FOOTBALL

Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton has admitted on Twitter he attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has compared Arsenal youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Manchester United talisman Wayne Rooney, suggesting the patently gifted starlet can be a huge talent for Arsene Wenger's side for many years.

Manchester United transfer news: Shinji Kagawa says he isn't going anywhere

Inter Milan defender Lucio has urged the Serie A club to sign Sao Paulo midfielder Lucas.

Manchester United "have been woeful for the past 18-months", according to Alan Hansen, but concedes it is a measure of their durability and Premier League knowhow that they remain a potent force and worth title contender.

Alan Hansen believes Tottenham are now out of the Premier League title race following their 3-2 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.

Manchester United were 2-1 winners at the Emirates Stadium as a late goal proved the winner against Arsenal in the Premier League, as the champions kept pace with the leaders Manchester City on Sunday.

The Red Devils eventually managed to overcome the Arsenal challenge with a late winner (81 minutes) netted by Danny Welbeck.

Balotelli's stoppage time penalty saved the day for Roberto Mancini's side.

Liverpool suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of lowly Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium, leaving Reds' manager Kenny Dalglish to direct his ire on the lack of effort from his players.

The Trotters managed to move out of the bottom three thanks to the victory.

Liverpool have widened their scouting network around the globe in their search for up and coming talent, with the Merseyside club announcing they will set up an academy in Egypt.

Newcastle United striker Demba Ba has revealed his satisfaction at becoming one of the deadliest strikers in the Premier League.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has played down fears the club had reached an impasse over Danny Welbeck's contract negotiations.

Former Manchester United star David Beckham has revealed he considered a return to the Premier League after receiving offers from "one or two" clubs, before he committed to LA Galaxy.

Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Sunday will be the start of one of the most important spells of Manchester United's season, with the clash offering the long awaited meeting of arguably the top two strikers in the league, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie.

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has launched a scathing attack on Manchester United's much maligned owners, the Glazer family.

Newcastle are battling with three Ligue 1 clubs for Mevlut Erinc, according to French media.

Nemanja Vidic is confident Manchester United can retain the Premier League title without him and warned leaders Manchester City that the defending champions do not fear their local rivals.

Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley is nearing a return to the first team, after Sir Alex Ferguson revealed the 22-year-old is expected to be in full training in ten days' time.

Neymar has said that he plans on playing for Santos until 2014, with teams such as Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid continuing to be connected to the Brazilian starlet.

Arsenal pair Ignasi Miquel and Johan Djourou should be defending better despite currently playing out of position for Arsene Wenger's side, according to Jamie Redknapp.

Ravel Morrison has demanded a wage in the vicinity of £30,000 per week at Manchester United and Danny Welbeck has turned down a new contract.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp suggests the critics of Manchester United this season have overlooked the fact they have amassed 48 points.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has praised Jermain Defoe as "one of the finest" finishers he has ever seen.

Arsene Wenger believes the rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester United remains as intense as ever, despite the increased amount of title contenders vying for the crown in recent seasons.

David Beckham has ended months of speculation regarding his future by signing a new two-year deal with the LA Galaxy.

Ravel Morrison has ruled out the possibility of a move to Manchester City, as the Manchester United midfielder continues contract talks with the club in the hopes of coming to a new agreement.

Chris Coleman has been unveiled as the new Wales manager replacing the late Gary Speed, who died in November.