not be handed a contract extension by Liverpool, who will let the England right-back run down the last 12 months of his current deal.
Manchester United are in talks with Spain keeper David de Gea over a new long-term deal that could pay him £18m.
Liverpool are hoping to sign unsettled Barcelona striker Alexis Sanchez - he could cost the Anfield club £18m.
Sunderland may try to make their loan deal with Liverpool for Fabio Borini permanent if the Reds are able to land Sanchez.
Keith Downing is the players' choice to take over from Pepe Mel as West Brom manager.
Tottenham will make a big push to make Mauricio Pochettino their new manager this week.
FA Cup final man-of-the-match Aaron Ramsey is the top summer target for Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola.
Jake Livermore has pleaded with Tottenham to allow him to join Hull City on a permanent basis.
Sheffield United boss Nigel Clough has warned potential suitors off making a daring bid for centre-back Harry Maguire, who is rated in the £4m bracket.
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet is ready to offload Argentinian flop Ignacio Scocco, who has failed to settle since his £3m move in January.

THE SUN

Manchester United could confirm Louis Van Gaal as their new manager later today.

Arsene Wenger's much-anticipated new deal with Arsenal could pay him £24m over three years - he is expected to get a transfer chest of £100m to spend this summer as well.

Jack Wilshere could face FA action for a foul-mouthed rant towards rivals Spurs, which was captured live on TV at their FA Cup trophy celebration on Sunday.

Club Bolivar hope David Beckham will come out of retirement and join the club for the Copa Libertadores.

Glenn Hoddle feels Mauricio Pochettino should win the race to become Tottenham's next manager.

Thibaut Courtois will only come back to Chelsea if he is guaranteed to be their No 1 keeper next season.

Burnley are hoping to sign Bournemouth defender Steve Cook.

Rio Ferdinand is poised to move his family back to the south of England, perhaps scuppering hopes Hull City had of tempting the former Manchester United defender.

DAILY MIRROR

Aston Villa are expected to confirm later today that Paul Lambert will be carrying on as the club's manager.

Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi and Sunderland midfielder Seb Larsson are both on Hull's summer wish list ahead of their debut in the Europa League.

Leicester City are hoping to make Villa midfielder Marc Albrighton one of their summer additions, along with Brighton defender Matthew Upson.

West Ham and Southampton are battling for the signature of £8m-rated Nice left-back Timothee Kolodziejczak.

Swansea will look to sign Reading keeper Alex McCarthy if Michel Vorm - a target for Liverpool - leaves this summer.

Crystal Palace and Hull will look to sign Liam Ridgewell in the wake of the defender's release by West Brom.

DAILY STAR

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain faces World Cup heartbreak with his groin injury still bothering him enough to make it a struggle for him to prove himself fit before the tournament.

Steve Bruce has warned Hull City owner Assem Allam he needs to make big investments on the playing side to match the club's success this season.

Former Brighton boss Oscar Garcia wants to take over at Southampton if Mauricio Pochettino heads to Tottenham this summer.

DAILY MAIL

Liverpool are ready to offer £10m to Bayer Leverkusen for midfielder Emre Can.

As well as Blackpool midfielder Tom Ince, Inter Milan are also keen on a loan deal for Fulham striker Kostas Mitroglou, whose £12m move to London has proved less than successful.

Juventus are hoping to sign Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra, who is a free agent this summer.

Montpellier midfielder Remy Cabella is open to a move to Newcastle this summer after they failed to secure a deal for him in January.

Leeds United are keen on Rotherham midfielder Ben Pringle.

Gareth Southgate has urged his England Under-21 players to follow the example of Everton defender John Stones, who is on standby for the World Cup, as they prepare for the Toulon tournament and Euro qualifier against Wales.

Didier Drogba is leaving Galatasaray and will hope to secure a new club with positive performances at the World Cup.

DAILY EXPRESS

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, 27, has committed himself to a renewed title challenge with the club by enrolling his four-year-old daughter in a Merseyside school.

Sunderland defender Alfred N'Diaye came to the rescue, carrying a young fan to safety, when a barrier collapsed during Osasuna's La Liga clash with his loan club Real Betis on Sunday.

