Chelsea pressure AC Milan for Dida

Chelsea are monitoring Dida's contract talks with AC Milan.
Milan directors are growing exasperated over the Brazilian's insistence on putting off negotiations for a new deal.
Corriere della Sera says Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is waiting in the wings to secure Dida to a pre-contract agreement in January ahead of Bosman move to London over the summer.

Crepo question on why join Chelsea

Inter Milan ace Hernan Crespo has slated former club Chelsea.

The unhappy Argentinian was speaking as Chelsea moved to deny increasing speculation that £30million flop Andriy Shevchenko could be on his way out.
Shevchenko's legendary status has been tarnished since a summer move to west London - just as Crespo's was when he arrived three years ago. Other overseas attackers to have reputations shattered at Stamford Bridge include Adrian Mutu, Juan Veron and Mateja Kezman.
Crespo, now thriving at Inter Milan, said: "I had a very unhappy experience. The adventure at first was very exciting but things changed.
"Now it is hard to see why a striker who is happy in his country would go there."
Crespo added: "The Premiership is a good league but I and my family are much happier in Italy and we would prefer to stay here now."

Powerbrokers working for Shevchenko deal

AC Milan powerbrokers are busily working on a loan agreement for unhappy Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko.

Gazzetta dello Sport says a move in January can happen, despite suggestions the Ukrainian's non-EU status will work against him.
Milan president Silvio Berlusconi and his No2 Adriano Galliani have been working on a deal for Sheva for over a month with a view to taking the striker on-loan for six months without a fee being paid. Milan would cover 100 per cent of Sheva's wages.
While he is Cup-tied from the Champions League, Milan see Shevchenko as the perfect solution to solve their scoring problems and secure a top four place and qualification for next season's competition.

Cassano can leave

Real Madrid sports chief Pedja Mijatovic says the club is prepared to allow striker Antonio Cassano to leave in January.
"It's probable that Cassano will leave Madrid if the player confirms his desire and the club finds a satisfying solution," said Mijatovic on Wednesday.

"This year we need all of our men, but if he is determined and wants to change then we will consider what the possible options are."

Man Utd too good for Everton

Despite making five changes from his line-up, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson saw his team earn a 3-0 win against Everton last night.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Patrice Evra struck for the hosts either side of the interval, with John O'Shea adding an audacious third just before the end.

With major tussles against Middlesbrough and Manchester City ahead, plus next week's make-or-break Champions League encounter with Benfica, the win was all that mattered.
The manner of victory did little to dispel the theory United's squad lacks the strength required to stave off Chelsea's threat, although Ferguson claimed he was not worried about fielding so many fringe players.
"The draw against Chelsea on Sunday gave me a bit of a problem in terms of changing the team but I thought we would be okay," said Ferguson.
"We have Benfica next week and I didn't want to go into that game in the position of having to use players who have not been in the team for a while.
"These lads want to prove their worth to the club. We know that already but it was great to be able to give them a game."
Ferguson played down injury fears over Rio Ferdinand, who hobbled off before the final whistle.
Even without leading scorer Andrew Johnson and goalkeeper Tim Howard, it was a chance lost for Everton, who would have gone third with a win.
"This is a hard place to come but that scoreline was not fair on us," said Toffees boss David Moyes.
"We were well in the game when they got their first and we were trying to get it back when they got their second."
Moyes was non-committal on the vitriolic abuse directed at Wayne Rooney in the second-half which prompted the former Evertonian to kiss the badge on his United shirt.
"It is just what happens nowadays," he shrugged.

Wenger concedes title challenge

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has all but conceded they're out of the title race after last night's poor 2-1 defeat to Fulham.

The Gunners trail leaders Manchester United by 16 points following the hot-tempered London derby at Craven Cottage, which saw Philippe Senderos dismissed for two bookings.
The defensive lapses that surfaced in their previous two away games - defeats by West Ham and Bolton - were apparent when Brian McBride headed in after six minutes.
Tomasz Radzinski doubled the lead, injuring himself in the process by crashing into the advertising hoardings, and the hosts held on despite a 30-yard free kick from Robin van Persie.
"I will leave the mathematics of the title to you," said Wenger, who reportedly slipped over during his post-match media duties.
"We will now go away and focus on the next game.
"We never expected defeat. It was played at a high pace but we gave it everything and created chances. So I'm not disappointed with the way we played.
"It was our third away defeat in a row, and as against West Ham and Bolton we could have had the points. At the moment it doesn't go for us."
Thierry Henry had an effort disallowed for offside in the second half, and Wenger felt aggrieved after another decision went against his team.
"It was decisive, and I must say the coincidences of the decisions against us at the moment are very peculiar," the Frenchman said.
"We can put it together with the penalty at West Ham.
"But we have to play with it. We cannot influence the referee."

Chelsea destined to be champion

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho believes they can turn the heat on Manchester United by going on winning run after last night's 1-0 victory at Bolton Wanderers.
Mourinho was delighted at the way they applied themselves following the draw at Old Trafford three days ago.
He said: "There could have been eight points difference between us now if we had not played well in these two games.

