Reus to Man Utd? Coentrao to Chelsea FC? Montoya to Liverpool FC?

Martin Montoya 

- Liverpool have opened talks with Barcelona over a possible January deal for Martin Montoya, according to The Guardian.

- Manchester United are yet to firm up their reported interest in Everton Ribeiro, insist Cruzeiro.

However, Cruzeiro's director of football, Alexandre Mattos, concedes a big money offer will be too good to turn down.

"There are no offers, just speculation," Mattos told Globo Esporte.

"Everton Ribeiro said he dreams of playing for Manchester United, then people started talking, and they said he would cost €8million - that makes no sense.

"We turned down a €10m offer [from a club in the Middle East] for the percentage we own and that happened halfway through the season. Cruzeiro don't want to let any player go. On the contrary, we want to bring in more players and that's not me talking, the president said that.

"Of course we are responsible, and if an absurd offer for Everton Ribeiro or any other player comes, we have to sell."

- David Moyes sent his trusted assistants to watch Marco Reus in action for Borussia Dortmund this week as the Manchester United manager continues to weigh up a move for the midfielder, according to The Times.

- Jose Mourinho has dismissed reports of a move for Porto striker Jackson Martinez, and insists Chelsea will not look to bring in any new forwards in January.

Reports in Portugal earlier this week had suggested Martinez's agent was in London for talks with the Blues, but Mourinho on Friday ruled out adding to his options in attack, despite recent injuries to Fernando Torres and Samuel Eto'o.

- Mourinho is considering a loan deal for Fabio Coentrao in January, according to the Daily Mail.

- Tottenham could be ready to swoop for Basel winger Mohamed Salah, according to the Daily Star.

CrunchSports

Bayern Munich extend unbeaten run to 39 games

Arjen Robben scored a brace for Bayern Munich.

BERLIN: European champions Bayern Munich extended their record unbeaten run in the Bundesliga to 39 games with a 2-0 win over bottom side Eintracht Braunschweig on Saturday.

Having set a new Champions League record of ten consecutive games after their 3-1 win at CSKA Moscow on Wednesday, Bayern cruised to victory in Munich with two Arjen Robben goals before the break.

Even with hamstring-victim Philipp Lahm, plus France's Franck Ribery and Germany star Bastian Schweinsteiger on the walking wounded list, Bayern had too much fire-power.

Having warned his side not to take lightly the threat of Eintracht, who have never won in Munich, Dutch winger Robben was as good as his word.

The Netherlands star put the hosts ahead with a header after just two minutes, then slammed home a 30th-minute shot, but this was not an impressive performance as Bayern barely got out of second gear.

Borussia Dortmund picked up their first win in three league games with a hard-fought 3-1 win at 10-man Mainz 05 to stay third and seven points behind Bayern.

Dortmund took the lead on 70 minutes when Gabon's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang fired home a superb free-kick, but the lead lasted just four minutes before Cameroon's Eric Choupo-Moting fired home a penalty.

Mainz were reduced to 10 men when Colombia's Elkin Soto was sent off for stopping the ball going into the net with his hand and Poland striker Robert Lewandowski fired home the 79th-minute penalty.

Lewandowski then made sure of the points with his second penalty when he converted the 94th-minute spot kick when left-back Erik Durm was up-ended.

Bayer Leverkusen bounced back from their 5-0 drubbing at home to Manchester United in the Champions League on Wednesday -- their worst home result in Europe -- with a 3-0 win at home to Nuremberg to stay second.

South Korea striker Son Heung-Min netted twice while Germany's Stefan Kiessling hit their second after a superb back-heel from midfielder Jens Hegeler.

Werder Bremen warmed up for their visit of Bayern Munich with their first point in three games in an eight-goal thriller.

Hoffenheim raced into a 2-0 lead after Sejad Salihovic converted two early penalties, but Bremen hit back within two goals inside a minute on the stroke of the half-time break.

