Tuesday's B*l**x (updated)
Posted: Tue Oct 08, 2013 7:50 amTHE BOLLOX
Micah Richards will not plead with Roy Hodgson to pick him for England• Manchester City defender refused Euro 2012 standby chance • Overlooked for next England games but says he would play
Micah Richards says he will not plead with Roy Hodgson to pick him for England, insisting he is not a "charity case". The right-back had already potentially affected his international prospects by refusing to go on the manager's Euro 2012 standby list in favour of answering Stuart Pearce's call to be part of Team GB for the London 2012 Olympics.
Richards's last appearance for England came after Fabio Capello left and Pearce was caretaker manager for the match against Holland in February 2012, and the Manchester City defender has been again passed over for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Montenegro and Poland. However, he is not contemplating any clear-the-air discussions with Hodgson.
"It was one of those where Stuart Pearce asked me to go to the Olympics and not go on standby [for Euro 2012]," Richards claimed. "If I went on standby I might not have made the Olympics and that was one of the highlights of my career. I'm not going to beg for him to pick me, I'm not some sort of charity case. If he needs me I will be there because everyone wants to play for their country."
Asked about playing international football again, the defender added: "I always take it as it comes. I have not been involved for two years. Stuart Pearce gave me a game when he got it, I want to play for my country and I would be happy if I did."
City's James Milner, meanwhile, who played in England's goalless draw in Ukraine in the previous qualifier, is hopeful that if a berth is secured for next summer's tournament i n Brazil, he will be part of the squad. "It's in the back of my mind, of course, but it's not something that I think of constantly because you always want to play well for your club and if you do it consistently you are giving yourself the best chance of playing for your country. Obviously I hope I'll be part of the squad that travels to Brazil."
England go into the final matches leading Group H by a point. "We've put ourselves in a great position and I think if we'd been offered the chance of winning our last two home games to qualify at the start, we'd have taken it," Milner said.
"I've been lucky enough to play in a European Championship and a World Cup before so it would be great to add another major tournament to that list. Playing against Brazil last summer you could see what a great tournament it will be by the atmosphere we sampled during that game [a 2-2 draw at the Maracanã]. The Brazilian people eat, breathe and sleep football and we saw that for ourselves last summer. So it's a World Cup that no one wants to miss."
Milner has started only three of City's seven Premier League games. While not talking directly about how this might affect his England prospects, regular football remains the winger's ambition. "It's not possible to play in every game and there is fierce competition for places," he said. "But I'd obviously like to play more than I have done so far and that is true of any player anywhere.
"I started against Wigan and Aston Villa [and Everton on Saturday] but as long as the team is winning, that's the main thing. I just have to make an impact when I do play and make sure I take my chance, try to play my part and influence games when I have the opportunity. With the amount of games we're playing, everyone is going to have their chances and the nature of football means there will be injuries along the way. I'm sure I'll get plenty of starts and the rest is up to me."
Kompany blow for City
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany looks set to spend four weeks on the sidelines after suffering a thigh injury against Everton on Saturday.
The defender limped off during his side's 3-1 victory and after undergoing scans on Monday, the club confirmed that he had suffered an injury setback but did not specify how long he would be out for.
However, the Belgian national team - whom Kompany was due to link up with ahead of their upcoming matches against Croatia and Wales - has indicated that the 27-year-old will miss almost a month of action.
Should this prove the case, Kompany will not feature in the Citizens' Champions League trip to CSKA Moscow or in their Premier League clash with title rivals Chelsea.
European Clubs Line Up For Manchester City Youngster Abdisalam Ibrahim
Manchester City midfielder Abdisalam Ibrahim is being targeted by a number of top European sides, who all plan on making a January move for the youngster, Sky Sports reports.
The 22-year-old has yet to break into to first team at the Etihad and has been out on loan with Norwegian side Stromsgodset where he has been earning many plaudits for his performances.
He has consistently been compared to former City midfielder Patrick Vieira for his all action displays in the middle of the park and has been crucial in helping Stromsgodset in maintaining their spot at the top of the Tippeligaen with just four games remaining.
Scouts have been flocking in their droves to watch him in action and clubs have been alerted to his possible availability in the January transfer window.
Ibrahim’s loan spell in Norway ends in December and his contract with City is set to follow suit in the summer. City are believed to be willing to let him move on and let him leave on a free in January as he is well behind in Manuel Pellegrini’s midfield pecking order.
The likes of Newcastle, Sevilla, Espanyol, Real Betis, Lyon, Lille, Saint-Etienne, Bordeaux, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are all thought to be keeping tabs on the all-action midfielder, who made two substitute appearances for the Norway Under-21 team as they reached the semi-finals of the European U21 Championship in Israel in the summer.
ONE TO WATCH BOLLOX
Manchester City brought young centerback Jason Denayer to the Etihad this summer from Belgian side Anderlecht.
Since his arrival he has caught eye of many during his time with the Citizens' U21 side where he has made six appearances thus far this season in the U21 English Premier League.
Denayer is also a member of the Belgian U19 National side and has been capped three times by his country.
The 18-year-old is primarily a centerhalf, but can transition to leftback if needed as he has good pace and forward mentality when pushed to the flanks.
Check out his profile video above and look for his name to appear in the coming years as his next step is likely a loan spell or two following this season in the academy.
[youtube]WmruI2zlg7k[/youtube]
Peter Shilton: Joe Hart's got the talent to have last laugh
WHEN he began his long and successful career, Peter Shilton remembers he and his fellow English goalkeepers would laugh at their foreign counterparts because they were so inept. Well, they not laughing any more.
It is open season on England No1 Joe Hart, with his every mistake drawing a peppering of criticism and there is genuine concern about the lack of depth in a position that, for decades, England fielded world-class competitors.
Shilton was one – arguably the finest – of those. He played in three World Cups (though still rues the fact it should have been five) and won a record 125 caps for England.
Shilton, 64, has huge sympathy – and indeed empathy – with what Hart is going through following a succession of high-profile blunders.
He also has concerns there are very few English goalkeepers now playing in the Premier League and so very little competition for Hart. He fears the situation is unlikely to improve unless there is a revamp in the coaching that is offered to our keepers.
When the Premier League started in 1992 there were only two overseas guaranteed first-choice keepers in the division – Peter Schmeichel at Manchester United and Hans Segers at Wimbledon. At five other clubs, a fight was taking place between domestic and overseas rivals. And it was a fight the English keepers were still winning.