"We could have lost in Manchester and dropped points against Bolton if we were not focused.
"We played a brilliant first half in terms of the quality of our game tonight after a very good second half on Sunday.
"Of course we would like to be top of the league. We have got used to it the last two years.
"There is no doubt United have a good team and are very focussed on the Premiership. They have that ambition.
"But I think we showed our power in second half at Manchester.
"With the very good run they are having they have to be frustrated to have a three point lead."
Goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini made a good block from El- Hadji Diouf in stoppage time and Mourinho added: "We are doing well and today is a great example of our how well we are performing.
"I am happy to be in this position when I look at the fixtures we and Manchester United have had in first period of season.
"But now is time to win matches consecutively and go top of the league as soon as possible."
Without injured duo Joe Cole - he could be out for two to three weeks with a bruised foot - and Arjen Robben, Chelsea sealed victory through a Michael Ballack goal in first-half stoppage time.
He got on the end of Frank Lampard's corner to head home at the near post.
Bolton manager Sam Allardyce thought too much time had been added on.
He said: "It is very rare a referee will whistle for the break when a corner is given.
"He tends to wait when it is taken and blow after that.
"Perhaps we should have defended it better but I always thought the game would rest on set-pieces. That's exactly what happened.
"We had a difficult battle against a top quality side and that told us in the end."

Benitez blast time wasting Portsmouth

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez was left frustrated after yesterday's disappointing 0-0 draw with Portsmouth.
Benitez blasted Portsmouth for their time-wasting and claimed that referee Alan Wiley should have taken stronger action.

Benitez said: "They were time-wasting from the first minute, their goalkeeper was taking time walking across his area for goal kicks from very early on.
"The referee only put on two minutes in the first half and five in the second, but there was a lot more. In the end it is down to the referee to book players."
But Pompey boss Harry Redknapp hit back saying: "I wouldn't know what time-wasting was. I would never tell a team of mine to do that.
"In fact I kept shouting at our full back Noe Pamarot not to take so much time at throws because he would get himself booked. And that is what happened in the end.
"Surely no one is saying we came to Anfield to time-waste for 90 minutes, that would be ridiculous."
And the last word went to Redknapp, who was delighted with the point, saying: "I have to be happy with that. To get anything at Anfield is a bonus.
"We defended very well and deserved what we got. I had no option but to play one striker up front because of our injuries, Liverpool do it away from home, so do Bolton, but it is not something I would do by choice, but needs must."

Beckham will sign for Real Madrid

Real Madrid sports chief Pedja Mijatovic is convinced the team's impressive season so far will convince David Beckham to sign a new deal.

Beckham has yet to celebrate a major trophy success since moving to Madrid in 2003, but following the sweeping changes at the club this summer and the team's decent start to the season, optimism is high at the Bernabeu that Real will soon end that barren spell.
And Mijatovic feels that could be a major draw for Beckham as the former England captain, whose four-year contract at Real runs out next summer, weighs up his options.
"He has not had much luck in the last three years after arriving at Real Madrid thinking he would win many trophies," said Mijatovic in a joint programme between host broadcasters B92 and the BBC in Serbia.
"Now the situation is different, and I think that he is aware of that.
"We have a club that knows what it wants, we have an atmosphere that is much more healthy than the last three years, circumstances that are a guarantee that we can hope for great success at the end of the season."
Beckham has made clear his frustration at being consigned to bench duty for much of this season under new Real coach Fabio Capello, and that lack of first-team action is believed to be a major reason why the 31-year-old has yet to pen a new deal.
Mijatovic is aware of the situation, but is still convinced the former Manchester United man will remain at the club.
"Beckham is happy in Madrid. At the moment he is not in the first XI, but that does not mean the situation will be the same in a few weeks."

Henry is not in the World Player list

The FIFA World Player of the Year 2006 will be Fabio Cannavaro, Ronaldinho or Zinedine Zidane - with Thierry Henry not on the shortlist.
FIFA's award is voted for by the coach and captain of all 207 national teams, who each pick their top three players of the year.
Barcelona's Brazilian Ronaldinho has won it for the last two years and despite having a poor World Cup, he is the front-runner again.
The identity of the winner of the FIFA award will be revealed on Monday, December 18 at a gala in Zurich.

Hargreaves move suffer setback

Bayern Munich have confirmed Owen Hargreaves has suffered a slight setback in his bid to make a return before the turn of the year.

The England midfielder broke his leg against Arminia Bielefeld back in September.

His efforts to be back before the Bundesliga winter break have suffered a complication and he has been forced to rest for a further fortnight.

"It's great to be able train again," Hargreaves told bundesliga.de. "I've got a long way to go but I'm looking forward to the coming weeks and hopefully my progress will be quick.

"It's frustrating as every day I see the players going out to training and I watch the games in the stadium.

"It's difficult because I am working on my rehabilitation and that's been more than eight weeks already.

"But it makes you appreciate being healthy again and I'm looking forward to making a comeback."

Brown, Silvestre wants out of Man Utd

Manchester United defensive pair Mikael Silvestre and Wes Brown are considering their futures at Old Trafford.

