Watch: Gomes Blunder v Real Madrid

Tottenham's chances of progressing into the semi finals of the Champions League were pretty much dead in the water before this game even started. It would have been the biggest and best comeback in Champions League history if it were to have been completed, but it was never very likely. Spurs held hope as they kept it a 0 - 0 a half time, but when a Ronaldo shot left the former Manchester United players' right boot, Tottenham's 'keeper, Gomes was left looking like another Robert Green.

It was all too much for Gomes and Spurs, and this goal simply emphasises the overpowering force that Tottenham faced over the two ties. A very good team who are entertaining and attacking, with two fantastic wingers and a brilliantly creative midfield were outdone by a team who are filled with international superstars, worth in today's money, fees of £60 and £80 million.

Tottenham had a great journey on their debut season in the European competition, and they entertained throughout, but this was one comeback that proved too much. Next up for them is Arsenal, a completely different prospect. A win against Wenger's side may just make up for this quarter final tie forget.

Arsenal In £50 Million Summer Spending Spree

Plagued with injuries throughout the season to the extent that a new/old goalkeeper had to be brought in for back up, as well as being tormented with off form players slipping up a crucial times in massive matches, and Arsene Wenger is understandably frustrated. He must be wondering what he has done wrong to deserve the punishment of seeing his loyal but exhausted players suffer in this way. It isn't all bad when you consider Arsenal's position in the table - three points behind the leaders with a game in hand - but this season could have been about so much more than just the Premier League crown.

It is perhaps no wonder then, that Arsenal are being linked to two big money players to boost the squad this summer - give it some well needed depth, diversity and energy. These two players are Bolton's Gary Cahill and Real Madrid's Karim Benzema. I honestly cannot see it myself. It isn't that the two players wouldn't fit into the squad; Cahill, a strong, reliable, often goal scoring centre back would be welcomed in the beleaguered defence, while Benzema will have no shortage of fellow countrymen to communicate with (not to mention being a top class front man).  The rumours really get unbelievable when the price is quoted.

Cahill and Benzema are being valued at £25 million by the news sources. That's £25 million each. Probably around £40 million more than Wenger would dream of spending. His cautious, low profile approach to the transfer market has caused plenty of frustration among even patient supporters, as they await their first trophy for six years. It may yet come this year, but it will undoubtedly be very close, and with all of the teams around them certain to improve their squads in the summer, Arsenal do not want to be left behind at the start of next season in a year which looks to be even more competitive and tight than even this year has been so far.

Manchester United are apparently Arsenal's competition for the 25 year-old Cahill. United have seen a Vidic - Smalling partnership blossom in the absence of the seemingly always injured Rio Ferdinand, and if Ferdinand ever does receive further injures which is highly likely, United will need a top quality replacement. There have also been unsettling murmurings of Vidic's future as a United player as his wife apparently doesn't like it in Manchester. The Wes Brown - Chris Smalling defensive partnership has been poor so far, and Sir Alex will look for a new defender to banish any defensive worries in the future.


A bidding war is something neither side would want however, with Arsenal's reluctance to spend, and United's crushing debts reducing the possibility of big money signings.
The website states;

"The Trotters [Bolton] are bracing themselves for bids in the summer, and both Arsenal and Manchester United are expected to come to the table at some point with an offer for the England international.

Chelsea are also thought to be keen on landing the player, with the west London outfit also interested in the 25-year-old former Aston Villa defender.

Arsenal are still thought to be favourites though, although the Gunners will have to fight hard to see off Manchester United if these claims are to be believed."

Meanwhile, Wenger is supposedly a "big fan" of Benzema who was bought by Madrid from Lyon for £35 million two seasons ago. It is easy to see why, as Benzema has masses of exactly what Wenger is always looking for, craving for, searching for: "potential".

17 goals in 52 appearances this season isn't to impressive, but his previous form is far more impressive, with one season amassing 20 goals in just 36 appearances. A partnership of van Persie and Benzema would also be a vast improvement to what they have at the moment, and would add he depth up front which has been lacking.

Sir Alex Ferguson had tried to bring Benzema to United before he joined Madrid, but I doubt he would be after him again after being turned down already.

