Saturday May 10, 2008
Chelsea: Drogba reports rubbished
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has described reports linking Chelsea's Didier Drogba with a move to the Italian giants as "rubbish".

The Ivory Coast striker is reportedly a target for the 2007 European champions.

But Ancelotti told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport: "Does Drogba have a deal with Milan? That's rubbish."

Manchester United: Ronaldo won't leave - Heinz
Real Madrid's Gabriel Heinze says it would be difficult for the Spanish giants to prise Cristiano Ronaldo away from Manchester United while Sir Alex Ferguson is in charge at Old Trafford.

Speculation in Spain continues to link the newly-crowed Primera Liga champions with Ronaldo, but Heinze, who played alongside the Portugal winger at United, is not convinced.

"I I know that is very difficult for him to come because he has a coach who had trust in him when he was younger," Heinze told Radio Marca. "While Ferguson is at United it is very difficult. He is a fundamental part of their plans."

Liverpool: Milan 'bid' for Gerrad laughed off
Liverpool have described as "fantasy" suggestions that they have had a bid from Inter Milan for Steven Gerrard.

An Anfield spokesman said: "The idea is complete rubbish, fantasy, there has been no approach and no bid."

Gerrard will lead Liverpool into their final game of the season at Spurs having pledged his long-term future to the club.

Aston Villa: Mellberg wants to go out with Euro place
Defender Olof Mellberg is predicting a bright future for the young squad assembled by Martin O'Neill as he looks to end his seven-year spell on a high by clinching a European spot.

Mellberg, who is joining Juventus on a three-year contract this summer, wants to help Villa defeat West Ham at Upton Park on Sunday, and hopes Everton slip up at home to Newcastle.

Mellberg said: "It will mean a lot to end my Villa career with a European spot. That has been our aim the whole season and every season since I came here."

West Ham: Top 10 the target for Curbishley
Alan Curbishley wants urged West Ham to end the season with a victory over Aston Villa which would cement a top-half place and ensure finishing above Tottenham.

West Ham must at least match Spurs' result against Manchester City to secure 10th place.

The players' bonuses will only kick in if West Ham finish in the top 10, and Curbishley said: "I think 10th would be a good finish because of the injuries we have had."

Manchester United: Fergie happy to win on goal difference
Sir Alex Ferguson is preparing to celebrate another title win by viewing a triumph on goal difference as victory for the Manchester United way.

With United and Chelsea locked together on 84 points, it is the 78 goals scored by the Red Devils which gives them the vital edge heading.

And in laughing off a suggestion that he should be bothered by winning by such a slender margin, Ferguson launched a passionate defence of the Old Trafford attacking ethos.

"We have our beliefs and they will not change," he said. "We play the game the way it should be played. That is our history. It is indelibly printed at this club."

Reading: Madejski still keen to sell
Owner John Madejski has reiterated his intention to sell the club if he can find a buyer with suitably "deep pockets".

Madejski, who admits his primary focus will shift to getting the Royals back into the top flight should they fail to avoid relegation, believes a billionaire investor could be required to take the team to the next level.

"I think clubs have to have ambition and my ambition would be, if we're lucky enough to stay in the Premiership, to be even more earnest about trying to find a billionaire to take over Reading so that we can join the elite clubs," Madejski told The Guardian.

Friday May 9, 2008
Chelsea: Grant is manager of month
Avram Grant has been named Barclays Manager of the Month.

Grant steered his side back into contention during an outstanding April as they collected 10 points from a possible 12.

They rounded off the month with a crucial 2-1 win over Manchester United and they now go into the final round of games this weekend level on points with their rivals.

West Ham: Bellamy to train with Cardiff
Striker Craig Bellamy will spend next week training with FA Cup finalists Cardiff City in a bid to regain full fitness in time for Wales' summer internationals.

An abdominal injury has limited Bellamy to just eight West Ham starts all season and he has not played since coming off the bench against Wigan on February 2.