The Sun says Brown, who has started just one league game in the last nine, has seen boss Alex Ferguson to voice his frustration.
The England centre-back, 27, was not even on the bench against Chelsea on Sunday and his contract is up at the end of next season.
Frenchman Silvestre, 29, has not started a league game since the 1-0 defeat against Arsenal in September. He is third choice left-back behind Gabriel Heinze and Patrice Evra.
Silvestre has now said he would be ready to leave Old Trafford to play in Spain's La Liga.
Asked if he would consider leaving United, Silvestre replied: "Sure, why not?
"What's certain is that, for the moment, I am excluding any possibility of a return to France.
"It's not because I don't love my country but simply because I know the league too well.
"I would like to discover a new style of play. I've done Italy in the colours of Inter, England in the jersey of the Red Devils. All that's left for me is Spain."

AC Milan chasing Shevchenko and Gerrard

AC Milan are preparing a massive double raid on the Premiership for stars Andriy Shevchenko and Steven Gerrard.

Corriere dello Sport says Milan powerbrokers Adriano Galliani and Ariedo Braida are already in contact with Chelsea about taking Shevchenko back to the San Siro as early as January. Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is willing to send Sheva back to Milan on-loan, though Galliani will press to have a buy option included in the deal.
Meanwhile, along with Shevchenko, Milan will also launch a bid for Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.
Milan directors are aware of Gerrard's strained relationship with Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez and unlike the Spaniard will guarantee the England ace a central midfield role should he agree to move to Italy next summer.

Lazio had Cannavaro, Ronaldo deal in place

Former Lazio president Sergio Cragnotti has revealed he had deals in place for both Fabio Cannavaro and Ronaldo while he was in charge of the Rome club.
Cragnotti said: "We had a deal for Cannavaro. He actually came to our office when he was leaving Napoli, but we did not reach an agreement over a fee and so was forced to abandon negotiations. But he was one of the footballers who came close to joining Lazio.
"We were also dealing with Ronaldo, it was a true negotiation that lasted for months and could have happened if Inter had not been able to acquire Pirelli as a major sponsor. After they did that, we were blown away."

Chelsea ready to send Shevchenko away

Chelsea are prepared to send striker Andriy Shevchenko away on-loan.

The Sun says Sheva's former club AC Milan is the most likely destination - but Blues boss Jose Mourinho will let the Ukrainian switch only after the club have secured a replacement for the £30million flop.
Mourinho has lost patience with Shevchenko, 30, who has bagged just three Premiership goals this term - costing £10m apiece.
Officials in Milan have indicated they would welcome Sheva back with open arms.
The Italian club would also be prepared to pay his salary for the six-month loan spell, which would be granted by Chelsea for 'personal reasons.'
Sheva's wife Kristin is said to be struggling to settle in England with their two small children and a return to Italy - where the Ukrainian spent seven years - would ease the pressure.
But a permanent move would not be on the table as Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is hopeful 68-cap Sheva will want to return next season and prove himself.

Chelsea offer £15 million for Richards

Chelsea are ready to offer Manchester City £15 million for teenage defender Micah Richards.

The Times says Richards has been identified as the man to fill the right-back position that has given Jos頍ourinho such problems this season.
Paulo Ferreira, Khalid Boulahrouz and Geremi have all failed to impress in the role and a bid for Richards can be expected before the transfer window opens in January.
Chelsea did make an inquiry before he signed a new four-year contract with City last summer but failed to follow up their interest, which could prove an expensive oversight.
After impressing on his England debut against Holland this month, Richards's profile and perceived value have soared, with City ready to demand about £15 million for a player they could have sold for only a fraction of that in the summer.
As an ambitious young man, Richards expressed an interest in moving to Stamford Bridge when told of Chelsea's approach last summer and would listen attentively to any offer, but City are prepared to fight for him.

Howard still got future

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed on-loan Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard could still have an Old Trafford future.
"Tim has been doing really well at Everton, which is what we hoped for," said Ferguson.
"The potential has always been there because he has great elasticity, he is brave, has a good spring and is an excellent distributor of the ball. All he needed was the experience, and now he is getting it.
"I have spoken to David Moyes and he is delighted at how Tim has been playing. But it is certainly a possibility he could come back to us, no question about that."

Shevchenko get vote of confidence from Vialli

Former Chelsea boss Gianluca Vialli is confident Andriy Shevchenko will prove value for money.
Reports on Tuesday said Valencia's David Villa could be a £22m replacement for the out-of-form Shevchenko.
"I think it is quite normal when you are coming from a different country," Vialli told BBC Sport. "I think we will soon see one of the world's top strikers in the Premiership - there are no worries about that."

He believes Shevchenko, who has scored just three league goals this season, has been hampered by the knee injury that threatened to force him out of the World Cup.
Vialli added: "He played in Italy and had to adjust to the Italian style and now he must adjust to the English style.
"When he joined I don't think he was 100% fit, he was injured before the World Cup and he only had a very short break.
"All of these things catch up on you and you need time to get back to your best. But I think Shevchenko is working really hard."
Vialli believes Shevchenko's presence in the side has been of great benefit to strike partner Didier Drogba.
He said: "Drogba is playing so well and scoring some marvellous goals. I think this is down to him but also what Shevchenko is doing in keeping two or three defenders busy.
"It means Drogba is given more space and more ability to score. As a partnership they are working really well together and working hard for each other.
"And I don't see any jealousy which is very good for the team."

