TOP 100 SOCCER SITES
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| Football transfer rumours: Valencia's David Villa to Chelsea? Today's prattle advises travel by reindeerSpare a thought for prolific smoker Carlo Ancelotti, who, like Def Leppard, is finding it increasingly difficult to get a hit. Already the Italian has been grumbling since his arrival in Britain about the law that prevents him from grabbing a gasper in restaurants – food being his other great passion, apparently – and now he can't even spark up outside for fear of being frozen like a swindler's assets.To keep his mind off his misery, Ancelotti has resolved to get active and though it is less than two weeks since he declared "I've already said this many times so this is the last time: we will not be buying anyone in January. 100%", today Chelsea are being linked with a slew of new signings.First up is David Villa, the Valencia striker who, according to several tabloids, "has put Europe's top clubs on high alert" by saying he will after all consider a move beyond Spain, particularly to the Premier League. Chelsea are suddenly the favourites to land him, though Manchester United are pretending to be in the running and ArsГЁne Wenger will gladly take him if Valencia will accept a fee well below his market value and a pious lecture about playing the game the right way.Rafael BenГtez, meanwhile, is wrapping bandages around his self-esteem as he goes into battle with Wigan and Hull for the services of ВЈ2m-rated Brann striker Erik Huseklepp.There's also talk about Chelsea chasing Bolton's England Under-21 anchor man, Fabrice Muamba and Porto's Colombia forward FalcГЈo. BenГtez, meanwhile, is wrapping protective padding around the bandages around his self-esteem as he attempts to persuade Emile Heskey to return to Anfield.Ancelotti is also going to have to busy himself with sweet-talking Branislav Ivanovic into staying at Stamford Bridge despite interest from Real Madrid.Elsewhere, the new Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini will try to take his mind off the hysterical media moralising about a club's decision to take steps to ensure they have a manager ready to step in when they ditch the under-performing incumbent, by bounding into the transfer market to bag Matthew Upson, the Internazionale full-back Maicon and Bolton's Gary Cahill. BenГtez, meanwhile, is wrapping cotton wool around the protective padding around the bandages to his self-esteem as he sidles up to Benjani Mwaruwari.Two widemen on their way back to the Premier League are Jermaine Pennant, coveted by Aston Villa, and JosГ© Antonio Reyes, in demand from Everton.Sir Alex Ferguson, meanwhile, is about to put Nani out of Old Trafford's misery by including him in the deal that could bring winger Angel di MarГa from Benfica. And while United make do with an Angel, plucky Reading are aiming for God himself. The Championship side plan to appoint Glenn Hoddle as their new manager.Heard a rumour? No? Then make one up below the lineChelseaValenciaPaul Doyleguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2009 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce barking mad following draw with Everton Maroune Fellaini's late equaliser cancels out Sunderland at Stadium of Light. telegraph.co.uk |
Donovan dishes assist in Everton debut as squad ties with Arsenal Arsenal scored from two deflected shots to draw 2-2 with Everton on Saturday in one of two Premier League matches to survive ... rssfeeds.usatoday.com |
Football's fashion idols: Roberto Mancini sets scarf trend Roberto Mancini isn't first manager to receive attention for way he dresses. telegraph.co.uk |
Gerrard set for early return at Wolves • Midfielder strained hamstring against Reading on 13 January• 'I think he can be available,' says Rafael BenГtezSteven Gerrard is in contention for Liverpool's visit to Wolverhampton Wanderers tomorrow after returning ahead of schedule from injury. The club captain was expected to be sidelined for at least a fortnight after sustaining a hamstring problem in the FA Cup exit to Reading on 13 January.Gerrard returned to action at the club's Melwood training ground over the weekend, however, and could now play in the Wolves game at Molineux."He was training on Saturday and then a full training session on Sunday, and today was the same," said the Liverpool manager, Rafael BenГtez. "Normally he's someone who, if available, can play."We'll decide tomorrow but I think he can be available."Steven GerrardLiverpoolPremier Leagueguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |