Ronaldinho in trouble
Allegri left Ronaldinho on the bench for last weekend's Milan derby despite his full recovery from injury.
He said: "It's the not the hour for an athlete to still be awake"
When asked if the player would be fined, he replied: "It's none of your business." However Ronaldinho's chances of starting on Saturday have been increased by Andrea Pirlo being ruled out with a slight thigh strain.
Gerrard injury angers Hodgson
"As Liverpool manager I am frustrated and disappointed to lose such an important player for such a long period of time," said Hodgson. "Anything I say - other than I am disappointed and even a little bit angry about it - would be dishonest."He added: "But I know Steven, as an important player for club and country, is keen to put a tin lid on the matter. He is disappointed and sad too but he is going to do everything he can to get back to fitness as quickly as possible."
"I don't expect apologies from anyone and I'm not prepared to add any fuel to the fire," he said.
"My main concern is with Liverpool Football Club, the match against West Ham and in particular with Steven Gerrard. He is anxious for it to be put behind him and everyone and not to prolong the discussion."
Man Utd in talks with Danish keeper
Aalesund chairman Bjarne Haagensen has revealed he is currently in England with Lindegaard's agent, Henrik Hoff, to talk with United.
Haagensen admitted that a deal to take Lindegaard to Old Trafford could be just hours away.
Media reports suggest the deal will be completed in the next 48 hours with United playing the Norwegian club £3.5m for his services.
"Henrik and I are in place in Manchester," Haagensen told TV2.
Asked if a deal was close, he responded: "It is. We are in the middle of it. I can't say more right now. We will send a press release in three or four hours."
Pires agrees six-month Villa deal
Robert Pires has returned to the Premier League after a four-year absence by signing a six-month contract with Aston Villa."I start tomorrow with the team. It is a good opportunity for me," Pires told Sky Sports. "I am very happy because I like English football. It is very important for me to play again. I think I can play on Sunday.
Ferguson: Wenger has changed
"I think there was a conflict of opinions in the early games when Arsene Wenger came to Arsenal," he told Sky Sports."His view of our approach to games is not any different to his view on how other teams approach them today. He doesn't like his players to be tackled. But he's understanding that a bit better now.
Ferguson went on to deny that there had ever been a major feud in their relationship, despite some disagreements.
He added: "We had an area of disagreement maybe for a period of a couple of years, but it has never affected our relationship."
Emenalo replaces Wilkins at Chelsea
Chelsea confirmed the move in a statement on their official website: “Chelsea Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Emenalo to the position of Assistant First Team Coach. He moves up from his previous position of Head Opposition Scout.Ferguson's secret dream of managing Barcelona
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he would have loved the opportunity to manage Barcelona. Ferguson is a great admirer of the Catalan side's football philosophy and he admits he would have relished taking charge at Camp Nou.
"I would have loved to have gone to Barcelona at one time in my life," said Ferguson at the Aspire4Sport Conference in Doha. "That would have been a dream. Their ideology and philosophy, the whole place is fantastic. But I'm at the same kind of club in terms of vision. A different culture maybe, but we both always try to win a game."
Balotelli: I want to play with Ibrahimovic at AC Milan
Mario Balotelli has stunned Manchester City by declaring he wants a move to AC Milan. "I want to play with 'Ibra'," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Balotelli played with the hitman at Inter, and, having been at San Siro to watch his former team-mate in action in Sunday's derby win over Inter, he wants to be part of the action.
Daniel de Ridder Set To Leave Wigan
The former Ajax, Celta Vigo and Birmingham man has endured a torrid time at the Latics, since joining in the summer of 2008 de Ridder has made just 18 appearances and last season went out on loan to Israeli club Hapoel Tel Aviv.
The Netherland under 21 international will be out of contract at the DW Stadium and it looks like he may well be allowed to leave on a free transfer if he can get himself fixed up during the next window
Given hints at January exit
Given has hinted that he could look to leave Manchester City in January after growing increasingly frustrated with his limited chances at Eastlands."My own personal situation isn't ideal, as everyone knows, and we'll see what happens over the next couple of months. I want to be playing football and so hopefully something will happen in the New Year. It's frustrating and I'm not coping very well, to be honest."
For Given there will be numerous options although the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal will be keeping closer tabs on the situation than others.
Ashley Young poised to quit Aston Villa & join Arsenal
As reported by talkSPORT, Ashley Young is set to sign for Premier League title contenders Arsenal after refusing to sign a new contract at Villa Park,The 25-year-old insisted he would confer with the Midlands club regarding a new deal at the end of the season as he currently has one year left on his current contract.