Valencia wants £100 million for Villa

Valencia President Juan Soler has moved to dismiss rumours of a Chelsea bid for star striker David Villa, denying any contact between the two clubs and warning that any bid would first have to fulfill the terms of the Spanish international's buyout clause.
"We have no intention of selling him. But should any club be interested, they could sit down and negotiate his buy-out clause, which is currently worth 150 million euros (£100 million)," Soler told PA sport.
Villa, 24, has emerged as one of Europe's top strikers in recent years, scoring 25 league goals last season and impressing at the World Cup.
His continued good form this year has led to speculation over his future, and, despite Soler's insistence, looks set to be the subject of a January bid from Chelsea.
"Officially, we have not received any interest or an offer from Chelsea for Villa.
"I met (Valencia sporting director Amedeo) Carboni this morning and he didn't mention anything regarding any possible interest from Chelsea for our striker.
"We have heard rumours, but that is all it is," he said, "Villa is a crucial player for us now and in the future."
Chelsea sporting director Frank Arnesen, currently in Valencia with the youth team, denied any knowledge of his club's interest in the player.
"I don't know anything. That is an issue of the first team and those matters are dealt with by coach Jose Mourinho and chief executive Peter Kenyon."
"He is a very good player, but at Chelsea we already have very good players," he added.

Kenyon wants bigger stadium

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has admitted the club would like to play in a bigger ground.

The capacity at Stamford Bridge currently stands at 42,055 and Chelsea are keen to match the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal in the crowd stakes.
Kenyon admitted ideally the club would be able to expand Stamford Bridge as he believes location is more important than size.
"We would like to have a stadium where we could have 55 or 60,000," Kenyon told Sky Sports News.
"You look at the impact at Manchester United yesterday (Sunday) with 75,000 people there or the new Emirates Stadium which is fantastic with 60,000.
"But we're not going to give up space for location, because location is what Chelsea is all about and finding a site of 20 acres which is what you need to develop is not that easy.
"So until we find out definitively that we can't develop Stamford Bridge or find somewhere else then that's where we're going to be."

Pearce love SWP

Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce claims he could be in the market to bring Shaun Wright-Phillips back to The City of Manchester Stadium.

Wright-Phillips has started just 17 matches in 16 months since joining the club from City in a £21 million transfer in the summer of 2005.
"If a price was set and Chelsea were prepared to sell him, just think what a big lift it would give everyone here for Shaun to walk back through the door," said Pearce.
"You would have to go some to have a combination of Shaun and Micah (Richards) playing on the same side of the pitch.
"The question is whether Chelsea would want to sell him, after that it is something for our board to decide." Wright-Phillips's form at Chelsea, though hampered by limited opportunities, has been poor, but Pearce is sure the player could recapture the promise he showed at City during his first spell, were he to return to his old stamping ground.
"I have no doubt about that," he said.
"He is a very level-headed lad. He is the same kid he was when he first broke into the Manchester City team some years ago."

Ferguson offer £12 million for Defoe

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to revive his long-term interest in Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe.

The Mirror says Ferguson is ready to make a £12 million swoop for Defoe - and believes that signing the England striker will see Manchester United wrestle the Premiership title from Chelsea.
United are down to just two fit recognised strikers in Wayne Rooney and Louis Saha, and Fergie has been given the go-ahead to make a bid for the Tottenham forward when the transfer window reopens in January.
Fergie was first interested in Defoe back in January 2004, but decided instead to sign Saha from Fulham. Defoe, who had been keen on a move to United then, signed for Spurs from West Ham 10 days later for £7 million.
Charlton's Darren Bent has also been linked with a move to United, as has Ajax's emerging young Holland forward Klaas Jan Huntelaar, but Defoe is the prime target.

Wenger blame Emirates stadium

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says their championship hopes this season ended with the club's move to their new Emirates stadium home.

Wenger said: "Away from home this year we have done well. But we have gone to a new ground.
"Manchester United or Chelsea would drop a few points at the start if they did that - and that's what has happened to us.
"It is not completely logical. We have just moved in, and we have slipped up, four times we have drawn 1-1. But if you look at the games, the other teams had one shot on goal and we had 28. That will not happen forever, don't worry .
"It is dangerous for the game. When we go 1-0 down the opposing teams build trenches in their own half.
"People say that happens to every home team, but if you look at the statistics, the number of shots we have on goal - and see whether it happens to every team, compared to the percentage of possession we have."
Wenger, who is hoping captain Thierry Henry will be fit to face Fulham after a neck injury ruled him out of the Bolton defeat, admitted: "It's not just bad luck. We've sometimes lacked focus and we are maybe a bit too confident at home. But we can learn from that.
"We are still a very young side. All our young players, like Emmanuel Eboue, Philippe Senderos, Gael Clichy and Kolo Toure, have all come out of the club. We produce the players, we educate them - and sometimes they make a mistake.
"But they won't make that mistake in two years' time - and they will still be young then. This squad is capable and they learn quickly.
"They reached the Champions League final without conceding a goal and on the way played Real Madrid and Juventus.
"Players like Mathieu Flamini and Cesc Fabregas have learnt from that, they have improved, and they have been absolutely outstanding and terrific this year."