But he is back in full training and will head to Cardiff next week as the Bluebirds prepare for the FA Cup final against Portsmouth.

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley said: "Craig Bellamy is in full training and has been doing everything. We're going to hopefully continue that."

Manchester City: UEFA gives out extra place
City are in pole position to claim a place in next year's UEFA Cup after the Football Association was awarded an extra place in next season's competition.

European football's governing body revealed that English teams had topped their Fair Play competition, meaning an extra place in the first qualifying round of the 2008-09 UEFA Cup.

The FA has confirmed the berth will be awarded to the highest-ranked side in the Premier League fair play table that has not qualified for Europe by other means. City are fifth behind Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool, who are all already guaranteed a place in continental competition.

Aston Villa: O'Neill slams 'crazy' Benitez
Martin O'Neill has dismissed as "absolutely crazy" Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez's latest remarks in an escalating row over Gareth Barry.

Benitez claimed the pair had discussed the "idea" of a Barry transfer which could include a player exchange, but O'Neill said: "I have no idea what he's talking about. It's absolutely crazy.

"It suggests this is a conversation that I wanted to keep going, to keep on the boiling pot. Absolutely not. It's a complete nonsense."

Arsenal: Striker's anger at quit rumours
Emmanuel Adebayor has labelled reports he is set to leave Arsenal as "rubbish".

The Togo international is upset at claims he was ready to follow Mathieu Flamini out of Emirates Stadium unless he was handed a new bumper pay deal.

"I am very happy here. Reports which suggest I have threatened to quit are rubbish," he said in a statement this afternoon. "I love the club and the fans."

Manchester City: Fans plan Sven protest
City fans are to stage a march outside the City of Manchester Stadium in support of manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.

The former England boss looks on his way out after one season in charge as owner Thaksin Shinawatra is dismayed at the club's progress.

A petition with around 14,000 signatures on it will be handed in to the club, according to 'King of the Kippax' fanzine editor Dave Wallace, who said: "This is not anti-Thaksin, it is pro-Sven. Whether it will make any difference I do not know."

Man Utd: Fergie backing Archie to sort out Bolton
Sir Alex Ferguson says long-time assistant Archie Knox will ensure Bolton are fully prepared for their key clash with Chelsea.

If Bolton win at Stamford Bridge, Manchester United would be champions, yet Ferguson has been troubled at talk of a party atmosphere at Bolton after they ensured their Premier League survival.

"People have questioned Wigan's integrity but when you look at it, the different attitudes are quite interesting," said Herguson. "The Wigan players are coming out and saying 'we want to beat Manchester United'. That is fine, we are a big club.

"But both teams are safe, relaxed and confident. Yet one can celebrate and the other is all keyed up to play against Manchester United."

Liverpool: Benitez going for more goals
Rafael Benitez wants to end the season on a high by adding to the Reds' goalscoring record.

Liverpool, who face Tottenham in their final game on Sunday, have scored 117 goals this season in all competitions, more than any other team in England.

Manager Benitez said: "To achieve 76 points would be fantastic. You always want to win trophies but we want more than 117 goals and another clean sheet, that would make us happier. We would like to sign off with a win, score some goals and play well."

Derby: Jewell angry at Reading
Paul Jewell has accused Reading of behaving like a Champions League club after assistant manager Kevin Dillon suggested the Royals should expect to win against Derby on Sunday.

Steve Coppell's side travel to Pride Park knowing even a victory may not be enough to prevent them joining the Rams in the Championship next season.

Royals number two Dillon suggested they have the easiest game of the four sides still fighting for survival but Derby boss Jewell said: "Kevin Dillon's comments lack tact. You would think Reading had been playing Champions League all these seasons instead of down in the Championship and the second division."

Chelsea: Backing for boss Grant
Mikel John Obi has given his backing to under-fire boss Avram Grant ahead of their title showdown.

The Blues face a crucial final Premier League game against Bolton at Stamford Bridge, while leaders Manchester United travel to Wigan.

