FOOTBALL

Arsenal forward Gervinho says that the Gunners are thinking only about finishing third in the league as they look for an automatic qualification to the Champions League next season.

Chelsea's interim manager Roberto Di Matteo feels the senior players in the Blues' camp - including Didier Drogba, John Terry and Frank Lampard - played a crucial part in the club's stunning 1-0 win against Barcelona.

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta has described his side's 0-1 defeat to Chelsea in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg as "unjust".

James Milner has hit back at Manchester United's claims that City lack team spirit, with the midfielder claiming that the side have only survived their difficult periods this season because they have put each other ahead of themselves.

Sale Sharks owner submits improved offer for troubled Scottish club while Paul Murray eyes return to fray.

Wayne Rooney has had a small dig at Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, as the Manchester United man watched the Barcelona champions League match-up, hinting that he may be exaggerating fouls on the pitch with theatrical behaviour.

Big spending Manchester City are reportedly in the final stages of closing a £30million deal with Athletic Bilbao for Spanish striker Fernando Llorente, according to a Sun report.

Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson believes Barcelona are still favourites to progress to the Champions League final but lauded Roberto Di Matteo's impact since assuming temporary charge at Stamford Bridge in March.

Yohan Cabaye believes that Hatem Ben Arfa is capable of receiving a call-up for the France side in the 2012 Euros, as the winger continues to shine for Newcastle in the Premier League.

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny identifies the penalty save at Udinese in the Gunners Champions League qualifying round back in August as the most important moment of his career so far.

Andre Santos has revealed that he has found life a lot easier at Arsenal than he'd imagined, and the defender has credited Spanish-speaking Mikel Arteta with helping him to quickly feel at home.

Former Premier League referee Graham Poll has criticised Didier Drogba's playacting against Barcelona on Wednesday night but cautioned there was little officials could do to counteract such tactics.

Barcelona boss manager Pep Guardiola has said that Chelsea are now favourites to progress to the final of the Champions League after watching his team lose 0-1 in the first leg of the semi-final at Stamford Bridge.

Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta, who was forced off field at the 8th minute after picking up an injury during the Gunners 1-2 loss to Wigan, has been ruled out for the rest of the season causing serious concerns for Arsene Wenger ahead of Arsenal's derby clash against Chelsea on Saturday at the Emirates stadium.

Chelsea stunned everyone at Stamford and the world after they managed to beat the mighty Barcelona 1-0 in the first leg, semi-finals of the Champions league.

Fabregas says he is familiar with the Blues' long-ball tactics during his time in England and it makes the Londoners a very dangerous opponent.

Wojciech Szczesny believes that Lukasz Fabianski is the best number two keeper in the country, with the Arsenal man insisting that his understudy will be pushing for the number one spot very soon.

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is yet to make a decision over his future, amid speculation he has already agreed a move to Juventus.

Ashley Young has lauded Antonio Valencia's performances for Manchester United this season, with the fellow wingers working hard to take the club into pole position for a record 20th title.

Frank Lampard says that Chelsea does not fear Barcelona and have devised a plan to beat the European masters as the two teams ready themselves to face each other in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Goodison Park has proved to be welcome retreat for many former Manchester United players in recent years and Darron Gibson is the latest to benefit from the relationship.

Barcelona full-back Dani Alves believes that Tottenham winger Gareth Bale would slot straight into Pep Guardiola's defensive line, if he ever joins the European champions.

Alan Pardew has taken on Melbourne Heart defender Curtis Good for a trial, and made a scouting trip to watch Jan Vertonghen, as the Newcastle manager gets ready for another busy summer.

Spanish La Liga giant Real Madrid's French defensive midfielder, Lassana Diarra, is reportedly close to sealing a move to Turkish Süper Lig side Fenerbache, according to statements from Turkish newspaper Milliyet.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has praised Craig Bellamy's impact in the FA Cup semi-final and believes the Welshman provides an ideal model for the club's youngsters to aspire to.

Chelsea's troubled Spanish striker Fernando Torres is in surprisingly bullish form, ahead of his side's first leg Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

Joe Cole has insisted that he wants to take more playing time over money, with the Liverpool midfielder admitting he would like to stay with loan-club Lille on a permanent basis.

Sir Bobby Charlton has lauded the efforts of Sir Alex Ferguson this season, with the Manchester United manager looking close to achieving his 13th title with the club this season.

Chelsea's Ivorian forward Salomon Kalou has reportedly been attracting a lot of interest from a number of big and mid-level clubs in the Premier League.