FOOTBALL

Liverpool legend Jamie Redknapp has lauded football's changing attitudes toward player fitness and credits young players, such as Tottenham's Gareth Bale, with pioneering a shift in perceptions.

Chelsea defender John Terry has stunned football fans by remortgaging his £2.25million mansion for the fourth time since 2003.

The Reds skipper has also committed to assume an ambassadorial role for the club once his playing career comes to a close.

Lampard has plenty of chances to continue his involvement, having scored in both matches so far 2012, according to Villas-Boas.

Reports have linked Barcelona veteran Eric Abidal with a move to English giants Arsenal, with Arsene Wenger considering signing the French international in a bid to solve his defensive crisis.

Last summer, Arsenal were in a particularly difficult position, with the club having to let go of Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy because the pair had running down contracts and decreasing values over their heads.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has pledged his long-term future to the club after he signed an extension to his current Reds contract.

Cristiano Ronaldo is once again being linked with a move away from Real Madrid, after club legend Alfredo Di Stefano insisted that the booing of the striker was understandable.

Liverpool Transfer Rumours: Liverpool target Jackson Martinez has revealed his "joy" over being linked with a move to Anfield, but the Jaguares striker reiterated his commitment to the Mexican club ahead of any official interest.

Liverpool Transfer News: Since completing the signings of Jordan Ibe and Oluwaseyi Ojo at the talk end of last year, Liverpool have continued to scout a number of promising youngsters around the world.

German media are reporting that Marco Reus has a €35 million exit clause in his contract, and despite the fact that the Arsenal target has committed to Borussia Dortmund until 2017, he could leave earlier if a club is able to post the money to the German outfit.

Chelsea Transfer Rumour: Chelsea have emerged as favourites to land highly-rated Lille's Eden Hazard, after reports in France revealed the Blues are preparing a €30m for the playmaker this January.

Gervinho has revealed he hopes that Robin van Persie signs a contract extension at Arsenal and stays there for the long haul, with the striker's current deal edging closer to it's expiration date.

Liverpool have confirmed their interest in yet another youngster in their search for the globe's up and coming talent, with Ghana midfielder Mumuni Abubakar joining the Merseyside club for a two week trial.

Liverpool and Newcastle Transfer News: Crystal Palace starlet Wilfried Zaha has been cautioned to ignore the attention of Liverpool and Newcastle United, after the club's captain warned a move could damage his fledgling career.

Manchester United wunderkind Ravel Morrison has once again been linked with a move away from Old Trafford, with Newcastle United the latest club to be mentioned in conjunction with a move for the highly-rated 18-year-old.

Chris Samba is set to leave Blackburn this transfer window, with the Tottenham target confirming to the press that he is ready to leave the club for a team that can offer more ambition.

The defeat was as another shock for Roberto Mancini's side as it came close on the heels of their FA Cup defeat by Manchester United.

Arsenal central defender by trade Ignasi Miquel has insisted that he is finding the left-back position more comfortable as the season wears on, with the 19 year old hoping to become a regular starter for the club this season.

Arsenal transfer rumour: Lille have reiterated their desire to keep hold of Eden Hazard until at least the end of the season, despite a number of top European sides bidding to secure his signature during the January window.

Franck Ribery has made the sensational claim that Mario Gotze is eclipsed by the lesser-known Robert Lewandowski, with the France international insisting he is a more valuable member of the Borussia Dortmund squad.

Barcelona defender Maxwell will complete a move to Paris Saint-Germain later today, after the player's agent told The International Business Times he was unaware of late interest from Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

Rafa Benitez has had his say on his rivalry with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, with the former Liverpool gaffer claiming that it was only when the two sides became competitive that Ferguson started to have a problem with him.

The representative of Anderlecht playmaker Lucas Biglia believes a move to the Premier League this month, amid rumoured intent from Arsenal and their Premier League rivals Manchester United, is unlikely.

Exclusive Liverpool and Newcastle Transfer Rumour: The agent of Luuk de Jong has told the International Business Times UK that he has had "no direct contact" with Newcastle United or Liverpool over a possible transfer for the FC Twente forward, and cautioned the player was unlikely to move before the end of the season.

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has issued a statement via Facebook revealing the reasons behind his recent failed appeal for his red card against Manchester United.

Tottenham Hotspur star Gareth Bale is probably the best player in the Premier League and perhaps even Europe on current form, according to Phil Neville.

Alan Hansen insists Liverpool are well-placed to end their 16-year Wembley absence with a win against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.

Steve Clarke believes that Craig Bellamy has brought a fantastic contribution to the Liverpool squad so far this season, with the summer signing helping the side push for a Champions League place.