Midfielder Aaron Hunt concerted a penalty then provided the cross -- through the legs of Hoffenheim goalkeeper Koen Casteels -- for Dutch forward Eljero Elia to make it 2-2 at the break.

Further Hoffenheim goals by Kevin Volland and Kai Herdling put the hosts 4-2 up before Werder's Nils Petersen made it 4-3 for the final half hour.

But Bremen replacement Philipp Bargfrede -- with the squad number 44 -- equalised in the 91st-minute to make it 4-4 and share the points.

Augsburg -- who face holders Bayern Munich on Wednesday in the third round of the German Cup -- warmed up with goalless draw in the capital against Hertha Berlin.

On Friday, Hamburg continued their revival under ex-Holland boss Bert van Marwijk with a 1-1 draw at fifth-placed VfL Wolfsburg.

Sydney Morning Herald

Liga - Bale bags hat-trick as Real Madrid close gap at the summit

La Liga, Santiago Bernabeu Stadium – Real Madrid (Bale 33, 63, 89 Benzema 36) Valladolid 0

Eurosport - Gareth Bale scored a hat-trick in the win

Gareth Bale hit a hat-trick in Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence as Real Madrid closed the gap on Barcelona and Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga with a commanding 4-0 win over Real Valladolid.

Angel di Maria’s dipping half-volley crashed against the underside of the bar early on before Sergio Ramos squandered a host of chances, inexplicably heading off target when well placed on three occasions.

But their profligacy was of little matter as Madrid grabbed a deserved lead through Bale who nodded past Diego Marino before the Welshman turned provider as his whipped cross was headed home by Karim Benzema.

Bale slotted in his second after Marcelo’s cross was diverted into his path before sweeping home his first Madrid hat-trick from close range late on to wrap up a comfortable victory.

The win moved Madrid three points off pacesetters Barcelona who travel to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

Madrid came into the match in the knowledge that victory would half the deficit at the top of La Liga and set about unsettling their opponents, pressuring them into mistakes and creating a flurry of early openings.

First Di Maria lashed against the underside of the bar after Valladolid had initially clearly a dangerous free-kick before Ramos somehow headed over from a corner with the goal agape.

The Spanish defender then spurned another opening following good link-up between Isco and Xabi Alonso down the left as Madrid began to open up their opponents at will.

Benzema was next to go close as his effort flashed wide before Ramos headed wide again, but Madrid finally made the breakthrough when Marcelo’s powerful effort from a tight angle was palmed by Marino into the path of Bale who headed in the opener.

And it was two moments later. Bale’s whipped cross from the right invited Benzema to rise highest in the opposition penalty area and double Madrid’s lead.

Valladolid were more adventurous after the restart but, despite short spells of possession, struggled to carve out any clear openings with Zakarya Bergdich blowing their best chance when he slipped inside the area.

Benzema had a strike chalked off for offside on the hour mark but Madrid did not have to wait long for their third as Marcelo’s cross squirmed off an outstretched Valladolid leg into the path of Bale who passed into the bottom corner.

It looked as though Bale had blown his chance of walking away with the match ball when he blazed over with the clock ticking down but he seized his next chance and turned home Marcelo's cut-back to notch his first Madrid hat-trick.

Eurosport

Premier League - Ramsey and Ozil shine as slick Arsenal move seven points clear

Premier League, Cardiff City Stadium - Cardiff City 0 Arsenal 3 (Ramsey 29, 90+2, Flamini 86).

Eurosport - Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey celebrates his goal against Cardiff 

Aaron Ramsey returned to haunt old club Cardiff by netting twice in a 3-0 win that saw Premier League leaders Arsenal move seven points clear at the top.

The Wales midfielder continued his blistering run of form when he was alert to guide Mesut Ozil's cross over home goalkeeper David Marshall with a looping header on 29 minutes.

Substitute Mathieu Flamini put a gloss on the scoreline when he bounded onto another Ozil pass to thump the ball beyond Marshall on 86 minutes from 14 yards.

