Chelsea eye Kaka & Messi

Chelsea will reportedly demand AC Milan midfielder Kaka or Barcelona forward Lionel Messi as a direct summer replacement for Didier Drogba.
Blues boss Avram Grant and the Stamford Bridge hierarchy have run out of patience with the unsettled Ivory Coast international's public posturing over his future, according to the Daily Mirror.
Chelsea feel that Barcelona and AC Milan are the two most likely suitors for the former Marseille striker, who has spoken of his desire to join either club.
Drogba is valued at £40million by Chelsea and any possible swap deal would illustrate the club's determination to drive the hardest possible bargain.
Kaka and Messi represent the "fantasy" footballers that Roman Abramovich wants to bring to Stamford Bridge.
Over the last two summers AC Milan have resisted Real Madrid's attempts to snap up Kaka, however their signing of Brazilian boy wonder Pato could open the door to a potential deal.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta, however, would be more reluctant to let Messi leave the Nou Camp.

Deco's Future at Barca Uncertain

Deco has revealed that he will decide his future at Barcelona at the end of the season, but hinted that the pressure of the media could drive him out.
The Portuguese midfielder has been at the centre of allegations that that he is one of Edmilson's 'black sheep' and that he was not injured when left out of the team recently.
Reports such as those have dismayed the player, who was an integral part of the Blaugrana side that won two consecutive league titles and the UEFA Champions League.
Recent stories have quoted him as saying that he would like to go to England, with Manchester United being his preferred destination, but he was not willing to expand on these rumours.
"I do not want to speak about my future because I have a contract (until 2010), but some things are changing," he said.
"Right now I do not want to think about this because we are playing for the league and have many things to win.
"At the end of the season I will decide upon my future.
"Football has changed a lot and the good and the bad come and go very quickly. With so much news every day there are too many people talking about the game.
"In the end though, it is the fans that count and I have to thank them for being great."
Deco was delighted to hear the crowd chant his name as he came on as a substitute during Barca's Copa del Rey encounter in midweek against Sevilla.
"I have always said that the support people give you is the best thing I can say about the club," he continued.
"That is what is most important and it is what motivates me to carry on working until my last day here.
"People respect me. The fans are great and have been like that since I joined and that makes me proud because this is a huge club with so many great players."

Pele calls for patience over Alexandre Pato

Alexandre Pato Pele

Brazil legend Pele has asked fans to be patient with AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato.
The former Internacional forward scored his first goal for the Rossoneri last weekend in their 5-2 thrashing of Napoli and the press have hailed the arrival of a new star.
Pele believes the 18-year-old has all the attributes to become the next Brazilian superstar, but insisted it would not happen overnight.
"He is above average. We have to be patient as he has a long way to go to prove his ability," the former Santos idol told Jovem Pam radio network.
"The press have put a lot of pressure on him because he scored the other day, but in the future he is going to be marked harder."
Tostao, Pele's team-mate in Brazil's 1970 World Cup-winning side, added: "Not even Pele was so celebrated in his early years.
"We have to be careful as Pato is being treated as a star before he has played more than 30 matches in his career or been called into the national squad."

AC Milan crash out of the Coppa Italia

AC Milan crashed out of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday night after a 1-1 draw at Catania.
The Rossoneri lost the home leg 2-1 and were unable to overcome the deficit in Sicily.
Juan Vargas put the home side ahead but substitute Alberto Paloschi levelled for a much-changed Milan side midway through the second half.
Both sides finished with 10 men, Catania's Andrea Sottil and Milan's Gennaro Gattuso seeing red. Gattuso had only been on the pitch for three minutes after coming on as a 75th-minute substitute.
Catania will now play Udinese, who advanced thanks to Floro Flores's stoppage-time goal against Palermo.
The 1-0 win carried Udinese through after a goalless first leg.
Roma also made the quarter-finals after overturning a 3-1 first-leg deficit against Torino.
The Giallorossi won the return 4-0 thanks to four goals in the final half hour from Amantino Mancini, Francesco Totti (two) and Ludovic Giuly.
Sampdoria also won 4-0 to dump out Cagliari and set up a clash against Roma.
The Genoa-club, who lost the first game 1-0, were rampant with Emiliano Bonazzoli scored twice with Luigi Sala and Angelo Palombo also netting.
Fiorentina beat Ascoli 2-0 to complete a 3-1 aggregate success. Giampaolo Pazzini grabbed both goals for the Viola.
Juventus beat Empoli on Tuesday night while, on Thursday, Internazionale meet Reggina and Lazio go to Napoli

