Winners and Losers of this Week-end

WINNERS

Chelsea

The Billionaires Battle was meant to be the day that Manchester City show that the billions invested by their Arabs owners were ready to overtake the roubles of Abrahamovic. A defeat would have meant a total surrender of their title but Chelsea played out of their skins to record a fourth consecutive win which heaps the pressure on United.

Liverpool

Dalglish´s feel-good factor is leading the club to a late resurgence but it could still be one that see them challenge Spurs for a fifth place spot. In a tremendous run since January, Liverpool could even harbour hopes for the final top 4 berth.

West Ham

Out of the bottom three for the first time this season and a battling draw against rivals Spurs continues their good form. They now look in good shape to beat the drop.

LOSERS

Spurs:

Redknapp has boasted all season that his side can win the league. They are now five points behind Chelsea and the Top 4 looks like a distant dream after their latest draw. Liverpool are just four points behind and they could struggle to even finish fifth.

Manchester City

The end of their title ambitions despite spending 200m in two seasons. They must be happy with a Champions League place now but is it all what their massive investment was supposed to get?

Birmingham

In free-fall ever since their fortunate Carling Cup win over Arsenal. Three consecutive defeats and just one point in their last four games mean that McLeish´s men need to refocus fast if they are to remain a Premiership club.

Relegation battle: Who will beat the drop?

It is that time of the year again and Football Point takes a look at the teams in danger of a relegation fight with just eight games remaining. It is one of the tightest battles for years and even teams like Stoke and Everton are not entirely safe.

Wigan: Martinez can get credit for trying to play football the right way but the results have not come for his side. The Birmingham game will be a must-win if Wigan are to stand a chance. Odds to go down: 1/4

Wolves: Showing fighting spirit lately, including wins over Man U and an unlucky draw against Spurs. Fixtures remaining involve games against fellow relegation strugglers so a few wins could ensure survival again. 11/10

West Ham: Has been playing well since December but unable to get out of the bottom three all season. Great wins over Liverpool and Stoke but have a diabolical fixture list with games against Spurs, United, Chelsea and City. Will need to get points in one of the big games but recent form is promising. 6/4

Birmingham: Stunned everybody by beating Arsenal in the Carling Cup. It was a fluke goal but they managed to end their 48 year trophy-drought. However, it cannot still hide the fact that Premier League form has not been good. The home defeat to West Brom is a case in point and they need to refocus quickly if they are to save their Premier League status. 11/4

Blackburn: In free-fall as the Indian owners are realising (perhaps too late) that Steve Kean does not have the experience to guide them to safety. Has lost 4 in their last six and with fixtures against Arsenal, City and United left, it is not looking good. 11/4

WBA: Replaced Di Matteo with Hodgson in a desperate attempt to halt the poor results of the last three months. Big win at Birmingham and on-loan Arsenal striker Vela could prove the key. Also have Liverpool, Arsenal , Chelsea and Spurs as tough games left. It won´t be easy but they might scrape through. 15/8

Blackpool: Took the league by storm but Holloway has perhaps been guilty of believing his own hype, with attacks on both Houllier and Dalglish in January. Needs to keep focus but just two wins since December has added to the gloom at the club. 10/11

Stoke: Pulis is also another one who likes to blow his own trumpet and boasted that safety was already achieved in December. But a poor run of four points in the last six games mean  that they are living dangerously. The football on show has also made the club  the Premiership least favourite club. 14/1

Newcastle : Most people never understood the decision to replace Houghton with Pardew. Results have deteriorated under Pardew but Houghton may have done just enough to get the points to save Newcastle. 25/1

Everton: Moyes may have just saved Everton again even though the fans have realised that lack of investment have meant that Moyes is struggling to take the club to a different level. Odds of 50/1 are generous given their very small squad. Fans are questionning Moyes and the pressure is getting to him.

Vela saves Hodgson

Arsenal loanee Carlos Vela came off the bench to salvage a last minute draw for West Bromwhich Albion in their derby against Wolves. Wolves look like to be holding on to a precious win until the Mexican scored a poacher's goal to rescue a point in Hodgson's first game.