Ramsey contributed his second goal of the day two minutes into injury time and his 13th goal for his club in all competitions this season when he walloped into the net from substitute Theo Walcott's pass with Cardiff caught on the break. Ramsey refused to celebrate his goals, but must derive enormous satisfaction from such an afternoon.

Ozil has now unearthed more assists than any other Premier League player this season since his £42 million summer move from Real Madrid, a price tag that is beginning to look like a huge bargain.

The winning margin was little more than Arsenal deserved for a largely dominant performance that should have earned them more goals, especially in the first half when Cardiff could hardly gain any meaningful period of pressure.

The home side's best attempt of the match came in the 52nd minute when Wojciech Szczesny was forced to claw out Fraizer Campbell's header, but Arsenal were a class apart in the key areas against a collection of honest triers.

YahooSports

Premier League - Lukaku responds to Mourinho criticism

In-form striker Romelu Lukaku said he chose to join Everton on loan for the season from Chelsea because he needed to play regularly and not because he was not wanted at Stamford Bridge.

Eurosport - Everton's Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring against Liverpool

"Imagine I was playing for Chelsea now, I would play maybe five games and score one goal or two, now I am playing for Everton and I have eight games and seven goals," he told the BBC in a television interview to be broadcast on Saturday.

"Everyone in England is talking about me and as a player I am improving. I am having that certainty, that consistency in my game," the 19-year-old Belgium international was quoted as saying in a preview of the programme on the BBC website.

"It wasn't the fact that I wasn't wanted. I think I was wanted but I had to make a decision for myself and analyse what was the best thing for me."

Lukaku, who has scored seven goals in eight Premier League games for Everton so far this term, said the last time he heard anything from Chelsea was "a couple of months ago" but "I think they are watching my performances."

Earlier on Friday, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho told a news conference Lukaku should explain why he left Chelsea, implying that the player talks too much.

"You know, Romelu likes to speak, he's a young boy, he likes to speak, but the only thing that he did not say is why he went to Everton on loan," Mourinho said when asked about the striker.

"That is the only thing he never said and my last contact with him was to tell (him) exactly that. Why (do) you never say why you are not here?" added the Portuguese coach.

British media have questioned why Mourinho let Lukaku leave the club on loan after he missed a penalty in Chelsea's defeat by Bayern Munich in the Super Cup contested by the Champions League and Europa League winners at the start of the season.

Chelsea have struggled for consistency this season with injuries to their main strike force of Fernando Torres, who missed two games earlier this month with a leg injury, and Samuel Eto'o, who is out for two weeks with a hamstring tear.

YahooSports

Duck Farmers!

The Sky Blues need to take on the role of 'duck farmers' tomorrow at the Showgrounds, when Ballinmallard are the visitors. It's a meeting of the two Uniteds, but there is only room for one in our opinion, Ballymena United. We're not saying that we have an exclusive right to that name, far from it, but we have been the only United in the Irish Premier league since its inception and we're not about to share that with any 'johnny come lately' without a fight. We mean a fight for the points of course, we don't want to encourage that other fighting, we'll save it for Boxing day (ha, ha, get the pun). As usual despite all the advances in modern telecommunications, like computers web pages, facebook and twitter , we haven't the foggiest idea about our team selection.

But experience tells us that United manager Glenn Ferguson, could be termed as the 'Iron man', for he's not known to change for change sake and if everyone's fit, we would expect him to name an unchanged team for the 3rd match in a row, but in saying that, what do we know? The answer to that poser is, damn little. We have tried to second guess Spike many times in his short spell at the Showgrounds and ended up for the most part with egg on our faces, but we'll be surprised if the same team don't get a vote of confidence from the Iron man. That means no place on our team for the gang of three, Liggie, Mario and MM, they are fast developing into the forgotten men in our panel. Fegie is picking the team he can rely on and why not, sure we are knocking on the door of the top six.

