Assaidi: There's more to come

Oussama Assaidi believes he is improving all the time and hopes to be given further opportunities to impress at Liverpool.

The 24-year-old summer signing from Heerenveen made his sixth appearance of the season on Thursday as Brendan Rodgers' side edged out Anzhi Makhachkala in the UEFA Europa League.



He produced what was easily his best performance to date against the Russian outfit and hopes that he can now kick on after adjusting to the demands of life in England.



"I am very happy. We played very well and got the win," Assaidi told Liverpool's official website.



"Anzhi are a difficult side, but we did well and everyone is very happy.



"It was an important win to go top of the group. We did a good job and I'm delighted.



"I think I played well. I should have scored a goal, but I missed. I played the 90 minutes and I am very happy to do that and to have been given a chance by the coach.



"I think I am improving. Every day I am getting better and better. I am getting more physical and fitter and fitter. I'm delighted to be a part of this big club."

Buffon eye finish his career at Juventus

Juventus’ Gianluigi Buffon has spoken about his time with the club and insists he wants to remain in Turin for the rest of his career.



The 34-year-old World Cup winner also reminisced over his favourite matches with the club and the new arrivals at the Juventus Stadium this season.



First trophy as captain



“It was nice to lift the trophy in Beijing, but I’m honestly not a massive fan of being the centre of attention in such situations. I don’t find it right that the honour of lifting a trophy is reserved to just one person. That’s why I’m often found at the back and to one side of photos from the awards ceremonies. And that’s why after lifting the cup in Beijing I immediately passed it across to the other lads.”



Juventus for life



“I’ve already spent 12 years wearing this shirt, almost half of my life so far, but I hope that my adventure with Juventus continues for a long time, at least up until 15 years. Only a few players can say they’ve stayed at such an important team for that length of time.



“I had a fantastic first five years here, given the satisfaction we enjoyed in the championship, even though there was a little disappointment in the Champions League. We were probably the strongest team in Europe, but we never managed to win it.



“The year in Serie B is something I recall with pleasure, because I stayed and owed it to the fans to do so. It would have been too easy to leave at that particular moment.



“The most difficult period was the return to Serie A, because we were aware of how difficult it would be to return to winning ways. I asked myself if staying at Juve was worth it. After last year, the answer is an emphatic yes, because the feeling of winning the Scudetto again was so intense, and something I would not have experienced with any other team. Now I’d like to end my time with Juventus by winning something important.”



Champions League



“When I saw the draw, I thought ourselves and Shakhtar would have gone through. The Ukrainians have been strong for a number of years and have improved even further. Given the way the group is shaping up, I’d say they’re now the favourites and we’ll fight it out with Chelsea. I hope I’ve made the right prediction.”



Memorable games



“I have fond memories of the San Siro triumph in 2005. We triumphed 1-0 thanks to Trezeguet’s strike from a Del Piero assist. The victory was made even more special by the fact that we were a little fearful of Milan in the build-up, given that they had picked up plenty of points in the approach to the encounter.



“The hardest moment was last year’s game against Lecce. I suffered a great deal after that mistake, even though I was immediately given a warm reception by the public. Then, three days later, we had that evening in Trieste, which felt like a cycle had drawn to a close. We achieved a dream we’d been following for a long time.”

New arrivals



“Pogba and Asamoah are the ones who have surprised the most. The former, in spite of his young age, is ready to play, while Asa has dealt brilliantly with the step up to a big team. I won’t forget the others though: Isla and Bendtner are two great players and I’m waiting for them to break into the first team. Giovinco is giving us great support and Lucio provides guaranteed quality.”



Unbeaten streak



“It’s a magnificent run, especially considering the question mark hanging over all of our heads 14 months ago. Instead, we’ve been able to build something unique in this period of time. I don’t think that any team has managed to do the same as we have after two seventh-placed finishes.”



Home life



“I conduct a very normal life with my family. Being on the road as often as I am, we try and stay at home when we can. My wife cooks and every now and again we enjoy a nice bottle of red wine. My eldest son, Luis Thomas, has got two inflatable goals and we often play football together. As my dad did with me, I tell him that he’ll never be able to play, but actually I can see he’s got something decent.

Six miss Swansea visit

Manchester City playmaker David Silva is one of six players absent as Swansea visit the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Silva continues to struggle with the hamstring injury which has kept him out for the past two games while defenders Pablo Zabaleta (hamstring) and Maicon (foot), midfielders Javi Garcia (thigh) and Jack Rodwell (hamstring) are also missing.

Another midfielder, James Milner, also sits out through suspension after his sending-off at West Brom last weekend.

Swansea boss Michael Laudrup has no fresh injury concerns when he takes his team to Manchester City.

Laudrup could shift midfielder Michu in attack again after he claimed his sixth goal of the season when employed as a striker in the win over Wigan, but Danny Graham is an option as well.



Midfielders Pablo Hernandez and in-form Wayne Routledge look set to keep Nathan Dyer on the bench, but Swansea have no serious injury problems

Ibra finds 10k-a-week home

Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has finally found a home in France after several months of searching, and will move to an address in Versailles.

 Ibrahimovic and wife attend the Golden Foot Award 2012 ceremony at Monte Carlo Sporting Club.

The Sweden international, on a salary of €14 million a year at the Parc des Princes, will move into a €40,000-a-month property in a private road in Park Chauchard, Le Figaro has reported.



Laurent Demeure, the president of the estate agency that handled the deal, said: "All I can tell you is that Zlatan Ibrahimovic needed a place to rest and rejuvenate.



"At first, he thought about living in one of the more glamorous areas of Paris. He wanted a beautiful Haussmann building with high-tech services and a status equivalent to that of an international five-star hotel, plus parking in the basement."



Reports had said Ibrahimovic was close to moving to the Villa Montmorency, close to the home of the former French president Nicolas Sarkozy.



Since his arrival in the French capital, the forward and his family have lived in Parisian hotels including the InterContinental near the Opera.

Gourcuff told he can leave Lyon

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has admitted he would let Yoann Gourcuff leave the club "if he has a good offer and wants to leave".

Aulas has previously stated that Lyon have to sell three players - ideally two in the January transfer window and one next summer - in order to help balance the books.

Eto'o: Song not among the best players in Cameroon.
Kagawa out for up to a month.


Anthony Reveillere, Bafetimbi Gomis and Michel Bastos all came close to leaving the club last summer, but Aulas has not ruled out Gourcuff's departure.