Shevchenko as president

While speculation swirls around the future of Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko, it's emerged that Blues owner Roman Abramovich is mapping out a role for the Ukrainian when he eventually hangs up his boots.
Shevchenko has struggled for goals and form since his summer arrival in England and reports today state he has lost the confidence of Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.
However, despite his problems, ControCampo says Shevchenko has been told by Abramovich that he wants him to eventually become Chelsea president when he decides to call time on his playing career.

Inter offer Adriano for Buffon

Inter Milan have offered cash, plus striker Adriano, to Juventus for goalkeeper Gigi Buffon.
Tuttosport says a formal bid has been tabled for the Italy No1, which would see Adriano move to Juve along with a cool £15 million.
However, Juve have rejected the offer, insisting Buffon's future won't be considered until they discuss his contract at the end of this season.

Mourinho chasing £22m Villa

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is chasing Valencia ace David Villa - as a direct replacement for Andriy Shevchenko.
The Sun says Mourinho has run out of patience with Sheva and will try to land £22m Valencia ace Villa in the January transfer window.

Mourinho has had Villa watched 10 TIMES this season. A source at the Spanish club said: "We've got to know Chelsea scout Juan Sol well as he has been to Valencia regularly to watch David Villa.
"But Chelsea have already been warned we don't want to sell."
Mourinho knows he has to act now after Shevchenko's inept display in the 1-1 draw at Manchester United on Saturday.
Chelsea chief scout Frank Arnesen saw Villa in Champions League action last week, accompanied by the club's Spanish scout, Sol.
Villa, 25 this Saturday, would be ineligible for Chelsea's Champions League campaign.
But Mourinho is still desperate to land him to take the pressure off Didier Drogba and boost the club's chances of landing a hat-trick of Premiership titles.
He tried to sign Villa last summer - but Valencia rejected a £15m offer.
The Valencia hero exploded out of nowhere last season to bag 25 goals in 35 La Liga appearances.
Villa - nicknamed El Guaje 'The Kid' - is now one of the most feared strikers in European football.

Hargreaves beg Bayern Munich to let him go

Owen Hargreaves is to plea to Bayern Munich chiefs to let him join Manchester United in January.

The Times says United are aware of Hargreaves's intention to plead his case to Uli Hoeness and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Bayern's general manager and chairman respectively, at the earliest opportunity.
The events of August, when the German club stunned United with the level of their resistance to a £17 million deal, serve as a warning against over-confidence, but Sir Alex Ferguson is optimistic that this time he will get his man.
Hargreaves is now close to a comeback after recovering from a broken leg suffered in September, though will be Cup-tied from European competition should he win his move to Old Trafford.

Chelsea doesn't suit Shevchenko

AC Milan ambassador Leonardo says Andriy Shevchenko is struggling at Chelsea because they do not play to his former teammate's strengths.
The Brazilian said: "Sheva is a world-class player who needs to feel a team is built around him. At Chelsea, the team is all important and not the individual.
"The way that Chelsea will see the best of him is if he is played at the point of the team with two wingers providing service. Then he will score goals."

Mourinho lose patience with Shevchenko

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has reportedly lost patience with goal-shy striker Andriy Shevchenko.

The Sun says Sunday's dreadful 75 minutes against Manchester United appears to be the final straw for Mourinho and he wants to buy Valencia striker David Villa in January.
As far as the coach is concerned, he has done everything he can to get the best from Sheva and now he no longer feels obliged to persist with Abramovich's friend.
Last week he dropped Sheva from the starting line-up for the match against Werder Bremen in a bid to provoke a reaction in him.
It did but not the one Mourinho was looking for. Rather than fuel a desire to prove him wrong the striker instead complained to other players at being left out.
Then, when he was brought on as a sub, he failed to make any impact and his display was later described in private as "embarrassing" by one of Mourinho's coaching staff.
His inclusion at Old Trafford was viewed as an unofficial last chance. He did not take it.

Rummenigge slams Chelsea

Bayern Munich supremo Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has slammed money-bags Chelsea and their owner, Roman Abramovich.
Rumenigge said: "I doubt whether in the next 10 years there will be a German club in the final of a European competition.

"Given what Abramovich does every summer in the transfer market, how can German clubs stay competitive?
"If Bremen get past Barcelona in the Champions League, that would be the eighth wonder of the world.
"Bremen earn 23 million euros (£15.6m) from television rights and Barcelona get 143m (£97m).
"I just hope the European Union puts a stop to these excesses of Abramovich and foreign television."
Bayern lost star midfielder Michael Ballack to Chelsea in the summer.
And Rummenigge told Kicker magazine that the German champions might even pull out of the G14 - a group of elite European clubs including Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United, but not yet Chelsea.
He said: "Everybody in the G14 thinks only about themselves.
"I will say it absolutely clearly - Ramon Calderon (Real Madrid president) and his colleagues only fight for themselves.
"So do the Italians and the English. In football it is pure selfishness that rules. There is little common ground among the clubs.
"The way it is at the moment, we would have to think if it is still worth staying in G14.
"I am very unsatisfied with the way it is developing. There is no communication with FIFA, none with UEFA and there are too few common projects."

