Arsenal and Liverpool battle for Iker Casillas

By Danny Griffiths, Metro's Chief Sports Writer.

Arsenal are considering a summer plunge for out-of-favour Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

The Spain international is no longer first choice at the Bernabeu having lost his place to January newcomer Diego Lopez.

Casillas may find his situation changes at the end of the season if manager Jose Mourinho leaves the Champions League quarter-finalists.

But the Gunners are still believed to be excited about the prospect of signing such a dependable, experienced No.1 after troubles this season with and, to a lesser extent, Lukasz Fabianski.

Liverpool are also interested in Casillas, according to sources in Spain, and it is believed he is open to a move to the Premier League.

Arsenal have also been linked with moves for Swansea goalkeeper Michael Vorm and Liverpool shot-stopper Pepe Reina, with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger urgently desiring an update at the critical position between the post.

Hulk tops Chelsea's shopping list as Mourinho agrees to come back

By David Woods, StarSport editor.

JOSE MOURINHO has already drawn up a transfer shopping list for Chelsea – with striker Hulk at the top of it.

Mourinho has agreed to go back to Stamford Bridge this summer following talks between his agent Jorge Mendes, and Blues owner Roman Abramovich and his advisers.

And the pursuit of Hulk does not bode well for the future of £50m Fernando Torres, especially if the London club also win the race to sign Colombian hotshot Falcao from Atletico Madrid.

Real Madrid boss Mourinho sees Hulk – full name Givanildo Vieira de Souza – as the sort of powerful hitman who can have the same major impact as Didier Drogba did under the Portuguese coach at Chelsea.

Starsport has confirmed Mourinho has verbally agreed his Stamford Bridge comeback on a salary understood to match the £12m a year he is paid in Spain.

He is expected to resign his Bernabeu position at the end of the season, with his dream scenario to quit after winning the Champions League at Wembley on May 25.

He made a similar dramatic exit following success in Europe’s top club competition with Porto in 2004 and Inter three years ago.

Mourinho will want a major shakeup at Chelsea, including the axing of Michael Emenalo, the technical director of football at the club, and control over transfer ins and outs.

Although Hulk only joined Zenit St Petersburg for £42m in September, Abramovich has close connections with the Russian club.

Zenit owners Gazprom paid Abramovich and his business partner £6.5b for their stake in the Sibneft oil company.

And Mourinho knows all about 26-year-old Hulk from the hitman’s time in Portugal with Vitoria – from 2004-06 – and Porto, 2008-12.

Reports in Spain yesterday suggested Mendes was in London “during the past week” to meet with Chelsea, who agreed to offer Mourinho a three-year deal and total independence to choose who he wants in the transfer market.

But the Stamford Bridge club want a defi nitive answer on his future by June 1 at the very latest.

Real Madrid lodge £90 bids for Bale and Aguero

Madrid chiefs are looking into the possibility of signing Bale after Gonzalo Higuain yesterday fuelled further speculation linking him with a move away from the club.

The Spanish giants are also interested in bringing former Atletico Madrid ace Aguero back to Spain - and they could offer up to £40million for the Manchester City frontman.

Spanish website fichajes.com claim that Higuain and Karim Benzema could both be on their way out and that president Florentino Perez is keen to find some big-name replacements.

They add that Bale, 23, would set Madrid back €60m (£51.2m) while Aguero would be a "more affordable" €45m (£38.4m).

The Wales international has been in incredible form this season, bagging a remarkable 22 goals, 17 of which have come in the Premier League.

Bale signed for Spurs in 2007 after learning his trade at Southampton.

Aguero, 24, arrived at Manchester City for £38m in July 20011 and netted the goal that won the club the Premier League title last year.

Source: DailyExpress

Goal-line technology set to be formally adopted by Premier League clubs

The Football Association expects goal-line technology (GLT) to be adopted by Premier League clubs this week.

Last week Fifa awarded German firm GoalControl the contract to supply GLT to this summer's Confederations Cup.

Premier League clubs meet on Thursday with GLT set to be agreed for next season, while the FA wishes to install the technology at Wembley.

"I always thought it was an ideal piece of technology to allow into the game," said FA general secretary Alex Horne.

"The [Premier League] club meeting is on Thursday so I'm expecting it to go through at that meeting."

The FA and Premier League are running a joint-tender process for the supply, installation and maintenance of 21 systems - all 20 Premier League stadiums and Wembley - in an attempt to secure a better deal.

