Barca star sets his sights on United move

According to the Setanta Sports website, Barcelona midfielder Deco is keen on a move to Premier League champions Manchester United.

The Portuguese midfielder is set to leave the Spanish side in the summer and he has hinted that he would love to join the Old Trafford club.

Deco has been out of favour at the Camp Nou and it doesn't look like that is going to change with Frank Rijkaard at the helm.

“If we don’t win anything this year I will be off,” he said in The News of the World.

“Playing for Barcelona is a dream that I have realised.

“This is my fourth season and has been a fantastic period in my career but if things don’t go well I will be leaving.

“The English league is somewhere I’d like to play, and you can compare Manchester United to Barcelona.”

I would really like to see Deco in the Premier League even though he hasn't been in great form in recent months. He's a quality player and I have no doubt Alex Ferguson would take him if the opportunity arouse.

Londoners target £3.5 million Championship striker

Watford striker Marlon King is apparently a target for London club Fulham according to today's Sunday People.

New Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has been handed £15 million to spend in the January transfer window and he is apparently very keen on bringing King to Craven Cottage.

Fulham have been without top striker Brian McBride for some time now and Hodgson is keen to add more fire power to his strike force in January.

It is believed Fulham will have to cough up at least £3.5 million in the January transfer window and I feel if the Cottagers were to sign King they would rapidly steer clear of the drop zone.

United target Cahill !

Sheffield united are amongst the clubs targeting Aston Villa defender, Gary Cahill in the January transfer window according to reports in the Daily Mirror today. Sunderland and Wigan are also in contention to sign the 22 year old.

United finally sign Bolton star !

Sheffield United have agreed a deal with Bolton which sees Premier League veteran, Gary Speed join up with The Blades on the 1st of January, according to reports from BBC Radio Sheffield today.

Merry Christmas from all at Football Corner

I would just like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Over the next two days or so their will be a significant drop in the number of post at Football Corner but make sure to come back on Boxing Day and we will be back in the swing of things!

United set to sign Derby's Barnes !

West Ham are supposedly set to sign Derby prodigy, Giles Barnes in the January transfer window according to reports in The Sun today.

The Hammers had a bid of £3.5 million rejected for the 19 year old last Summer but now it appears as though £5 million is just too much for Paul Jewell's side to turn down for the attacking midfielder.

I think that this would be a good signing for West ham. Barnes showed yesterday against Newcastle just what he is capable of and The Londoners clearly see something special in this one.

Rafa is "interseted" in Juve move

Holland and Hamburg midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart is considering a move to Serie A side Juventus. According to Sky Sports the free kick specialist is "interested" in the move.

"Rafa", 24, joined Hamburg in 2005 from Ajax for a fee of €5.5 million and he has rediscovered his form at the Bundesliga side, which he lacked at the end of his Ajax career.

The Hamburg playmaker has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, however now it seems as though the Dutch maestro is poised to join Juventus. Chelsea were thought to be favourites to snatch up the 24 year old.

The £20 million rated star is contracted to Hamburg until June 2010, however he reportedly has a clause which enables him to free himself of his deal if he compensates the club with €1 million.

"I know Juventus are interested in me, they've wanted me since last summer and I can really imagine myself playing for that club... I'm hesitating on my future but I'll take a decision soon." said Van der Vaart.

To see the talent which this young man possess check out this video.

Barca to bid £15 million for Arsenal ace

It has been widely speculated today that Barcelona are to bid for Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb.

It is speculated that Barca are to bid as much as £15 million for the 26-year old who has been a vital force in Arsenal's fantastic start to the Premier League which sees Arsenal ly 1st.

Hleb is apparently been lined up as a replacement to Barca's Portuguese international Deco. I would be very surprised to see Arsene Wenger let Hleb go because he is a quality player.

Hleb signed for the Gunners back in 2005 and has made over 70 appearances for the North London club scoring 7 goals in the process. I think if Arsenal were to let Hleb go they would be making a big mistake.