Tevez apologised to Hammers

Carlos Tevez has apologised to West Ham for storming out of Upton Park following his substitution during the 1-0 victory over Sheffield United.
Tevez was replaced by Teddy Sheringham in the 67th minute of Saturday's Premiership match and reacted by stalking down the tunnel and leaving the ground before the final whistle, in a clear breach of club discipline.
Tevez said: "I would just like to say that I left the ground in anger on Saturday.
It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, which I regretted almost straightaway.
"I know I did very wrong in going and I have made it clear to the manager and my team-mates that I in no way meant to disrespect them."
Pardew has accepted the apology and will allow Tevez's team-mates to decide on the size of his fine.

Chelsea's penny is worth spending

Peter Kenyon has shrugged off criticism of Chelsea's spending by insisting the Blues have a much smaller squad than many of their rivals.
Kenyon argued the millions spent by Chelsea in pursuit of success was nothing more than taking advantage of market forces and refused to accept they were acting against the best interests of the game.

"We have taken a conscious decision that the core of our team should be English," said Kenyon. "It adds identity. If players do not play, they go backwards. It doesn't work to have a big squad."
Kenyon was speaking at the Soccerex conference in Dubai.
"When you look around, there are not that many players who can improve your team. There are lots who can do a job but to improve the team, that's when the market becomes very thin.
"We did not take a one-year view of Shevchenko. He was identified early on as a player who could improve us. Until then, our purchasing strategy was about buying much younger players. It's about getting the balance right between buying in and producing your own talent to create a winning team."
That balance, said Kenyon, also applied in terms of how many foreign imports it was sensible to employ.
FIFA and UEFA are both pursuing different quota proposals and Kenyon said: "Quotas are going to happen, there is no question about that.
"But we have to make sure we don't kill an element of the game that has made us successful. I'm all in favour of quotas per squad but if you start imposing how many you have to play in any 11, that's too prescriptive."

£100 million for Rooney

Manchester United star Wayne Rooney stands to earn a massive £100 million from his new six-year contract.
The Daily Mail says the deal until 2012 will add £36m to his bank balance in salary alone.

Add to that his earnings from commercial endorsements, image rights and bonuses for United and England, and Rooney's income over the life of his new contract will hit the £100m mark.
He said: "I'm delighted. I've loved my time here and didn't have any hesitation signing."
The contract, which replaces a deal due to end in 2010, instantly doubles Rooney's money at United. His £115,000-a-week salary now matches that of Rio Ferdinand, the highest-paid player at Old Trafford. But while Ferdinand's contract, which he signed in August 2005,was for four years, United have tied down Rooney for six.
Rooney already earns £6m a year from endorsement deals with Nike, Asda, Coca-Cola and EA Sports.
On top of that he has a £5m contract with publishers Harper-Collins for a minimum of five books about his life and can expect to earn millions more from image rights deals and bonuses with United and England.
His fiancee, Coleen McLoughlin, also earns up to £4m a year from commercial contracts.

Wenger praise Anelka

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists he has no regrets over the departure of Nicolas Anelka after the Bolton striker's double on Saturday.
"Why should I have any regrets?" said Wenger when pressed on Anelka's departure from Arsenal. "He was the one who wanted to go. It's not me who wanted him to go. But I wasn't surprised by the goals he scored against us. We know he has the quality to do that kind of thing. His second goal was a fantastic shot, with real power. Nicolas was definitely the difference."

Mascherano rule out Brazil move

The agent of West Ham United midfielder Javier Mascherano has ruled out a return to Brazil for the ex-Corinthians star.
"The possibility that Mascherano signs for Flamengo or any other Brazilian team is equal to zero. He has decided to go to Europe and it is here that he means to remain," declared the Argentine's agent, Walter Tamer.

On the possibility of Mascherano leaving West Ham in January, Tamer added: "There is no negotiations in course."

Beckham green light

LA Galaxy have been given the green light by MLS officials to move for Real Madrid's unhappy midfielder David Beckham.

The former England captain, 31, will be at liberty to listen to offers from New Year's Day as his Real Madrid contract runs out at the end of the season.
And MLS commissioner Don Garber said: "We have the money to sign stars like Beckham.
"Beckham is under contract with Real Madrid and we won't speak with him until the right moment."
American soccer chiefs passed a new "designated player" rule two weeks ago to allow each club to break the league's salary cap for one star signing.
Now the race is on to bring in big name European-based players for the new season which starts in April.
Beckham tops the list for LA Galaxy, while Ronaldo and Luis Figo are also being targeted by other US clubs.
Any transfer fee to Real Madrid as well as Beckham's salary will go through the MLS.
And the Americans want Beckham to lead the way for other stars to make the switch across the Atlantic.
Garber added: "Who will come? It will be the right player at the right moment and in the right market. They will come. Definitely."
Real chiefs would be powerless to prevent Beckham signing a pre-contract agreement in January.
Garber insists Beckham has the profile to give football's popularity in America a major boost.
He added: "His popularity is enormous and that excites people.

AC Milan must not sell Kaka

AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini says it's vital the club resists all offers from Real Madrid for star midfielder Kaka.
Maldini, 39, said: "Kaka is the best player in the world. He's amazing because he has great room for improvement and is the first person who wants to make himself better.
"Milan will try to hold onto him at all cost."