We'll never give up on Ronaldo - Real Madrid

Real Madrid say they'll never give up trying to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United.
The rumour mill linking the Portuguese superstar with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu has been in full swing for the last year.
And some reports last week claimed the Spanish giants were willing to splash out a world-record £50million to land him in the summer.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has described the constant speculation as "nonsense", while chief executive David Gill says the club have no intention of selling their star player.
But Real's sporting director Predrag Mijatovic clearly isn't put off by those statements.
He told The Sun: "Ronaldo is an exceptional footballer and, although we know signing a player like that is very complicated, we will just have to keep working on it.
"If one day a chance opens up, then we will be there trying to sign him. He'd grace any team in the world."
Ronaldo has been in stunning form for United this season, and currently tops the Premier League scoring charts with 16 goals in just 17 starts.

Drogba wants Barca move

Wantaway Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has urged Barcelona to "get their chequebook out" after revealing his dream of partnering Samuel Eto'o.
Nicolas Anelka's £15million arrival at Stamford Bridge has cast doubts over the long-term future of Drogba at Chelsea.
And Barcelona are believed to be admirers of Drogba, who is currently preparing for the African Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast, after the forward hinted could be interested in a move to Spain.
But Drogba, who scored 20 Premier League goals last season, recognises that Barca would have to pay top price to gain his services.
"Any striker in my situation would say they'd be really happy to get the chance to play alongside Samuel," Drogba told the Daily Express.
"I don't see why it should not happen. It would be something exceptional. But Barcelona would need to get their chequebook out to make it happen.
"The things I love about Samuel are his pace, his instinct for goals, his running and simply the fact he is indispensable to Barcelona."
Cameroon international Eto'o has also confessed an interest in striking up a partnership with Drogba and has revealed he nearly moved to Chelsea after holding secret talks with former Blues boss Jose Mourinho.

Image Edited By Mohsin
"I don't see why both of us can't play for the same side," Eto'o added. "Just imagine what a team containing Didier and me would be like.
"I came to London to meet Mourinho in a hotel. We had a good, long discussion but we did not manage to reach an agreement.
"There are sometimes things that you can't explain too much. It was a while ago. But Didier was aware of everything that went on."

Chelsea sign Ivanovic

Branislav Ivanovic's arrival at Chelsea will inevitably put the spotlight back on the future of Israeli defender Tal Ben-Haim.
Ivanovic completed his move to Chelsea by signing a three-and-a-half year deal to become the second new arrival at Stamford Bridge during the current transfer window.
The former Lokomotiv Moscow defender follows the acquisition of Nicolas Anelka from Bolton for £15million last week.
Chelsea are thought to have paid around £9million for the 23-year-old Serbia international who is relishing the chance to play in the Barclays Premier League with the Blues.
Ivanovic said: "It is the dream of every footballer to want to move on and improve yourself - and the ultimate is to play for such a big team as this."
The defender is a versatile addition to Chelsea's squad as he can play right-back, centre-back or as defensive midfielder.
But that versatility will renew speculation that Ben-Haim will be leaving Chelsea with Tottenham now favourites to land the player.
Ben-Haim joined Chelsea last summer but has so far failed to shine during his time at the club.
Chelsea have often looked most vulnerable when Ben-Haim has been involved in the centre of defence and his tactical awareness at the top level has been found wanting on a number of occasions.
Tottenham coach Juande Ramos is determined to strengthen a defence that has leaked goals all season.
Ramos has been boosted by the return to fitness of captain Ledley King but the form of Michael Dawson has been inconsistent and the Spurs coach wants to eradicate the weaknesses in his rearguard.
Ben-Haim would coast around £8 million and his sale would allow Chelsea to recoup almost the entire fee paid for Ivanovic.
Ivanovic's signing is another clever piece of business by Grant. The defender began his career in Serbia with Sremska Mitrovica before moving to Belgrade to play for OFK Beograd where he remained for three seasons.
He signed for Lokomotiv in the summer of 2006 and appeared for the Russian side in this season's UEFA Cup.
A star of Serbia's under-21 side in both the 2006 and 2007 European Championships, Ivanovic was voted into last summer's UEFA team of the tournament, and has successfully graduated into a regular for the full national side.
He made his full debut in June 2006, and is now a regular in the Serbian line-up alongside Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic. He has nine caps and has scored once.