Elano no.1 on Inter Christmas wish list !

Inter have asked City to name whatever price they want for Brazilian midfielder, Elano according to reports in the News of the World today.

Elano only joined City in August of this year but already the former Shaktar Donetsk star has adapted brilliantly to the Premier League. He is a God to City fans and it would be absolutely crushing for them to see their number 11 leave.

Even though this is just speculation, if Inter did ask City to name any price they wanted they could even ask for a player exchange. Maybe Vieira, Chivu, Adriano, Ibrahimovic or just shit loads of cash to buy whoever they want, might tempt City into letting their Brazilian mastermind go.

But for the moment Elano is firmly a City player with four years left on his contract, so don't worry City fans... yet.

Super Ronaldo keeps pressure on Gunners

Manchester United have today kept the pressure on Arsenal after a 2-1 victory at home to Everton. United went into the game knowing they wouldn't be at the top of the Premier League for this Christmas and they were keen to move to within a point of the Gunners.

The game kicked-off with both sides sloppily giving away possession and neither side created many good chances in the opening exchanges. The game really needed a goal, a piece of magic and that came in the shape of Cristiano Ronaldo.

His cross-field pass to Carlos Tevez was given straight back to him by the Argentine and Ronaldo shifted it to the left and strook an unstoppable shot that caught a slight deflection off Lee Carsley.

The goal brought the game to life and Everton equalised soon after when Steve Pienaar struck a beautiful left-footed cross onto the head of Tim Cahill and he duly finished to leave the sides level going into the break.

The second-half saw United pushing for a second goal but Everton held out extremely well until Pienaar stupidly brought down Giggs in the box. Referee Howard Webb had no other option but to point to the spot and Ronaldo stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way to send the United fans home happy.

I was impressed with Everton today and it was a real shame that one player had to ruin it for them. Pienaar has been terrific since arriving at Goodison in the summer but unfortunately today he just made a poor decision. Good result for United and that definitely sets us up for a tasty Christmas.

Scotsman is keen on replacing Sanchez !

Graeme Souness is keen on replacing Lawrie Sanchez as Fulham boss according to the Sunday Express. No this time were not joking !!!!

Liverpool target Argentine star and aim to put one over United!

Liverpool could be set to make an approach for Real Madrid star Gabriel Heinze in the January transfer window according to reports in The People today.

The Reds were close to signing the player from United during the Summer however the stubborn Alex Ferguson was unwilling to let the 29 year old join the Reds. However now that the Scot has no control over were Heinze goes it is believed that The Reds will try again to sign him.

Liverpool surely would have gotten more use out of the Argentine than Madrid have, with their number 16 featuring only 6 times since his arrival in August this year.

Personally, as a Reds fan I would love to see him come to Anfield. However with Tomas Ujfalusi also being linked with the club I worry that there might be a slight overcrowding in that position. Even though I think highly of Ujfalusi, I would prefer to have the Argentine in the side.

Liverpool set to sign Czech star !

Liverpool are supposedly close to signing Fiorentina defender Tomas Ujfalusi according to reports in the News of the World today. However the Merseysiders cannot complete the signing of the Czech international until the opening of the January transfer window.

Ujfalusi is usually played at centre half for his country while he tends to be put in at right back for his club side, Fiorentina. The 29 year old has been a vital part of his country's improvement over the past few years and he has made 64 appearances for them in the process.

Since joining Fiorentina in 2004 he has featured 102 times for the Serie A side. Even though he seems to be a very good player and is still only 29, it is thought that The Reds will only have to pay around £500,000 for the versatile defender.

Liverpool and Chelsea chase Valencia star

According to today's News of the World, Valencia striker David Silva is a January transfer target for both Chelsea and Liverpool.

The attacking midfielder is apparently unsettled at the club and he is apparently keen to leave the Mestalla as soon as possible.