David James replaced Bruce Grobbelaar at Liverpool. At Ipswich, Canadian Craig Forrest lost his place to Clive Baker, as did Jan Stejskal to Tony Roberts at Queens Park Rangers. Ian Walker started and finished the season as Spurs’ No1 with Erik Thorstvedt playing the 25 games in between. There was one overseas success, with Mark Bosnich getting the nod ahead of Nigel Spink at Aston Villa.
Eight of the English keepers that season had either played for or went on to play for their country – Spink, Chris Woods, David Seaman, Dave Beasant, Nigel Martyn, Tim Flowers, Walker and James. It was a deep pool.
Fast forward to today and there are only three English keepers in the Premier League who are No1 at their club – Hart at Manchester City, John Ruddy at Norwich and Ben Foster at West Brom. “The standards have risen abroad,” said Shilton. “I remember when I was playing, particularly in the early part of my career, we used to look at foreign keepers and laugh at them sometimes.
“Because they were just line keepers, they never came for crosses and weren’t anywhere near as versatile as us.
“Over the years, standards have risen in Europe. Some foreign managers would prefer a foreign keeper and they all want someone more experienced, rather than taking someone who is relatively inexperienced in such a vital position.
“The two things combined have gradually limited the number of spaces our younger goalkeepers can get in and have a go. It is also not easy with the media exposure – so if a keeper does make a mistake, suddenly it’s everywhere and he is put under more pressure. That has an effect on them.”
Few of the England goalkeepers listed above have become coaches in the Premier League – which is a phenomenal amount of talent to discard. The one exception is Woods, who worked at Everton before his move this season along with David Moyes to Manchester United.
Dave Watson is also highly regarded for his work at Birmingham City with three England keepers – Hart, Foster and Jack Butland – and now at Norwich with Ruddy as well as with the England team.
“Nobody has ever asked me to do any coaching,” said Shilton.
“What I would like to do is be able to go around and work on the technical side with keepers, but people have got their own ideas and coaches have got their own jobs.
“They probably don’t want people going around telling them what to do. I get frustrated. Meanwhile, it’s a problem that Butland cannot get a game in the Premier League.
“But it doesn’t hurt to get experience because whatever level you play at you’ve still got to save shots and come for crosses and be unbeatable.
“He can still be outstanding at Barnsley [he is on loan from Stoke].
“I see a lot of keepers who have got natural ability but suddenly their technique lets them down, they make a few errors and then suddenly they lose a bit of confidence.
“Joe Hart is finding that out now. When he came in he was fresh, confident.
“Everybody expects him every week to be one of the world’s best keepers. When you’re young and still learning your trade, you make mistakes – and then you find that people can quickly change their minds.”
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
James Milner wants to join the party in Rio
JAMES MILNER shudders at the thought of England not being one of the guests at Brazil’s World Cup party next summer.
Manchester City midfielder Milner got a taste of the samba atmosphere when England played in Rio de Janeiro in June and is desperate to ensure he returns by helping Roy Hodgson’s squad secure wins against Montenegro and Poland in their final two qualifiers.
He said: “We have put ourselves in a great position and at the start of the campaign if we had been offered the chance of winning our last two home games to qualify, we’d have taken it.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play in a European Championship and a World Cup before so it would be great to add another major tournament to that list.
“Playing against Brazil last summer you could see what a great tournament it will be by the atmosphere. The Brazilian people eat, breathe and sleep football. So it’s a World Cup that no one wants to miss. It’s in the back of my mind but it’s not something I think of constantly because you always want to play well for your club and, if you do it consistently, you are giving yourself the best chance of playing for your country.”
Milner’s hopes of securing one of the places in the squad could be hampered by his lack of game-time at City. He made only his third start of the season in the win over Everton on Saturday.
He added: “It’s not possible to play in every game and there is fierce competition for places but I’d obviously like to play more than I have done so far and that is true of any player. I just have to make an impact when I do play and make sure I take my chance, try to play my part and influence games. With the amount we’re playing, everyone is going to have their chances and the nature of football means there will be injuries along the way.
“I’m sure I’ll get plenty of starts and the rest is up to me. Obviously, I hope I’ll be part of the England squad that travels to Brazil.”
Milner says City are still adapting to the methods of new boss Manuel Pellegrini and believes it will take time for the four summer signings, Alvaro Negredo, Jesus Navas, Fernandinho and Stevan Jovetic to fully integrate. He said: “We are still getting to know each other and things like that don’t happen overnight.”
Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy admits Joe Hart is still the England number one and believes criticism affects their success
John Ruddy has no doubt Joe Hart is England's number one goalkeeper and believes the level of scrutiny to which the Manchester City stopper has been subjected affects England's chances of success.
Norwich goalkeeper Ruddy is one of two understudies to Hart in the squad, alongside Celtic's uncapped stopper Fraser Forster, for the crucial World Cup qualifiers with Montenegro and Poland as England bid to advance to next summer's tournament in Brazil.
If Sunday's Barclays Premier League match with Chelsea was an opportunity to audition for the number one role, for Ruddy it did not go entirely to plan as Eden Hazard's shot squirmed under his body and he was less than convincing under the high ball, albeit in no small part due to the Norfolk sunshine.
But Ruddy, whose single England appearance to date came in a friendly win over Italy, for now has no pretensions on the England goalkeeper jersey he believes Hart fully deserves.
"Joe's the England number one. Rightly so," Ruddy said.
"The way he's performed over the last few years he's deserved it and he's never let England down.
"I've been in situations before when people are questioning you. It's never nice.
"Without being too patronising, I felt sorry for him.
"He doesn't warrant that sort of attention. He's a top-drawer goalkeeper, one of the best in the world without a shadow of a doubt.
"It's the way the media is - you build people up so far and then chop their legs away when they get too high.
"Unfortunately that's the way the English media goes. Until that stops we might struggle to go anywhere in competitions."
Nevertheless, Ruddy believes Hart, like any top-level goalkeeper, has the mental resilience to put errors behind him.
"Nine times out of 10 a keeper makes a mistake, the ball goes in the back of the net," Ruddy said.
"It's a tough world but every keeper is mentally strong enough to deal with that.
"We're a strange bunch, but you have to be. The self-confidence and self-belief that you have as an individual has to be right up there."
Ruddy insists there are plenty of goalkeepers pushing Hart for his position, should England boss Roy Hodgson opt to change.
The 26-year-old said: "There's plenty of talent around. Joe knows that. Joe sets himself very high standards.
"I'm looking forward to working with him for the rest of the week.
"I'm happy to be involved in the squad and I'm happy to be putting pressure on Joe. He knows there's myself, there's Fraser, there's Ben (Foster), there's Jack (Butland), (and) Robert Green's kept eight clean sheets in a row - you don't do that if you're a bad keeper."