Midfielder Mikel said of boss Grant, who has struggled to win over supporters since taking over from Jose Mourinho last September: "He's a nice man, the perfect guy, I like him."

Bolton: Megson to ring the changes
Boss Gary Megson is expected to begin making changes as soon as the final ball of the season has been kicked.

Barring a mathematical catastrophe, Megson's men are safe, and he said: "I've promised the players as soon as we definitely know what's happening to us, we'll look at what's going to happen in the future.

"Everything has been put on the back-burner to try to get enough points to stay up. If we can achieve that this weekend there will be a lot of work done quickly to start planning for next season."

Portsmouth: James ready to play
England goalkeeper David James will plead with manager Harry Redknapp for the chance to prove his FA Cup final fitness against Fulham on Sunday.

But even James admits the decision has got to rest with his boss, who is likely to reject his appeal to keep him safe for Wembley .

Pompey have lost both games which James missed with a calf injury and James admits: "I want to play against Fulham and I want to win but I also have to have a consultation with the gaffer."

Sunderland: Keane ready for bigger challenges
Roy Keane insists there is no shortage of challenges for clubs outside the 'big four'.

Kevin Keegan sparked a debate when he highlighted the gap between the top four and the rest, but Keane says he wants to be up there with the big boys.

Keane, whose side face Arsenal on Sunday, said: "We can't compare ourselves to the Arsenals or the Uniteds, but we certainly want to be competing with the teams ahead of us. If you feel you can't challenge the top boys for the league, you certainly want to do better for the cups."

Manchester United: 'We owe Chelsea one'
Darren Fletcher insists United are out for revenge after the 'battle of Stamford Bridge' and last season's FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea.

Victory over Wigan on Sunday will see United clkinch the title before the sides meet in the Champions League final in a fortnight.

Fletcher said: "We owe Chelsea one. If we can win the league it will give us great momentum to take into the Champions League final."

Arsenal: Hleb is going, says agent
Alexander Hleb's agent claims the player will leave Arsenal this summer - and there is no turning back.

The Belarus midfielder has been linked with a move to Inter Milan, and Hleb's agent, Nikolai Shpilevski, claims his client is going.

He told Belarussian paper Pressball: "He is leaving Arsenal even though they want to offer him a new long-term contract and better conditions. Only time will tell if leaving is the right decision, but there's no way back now."

Chelsea: We knew we'd reach final - Drogba
Didier Drogba insists Chelsea always believed they could reach the Champions League final even though Jose Mourinho was sacked last September.

Chelsea's stuttering 1-1 draw at home to Rosenborg in their opening group game proved to be the last of Mourinho's reign.

But even though the club was in turmoil, Drogba says the players believed the final was a realistic target, saying: "In September we believed we could reach the final. The most important thing is to stand up and keep working like we did. The objective didn't change."

Thursday May 8, 2008
Arsenal: Gallas learns a lot as Gunners captain
William Gallas says he has learned a lot as Gunners captain despite the criticism he has received in recent months.

Gallas, who arrived from Chelsea as part of the deal which took Ashley Cole to Stamford Bridge in August 2006, has not been confirmed as Arsenal captain by boss Arsene Wenger, who wants to delay his decision.

"This was my first season as captain and I can tell you that I have certainly learnt a lot in the job," he said. "As for my thoughts on my captaincy so far, I want to keep that to myself."

Wigan: 'Top 10 is all we can hope for'
Chairman Dave Whelan admits the best the club can hope to achieve is a top-10 finish.

Whelan believes there has to be an equal distribution of wealth in television revenue and prize money - worth £750m a season - among to make the competition more competitive.

He said: "I am a realistic person and we cannot get into the top six clubs, never mind the top four. We do not have a big enough ground and we do not have enough support. My ambition is to finish in the top half of the league, year-in, year-out."

Tottenham: Ramos planning for life after Berbatov
Head coach Juande Ramos has started making plans for life without Dimitar Berbatov, admitting the striker has made his mind up on his future at White Hart Lane.