The 21-year old only signed a new seven-year deal at the club in June yet since the arrival of Ronald Koeman at the club things seemed to of changed.

Valencia currently ly 7th in the league, a massive twelve points behind leaders Real Madrid already. Silva was strongly linked with a move to Anfield in the summer but nothing ever materialised.

It now appears as though Chelsea would like to get their hands of one of Spain's hottest properties. It is believed he will cost around £15 million for whoever wants to buy him.

Madrid Valencia battle for £10 million Blackburn star!!!

Atletico Madrid and Valencia could be set to make an approach for Blackburn winger, David Bentley in the January transfer window according to reports in the Sunday Mirror today.

The Rovers number 11 has done extremely well for his club side this season especially, but unfortunately he made a name for himself for the wrong reasons last Summer when he pulled out of the England U21 squad for the European Championships, because he was "tired".

I am a fan of Bentley but while this is all just speculation it would be interesting to see how the controversial midfielder would handle La Liga. It is said that the two Spanish sides will offer £10 million for the 23 year old, but in my opinion that is not enough for a player of his quality.

McClaren set for Fulham post

Don't worry Fulham fans, only messing!

Spurs see off Liverpool, United, Arsenal, Newcastle and City in race to sign £7 million defender

According to the Daily Mail website, Tottenham have seen off interest from several other Premier League clubs to sign Rangers defender Alan Hutton.

The Scottish full-back has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time and it now appears as though he will join Spurs for a fee believed to be around £7 million come January.

Hutton put in a number of terrific displays during Scotland's failed Euro 2008 qualifying campaign and that caught the eye of many Premier League managers including Rafa Benitez, Sven Goran Eriksson, Alex Ferguson, Sam Allardyce and Arsene Wenger.

It will be very interesting to see how the 23-year old adapts to life in the Premier League because many other SPL players have joined England's top league and failed. I think he will be a real success in the league although I feel £7 million is slightly high.

Barca star calls for Mourinho to become new boss !

Barcelona midfielder, Deco has said that former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is the perfect man for the Barca manager's job and that he is the man to bring silverware to the club, according to reports on Sky Sports today.

Current gaffa, Frank Rijkard's position has come under fire ahead of El Classico tomorrow night. The 2006 Champions League winners will attempt to cut arch rivals, Real Madrid's lead at the top of La Liga which currently stands at four points.

The hotly contested affair between the two clubs, has raised questions over the future of the Dutchman's position, in that Barca fans are starting to worry about their lack of success for last season and so far this season, despite the world class talent which they possess.

Questions have also been raised about his man management skills after several supposed falling outs at the club, with Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho.

"He (Mourinho) would come here and would impose his work style. What people [Barcelona fans] want is to win trophies." said Deco in a recent interview

For those of you who have access to Sky Sports and you aren't convinced about Spanish football, watch the game between Barca and Real tomorrow, it is a fixture which has thrown up some phenomenal matches over the years. And even though it is probably Messi less this time, it is still well worth the watch.

Nutsy the man to lead Bohs to League success

Pat Fenlon has today been named the new Bohemians manager after the sacking of Sean Connor earlier in the week.

Fenlon was strongly linked with the post last winter before Connor's appointment but he decided to join Derry where he spent only five months at the club due to a run of poor form.

I have to say on a personally note I'm over the moon with the appointment. Connor lacked passion and made some.... unusual descions during his rein at Dalymount Park.

I feel "Nutsy" will be the man to lead Bohs into an exciting new era at the North Dublin club and I feel with some money at his disposal he could easily lead Bohs to a first Eircom League title in five years.

The former Shelbourne manager has been in charge of the Ireland under-23's for the past few months but it is unclear wheter or not he will continue this role now that he is Bohs manager.

Welsh star passes Spurs medical !

Spurs will complete the signing of Wales and Cardiff defender, Chris Gunter at the beginning of the January transfer window after the 18 year old passed a medical at the club.It is thought that the two clubs have agreed a fee somewhere between £3 million and £3.5 million.