Spaletti praise Sampdoria crowd

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti praised the Sampdoria crowd for their applause after Francesco Totti's incredible strike yesterday.

"The second goal from Totti was like the famous one scored by Van Basten at the European Championship," said Spalletti, "We all remember that one and we will remember Totti's, which in effect was hit from a tighter angle.
"Even the match officials have exclaimed 'Mama Mia!'.
"It was an extraordinary show of technique, struck with the left foot, which is not his strongest and applauded by everyone at the stadium. I am not surprised by that, I know already the sporting nature and civility of the Sampdoriano public."

Totti blast Platini

Roma captain Francesco Totti has hit back at critics after his double against Sampdoria yesterday.

Lega Calcio President Antonio Matarrese has questioned Totti's decision to temporarily halt his international career following World Cup glory.
While Michel Platini, a former Juventus legend, has also blasted the No 10's snubbing of the national side and questioned his true worth as a player.
Yet Totti looked to silence both of them at Marassi this afternoon with an inspired display and two goals ? one as good as Marco Van Basten's Euro '88 volley.
"I dedicate each of these goals to Platini and Matarrese," he stated. "That way they can come and watch Roma without talking rubbish."
The captain's second goal was truly exceptional and comes just hours after Ronaldinho's wonder strike for Barcelona against Villarreal.
"My goals today are doubly satisfying," he added. "It is great to score in this way and the fans deserve to be rewarded for the price of their ticket.
"Ronaldinho? I've not seen his goal yet, but people tell me it was fantastic. Let's say I tried to reply to it."

Wenger unsure title challenge

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits he's unsure if his team can win the title this season after their defeat at Bolton.

He said: "I don't know. But this team can improve a lot. In every game it is the same, we have a fantastic potential and yet we do not get what we should get out of it. That is down to experience and learning process but at the same time you feel this side has great quality and you feel there is a lot to come from them. You have to be positive with them when they do not get rewarded.
"This game had a big insistence today. It was a good opportunity to come back. I don't what kind of impact it will have but it was a big blow."
He also said: "We lost the game and frankly you wonder how. But in football you have to be realistic. I am sad for my side because they gave a lot and played well. However we did not control well the decisive moments in the game. Specifically the first goal. You cannot come to Bolton and leave them free movement on corners.
"After that it was difficult because you always run after the score. But I am sad because we were a team full of energy after what we did on Tuesday night. In the end we come back with nothing. For me it was the easiest points we could have taken from Bolton in the past five years."

Ferguson dissapointed with Chelsea slip

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists they were "the better team" after their 1-1 draw with title rivals Chelsea at Old Trafford.
The draw allowed United to maintain their three point advantage at the top, although there was a palpable sense of disappointment the hosts had not managed to retain the lead Louis Saha gave them with his expert first-half finish.

Still, Ferguson insisted there were still plenty of positive to take out of the contest, not least that United proved they were in the title hunt for the long haul.
"We proved we can compete and that when we reach the high levels of performance we are the best team in the country at the moment," he said.
"The test for us now is to step forward from this because winning championships is about beating other teams. If we want to win the title, consistency is the name of the game."
Ferguson agreed with the assessment of opposite number Jose Mourinho that the result was a better one for Chelsea than it was for the hosts, particularly as, in the Scot's eyes, United were in control for long periods.
"It is disappointing to draw because we were in a winning position and allowed them to get an equaliser," he said.
"They had a lot of possession but didn't create a chance. We did well on the counter-attack and had two magnificent opportunities to get a second.
"But the longer the game goes on everyone starts to get a bit nervous. Even so, they weren't causing us any bother until the goal and I thought Edwin van der Sar had it covered until Louis headed it in. In games like these, you need a little break at times - and we didn't get it."
Van der Sar might well have kept out Ricardo Carvalho's bullet header had it not been for Saha's intervention but it would be harsh to blame the Frenchman given the way he had banished the misery of his last-gasp penalty miss at Celtic last week.
"Louis has been like a caged animal in training," revealed Ferguson.
"He was bursting to play and had been taking penalty after penalty, which shows his eagerness to make up for what happened at Celtic Park.
"I never had a worry about him. He is a mature player and his pace, strength and movement are vital to the way we play."

Mourinho rare praise

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho was satisfied with the point his team earned in their 1-1 draw at Manchester United.

Mourinho was delighted with his side's comeback after the interval - which he believes could have given his side the mental edge following Louis Saha's opening goal.
"To go to the end of the season with a difference of six points maximum is the reality of the Premiership and the reality between two big teams," Mourinho predicted.
"For me the surprise is what we did last season, with 10 or 12 points difference. For me, this is not a surprise - but I think we are ready and we can go all the way.
"The good thing for me was the mental point of view. We came here and go home with the same distance. No way would a six-point gap kill the Premiership with five months to go, but six and three is a difference."
Mourinho revealed he spoke to Ferguson at the final whistle, and the pair agreed a draw was a fair result from a tight game of great intensity.
He added: "I think the result is deserved, because in the first half they were the best team and they scored - and in the second half Chelsea were best team.
"When the game had finished I exchanged quick words with Sir Alex and we agreed the result was very, very fair.
"What was wrong in the first half was maybe the mental aspect of the game, and we were waiting for things to happen. We did not show a lot of ambition, but it looks like a new game in the second half."
Mourinho also had rare words of praise for referee Howard Webb, who controlled the most high-profile game of the season with efficiency and ensured there were no major incidents.
Mourinho added: "My feeling is he had a good game - which for a young referee is good.
"A very bad game could push him down and a very good game could push him up, so it is very good for him."