Ramos wants to keep Berbatov but concedes the 28-year-old Bulgaria international could depart if a club matches Spurs' valuation and the player wants to move.

Ramos said: "Obviously we have to cover our backs in case the player decides to leave and we have to have options to replace him. If there are offers coming in for the player we will see if they convince the club and the player as well."

Liverpool: £15m price tag on Crouch
Rafael Benitez slapped a £15m price tag on Peter Crouch on the day he confirmed Harry Kewell will leave Anfield.

England striker Crouch has found first-team chances hard to come by, but boss Benitez insists the player will not be leaving on the cheap.

"We keep seeing Portsmouth linked with the player but we have had no offer as yet," said Benitez. "A £15m price tag would not be unreasonable."

Derby: Todd free to leave
Defender Andy Todd has been told he is free to find another club as boss Paul Jewell begins shaping his squad for the Championship.

The 33-year-old has a year left on his contract but has been told he is surplus to requirements.

Jewell said: "He is a good pro but we're looking to change things around and if he can find a suitable home and it's suitable for us then we will allow him to leave on a free transfer."

Manchester United: Vidic in Serbia squad
Defender Nemanja Vidic has been named in Serbia's squad to play Republic of Ireland in Dublin on May 24.

Vidic has suffered a series of injuries, limiting him to one full game in the past six weeks.

But with the defender ready to play for United against Wigan on Sunday, Serbia coach Miroslav Djukic has chosen to include him, along with Chelsea's forgotten man Branislav Ivanovic.

Manchester City: Sven confirms Benfica talks
Sven-Goran Eriksson has confirmed he is considering an offer from former club Benfica.

The Swede feels he has been effectively handed his notice by owner Thaksin Shinawatra and met with Benfica's president Luis Felipe Vieira last night.

Eriksson said: "I've had a meeting with the Benfica people. I'm considering the offer and it could be a step forward in my career. Let's see what happens."

Liverpool: Coach is off to Japan
First-team coach Alex Miller will take over as manager of Japanese side JEF United Chiba.

The 58-year-old former Rangers star is expected to arrive in Japan on Saturday to start work at Chiba and will attend their league match against Kyoto Sanga.

"We are convinced that Mr Miller is a wonderful person who can improve our team," Chiba president Hirotake Miki said in a statement.

Portsmouth: New contract for Primus
Linvoy Primus has been handed a new one-year contract after being out of action all season with a career-threatening knee injury.

The 34-year-old defender has signed the new deal five months after it looked certain he would have to retire.

But after his rehabilitation following surgery by in the United States in January, he is looking forward to being fully fit for pre-season training, saying: "The club have stuck by me. I am very grateful for that, and look forward to playing for Pompey again."

Sunderland: Keane tells four to leave
Roy Keane has told four experienced players they will not be offered new deals.

Andy Cole, Ian Harte, Stephen Wright and Stan Varga, who are all out of contract this summer, have been told their deals will not be extended.

Keane said: "I have sat down with Andy, Ian, Stephen and Stan and they won't be getting new contracts."

Everton: Moyes in new contract talks
Chief executive Keith Wyness insists manager David Moyes will sign a new contract.

Wyness says Moyes and club owner Bill Kenwright are "deep in talks" over his contract, which runs out at the end of next season.

He said: "Bill and David have been deep in talks for some months. Those talks are going fine, there is absolutely no problem there at all."

Tottenham: Jol favourite for Hamburg job
Former boss Martin Jol has emerged as Hamburg's first choice to replace Huub Stevens as coach.

The club's board of directors are due to meet on Tuesday to discuss the details of an offer made to Jol, club chairman Horst Becker has told the Welt newspaper.

If the deal is approved, Jol could be named as Stevens' successor on Wednesday, just days before the end of the current Bundesliga season.

Birmingham: McLeish's mistake over Palacios?
Alex McLeish has admitted he may have made a mistake in not signing midfielder Wilson Palacios on a permanent basis in January.