Gunter, 18, has impressed for his club and those watching him on an international level, as he put in two very effective performances against Ireland and Germany and helping his home country of Wales to two draws in those matches. It is clear from watching him that he is a prospect for the future.

Unhappy England star puts Prem high fliers on red alert !

Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing wants the club to terminate his contract at the club, after the England international became upset when the Boro fans booed the team, according to reports in the Daily Mirror today.

The 23 year old has played his whole professional career at The Riverside and he has made over 120 appearances for Boro since breaking into the first team in 2001.

However after the club's poor start to the season the fans,understandably, became a little bit anxious resulting in boos for the team. Although in recent weeks the Teesiders have picked it up a bit, beating the bottom and top placed teams in the league.

It is still thought though that Downing wants out because of the booing. There should be no shortage of clubs looking to sign the Boro number 19 after the quality he has displayed in the Premier League over the years. I wouldn't be surprised if the likes of Everton, Spurs, City or West Ham made an approach for him.

Just when you thought things were finally going right for Boro, something like this just knocks you back down.

Pompey target former Liverpool star !

Portsmouth could be set to make an approach for Bolton midfielder, El Hadji Diouf in the January transfer window according to reports in today's Daily Mirror.

The 26 year old joined Bolton from Liverpool in 2005 and despite being an extremely controversial figure throughout the Premier League, he is a firm fan favourite at The Reebok.

The contender for Worlds most hated footballer, is not too bad when he's at the club you support, so don't worry Pompey fans, I know from his time at Anfield. After a while you can see past the spitting and diving and his scumbag nature and realise that he is a half decent player.

Diouf is likely to cost Harry Redknapp's side about £6 million.

Spurs agree fee for City star !

Tottenham are set to sign Cardiff City defender Chris Gunter after the two clubs agreed a fee today, according to reports on Sky Sports this evening.

Gunter, 18, has impressed viewers, especially those watching the youngster play on an international level, putting in two very effective shifts against Ireland and Germany and helping his home country of Wales to two draws in those matches. It is clear from watching him that he is a prospect for the future.

It is thought that Spurs and Cardiff have agreed on a fee of around £3.5 million for the Welshman. He will complete the move at the start of the January transfer window assuming contract talks etc. go smoothly.

Man United sign African star! Celtic's move for Larsson is still on cards !

Man United have signed Angolan international Manucho Goncalves. He had been on trial at the club for the last three weeks and Sir Alex obviously liked what he saw in the 24 year old.

"It's a dream" said the 24 year old in a recent interview when asked his about the opportunity he was given. I don't know too much about this player but of what I have found out he seems to be a promising young talent. He is joining United from Petro de Luanda and was top scorer for that side in their last two seasons. United scouts obviously see something special in this one.

Goncalves has to obtain a work permit before he starts to play for United, but assuming he gets that he will be signing a three year deal at the club."He is a tall, agile, quick forward and through contacts that Carlos Queiroz has was brought to our attention around six months ago." said the statement on the club's website.

Ferguson also said today that a move for Helsingborgs' Henrik Larsson is off the cards, which could mean that a possible move back to Park Head could still happen. Should The Bhoys manage to sign him he would be playing against his former club Barca, when the Glasgow side take on the La Liga runners up in February.

Beckham to join Gunners!!!

David Beckham is set to join Arsenal in January... to train with them during the close season in the MLS.

Beckham's team, LA Galaxy, have given him permission to join an English side during the close season and it looks increasingly likely that it will be Arsenal.

"We will help him to get fit and prepare for the season," Wenger told BBC Radio 5 Live."There's a good chance that he will come in January, but it's not decided."

Beckham has a house nearby so Arsenal is the easiest option for the England international. Beckham is looking to impress new England manager Fabio Capello in order to reach 100 caps and he hopes he can do so whilst training with the Gunners.