Hawk-Eye, a British-based system well known for providing tennis and cricket with ball-tracking technology, is competing with the three other Fifa-licensed firms - Cairos, GoalControl and GoalRef - to win the contract.

If adopted this week, Wembley, along with the 17 Premier League teams that survive relegation and the three teams promoted from the Football League, will have the necessary equipment installed and verified during the close season.

The FA wants to use GLT for the first time in the Community Shield, which is scheduled to be played in mid-August.

Horne told BBC Sport: "There are occasions [when GLT is needed] and we've seen them here at Wembley, we've seen them in World Cups, we've seen them 11 or 12 times in the Premier League this season alone.

"So technology that says 'yes, the ball has crossed the line' and lets the referee know makes an awful lot of sense to me.

"Particularly where it's a knock-out situation, incorrect decisions have less opportunity to even themselves out over a season."

GLT will also be used in next season's FA Cup, from the third round onwards in any stadium fitted with the system, and Horne sees the technology as a way for the world's oldest knockout competition to keep pace with a football landscape that has changed beyond recognition since the foundation of the Premier League in 1992.

"We're always looking for ways to improve and engage," Horne continued.

"The FA Cup for me is just one of those fantastic competitions which keeps growing year on year, from strength to strength.

"It gives so much back, particularly to the smaller clubs.

"We generate £65m a year from the competition and over a 10-year period £650m gets reinvested back into football. That's a real fillip for some of the smaller clubs. For example, Luton made £460,000 out of their Cup run, which is a fantastic sum of money for a non-league side."

Next weekend Wembley, which celebrates its 90th birthday on 28 April, will see Wigan take on Millwall and Chelsea meet Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Horne said: "[Teams] want to come here and win at Wembley Stadium. So I think the competition is in rude health."

Source: BBC

"Old Trafford will not be sold", says United chief Ed Woodward

MANCHESTER UNITED have stressed they will never sell the naming rights to Old Trafford.

The club moved quickly to ease the concerns of fans following the announcement that shirt sponsors AON have agreed a staggering £150million eight-year contract to put their name to club’s state-of-the-art Carrington training ground.

From July 1, Carrington will be known as the AON Training Complex, a central part of a wide-ranging deal that also includes sponsorship of United’s training kit, their annual summer tours and, for the first time, friendly matches.

But Ed Woodward, United’s executive vice-chairman who will replace David Gill as the club’s new chief executive this summer, said: “Old Trafford will not be sold.”

United insiders say a sale would be virtually pointless because, as Newcastle United found when they tried to change the name of St James’ Park to the Sports Direct Arena, it would merely irritate supporters, who would refuse to use the new name anyway.

“We are very aware and respectful of the fact some people will continue to call the training complex Carrington but in time, we hope they come to understand what the AON brand stands for,” said an AON source. “But we feel this agreement enables us to do something unique.”

The fact that United have added friendly matches into the new AON contract means that for summer tours from 2014 onwards they will be wearing two different companies on their kit.

They have already confirmed US car giant General Motors will have their Chevrolet name on United’s shirts from 2014 after agreeing to pay an eye-watering £357m over seven years.

Tottenham have similar arrangements involving different shirt sponsors depending on the competition.

Source: DailyExpress

Sir Alex Ferguson: Manchester United will not be complacent

Sir Alex Ferguson says Premier League leaders Manchester United will not be complacent after their advantage was cut to 12 points following Monday's 2-1 defeat by Manchester City.

United held an eight-point lead over City last term before losing the title on goal difference on the final day.

But they are still favourites to regain the crown with seven games left.

"If you look at our history over the years we always make it difficult for ourselves," said United boss Ferguson.

"The supporters are hanging on the edge of their seats every year. It is a 12-point lead, we go to Stoke at the weekend and we will have a go."

United held a commanding advantage over City 12 months ago, but defeat at Wigan and a home draw against Everton, before a 1-0 loss at Etihad Stadium, swung the title race in favour of their rivals.

Now, United knew they could stretch their lead over second-placed City to 18 points with a win at Old Trafford, moving them within touching distance of a 20th domestic title.

But they fell behind to James Milner's opener and, despite an own goal from City skipper Vincent Kompany, were beaten by substitute Sergio Aguero's superb winner.

Aguero's intervention sent United to their first top-flight defeat in 18 matches, while Roberto Mancini's men extended their advantage over third-placed Chelsea to seven points.

"It wasn't a bad performance by us, so I'm not disappointed in that respect," added Ferguson. "But I'm disappointed with the goals we gave away.