Arsene Wenger says he will sign 'two or three' players this summer with Nancy keeper Paul Nardy a target to replace out-of-contract back-up Lukasz Fabianski. Wenger is very keen on Real Madrid playmaker Angel Di Maria.

THE GUARDIAN

Wayne Rooney has attacked the 'disgusting' press after being photographed with wife Colleen and his two sons while on holiday in Portugal.

Arsenal are leading the race to sign James Milner after he told Manchester City he wants to leave this summer.

Monday will be D-Day for under fire Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will sign a new three-year £7.5m-a-year contract at the Emirates and be given £100m transfer kitty.

Switzerland defender Johan Djourou could miss the World Cup after injuring his neck playing for Hamburg on Sunday.

Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala could turn down a move to Manchester City after claiming he would rather join Chelsea.

THE TIMES

Schalke midfielder Julian Draxler, Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Lars Bender and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema could all be on Arsene Wenger's summer shopping list.

DAILY RECORD

St Johnstone are keen to tie manager Tommy Wright to a new contract after he led his side to Scottish Cup glory, expecting there to be interest in his services from elsewhere.

Rangers fans claim chief executive Graham Wallace is a 'lame duck' amid fresh fears over Ibrox and their training complex at Murray Park.

Latest Paper Talk
Tuesday May 20

Yaya Toure wants to quit Manchester City and is so disillusioned he would even take a pay cut to rejoin Barcelona.
Ashley Cole will quit Chelsea this summer after eight years at the club.
Louis van Gaal will hand over the managerial reigns at Manchester United to Ryan Giggs in three years.
West Ham midfielder Mo Diame is a £5million target for Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle.
Everton want to bring Jack Rodwell back to Goodison Park in a £5million deal.
James Milner will be offered a new deal to persuade him to stay at Manchester City.
Aston Villa are desperate to land Manchester City free agent Joleon Lescott and hope a £70,000-a-week offer will tempt the defender to ditch a proposed move to Turkey.
France and Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala will wait until after the World Cup before discussing a Manchester City move.

Chelsea are set to be rocked by a £50m bid for Eden Hazard from Paris Saint-Germain.
Glen Johnson is at loggerheads with Liverpool after the Reds offered him just a one-year extension on his current deal - on reduced terms.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is set to deal a crushing blow to Manchester City's transfer plans by landing £35m-rated Eliaquim Mangala.
West Ham are set to battle Newcastle for strikers Pierre-Michel Lasogga and Bafetimbi Gomis.
Nottingham Forest boss Stuart Pearce is chasing Hull striker Matty Fryatt.
Derby's heroes will split a staggering £4.5m bonus if they make the Premier League.

Louis van Gaal will be armed with a £6million-a-year salary and £200million transfer budget to help him "make history" as Manchester United's new manager.
Ashley Cole is set to leave Chelsea this summer after revealing on Twitter that the club is not one of his options for next season.
Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has shrugged off the limitations of a £49million transfer cap.
Liverpool have reached an impasse with Glen Johnson over agreeing a new deal.
Yaya Toure's future at Manchester City was plunged into doubt after his agent made a bizarre rant against the Premier League champions over a perceived birthday snub.
Newcastle and Manchester City are showing interest in Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross.
Galatasaray have offered Didier Drogba a new one-year contract.
Southampton want Swansea left-back Neil Taylor, who was subject to a £4million bid from Fulham in January.
Everton wish to keep Lacina Traore on a season-long loan from Monaco and he wants to stay on Merseyside.
Gerard Deulofeu will return to Barcelona from Everton.
Hull want Sunderland's Sebastian Larsson and Newcastle's Shola Ameobi.

Chelsea are prepared to dig their heels in to stop Paris St-Germain signing Eden Hazard.
Martin Kelly has been assured he has a future at Liverpool and will be given a chance to prove himself next season.
Paul Lambert insists he will not quit Aston Villa and has told owner Randy Lerner it is up to him to get star players to the club.
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is eyeing a reunion with West Ham midfielder Mark Noble.
Bacary Sagna will sign a £140,000-per-week deal with Manchester City after completing a medical with the Premier League champions.
West Ham have targeted France Bafetimbi Gomis after he snubbed a new deal at Lyon.
Hull are favourites to £2million-rated Doncaster left-back James Husband ahead of Wigan and Wolves.
Charlton boss Jose Riga is holding talks with chairman Roland Duchatelet in Belgium amid rumours he could be sacked.