"He has 99 caps and I hope he will get 100, if not 100 then 120," said Wenger. "At his age he needs to keep fit."However, the Frenchman dismissed suggestions that Beckham could feature for Arsenal in the new year. "He comes (only) to keep fit and work hard," added Wenger.

Man Utd target £8 million Porto star !

Man United are set to make an approach for Porto defender Jose Bosingwa in the January transfer window according to reports in the Daily Telegraph today.

Bosingwa has been strongly rumoured with a move to the Premier League, but this is the first time that United have been linked with the Portuguese international. He has also been linked with Boro, Villa and Spurs in past weeks.

United are probably favourites at the moment to secure the Porto number 12's signature because of the Portuguese presence at Old Trafford. It is likely though, that the Superliga side will not let him go for anything less than £8 million.

Lawrie rolls out of the Cottage

Lawrie Sanchez has today been sacked as Fulham manager after a disappointing start to the season. It ends eight months in the job for Sanchez since taking over from Chris Coleman at the back end of last season.

Speculation is already beginning as to who will replace Sanchez with former Hibernian manager John Collins amongst the favourites.

Spurs star linked with move across London

It has been reported in today's The Sun that West Ham are still after Tottenham striker Darren Bent, the player who turned down a move to the Hammers in the summer.

Hammers boss Alan Curbishley has apparently forgiven Bent for the summer snub and willing to bid for the £16 million striker in January.

Bent hasn't had the best of times since joining Spurs and has only scored twice in his five months since joining the club.

He is now either 3rd or 4th in the pecking order of strikers at the club and it has been widely speculated that he is interested in a January move away from Whit Hart Lane.

West Ham, I feel really need a striker in January and who knows Bent could be the man. If he is able to rekindle the form that he showed at Charlton whilst playing under Curbishley then he will be a big success.

Black Cats and Toffees battle for Royals star !

Everton and Sunderland are set to battle it out for the signature of Reading star Stephen Hunt in the January transfer window according to reports in The Guardian and the Daily Mirror this week.

Hunt has done well for Reading in recent weeks, netting two pens in successive games, and has always proved to be an upbeat, fiery player. The 26 year old has made 101 appearances for The Royals since joining from Brentford in 2005.

I'm sure Steve Coppell will do his utmost to cling onto what I think is a great talent but Hunt may be attracted by the move with the presence of several Irish players at The Stadium of Light.

It is thought that Sunderland will put in a bid of around £3/4 million for the Ireland international and even Everton fans have to admit that he would be a typical Roy Keane signing. However Moyes will try to pry Hunt away from Roy Keane's lure and bring him to Goodison Park.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE; last 16 draw

The draw for the last 16 of the Champions League was made this morning here's how it went and who got who;

• Celtic v Barcelona


• Lyon v Manchester United


• Schalke v Porto


• Liverpool v Inter Milan


• Roma v Real Madrid


• Arsenal v AC Milan


• Olympiakos v Chelsea
  
• Fenerbahce v Sevilla
  
• (Ties to be played on 19/20 February and 4/5 March)

Quality Goal Celebrations (Watch)

Best goal celebrations
Video sent by Nvboy

Some hilarious goal celbrations, my favourtie has to be Reading's Shane Long when he gores into the mascot! Brilliant, whats your favourite?

Sno heading for Bolton this Christmas!

It was been reported in yesterday's Daily Telegraph that Bolton boss Gary Megson is interested in signing Celtic midfielder Evander Sno in January.

The Dutch defensive midfielder has only made 21 appearances for the Scottish Champions since joining from Feyenoord in 2006.

The 20-year old is reportedly very high on Wanderers boss Gary Megson's wish list for January and I feel Sno will be attracted by a move to the Premier League.

It was also reported yesterday in the Daily Express that Celtic will try to hold onto the player but one suspects they may take the money if Bolton bid for him.

United look to re-sign former Celtic and Barca star

It has widely speculated today that Manchester United are keen on signing Henrik Larsson on a short-term loan deal.