Javier Pastore Transfer News

Javier Pastore is close to agreeing a move to Manchester United. That is what the world of football transfer rumours tells us, as Sir Alex Ferguson, apparently a known admirer of the Argentinian 21 year-old sees the attacking midfielder as the perfect replacement for Paul Scholes.

Here is what has been said:

• Pastore's current side Palermo are said to be sticking to an asking price of 40 million euros which is £34.4 million.
• That means Sir Alex Ferguson would be willing to break the clubs transfer record set by the signing of Dimitar Berbatov for just over £30 million.
• The controversial and very much disliked Manchester United owners have promised Ferguson substantial transfer funds to compete for the best players in the summer - including Pastore.
• The promise of increased funds comes from the Wayne Rooney transfer saga, when the England striker questioned United's ambition. The injection of funds is apparently a show of ambition to persuade United's top players to stay.
• United will look to sell some of their current players to help in the funding of Pastore. Players such as Owen Hargreaves, Michael Owen, Johnny Evans, Bebe, Gabriel Obertan and Darron Gibson are all said to have an uncertain future at United.
• The player’s agent Marcelo Simonen is supposedly almost finalizing a deal with the head chiefs of ‘The Red Devils’.
• A number of top clubs have already been linked with Pastore, including Real Madrid and Barcelona. Manchester City have also expressed an interest.
• Barcelona travelled to Italy to discuss a verbal agreement with Palermo to unite Pastore with fellow countryman Lionel Messi. No agreement was reached which left United open to discussion.

Pastore joined Palermo in 2009 and his performances were rewarded with a place in the Argentina squad in the 2010 World Cup. He was also awarded with the 2010 Serie A Young Player of the Year - the first Argentinian ever to win it and an honour previously won by another United target, Marek Hamsik, as well as Alexandre Pato of AC Milan.

All of these rumours are somewhat destroyed by what the player said little over a month ago:

"It's not yet time to talk about my transfer. We will see later. Now I'm happy to stay in Palermo," the 21-year-old told Corriere dello Sport.

"This is the ideal place to complete my growth. One day I'll be ready for the biggest clubs, but now I'm happy where I am.

"I have a contract with Palermo until 2015. If an important offer does arrive and president (Maurizio) Zamparini decides to talk about it with me, the situation could change, but now I think I still have a few years in Palermo.

"When I leave, I will go to a team where I can play. Going now to Barcelona or Real Madrid would mean to stay on the bench if not in the stands.

"I can do a transfer like that when I'm 28, when I'll be ready."

Below you can watch videos of the player and what has so many clubs interested.

Confirmed £30 million Bid for Alexis Sanchez

Alexis Sanchez is proving hot property, with clubs from England, Italy and Spain all seemingly interested in acquiring his compellingly attractive services. Being compared to Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't do your on the field reputation any harm it must be said, and it is therefore perhaps no surprise that Manchester United have been very strongly linked, as the £80 million from the Ronaldo sale still lingers pleasingly in the bank awaiting usage.

Now his club Udinese have confirmed that a 35 million euro bid has been placed for their star attacker, but frustratingly, they refused to identify the club who placed the substantial bid. 35 million euros is equal to £29.7 million. And because Udinese have not named the bidders, it opens the door to speculation as to who it was.

Udinese's chairman Franco Soldati said:

"Sanchez is of interest of British and Italian teams.

"Somebody has already offered (for Alexis Sanchez) a figure close to 30-35 million euros but I cannot say by whom (we have received it)".

What a tease!
He justified the large asking price by citing recent Premier League signings including Liverpool's signing of Luiz Suarez, and Chelsea's double splurge of cash on Fernando Torres and David Luiz - a combined total of around £90 million. Doldati continued:

"A evaluation of €25 million for Sanchez? Looking at what has been paid for (Luis) Suarez, (Fernando) Torres and David Luiz in England, I think Sanchez will also apply to more than €25 million,"

"But right now we don't want to look at the market. Each assessment will be made at the end of the season."