Louis van Gaal has vowed to make Manchester United great again after finally being confirmed as their new manager.
Paul Lambert will try and sign Joleon Lescott on a free transfer from Manchester City and leave it to Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner to decide if he can afford his wages.
Roy Hodgson has warned he will clamp down on any dissenters threatening to "destroy" the team spirit he has nurtured and insists England can only progress if they are united.
Morgan Schneiderlin wants to leave Southampton and play for a Champions League side.

Bacary Sagna has opened talks with Manchester City as he seeks to decide his future before the World Cup.

Latest Paper Talk
Wednesday May 21

Yaya Toure last night confirmed our amazing exclusive that he wants to quit Manchester City.
Sam Allardyce is staying at West Ham - but has been ordered to play sexy football next season.
Louis van Gaal aims to convince Wayne Rooney that he is still central to Manchester United's future.
Liverpool have hit Southampton with a double whammy by tabling an £8million bid for Dejan Lovren. Boss Brendan Rodgers, who has already offered £20m for England midfielder Adam Lallana, needs to strengthen his defence.
Ross Barkley will not be sold this summer even if he returns from the World Cup as a global superstar.
Louis van Gaal could make PSV Eindhoven's £15million-rated striker Memphis Depay one of his first signings.
Manchester City's top summer target Eliaquim Mangala wants to wait until after the World Cup before deciding on his future.

Louis van Gaal is ready to kick off his Manchester United reign by squaring up to arch-rivals Liverpool over £12million Dnipro winger Yevhen Konoplyanka.
Defiant Manchester City insist they will block any attempt by Yaya Toure to force through a move this summer.
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is ready to make a shock move for Aston Villa exile Darren Bent.
Liverpool and Arsenal both want to sign Reading starlet Jordan Obita this summer.
Contract talks between Liverpool and defender Glen Johnson have reportedly broken down.
Southampton's Luke Shaw is ready to sign for Manchester United - and has started looking for a new house.
Real Madrid have offered Ashley Cole a two-year deal worth a staggering £10million.
Swansea boss Garry Monk wants to snap up Sunderland's out-of-contract midfielder Jack Colback.

Yaya Toure has made himself a laughing stock - and left his Manchester City future hanging in the balance.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers wants Ashley Cole to help turn his side into Premier League winners.
Tom Ince says he is not scared to follow in the footsteps of his dad Paul by signing for Italian giants Inter Milan.
Southampton forward Jay Rodriguez has admitted the future of manager Mauricio Pochettino is "up in the air" as Tottenham push to make the Argentinian their new boss.
Aston Villa have announced they have released Nathan Delfouneso and Marc Albrighton following another disappointing Premier League season.
Mario Mandzukic is at the centre of a three-way transfer fight with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United all interested.

Manchester City will block any attempt by Yaya Toure to force a transfer following bizarre claims that the new Premier League champions failed to celebrate his 31st birthday properly.
Roy Hodgson has claimed he could coach a pub team to get a result against Manchester United if he was given six months to prepare.

Manchester City will not sell Yaya Toure - and will remind him of the defiant stance they took with Carlos Tevez to stop any attempt by the Ivory Coast midfielder to force a transfer.
Louis van Gaal says money will be no object as he rebuilds Manchester United into a title-winning team.

Ashley Cole will determine where he is to play next season on his return from a holiday in California with up to eight clubs understood to be keen to secure the former England left-back upon the expiry of his contract at Chelsea.

Ashley Cole will consider lucrative offers from Monaco and Real Madrid this summer as he prepares to leave Chelsea after eight years.