In other FA Cups games, Leyton Orient forced their illustrious opponents Arsenal to a replay at the Emirates. Orient's chairman Hearn says that the replay will help his club break even this year.

Manchester City destroyed Notts County with a Vieira double but their neighbour United struggled to beat non-league opposition Crawley Town at Old Trafford on Saturday. 

Ancelotti next to be sacked after latest set back?

David Moyes looked down and out in the FA Cup replay at Stamford Bridge until a last minute free-kick from Baines saved him. The Everton manager has been under pressure for some time now but his side eventually beat Chelsea's Ancelotti, who now looks under real danger.

Next to be sacked ( chances and betting):


Avram Grant: Never the Hammers fans choice (nor the Board) it seems and the uncharismatic Israeli manager remains in trouble despite his side showing spirit lately. The O'Neil fiasco has made things diffiicult for the West Ham board but Grant remains always two bad results from the sack. Odds: 8/13

Ancelotti: On a terrible run since the sacking of Ray Wilkins. The trigger happy Abrahamovic has remained loyal to the Italian, who has after all delivered the double last season. But the FA Cup exit will heap the pressure. Odds: 4/1

Moyes: Under intense scrutiny at Everton after a run of just 3 wins out of 11 games in the league. The FA Cup win is a huge relief but he will need to improve results in the league. Odds: 8/1

Martinez: Has just one win out of the last 12. Plays good football but Wigan fans are getting restless. 8/1


McLeish: Not liked by the Board or the owner Yeung but latest results have saved his job. A trip to the Carling Cup final has rejuvenated the side but a defeat and a bad run in the league could still cost him. 12/1

Houllier: Has not convinced the Villa fans despite being heavily backed in the transfer window. Has an impressive CV and has owner Lerner on his side but a team which finished sixth in the last three years is still very close to the relegation zone. 15/1

Allardyce talking himself up for the WBA job

Sam Allardyce is desperate to get back to management after a few months out of a job.

Commenting at length on the West Brom vacancy, Allardyce praised his own record and reiterated that he can make "top teams".

Allardyce was said to be frustrated for not being approached by West Ham when there were intense rumours about Grant's future.

He is now trying to make sure he lands the Albion job, even though the Baggies hierarchy are split over his hugely confrontational behaviour.

Gomez first choice ahead of Torres

Bayern Munich's Mario Gomez has revealed that Chelsea wanted to sign him before they swooped for Liverpool's Fernando Torres.

Chelsea made an offer of  €42m (around £33m)  for the German striker but Bayern Munich rejected the bid.

Gomez claimed that he was only told of the bid after it was rejected.

Chelsea did not go back to Bayern with an improved offer and instead smashed the British transfer record for Torres.

Tensions ahead of the Manchester derby

The temperature is rising ahead of the most eagerly awaited Manchester derby in years.

Manchester United fans are planning a "party" to "celebrate" City's lack of trophies for the past 35 years.

Joe Hart has reacted furiously to this lack of respect and claims that United fans know that this could be their "last party".

A City win would put enormous pressure on United as they will move to just two points behind, with Arsenal and Chelsea also in the hunt.

United could however extend their lead to eight points should they beat their rivals but confidence is not high after their defeat at bottom club Wolves.

Man Utd also face away trips to Chelsea and Liverpool in a month that could define their season.

Given disappointed at City stance

Shay Given has vented his frustration again at Manchester City's hierarchy.

The Irish stopper who has been a No.1 all his life is unhappy that Joe Hart was promoted ahead of him on the basis of one England call-up. Hart has made a number of errors recently but Given remained on the bench.

It is thought that both Fulham and Arsenal were interested in a move for the experienced keeper but Manchester City want him as a top back-up for their title push.

Bruce blast for officials

Steve Bruce was furious with the referring which cost them two points at Stoke's ground on Saturday.

The Sunderland manager felt that Stoke went overboad with their usual tactics of pushing and shoving the goalkeeper on set-pieces.

Bruce was appalled that the referee Lee Probert did not do anything to protect Craig Gordon.

Bruce said "It is difficult to lose any game, especially like this. We expected the officials to do their jobs and they did not."