The 23 year old Chilean international, who has scored 11 goals in 23 games this season for Udinese has done what most footballers do when they are linked to bigger, better clubs - repeat the question and avoid answering it. In other words, he doesn't want to commit himself to his current club, just in case the speculation, or in this case solid bid, turns into a possible transfer:

"My future? For now I want to play football, this is my only desire."

"At the end of the season we'll see what happens. Udinese? We are playing very well, the coach motivates us every game as if it were a final. "

Manchester United, Chelsea, City, Inter and Real Madrid have been linked. We'll see where he goes - it'll be interesting. More news here whenever it comes.

Nani Interview: Don't compare me to Ronaldo

Manchester United's winger Nani has been an integral part of the team this season, providing tantalising crosses, and constantly threatening defenders on the wing, leaving them for dead when he turns inside and unleashes a belter into the top corner. 

His nine goals have all been pretty special, while his delivery and creativity has made 11 goals for his teammates. In short, Nani is a devastatingly explosive winger, with the fantastic ability to produce moments of magic at any given time.

The player himself recognises that this season has been a special one, but despite similarities in their playing style, as well as obvious similarities such as nationality, he refuses to be compared with Cristiano Ronaldo:

"It is my best season at United. I don’t compare myself to Ronaldo or anyone else, I just think about myself and the club and what I can do for them. I hope to improve much more.

“It is good to have that many goals and assists but the most important thing is to win the trophies with the team. When I have won the trophies I will look back at how I have contributed.

“It is good for your confidence to know people are looking at you to win matches for the team. When you are on the pitch, it means you want the ball all the time because everything is going so well.

Nani is always looking to improve however, just like all good footballers do, while keeping himself in top physical condition so he is always ready for competitive football. Despite Ronaldo's move to Madrid, him and Nani are still very much in touch:

“I know, though, that I can do better. That is why I’m training hard every day and staying fit for every game.”

“We are good friends. He spoke to me before the Marseille game and wished me good luck. He always tells me how well I am doing.

“I know people liken me to Cristiano but I just want to be Nani, a good player who people enjoy watching.”

Nani wasn't always a first team regular however, mainly because of Ronaldo's massive presence in the team, and he spoke of his increased frustration at being left on the bench:

“I have ambition and it is not easy to give up on Manchester United. But at the same time, you come to this club to play.”

His manager Sir Alex Ferguson was not going to let him go in any case - he saw his exciting potential, and is delighted that the potential has been realised this season:

“Nani wasn’t close to leaving because he’d have had to get by me! Of course we sat down and talked. You do that with all your players.

“I don’t need to trumpet his improvement, he’s been consistent all season. He’s a match winner – he creates goals and he scores goals. Every time he gets near the ball, you think something special is going to happen. That’s the sign of a great player.”

Adel Taarabt Would "be very happy" at Arsenal Interest

He may have been ineffective during his time at Tottenham, and unable to gain a regular first team place, but Adel Taarabt has become a major part of QPR's promotion push as they sit top of the Championship table, with the 21 year-old Moroccan wearing the captains armband.

He has been impressive for the Championship leaders, and has gained his admirers - namely, his manager, Neil Warnock, who believes that Taarabt is good enough to play for Real Madrid. The attacking midfielder, who is given licence to roam and really be a creative spark in the Rangers side, has scored 13 goals for his side, and is in top form. Form that is attracting the top sides, if reports are to believed.

When reading reports on the players performances, it is a running theme that the young midfielder can drift in and out of the game. Sometimes he can be world class, yet sometimes he can be completely out of the game. He does however, continue to create goals for his team mates as well as scoring goals, and is usually the biggest threat to the opposing defence in is team.

He is also a big admirer of Arsenal and Arsene Wenger. The QPR manager insisted that the player is going nowhere this January, but Taarabt has suggested that if Arsenal were to come calling, he would jump at the chance of joining a French legend, Arsene Wenger:

"I would progress with Arsene Wenger. He is a legend in France. I like the way Arsenal play. If Arsenal come, I'll be very happy."