But lets not get carried away, the Ducks will present a huge obstacle tomorrow, they have slipped up of late and despite denials to the contrary that huge hammering by Portadown is bound to be fresh in their minds. But they'll not lie down, despite their manager, Whitey Anderson, still serving his touchline ban, they'll be organised and disciplined but we have to get in among them and tear that discipline to shreds. We have the men to do just that, with the inform Cush and Thommo ably backed up by Tony K and Sparky. Captain Jenks got a goal last week and we could see him add to his tally again tomorrow, but he's more of a leader, than a goalscorer and he's leading the line well.

JT will remember the last league game with the Ducks at the Showgrounds, when he was injured and missed the majority of last season but we'll need him tomorrow and if he gets our defenders doing their job the points could be ours. Cookie Munster is back to almost his best and the same applies to Archie and Marky McCullagh, Stuarty is keeping Dwayne out of the keepers jersey. That only leaves the enigma that is Ally to mention. The man is a proven match-winner, but he tends to drift in and out of games, but he is another of our dead-ball experts and especially at corners. He could be the our secret weapon tomorrow as the Cush and Jenks will come in for a bit of attention we think and Ally could exploit the space that inevitably leaves. So come on Sky Blues, lets shred those Ducks!

EXCLUSIVE: Enrique first choice to replace under-fire AVB with Swans boss Laudrup Plan B

In the mix: Luis Enrique (left) could make a shock move to Tottenham if Andre Villas-Boas leaves the club

Former Roma coach Luis Enrique is the shock name in the frame at Tottenham if they decide to pull the trigger on Andre Villas-Boas.

Enrique, now back in Spain with La Liga strugglers Celta Vigo, worked with Spurs director of football Franco Baldini in Rome.

The former Barcelona B coach had been earmarked for the top job at the Nou Camp but quit for Serie A.

His coaching career has been mixed but he is committed to the Barcelona philosophy of attractive football.

Enrique, 43, spent three years coaching Barcelona B before he spent a season with Baldini at Roma. 

They finished sixth in Serie A last season and he was sacked when Baldini quit Italy to take up his new role at Spurs.

Speaking ahead of Thursday’s Europa League tie in Tromso, Villas-Boas insisted: ‘I am immune right now. I used to read a lot into situations like this but not any more. 

'I am very indifferent. There is only one quarter that I come under pressure from, which is the press. I have the confidence of the board [and] of my players.’

Villas-Boas has abandoned Tottenham’s attacking principles and replaced them with a more cautious approach.

That is just one reason why Enrique’s name is now freely in circulation as Tottenham consider their options.

Michael Laudrup, who has done a brilliant job at Swansea, also fits the job and is likely to be  considered if a change is made.

Villas-Boas is under increasing pressure after the 6-0 mauling at Manchester City and he must get a reaction from the players both on Thursday and at home to Manchester United on Sunday.

Tottenham’s principal shareholder Joe Lewis and chairman Daniel Levy have become increasingly concerned with the club’s slide down the table.

They stand ninth after last Sunday’s defeat at City.

Despite the sale of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid in the summer for a world-record fee, Lewis authorised a massive summer spending spree to try to win the title.

Lewis believed three managerial changes at the top three clubs — champions United, City, and Chelsea — would leave them vulnerable to a surprise attack.

It is one of the reasons Lewis allowed Villas-Boas free reign to bring in the players he believed could land the club’s first league title since 1961.

But after just 12 games of the season, they are already eight points behind leaders Arsenal. 

They have scored just nine goals and the new signings have yet to make their mark.

Villas-Boas spent £107m in the summer and broke the transfer record three times to sign Paulinho, Roberto Soldado and Erik Lamela.

DailyMail

Manchester United target Nemanja Matic ‘very happy’ at Benfica

Nemanja Matic

Manchester United received a potentially damaging blow in their bid to strengthen their midfield, with primary target Nemanja Matic stating that he is very happy in Portugal.