Larsson, who of course used to play for United, has been playing in Sweden with Helsinborgs in recent months and it looks as though a move back to the Champions could be on the cards.

The 36-year old made nearly a dozen appearances with the Red Devils last season scoring twice. The former Celtic legend is reportedly open to the move and United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is said to be desperate to bring him back to Old Trafford.

I feel if United were to sign Larsson it would be a terrific move for both player and club because at the present moment in time United only really have two strikers in Rooney and Tevez (Saha's crap so he doesn't count) and instead of spending a large amount of money on a top striker Ferguson would be better off just getting Larsson for free.

Chelsea move for Van der Vaart !

Chelsea could be set to make an approach for Hamburg midfielder, Rafael Van Der Vaart in the January transfer window according to reports in the Daily Telegraph today.

Van Der Vaart, 24, joined Hamburg in 2005 from Ajax for a fee of €5.5 million and he has rediscovered his form at the Bundesliga side, which he lacked at the end of his Ajax career.

The Hamburg playmaker has long been linked with a move to the Premier League and this January it may just happen for him.

However, Juventus will attempt to snatch the Dutchman from under Chelsea this January. It has been rumoured that Hamburg will not let the free kick specialist go for anything less than £20 million.

To see the talent which this young man possess check out this video.

Toffees target Valencia skipper !

Everton are set to make an approach for Valencia captain, David Albelda in the January transfer window according to reports in several of today's newspapers.

Albelda is a defensive midfielder and has captained the La Liga side since the departure of Gaizka Mendieta from the set up. He also plays for the Spanish national team for which he has made 46 appearances.

Everton are thought to be targeting the Valencia number 6 as a replacement for the aging Lee Carsley who turns 34 in February. I think Albelda would be a great signing for the Toffees, especially for the rumoured price tag of £4 million.

Liverpool midfielder set for £10 million January exit !

Liverpool midfielder, Momo Sissoko could be set for a January exit to either Inter Milan or Juventus according to reports in the Daily Mirror today.

The Mali international joined The Reds in 2005 from Valencia, however with Xabi Alonso there when he arrived and now Javier Mascherano and Lucas, the 22 year old is struggling to get a place in the Liverpool starting eleven.

I am a Liverpool fan, but I am not a fan of Momo Sissoko. Admitted he is good at breaking up the play but he has no technical ability whatsoever, but that's just my opinion.

Anyway, for that reason I would be more than happy to see him go, especially for the rumoured price tag of between £8 million and £10 million.

Liverpool eye Milan and Seville defensive duo !

Liverpool are set to make an approach for both AC Milan defender, Kakha Kaladze and Seville full back, Manuel Casado in the January transfer window according to reports in The Sun today.

Casado is a left back for Sevilla and from what I have seen of him he looks pretty solid in that position. As for Kaladze, he is 29 years of age and is a Georgian international. AC signed him in 2001 for a fee of €16 million from Dinamo Kiev. He also looks to be a good player and in my opinion would be an ideal back up for our centre halves.

If Liverpool are to make a bid for both or either, the media are still unsure as to how much the players will cost The Reds'.

Villa line up £10 million Barca and Arsenal duo

Aston Villa are set to make an approach for Barcelona striker, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Arsenal full back Justin Hoyte according to reports in the Daily Star today.

Gudjohnsen joined the La Liga side in 2006 from Chelsea but has struggled slightly to get his place in the starting eleven ever since. With the presence of Eto'o, Ronaldinho, Messi and now three Barca new boys in Giovani, Bojan and Henry, the Icelandic striker has been forced to play a midfield role at the club, but only when Xavi and Iniesta are out.

The 29 year old has been linked with a move back to the Premier League and it appears as though the rumours may just come through this January. After his goal scoring ability which he displayed at Chelsea I'm not surprised about hearing him being linked back to the Premier League. There are other names being mentioned in relation to Gudjohnsen such as; City, Newcastle and West Ham.