The attacking midfielder, who has 29 France caps, was bought for €22 million from Bordeaux in 2010 but has spent the majority of that time either injured or out of form. He is under contract until June 2014 but Aulas is considering selling him in order to help reduce the club's €28 million debt.



"Yoann is an important asset for Olympique Lyonnais. We made a huge investment to sign him when he was the best French player. For now, we can't say this investment hasn't been economically interesting", Aulas said in an interview given to Lyon Capitale.



If Lyon are to get a decent price for Gourcuff, the former AC Milan midfielder needs to return in decent form. After a good pre-season he was injured against in Troyes in only the second Ligue 1 game of the season. He has not played since, though could return for Sunday's clash against fellow high-flyers Marseille.



"He needs to win back his position in the team after his knee injury," Aulas said. "We hope he'll be in the squad for Marseille trip. If he comes back, if he has good offers and if he wants to leave, we could sell him."



Apart from Gourcuff, Aulas added that Lisandro Lopez is "indispensable" to the team, and he played down the rumours of the Argentinian forward leaving for Serie A club Fiorentina in the January transfer window.

Rio offered West Ham return

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has offered Rio Ferdinand a route back to Upton Park.



The 33-year-old defender is in the last year of his current deal at Manchester United, although Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed he would like him to stay at Old Trafford.

However, Allardyce has now confirmed that the door is open for Ferdinand to return to the club where he began his career and played over 150 games before leaving for Leeds United in 2000.

"If it's at the end of the season and he hasn't got a new contract and he is released by Manchester United, then we would be interested," said Allardyce.

"If he wants to live back in London eventually, which is where he comes from, which you know quite a few players want to do when they come to the end of their careers, that is an advantage for us.



"It depends entirely on Rio or which other clubs might be interested in him."

Rodgers: We were outstanding

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers praised Stewart Downing after he scored the winner against Anzhi Makhachkala.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was full of praise for his players following the 1-0 victory over Anzhi Makhachkala.

Stewart Downing smashed home the winner in the 53rd minute at Anfield with an unstoppable right-foot shot after cutting in from the left flank.

Rodgers, whose team now top Europa League Group A, said: "Great credit to the players. Anzhi are a very good side with some outstanding players. Tonight was an excellent performance.

"I thought the players were terrific, they took control of the game, and then when they had to dig deep towards the end they put their bodies on the line and got their blocks in and they were outstanding.

"It's three clean sheets in a row which is important for us and we're now adding that bit of steel and concentration to some of the footballing elements that we're working on.

"It was a good win and we can now recover and look forward to the weekend."

On Downing, Rodgers added: "It was brilliant goal. He's had a rough ride here really, it's been difficult time for him, but he got a great round of applause from the Kop and if you can get that from the Kop then it'll give you a massive lift going forward.

"He's a good guy, he's working very hard and he's a very important member of our team."

Kagawa out for up to a month

Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa will be sidelined for three to four weeks with a knee injury, manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed.

The Japan star, 23, twisted awkwardly during Tuesday's thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Braga in the Champions League and subsequent scans have confirmed damage to the ligaments.



Kagawa has made an encouraging start to life at Old Trafford since signing from Borussia Dortmundover the summer in a deal set to rise to £17m, and his absence is likely to result in Tom Cleverley starting further forward in Sunday's clash with Chelsea.

Better news for Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson comes in the forms of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, who will return to training next week having finally overcome a broken metatarsal and knee trouble respectively.



Meanwhile, Ferguson has backed defender Rio Ferdinand over his joint statement with brother Anton on the continuing row over racism in football.



The Scot said: "I was pleased he did that, him and his brother. Awareness is rising, the problem isn't going to go away but I think the FA need to work harder especially with UEFA. But for now we need to be concentrating on football."

Europa League round-up

• Reigning champions Atletico Madrid are all but through to the knockout stages after a 2-1 win over Academica.
  


• Goals from Diego Costa and Emre saw the Spanish side home despite a late Salim Cisse consolation.
  


• Dnipro also retain a 100% record with a 3-1 win over Napoli, as do Lyon thanks to Jimmy Briand's late goal in their 2-1 win against Athletic Bilbao.
  


• But Marseille, who had topped their group, slipped to third after losing 2-0 away to Borussia Monchengladbach.
  


• Watch Europa League highlights HERE.

GROUP A



Liverpool head the group after a crucial 1-0 win over Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala, thanks to a Stewart Downing strike after 53 minutes.

Udinese suffered a shock 3-1 defeat away to bottom side Young Boys in Switzerland with Raul Bobadilla grabbing a stunning hat-trick.



GROUP B



Reigning champions Atletico Madrid maintained their 100% record with a 2-1 win over Academica, Diego Costa and Emre Belozoglu netting before Salim Cisse hit a late consolation.

Plzen moved clear in second with a 2-1 win at Hapoel Tel Aviv. Frantisek Rajtoral hit the late winner before home defender I'yad Hutba was sent off.



GROUP C



Egeman Korkmaz scored in the 72nd minute to give Fenerbahce a 1-0 win at AEL Limassol and move them top.

Marseille, who started the night heading the table, lost 2-0 at Borussia Monchengladbach. The result moves the Germans level with their opponents on four points, with the Turkish side now out in front on seven.



GROUP D



Newcastle strengthened their hold on the group, winger Gabriel Obertan giving them a 1-0 win over Club Bruges, while second-placed Bordeaux were held 1-1 at Maritimo.

Yoan Gouffran's opener for the visitors was cancelled out by Roberge Valentin six minutes later.



GROUP E



Steaua Bucharest extended their lead at the top as goals from Vlad Chiriches and Raul Rusescu gave them a 2-0 win over Molde.

Group rivals Stuttgart and FC Copenhagen played out a goalless draw in Germany.



GROUP F



Raul Bobadilla (left) scored an impressive hat-trick as Young Boys overcame Udinese.

Dnipro went five points clear at the top with a 3-1 win over Napoli in Ukraine - Artem Fedetskiy, Matheus and Giuliano scoring before Edinson Cavani replied with a late consolation.

PSV Eindhoven and AIK drew 1-1 in Holland with Kwame Karikari putting the previously pointless Swedes in front on the hour before Jeremain Lens equalised with 10 minutes to go.