However, reports suggest Arsene Wenger will snap up Young despite Villa manager Gerard Houllier’s desire to keep him.
Liverpool line up Dutch legend for shock Anfield move
The former Fulham boss is under increased scrutiny at Anfield following the weekend defeat to Stoke, and the odds have dramatically shortened on Rijkaard becoming the new man at the Liverpool helm.
Martin O’Neill and Guus Hiddink are also thought to be in contention, while Liverpool fans’ favourite Kenny Dalglish is a 12/1 shot with SkyBet.
New Reds owner John W. Henry has given his backing to the current Anfield management teaming, stating that Liverpool do not need a quick fix to resolve the current problems on Merseyside.
However, with financial investment in the squad set to be made during the January transfer window, speculation is rife that NESV could make a change at Anfield’s top position.
Bookmakers slashed their odds on a predecessor to Hodgson following the defeat in the Potteries, and the former Barcelona manager making his Premier League entrance at Liverpool appears to be a distinct possibility.
Jovanovic & Babel could be used as bait for Barrios
According to talkSPORT, Liverpool are ready to table a bid for Dortmund striker Lucas Barrios, offering either Ryan Babel or Milan Jovanovic as well as cash as part of a deal in the January transfer window.The Paraguayan international is reported to have a £10 million price tag, and he is also attracting the interest of Italian giants AC Milan.
The Paraguayan has reportedly been on Liverpool’s radar for a while, as former Reds manager Rafael Benitez seemingly hoped to bring him to Anfield during his managerial stint.
Charlie Adam hoping to face Wolves
Charlie Adam is hopeful of being fit for Blackpool's clash with Wolves despite picking up a knock on international duty. "We need to try and win every game, no matter who we are playing against and we try and win every game, but every game is difficult in the Premier League so we take each one as it comes.
"We will be preparing well for it and hopefully we will be ready."
Adam Johnson would quit City
"Every footballer has to think about it when the time comes. It is still early but I definitely would consider it," said Johnson when asked whether he would quit City.Johnson was on the bench for the recent Manchester derby, which was a big frustration to him, saying: "It is disappointing when you are not playing from the start in games like that. I was itching to get on. I was dying to play from the start not just come on.
"The manager has to make decisions but I was gutted to be left out. With the players we have it will be a rotation but I am full of confidence and I just want to be playing. I have got to train and get on with it, nothing is going to change. I have to keep the right frame of mind and get in the team because I want to play for the national team as well.
"I like attacking, scoring goals and creating goals and pleasing the fans. When I play I just want to excite fans and give them something to watch."
Aston Villa set to complete deal for former Arsenal star
Villa's assistant boss Gary McAllister confirmed: "I believe he's going to join us in the next two to three days."
His arrival at Villa Park will be a boost for manager Gerard Houllier's squad which has been depleted by injuries to the likes of John Carew, Emile Heskey, Stiliyan Petrov, Nigel Reo-Coker and Steve Sidwell this month.
McAllister added: "I know the [Villa] boss [Houllier] and Arsene Wenger are very friendly.
"It's perfect. I am sure he will arrive at the training ground in good condition. He's a player everyone can look up to because of what he has achieved."
Villa in shock link to Real Madrid superstar
Gerard Houiller is planning a sensational bid to bring Real Madrid star Karim Benzema to Aston Villa on loan in January; however the player's agent, Karim Diaziri, has been quoted as saying there is 'no chance' that he will leave Real Madrid on a permanent deal .Diaziri said: "There are still some months to go before the January transfer window, but Karim wants to play for Madrid, he has been linked with Inter Milan and Juventus but there is no chance he will leave Madrid. He has five years to run on his deal."
But a short-term deal could be on the cards and would allow Benzema the chance to gain some much needed confidence after failing to adjust to life in Spain since the move from his native France. A loan deal would be ideal for Aston Villa - as they know they could not afford to sign a player of that quality on a permanent basis.
Barcelona sign PSV's Afellay
Barcelona have agreed a deal to sign Holland midfielder Ibrahim Afellay from PSV Eindhoven in January.The deal was announced on Monday on the websites of both clubs.
A statement on Barcelona's official website read: "PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona have reached an agreement on a deal to bring Ibrahim Afellay to Barca, subject to successfully settling personal terms between the player and the Catalan club over the coming weeks.