Kevin Keegan's Amazing Return

Kevin Keegan has sensationally returned to Newcastle as the club's manager, saying he is "delighted to be back".
Eleven years after ending his first spell in charge Keegan has returned to St James' Park as Sam Allardyce's successor, signing a three-and-a-half year contract.
Ashley and chairman Chris Mort found themselves under fire at the weekend as it emerged that Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp had withdrawn for the race to succeed Allardyce.
However, the pair gave the fans what they wanted when they appointed a man who achieved legendary status both as a player and as a manager during his previous spells with the club.
They did so under cover of an extensive smokescreen which had seen a bewildering list of names linked with the post as they cast their net far and wide.
The Magpies confirmed Keegan's appointment shortly before 4.30pm on Wednesday afternoon.
And speaking after his return was announced, the former England boss told Sky Sports News: "It's nice to be home. I'm delighted to be back."
And Mort added: "I think we've got the right man in the end.
"We didn't think we'd be able to get Kevin back to the club but he's the right man and we're absolutely delighted."
Joyous Magpies fans will now wonder if their other long-held wish, Alan Shearer's addition to the management team, will also become a reality.
And the former England boss admitted he would be "foolish" not to speak to Keegan if he wants him to be his assistant manager.
When asked if he would consider becoming Keegan's No 2, Shearer told the BBC: "First and foremost I'm not sure he has even thought about it - he probably wouldn't have had time.
"He is his own man and will make his own decisions.
"But it is my club. If he was to ring up and ask to speak to me, I would speak to him...I would be foolish not to."
He did, though, admit: "I haven't really seen myself as a number two."
The response of the Newcastle fans was immediate as lengthy queues formed at the St James' ticket office ahead of the FA Cup third-round replay against Stoke, causing kick-off to be delayed by 15 minutes.
The joy at Keegan's arrival is understandable - his arrival as a player in 1982 helped to rejuvenate the club's fortunes on the field, where they won promotion to the top flight in his second season.
As he was unveiled, then club secretary Russell Cushing famously said: "We're in heaven, we've got Kevin."
Keegan's iconic departure from St James' by helicopter after his final game - a match which saw a young Shearer take his place among the ball boys - apparently signalled the end of an era.
But eight years later, Sir John Hall staged a major coup to hand the former England international his first job in management and spark one of the most remarkable periods in the club's history.
Backed by Hall's millions, he put together a side which thrilled audiences far beyond Tyneside and went desperately close to lifting the league title for the first time since 1927 at the end of the 1995-96 season, only to be overhauled by Manchester United.
The longed-for trophy, however, never arrived - indeed, the wait goes on - and Keegan finally called it a day in January 1997 for reasons which have remained largely private ever since.
He now faces the task of assembling a backroom team, but perhaps more importantly, strengthening a depleted squad during the remaining two weeks of the transfer window to ensure that the club is not sucked into the fight against relegation from the Barclays Premier League.
But as he embarks on that task, he looks to have the backing of the players.
Goalkeeper Shay Given hailed his return as "a dream come true".
Speaking after playing in the 4-1 win over Stoke, Given described the moment he learned of Keegan's appointment.
"The hairs stood up on the back of my neck," he said on Sky Sports News.
"It gave everyone a huge lift.
"You dream like the fans dream that Kevin Keegan would come back and maybe Alan (Shearer) would come back as well.
"But until it was announced, you thought it was just a dream.
"Everyone's pinching themselves around the north east. The dream's come true.
"Kevin Keegan has a lot of work to do with the squad and the team but hopefully there are exciting times ahead.
"We hope to get back to where we were the last time (he was in charge). He nearly won the league.
"Everyone remembers the entertaining football we used to play under Kevin Keegan. Hopefully we can do that and get the right results as well."