The question is, would Taarabt be able to make it in the Premier League? He may be lighting up the Championship, but as he is all to aware from his time at Tottenham, the difference in quality between the Premier League and Championship is, a big leap. Taarabt would argue that he has improved significantly since 2007, and his time at QPR has taught him more about English football with a regular team place, but one thing that must improve, must be his consistency.
He may have the quality for it, but does he have the consistency for the Premier League? He is certainly an exciting prospect.

Balotelli on the Insult Offensive again

Mario is at it again. Not a month has passed since the Manchester City striker claimed to be better than Cesc Fabregas and Wayne Rooney, that he didn't know who Jack Wilshere was and that Lionel Messi was only a "little" better than him, but now the 20 year-old has had more to say! Joy! This time his comments regard club rivals Manchester United and their striker Wayne Rooney, Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, the lack of manners and respect that Jose Mourinho has (the irony!), and the way in which Rafael Benitez got rid of Balotelli from Inter.

Lets start with Rooney. He isn't having the best of seasons, I'm sure even he would admit that. He hasn't scored the goals he would have like, he hasn't had the perfect touch that he had previous to the World Cup, and he hasn't been passing it well enough (50% pass rate against Tottenham). Balotelli on the other hand, when he has played this season has looked impressive, scoring 5 goals in 9 appearances for City, and there is somone who has noticed this.

"He [Rooney] is a very good player but not the best [striker] in Manchester"

From that quote, and from the fact that Balotelli is completely infatuated with himself, the only conclusion I can take is that he is saying that he is better than Rooney - he surely couldn't be praising another player, could he, like Carlos Tevez or even Dimitar Berbatov - joint top scorers this season. At the moment, you would have to agree, Rooney isn't the best striker in Manchester, he is far from it, but it is quite surprising that a player could be so confident (or perhaps cocky) to say such a thing.

Currently sidelined with a knee injury, Balotelli turned his head towards his, and two of his other team mates' brilliance. Claiming that him, Tevez and Dzeko are better than both Barcelona and Real Madrid's attack:

"Our attack of Balotelli-Tevez-Dzeko is the best in the world. We are the strongest. Better even than Barcelona and Real Madrid."

Next, the former Inter striker had a bit of advice for Jose Mourinho. Although calling him the "best manager in the world", Balotelli commented on a couple of things the current Real Madrid manager needs improving on. Two things that, personally, I don't think Balotelli is an expert on himself: manners and respect;

"[Mourinho] is the best coach in the world, but as a man he still has to learn manners and respect. [Mancini] is the most important coach I've ever had. He'll soon become the No1 in the world. But already now, in terms of human qualities, he is two kilometres ahead of Mourinho, wait, make that 10 kilometres."

He is obviously a big fan of Mancini - of course not as big a fan than he is of himself, but a fan nonetheless, and it is nice to see that Mancini is held in high regard by Balotelli, he does after all have to manage the player every day on the training field.
One manager he doesn't have this kind of respect for is Rafael Benitez. He was manager for Inter for a short period when Balotelli was in Milan:

 "He just told me: 'You come after Milito, Eto'o and Pandev, fourth-choice striker.' I said: 'That's it, ciao.'"

It can be nice to see strong headed, confident players expressing their views and then backing them up on the football pitch with outstanding shows of brilliance. However, it is not great when a player like Balotelli, seemingly arrogant, smug, egotistical, over confident, cocky, insulting and self adoring insults fellow professionals time after time. He is only 20 years-old, and immature, but there is no doubting his obvious talents. I just don't see why he has to continuously tell the world about it as well as being disrespectful when he can just show his qualities on the field.

Hamburg Confirm Bid has Been Made for Eljero Elia

Eljero Elia, the Dutch winger playing in the Bundesliga with Hamburg, has been the subject of a solid bid, after several clubs had been reportedly monitoring him over the past few seasons. Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United have all been said to be watching the 23 year-old, but it is Wigan Athletic who have been the confirmed bidders.

Hamburg's sporting director Bernhard Reinhardt said:

"We cannot deny there is interest, but there is only one specific offer which came from Wigan to take him on loan for six months. But [we] will not rush to agree to such things. Apart from that, there have been no offers."