Manchester City in for Sunderland star
Our sources have it that Manchester City have expressed a serious interest in signing Sunderland's Jordan Henderson.
The youngster has been in exceptional form this season for Sunderland and it is believed that both Manchester clubs have been monitoring his availablity.
But now, it appears that Manchester City have made their interest official with a formal offer of £15m; however City have indicated that the offer that is on the table is their final offer and they will not up their bid in case Sunderland decide to hold them to ransom.
Capello names England squad to face France
Squad in full- Ben Foster, Robert Green, Joe Hart;
- Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Kieran Gibbs, Phil Jagielka, Joleon Lescott, Micah Richards, Chris Smalling, John Terry;
- Gareth Barry, Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Adam Johnson, James Milner, Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere, Ashley Young;
- Gabriel Agbonlahor, Jay Bothroyd, Andy Carroll, Peter Crouch.
Manchester City & Liverpool Approached Me During The Summer - Guus Hiddink
"In the summer City and Liverpool both came to me with an enquiry," Hiddink said, according to The Mirror.
"But at my age I don’t want to manage a club again for seven days a week over three years."
Fans call for Dalglish as heat rises on Hodgson
At the end, there was one man on Liverpool supporters' minds. As Roy Hodgson's side traipsed off the field after their fifth defeat of the season, the chant 'Dalglish, Dalglish' was heard from the away end.Even defeating Chelsea last weekend and winning four of their last six games cannot buy Hodgson the loyalty of the Liverpool fans. Last night's defeat by Stoke at the Britannia Stadium ensured that the hostility returned, hostility from a group of supporters renowned for their loyalty.
Stoke City dominated the game and, it is a measure of how Hodgson has dragged this team down, that they were the superior team in every aspect of a clash between two mid-table sides.
Capello tells Andy Carroll to clean up his private life
Capello has told Andy Carroll that he would have to clean up his act if he is to represent England in the future.“I spoke with the FA,” Capello said, “And they told me I can pick him. I also spoke with Stuart Pearce. No problems.
“He is a really interesting player. He is good in the air. He has good movement without the ball. He finds space. Technically he is good. He is a fighter.”
“He is 21. He just started to play last season and this season he has exploded. He is one for the future for England. I hope that his private life will be better. I hope it will improve. He has to understand that he is now a player in the senior team and you have to be careful at every moment.”
Ancelotti coy over Emenalo promotion talk
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is coy over talk of Michael Emenalo replacing Ray Wilkins on the coaching staff."We will maintain the same type of training, we don't want to change. We have the possibility to maintain how we worked last season. The staff is able to maintain the same job without Ray.
"I have experience in football. Sometimes clubs take these decisions but with experience we move on and we maintain focus."
Ferguson: Rooney ready to return
Sir Alex Ferguson revealed that Wayne Rooney will return to Manchester United on Monday after praising his side's gutsy 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.Glen Johnson slams Hodgson's 'boring' tactics
Glen Johnson wants to leave Liverpool in January after a total breakdown in his relationship with manager Roy Hodgson.The right-back is said to be outraged by the way Hodgson is alleged to have handled his injury problems this season and the public criticism he received from his manager on Friday.
'Things have moved rapidly downhill for Glen since Roy arrived,' said a source. 'He finds the style of football boring and the way he was criticised by the manager in public was uncalled for. He was made to train too soon with a groin injury and it's kept him out for longer than it should have done.'
Paul Clement likely to replace Ray Wilkins at Chelsea
Paul Clement is expected to be named as Ray Wilkins' successor as Ancelotti's assistant manager.Paul Clement has worked his way through the coaching ranks at the club’s Cobham training ground, having started working with Chelsea’s schoolboys 16 years ago before leaving for a six-year stint at Fulham’s academy. He returned in 2005 to work with the youth and then the reserves before stepping up to first-team duties under Guus Hiddink two seasons ago.
He will sit alongside Carlo Ancelotti in the dug-out at Stamford Bridge for the game against Sunderland on Sunday, and it is widely expected that his appointment as permanent No2 to the Italian will be rubber-stamped in the next few days.
Liverpool linked with former Chelsea star
Liverpool are being linked with a shock January swoop for England international winger Shaun Wright-PhillipsSpeculation surrounding the player leaving Eastlands has circulated after Wright-Phillips' father, Arsenal legend Ian Wright, was quoted as saying he wants the former Chelsea player to get first-team football.
