Premier League rivals Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal have all been given a major a boost in their efforts to sign Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery. The France international has been strongly linked with Real Madrid and Barcelona but he also encouraged the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United to bid for him in the summer. (The Sun)
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has dropped the biggest hint yet that he wants to return to Barcelona after he declared his love for his boyhood club. Both Real Madrid and Barcelona went on the offensive in the aftermath of Arsenal’s humbling defeat at the hands of Manchester United, which leaved Arsene Wenger’s side someway adrift of Sunday’s Premier League opposition Chelsea. (Daily Mirror)
Manchester United are on the verge of offering the hugely talented Norwegian youngster Even Hovland a contract at the club. The 20-year-old trialist as impressed Sir Alex Ferguson and the Premier League champions will move swiftly to beat off opposition from Fulham, Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton and Tottenham. The player is very much in the mould of Nemanja Vidic who is expected to leave in the summer for Real Madrid, Barcelona or AC Milan. (Daily Mail)
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez remains confident of bringing Standard Liege forward Milan Jovanovic to Anfield in the summer. The Serbian has been coveted by Valencia and AC Milan, but he is believed to favour a move to the Premier League. (Daily Mirror)
Ahead of their crucial Premier League fixture at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea midfielder Deco has branded Arsenal ‘bottlers’ after they once again succumbed to Manchester United last week. (The Sun)
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is reportedly yet to be officially told by Fabio Capello that he is the next England captain. The Italian relieved Chelsea defender John Terry of the role yesterday and a statement confirmed the Old Trafford stalwart, who was Capello’s appointed vice-captain would move in to the role, but he is yet to be contacted by the FA. (The Sun)