Norwich and England goalkeeping coach Dave Watson could have his work cut out this week, with Hart and Ruddy, who did not have his best day in the 3-1 loss to Chelsea at Carrow Road.
At 1-1, Norwich were pressing forward late on when Chelsea broke from a corner and Hazard pounced on a poor Alex Tettey touch to shoot through Ruddy before Willian capped the triumph.
"I'm obviously disappointed to concede a goal, but it would've been a very good save if I'd have been able to get down to it," Ruddy said.
"He (Hazard) has had the whole goal to aim at and he's put it in the most awkward position for a goalkeeper.
"Looking back I probably would've gone with the leg, but these are split-second decisions you have to make and with the power he put on it it's always going to be difficult to stop it."
Ruddy, who insisted his summer link to Chelsea did not play on his mind, felt Norwich were unfortunate to be beaten, after battling back from conceding inside four minutes to Oscar when Anthony Pilkington levelled.
He said: "We more than matched them for long periods of the game.
"We could've dropped our heads after three minutes, but we never did. We kept on going and gave them a good game.
"We would've been disappointed to come away with a draw, let alone a defeat.
"But (there were) a lot of positives to take from a fantastic performance."
Next for Norwich is Premier League leaders Arsenal, one Chelsea's opponents in a run of seven games in 21 days following the international break.
The Gunners clash comes in the Capital One Cup, with Blues boss Jose Mourinho suggesting he will select an under-21 team due to the proximity of crucial Premier League and Champions League matches.
Right-back Branislav Ivanovic hopes Chelsea can kick on from a promising start to the campaign once action resumes against Cardiff, Schalke and Manchester City.
"When we're back from the national team we have the very tight schedule of games," Ivanovic said.
"I think we have to work very hard to be top, and use all the squad for these kind of games that are coming up for us.
"I think we are (heading) in the right way."
Nasri warned over City form
Manchester City attacking midfielder Samir Nasri could vastly improve if he played a more simple game, according to France manager Didier Deschamps.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Friday's international friendly with Australia, Deschamps praised Nasri's recent displays for City, singling out his performances against Manchester United and Everton.
However, Deschamps also qualified his comments with a few words of advice for the Frenchman.
He said: “[For City] he has been playing in the centre, drifting out wide to the right, where he hasn't stayed for a long time, and on the left as well.
“It's good for him to have made two positive performances where he has made an important contribution. He is hungry and it shows”, he added.
“Let us hope he continues this form by playing a simple game, because when he plays the simple game he is far more effective.”
France are also preparing for their final World Cup qualification match at home to Finland on Tuesday.
Les Bleus are currently level on points at the top of Group I with Spain, who have a game in hand.
The world champions can secure qualification with four points from two remaining home matches against Belarus on Friday and Georgia on Tuesday.
France are at least assured of a spot in the World Cup Qualification play-off round, as they are already beyond the reach of third-placed Finland.
BLOG BOLLOX
Following the recent announcement of the team of eight City Bloggers from around the world who will be writing for us this season, it's time for the next piece courtesy of David Walker - the man behind the excellent Read But Never Red blog.
#ReadButNeverRed has been nominated in the Best Male Category in the Football Blogging Awards @THEFBAs
http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Features/201 ... er-David-2
GOLDEN BOLLOX: 8-10-2010
Carlos Tevez on Barcelona radar as Catalan giants want Manchester City striker to partner countryman Lionel Messi
Barcelona are mulling a January move for Carlos Tevez and hope the lure of playing alongside Lionel Messi could tempt the Manchester City man to the Nou Camp.
The Catalans fear there is no chance City will part with their captain, but have been alerted by the dressing room bust-up at the weekend between Tevez and his boss Roberto Mancini.
Eastlands boss Mancini insists there is no problem with Tevez and insists the clash on the way to a 2-1 win against Newcastle was a positive for the club.
Barca's technical secretary Andoni Zubizarreta has been tasked with identifying attacking targets for January amid fears that the once free-scoring side are a little short up front.
The Catalans have drawn their last two games and have scored fewer goals than the likes of Malaga and Getafe in the Spanish league so far this season.
While Liverpool striker Fernando Torres was a target in the summer, his name appears to be off the agenda now that Messi has been reinvented as a central striker.
Barca want a versatile forward who can play anywhere along the forward three, according to Catalan newspaper El Mundo Deportivo.
Assuming a deal for Tevez proves impossible, the prime candidate would be Ajax's Luis Suarez.
The 23-year-old Uruguay forward has previously interested Chelsea and Tottenham and it seems only a matter of time before he leaves Holland.
Also mentioned as candidates Shakhtar's impressive Brazilian Willian, 22, and Lille's 23-year-old Ivory Coast international Gervinho.
Tevez, meanwhile, says that if he does move, it won't be for a return to his boyhood idols Boca Juniors.
The 26-year-old said recently that he was growing tired of life in Europe and he has previous indicated a swansong at Boca was likely.
But despite problems in his private life, Tevez told Argentine radio: 'If I return to play in Argentina it is going to be worse, with even more pressure.
'The only reason I would return is if my daughter or father requested it of me. If it was up to me, I would not play.
'One gets tired of fighting all the time, and they want some peace. It is draining me more every time.'
Tevez is on international duty with Argentina in Tokyo ahead of Friday's friendly against Japan, but he has been given extra time off by City to visit family in South America before returning to the club next week.
Despite talking of quitting international football after the disappointment of the World Cup, he now has an eye on playing in the Copa America at the end of the season, which many European clubs will hope to persuade their players to miss.
'It would be very difficult to leave (the national team),' he admitted. 'I have a very tough year ahead at City, but I hope to be physically well for the Copa America. I spent a wonderful month with the group in South Africa.'
His idol Diego Maradona has since been removed as Argentina boss and replaced by Sergio Batista, who Tevez believes is doing a great job.
But of Maradona, he said: 'He knows that I love him and will always respect him. Equally I know that he has an important appreciation for me, I have always defended him and I have lived through difficult moments with him.'
But Tevez has said that he would return to his native Argentina if his daughters ever wanted him to.
talkSPORT http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/ ... ghter-asks
Spanish report: Manchester City sign former Barcelona youngster Guy Assulin
Manchester City have reportedly signed former Barcelona starlet Guy Assulin .
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder was one of the most highly rated youngsters at the Nou Camp but only made appearances for the first team this in pre-season friendlies and the Copa del Rey. He moved to Barcelona at the age of 12, and proved his abilities during the 2007/2008 season with Barcelona B, when he scored nine goals in 24 appearances.