Reina hints at departure again

Liverpool's goalkeeper Reina has hinted again that he is likely to depart Anfield this summer.

He says that he needs to be in a team playing in the Champions League.

Liverpool's resurgence might be a bit too late for them to be in the Top 4 this season but they will certainly be a different outfit next season.

Reina has made noises about leaving ever since Spanish manager Rafa Benitez was sacked. He also said that he "understood" fellow countryman Torres' move to Chelsea.

Manchester United and Arsenal are believed to be interested.

West Brom and West Ham battling it out for Allardyce

The race to take over at West Brom is on following Di Matteo's surprise sacking on Sunday.

Sam Allardyce and Roy Hodgson have thrown their names in the hat for the vacancy.

Allardyce is not a fan's choice but his ability to get teams out of trouble could play in his favour.

The Hammers board are also considering a move for him as Grant continues to flatter to deceive.

West Ham are currently back to last after Wolves stunned Man Utd at the Moulineux.

Ferguson blames pitch for end of unbeaten run !

Sir Alex Ferguson was stunned with his side's defeat at bottom club Wolves on Saturday.

He cited the bad pitch at Wolverhampton as one of the main reasons of the defeat.

Ferguson claimed his side was the better side: "The pitch was not very good.We made a lot of chances.Their keeper did not have many saves to make."

A win would have put daylight between United and Arsenal but they instead find themselves just four points ahead with a blockbuster looming with fiercest rivals City on Sunday.

Not that Mick McCarthy cared as his side lifted themselves after West Ham's defeat.

Round-Up

Kenny Dalglish made it four out four as Liverpool dented Chelsea's title hopes at Stamford Bridge.

Fernando Torres was making his debut after his record-breaking deal but he did not have it his way as a determined Liverpool pressed Chelsea all over the pitch.

Chelsea are ten points behind Man United but they do have two games against them.

As for Liverpool, they moved to sixth and are perhaps now an outside bet for a Champions League spot.

At the bottom of the table, Birmingham heaped more pressure on Avram Grant's West Ham. The Hammers dominated the game but Zigic settled the match.

West Brom sack Di Matteo

In a decision that came out of the blue, WBA have sacked their manager Roberto Di Matteo.

The Italian who guided WBA to promotion last term had a good start to the season.

However, a poor run has seen the team slide towards the relegation zone.

They are now only two points ahead of bottom side West Ham.

The former Chelsea player will feel hard done by though considering that his side has been playing quite well recently.

Round-Up

Manchester United's unbeaten run came to end today after they were beaten by bottom side Wolves.

The Red Devils could not cope with the Wanderers' high tempo game. Their dreams of equalling Arsenal's record unbeaten run are now over.

To make matters worse, ten-man Arsenal closed the gap on Manchester United despite drawing a thriller at St James Park. Newcastle benefitted from two controversial penalties but a spectacular goal rescued the points for them.

Manchester City also heaped the pressure on their rivals by storming past WBA. Tevez got a hat-trick.

Spurs struggled to beat Bolton at home but managed to draw level with Chelsea on points with a last minute strike. Chelsea are involved in a block buster against Liverpool tomorrow though.

At the end of the table, under-pressure Moyes saw his side concede three goals against Blackpool but Saha's tremendous display eased relegation fears for the Toffees.

Blackpool though have lost 7 out of their last 8 games and are being dragged into the relegation zone.

Wigan managed to move out of the relegation zone with a 4-3 win over Blackburn while in-form clubs Fulham and Aston Villa shared the points at Villa Park.

Newcastle fans unhappy over Carroll sale

A £35m bid for a player who has only half a season in the Premiership represents a good piece of business by any account.

However, the fact that Newcastle have been unable to get a replacement for Carroll have left many Newcastle fans worried about their future this season.

Contrast it with Liverpool who have lost their talisman Fernando Torres but have replaced him with Suarez and Carroll.

Newcastle made a number of late unsuccessful bids, including a £10m bid for Wigan's N'Zogbia which was flatly dismissed as there was so little time left for them to seek a replacement.

Torres to be involved against Liverpool

It has emerged that Liverpool have unsuccessfully tried to get Chelsea not to play Torres against them.