Maniche set to join Inter Milan

Portuguese international Maniche will undergo a medical at Internazionale on Monday before completing his move from Atletico Madrid.
The 30-year-old will boost a Nerazzurri midfield weakened by several injuries.
"Tomorrow (Monday) Maniche will undergo a medical, he will then speak to (coach Roberto) Mancini before signing his contract," said Inter club executive Gabriele Oriali.
Inter are seven points clear of Roma in Serie A after winning 3-2 at Siena on Sunday.
Mancini's team also face Liverpool in the knockout stage of the Champions League next month.

Ronaldo : No need to rest me

Cristiano Ronaldo has said he does not need a rest as he looks to continue his red-hot form for Manchester United.
The Portuguese winger scored his first hat-trick for the club in Saturday's 6-0 win over Newcastle to take his tally for the campaign to 22 goals.
This time last season, though, Ronaldo was enjoying the Dubai sunshine after being given a mid-term break by manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
However, the reigning Footballer of the Year has no intention of putting his feet up this month as he aims to maintain his scoring streak.
Ronaldo said in the Daily Mirror: "This time last season the boss gave me a break for four or five days.
"But people who know me will know that all I want to do is play. I just want to play, score goals, make assists and do good things for the team.
"I'm enjoying staying here in Manchester. There isn't much sun at the moment, but it's not a problem. The weather is not the most important thing.
"I had a great season in 2007 and played really well. I scored a lot of goals, made a few goals and it was a wonderful season for me.
"But this season I'm at the same level. I've scored quite a few goals, played at a good level and the important thing is to keep going like that. I want to learn more and play more.
"I want to score as many goals as I can. I have many opportunities to score because my team-mates make good passes and because there are so many games, not just the Premier League but Champions League and FA Cup."

Rafa has no intentions of leaving Liverpool - Agent

Rafael Benitez has no intention of walking out of Liverpool in the wake of the latest revelations about his job, according to agent Manuel Garcia Quillon.
Reds co-owner Tom Hicks has admitted attempting to line up Jurgen Klinsmann as the club's next manager, claiming it was "an insurance policy" should Benitez leave.
The move has been condemned in some quarters as having undermined the Spaniard.
Coupled with his high-profile fall-out with Hicks and co-owner George Gillett at the end of last year, it has cast further doubt over Benitez's long-term future at Anfield.
But Quillon insists his desire to remain at the club is undiminished.
He told The Times: "Rafa wants to stay at Liverpool. He is happy with the club, with the supporters and with the city. He does not want to leave."
Kop legend Ian Rush was one of those to question the club's American owners, and fears they are in danger of turning Liverpool into a laughing stock.
Rush accused the American tycoons of undermining the great traditions at Anfield after they admitted lining up Klinsmann to replace Benitez.
"Now people are going to say the club is a laughing stock," said Rush, who scored a record 346 goals in 640 Liverpool appearances.
He added in The Sun: "In many ways, you can understand that because this is not the way Liverpool normally do things.
"The tradition of the club - and the very thing that has made them so hugely respected throughout the world - is to do everything in-house, not out in the open like this.
"Look at Newcastle - we certainly don't want to get like that. That's just change for the sake of it. With Harry Redknapp turning them down, it's just going to drag on and on. That doesn't help anyone.
"Now we all know that in football these days there's only one winner - the owners.
"But admitting that Klinsmann was approached is poor timing and puts a lot more pressure on Rafa.
"It's not just upsetting for Rafa but for the players and the fans as well. Everything seemed to be dying down a bit but now it's all been blown up again."