However, with little prospect of first-team football this year, Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola let Assulin leave this summer. Manchester City gave him a one-month trial at Eastlands and have now decided to sign Assulin, according to Spanish daily Sport.
Assulin is the youngest ever Israeli international (he made his debut for the national side at 16) and is certainly one for the future for Roberto Mancini. Sport points out that Assulin is expected to play for Manchester City ’s reserve team for now.
GOLDEN WAG OF THE DAY
http://img134.imagevenue.com/img.php?lo ... 1062lo.jpg
Manchester City January transfer targets: Three players to guarantee the title
Iker Casillas – Real Madrid – likely cost: £18m
With every public mistake, the calls to replace Joe Hart in the City goal get louder and louder. The England stopper has endured a torrid 2013, and was almost dropped by Pellegrini for current reserve stopper Costel Pantilimon against Everton at the weekend.
Bizarrely, Casillas, one of the most decorated and celebrated keepers of all time, has lost his first-team place at Real Madrid. Last year under Jose Mourinho, Casillas made way for Diego Lopez, and now under new boss Carlo Ancelotti, Lopez is still getting the nod ahead of his more esteemed compatriot.
City could take advantage of the world-class stopper’s desperation for first-team football, and although Casillas would be loathe to leave his boyhood club, there is no way he will be content to sit on the Spanish giants’ bench for much longer.
Matts Hummels – Borussia Dortmund – likely cost: £32m
If there’s one position City desperately need to strengthen, it’s at centre-half. While club captain Vincent Kompany is undoubtedly one of the best defenders in the world, City look a completely different team when he’s out injured. Unfortunately the powerful Belgian has been prone to knocks this season, and manager Manuel Pellegrini has had to rely on the talented but inexperienced Matija Nastasic, and the combative but slow Joleon Lescott instead.
Hummels is a world-class centre-half and has shone for Borussia Dortmund over the past three seasons alongside Manchester United target Neven Subotic. He would cost huge money, but City are more than capable of shelling out large amounts on proven quality.
The German is still only 24-years-old, and could sit at the heart of City’s defence for the next six or seven years.
Daniele De Rossi – Roma – likely cost: £15m
Huge summer signing Fernandinho has done ‘ok’ for the Sky Blues since his summer arrival, but has by no means lived up to his enormous £35m price-tag. Yaya Toure has been outstanding, bagging four goals already, and many fans would be happy if a top class defensive midfielder was brought in to allow the Ivorian to play further up the field.
De Rossi has played for Roma throughout his career, and has been linked with moves to countless Premier League clubs season after season. Now, aged 30, the former Serie A Player of the Year could finally make the move to a Champions League club.
Roma though are doing brilliantly in Italy this term under new boss Rudi Garcia, and currently top the table following seven wins from their opening seven matches. Their excellent form could persuade the midfielder to stay and try to pick up his maiden Serie A title.
Former Manchester City Striker Robinho Set For AC Milan Exit
Former Manchester City striker Robinho could be on his way out of AC Milan this January as he nears a return to his old club Santos, according to Forza Italian Football.
The 29-year-old was the first signing of the Sheikh Mansour era at Manchester City, though he never truly impressed in his two seasons with the club, eventually returning to Santos for a spell on loan in 2010.
Robinho then enjoyed something of a career revival when he made the move to Serie A with AC Milan, though he has seen his form dip again in the last couple of seasons as he looks a contender to be placed on the transfer list this January.
Santos are ready to bring him back to the club where he started his career and first emerged as a top talent, and it is thought that the Brazilian will be open to an exit from the San Siro after falling down the pecking order at the club behind new signings such as Alessandro Matri.
Robinho has also represented Real Madrid in his career in Europe, which never took off as it looked like it might when he first broke onto the scene as one of the most exciting youngsters in the world.
Manchester United in battle to keep Januzaj from going to Manchester City
THE future of new Manchester United hero Adnan Januzaj dominates the headlines today.
The Belgian’s international future is under scrutiny, with England understood to be keen to see him play for them.
But on the club front, Manchester United are determined not to let Januzaj, 18, leave the club for free.
Januzaj is out of contract at the end of this season and both Manchester City and Juventus are interested, according to the Daily Mirror, but United will offer him a four-year deal worth around £50,000-a-week.
West Ham will offer Ravel Morrison a new contract in January following his superb start to the season. The 20-year-old midfielder has a £19m release clause which the Hammers want to remove to ward off interest. Daily Mirror
Manchester United are favourites to sign 17-year-old Brazilian striker Bruno Gomes from Desportivo Brasil, despite interest from Real Madrid, Udinese and Sao Paulo. Daily Star
Derby County boss Steve McClaren has accepted he will struggle to keep Will Hughes past the January transfer window with Liverpool and Manchester United vying to sign the 18-year-old winger. Daily Express
Tottenham are lining up a move to sign 34-year-old Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo from Juventus. DSSC
Cameroon midfielder Alex Song, 26, would consider a move back to his old club Arsenal, having struggled to cement a place in the Barcelona first team. Daily Star
Arsenal's South Korea striker Park Chu-Young is set to join Championship side Wigan Athletic on loan for the rest of the season. Park, 28, has not started a Premier League game for the Gunners since joining them from French side Monaco in August 2011. Daily Mirror
Schalke remain confident they can keep 20-year-old midfielder Julian Draxler, despite interest from Arsenal and Chelsea. talkSHIT
Manchester United's Brazilian right-back Rafael, 23, says he wants to stay with the Premier League champions, despite being linked with a return to Brazil and a move to Corinthians. Football365.com
Fulham boss Martin Jol is ready to battle Arsenal and Liverpool for highly rated defender Alexander Milosevic, 21, who plays for AIK in Sweden. Daily Express
Manchester United will try to sign 21-year-old attacking midfielder Sergi Roberto from Barcelona in January. Roberto, who has represented Spain at under-21 level, is also wanted by Tottenham. Daily Star
Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj, 18, will not be rushed into a decision over his international future - but he is unlikely to select England. Januzaj has already rejected a chance to play for Belgium. DSSC
Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana, 26, says he remains confident of playing for England and has been inspired by Saints striker Rickie Lambert, 31, gaining international recognition. Sun
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says his sense of smell can predict the different phases of matches before they happen, including when goals are scored. Daily Telegraph
Prince William joined a kickabout before a match between two of England's oldest amateur clubs - Civil Service FC and Polytechnic FC - at Buckingham Palace. The Duke of Cambridge wore a pair of Wayne Rooney's old boots for the occasion. DSSC
MORE BOLLOX SHORTLY
Micah Richards will not plead with Roy Hodgson to pick him for England• Manchester City defender refused Euro 2012 standby chance • Overlooked for next England games but says he would play
Micah Richards says he will not plead with Roy Hodgson to pick him for England, insisting he is not a "charity case". The right-back had already potentially affected his international prospects by refusing to go on the manager's Euro 2012 standby list in favour of answering Stuart Pearce's call to be part of Team GB for the London 2012 Olympics.