Chelsea have refused the suggestion and Torres could be involved as early as this Sunday against Liverpool.

Despite thrashing Sunderland yesterday, Chelsea cannot afford another slip-up if they are to maintain their title bid.

Torres is certain to be at least on the bench on Sunday.

Moyes blast for Redknapp

Under-pressure David Moyes had a right go at Harry Redknapp for his bid for 34-year old Phil Neville.

Moyes who just lost Piennaar to Spurs was unhappy with a £500,000 offer for his captain. A bid he has labelled as "disgraceful".

Moyes has been unable to strenghthen Everton in January and they continued their slide towards the relegation zone after being beaten by Arsenal.

Is Ferguson playing a dirty game with Liverpool?

Sir Alex has claimed that Charlie Adam could be a potential successor to Paul Scholes.

He also said that the 25-year old's "corners were worth £10m" each, a ludicrous statement if he were ever interested in the player.


It sounds more like Ferguson is trying to hike up the price for the Blackpool player, just as he did with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (whose deal to Arsenal has collapsed because of Man United's "interest").

Newcastle reject stunning Carrol bid

Spurs have made a massive bid to land Andy Carroll by the end of the transfer deadline.

A stunning £23m was turned down by Newcastle, who will only do business if a bid closer to £30m is made.


It remains to be seen if Spurs will smash their transfer record for a player who has just six months of Premiership experience on board.

Shock for Liverpool as Torres asks for move

Chelsea has made a record £36m bid to acquire Fernando Torres.


While Liverpool have rejected the move, Torres has stunned them by saying that he would consider making a switch to Chelsea.


Liverpool are keen on adding striking power to their squad, especially after selling Babel. They are in negotiations with Luis Suarez but wanted him to combine with Torres. 


They did not expect the Chelsea bid and they would have very little time to replace two strikers (Babel and Torres) in 72 hours.

Benfica confirm Luiz deal

Chelsea edged closer to capture David Luiz from Benfica.

It was thought that the two clubs were apart from the valuation of the hugely talented defender but Chelsea have now come back with a new offer.

Chelsea had offered £18m for the 23 year old but Benfica wanted a player either on loan or in exchange. They did not agree on the player being offered to them though.

Chelsea has now returned with a £24.8m offer which will seal the deal for the Brazilian before the transfer deadline.

van der Sar to call time on illustrious career

Manchester United's keeper Edwin van der Sar has confirmed that he will retire at the end of the season.

The 40-year old who had a glittering career wants to retire to take care of his wife's health.

van Der Sar has played for Ajax, Juventus, Fulham and Manchester United. He also has over 130 caps and won the Champions League twice with Ajax and Manchester United.

Many would feel that he perhaps has another year in him but his wife's health complications meant that a decision had to be taken.

PSG star to sign for Sunderland

Stéphane Sessegnon has landed in Sunderland in order to complete his move from PSG.

Respected French newspaper L'Equipe is reporting that Sunderland's offer of 6m Euros (around £4.75m) has been accepted last night by the French club.


French sources have also said that Sessegnon missed training in the last couple of days in order to force his move.

Sessegnon is a playmaker who is versatile as he can play across the midfield. He has been a hit with French clubs Le Mans and PSG, and will be a great addition to Bruce's squad.

West Brom want to sign Carlos Vela

Highly rated Arsenal youngster Carlos Vela is being chased by a number of clubs after he was made available on loan.

Bolton were thought to be frontrunners but interest of Spanish giants Valencia has made it certain for Vela to go there.

Vela is keen to go to Spain but Arsenal would prefer him to stay in England in order to get Premiership experience.

West Ham set to capture Keane

Robbie Keane has asked to leave Spurs and West Ham have joined the race to sign him on loan, with a view of a permanent deal at the end of the season.

The Hammers who have also captured Demba Ba are keen to add power up front to battle relegation.

Keane's huge salary (£65,000 a week) is proving a problem for clubs who are interested in him. Birmingham withdrew their interest after learning they will need to at least match his wages for him to consider a move.

Liverpool to give up on Suarez chase?