"I'd love him to get out of there on loan at least. We're talking about someone who is still in the England squad, so Fabio Capello obviously rates him," said Wright.
"I can just see him getting further and further down the pecking order. I want him to go somewhere he'll get a fair crack at the first team."
Roy Hodgson not impressed with defender Glen Johnson
Glen Johnson is facing an uncertain Liverpool future after having his England credentials called into question by his club manager Roy Hodgson.The Liverpool boss said: 'The big thing with Glen Johnson is whether he is fit enough to play any part at Stoke. That is the major question, rather than the selection process, because he is England's right back, and if he plays like an England right back, you would expect him to get his place back.
'But he would have to be playing like an England right back for that to happen, and up to now this season, to be quite frank, he has not performed at the level you would expect. Not very often, anyway.
'The reasons? You would have to ask him that. Perhaps you should ask him, "Do you think you are playing at the top of your form? Do you think you are really performing like the best right back in the country when you play for your club?" If the answer is "yes", then we will have to agree to differ. If it is "no", you could ask him why not.'
Manchester City to buy in January
If we are to believe Goal.com then, Mancini has been told he will have an astonishing £100 million transfer kitty at his disposal in January."The Italian was informed in a conference call with the club’s billionaire owner Sheikh Mansour and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak eight days ago that he will be backed to the hilt in the next window.
Mancini Criticises Adam Johnson Again
Roberto Mancini has singled out his winger Adam Johnson for the second time in two months, seeking to keep the young star's feet on the ground. "When a young player plays five games very well all the newspapers say: 'Oh, this Adam Johnson is a fantastic player.' But Adam is a young player and he can improve a lot if he thinks more when he plays." The Italian told The Guardian.
"He's a good player but he's only 22, he's played only 20 games in the Premier League and it's impossible to think of him now as a top player.
"He's a good guy, but when you are young and you read the newspapers: 'I am the top, I am the top.' For this, he must work, he must think, he must work for the team; not two dribbles, two crosses. In a top team you need more.
"He must keep his feet on the floor and he must stay there. He's a good player, he has fantastic talent but he is not a top player at this moment.
"Maybe he can arrive at the top but the difficulty is to stay there. Adam has a quality to go to the top and stay there but he must improve."
Mourinho handed two-match ban
Jose Mourinho has been given a two-match ban after being sent off in the Copa del Rey during the week.
Wilkins leaves Chelsea
Ray Wilkins has left his position as Chelsea assistant first-team coach after the club decided not to renew his contract.
"On behalf of everyone at the club I would like to thank Ray for everything he has done for Chelsea Football Club. We all wish him well for the future," confirmed Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay.
Liverpool interested in Kerzhakov
Russia striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov claims Liverpool have expressed an interest in signing him. "The British club came to my agent with a proposal but I did not give an answer. I have other things to think about and in all respects I am happy in Russia, my team is in first place in the national championship and I have always said that I wanted to play for Zenit.
"In the case of Liverpool I will take no initiative, but I can count the fingers on one hand for the amount of clubs I could theoretically go to.
"This is because Zenit is playing beautiful, modern football and the club is growing rapidly. And I am here, at home."
Van der Sar blasts 'defensive' City
"The game was quite one-sided and City did not really come forward and leave their defensive position," said Van der Sar.
"They were clearly aiming for a point whereas we really wanted to win and we played like that.
"They were more defensive and I didn't have much to do apart from a free-kick.
"If the game had lasted longer, we might have got more from it and I don't think it was a good point for us."
Carlo hopes for Lampard boost
"I think he'll be okay for Sunday," said Ancelotti. "He started to train two days ago with the team.
"If he's okay, he can start. I don't think he will be able to play 90 minutes, but he can play part of the game - he can do that."
Barton could face FA action
Barton could find himself in trouble with the Football Association after appearing to punch Blackburn's Morten Gamst Pedersen.
Barton told Sky Sports.: "You've probably seen the pictures on television and everything, it's up to the FA. I'm not going to say anything.
"Yeah (I was upset). I focused my game after that. There's nothing else I could do.
"You've seen the pictures and everything, so you know it's football that you're playing."
Blackpool boss threatens to quit
Afellay reveals talks between PSV and Barcelona
In-demand PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ibrahim Afellay has remained coy on his much-touted move to Barcelona, but has described the club as the greatest there is and has hinted that talks are already underway to take him to the Nou Camp."I know nothing. I only know what I read in the newspapers online, but still don'tknow what my future holds because there are many options," he told the Spanish Sport newspaper. "But I think there have been contacts between Barcelona and PSV."