Richards's last appearance for England came after Fabio Capello left and Pearce was caretaker manager for the match against Holland in February 2012, and the Manchester City defender has been again passed over for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Montenegro and Poland. However, he is not contemplating any clear-the-air discussions with Hodgson.
"It was one of those where Stuart Pearce asked me to go to the Olympics and not go on standby [for Euro 2012]," Richards claimed. "If I went on standby I might not have made the Olympics and that was one of the highlights of my career. I'm not going to beg for him to pick me, I'm not some sort of charity case. If he needs me I will be there because everyone wants to play for their country."
Asked about playing international football again, the defender added: "I always take it as it comes. I have not been involved for two years. Stuart Pearce gave me a game when he got it, I want to play for my country and I would be happy if I did."
City's James Milner, meanwhile, who played in England's goalless draw in Ukraine in the previous qualifier, is hopeful that if a berth is secured for next summer's tournament i n Brazil, he will be part of the squad. "It's in the back of my mind, of course, but it's not something that I think of constantly because you always want to play well for your club and if you do it consistently you are giving yourself the best chance of playing for your country. Obviously I hope I'll be part of the squad that travels to Brazil."
England go into the final matches leading Group H by a point. "We've put ourselves in a great position and I think if we'd been offered the chance of winning our last two home games to qualify at the start, we'd have taken it," Milner said.
"I've been lucky enough to play in a European Championship and a World Cup before so it would be great to add another major tournament to that list. Playing against Brazil last summer you could see what a great tournament it will be by the atmosphere we sampled during that game [a 2-2 draw at the Maracanã]. The Brazilian people eat, breathe and sleep football and we saw that for ourselves last summer. So it's a World Cup that no one wants to miss."
Milner has started only three of City's seven Premier League games. While not talking directly about how this might affect his England prospects, regular football remains the winger's ambition. "It's not possible to play in every game and there is fierce competition for places," he said. "But I'd obviously like to play more than I have done so far and that is true of any player anywhere.
"I started against Wigan and Aston Villa [and Everton on Saturday] but as long as the team is winning, that's the main thing. I just have to make an impact when I do play and make sure I take my chance, try to play my part and influence games when I have the opportunity. With the amount of games we're playing, everyone is going to have their chances and the nature of football means there will be injuries along the way. I'm sure I'll get plenty of starts and the rest is up to me."
Kompany blow for City
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany looks set to spend four weeks on the sidelines after suffering a thigh injury against Everton on Saturday.
The defender limped off during his side's 3-1 victory and after undergoing scans on Monday, the club confirmed that he had suffered an injury setback but did not specify how long he would be out for.
However, the Belgian national team - whom Kompany was due to link up with ahead of their upcoming matches against Croatia and Wales - has indicated that the 27-year-old will miss almost a month of action.
Should this prove the case, Kompany will not feature in the Citizens' Champions League trip to CSKA Moscow or in their Premier League clash with title rivals Chelsea.
European Clubs Line Up For Manchester City Youngster Abdisalam Ibrahim
Manchester City midfielder Abdisalam Ibrahim is being targeted by a number of top European sides, who all plan on making a January move for the youngster, Sky Sports reports.
The 22-year-old has yet to break into to first team at the Etihad and has been out on loan with Norwegian side Stromsgodset where he has been earning many plaudits for his performances.
He has consistently been compared to former City midfielder Patrick Vieira for his all action displays in the middle of the park and has been crucial in helping Stromsgodset in maintaining their spot at the top of the Tippeligaen with just four games remaining.
Scouts have been flocking in their droves to watch him in action and clubs have been alerted to his possible availability in the January transfer window.
Ibrahim’s loan spell in Norway ends in December and his contract with City is set to follow suit in the summer. City are believed to be willing to let him move on and let him leave on a free in January as he is well behind in Manuel Pellegrini’s midfield pecking order.
The likes of Newcastle, Sevilla, Espanyol, Real Betis, Lyon, Lille, Saint-Etienne, Bordeaux, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are all thought to be keeping tabs on the all-action midfielder, who made two substitute appearances for the Norway Under-21 team as they reached the semi-finals of the European U21 Championship in Israel in the summer.
ONE TO WATCH BOLLOX
Manchester City brought young centerback Jason Denayer to the Etihad this summer from Belgian side Anderlecht.
Since his arrival he has caught eye of many during his time with the Citizens' U21 side where he has made six appearances thus far this season in the U21 English Premier League.
Denayer is also a member of the Belgian U19 National side and has been capped three times by his country.
The 18-year-old is primarily a centerhalf, but can transition to leftback if needed as he has good pace and forward mentality when pushed to the flanks.
Check out his profile video above and look for his name to appear in the coming years as his next step is likely a loan spell or two following this season in the academy.
[youtube]WmruI2zlg7k[/youtube]
Peter Shilton: Joe Hart's got the talent to have last laugh
WHEN he began his long and successful career, Peter Shilton remembers he and his fellow English goalkeepers would laugh at their foreign counterparts because they were so inept. Well, they not laughing any more.
It is open season on England No1 Joe Hart, with his every mistake drawing a peppering of criticism and there is genuine concern about the lack of depth in a position that, for decades, England fielded world-class competitors.
Shilton was one – arguably the finest – of those. He played in three World Cups (though still rues the fact it should have been five) and won a record 125 caps for England.
Shilton, 64, has huge sympathy – and indeed empathy – with what Hart is going through following a succession of high-profile blunders.
He also has concerns there are very few English goalkeepers now playing in the Premier League and so very little competition for Hart. He fears the situation is unlikely to improve unless there is a revamp in the coaching that is offered to our keepers.
When the Premier League started in 1992 there were only two overseas guaranteed first-choice keepers in the division – Peter Schmeichel at Manchester United and Hans Segers at Wimbledon. At five other clubs, a fight was taking place between domestic and overseas rivals. And it was a fight the English keepers were still winning.