GROUP G



Elyaniv Barda headed a late winner as Genk stayed unbeaten at the top of the group after coming from behind to see off Sporting Lisbon 2-1 in Belgium. Barda struck with three minutes to go after Sporting's Khalid Boulahrouz was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Hungarians Videoton beat Basle 2-1 with Fabien Schar atoning for an early own goal by scoring at the right end in injury time.



GROUP H



Rodrigo Palacio headed home an 88th-minute winner as Inter Milan saw off Partizan Belgrade at the San Siro and all but booked their place in the knockout stages.

Inter are now joint top on seven points with Rubin Kazan. Alan Kasaev's 16th-minute goal proved enough to see off Azerbaijan side Neftci in Russia.



GROUP I



Rodrigo Palacio (left) scored an 88th-minute winner for Inter Milan over Partizan Belgrade.

Lyon maintained their 100% record with a 2-1 win over last year's beaten finalists Athletic Bilbao . A Lisandro Lopez opener was cancelled out by Ibai Gomez before Jimmy Briand struck the winner four minutes from time.

Goals from Ladislav Krejci, Vaclav Kadlec and Ondrej Svejdik helped Sparta Prague to a 3-1 win over Hapoel Kiryat Shmona. Lyon now ead the group on nine points with Sparta clear in second on six.



GROUP J



It took a Jose Toche injury time equaliser for Panathinaikos to draw 1-1 with Lazio in Group J. An earlier own goal from defender Giourkas Seitaridis looked set to give the Italians the points before Toche's final touch.

Gylfi Sigurdsson earned Tottenham a point in a 1-1 draw at Maribor, who led through Robert Beric. Lazio remain unbeaten on five points with Maribor in second, but all four sides in the group are still in the running.



GROUP K



Bonfim Marlos and Cleiton Xavier gave Ukrainians Metalist Kharkiv a 2-1 win at Rosenborg after the Norwegians had led through Tarik Elyounoussi's 46th-minute strike.

But Metalist Kharkiv still conceded top spot in the group to Bayer Leverkusen, whose impressive 4-0 win at Rapid Vienna took them first on goal difference.



GROUP L



Hannover stay top after a 2-1 win at Helsingborg. Mame Biram Diouf opened the scoring for the Germans with Alvaro Santos equalising in injury time, only for Didier Ya Konan to restore Hannover's advantage in the third minute of added time.

Levante moved clear in second place with a 3-0 win over Twente, a Michel penalty followed by Pedro Rios adding a late double.

Eto'o: Song not among the best players in Cameroon

Anzhi Makhachkala striker Samuel Eto'o has reopened his rift with fellow Cameroonian Alex Song by claiming the Barcelona midfielder is not even among the best players in their country - let alone the world.

The two players have endured a strained relationship in the past, with Song having refused to shake hands with Eto'o ahead of an African Cup of Nations qualifier against Senegal in 2011.



Song, who joined Barca from Arsenal in the summer, was fined a reported £1,200 by Cameroon for the incident.



The pair had appeared to make peace but Eto'o suggested there is still tension when asked if there was a dispute between the "two stars".



"We are not involved in a conflict between two star players," Eto'o told Canal Plus.



"I am among the best players in the world and Song is not even among the best players in Cameroon."

Villas-Boas content with draw

Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas was happy to settle for a Europa League point from the 1-1 draw at Maribor.

Group J remains wide open after Gylfi Sigurdsson's second-half strike cancelled out Robert Beric's opener for the Slovenians shortly before the break.

Villas-Boas said: "The second half was extremely good, the first half was not so good.

"We came back into the game, which is pleasant to see again and it is good for us to bounce back.

"It is obviously not the full result we wanted bearing in mind the draw between Lazio and Panathinaikos, but certainly we will take a point.

"The group is completely open. What we face now is two games at home and I think we are in a good position in the group.

"We are in third position. We have three games to play, there are nine points to play for.

"You see the group - it is very tight. It is not a group where the leader has run off with points."



Maribor manager Darko Milanic said: "We should have stopped the goal, but I'm very happy for my team. It's an important point that keeps us alive to advance to the next stage."

Blackburn closing on new boss

Blackburn global advisor Shebby Singh claims the club will have a new manager in place within a week.



Rovers have had approaches for Fulham first-team coach Billy McKinlay and Tottenham counterpart Tim Sherwood rejected as they look for a replacement for Steve Kean.

The Championship outfit have been without a manager since Kean's resignation on 28 September, with Eric Black currently in caretaker charge, but Singh insists the wait is almost over.

"You have got to tread with caution and if caution means taking a little bit more time than usual we'll take it," he said on The Footballer's Football Show on Sky Sports 1.

Asked when an appointment would be made, he said: "Definitely by the middle of next week."

Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has been linked with the position but Singh, who has already started interviewing candidates, hinted that the club would favour a young up-and-coming manager.

He said: "This group is obviously the most interesting one, because you've got to look, you've got to find, you've got to search, so that is possibly why it has taken more time."

While Singh remains tight-lipped on the Redknapp link, caretaker coach Eric Black admits the appointment of such a high profile coach would be quite a coup for Rovers.

He said: "He is a fantastic manager. You are right up at the top echelons of management.



"He'd be a sensational appointment for Blackburn."

Downing long-range strike keeps Reds on track

Stewart Downing offered a reminder of his talent with an eye-catching winner in Liverpool's 1-0 victory over Anzhi Makhachkala in the UEFA Europa League.



The winger was featuring in just his 10th game of the season after being forced into a fringe role in the plans of new boss Brendan Rodgers.



But Downing, who scored just two FA Cup goals in his debut season at Anfield following his £20million summer 2011 arrival from Aston Villa, struck a second-half winner to defeat Anzhi.



The goal followed his earlier effort against Gomel in the Europa League qualifiers and kept Liverpool in contention to progress from Group A after moving top of the table.



Victory was no less than the Reds deserved having been the better side for much of the contest, and they now have six points from three games.



Liverpool manager Rodgers fielded a strong side including the likes of Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez, resisting the temptation to rest a host of players ahead of Sunday's Premier League derby at Everton and making only three changes from the win over Reading on Saturday.



It was clear Rodgers was not about to underestimate nouveaux riche Anzhi, who lead the Russian top flight, are overseen by one-time Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink and have former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto'o up front.



The Reds were looking to bounce back from a 3-2 home defeat to Udinese in their previous Europa League outing and made a positive start without fashioning anything to really trouble visiting goalkeeper Vladimir Gabulov.