In an interview conducted after Benfica’s Champions League win on Wednesday by Portuguese newspaper, Record, the giant Serbian declared that he is not thinking of a move away.

The 25-year-old said when asked about a move to Old Trafford, “I just think about my club and I’m very happy here.”

Throughout November, we at Soccerlens have strived to keep on top of this ever-expanding story; with a recent report indicating that Napoli were rivalling United for his signature.

Indeed, Matic’s former club, Chelsea have been reportedly showing an interest too; but this new development could morph this saga even further.

Matic rather deflected the question about his future with a piece of well-worn phraseology. With no personal comment on the rumour, it is perhaps an indication that Benfica will make the decisions concerning his immediate future, with the player apparently happy at the club.

It seems at this point that United will have to entice the Portuguese club with an offer they can’t refuse. Matic has a reported €50m release clause in his current contract; but United are believed to be looking to bring that price down, while still coming to an amicable arrangement with Benfica.

A £20m bid, perhaps with a reserve player added in, could be enough for Benfica to waive Matic’s happiness for the betterment of their finances.

SoccerLens

United eyeing Dortmund's Reus

Marco Reus has scored nine goals for Borussia Dortmund this season

Manchester United have scouted Borussia Dortmund winger Marco Reus as David Moyes' search to bring in more world-class players continues.

Moyes, who was frustrated in summer attempts to sign Cesc Fabregas, Sami Khedira, Daniele De Rossi and Ander Herrera, dispatched his assistant Steve Round and coach Jimmy Lumsden to watch Reus as Dortmund beat Napoli 3-1 on Tuesday.

United were also in the same area of Germany at the time, preparing for Wednesday's 5-0 win against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.

Germany international Reus has a €35 million release clause in his contract at the Westfalenstadion. However, there have been reports that it does not come into effect until 2015.

The 24-year-old has scored nine goals for Dortmund this season, which is more than United's midfielders have managed between them, and cost the Champions League finalists €17.1m when he joined from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2012.

Although Reus can play as a No. 10, he usually operates on the left for Dortmund. Moyes has selected Adnan Januzaj, Ashley Young, Danny Welbeck, Nani and Shinji Kagawa in that position for United this season.

Moyes has also sent his scouts to watch Khedira, who is now injured, as he ponders how to add to his squad in January. Marouane Fellaini was his only major signing last summer.

ESPN UK

Betting culture at Newcastle was 'team bonding' says Michael Chopra, who puts his losses at £2million

The former Magpies forward has lifted the lid on gambling in football, revealing players would lose "£30,000 a time"

Big money: Chopra thinks he lost £2million betting with team-mates

Newcastle stars would lose “£30,000 a time” playing cards on the team bus, as football’s shocking gambling culture was revealed yesterday.

Top Toon players staked thousands on the turn of a card, leading to striker Michael Chopra losing £2million during his career after being sucked into gambling as a teenager, a jury was told.

Alan Shearer, Craig Bellamy, Michael Owen and Kieron Dyer were at Newcastle when tens of thousands changed hands on the way to away games, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

Explaining his gambling addiction, Chopra revealed: “I will just say it, I have probably lost about £2m.

"I started gambling when I was 17 when I first broke through with Newcastle. I was travelling with the first team and there was a lot of gambling on the bus and I got involved.

”The stars at that time were Alan Shearer, Kieron Dyer, Titus Bramble, Craig Bellamy – big names. Michael Owen joined about four years later. You were talking thousands being gambled, anything up to £30,000. We would go to the bank in the morning before we travelled.

“It was team bonding. You were taking money off each other, but also having a laugh. At 18 I realised it was a problem when I owed a company about £85,000.

“It got to the point when I would set my alarm for three or four in the morning to bet on games in South America. It was taking over my life.”

Blackpool striker Chopra, 29, lifted the lid on the card school culture at the trial of friend John Somerville.