David James replaced Bruce Grobbelaar at Liverpool. At Ipswich, Canadian Craig Forrest lost his place to Clive Baker, as did Jan Stejskal to Tony Roberts at Queens Park Rangers. Ian Walker started and finished the season as Spurs’ No1 with Erik Thorstvedt playing the 25 games in between. There was one overseas success, with Mark Bosnich getting the nod ahead of Nigel Spink at Aston Villa.
Eight of the English keepers that season had either played for or went on to play for their country – Spink, Chris Woods, David Seaman, Dave Beasant, Nigel Martyn, Tim Flowers, Walker and James. It was a deep pool.
Fast forward to today and there are only three English keepers in the Premier League who are No1 at their club – Hart at Manchester City, John Ruddy at Norwich and Ben Foster at West Brom. “The standards have risen abroad,” said Shilton. “I remember when I was playing, particularly in the early part of my career, we used to look at foreign keepers and laugh at them sometimes.
“Because they were just line keepers, they never came for crosses and weren’t anywhere near as versatile as us.
“Over the years, standards have risen in Europe. Some foreign managers would prefer a foreign keeper and they all want someone more experienced, rather than taking someone who is relatively inexperienced in such a vital position.
“The two things combined have gradually limited the number of spaces our younger goalkeepers can get in and have a go. It is also not easy with the media exposure – so if a keeper does make a mistake, suddenly it’s everywhere and he is put under more pressure. That has an effect on them.”
Few of the England goalkeepers listed above have become coaches in the Premier League – which is a phenomenal amount of talent to discard. The one exception is Woods, who worked at Everton before his move this season along with David Moyes to Manchester United.
Dave Watson is also highly regarded for his work at Birmingham City with three England keepers – Hart, Foster and Jack Butland – and now at Norwich with Ruddy as well as with the England team.
“Nobody has ever asked me to do any coaching,” said Shilton.
“What I would like to do is be able to go around and work on the technical side with keepers, but people have got their own ideas and coaches have got their own jobs.
“They probably don’t want people going around telling them what to do. I get frustrated. Meanwhile, it’s a problem that Butland cannot get a game in the Premier League.
“But it doesn’t hurt to get experience because whatever level you play at you’ve still got to save shots and come for crosses and be unbeatable.
“He can still be outstanding at Barnsley [he is on loan from Stoke].
“I see a lot of keepers who have got natural ability but suddenly their technique lets them down, they make a few errors and then suddenly they lose a bit of confidence.
“Joe Hart is finding that out now. When he came in he was fresh, confident.
“Everybody expects him every week to be one of the world’s best keepers. When you’re young and still learning your trade, you make mistakes – and then you find that people can quickly change their minds.”
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]James Milner wants to join the party in Rio
JAMES MILNER shudders at the thought of England not being one of the guests at Brazil’s World Cup party next summer.
Manchester City midfielder Milner got a taste of the samba atmosphere when England played in Rio de Janeiro in June and is desperate to ensure he returns by helping Roy Hodgson’s squad secure wins against Montenegro and Poland in their final two qualifiers.
He said: “We have put ourselves in a great position and at the start of the campaign if we had been offered the chance of winning our last two home games to qualify, we’d have taken it.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play in a European Championship and a World Cup before so it would be great to add another major tournament to that list.
“Playing against Brazil last summer you could see what a great tournament it will be by the atmosphere. The Brazilian people eat, breathe and sleep football. So it’s a World Cup that no one wants to miss. It’s in the back of my mind but it’s not something I think of constantly because you always want to play well for your club and, if you do it consistently, you are giving yourself the best chance of playing for your country.”
Milner’s hopes of securing one of the places in the squad could be hampered by his lack of game-time at City. He made only his third start of the season in the win over Everton on Saturday.
He added: “It’s not possible to play in every game and there is fierce competition for places but I’d obviously like to play more than I have done so far and that is true of any player. I just have to make an impact when I do play and make sure I take my chance, try to play my part and influence games. With the amount we’re playing, everyone is going to have their chances and the nature of football means there will be injuries along the way.
“I’m sure I’ll get plenty of starts and the rest is up to me. Obviously, I hope I’ll be part of the England squad that travels to Brazil.”
Milner says City are still adapting to the methods of new boss Manuel Pellegrini and believes it will take time for the four summer signings, Alvaro Negredo, Jesus Navas, Fernandinho and Stevan Jovetic to fully integrate. He said: “We are still getting to know each other and things like that don’t happen overnight.”
Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy admits Joe Hart is still the England number one and believes criticism affects their success
John Ruddy has no doubt Joe Hart is England's number one goalkeeper and believes the level of scrutiny to which the Manchester City stopper has been subjected affects England's chances of success.
Norwich goalkeeper Ruddy is one of two understudies to Hart in the squad, alongside Celtic's uncapped stopper Fraser Forster, for the crucial World Cup qualifiers with Montenegro and Poland as England bid to advance to next summer's tournament in Brazil.
If Sunday's Barclays Premier League match with Chelsea was an opportunity to audition for the number one role, for Ruddy it did not go entirely to plan as Eden Hazard's shot squirmed under his body and he was less than convincing under the high ball, albeit in no small part due to the Norfolk sunshine.
But Ruddy, whose single England appearance to date came in a friendly win over Italy, for now has no pretensions on the England goalkeeper jersey he believes Hart fully deserves.
"Joe's the England number one. Rightly so," Ruddy said.
"The way he's performed over the last few years he's deserved it and he's never let England down.
"I've been in situations before when people are questioning you. It's never nice.
"Without being too patronising, I felt sorry for him.
"He doesn't warrant that sort of attention. He's a top-drawer goalkeeper, one of the best in the world without a shadow of a doubt.
"It's the way the media is - you build people up so far and then chop their legs away when they get too high.
"Unfortunately that's the way the English media goes. Until that stops we might struggle to go anywhere in competitions."
Nevertheless, Ruddy believes Hart, like any top-level goalkeeper, has the mental resilience to put errors behind him.
"Nine times out of 10 a keeper makes a mistake, the ball goes in the back of the net," Ruddy said.
"It's a tough world but every keeper is mentally strong enough to deal with that.
"We're a strange bunch, but you have to be. The self-confidence and self-belief that you have as an individual has to be right up there."
Ruddy insists there are plenty of goalkeepers pushing Hart for his position, should England boss Roy Hodgson opt to change.
The 26-year-old said: "There's plenty of talent around. Joe knows that. Joe sets himself very high standards.
"I'm looking forward to working with him for the rest of the week.
"I'm happy to be involved in the squad and I'm happy to be putting pressure on Joe. He knows there's myself, there's Fraser, there's Ben (Foster), there's Jack (Butland), (and) Robert Green's kept eight clean sheets in a row - you don't do that if you're a bad keeper."