"For the first goal I thought their player [Carlos Tevez] was offside and interfering with play by standing in front of David de Gea.

"I think we were unlucky to lose the game. But it is easy to see why these were the best two teams in the country - the evidence was there tonight."

Source: BBC

B. Rodgers hopeful of Borini impact

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is relishing the prospect of being able to call upon striker Fabio Borini, as the Italian nears a return to first-team action.

The 21-year-old has been out for three months after undergoing surgery on a fractured foot, meaning the Reds have been forced to cope with Luis Suarez as their only senior striking option.

And, despite the Uruguayan seemingly thriving under the pressure - having notched 19 goals already this season - Rodgers is keen to get Borini back.

"Other clubs have the depth to bring people off the bench and make an impact," Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo.

"We have been unable to do that in the opening months of the season, which gives incredible credit to the players who have kept us going until now.

"We have Daniel here now and will have Fabio fit soon and that will give us that spark. Hopefully over the years Fabio can develop into a top performer which I think he can be."

Rodgers also took time out to praise young defender Andre Wisdom, after the 19-year-old signed a new long-term deal at Anfield.

"I'm delighted for Andre,” Rodgers told the club's official website. “He's a young player that's really impressed me with his attitude and football qualities over the course of these first six months and he's grabbed his opportunity.

"I'm delighted he's committed and sees his future here at the football club and the hard work starts again for him.

"It's a really exciting time for Andre and all the young players at the club. I'm as delighted as I was when Luis Suarez signed a new deal in the summer because every player that commits is a symbol of our togetherness and our unity here - and he obviously wants to be a part of that.

"For Andre the message is to continue to work hard and learn from the great coaches and the people that are around you and make sure that your next contract is signed here at Liverpool."


Source: Goal

Mainz dismiss Adam Szalai-Arsenal link

Mainz claim they have not received any bids for Adam Szalai following reports of interest from Arsenal for the striker.

The 25-year-old has scored nine goals so far this season, having signed a contract until June 2015 with the Bundesliga side last summer.

Borussia Dortmund, Wolfsburg and Lazio have previously been linked with Szalai, but German and Hungarian media have reported that the Gunners have been monitoring his progress.

However Mainz, currently sixth in the Bundesliga, are reluctant to part company with the striker just yet.

"Arsenal haven't contacted us," claimed Mainz manager Christian Heidel.

"We don't want to let our striker go in the winter transfer window. But that's another situation if someone willing to pay 20 million Euros for him."

Szalai himself is in the dark over any interest from Arsenal, recently telling Kicker: "I don't know anything about it. The season is long, I don't know what will happen at the end of it.

"My aim is to collect as many points as we can and get as far as we can in the German Cup. Summer we can talk about what happened."


Source: SkySports

Sunderland complete the signing of Alfred N'Diaye

Sunderland have completed the signing of Bursaspor midfielder Alfred N'Diaye, 22, on a three-and-a-half-year contract, for an undisclosed fee.

N'Diaye, who can also play in defence, spent three years with French club Nancy before moving to Turkey in 2011.

The France Under-21 international could feature against West Ham on Saturday, subject to international clearance.

"He is a powerful young player and can offer us more strength in depth," said Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill.

"He will give us options and I'm delighted we have been able to bring him to the club."

Sunderland are 14th in the Premier League, four points above the relegation zone, and have conceded five goals in their last two league games.


Source: BBC

Chelsea fans turn on Torres & call for Demba Ba

Chelsea fans’ frustrations with much-maligned striker Fernando Torres appeared to reach boiling point on Wednesday night, with supporters booing the Spaniard and calling for Demba Ba during the Capital One Cup defeat to Swansea.

The Spanish striker started the game for the Blues but it was another Spaniard who left his mark on the game as Michu scored and helped the Swans to a superb 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.

Torres, who was making his 100th appearance for the Blues, managed 81 minutes but it was another disappointing performance, with the striker rarely threatening before being hooked in the second half.

Throughout the match Torres was targeted by sections of the Chelsea support, with boos audible, while chants for Demba Ba echoed around Stamford Bridge as the new signing watched on from the bench.

Rafa Benitez eventually gave in to the incessant crowd and introduced Ba with just under 10 minutes to go, and during that short cameo he made an impact, twice going close before having a goal disallowed for being marginally offside.

Danny Graham added a second for Swansea late on, while the Chelsea fans' annoyance towards Torres soon switched to Benitez as chants for Roberto Di Matteo rang out.