Joseph Lewins, 55, Christopher Bacon, 34, Daniel Chisholm, 51, and Somerville, 51, all deny conspiracy to supply class A drugs. The trial continues.

Mirror

EXCLUSIVE: Cole's future plunged into doubt as Mourinho ponders Coentrao loan

In doubt: Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is considering a move for Fabio Coentrao, casting doubt on Ashley Cole's (right) future

Jose Mourinho is considering a loan deal for Fabio Coentrao in January, a move that would cast further doubt on Ashley Cole’s future.

Cole has been struggling with a rib injury for two months and that has limited his game, says Mourinho.

The England left back, who has 106 caps, has lost his place in the Chelsea team to right back Cesar Azpilicueta and was warned by Roy Hodgson he was no longer regarded as an automatic starter for his country as he jostles with Leighton Baines.

Mourinho has been looking at his options and is a big admirer of Coentrao, who has rarely played for Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti and almost joined Manchester United on loan in September.

Chelsea would look for an option to sign Coentrao, 25, permanently after six months if he takes to English football. 

Former favourite: Coentrao played under Mourinho at Real Madrid

His salary is well within the London club’s pay structure and he has the same agent as Mourinho, Jorge Mendes.

A loan deal would give Chelsea time to compete for longer-term targets such as Southampton’s Luke Shaw, 18, and Sevilla’s Alberto Moreno, 21. But Chelsea are not alone in liking Shaw, who would command a big fee.

Mourinho has not been convinced by Ryan Bertrand, 24, who has played only once in the league this season. He was overlooked when the manager decided to try the right-footed Azpilicueta on the left.

Cole will be 33 next month and out of contract at the end of the season. A one-year extension  will depend on his form and  full fitness.

He has started only six games for club and country since injuring his rib at Tottenham in September and was forced off in two of them, for Chelsea at Norwich last month and for England against Germany last week.

DailyMail

Martin Montoya's Liverpool transfer looks close as MD Ian Ayre jets to Barcelona

Spain U21 full-back is in the last six months of his contract and it's understood Reds want him in January after Enrique injury.

Kop chase: Liverpool hope to exploit Montoya's contract stand-off at Barca

Liverpool are on the verge of a major transfer coup, with MD Ian Ayre flying to Spain on Thursday to open talks with one of the country's most exciting youngsters.

Anfield chief Ayre was in Barcelona for talks over Spain Under-21 defender Martin Montoya - who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season after negotiations over a new contract broke down.

There is anger among fans of the Nou Camp giants at what is seen as negligence that such a highly-rated local youngster has been allowed to get so close to the end of his contract.

But that is Liverpool's gain - with sources at Barcelona indicating that talks have stalled fatally - and the 22-year-old is free to discuss terms with interested parties.

The Reds are at the head of a queue that also includes Arsenal and Inter Milan, after forging strong links with the Barca board during ongoing talks over the future of goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who could still move back to his former club at the end of this season following a year on loan at Napoli.

Liverpool were hoping to secure Montoya on a free at the end of the season, but it is thought Ayre has travelled out to discuss the possibility of a move in January.

Kop manager Brendan Rodgers is keen to find cover after losing left-back Jose Enrique to injury for the rest of the season, with the Liverpool coach being forced to turn to youngster Jon Flanagan for last Saturday's Merseyside derby.

Montoya is the ideal candidate - not only can he play both full-back positions, but he is widely regarded as a coming talent in Spain and has been earmarked at the world champions' next right-back.

The player was part of the Spain U21 team that triumphed at last summer's European Championship, and also won the league and cup double with Barca.

But there has been little urgency in talks over a new deal from the Catalan club, and it seems their complacency will now be punished, with his agent admitting it will be hard to agree terms.

Speaking recently, Jose Maria Orobitg explained: "We have been talking about a renewal, but there is nothing yet as the situation is a little complicated.

"We will evaluate the situation more as we move forward."