Reports in Holland suggest that Comolli was stunned to learn that Ajax now value the Uruguay star at £26m.

Liverpool's director of football has flown to Holland to seal the deal for Luis Suarez but made an offer of only £12.5m for a player who shone at the World Cup.


Liverpool are desperate to sign a striker especially after sanctionning Babel's move to Hoffenheim.

van Bommel opts for Milan

Tough-tackling van Bommel has joined AC Milan on a free transfer.

The Bayern Munich player was made available by his club and Liverpool were among his suitors.

But he has opted to join the Italian giants, who are currently top of the Serie A.

Eastmond moves to Millwall

Young Arsenal midfielder Craig Eastmond has moved to Millwall on loan until the rest of the season.

The 20 year old is highly rated by Wenger and has also played several games in the Champions League.

He joins Aaron Ramsey, Henri Lansbury and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas on the list of Arsenal loanees this season.

Real snatch Adebayor from Monaco

A very late bid from Real Madrid prevented Monaco from acquiring the services of Emmanuel Adebayor.

Jose Mourinho who was a big admirer of the Togolese when he was at Arsenal moved quickly for Adebayor, who was in talks about a return to Monaco.

Adebayor obviously did not hesitate to chose one of the world's biggest clubs and Real also has an option to secure him on a permanent basis at the end of the season.

West Ham completes Ba signing

West Ham has finally ended their chase for a new striker, after bringing Demba Ba on loan until the rest of the season.

A belated search for new players has started at Upton Park after Grant was given a stay of execution as manager.

Ba failed a medical at Stoke but his goalscoring record is very good. He has bagged 37 goals in 97 games for Hoffenheim and will be a much welcomed addition for the Hammers.

Holloway facing wrath of senior managers

After blasting "disgraceful" Houllier, Ian Holloway had a right go at Liverpool's manager Kenny Dalglish for his pursuit of Charlie Adam.

Holloway says that Adam was worth £4m 20 years ago when Dalglish last managed.

Adam who is only in his first season in the Premiership despite being 25 is worth around £40m in accordance to Holloway's logic. Adam has now made a transfer request.

Holloway's disrespect of two senior figures (Houllier & Dalglish) is not well seen by the Premiership establishment.

Sir Alex Ferguson said "I've had him bending my bloody ear on the phone. He's never got a penny, always pleading poverty. He's always been that way, for loans and so on. When he goes for a player, his view is the asking price is 'bloody disgraceful, bleeding the country dry''.

Holloway is feeling the pressure of seeing his side sliding towards the relegation zone, with their next opponents Manchester United.

Suarez invites Liverpool bid

Uruguay's star Luis Suarez has confirmed he wants to move to England after watching fellow South American Carlos Tevez star in the Premier League.

The Ajax forward is being lined up as a big name move by Liverpool.

Ajax have asked  Liverpool to make their bid as soon as possible. Frank de Boer has said that they will not let him go at midnight on the 31st of January, suggesting that they are prepared to sell him but want to have time to look for his replacement.

Latest reports from Holland suggest that Liverpool have made a bid of around £11m for Suarez but Ajax are asking £23m (around 35million euros).

Emanuelson signs for AC Milan

Dutch international Urby Emanuelson has signed for AC Milan for four years.

Milan wanted to strengthen their back four and have swooped for the Ajax left-back in order to step up their title bid.

They are currently top of the Serie A but Zambrotta's injury meant they had to move for Emanuelson.

Oxlade-Chamberlain to complete Arsenal switch

Highly rated Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is finally set to move to Arsenal after he met with Arsene Wenger at their training ground.

Arsenal were thought to have a deal for the Southampton player a month ago but late interest from Manchester City meant more negotiations for the Gunners.

But the 17-year old midfielder will move to Arsenal after watching former Southampton's golden boy Theo Walcott clocking his 101th appearance for Arsenal on Saturday. Walcott has scored 15 goals and also has 15 England caps at the age of 21.

Premier League Round-Up

Manchester United hammered a poor Birmingham side to remain top of the Premier League.

They extended their lead as neighbours Manchester City was beaten by a vibrant Villa side. Darren Bent justified his transfer by scoring a poacher's goal.