Norwich and England goalkeeping coach Dave Watson could have his work cut out this week, with Hart and Ruddy, who did not have his best day in the 3-1 loss to Chelsea at Carrow Road.
At 1-1, Norwich were pressing forward late on when Chelsea broke from a corner and Hazard pounced on a poor Alex Tettey touch to shoot through Ruddy before Willian capped the triumph.
"I'm obviously disappointed to concede a goal, but it would've been a very good save if I'd have been able to get down to it," Ruddy said.
"He (Hazard) has had the whole goal to aim at and he's put it in the most awkward position for a goalkeeper.
"Looking back I probably would've gone with the leg, but these are split-second decisions you have to make and with the power he put on it it's always going to be difficult to stop it."
Ruddy, who insisted his summer link to Chelsea did not play on his mind, felt Norwich were unfortunate to be beaten, after battling back from conceding inside four minutes to Oscar when Anthony Pilkington levelled.
He said: "We more than matched them for long periods of the game.
"We could've dropped our heads after three minutes, but we never did. We kept on going and gave them a good game.
"We would've been disappointed to come away with a draw, let alone a defeat.
"But (there were) a lot of positives to take from a fantastic performance."
Next for Norwich is Premier League leaders Arsenal, one Chelsea's opponents in a run of seven games in 21 days following the international break.
The Gunners clash comes in the Capital One Cup, with Blues boss Jose Mourinho suggesting he will select an under-21 team due to the proximity of crucial Premier League and Champions League matches.
Right-back Branislav Ivanovic hopes Chelsea can kick on from a promising start to the campaign once action resumes against Cardiff, Schalke and Manchester City.
"When we're back from the national team we have the very tight schedule of games," Ivanovic said.
"I think we have to work very hard to be top, and use all the squad for these kind of games that are coming up for us.
"I think we are (heading) in the right way."
Nasri warned over City form
Manchester City attacking midfielder Samir Nasri could vastly improve if he played a more simple game, according to France manager Didier Deschamps.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Friday's international friendly with Australia, Deschamps praised Nasri's recent displays for City, singling out his performances against Manchester United and Everton.
However, Deschamps also qualified his comments with a few words of advice for the Frenchman.
He said: “[For City] he has been playing in the centre, drifting out wide to the right, where he hasn't stayed for a long time, and on the left as well.
“It's good for him to have made two positive performances where he has made an important contribution. He is hungry and it shows”, he added.
“Let us hope he continues this form by playing a simple game, because when he plays the simple game he is far more effective.”
France are also preparing for their final World Cup qualification match at home to Finland on Tuesday.
Les Bleus are currently level on points at the top of Group I with Spain, who have a game in hand.
The world champions can secure qualification with four points from two remaining home matches against Belarus on Friday and Georgia on Tuesday.
France are at least assured of a spot in the World Cup Qualification play-off round, as they are already beyond the reach of third-placed Finland.
BLOG BOLLOX
Following the recent announcement of the team of eight City Bloggers from around the world who will be writing for us this season, it's time for the next piece courtesy of David Walker - the man behind the excellent Read But Never Red blog.
#ReadButNeverRed has been nominated in the Best Male Category in the Football Blogging Awards @THEFBAs
http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Features/201 ... er-David-2
GOLDEN BOLLOX: 8-10-2010
Carlos Tevez on Barcelona radar as Catalan giants want Manchester City striker to partner countryman Lionel Messi
Barcelona are mulling a January move for Carlos Tevez and hope the lure of playing alongside Lionel Messi could tempt the Manchester City man to the Nou Camp.
The Catalans fear there is no chance City will part with their captain, but have been alerted by the dressing room bust-up at the weekend between Tevez and his boss Roberto Mancini.
Eastlands boss Mancini insists there is no problem with Tevez and insists the clash on the way to a 2-1 win against Newcastle was a positive for the club.
Barca's technical secretary Andoni Zubizarreta has been tasked with identifying attacking targets for January amid fears that the once free-scoring side are a little short up front.
The Catalans have drawn their last two games and have scored fewer goals than the likes of Malaga and Getafe in the Spanish league so far this season.
While Liverpool striker Fernando Torres was a target in the summer, his name appears to be off the agenda now that Messi has been reinvented as a central striker.
Barca want a versatile forward who can play anywhere along the forward three, according to Catalan newspaper El Mundo Deportivo.
Assuming a deal for Tevez proves impossible, the prime candidate would be Ajax's Luis Suarez.
The 23-year-old Uruguay forward has previously interested Chelsea and Tottenham and it seems only a matter of time before he leaves Holland.
Also mentioned as candidates Shakhtar's impressive Brazilian Willian, 22, and Lille's 23-year-old Ivory Coast international Gervinho.
Tevez, meanwhile, says that if he does move, it won't be for a return to his boyhood idols Boca Juniors.
The 26-year-old said recently that he was growing tired of life in Europe and he has previous indicated a swansong at Boca was likely.
But despite problems in his private life, Tevez told Argentine radio: 'If I return to play in Argentina it is going to be worse, with even more pressure.
'The only reason I would return is if my daughter or father requested it of me. If it was up to me, I would not play.
'One gets tired of fighting all the time, and they want some peace. It is draining me more every time.'
Tevez is on international duty with Argentina in Tokyo ahead of Friday's friendly against Japan, but he has been given extra time off by City to visit family in South America before returning to the club next week.
Despite talking of quitting international football after the disappointment of the World Cup, he now has an eye on playing in the Copa America at the end of the season, which many European clubs will hope to persuade their players to miss.
'It would be very difficult to leave (the national team),' he admitted. 'I have a very tough year ahead at City, but I hope to be physically well for the Copa America. I spent a wonderful month with the group in South Africa.'
His idol Diego Maradona has since been removed as Argentina boss and replaced by Sergio Batista, who Tevez believes is doing a great job.
But of Maradona, he said: 'He knows that I love him and will always respect him. Equally I know that he has an important appreciation for me, I have always defended him and I have lived through difficult moments with him.'
But Tevez has said that he would return to his native Argentina if his daughters ever wanted him to.
talkSPORT http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/ ... ghter-asks
Spanish report: Manchester City sign former Barcelona youngster Guy Assulin
Manchester City have reportedly signed former Barcelona starlet Guy Assulin .
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder was one of the most highly rated youngsters at the Nou Camp but only made appearances for the first team this in pre-season friendlies and the Copa del Rey. He moved to Barcelona at the age of 12, and proved his abilities during the 2007/2008 season with Barcelona B, when he scored nine goals in 24 appearances.