Elia is a very pacey winger or striker, and in 2009, he won the prestigious Johan Cruijff Award for "Young Player of the Year" in the Netherlands, and the player not only has skill in abundance, but confidence in that skill too, so much so, he has very real aspirations to play with three of the biggest clubs in the world:

"I have learned a lot in the Bundesliga. I am very grateful to the HSA. HSV is also a top team. But I would love to play for one of the special clubs such as Real Madrid, FC Barcelona or Manchester United."

"I played with the Dutch national team at the World Cup and showed what level I can perform at, I passed that test."

Elia has several possibilities to choose from, all really depending on where he thinks his long term future realistically lies. A move to Wigan could potentially be a good move, as he would find first team Premier League games, as well as valuable English football experience.
If he is dreaming of a Manchester United move in the future, there is no better way of getting noticed than playing against them and proving his worth at the highest level with Wigan. However, with Manchester United seemingly having their position covered in Nani, (the injured) Valencia and Ji Sung Park, as well as being strongly linked to a move for Alexis Sanchez, Elia wouldn't be top of United's transfer target list.

Alternatively, Liverpool. The clubs position is quite unstable at the moment, and for a player with a history of attitude problems, a transfer to Anfield may not be his best option.

Time will tell whether this obvious young talent will choose to move to England and possibly fulfil a dream, or stay in Germany with Hamburg, unable to fulfill his big ambitions.

Arsenal Transfer Targets: Sakho, Samba, Cahill & Hazard?

It is the general consensus that Arsenal need to improve in defence. A number of players in this area have come under scrutiny throughout the past few seasons with the defensive issues the main topic of discussion for pundits in relation to Arsenal's wavering title credentials. It is no surprise therefore, that Arsenal are being linked to defenders to strengthen their back line, either in January or beyond.

Possible Arsenal Transfer Targets include:

Mamadou Sakho
20 year old 6 ft 2 in PSG defender who can play both in centre back and left back position. He is known for his leadership credentials, tireless engine, hard-working attitude, and his tackling ability. He has also been praised for his "physical and tactical qualities".

Gary Cahill
25 year-old Bolton Wanderers centre back. He is known to be a strong, reliable defender who is also impressive going forward.

Chris Samba
26 year old 6ft 4 inch no nonsense powerhouse centre back is very important to Blackburn Rovers but has expressed his desire to leave following the dismissal of manager Sam Allardyce.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hardly made his January transfer policy very clear over the past few weeks, but his latest statement is

 "If we find the players who can give something more to the team, we will do it."

He is known to not particularly like buying players in January, as players are valued, in his opinion too highly as clubs are desperate to hold on to their stars for the remainder of the season, however, this latest quote suggests that there may be one or two players he is interested in bringing to the club, especially in the defensive role.

A player who isn't likely to join in January, but most probably in the summer is attacking midfielder and the "next big thing", Eden Hazard. The Belgian play maker currently plays for French club Lille, but is full of praise for Arsenal, as we can see from quotes like these:

"If one day I leave Lille, I will go to Real or Arsenal.''

"Real Madrid and Arsenal are the clubs I dreamed of joining as a child."

and if two wasn't enough:

"Real and Arsenal are really great and play at a very high technical level"

*Hint hint.*
His attacking talents are quite brilliant for his young age of 19, and you can watch highlights of his short career so far in the video below.

Tevez Withdraws his Transfer Request

The latest twist in the Tevez transfer tale is that the former Manchester United striker has withdrawn his request to leave City. A Manchester City statement read:

"Carlos expressed his absolute commitment to the Club and formally withdrew his transfer request. Carlos’ contract remains unchanged and both Carlos and the Football Club are keen to focus on the opportunities that lie ahead."   

So what has changed the Argentinians mind? Probably nothing at all. Earlier in the month he was absolutely certain he wanted to leave the club because he had fallen out with certain members of the club, and that there was no way he would re think his decision - thus handing in a transfer request. Clubs like Real Madrid and Chelsea were reportedly ready to swoop for the uncommitted player who was also apparently thinking of retirement.