Source: Goal

Szczesny: I am a genuine Gooner

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has said that he along with a handle of others, feel like "genuine Gooners" and understand the importance of playing for the club.

The Poland international joined Arsenal from Legia Warsaw in 2006 as a 16-year-old, and after spending three years developing at the club before a loan move to Brentford, he has gone to make 84 appearances in all competitions.

Now 22, Szczesny is adamant he belongs at the Emirates Stadium, saying that playing for another club has never crossed his mind and he does not expect to be leaving any time soon after becoming an Arsenal fan.

"Ever since I signed for this club, I've become an Arsenal fan," Szczesny told the club's official website. "It feels like it's more than me just playing and doing my best on a Saturday afternoon, as I feel as if I have a much bigger part to play at this club. It means that little bit more to me.

"I think there's a lot of players in this team that are genuine Gooners. You've got people like Carl Jenkinson, Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong who really feel it's the biggest honour they could have to play for this club. I think that's very important for the future.

"I don't think about playing for any other club. I see my future at Arsenal Football Club. I committed to coming here at the age of 16, not to then leave at the age of 24.

"That's not how it works for me. Coming over to England at the age of 16 was the most important decision of my life and probably the best one to date."

Despite establishing himself as Arsene Wenger's first choice in goal, Szczesny still eyes personal improvement, targeting as many appearances as possible in order to fully develop.

"I think I improve with every single game," he added. "I get the experience that is needed for a young keeper, so it's important for me to play as many games as possible."


Source: Goal

AC Milan do not need Southampton star Gaston Ramirez

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has quashed reports linking the Italian giants with a move for Southampton's Gaston Ramirez.

Saints signed Uruguay international Ramirez during the summer for a club record fee of €15 million from Bologna, but he is yet to live up to his billing after just three goals and no assists in 13 Premier League appearances - though injuries have hampered his progress.

Milan are currently looking to add to their squad as they continue their rebuilding, but Galliani has ruled out a move for the Saints No.10, adding that expensive signings will only be brought in if other players are sold.

Speaking to Sky Sports Italia, Galliani said: "There’s no need for Ramirez, we are fine as we are. If someone leaves then we’ll see, but there are no 'gifts' on the horizon for the fans."

One player Milan do look poised to bring to San Siro is midfielder Riccardo Saponara, who is currently co-owned by Empoli and Parma.

However, an agreement could be reached to purchase Empoli's half of the contract for around £3m.

"Saponara is certainly a player that fits in with the policy of focusing on youth that Milan are taking," Galliani noted.

Fellow Serie A sides Juventus and Inter, as well as Liverpool are believed to be interested in the creative midfielder, but Empoli's director of sport as also confirmed Milan's interest.

Speaking to Calciomercato, Marcello Carli said: "It's true, there is a deal with Milan for half of Saponara's contract.

"He was tracked by many clubs, but the Rossoneri were quick off the blocks. The player will remain with us until the end of the season. That was a decisive factor in negotiations."


Source: Goal

Only a few clubs can afford Michu, says Laudrup

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup remains confident of hanging onto prize asset Michu because "not many clubs can afford him".

Michu elevated his stock yet again with the opening goal in Swansea's 2-0 win at Chelsea in the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge.

The £2m summer signing from Rayo Vallecano has proved to be one of the bargains of the season, and he now has 16 goals in all competitions.

He has been linked with a possible departure from Swansea during the current transfer window, but Laudrup believes only a select few clubs could match the asking price.

"We all know the economic situation in the world, so there really aren't that many clubs who can buy him," Laudrup said.

"There are some here, in Spain there are only two teams (Barcelona and Real Madrid)... Italy, I don't think so. They're trying to sell... Bayern Munich in Germany... so only a few, few clubs."

Laudrup is adamant that Michu will see out the season at Swansea, although he admitted he could move on in the summer.

"Michu likes it here. He's happy where he is," he added. "So I'm really not afraid because I'm so sure he will stay with us for the next five or six months.

"I just don't know in the summer."


Source: SkySports

Togo call up Adebayor for CAN 2013

Togo have selected Emmanuel Adebayor for the Africa Cup of Nations after the Tottenham striker reversed his decision not to play in the tournament.

The 28-year-old Togo captain will join the squad after Tottenham's Premier League match against QPR on Saturday.

Adebayor initially planned to remain with his club because of a row over team security and unpaid bonuses. But the striker will travel to South Africa after talks with the country's president Faure Gnassingbe.