He easily collected a shot from Suarez in the 12th minute and then pushed away an effort by Glen Johnson before Jonjo Shelvey - scorer of three goals in the previous two group games - ballooned an attempt over the crossbar from the edge of the box.



Eto'o had been relatively quiet, miscontrolling on the occasion when the ball had come to him in a useful position in the area, and Liverpool continued to carve out half-chances, with Oussama Assaidi seeing Gabulov get behind his strike to the near post and then catching his free-kick.



Johnson found himself through on goal in the 35th minute, but failed to get a shot in and took a tumble under the attentions of Kamil Agalarov, with the referee waving the Reds defender's penalty claims away.



Nuri Sahin headed a corner over and Daniel Agger was next to make a foray forward from defence, trying his luck from distance with an effort that curled high and wide.



Anzhi registered an attempt on goal in first half stoppage time when Fedor Smolov fizzed the ball across Brad Jones and wide.



Rodgers added new impetus to his attack at the interval by introducing Raheem Sterling for Johnson, and there were encouraging signs for Liverpool soon after the break, with Martin Skrtel's powerful drive bringing a save out of Gabulov before Gerrard headed Shelvey's cross wide.





The Reds kept up the pressure and moments later they made the breakthrough as Downing, who had been shifted to left-back, cut in from out wide and smashed the ball into the net.



Suarez almost swiftly added another with a strike that went just the wrong side of the post, and Shelvey then sent a shot into Gabulov's arms.



With the lead still only at 1-0, though, Liverpool could not afford to switch off at the back and they survived a scare in the 70th minute when defensive sloppiness saw the ball come to Eto'o, whose effort was saved by Jones.



Assaidi and Suarez went down in the box in separate tussles with the referee only being moved to book the latter for protesting, before Mbark Boussoufa saw a shot deflect wide of Jones' goal.



Agger thought he had doubled Liverpool's advantage when he headed the ball from Gabulov's hand and lashed in, but he also only picked up a booking.



Anzhi issued further warnings, with Skrtel making a goalline clearance to deny Mehdi Carcela and substitute Lacina Traore striking wide.



Gerrard then fired over and Carcela struck wide at the other end before the full-time whistle confirmed Liverpool's win.



Watch Highlights HERE: 

Man United know type of manager they want next

Manchester United's owners know what 'type' of manager they want to replace Sir Alex Ferguson when he retires.

Ferguson, who turns 71 on New Year's Eve, is yet to put a date on retirement but it is widely expected to be before his 75th birthday.



The club, though, admit that they are aware of how they will go about replacing Ferguson - but vice-chairman Ed Woodward insists they will not even look at the plan until they need to.



"We have a view as to what type of manager we want and how and when we'll go about it," he is quoted by The Sun.



"But it's in the drawer and long may it stay in the drawer."



Woodward, who has already insisted the club's owners the Glazers intend to keep control of United for many years, stressed that money would always be available to bolster the squad.



He said: "Every single player Sir Alex Ferguson has wanted to buy he has been supported. Some have slipped through our fingers but we have never said that we cannot afford a player. Robin van Persie is a good example, one of the best players in the world and we easily had the financial capacity to do that.



"We have a pretty low level of leverage. Interest payments of £31million leaves a significant amount of money, around £76million and we decide what we do with that.



"We are very comfortable about the ability to fund the interest and there will be more income growth next year from the new Premier League media deal."

Di Maria: I’ll play wherever Mourinho wants

Real Madrid midfielder, Angel di Maria stated that should the need arise, he would fill in at left-back, in place of the injured duo of Marcelo and Coentrao, while insisting that he hopes to remain an important player for the squad.

In his pre-match press conference before Real Madrid`s Champions League clash against reigning German Bundesliga champions, Borussia Dortmund, the Argentine international insisted that he would play left-back, if manager Jose Mourinho asked.



“The truth is that I haven’t spoken with Mourinho about playing at left-back but I always want to play, I love playing and I’ll play wherever he asks me to play and I’ll do everything I can to help the team.”



Di Maria then stated that he wants to continue being an important player with the club, in any capacity.



“It’s important to score goals but I prefer creating goals for others. I’m happy with how I’ve been playing and with how many assists I’ve provided. If I get a chance to score, I’ll try and take it, but if not, I also love providing assists.”

Di Maria concluded by discussing the challenge his side faces against their German opponents on Wednesday evening.



“We know it’s not going to be easy, but we just need to play our football, keeping doing what we’ve been doing until now and I hope we’ll be able to get the victory. We go into the game in good form and playing well. We made a bad start to the season but now we’re doing well. We are happy with how we’ve been playing and we aspire to win every game.”

Cheick Tiote must improve discipline - Pardew

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has told midfielder Cheick Tiote he needs to improve his poor disciplinary record.

The Ivory Coast international was sent off in the 1-1 draw with Sunderland on Sunday and he has received 29 bookings in 59 games since joining the club.

"It's not a laughing matter because he's one of our big players and I can't have him not playing," Pardew told BBC Newcastle.

"It could be costly and he needs to understand that."

Tiote's red card against Sunderland was the second sending off of his Newcastle career.

He will miss Newcastle's next three Premier League matches but is free to play for the club in the Europa League and will be involved against Club Brugge on Thursday.

Pardew has revealed that he reminds Tiote about his responsibilities before every match.

"I will be talking to him before the Brugge game," he added.

"We talk to him before every game. We talk to him at every half-time and I'll be talking to him again."

Last season the 26-year-old received more bookings than any other player and he has already picked up four yellow cards and a red in seven matches this season.

Pardew accepted the decision to dismiss Tiote for his tackle on Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher, but feels the game is losing its physical side.

"I do think that part of the game has changed," he continued.

"Where we are at the moment is that almost every mistimed tackle is a booking.

"There is going to be this type of challenge. Referees need to understand that it's a genuine attempt to get the ball and nothing more. That's why we devised this award for a free-kick. It's not always a yellow card.



"So the sanitisation of the game is a little bit worrying for me because I like the physical side. I think we all do as supporters."

Afellay revealed that a move to Arsenal fail

Ibrahim Afellay will not be trying to prove Arsenal made a mistake by failing to sign him when Schalke visit Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.



The on-loan Dutchman claims he was wanted by Arsene Wengerduring his previous spell at PSV Eindhoven and parent clubBarcelona but a fee could not be agreed.



Afellay will therefore be a visiting player in London for the UEFA Champions League Group B match, when Schalke will aim to close a two-point gap to Arsenal at the top of the table.