Hoyte, 23, has found it hard to secure a starting place at Arsenal but a move to Villa Park for the former England U21 international may just be the answer to his lack of game time at Arsenal. It is thought that the duo will cost around £10 million for Martin O'Neill's side.

Great tackle Crouch.... NOT!!

Peter Crouch tonight made one of the worst tackles I have seen in ages. His lunge on John Obi Mikel was rightly shown a straight red card by ref Martin Atkins and will now miss Liverpool's next three games unless Liverpool appeal and the appeal is successful (Which won't happen).

Blues will try to sign Gunners star !

Johan Djourou is unsure of his future as he must decide on whether to stay at Birmingham and secure a full contract at the club or to return to the Gunners.

The Swiss international is due to return to Arsenal at the start of the next calender year in a few weeks. I would be fairly sure that McLeish would like to sign the Gunners defender on a permanent basis, but it is believed that Arsene Wenger may have Djourou as a key part of his long term plans.

Djourou is undecided as to whether he wants to move back or not. In an interview with Sky Sports News, Djourou said, "Obviously I love my club Arsenal and if they want me back, hopefully it will be for a good reason", he went on to say, "I want to play there as well".

I think if Djourou can,he should stay at St. Andrews because with the presence of Kolo Toure and William Gallas, he would be struggling to get his place at The Emirates.

Liverpool star vows future to club

Liverpool defender John Arne Riise has today rejected reports that have said that the Norwegian is set for a move away from the Merseyside club.

Riise has been linked with a move to the Mestalla after Valencia manager Ronald Koeman confirmed his interest in the attacking left back. However the Reds number 6 has played down talks of his departure.

In an interview with TV2 Riise said "Look at the games I've played, the boss would never have let me play those games if he didn't have confidence in me.... I have to play better and better for each game, then I'll get a new contract." He finished by saying, "I'll stay here".

United player bailed after questioning over rape claim

Jonny Evans has this afternoon been bailed after questioning over a rape incident in Manchester city centre.

The alleged incident happened on Monday night during the Man United player's Christmas party and Evans was arrested on Tuesday evening after going to a police station.

He has been bailed until February 23rd. Evans is a full Northern Irish international and has made eight appearances for the United first team.

On Tuesday night, a GMP spokesman said: "A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape this evening after presenting himself to police."He remains in custody for questioning."

Spurs appeal Zokora red card

It has been confirmed today the Tottenham are to appeal against the red card received by Didier Zokora during the side's 2-0 victory over Manchester City last night.

The player was sent off for a foul, in which he got the ball and didn't touch the player but did raise his feet. Many Spurs players, including Zokora were shocked at the decision but luckily for them the held out to qualify for the semi-finals of the Carling Cup.

"Tottenham have submitted a claim for wrongful dismissal in relation to the sending-off of Didier Zokora for serious foul play against Manchester City in last night's Carling Cup tie," read a statement from the FA.

I personally thought it was a slightly harsh decision although the rule states that when you have both feet off the ground you must go. I don't think the appeal will be successful, simply because red card decisions are never over turned.

Spurs eye Dutch star

Tottenham are after Ajax defender Urby Emanuelson if you believe the player's agent. Emanuelson is one of the latest in a long list of player's to come through the Ajax youth set-up.

The left-back has quickly made a name for himself in the Dutch league and Champions League as one of the best around and with current Spurs left-back Gareth Bale out injured for a while Spurs boss Juande Ramos may be keen on adding to that department.

"I have been rung, but I referred them to Ajax," Brian Berkleef(the player's agent) told Dutch daily De Telegraaf. "Yes, he certainly sees a move in January as a possibility."

I think it would be a super signing by Spurs because I have seen Emanuelson play a few times now and he certainly looks a hot prospect. It would be interesting to see if Spurs were to sign the player, who in the future, would get their game, Bale or Emanuelson?

Chelsea and Villa target £8 million Portuguese superstar !