Arsenal moved to second after a world-class display from van Persie helped them outclass Wigan.

Spurs' title ambitions were perhaps killed for good despite snatching a late draw at Newcastle. They are now 10 points behind United with a game more.

At the end of the table, unlucky West Ham were pegged back in the last minute to stay bottom of the league. Piquionne was sent off after celebrating his goal which put the Hammers ahead with six minutes left.

But they still moved level on points with Wolves who were destroyed by a clinical Liverpool to give Dalglish his first win in his second spell.

Fulham dominated Stoke to give themselves breathing space and Stoke will not feel entirely safe after this latest defeat. Pulis had another moan calling Dempsey a clever diver despite a clear penalty and a red-card within the rules for denying a goal scoring opportunity.

Sunderland closed the gap on Spurs for the fifth-place race while Blackpool will also feel some pressure despite a good start to the season.

Houllier complains about English racisim

Gerard Houllier has been on the receiving end of two sensational blasts from managers Steve Bruce and Ian Holloway this week.

In perhaps a concerted attack, the two managers gang up on the respected Frenchman.

Houllier has a point regarding the Bent deal.

Villa made an offer and Sunderland had the choice to accept or reject it.

As far as the club have accepted the bid, Bruce cannot moan about underhand tactics.

As for Holloway, he says Villa's pursuit of Charlie Adam is "disrespectful" but finds nothing to say about Dalglish's interest.

Fulham to complete Kakuta loan

Fulham are close to bring Chelsea striker Gael Kakuta to Craven Cottage.

Kakuta's signing was controversial and Chelsea got a suspended transfer ban as a result.

But he is a highly rated prospect who needs games.

Both Hughes and Ancelotti have confirmed that a loan move could be completed soon.

Alves reject Barcelona offer

Dani Alves has rejected a huge contract renewal offer from his club Barcelona.

The Brasilian who is available on a free transfer at the end of the season has been locked in months of negotiations with the Barca board for a new contract.

Top European clubs like Milan, Chelsea, Real and City are all watching the developments very carefully.

Alves want to stay at Barca but they will not break the bank to extend him.

Bruce replace Bent with Fuller

Sunderland fans will no doubt be unimpressed as their manager has moved to replace £18m striker Bent with 31 year old Ricardo Fuller.

It was expected that Sunderland would splash the cash received by Villa to strenghthen their side but the capture of football journeyman Fuller is somehow an underwhelming signing.

Bruce who has had a real go at Houllier (despite the latter giving him £18m to spend) was tipped to make moves for Robbie Keane and Sebastian Larsson.

Mourinho opens door for exit

Jose Mourinho has been vague when questioned about his future at Real Madrid.

The Portugeese's confrontational style has not gone down too well with some of Real's hierarchy.

Mourinho's shelf life as a manager of a club is around 2-3 years (6 months at Benfica, 2 years at Porto, 3 years at Chelsea and 2 years at Inter).

His future will also depend on whether he manages to take the Liga off Barcelona this season.

Buffon commit to Juve

Fans who would have loved to see Buffon in England will be disappointed.

The Italian who is one of the best keepers of his generation has said that he would love to stay at Juventus for life.

At 32, he would have been great in a van Der Sar type of signing but his heart remains in Turin.

Friedel declared bankrupt

Brad Friedel has been declared bankrupt in the US despite earning £40,000 a week. 


He set up a football academy in America but the project failed and he was only left with huge debts to pay.


The Villa keeper who is not rated by Houllier (from their time at Liverpool) could also be shipped out soon.


He may be in deep trouble for the rest of his life as he is 40 and will not be able to continue to play for much longer.

Spurs desperate to sell Keane

After signing Pienaar on wages of £75,000 a week, Spurs are trying to offload a few players as soon as possible.


Having the biggest squad in the league and one of the biggest wage bills, Spurs have refused loan bids from West Ham and Fulham for Robbie Keane.


The 31 year old is on a whopping £65,000 a week despite having played very little recently. 


Spurs do not want to loan him out as they could be forced to keep the player next season if West Ham (for instance) get relegated and do not want to sign him permanently.