But the midfielder is not on a one-man mission to make a statement of his ability to the Gunners and is instead only focused on ensuring his club avoid losing.



Afellay told Sky Sports: "Arsenal were interested in me in the last few years at PSV and Barcelona. But, finally, it was not possible to close the subject.



"I believe that money was the difference between the clubs.



"This match is not personal revenge for me. I do not need to demonstrate anything against Arsenal. But our objective is to leave London without defeat.



"The scouts of Wenger have always liked my work but have never made the decisive move. But this is not a trauma for me."

Babel ready to re-kick off his form versus City

It is just five years since former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez paid Ajax £12million for the promising Dutch forward Ryan Babel.



On Wednesday at the Amsterdam Arena, Babel faces Manchester City in the Champions League hoping to restart a career that has taken him back to his formative club.

The fact that Babel, still only 25, is back at Ajax is appropriate.





Offered just a one-year contract in the summer after an unhappy spell at German club Hoffenheim, Babel, originally a product of the famed Ajax youth academy, is having to prove himself once more as he looks to earn an extended career here in north Holland.

‘I have made mistakes,’ admitted Babel. ‘But, at 25, it’s not too late to give my career a good twist.

‘I still think I can fulfil my potential and live up to what people thought I would become.

‘I am mentally stronger and I know how to deal with certain situations and different people. The people at Ajax see that.’

Babel was just 19 when Benitez took him to Anfield after seeing him excel in the European Under 21 Championship in the summer of 2007.



In that tournament, Babel played as a central striker. At Liverpool he was asked to learn a wider role and he struggled. Discipline was a problem too and as his place at Anfield became gradually more uncertain, so did his future in England.

By the time he was sold to Hoffenheim in the summer of 2011, Babel’s stock had plummeted. A season in Germany brought him regular football but he was unhappy enough to buy himself out of his contract.

Eventually, after other targets such as the Moroccan Oussama Assaidi and Luciano Narsingh proved too expensive, Ajax coach Frank de Boer took what most observers in Dutch football considered a gamble in bringing one of the national sport’s lost souls back home.

The Ajax team that will face City here tonight is expected to feature just three of the outfield players who faced Manchester United in the Europa League knock-out stages last February.

Short of money, Ajax are once again relying on their De Toekomst academy for talent and, if you forget the five-year hiatus, Babel is seen as part of that.



Having played seven times this season for a team that is unbeaten domestically but sits bottom of its Champions League group, Babel knows he still has questions to answer. Many, for example, think him big-headed and arrogant.

His Dutch career is no longer a priority. Coach Louis van Gaal is not a fan and Babel, despite his 42 caps, has played once in two years.

What is more important tonight is proving a point to those who still doubt him.

‘I don’t think people in England ever saw the best of me,’ he said. ‘For a player to really be at his best you have to give him a certain confidence, but I did not feel appreciated by some people at Liverpool.



‘Ajax have given me a chance again to prove myself and I’m happy for that.

‘The City game is a good platform for me to show the people who doubt Ryan Babel what I can do.’

Arsenal ace ruled out

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will miss Arsenal's Champions League clash against Schalke tonight with a hip injury.

The England international was injured during Arsenal's 1-0 defeat to Norwich on Saturday and remains a doubt for their weekend fixture with QPR.

However defender Laurent Koscielny will be available after recovering from a back injury as the Gunners look to continue their perfect start to Group B following wins over Montpellier and Olympiakos.

Kieran Gibbs and Theo Walcott remain sidelined with respective thigh and chest injuries while Jack Wilshere will be rested after playing for the under-21s on Monday.

Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is still out with an ankle injury along with midfielders Abou Diaby (thigh) and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) and defender Bacary Sagna (broken leg).

Schalke will be unable to call on German international Julian Draxler, who broke his wrist during their 2-2 draw with Montpelier on matchday two.



Kyriakos Papadopulous (chicken pox) is also missing but Christoph Metzelder has shrugged off a knee problem to take part.

Silva out of Ajax showdown

Manchester City will again be without David Silva for tonight's crucial Champions League tie against Ajax in Amsterdam.

The attacking midfielder picked up a hamstring injury while on international duty with Spain last week and has not travelled to Holland.

And Silva could still be on the sidelines for this weekend's Premier League clash at home to Swansea.

City boss Roberto Mancini will also be without midfield duo Jack Rodwell (hamstring) and Javi Garcia (thigh), and defender Maicon (foot) for the Ajax clash, while centre-back Kolo Toure is not registered.

Ajax boss Frank de Boer has no fresh injury or suspension concerns following the 3-3 draw away to Heracles on Saturday.



The four-time European champions are still looking for their first points in this year's renewal after defeats to Dortmund and Real Madrid in their first two outings.

Chelsea wait on Lampard scan

Frank Lampard is expected to learn on Thursday whether he will be ruled out of Chelsea's showdown against Manchester United this weekend with injury.

The veteran midfielder lasted just 15 minutes of the Blues' first serious defeat of the season against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night.

Lampard limped out of the 2-1 UEFA Champions League loss with a recurrence of the calf injury that ruled him out of England's World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Poland and is set to undergo a scan to determine the extent of the problem.

The 34-year-old's withdrawal from the damaging Group E defeat saw manager Roberto Di Matteo's game-plan go up in smoke, leaving Chelsea in danger of becoming the first holders to crash out of the competition before the knockout phase.

With John Terry resuming his domestic racism ban, vice-captain Lampard's absence against United on Sunday could leave Di Matteo with another headache in a game the Blues will be desperate to win to open up a seven-point gap on their opponents.

Confirming the midfielder would undergo a scan on Wednesday - the results of which will be revealed on Thursday - Di Matteo said: "It's basically a recurrence of an old injury.



"He was training with us fine and there were no alarm bells before the game. He was in good condition to play."

Morning paper talk

We takes you through today's back page headlines . . .