Now, just before tonight's game against Everton - at Manchester City's ground, he withdraws his transfer request and praised by his manager:

 "Carlos is a world class player whose contribution since he joined the club has been invaluable"

He may have changed his mind because he knows that if City want to keep him at the club, they will. They are under no pressure to sell as they don't need the money, and they certainly won't want to sell to a title rival in England. Or is it simply an attempt to avoid a frosty reception from the home crowd tonight aimed at the disloyal former captain? Rooney didn't totally avoid a controversial reception after his contract ordeal at Manchester United and there will be certain members of tonight's crowd that take a disliking to the Tevez situation.

Arsenal v Barcelona, Man United v Mareille, Spurs v AC - CL Draw

Champions League last 16 draw

Roma v Shakhtar Donetsk

AC Milan v Tottenham

Valencia v Schalke

Inter Milan v Bayern Munich

Lyon v Real Madrid

Arsenal v Barcelona

Marseille v Manchester United

Copenhagen v Chelsea

First legs to be played on 15/16 and 22/23 February

Second legs to be played on 8/9 and 15/16 March

Manchester United Target Schweinsteiger signs New Deal

Bastein Schweinsteiger, reported target of Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid, has signed a new contract at Bayern Munich which runs until 2016. This news leaves Sir Alex Ferguson still looking for a central midfielder of real quality to come in and take the reigns from Paul Scholes in leading the United midfield line.

It had been widely suggested that the German was ready to leave Bayern for England, with him admitting that his brother begs him regularly to join the Old Trafford side, but this news has dashed his brothers (and United fans') chances of seeing the 26 year-old proudly wearing the red of United.

Schweinsteiger announced his future in a microphone after a win at the Allianz Arena. He told the fans:

"I have extended my contract and will stay at FC Bayern until 2016. Long live Bayern!"

United do look likely to sign Steven Defour of Standard Liege in the close future however. The Belgian has been a long term target of Ferguson and it is highly likely that the Scotsman will swoop for the central midfielder before any other team does as he looks to strenghten his midfield.


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Redknapp Rules out Benzema Move but Players Must be Sold

A January transfer move for Karim Benzema has been ruled out by Harry Redknapp, while he also said that he will have to sell some of his players in order to purchase any improvements for his squad.

When asked about a possible move for the Frenchman, Redknapp said:

“There’s nothing in that,"

"He’s a good player, I like him, he looks a real talent. But certainly we haven’t made any enquires at all for him. There’s definitely nothing going on there at the moment."

“Before we can bring anyone in, I’ve spoke with the chairman, we need to shift one or two.

"It’s going to be a case of the only way we can do any business would be to let one or two go and whatever we get in we can go and invest.”

He hasn't ruled a move completely; by saying there is "nothing going on there at the moment" he was hinting that a move for him could be a possibility - maybe in the summer. Redknapp knows that Benzema would be cup tied in the Champions League, having played for Real Madrid, and as a competition that Tottenham are aspiring to do well in, they need their big name players. Benzema would be one of them.

If Tottenham were to invest in a new striker in January, they would most probably look closer to home, at a lower Pemier League team. Andy Carroll of Newcastle has been tipped as a possibility.

As for these players that Redknapp will have to let go, and Croatian play maker Niko Kranjcar has been rumoured to want out of White Hart Lane, seeking first team football. Liverpool were rumoured to be interestd for £7 million, while Italians Juventus are also interested.

After guiding his team to an inspired comeback against rivals Arsenal at the week end, Harry Redknapp is leading Tottenham in the right direction. He believes that his team can win the title this year, and the addition of top players that a Champions League team that they now are can attract, Tottenham are looking good for the future.

Lukaku Targeted by Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool

Romelu Lukaku has generated a lot of excitement over his abilities, and at the young age of 17, has already been compared to Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.

He has been linked with major clubs including Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Juventus and Chelsea, and now Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool have been added to the list, but according to some sources, Liverpool are "in the driving seat" to sign the player.

The Belgian striker currently plays at Anderlecht, and finished last season as the Belgian Leagues top scorer - at the age of only 16 years and 10 months. Okay, so the Belgian League isn't quite the English Premier League, and the quality may not be any where near as high, but you must be pretty special to be scoring goals for fun at such a young age against players much older and experienced than you.