Blackburn to release Chimbonda and Diouf

Blackburn have released Pascal Chimbonda and are also about to tear El-Hadj Diouf's contract up.

Chimbonda's form has not been the best recently while Blackburn cannot seem to cope with Diouf's indiscipline.

There will no be shortage of buyers though.

Chimbonda nearly signed for West Ham in the summer. The 31 year old had a few good seasons prior to this season.

As for Diouf, he may not be everyone's cup of tea but he is clearly talented. Fulham and West Ham are both considering to sign him while Turkish clubs are also lining up offers.

It is actually very strange that the Indian owners at Blackburn have released them when they could have made at least £4m had they put the duo for sale. 

Could it be a decision linked to the inexperience of the new owners and the new manager?

Monaco want Adebayor back

Emmanuel Adebayor who made his name at Monaco is wanted by his old club.

Adebayor was snapped up by Wenger at the age of 21 and went on to become a fearsome striker at Arsenal.

Things have not gone as planned at City despite some flashes of his old form.

It is clear that Monaco do not have the funds to meet Adebayor's huge salary (around £130,000 a week) or price so it remains to be seen to what extent Man City are prepared to help Monaco for the deal.

Juventus close to complete Forlan deal

Juventus' quest for a new striker is about to end with a deal on the verge to be finalised for Diego Forlan.

The former Manchester United flop who rejuvenated himself in Spain is close to agree a 3 year deal with the Turin club.

Forlan who was one of the stars of the World Cup will cost around £9m (about 13m euros).

At 31, he is not cheap for a striker but his red-hot form of the last few years have made him a target for a number of Europe's top clubs.

Villa pull out of Adam deal

Aston Villa have withdrawn their interest in Blackpool's midfielder Charlie Adam.

They made two bids for Adam , the highest being £3.5m but Blackpool have rejected them.

It is believed that Blackpool are demanding at least £10m for their skipper.

The price has scared Houllier off as he has used most of his transfer funds with the Bent deal.

Larsson close to Blackburn deal

Sebastian Larsson is the subject of a £500k bid from Blackburn Rovers.

The underrated Swede is available for a marginal fee as his contract is expiring at the end of the season.

Often Birmingham's best player, he is also chased by Newcastle, Fulham and a number of European clubs.

The former Arsenal player will be a major coup for Blackburn should the deal go through as expected.

Wolves win Hammill race

Wolves have beaten stiff competition to sign highly rated Adam Hamill.

It was believed that Liverpool, Newcastle and Everton were also in for the winger.

The 23-year old was available for only £500k as he had a release clause so it is safe to say that Wolves have bagged themselves a bargain here.

Newcastle lead Wright-Phillips race

Shaun Wright-Phillips's agent has confirmed that Newcastle have made an offer for his player.

While Fulham has made a loan move for the winger, Newcastle have made an enquiry to purchase him.

Manchester City who badly want to reduce their wage bill would obviously prefer to sell him.

It is believed a fee of around £7m should seal the deal for Wright-Phillips.

Liverpool to spend big

Liverpool have made a big budget available for Kenny Dalglish as they bid to climb up the table.

Ajax have slapped a huge price on Luis Suarez as they have been made aware of Liverpool's interest.

But Liverpool seem keen to match the £20m plus being demanded by Ajax for Suarez.

No rift between Denilson and Fabregas

Denilson and Fabregas have both confirmed that there is no problem between them.

Denilson says that he has been misquoted and after you read the original interview from arseblog, you can see he is right.

Arsenal were in fine form today again as they swept aside a brave Leeds at Elland Road.

Grant has only £5m to spend

West Ham's board is clearly losing touch with reality.

They stated two days ago that they are fully behind manager Avram Grant.

It now emerges that they are only prepared to give Grant £5m for this transfer window.

The future is looking gloomy for a club whose squad look paper thin.

How many players can £5m buy?

Wheater set for Bolton

David Wheater's transfer to Bolton is likely to go through within 48 hours.

Boro and Bolton have been arguing over the fee and it was thought that the deal was off.

But Bolton have now gone back to Boro to settle a deal of £2.5m.