FOOTBALL

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.

Arsenal transfer news: Nicolas N'Koulou continues to shy away from exit speculation

Guardiola's current contract with the Catalan club expires at the end of the season and he has been linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge. However, speaking ahead of Barcelona's Champions League semi-final first leg match at Chelsea, the Spaniard laughed off the rumours.

Wigan Athletic captain Gary Caldwell has accused Robin van Persie of lacking dignity after the Arsenal skipper refused to shake his counterpart's hand, in the aftermath of Monday evening's defeat for the Gunners.

One of the great strengths of Barcelona this year has been their tactical unpredictability, Chelsea just would not know what formation or which players they will be facing on Wednesday, except of course, the sure case of Lionel Messi.

Former Liverpool legend Jamie Redknapp believes Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck needs to learn how to score 'ugly' goals if he is to succeed at Old Trafford.

Arsenal captain Robin van Persie emerged as the favourite to be named the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Player of the Year after the organisation announced their six-man shortlist for the award.

Former Liverpool forward John Aldridge has expressed his delight at Andy Carroll's recent form, after the striker confirmed he had left his boozy image behind him.

The 26 year old, who netted a brace in Sunday's 4-0 home win over Aston Villa, now has 178 goals for the Red Devils in all competitions and his next strike will put him level with United legends Best and Viollet.

Caged defendants erupt in protest as trial starts into riot at Al-Masry/Al-Ahly game that claimed 74 lives.

Liverpool legend John Aldridge has condemned the Chelsea fans who tarnished the period of silence that was due to be held at Wembley on Sunday for the victims of the Hillsborough disaster.

Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere has said that he is "gutted and devastated" after it was confirmed that the player will not return this season and will also miss Euro 2012.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp acknowledged that referee Martin Atkinson had apologised to him after the 'ghost goal' that helped Chelsea beat his side 5-1 in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Sunday.

Manchester City's controversial Argentinean striker Carlos Tevez has spoken out on the Premier League title race.

Chelsea's John Terry and Didier Drogba trade verbal volleys ahead of the two sides' Champions League tie.

Piermario Morosini's parent club (he was on loan at Livorno from Serie A side Udinese) will take on the responsibility of caring for his disabled sister.