Palacios was signed on loan for the first half of the campaign from Olimpia by the then Blues boss Steve Bruce, and was available in a £700,000 deal.

McLeish decided against signing the Honduras international, but says now: "Maybe I should have taken him. But at the time I had to make quick decisions because I had other targets I thought I could get."

Chelsea: Carvalho facing fitness fight
Ricardo Carvalho faces a race to be fit in time for their game against Bolton on Sunday.

The defender limped out of their victory over Newcastle on Monday after twice falling heavily on his back.

The Portuguese international underwent intensive treatment on the injury yesterday, while striker Salomon Kalou is also struggling with an ankle injury but he should be fit.

Newcastle: Keegan in showdown talks
Kevin Keegan will head for clear-the-air talks with owner Mike Ashley tomorrow after reports suggesting he has landed himself in hot water with his outburst about the gap between his club and the Premier League's big boys.

Keegan has a meeting with the billionaire and executive director Dennis Wise with speculation mounting that their relationship is becoming increasingly strained.

The Magpies had planned to hold their pre-match press conference for Sunday's trip to Everton tomorrow lunchtime as usual, but hurriedly arranged it for today when the manager is certain to be quizzed on the latest development.

Aston Villa: O'Neill wants more quality
Martin O'Neill has warned Villa need to add more quality to the squad this season just to avoid going backwards after.

Villa are still challenging for a UEFA Cup spot going into the final weekend of the campaign despite having the smallest squad.

But O'Neill said: "We're looking to add that extra quality to the quality that we have. We definitely need more. That gets harder as you go along because you're trying to add to a better side."

Manchester City: Benfica quiet on Sven move
Sven-Goran Eriksson is reported to have been approached by Portuguese side Benfica.

A delegation from Benfica, including president Luis Felipe Vieira and captain Rui Costa, the club's future sporting director, were filmed in a hotel in Manchester where the former England boss had also reportedly been.

Benfica spokesman Ricardo Maia said: "We will not comment on any suggestions of a future Benfica coach now. Whether someone is or is not in Manchester to try to persuade Eriksson, we have nothing to say about it."

Manchester United: Mean defence the key
Wes Brown claims United's mean defence can help secure the double for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

United have the tightest defence in the top flight, having conceded three fewer goals than nearest rivals Chelsea, and Brown said: "The back line this year is one of the most solid defences I've been part of.

"As a back five we've played a lot of games together and when you do that you form an understanding, not just between yourselves, but with the midfield lads as well."

Aston Villa: O'Neill swipe at 'presumptuous' Liverpool
Martin O'Neill insists Liverpool have undervalued Gareth Barry at £10m.

O'Neill and Barry are due to have further talks after Sunday's final match West Ham after a players-plus-cash offer of around £10m was made by the Reds last week.

O'Neill says Villa can be on the same level as Rafael Benitez's outfit in the not too distant future, adding: "Liverpool talked about a £10million bid, which was some cash and some unnamed players. That is very presumptuous of them, that the players they might be talking about are the ones you would want - that is why I dismissed the whole thing."

Everton: Double joy for Lescott
Defender Joleon Lescott scooped an awards double last night, being voted the club's player of the year by Toffees' fans and also players' player of the year.

The 25-year-old has played in 53 games for Everton this season, scoring nine goals.

Signed initially as a centre-back, the Birmingham-born star has spent much of the campaign filling in at left-back.

Portsmouth: I was misrepresented - Hughes
Midfielder Richard Hughes has claimed that comments he made about Chelsea boss Avram Grant are a "misrepresentation" of what he had actually said.

Hughes was quoted as saying that Grant would be happy to move aside and let Rijkaard takeover, but in a statement on Portsmouth's club website the 28-year-old said he has not been in contact with Grant since he left Fratton Park.

"Today's stories concerning the future of Avram Grant in certain papers is totally misleading," Hughes said. "I have not spoken to Avram since he left to join Chelsea and nor have I ever said I have. I have certainly never discussed his future at Chelsea."