Zambrotta happy at Nou Camp

Barcelona full-back Gianluca Zambrotta insists he is not thinking about leaving the Nou Camp.
The 30-year-old World Cup winner has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract with the Catalan club and is not interested in fuelling speculation that he could be on his way to AC Milan.
"I am just thinking about helping the team and winning as many titles as possible," the Italian told the club's official website.
"I have a contract here until 2010 and I feel fine at this club and don't want to think about what might happen in the future."
The speculation linking Zambrotta with Milan gathered pace after Rossoneri president Silvio Berlusconi revealed the club were looking to sign an experienced defender in the winter transfer window.
"Perhaps we will sign an experienced defender," said Berlusconi on the club's official website.
"Considering the age of some of our players, our defensive line will be reinforced."

Andorra first for England

England will begin their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign against part-time Andorra in September.
After a marathon eight-hour meeting in Zagreb, new manager Fabio Capello emerged reasonably happy with a fixture list in which his main aim - securing two September clashes with Euro 2008 nemesis Croatia - was achieved.
Capello will return to Zagreb to face Slaven Bilic's men immediately after the Andorra game on September 10 this year, with the return encounter at Wembley 12 months later.
England will conclude their campaign on home soil against Belarus on October 14, 2009, four days after a trip to Kiev to face Ukraine.
While the arduous eight-hour flight to Kazakhstan will be undertaken in June, not an ideal time from the FA's perspective, a hoped-for evening kick-off should negate the effects of the sweltering heat while a Wembley clash with Andorra the following Wednesday should not be too taxing for a team showing any ill-effects from the journey.
Given the impasse at the start of the meeting, it is a surprise an agreement on fixtures was reached.
At one point, the smaller teams in the group suggested there was no chance of a resolution until England, Croatia and Ukraine sorted out their differences.
In the end though, Capello had got what he wanted and was happy to let the other five nations in the group sort out the finer details themselves.
"We are reasonably pleased with how it worked out," said FA director of football development Sir Trevor Brooking, who accompanied Capello into the meeting.
"He wanted Croatia twice in September - he was really relaxed about whether we were home or away.
"It has worked out quite nicely that we have a free Saturday before the home game. He also wanted to start with Andorra.
"The two summer games weren't quite as bad as normal. It is unfortunate we are not involved in the tournament coming up, so players will have a long rest this summer. He just felt it was an opportunity to get them away for a period of time.
"We have to make sure we get an evening kick-off for the Kazakhstan game but if you are going to have to play two matches in June, they are the ones you would have chosen."
England Fixtures :
Andorra (a), Saturday September 6 2008
Croatia (a), Wednesday September 10 2008
Kazakhstan (h), Saturday October 11 2008
Belarus (a), Wednesday October 15 2008
Ukraine (h), Wednesday April 1 2009
Kazakhstan (a), Saturday June 6 2009
Andorra (h), Wednesday June 10 2009
Croatia (h), Wednesday September 9 2009
Ukraine (a), Saturday October 10 2009
Belarus (h), Wednesday October 14 2009

Wenger reveals Becks Bid

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed he tried to sign David Beckham in 2004.
The former England captain joined Real Madrid from Manchester United back in the summer of 2003, but his first season in La Liga did not go to plan.
With Beckham struggling in Spain, Wenger spoke to the midfielder's representatives about a possible move back to the Premier League.
However Beckham opted to remain at the Bernabeu, a decision that was vindicated when he helped them win the title in the 2006/07 campaign - his final season with the club before linking up with LA Galaxy.
"David almost came to Arsenal a couple of years ago when things did not go too well during his first season with Real," Wenger told the Daily Express.
"I even met the people who took care of his career, but in the end, David decided to remain at Real."
Beckham is currently training with Arsenal in a bid to maintain his fitness ahead of England's upcoming friendly against Switzerland, although Wenger has already ruled out a loan switch