Sources in Spain have suggested those talks have now broken down completely - and Ayre's presence in the city suggests he has reached an advanced stage in his attempts to bring the young star to England.

Rodgers is a huge fan of the defender after scouting him in the summer, and can't believe his luck that such a highly regarded talent has been allowed to get within six months of the end of his contract.

The defender has 22 caps at U21 level and also played for Spain at last year's Olympics.

He has made 30 appearances for Barca - including a start in the Spanish Cup Final.

The Mirror

Sneijder to Man Utd? Turan to Liverpool FC? Diego to Arsenal FC?

Arda Turan

- Manchester United will renew their interest in Galatasaray playmaker Wesley Sneijder next year.

According to Turkish newspaper Sabah, United boss David Moyes is willing to offer either Nani or Antonio Valencia as part of a deal for the former Real Madrid midfielder when the transfer window reopens.

- Wolfsburg playmaker Diego has revealed that Arsenal are interested in signing him at the end of the season.

"I know there is interest from Premier League clubs," the Brazilian told reporters in his homeland.

"I have heard one of them is Arsenal."

- Halmstads starlet Valmir Berisha has been quoted by Aftonbladet as saying that a number of clubs including Liverpool and Tottenham are keen on snapping him up next year.

"I have got offers from everywhere, from England, Italy, Spain, Germany, Holland and Russia," the teenager was quoted as saying.

"There are some options. The clubs who have shown the biggest interest are Ajax, Milan, Liverpool, Sunderland, Tottenham and Celtic.

"They have all offered me contracts. But it is a matter of choosing the right one, that is the most important."

- Liverpool and Manchester United are set to fight for the signature of Atletico Madrid midfielder Arda Turan in January, according to the Daily Express.

- Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera has ruled out making a January move to Manchester United.

- Liverpool are trailing teenage striker Kevin Mendez - after a glowing report from his countryman and current Reds hitman Luis Suarez, according to the Daily Mirror.

- Joe Cole is ready to quit West Ham, according to The Sun.

CrunchSports

Premier League - Lord Sugar wants Ferguson to replace AVB at Tottenham

Former Tottenham chairman Lord Sugar wants Sir Alex Ferguson to come out of retirement to replace current Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas.

Eurosport - Alan Sugar

Villas-Boas' position as Tottenham manager has come under scrutiny in recent weeks because of a dip in form.

Tottenham lost 6-0 at Manchester City on Sunday and Sugar has become bemused with the way the Portuguese has set his team out in recent matches.

Sugar's main role in TV show The Apprentice is to fire contestants who are not up to the job, and the successful entrepreneur, who now sits in the House of Lords, clearly feels Villas-Boas has not been up to scratch himself so far.

"I've struggled to understand AVB's tactics," Sugar told talkSPORT "You wonder how we are going to get a goal.

"Four, five or even six games before [the 6-0 defeat to Manchester City] you couldn't see where the goals were coming from.

"The formation that AVB plays, I don't understand at all. I put my hands up, I am no great football expert, but I don't understand it at all."

And Sugar would like to see Ferguson replace Villas-Boas.

"My dream would be that my good friend Sir Alex Ferguson will get itchy feet in about a year or so and decide he wants to get back into management and maybe bring his wonderful wife down to London and manage our team," Sugar added.

"If he comes to watch the game, I will suggest some nice houses for him and his wife to stay in."

A £100million summer spending spree raised hopes among the Tottenham faithful, but that hope has given way to fear, especially as a rampant Manchester United team are due at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

Sugar added: "(Chairman) Daniel Levy did a very good deal with [Gareth] Bale. He was going, there was nothing he could do about it, and he has given (sporting director) Franco Baldini the money to go out and spend, but I wonder if it is just a case of spending for the sake of spending it.

"Maybe we should have sat back a few moments and been a bit selective, a bit like (Arsenal boss) Arsene Wenger."