"[Barcelona] is a fantastic club, a club that everybody knows, a team that plays very attractive football and that is the greatest out there," continued the 24-year-old. "But I insist that I know nothing yet about my future. All I can do is continue training as usual and playing the best I know with my team, which is still PSV.
Kranjcar threatens to quit Spurs
"I feel great at Tottenham, so if I could play regularly for my team, then my first option would be to stay at White Hart Lane,'' Kranjcar told Sportske Novosti. "But if I don't play much, then I will have to look for other solutions. Nobody wants to be a reserve and that goes for me too. I enjoy playing football, so that is the first thing on the agenda.
"If there is not enough space for me at Tottenham then I will have to think about the next step in my career. I repeat, I feel great here, but if I don't play every game, I feel a little bit empty.''
Kranjcar's father Zlatko, who is also head coach of Montenegro, revealed his son would be prepared to join Liverpool but that Italy would be his preferred destination were he to leave London.
"If he didn't have ambition, he would stay at Tottenham and vegetate for the next three years," Kranjcar Snr told Jutarnji List. "He has a great deal, but one just can't match money with his ambitions.
"Niko would like to stay in London, but he is also ready to leave England if he could move to Serie A. Liverpool is a club which would interest him but, then again, why not Italy?''
Arsenal trial offer for Omri Altman
The 16-year-old, who is also thought to be a target for Newcastle, has recently been on trial with Liverpool.
The youngster is keeping his options open.
Roque Santa Cruz resigned to Man City exit
"I can't see myself playing in the team and that's frustrating," Santa Cruz told BBC Radio 5 live. "When the boss does not believe in you then you can't push him to do so."
He added: "It's frustrating for me because I'm healthy and I'll keep working hard on my fitness.
"But once the time comes I'll have to look at my options of playing somewhere else. There is no alternative."
Manchester City want Jose Mourinho
Manchester City will move for Jose Mourinho should Roberto Mancini fail to work out as manager.The Sunday Mirror says despite trying to play down talks of growing rifts inside the camp and pressure to secure results, the Italian will face more unwelcome headlines if his side slump to more defeats.
A senior City source said last night: "In the event the club parted company with Roberto there is only one obvious candidate to replace him.
"The board would have no real power to appoint, it would come direct from the owner and it is no secret that he loves Mourinho."
Balotelli to miss Manchester derby
Mario Balotelli will miss the Manchester derby after accepting his red card against West Brom but Manchester City have lodged an appeal against the automatic three-match ban. The FA said in a statement: "The FA can confirm that Manchester City FC have today submitted a claim that, following the dismissal of Mario Balotelli for violent conduct, the standard punishment of an automatic three match ban is clearly excessive.
"The claim will be heard by an independent regulatory commission tomorrow."
Ian Rush: Benitez should just apologise and move on!
When the old Anfield boss returned to England for the Champions League defeat at Tottenham, he spent the press conference abusing the new Liverpool manager instead of talking about his new team, and Rush thinks he should let sleeping dogs lie and get on with his life in Italy.“Rafa and Liverpool chose the right time to part company. And that should be it.” said Rush.
“Rafa’s a close neighbour of mine but I don’t mind saying that he’s manager of Inter Milan now and should concentrate on his new club.
“If he did, he would earn more respect from other managers. If he had held his hand up and said it was his fault for some of the decisions he made at Liverpool, he would get more respect, too.
Walcott admits to Drogba admiration
He said: "It is not about just watching your own team-mates, but it is picking bits out of other people's games, like Didier - he is one of the top goalscorers I have ever seen.
"For me, he is a fantastic player and hopefully one day I can be up there and score as many goals as him."
Ferguson: City will buy title
Ferguson told Inside United: "It does put an edge on (the game). I don't believe there's any question about that. We know the kind of money they're spending - they've bought another five or six players in the summer and they'll keep doing that until they win something.
Fellaini making quick progress
"The situation has improved," Moyes said in the Liverpool Echo. "He's training well and will have an outside chance of being fit for next Sunday."Moyes has praised Fellaini for doing everything possible to limit his time on the sidelines, saying: "The lad is probably the hardest working player when he's injured, and probably the most dedicated to getting back.
"The medical staff will say he's a pleasure to work with, he wants to put his time in and get back quickly.
"He was in Belgium doing a solid week's work and he really puts himself out."
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