Chelsea wait for Terry's scan

Chelsea were today waiting for results of a scan on John Terry's injured foot which will determine whether their inspirational captain can step up his rehabilitation as planned.
Terry is hoping he will be given the all clear to increase his training workload with a view to returning to first team action inside three weeks.
Terry's foot has been encased in a protective boot since suffering three fractures as a result of a tackle from Arsenal's Emmanuel Eboue last month.
But the injury has healed well and Terry is now ready to make another significant step towards full fitness.
Terry said: "I have got rid of the crutches now. I am still in a big boot to support the ankle and the foot but the bones have healed and it is just to support it a bit when I stand.
"I am doing a lot of rehab in the pool as well as walking and light jogging and, fingers crossed, I will be about two or three weeks.

"It has been quite frustrating because when the doctors told me the bones had healed, naturally I thought I could go out there and train but it is not as simple as that.
"It was a case of waiting another week. I had been in a cast for three weeks and the foot hasn't moved so it has got to start mobilising again. All the joints and ligaments were tight and we needed to loosen them."

Laursen wants Villa stay

Martin Laursen has spelt out his desire to remain at Aston Villa as the central defender prepares for further contract talks with the midlands club.
The Denmark international is out of contract in the summer and could leave on a Bosman transfer.
But the former AC Milan player has indicated a desire to stay if his "reasonable" demands are deemed acceptable by Villa.
Laursen has convinced Villa manager Martin O'Neill of his fitness by being an ever present in the Barclays Premier League this season after three years of knee problems.
And he again proved his worth as an attacking threat by scoring his sixth goal of the campaign during Saturday's 3-1 win over Reading at Villa Park.
The 30-year-old said: "There is going to be a meeting in the middle of next week and we will see what that will bring. But it is not a secret that I like it here.
"I would like to stay at Villa. I feel settled outside the pitch as well. I really enjoy staying here and have a good relationship with the manager and everyone around the club.
"I think we have a very good team and I would like to stay so hopefully we can find some kind of agreement.
"Is it close to happening? I have an agent that takes care of all of that. I only want to play well and concentrate on my football.
"We have had a meeting about what we think is reasonable, what we think I should have, but I will leave that to the club and my agent."
O'Neill confirmed he would continue to play another defender in Olof Mellberg even if he signs a pre-contract with Juventus.
He said: "I'd be quite happy to play Olof if he signs a pre-contract. He is well aware he is in his last season but the commitment is there every single week."

Saturday Night Action, 12th January 2008

Man Utd 6 Newcastle 0
Arsenal 1 Birmingham 1
Chelsea 2 Tottenham 0
Everton 1 Man City 0
Middlesbrough 1 Liverpool 1
Aston Villa 3 Reading 1
West Ham 2 Fulham 1
Derby 0 Wigan 1

Hicks Confirms Klinsmann Talks

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has cast more doubt over Rafa Benitez's future at Anfield after confirming the club lined up a move for Jurgen Klinsmann before the German moved to Bayern Munich.
Benitez's position at Liverpool has been the subject of virtually constant speculation ever since his row with Hicks and fellow co-owner George Gillett.
During that time, Klinsmann was strongly linked with a move to Liverpool with the American pair believed to be big admirers of the former Germany coach.
And Hicks has now sensationally admitted that the tried to negotiate an option to bring the former Tottenham hero to Anfield as a replacement for Benitez.
He told the Liverpool Echo: "We attempted to negotiate an option, as an insurance policy, to have him become manager if Rafa left for Real Madrid or other clubs that were rumoured in the UK press."
"Or in case our communication spiralled out of control for some reason."
Benitez has played down the rumours over his future saying he is happy at Anfield, but Hicks' comments could see the Spaniard's position become untenable.
Hicks does, however, insist Benitez does now have his full support.
He added: "After George and I had our long and productive meeting with Rafa following the Man United match, we put all of our issues behind us and received Rafa's commitment that he wanted to stay with Liverpool.
"We never reached agreement on an option with Jurgen, and we are both pleased for him that he has a great opportunity to return to Germany and coach a great club team.
"Rafa has both of our support, and our communication has greatly improved."