Rumours in the summer of 2010 suggested that Tottenham had a £17.5 million bid rejected for Lukaku, while Chelsea's Didier Drogba apparently spoke to the Belgian striker and tried to persuade him to join Chelsea.
Real Madrid admitted their interest as manager Jose Mourinho said:

'It is true we wanted Romelu, but he has a very clever dad. He wants Romelu to stay at Anderlecht for one more year. I wish all dads were like this."

While Cristiano Ronaldo was full of praise for the young man:

“He has to make his own choice but I’m sure that he will have a great career.

“At 17 when he is not playing in a major championship, he has managed to make himself known to many people like me. I think that he’s a really fantastic young player.

“I’m curious to see what he will do in the coming months or at the end of the season. But Lukaku is on track; he must continue to work this way.”

Liverpool and the other English clubs certainly have stiff opposition in the competition for the players signature on a contract from top teams from all over the world, but Chelsea seem the team who Lukaku sounds keen to join. On a school trip to Stamford Bridge, he was photographed in a Chelsea shirt and said whilst there:

"I'm very pleased to be here – unfortunately, I didn't meet Drogba. If ever one day I will cry, it will be when I sign for Chelsea."

This player is a genuine talent. Standing at over 6 foot and 3 inches and weighing in at over 14 stone, Lukaku is immensely strong for his age - out muscling the opposition regularly in tussles,while his aerial ability is described as "awesome". He is quick, clever on the ball, intelligent in positioning and has the finishing of an expert. His abilities are vast, while his age is the opposite.

It seems too good to be true.

Gaël Clichy Move from Arsenal is a No

Rumours linking the Arsenal left back Gaël Clichy to a move away from the Emirates have been dismissed by the players agent Ivan Le Mee.

Clichy has been subject of apparent interest from both Juventus and Real Madrid - the latter also being reportedly interested in Manchester United left back Patrice Evra.

The agent said of the speculation:

"His relationship with Arsenal and Wenger are great,"

"I don't understand where all these rumours have come from. Also, his contract expires in June 2012 so it wouldn't make sense to force the issue now."

"Gael is doing very well, playing for his national team and in the Premier League he's now a certain starter. There will be time for him to go to Italy."

Clichy is an experienced and often valuable defender in Arsenal's young team. After joining Arsenal in 2003 from Cannes, Clichy has played 168 times and the 25 year old has played 17 times in all competitions this season with one assist. However, speculation is always high when top players are involved, and while Clichy comes under this category at Arsenal, he will be linked to clubs such as Juventus and Real Madrid as he is.

Javier Hernandez to Real Madrid? Ridiculous!

According to some reports, Real Madrid are masterminding a plan to snatch Javier Hernandez away from Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

You can call it "audacious", like some newspapers have reported it to be, but I think absurd, ludicrous and fantastically laughable is putting far more accurately.

Apparently, Jose Mourinho will be making a move for the young Mexican striker when the January transfer window opens in just under 2 months. Firstly, I'm not sure Hernandez, who has started brilliantly for Manchester United, after agreeing to sign for £7 million in April 2010, would even get into the first team of Real Madrid. Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 12 goals in 15 games this season, Gonzalo Higuain, has scored 7 in 15, and attacking midfielders such as Mesut Ozil, Kaka and Di Maria are in the team - Javier Hernandez wouldn't get ahead of them, despite his good form.

Secondly, Hernandez has just broken into the team at Manchester United, and is proving his worth by scoring vital goals in vital games. He would not risk a move away, after just settling in at England and getting into his stride. He knows it is a rare opportunity for a young player like himself to get into the team ahead of Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov, even if they are off form. It is his time to prove that he is both worthy of playing in their place, and standing in for the when they are not available, or un-fit.

Finally, and most importantly, Sir Alex Ferguson. In 2008, when Real Madrid were shamelessly chasing Cristiano Ronaldo, Ferguson said:

"Do you think I would enter into a contract with that mob? No chance. I would not sell them a virus."

The United manager did end up selling Ronaldo, but it was for a world record breaking £80 million, while Ronaldo had expressed his desire to leave for Madrid. It is fair to say, that Ferguson's relations with Madrid are far from close. He would hate to sell them another of his young stars, especially one that he has only just bought, and one that holds obvious qualities.

