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