The FA are to consider stiffer sanctions against racism in football, although there is growing momentum for the creation of a new association to represent black players and managers - DAILY TELEGRAPH



Manchester United vice-chairman Ed Woodward admits discussions are under way as to who will eventually replace Sir Alex Ferguson as manager - THE SUN



Marouane Fellaini could return from a knee injury in time for Sunday's Merseyside derby with Liverpool, who may be able to call on goalkeeper Pepe Reina after he suffered a hamstring injury - THE TIMES



Celtic chief scout John Park is wanted by both Tottenham, and West Brom for their vacant technical director roles - DAILY MAIL

Blackburn have given up on trying to make Fulham first-team coach their new manager after fan protests against the possible appointment- DAILY MAIL



Shakhtar Doneysk playmaker Willian reveals he has struck up a friendship on Twitter with Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas - THE SUN



Guus Hiddink, Roberto Carlos and Samuel Eto'o are among a deputation of Anzhi Makhachkala players who will lay flowers at the Hillsborough memorial ahead of Thursday's Europa League game with Liverpool at Anfield - DAILY EXPRESS



Chelsea's Florent Malouda has emerged as a January transfer target for Brazilian side Santos - DAILY MIRROR



New Bolton boss Douigie Freedman is keen to bring Crystal Palace staff Lennie Lawrence and Curtis Fleming with him to the Reebok Stadium - DAILY MIRROR



Wigan coach Graeme Jones has turned down an interview for the vacant Burnley manager's job - DAILY MIRROR



West Ham are targeting a January move for £2m-rated Sochaux left-back Sebastien Corchia - THE SUN



Leeds are already receiving investment from prospective new owners GFH capital, a Middle Eastern investment bank - THE SUN



Everton are keeping tabs on Slovan Liberec's Croatian defender Renato Kelic - DAILY MIRROR



Arjen Robben admits he has considered retiring at the age of 28 due to a succession of serious injuries - THE TIMES



Accrington boss Paul Cook has been targeted by both Burnley and Chesterfield for their vacant manager positions - DAILY MAIL

Neil Lennon 'proud' of his player's performance despite defeat

Neil Lennon declared himself 'bitterly disappointed but immensely proud' after Celtic's agonising 2-1 defeat at the hands of Barcelona.

It looked like the Hoops would come away with a draw as the score stood at 1-1 heading into stoppage time, but Jordi Alba's late goal secured victory for the home side at Camp Nou.

Barcelona had to come from behind after Georgios Samaras put Celtic in front, and Lennon was delighted with the way his players acquitted themselves against such strong opponents.

He told Sky Sports: "I thought we were compact, we defended very well when we had to and looked a threat. Losing Georgi (Georgios Samaras, who went off injured) was a blow at the time because he was causing Barcelona some problems.

"You know when you come here there are going to be concerted amounts of pressure and we just needed to see it out. There was a bit of luck with the goal.

"While I am bitterly disappointed, for the players more than anybody else, I am immensely proud of them as well.

"We were brave. The players stuck to what we asked them to do, they didn't lose their composure when we knew we would be under pressure."

Lennon added: "They defended brilliantly and at times on the counter-attack we looked dangerous.

"This is the best team in the world, so to come here and play as well as that - it doesn't surprise me because I know the quality and character within the team."

Barca coach Tito Vilanova said: "I think we deserved to win the game, their keeper played well and credit to them but I think we controlled them pretty well.

"It says a lot about Barca, we keep going and if you don't have any attempts on goal you won't win.

"But I believe that Celtic have a chance to qualify, they have two more matches at home so it is possible that they can go through."

United concern over Kagawa

Manchester United are waiting to discover the seriousness of an injury sustained by Shinji Kagawa after the midfielder twisted his knee against Braga.



The Japan international suffered the damage during the first half of Tuesday night's thrilling 3-2 comeback win in the UEFA Champions League.

The result virtually guaranteed the Red Devils a place in the competition's knockout phase with three games remaining.

But it may come at a price, with Kagawa due for tests on Wednesday to discover the extent of the problem.

"Kagawa twisted his knee," said Ferguson. "He struggled on for 20 minutes but we will assess in in the morning because we don't know the extent of it at the moment."

With goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard also ruled out for a week after suffering a thumb injury in training, Ferguson is likely to be down on numbers for Sunday's crucial Premier League trip to leaders Chelsea.

Of more concern to the United boss is his team's inability to keep the opposition out after they found themselves behind for the eighth time in 12 games this season against Braga.

"I can't get to the bottom of it, I am afraid," he said. "If you analyse the goals we are losing, they have come from throw-ins, crosses, cut-backs - all sorts. And they are finding players free in the box.



"It is difficult to put your finger on it, and it is a concern because it is making it difficult for us."

Rio and Evra miss Braga tie

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has opted to rest defenders Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra for the visit of Braga in the Champions League tonight.

Ferdinand's involvement had been in doubt after he disobeyed the Scotsman's instructions by refusing to wear a 'Kick It Out' anti-racism T-shirt ahead of their 4-2 win over Stoke at the weekend.

Ferguson has confirmed he and Ferdinand have settled their differences over the matter, but the central defender and left-back Evra will sit out the game at Old Trafford to be fresh for the trip to Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.

That could see youngster Scott Wootton play alongside Jonny Evans in the heart of the defence, with Alex Buttner set to come in for Frenchman Evra.

Winger Ashley Young may also be in the matchday squad against the Portuguese side having returned to training after making positive progress following a knee problem.

Midfield trio Shinji Kagawa, Tom Cleverley and Ryan Giggs are also set to return after being rested for the league win over Stoke as United attempt to extend their perfect record in the competition.

Braga's Ruben Micael and Ruben Amorim will compete for a place in attack alongside main striker Eder.



Helder Barbosa and Marcio Mossoro formed the forward line for their win over Guimaraes in the Portuguese league at the weekend though and manager Jose Peseiro may opt to stick with them instead.

Arsenal must improve defensively

Per Mertesacker has warned his Arsenal team-mates that they must tighten up on their defence if they are to challenge for silverware this season.



Having begun the season with three successive clean sheets in the league, the Gunners have now conceded in their last five after they slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Norwich at Carrow Road.



Former Arsenal defender Steve Bould, who was part of the formidable back four alongside Tony Adams, Nigel Winterburn and Lee Dixon in the 1990s, has replaced Pat Rice as assistant manager this season, with the view to shoring up the Gunners' backline.



But despite allowing West Ham and Norwich through in back-to-back matches, Mertesacker believes Bould's influence has seen a shift in attitude towards defence.



"He was a good defender and he is very very focused on details," Mertesacker told ESPN. "More on the defence but the defence means the whole XI, it is not only the back four or the centre backs, he is focused on our defensive game, in total.



"We have good combinations and passing sessions in our game but if we lose the ball we have to switch on straight after and quickly so we have to make sure the defence is one of the most vital things in the game."