Latest Paper Talk
Thursday May 22

Liverpool could make a move for Barcelona's 26-year-old World Cup-winning striker Pedro.
Newcastle must offer Lyon striker Bafetimbi Gomis, 28, £100,000 per week if they want to sign him this summer.
Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott is ready to take a whopping 50 per cent pay cut to stay in the Premier League. He is a target for Turkey's Besiktas but Aston Villa, West Ham and Hull are all interested.
Stoke plan on swooping for Peter Skapetis and Dionatan Teixeira.

Liverpool's hopes of signing England midfielder Adam Lallana before the World Cup have stalled due to Southampton's £25m valuation.
Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, 28, is a £20m target for Spanish side Valencia as he enters the final year of his contract at the Etihad.

Manchester City could make a move for Roma's Moroccan international defender Mehdi Benatia, 27.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hopes to make a £6 million swoop for Cardiff keeper David Marshall.
Cardiff striker Craig Bellamy is set to join Swiss club Servette FC as a coach.
Manchester City will hold talks with unsettled midfielder Yaya Toure, 31, after the World Cup.
Moussa Sissoko wants to quit Newcastle after less than 18 months at the club.

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger, 29, believes manager Brendan Rodgers does not think he is good enough to play in the Reds' first team.
Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos and are set to make a stunning move for his team-mate Arjen Robben.
Bafetimbi Gomis is back on the agenda for Newcastle United after his contract at Lyon ended.
Swansea want Crystal Palace midfielder Jonathan Williams and have also enquired about Feyenoord's £7m-rated midfielder Jordy Clasie.
West Ham are keen on Norwich's Martin Olsson and are in talks with former Birmingham forward Mauro Zarate.

Tottenham midfielder Sandro, 25, wants to move to Italy this summer, according to his agent.
Swansea boss Garry Monk has warned Arsenal and Liverpool that Spanish striker Michu, 28, is not for sale.
Meanwhile, The Swans are weighing up a deal to bring in Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.

Arsenal are plotting a move for Toulouse right-back Serge Aurier, 22, as a potential replacement for wantaway Bacary Sagna.

DAILY MIRROR

Bacary Sagna's transfer from FA Cup winners Arsenal to Premier League champions Manchester City is almost complete, with the full-back set to receive £120,000 a week wages.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is ready to re-sign former captain Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona, three years after the midfielder left the club.

Manchester City playmaker David Silva was shocked to learn of teammate Yaya Toure's apparent discontent at the club, insisting: "He's always seemed fine to me."

Hull want Southampton defender Jose Fonte, with manager Steve Bruce ready to bid £3million for the Portuguese centre-half.

Brazil international Bernard has been offered to top Premier League clubs as he bids to escape Shakhtar Donetsk.

New manager Louis van Gaal has pulled the plug on Manchester United's pursuit of Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos.

Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis wants Norwich's England keeper John Ruddy following the Canaries' relegation.

Stoke are confident of landing long-standing former Manchester United striker Mame Biram Diouf from Hannover.

Manchester City have been told by Roma to forget about signing defender Mehdi Benatia.

DAILY STAR

Arsenal are keen to make a bid of £12m for Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, but Liverpool are also interested in signing the Frenchman.

Paul Scholes is set to be offered a coaching role at Manchester United despite questioning whether executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is good enough to lead the club.

Felix Magath wants Ajax defender Niklas Moisander to join him at Fulham.

Everton, Newcastle and West Ham will have to offer more than £55,000 a week to tempt Hertha Berlin striker Pierre-Michel Lasogga.

Leicester are plotting a £2million move for West Brom defender Craig Dawson.

THE SUN

Javier Hernandez is the latest star set to leave Manchester United.

AC Milan are in hot pursuit of Newcastle full-back Davide Santon.

Goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes has been released by Tottenham.

Arsenal are lining up a £35million bid to bring Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas back to the club.

Stoke City held talks with Mame Biram Diouf yesterday, with the Hannover striker's contract due to expire.

Manchester City have completed the signing of Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna on a free transfer and are close to signing Porto midfielder Fernando.

Hull City are ready to make a £3million bid for Southampton defender Jose Fonte.

Fulham are interested in Ajax defender Nicklas Moisander.

Ipswich and Charlton are battling it out to sign Robert Koren, who has not been offered a new deal by Hull.