Maybe Real Madrid should find themselves a player from places other than Manchester United. United are obviously better at finding promising young talent than the Spanish team, and by attempting to buy Javier Hernandez, they would embarrass themselves in a move that is ridiculously senseless.

Gareth Bale is Priceless for Tottenham

After annihilating the European Champions' right back, Maicon, described as one of the best defenders in the world, Gareth Bale has been the topic of many a conversation today.

The Tottenham winger was in astonishing form, and showed his extraordinary fitness levels, when, in the 89th minute, after running and running for the whole game, bolted forward, past the Inter defence to assist his teammate with a tap in, and Tottenham's third to seal the game. And, after gathering admirers from all over the world, in giants of football clubs, and experienced football experts, Bale was more or less labelled as a priceless player by the man who helped turn him into the star that he is today, the Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp.

When asked about the possibility of a top club bidding in the region of £25 - £30 million for the Welsh winger, Redknapp assured the Tottenham fans by saying:

"They wouldn't buy him for that, that's for sure,

"If he had a value, if we wanted to sell him, his value would be way in excess of that sort of figure.

"He really is an amazing young player. We wouldn't even entertain a bid. The chairman has said he's not for sale and that's good enough."

Instead, Redknapp wants to build a club, who he knows is improving day by day, with committed owners, quality players and quality facilities.

"We don't want to sell him and we're looking to build a team at Tottenham. We're a club that's going places - we've got a new training ground coming, change of stadium, the whole thing is going forward.

Gareth Bale, a man who went through a period early in his Tottenham career, in which whenever he was in the team, the team lost, has turned into a player that Tottenham cannot do without. He is worth, to Harry Redknapp and Tottenham over £50 million, and has almost single handed, demolished the European Champions' defence.

Bale summed the game up nicely, as he has seen his career and reputation change rapidly over the last few years:

"It was great, it was special beating the European champions. It will be a night that will never be forgotten."

Lionel Messi to Inter?

The Inter Milan owner, Massimo Moratti has claimed that he may hold talks with Barcelona over the availability of arguably the best player in the world, in their star player, Lionel Messi.

He said:

"[Lionel] Messi? Everyone asks me to buy a strong player. He is the strongest of all. So I'm starting to ask me the question.

And I still have not answered neither 'yes' nor 'no'. On Sunday, I jokingly said that I would bring Messi to Inter.

But we could only really talk about it with Barcelona. Let's see what happens in the coming days."

If Inter were seriously going to have to have any chance of prising theArgentinian away from Camp Nou, then they would have to b prepared to pay a massive sum of money to both the club, and Messi himself. Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United for £70 million to Real Madrid - a world record fee, and it is widely regarded that Messi is as good if not better than the Portugese record breaker.

Messi seems very happy at Barcelona, and has had a lot of success at the Spanish club, so why would he want to change his magnificent routine? There are very few reasons why a player would want to leave Barcelona during such a succesful period whilst playing alongside brilliant players such as Iniesta, Xavi, Puyol - the list goes on. Maybe he just wants a change? Rafael Benitez would certainly welcome the player to Inter Milan.

Rafael Van Der Vaart on Moving to Tottenham

So Van Der Vaart moving to Tottenham was one of the transfer headlines of the final day of this years summer transfer window. Have a look at what the player himself has to say about his new club as well as his old club by clicking the link below.

Click Here to watch interview

Champions League Draw

Group A: Inter Milan, Werder Bremen, Tottenham, FC Twente

Group B: Lyon, Benfica, Schalke, Hapoel Tel-Aviv

Group C: Manchester United, Valencia, Rangers, Bursaspor

Group D: Barcelona, Panathinaikos, Copenhagen, Rubin Kazan

Group E: Bayern Munich, Roma, Basle, Cluj

Group F: Chelsea, Marseille, Spartak Moscow, MSK Zilina

Group G: AC Milan, Real Madrid, Ajax, Auxerre

Group H: Arsenal, Shakhtar Donetsk, FC Braga, Partizan Belgrade