Walker quits Twitter after abuse

Tottenham defender Kyle Walker has deleted his Twitter account after receiving abuse on the micro-blogging website about his performance in Saturday's 4-2 defeat to Chelsea.



The 22-year-old was named the Professional Footballers' Association Young Player of the Season last term, but has not been as consistent this year.



On Saturday the right-back dithered in injury time, allowing Juan Mata to steal the ball and play in Daniel Sturridge for Chelsea's final goal - although Walker claimed the Spaniard fouled him.



The England defender often looked vulnerable against Mata, and his cohorts Oscar and Eden Hazard, and was criticised by fans at the stadium and on Twitter as a result.



After the game he posted two angry tweets before deleting his account @kyle28walker, which had over a quarter of a million followers.



They read: "Would love to know what I'm doing so different I give 100% every game and still u (have) something to say I'm 22 and learning #embarrassing.



"If I said what I thought to these people I would get done humans make mistakes it was 90mins and I though(t it was) a foul end off (sic)!!!!"



One player who was in a much happier mood after the game was Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole, who was booed throughout the clash in north London.



The former Arsenal player ended a turbulent week on a high as he helped his team stretch their unbeaten Barclays Premier League run to eight games.



This week Cole received a record £90,000 fine for labelling the Football Association a "bunch of t**ts" in the wake of claims the left-back did not tell the truth at the John Terry race abuse inquiry.



The 31-year-old, who is often the brunt of abuse from opposing fans, made sure had the last laugh against those who heckled him, posting: "Why all you spud (Spurs) fans coming for me now, little to (sic) late aint it, I didn't know hell was silent!!!!! #CANTWAITTOGOBACK



"Big result for us today, great win once again thanks #cfc fans never gave up believing in us."

Friday's round up of the top transfer stories

- Barcelona are set to offer Lionel Messi a two-year contract extension, according to Barcelona-based radio station RAC 1.



- Santos striker Neymar, who is understood to be a target for the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Manchester United, has insisted that he has not agreed to move to Europe until 2014.



- Partizan Belgrade insist Lazar Markovic, who has been linked with a move to Chelsea, will not be sold in January.



- Liverpool teenager Suso has signed a new long-term deal after establishing himself in the first-team squad this season.



- Everton have confirmed the signing of German midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger on a short-term deal until January.



- Birmingham goalkeeper Jack Butland, who has been linked with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, could be sold in January, according to the Daily Mirror.



- Andre Ayew, who has been linked with a number of clubs including Arsenal and Chelsea, has told the official Ligue 1 website that he is unaware of any plans for Marseille to sell him in January.



- Anderlecht general manager Herman Van Holsbeeck has admitted that midfielder Lucas Biglia, who has been linked with a move to Arsenal, could be on the move in January.



- Liverpool are showing interest in PSV Eindhoven striker Jurgen Locadia, according to the Daily Mail.



- Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists he will not be looking to enlist the services of an emergency loan goalkeeper after he was plunged into a goalkeeper injury crisis earlier this week.



- Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has dismissed the latest suggestions that Yaya Toure is looking to leave the Etihad Stadium.



- Manchester City have seen an offer rejected for Portuguese starlet Bruma, according to talkSPORT.



- Tottenham look set to beat Juventus to the signature of Russia star Alan Dzagoev, according to sources in Russia.



- PSG are ready to rival Manchester United and Real Madrid for the signature of Porto star James Rodriguez.



- Montenegro star Stevan Jovetic insists he is happy at Fiorentina after hinting that he spurned interest from Manchester City and Juventus in the summer.



- Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill has revealed that James McFadden is about to sign a short-term deal with the club.



- The agent of Fulham starlet Alex Kacaniklic claims there are a number of clubs interested in his client - but says the young Swede is committed to life at Craven Cottage.



- Newcastle boss Alan Pardew says he has a list of seven central defenders he will be looking to choose from when the January transfer window opens.



- The agent of Alex Kacaniklic claims his client remains fully committed to Fulham as reports link him with a move to Italy.



- Manchester United and Chelsea are both tracking promising Italian defender Mario Sampirisi, according to reports in Italy.



- Jose Mourinho believes Nuri Sahin's loan spell at Liverpool will help Real Madrid get a larger transfer fee when the Spanish club go on to sell him.



- Christian Eriksen's agent says his client will remain at Ajax despite more interest in the talented playmaker.



- Radamel Falcao is a player who could make a difference to Manchester City and may be their top target in January, according to the club's chief scout.



- Bayern Munich chairman Uli Hoeness believes Holland international winger Arjen Robben will end his playing days at the Allianz Arena.

Kirkland attacked by fan

Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United played out a 1-1 draw, but the result of the Yorkshire derby will be overshadowed as Owls keeper Chris Kirkland was attacked by a fan.



Leeds had just levelled through Michael Tonge when a fan came on to the pitch and shoved the keeper in the face which sent him crashing to the ground.



As Kirkland lay prone on the ground, the fan dashed back into the crowd to make his escape.



Support staff were quickly on hand to attend to Kirkland who was treated for some time before playing on, although he was visibly shaken.



Owls manager Dave Jones was distressed by the incident and was far from happy with his opposite number Neil Warnock and the Leeds players for waving to their fans at the final whistle.



"It's vile, animals, whatever you want to call it," Jones told Sky Sports. "You talk about racism in the game, the chanting and everything else. It is a form of racism in itself but to then go and wave at them. No, not in my book. I've had a go at Neil. I know they are their fans, but you don't go and wave at them after that. It is an absolute disgrace.



"I thought that had gone out of the game. The authorities have got to look at it and sort it, otherwise they will keep doing it.



"We should be talking about the football, it was a great game with great intensity, but they are vile animals, that's what they are, all of them. I don't care if I get in trouble for it. We go on about racism in the game. That we need to sort and quickly as it is an absolute disgrace.



"It is upsetting that they are allowed to do it. They should be banned from every away ground now."

Suso signs long-term Liverpool contract

Liverpool midfielder Suso has put pen to paper on a new 'long-term' contract with the English Premier League club.



The 18-year-old joined the Merseyside outfit from his local side Cadiz in 2010, featuring in the youth and reserves teams before making his senior debut against Young Boys in the Europa League in September.



Suso has played for the first team on four occasions and said that manager Brendan Rodgers' belief in him was a huge factor behind his decision to sign an extension on Friday.



"I am really happy," the Spaniard told the club's website.



"Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in the world and this is the right place for me.