"It is to do something extraordinary and I know that the fans know what I am capable of doing," said Adebayor.

His absence for the tournament, which starts on 19 January, will leave Tottenham with Jermain Defoe as their only recognised striker.

After QPR, Tottenham host Manchester United on 20 January before travelling to Leeds or Birmingham in the fourth round of the FA Cup on 26 January.

Away games against Norwich and West Brom precede the visit of Newcastle on 9 February, with the Cup of Nations ending the following day.

Adebayor has scored only three goals in 17 appearances this season and in his absence, the goalscoring burden will rest largely with Defoe, who has struck 14 times in 28 games this term.

Winger Gareth Bale is second in Tottenham's scoring charts on 11 goals, while forward Clint Dempsey has six and winger Aaron Lennon three.


Source: BBC

Frank Lampard ideal for Manchester United - Ray Wilkins

Former Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins says Manchester United would be a perfect destination for Frank Lampard if he leaves Stamford Bridge.

The 34-year-old's deal expires in the summer and there is no sign of a contract extension.

Wilkins, who played for Chelsea and United, says the midfielder would win more medals if he moved to the Reds.

"He'll want to continue to win and play at a high level, and there's no higher level than Old Trafford," said Wilkins.

Lampard, who has won three Premier League titles and a Champions League with Chelsea, says he thinks he has "a good few more years" left at the top level.

Wilkins maintains that United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is the ideal manager to get the best from Lampard, given his handling of 39-year-old Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, 38.

"You have the master of utilising the older player in Sir Alex Ferguson so I think it would be a tremendous move for Frank and a good one for Manchester United as well," Wilkins told BBC Radio Manchester.

"He's getting older but the knowledge of how to play the experience he's gained over the years will always stand him in good stead.

"You only have to see the performances Giggs and Scholes themselves have put in over the last few years, and they are four years older than Frank."

Former England international Wilkins does not think that Lampard would have any problems winning over the United fans after 10 years with one of their main rivals.

"He'll win them over because of his footballing ability. If you look at Old Trafford, if anything they lack goals from the middle of the pitch," he added.


Source: BBC

Chelsea profit is thanks to £18m windfall from shares

It emerged today that an £18.4million boost from shares enabled Chelsea to record a profit for the first time under Roman Abramovich.

The Blues stunned football in November when announcing that they had gone from a £67.7m loss to a £1.4m profit in just a year. The latest figures covered the 12 months to June 30 with the club putting the turnaround down to their first Champions League success, which earned them £47m, and a £28.8m profit in the transfer market.

However, Chelsea’s accounts, published by Companies House today, revealed that the club received £15m due to cancellation of shares owned by BSkyB. The Blues also banked a further £3.4m thanks to the “write back of accrued preference share dividend associated with these shares”.

Billionaire Abramovich (above) bought Chelsea in 2003 and two years later the club recorded the biggest loss in their history of £140m.

Chelsea’s fourth-round FA Cup tie has been selected for live TV, meaning a windfall for Brentford if they defeat Southend in the replay to set up a west London derby.

Brentford would receive £135,000 TV fee, keep 45 per cent of any gate receipts, potentially £250,000 at a sold-out Griffin Park, and a further £90,000 if they could beat the Premier League side. The other TV games include Tottenham’s trip to Birmingham or Leeds.


Source: LondonEveningStandard

Benitez unconcerned by mistakes

Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez refused to lambast his players despite their 2-0 defeat to Swansea in the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final.

Two shocking mistakes from Branislav Ivanovic gifted goals to Michu and Danny Graham, leaving Chelsea with a huge task to overturn the deficit at the Britannia Stadium in a fortnight.

Chelsea failed to convert dominance into goals, although Benitez was unhappy that Demba Ba's strike in added time was ruled out for offside.

Benitez said: "The team are doing well. You can lose a game and then analyse it, but if you play this game 10 times maybe you will win nine of them.

"I think the team were doing really well, had a lot of chances and could have scored two or three in the first half but we made two mistakes and paid for them.

"I can see any player making mistakes and it's not an issue. It's about trying to do things afterwards, and Ivanovic tried to do his best. We carried on and tried to do the right things."

Benitez insisted that Ba's late goal should have stood, and added: "The goal was a goal, he was level."


Source: SkySports

Laudrup remains cautious despite shock Chelsea win

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup insisted his side still had "a mountain to climb" to reach the Capital One Cup final despite their 2-0 win at Chelsea.