YahooSports

Sport Football Zlatan Ibrahimovic Zlatan Ibrahimovic: 'I don't need Ballon d'Or to know I'm the best'

• 'It matters more to some players,' says Sweden forward
• PSG striker adds that award 'is not important for me'

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic said Cristiano Ronaldo or Franck Ribéry can have the Ballon d'Or because he already knows he is the world's top player. "I don't need the Ballon d'Or to know I'm the best," Ibrahimovic said. "It matters more to some players."

The Swedish striker has been in top form, scoring eight goals in this season's Champions League – as many as Real Madrid's Ronaldo – to help Paris St-Germain into the last 16.

Roanldo has emerged as the favourite for the award after scoring a brilliant hat-trick for Portugal in a 3-2 defeat of Sweden in last week's World Cup play-off second leg, qualifying his country for the 2014 finals.

Ibrahimovic scored his 39th Champions League goal on Wednesday as PSG won their group with a game to spare by beating Olympiakos 2-1 at the Parc des Princes.

No Swede has won the Ballon d'Or but that statistic is unlikely to cause Ibrahimovic to lose any sleep. "It's not something I think about and it is something that is not important for me," he said.

The Guardian

Martinez to Chelsea FC? Sandro to Man Utd? Tottenham to sack AVB?

Jackson Martinez 

The Sun: Ryan Giggs inspired record-breaking Manchester United into the last 16.

Daily Mirror: Golden Oldie Ryan Giggs inspired United to their biggest away win the Champions League.

Also: Chelsea have held secret talks about a £30million January move for Porto striker Jackson Martinez.

And: Tottenham are ready to make a January swoop for Chelsea's Champions League slayer Mohamed Salah.

Daily Star: Andre Villas-Boas came out fighting last night and insisted he was not facing the axe as Spurs boss.

Also: Manchester United booked their place in the Champions League last-16 with their best performance of the season last night.


Daily Mail: Wayne Rooney ran the show as Manchester United secured their place in the last 16 of the Champions League with a 5-0 win at Bayer Leverkusen.

Also: Former Roma coach Luis Enrique is the shock name being considered by Tottenham if they decide to sack Andre Villas-Boas.


Daily Express: Manchester United cruised into the Champions League last 16 thanks to their biggest European away win in almost 50 years.

Also: Andre Villas-Boas claims his job is not under threat after convincing his board in a brief meeting that the 6-0 weekend drubbing by Manchester City was a one-off.

And: Chelsea have the upper hand over Manchester United and Liverpool in the race for Sevilla's Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic.

Plus: Manchester United have turned their attentions to Porto's Brazilian international Alex Sandro as they continue their search for the long-term replacement for Patrice Evra.

Metro: Porto striker Jackson Martinez is said to be on the verge of completing a transfer to Chelsea.

Also: Six people – including at least three footballers – have been arrested on suspicion of fixing matches in Britain for an Asian betting syndicate.

Daily Telegraph: Manchester United charged irrepressibly into the last 16 of the Champions League with a spectacular victory that had their fans singing all manner of songs in praise of David Moyes.

Also: Preparations for the World Cup finals in Brazil next year have been thrown into chaos after a crane crashed into the stadium due to host the opening match in Sao Paulo, killing two workers.

The Times: Manchester United recorded their biggest away win in Europe since 1965 as a 5-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen took them into the Champions League knockout stage with a game to spare.

The Guardian: David Moyes was not expected to be 'a fish in water' at Manchester United, according to Jose Mourinho, but he is adapting swimmingly to life in the Champions League.

Also: Andre Villas-Boas says he will emerge from his crisis at Tottenham Hotspur, describing himself as 'immune' to the criticism that would have unnerved him at his previous club, Chelsea.

The Independent: David Moyes seems to be getting the hang of the Champions League.

Also: A defiant Andre Villas-Boas insisted last night that he does not fear for his job as Tottenham Hotspur manager despite Sunday's 6-0 defeat to Manchester City.

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