"I am happy Brendan has shown trust in me. I had no questions about signing a new deal and I am really glad to have done so.



"I am comfortable here. I have played some games for the first team and I hope to continue doing that, but I need to work hard every day for that to happen.



"This is one of the best days of my life."



Rodgers had indicated on Thursday that a deal was near completion, saying he had been impressed with the youngster's technique and creativity.



The Northern Irishman reiterated his thoughts on Friday and said he was thrilled Suso had decided to extend his stay.



"We are all delighted Suso has committed his long-term future to Liverpool Football Club," Rodgers said.



"At 18, he has demonstrated outstanding technical qualities but also shown very good temperament to play for such a prestigious club.



"His commitment is very good news for all our young academy players and the excellent work taken place by the academy coaches and staff."

The top stories from papers and websites - 19 October 2012

• Brothers Rio and Anton Ferdinand will lead a boycott of this weekend's planned anti-racism campaign.


• Manchester United winger Nani is a January transfer target for Italian giants Juventus and AC Milan.


• Arsenal will watch Atletico Madrid's £14m-rated striker Adrian Lopez this weekend and are set to make him their No 1 January target.


• Norwich manager Chris Hughton wants to sign 26-year-old Stoke striker Cameron Jerome.


• Newcastle supporters are set to show their support for Sunderland's race row victim Danny Rose with a round of applause.

• Injured Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker, 32, could be sidelined until Christmas as he is struggling to recover from Achilles surgery.


• Southampton are lining up a fresh bid of £5.5m for PSV Eindhoven striker Jeremain Lens after having had an offer of £4m turned down by the Dutch club in the summer.


• Former Real Madrid and Barcelona boss Rady Antic is a shock contender to be Blackburn's new boss, while Blackpool's Ian Holloway is also in the frame.

• Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez is an £8m summer transfer target for Italian side Fiorentina.


• Barnsley's Wales international striker Craig Davies, 26, is being tracked by Stoke, Wigan and Leeds.


• John Terry has been hit with another £320,000 fine by Chelsea after finally saying sorry for abusing Anton Ferdinand.

• Defender John Terry, 31, has been told he will be sold by Chelsea if he is ever found guilty of racial abuse again.


• Juventus hope to beat Arsenal to the signature of Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente by offering the 27-year-old a deal which would make him the highest paid player at the Serie A leaders.


• Burnley, Ipswich, Birmingham and Blackpool are tracking Oldham's former Everton forward Jose Baxter.


• Sheffield United are keen on Crystal Palace midfielder Stuart O'Keefe.

• Stuart Pearce and Roy Hodgson will go head to head next summer for Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

• Liverpool hope to take advantage of the breakdown in contract negotiations between Birmingham City and 18-year-old winger Nathan Redmond.


• John Terry will retain the Chelsea captaincy and could lead the side as early as next Tuesday after he finally apologised for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand almost a year ago and announced he would not appeal against the four-match ban handed down by the Football Association.


• Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill will speak to Danny Rose to determine whether he is in the right state of mind to face Newcastle in Sunday's north-east derby after he was racially abused playing for England Under-21s in Serbia on Tuesday.


• Hull City want to sign Stoke's Honduras international Wilson Palacios on an emergency loan.

• John Terry will captain Chelsea in their Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday, just five days after finally offering a qualified apology for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand.


• Roy Hodgson, the England manager, believes that the "dogfight" his team find themselves in simply to secure a place at the 2014 World Cup finals could help, rather than hinder, their chances of surpassing expectations in Brazil.


• Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers also expects to recruit another forward in January to take the pressure off lone striker Luis Suarez.

• Tottenham defender Michael Dawson believes he still has a future at White Hart Lane under Andre Villas-Boas.

• Manchester United are contemplating re-signing Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross but will face competition from Chelsea and Tottenham.

Thursday's round up of the top transfer stories

- Chelsea are considering a January bid for Marseille striker Loic Remy as a possible replacement for Daniel Sturridge, according to the London Evening Standard.



- Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has admitted Radamel Falcao, who has been linked with Chelsea and Manchester City, could leave the club in January should his €60million buy-out clause be met.



- Real Madrid have made the first move in the race to sign Chelsea target Radamel Falcao, according to reports in Spain.



- Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez is a transfer target for Fiorentina.



- Manchester United target Arturo Vidal has quashed suggestions he will leave Juventus and insists he is happy in Turin, according to talkSPORT.



- Corinthians have dismissed reports linking Paulinho with a move to Chelsea, with coach Tite telling Globo Esporte: "I have no idea where this information has come from. We are at an important stage in Corinthians' history and this information will not disrupt us.



"Money doesn't buy everything. It could be a lot of money, but if the player is smart and has ambition like Paulinho does, then money will not be enough."



"Everyone wants him, but that changes nothing."



- Wilfried Zaha, who has been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City, is worth £20million, Crystal Palace co-chairman Steve Parish has told the South London Press.



- Josip Ilicic's agent doubts the Palermo midfielder will leave the club in January and says there has been no contact with Liverpool.



- Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed teenager Suso is on the verge of signing a new, improved contract with the club.



- Manchester City has denied its alleged interest in Sergio Busquets and Cesc Fàbregas after rumours to this effect were echoed by the media.



- Michael Dawson insists he still has a future at Tottenham – despite almost being sold by Andre Villas-Boas this summer.



- AC Milan are ready to battle Arsenal for the services of Montpellier skipper Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, according to talkSPORT.



- Sky Sports understands a host of the Premier League's big guns are tracking Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross.



- Arsenal will make a £15million offer for Spain striker Adrian Lopez when the transfer window re-opens, according to MARCA.



- Mattia Perin's agent claims Manchester City are among the clubs monitoring the progress of the on-loan Pescara goalkeeper.



- Isco is currently under contract at Málaga until June 2016. The Andalusian outfit will only consider selling him if the bidding club covers the player’s buyout clause – which amounts to €21 million.



- The agent of Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has insisted that there has been no contact from Lazio - but has refused to rule out talks with the Italians taking place in the near future.



- Juventus enter race to sign Manchester United winger Nani, according to Dailymail.



- Udinese have secured the future of Giovanni Pasquale after the left-back signed a contract extension to stay at the Serie A club until 2016.



- Midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has declared he is staying put after rumours linked him with a move away from AC Milan.



- Celtic boss Neil Lennon has poured scorn on suggestions Gary Hooper may be on his way to Liverpool as contract talks continue with the striker.