Michu and Danny Graham pounced on mistakes from Branislav Ivanovic to give the Swans a commanding advantage to take into the return leg of the semi-final in a fortnight.

But Laudrup warned against writing off the quality of Chelsea, who dominated throughout at Stamford Bridge but were unable to take their chances.

"We've had some historic results already this season but to win at the European champions is very special," Laudrup said.

"To be honest I'm delighted with the result.

"But there is still a mountain to climb. They have so much quality and we will have to play exactly the same; with the same intensity. They could still score three of four goals against us.

"But I am most happy about going into the second leg at home with a possibility to play a final at Wembley."

Chelsea dominated possession throughout at Stamford Bridge, but they paid a heavy price for failing to take any of their chances.

"I think we knew it would be a difficult game," Laudrup added. "The possession they had was much more than us - that's obvious. But to be honest they only had three big chances.

"They gave us two goals, but you have to score them. They are two mistakes but even if you take away the two goals they only created three chances. It was a marvellous fight."

Swansea skipper Ashley Williams added: "We stuck to our gameplan and defended really well.

"It will be a massive game at home. We're only half-way there in a massive tie. If we do get to Wembley it will be massive for everyone.

"We just wanted to get a result and bring them back top our place and try and finish the job. We just wanted to play our own game and not let the occasion get to us.

"We stayed calm and played the way we wanted to. The second goal is a bonus for us and gives us a bit of a cushion. They will come at us though."


Source: SkySports

Man City overtake Chelsea as the biggest EPL payers

Chelsea have been overtaken by Manchester City as the biggest payers in the Premier League, the Stamford Bridge club's accounts have confirmed.

The overall wages paid out by the Blues in the Champions League-winning year ending June 2012 actually fell by £18million to £171million - compared to Manchester City who saw their wages break through the £200million barrier.

Chelsea announced last year they had made a profit of £1.4million - the first time they had finished in the black in the Roman Abramovich era.

The accounts also reveal that, aided by some one-off items, Chelsea also achieved a wage bill reduction for the first time since Abramovich took over in July 2003.

It reflects a big effort by the club to trim costs in their bid to comply with UEFA's financial fair play rules. The numbers of playing and coaching staff dropped by 89 in 2011 to 69 in 2012 but Chelsea's wage bill is still ahead of Manchester United's £160million total by £11million.

The exceptional items in 2011 included a one-off £6.4million payment to the taxman as part of a deal on image rights, and money paid to former manager Carlo Ancelotti and his coaching team.

Those payments stopped after Ancelotti was hired by Paris St Germain and led to a credit of £4.7million into Chelsea's accounts from money they had set aside to cover those costs.

Alan Shaw, Chelsea's club secretary said in a statement published in the accounts: "The introduction of the UEFA financial fair play regulations from the 2012/13 season provides a significant challenge.

"The football club needs to balance success on the field together with financial imperatives of this new regime.

"The results recorded in this financial year put us in a good position to meet the assessment criteria for the initial periods."


Source: SkySports

David Beckham to base family in London

David Beckham is considering offers from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and South America, but will base his family in London wherever he ends up.

The former England captain has been living in Los Angeles since 2007 but will move after leaving LA Galaxy.

Beckham, 37, will hold a series of meetings with his advisors next week as he nears a decision about his future.

However, French Ligue 2 side Monaco are understood to have ended their interest in the midfielder after holding talks.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid player ended his five-and-a-half-year stint at LA Galaxy in December.

The schooling of Beckham's four children is a priority but he is still weighing up offers from various continents.

Beckham joined Manchester United as a 14-year-old and went on to make 398 appearances for the club, winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League.

He moved to Real Madrid in a £25m deal in 2003 and won the La Liga title in 2007 before joining LA Galaxy.

Beckham won the MLS Cup twice during his time in America and his last match was the 2012 MLS Cup final, where he helped his side beat Houston Dynamo 3-1.

The midfielder, who made his England debut against Moldova in 1996 and captained the side from 2000 to 2006, made his 115th and final appearance for the national side in a 3-0 win against Belarus in 2009.

He was at Upton Park on Saturday as West Ham drew 2-2 with Manchester United in the FA Cup third round, but Hammers boss Sam Allardyce would not be drawn on potential interest in signing Beckham.

French side Paris Saint-Germain have expressed an interest in signing Beckham, who has also been linked with moves to Russia, China, Australia and Brazil.

Beckham is expected to decide his playing future next week.


Source: BBC