Aston Villa are set to make a bid for Valencia defender, Miguel in the January transfer window according to reports in The Mirror today. It is also being rumoured that Chelsea will try snatch the full back from under Villa's nose.

Miguel joined the club in 2005 from Benfica and has done well for the La Liga side ever since. He is a solid right back who likes to get forward a bit, he has made 45 appearances for his home nation of Portugal.

Despite signing a new deal at the club in September, the 27 year old is still being linked with a move away from the Mestalla. It is thought that it will take offers of no less than £8 million for Valencia to even consider it.

Chelsea may be favourites ahead of Villa with the presence of several Portuguese players at the club, but that does not rule the Midlands club out of signing him.

Spurs = Saha + Brown + £6 million - BERBATOV

United are set to make a bid for Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov in the January transfer window according to reports in numerous papers today. The bid will consist of £6 million, Louis Saha and Wes Brown for the Bulgarian international.

Berbatov has somewhat failed to build on his stunning performances from last season for the Londoners, however in recent weeks he is beginning to rekindle last season's flame.

Wes Brown rejected a contract from united last week and it appears now as if he is on his way out of Old Trafford. As for Louis Saha, the Frenchman has been out of favour this season, third in line to Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney.

Spurs have been needing to build their defence and Wes Brown would be a decent player to bring in to start doing so. Saha would obviously just be a direct swap for Berba which I think would be a decent deal for Spurs, except I would probably look for a bit more than £6 million.

What I am wondering is who will start for the league champions should Berbatov join them? Which two would you start between; Rooney, Tevez and Berba. Only one thing's for sure if this deal goes through both sides will have a lethal strike partnership.

City, Toon and Hammers battle out for Barca striker !

Newcastle, Man City and West Ham are set to battle it out for Barca striker Eidur Gudjohnsen in the January transfer window according to reports in The Sun today.

Gudjohnsen joined the La Liga side in 2006 from Chelsea but has struggled slightly to get his place in the starting eleven ever since. With the presence of Eto'o, Ronaldinho, Messi and now three Barca new boys in Giovani, Bojan and Henry, the Icelandic striker has been forced to play a midfield role at the club, but only when Xavi and Iniesta are out.

The 29 year old has been linked with a move back to the Premier League and it appears as though the rumours may just come through this January. After his goal scoring ability which he displayed at Chelsea I am sure there will be a whole host of clubs looking to snatch him up.

The names being mentioned are; City, Newcastle and West Ham and I think that for the right price, Gudjohnsen would be a great signing for any of them.

Chelsea beat Liverpool, Arsenal and United to sign Argentine wonderkid

Chelsea have today agreed a deal to sign Argentine sensation Franco Di Santo from Chilean outfit Audax Italiano.

The player has been tipped for big things in the game and has been linked with many top European clubs including Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United.

Di Santo has made 35 performances at Audax and has scored an impressive 13 goals in that period. The player has impressed whilst on duty for the Argentine youth teams although he could of played for Chile.

It is believed Chelsea have paid an initial fee of £3.4 million for the 18-year old and he will join up with the Chelsea team once the transfer window has opened on the 1st of January.

Spurs and Toffees battle it out for £8 million England winger

It has been reported today in the Daily Express that Everton and Tottenham are to make January bids for Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing.

Both Spurs and Everton are said to be in the market for a winger in the January transfer window and both are said to be keen on bringing the 23-year old to their respective clubs.

Toffees boss David Moyes stated previously that he is interested in bringing maybe one or two players to Goodison Park in January and Downing is said to be one of his main targets.

As we all know Juande Ramos has only been at Spurs a dozen weeks or so and he is set to spend a bit of money in January to try and stamp his own mark on the team after the departure of Martin Jol earlier in the season.

It is rumoured that whoever buys him will have to at least cough up £8 million and that could prove to be a bargain in a few years because although he is performing to his best at the moment he certainly has a lot of potential.