However, with little prospect of first-team football this year, Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola let Assulin leave this summer. Manchester City gave him a one-month trial at Eastlands and have now decided to sign Assulin, according to Spanish daily Sport.
Assulin is the youngest ever Israeli international (he made his debut for the national side at 16) and is certainly one for the future for Roberto Mancini. Sport points out that Assulin is expected to play for Manchester City ’s reserve team for now.
GOLDEN WAG OF THE DAY
http://img134.imagevenue.com/img.php?lo ... 1062lo.jpg
Manchester City January transfer targets: Three players to guarantee the title
Iker Casillas – Real Madrid – likely cost: £18m
With every public mistake, the calls to replace Joe Hart in the City goal get louder and louder. The England stopper has endured a torrid 2013, and was almost dropped by Pellegrini for current reserve stopper Costel Pantilimon against Everton at the weekend.
Bizarrely, Casillas, one of the most decorated and celebrated keepers of all time, has lost his first-team place at Real Madrid. Last year under Jose Mourinho, Casillas made way for Diego Lopez, and now under new boss Carlo Ancelotti, Lopez is still getting the nod ahead of his more esteemed compatriot.
City could take advantage of the world-class stopper’s desperation for first-team football, and although Casillas would be loathe to leave his boyhood club, there is no way he will be content to sit on the Spanish giants’ bench for much longer.
Matts Hummels – Borussia Dortmund – likely cost: £32m
If there’s one position City desperately need to strengthen, it’s at centre-half. While club captain Vincent Kompany is undoubtedly one of the best defenders in the world, City look a completely different team when he’s out injured. Unfortunately the powerful Belgian has been prone to knocks this season, and manager Manuel Pellegrini has had to rely on the talented but inexperienced Matija Nastasic, and the combative but slow Joleon Lescott instead.
Hummels is a world-class centre-half and has shone for Borussia Dortmund over the past three seasons alongside Manchester United target Neven Subotic. He would cost huge money, but City are more than capable of shelling out large amounts on proven quality.
The German is still only 24-years-old, and could sit at the heart of City’s defence for the next six or seven years.
Daniele De Rossi – Roma – likely cost: £15m
Huge summer signing Fernandinho has done ‘ok’ for the Sky Blues since his summer arrival, but has by no means lived up to his enormous £35m price-tag. Yaya Toure has been outstanding, bagging four goals already, and many fans would be happy if a top class defensive midfielder was brought in to allow the Ivorian to play further up the field.
De Rossi has played for Roma throughout his career, and has been linked with moves to countless Premier League clubs season after season. Now, aged 30, the former Serie A Player of the Year could finally make the move to a Champions League club.
Roma though are doing brilliantly in Italy this term under new boss Rudi Garcia, and currently top the table following seven wins from their opening seven matches. Their excellent form could persuade the midfielder to stay and try to pick up his maiden Serie A title.
Former Manchester City Striker Robinho Set For AC Milan Exit
Former Manchester City striker Robinho could be on his way out of AC Milan this January as he nears a return to his old club Santos, according to Forza Italian Football.
The 29-year-old was the first signing of the Sheikh Mansour era at Manchester City, though he never truly impressed in his two seasons with the club, eventually returning to Santos for a spell on loan in 2010.
Robinho then enjoyed something of a career revival when he made the move to Serie A with AC Milan, though he has seen his form dip again in the last couple of seasons as he looks a contender to be placed on the transfer list this January.
Santos are ready to bring him back to the club where he started his career and first emerged as a top talent, and it is thought that the Brazilian will be open to an exit from the San Siro after falling down the pecking order at the club behind new signings such as Alessandro Matri.
Robinho has also represented Real Madrid in his career in Europe, which never took off as it looked like it might when he first broke onto the scene as one of the most exciting youngsters in the world.
Manchester United in battle to keep Januzaj from going to Manchester City
THE future of new Manchester United hero Adnan Januzaj dominates the headlines today.
The Belgian’s international future is under scrutiny, with England understood to be keen to see him play for them.
But on the club front, Manchester United are determined not to let Januzaj, 18, leave the club for free.
Januzaj is out of contract at the end of this season and both Manchester City and Juventus are interested, according to the Daily Mirror, but United will offer him a four-year deal worth around £50,000-a-week.
West Ham will offer Ravel Morrison a new contract in January following his superb start to the season. The 20-year-old midfielder has a £19m release clause which the Hammers want to remove to ward off interest. Daily Mirror
Manchester United are favourites to sign 17-year-old Brazilian striker Bruno Gomes from Desportivo Brasil, despite interest from Real Madrid, Udinese and Sao Paulo. Daily Star
Derby County boss Steve McClaren has accepted he will struggle to keep Will Hughes past the January transfer window with Liverpool and Manchester United vying to sign the 18-year-old winger. Daily Express
Tottenham are lining up a move to sign 34-year-old Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo from Juventus. DSSC
Cameroon midfielder Alex Song, 26, would consider a move back to his old club Arsenal, having struggled to cement a place in the Barcelona first team. Daily Star
Arsenal's South Korea striker Park Chu-Young is set to join Championship side Wigan Athletic on loan for the rest of the season. Park, 28, has not started a Premier League game for the Gunners since joining them from French side Monaco in August 2011. Daily Mirror
Schalke remain confident they can keep 20-year-old midfielder Julian Draxler, despite interest from Arsenal and Chelsea. talkSHIT
Manchester United's Brazilian right-back Rafael, 23, says he wants to stay with the Premier League champions, despite being linked with a return to Brazil and a move to Corinthians. Football365.com
Fulham boss Martin Jol is ready to battle Arsenal and Liverpool for highly rated defender Alexander Milosevic, 21, who plays for AIK in Sweden. Daily Express
Manchester United will try to sign 21-year-old attacking midfielder Sergi Roberto from Barcelona in January. Roberto, who has represented Spain at under-21 level, is also wanted by Tottenham. Daily Star
Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj, 18, will not be rushed into a decision over his international future - but he is unlikely to select England. Januzaj has already rejected a chance to play for Belgium. DSSC
Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana, 26, says he remains confident of playing for England and has been inspired by Saints striker Rickie Lambert, 31, gaining international recognition. Sun
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says his sense of smell can predict the different phases of matches before they happen, including when goals are scored. Daily Telegraph
Prince William joined a kickabout before a match between two of England's oldest amateur clubs - Civil Service FC and Polytechnic FC - at Buckingham Palace. The Duke of Cambridge wore a pair of Wayne Rooney's old boots for the occasion. DSSC
MORE BOLLOX SHORTLY