FOOTBALL

A win against bottom-club Blackburn Rovers on Saturday will see Manchester United end 2011 on top of the Premier League and veteran winger Ryan Giggs believes the club's experience could prove telling in the second half of the season.

According to the England team manager, the practice of netting young players from around the world by top Premier League clubs will have long-term consequences.

Chelsea captain John Terry claims he could never leave Stamford Bridge to play elsewhere and admits he is honoured to be in an elite category of players who are one club men, such as Manchester United's Ryan Giggs and Liverpool's Steven Gerrard.

Joe Cole believes "fearless" Lille playmaker Eden Hazard has the potential to be as good as Lionel Messi, but cautioned the player should reject a move to Arsenal in January.

Liverpool and Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Gaston Ramirez, with the playmaker insisting he's happy to stay at Bologna for the long term future.

Phil Jones will one day captain Manchester United and England according to Blackburn Rovers boss Steve Kean.

Former Liverpool playmaker Vladimir Smicer has recalled the moment he came off the bench to score in the 2005 Champions League final and spark the club's comeback against AC Milan.

The agent of Tottenham midfielder Sandro has dismissed reports linking the Brazilian with a move to their Premier League rivals Manchester United.

Manchester United face a battle to sign Luka Modric in January, after the Tottenham star pledged to stay in north London until at least the end of the season.

Jamie Redknapp admits he thought Tottenham would endure a difficult year at the beginning of the season, but suggests the arrival of Scott Parker and Daniel Levy's staunch refusal to sell Luka Modric, have played a fundamental role in the club's remarkable revival.

Oriol Romeu is planning on staying at Chelsea for another year at least

Chelsea have stepped up their pursuit of FC Porto's Hulk, after the player's agent revealed the striker was interested in a move to the Premier League.

Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that he is not considering his future at the moment, as the former Manchester United superstar collected an award for Globe Soccer Best Player of the Year in Dubai on Wednesday night.

Martin Keown believes Arsenal would seriously struggle were Robin Van Persie to succumb to injury this season.

Alan Pardew believes Liverpool's Andy Carroll has the potential to shine on the international stage and backed the under-fire striker to find his feet at Anfield sooner, rather than later.

Nemanja Vidic's agent has played down rumours that the defender may be at the end of his career, after sustaining a season-ending injury against Basel in Manchester United's Champions League defeat to the Swiss club.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has lauded the performances and professionalism of Maxi Rodriguez.

Liverpool legend Alan Hansen believes Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic was extremely unlucky not to be named the Footballer of the Year given his instrumental role in the Red Devils' 19th title win last season.

Kenny Dalglish has praised Andy Carroll's attitude and backed the striker to fill the void left by the suspension of Luis Suarez for Friday's clash with Newcastle United.

Per Mertesacker has sung the praises of Cologne striker Lucas Podolski, with the Germany international said to be a long standing target for Arsenal.

Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric is the best playmaker in the Premier League according to Match of the Day pundit Alan Hansen.

Liverpool legend Alan Hansen has praised the form of Jose Enrique since the Spaniard's arrival at Anfield in the summer.

Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes Tottenham are now the finest team in London and that is largely down to the fact that Harry Redknapp retained Luka Modric and Gareth Bale in the summer.

It's been a big year for Liverpool fans, with their fortunes looking more likely than ever to be turned around under a new dawn of viable ownership and legendary manager Kenny Dalglish.

Liverpool legend Alan Hansen has lavished praise on Luis Suarez by claiming the Uruguayan's seamless arrival at Anfield in January has surprised but delighted the Merseyside club in equal measure.

Liverpool legend Alan Hansen has paid a glowing tribute to Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson by hailing the Scot as the fundamental reason behind the Red Devils' Premier League title triumph last season.

Berbatov's contract at Old Trafford ends this summer.

Valencia defender Adil Rami has dismissed reports purporting to a possible move to Manchester United by claiming he is happy in La Liga.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted once again that a number of the club's talented young players, most notably Paul Pogba and Ravel Morrison, are on the cusp of first team involvement this season.