West Ham honoured with Beckham link

West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson says the club is honoured to be mentioned as a possible buyer for Real Madrid's unsettled midfielder David Beckham.

"The way he has played at Manchester United and Real Madrid, he is a great player, and it's an honour he has been linked to West Ham," said Magnusson on BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme.
"I might be the incoming chairman at West Ham, but the manager is the one who changes the team.
"It's his responsibility to build that team. You just can't build a football team with superstars."
That leaves a huge question-mark over the futures of Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez.
The Argentinian duo were surprisingly signed on transfer deadline day from Corinthians, yet their contracts are owned by a third party.
"That's another discussion I'll have with the manager this week," said Magnusson.
"We will try to sort out the situation with them, but it's not easy to come to England when you don't speak the language.
"It's a totally different mentality, but it's up to the manager. He has to decide what to do with them.
"But they have the ability to succeed in England. We will tackle the problem."

Magnusson want to land SWP

West Ham United's new supremo Eggert Magnusson admits they're keen to land Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.
"He has not been playing regularly at Chelsea, but he's a good player and he has great possibilities to do well," said Magnusson on BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme.
"Alan has told me he has already asked Chelsea about him. It came out of Chelsea that we have shown an interest, but it has not gone any further.
"I know Peter Kenyon well and I think we will sit down and try to find the right fee, whatever that might be."

Liverpool can't live in the past

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has challenged the club to stop living on past glories.

"I'll never forget the feeling of lifting the trophy and the fans will never forget 2005," he said. "That feeling will never go away. But as a player you can't dwell on lifting trophies in the past, you've got to want more in the future. I want to do it again and the team want to do it again. It's easy to live off it and milk it. But that's when you stop being hungry, when you dwell on the past. The most important thing is to be successful this season."
Liverpool return to Istanbul to face Galatasaray in the Champions League for the first time since they lifted the trophy in 2005.
"This is a massive competition," Gerrard enthuses. "You've seen the reaction in the city when we won it in 2005, so it would go crazy again.
"It'll be nice to go back and see the stadium again and I'm sure it'll bring back memories. But what we've achieved is in the past. We've got to be more hungry to deliver in the future."

Desailly believe Man Utd can win Premiership

Former Chelsea captain Marcel Desailly says Manchester United have their name on this season's Premiership trophy.

The ex-France captain, writing for the Observer, said: "This is going to be Manchester United's season and I've been saying it ever since the campaign started. Football goes in cycles and I just don't think Chelsea can be as dominant as they were in the last two seasons. They seem to be finding it more difficult to win games. There's not the same stream-roller effect as we have seen in the past couple of years - they're winning less easily.
"This is not surprising. When you are in Chelsea's position, everyone wants to beat you, all your opponents are extra motivated: you have become a scalp. The extra aggression that opposing teams will find for matches against Chelsea is significant and it may cost them six or seven points over a season.
"Sir Alex Ferguson's team had the same thing going on not so long ago. But now they are in the position of being the underdogs and that can be a big positive. There is almost a goodwill factor in United's favour, which just goes to show how quickly things can change in football."

Calderon ignores Casillas

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon insists they are not ignoring the club's local talent as they seek deals for Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors) and Gonzalo Higuain (River Plate).
Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas admitted last week he didn't want to see the Argentines signed as it meant another first team place blocked for a local player. But Calderon insisted: "We must take advantage of every opportunity that comes our way. It seems to be that we have signed the three best young players in the world (including Marcelo).
"At Real Madrid we are utilising our youth system. (Real B coach) Michel has told us things need to be improved."

Inter offer £70 million for Messi

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti is prepared to offer £70 million for Barcelona superkid Leo Messi.
The Argentina international is the one player Moratti is prepared to break the bank for and he intends to test Barca's resolve with an extraordinary bid at the end of this season.
Messi's buyout clause is £100 million and Marca says Moratti intends to push the boat out with a massive £70 million offer next summer.

Eto'o put football aside

Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o admits football is the furthest thing from his mind at the moment as he recovers from knee surgery.
The Cameroon ace is expected to return to action for Barca in the New Year and said yesterday: "The truth is that football right now is far from my thoughts. It is not my greatest focus right now. At the moment I am only thinking about myself and how my knee is doing.
"My recovery is going well enough. I'm working calmly and that is most important."

AC Milan turn to Van Basten

Holland coach Marco van Basten is emerging as favourite to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at AC Milan.
DiarioSport says Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has ordered his No2, Adriano Galliani, to move for Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard.
While both Rijkaard and Barca can go their separate ways at the end of this season courtesy of a clause in the Dutchman's contract, it's reported that both parties remain committed to eachother.
The next candidate on Galliani's shortlist is former Milan star Van Basten.