FOOTBALL

Papiss Demba Cisse will consider options in Germany and England

Wayne Rooney has set his sights on surpassing Sir Bobby Charlton's long standing record of 249 goals for Manchester United.

John Aldridge has praised Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva following his outstanding individual performance against Roberto Mancini's side on Sunday.

Sir Alex Ferguson is continuing to scout Nicolas Gaitan, according to numerous reports, with the attacking midfielder high on the Manchester United manager's transfer wishlist.

Manchester United are set to make a move for £13m-rated Sweden midfielder Rasmus Elm when the January transfer window opens, according to reports in Scandinavia.

Arsene Wenger believes Manchester City still have a long way to go before they are to emulate Arsenal's unbeaten season.

Manchester United striker target Klaas Jan Huntelaar has been compared to Marco van Basten by German football manager Bernd Schuster, as the Netherlands international continues to display fine form in the Bundesliga.

Ian Wright believes Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli is a maverick like Manchester United legend Eric Cantona, but he must learn to control his volatile temperament before he can be compared to Old Trafford's illustrious Frenchman.

Wayne Rooney believes Manchester United should build a statue of Ryan Giggs outside Old Trafford in honour of the Welshman's remarkable career.

Former Manchester United star David Beckham believes Sir Alex Ferguson's side are favourites to win the Premier League this season.

The job facing Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas is not too dissimilar to the one Sir Alex Ferguson faced when he arrived at Manchester United in 1986, according to Old Trafford legend Gary Neville.

The 33-year-old Ivory Coast striker has also rejected an offer from AC Milan, his agent said.

Gary's wife Louise says she is bewildered and baffled by his suicide.

The police confirmed that the Chelsea and England captain was not arrested.

Cameroon defender Nicolas N'Koulou has admitted to being flattered by interest from Arsenal, with the star insisting that while he won't be distracted by the rumours, when a big club like the Gunners takes interest, it makes a player take notice.

Tributes have poured in for the Wales football manager Gary Speed, who has died at the age of 42 after apparently taking his own life. The versatile midfielder became the first player to play 500 games in the Premier League, during a 22-year career in which he represented four different clubs - Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers.

Gary Speed's family release statement

A host of Premier League stars have paid tribute to Gary Speed following the 42-year-old's tragic death on Sunday.

Cologne striker Lukas Podolski has admitted he is getting fed up with his current club's off field problems, and would consider a move to another European club if the offer was right.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has questioned the scheduling of Tuesday's Carling Cup quarter-finals, saying the timing of the matches is "irresponsible."

Persie, with the prolific striker insisting his teammate is not only a highly skilled footballer, but is intelligent as well.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has paid lip service to the obvious talents of Ravel Morrison and suggested the prodigiously gifted young midfielder could play in Wednesday night’s Carling Cup quarter final.

Chelsea have received a boost in their pursuit of Gary Cahill, with Owen Coyle admitting that he would like to take on some players from elite English clubs this season.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed a number of last season's FA Youth Cup winning side are on the cusp of the first team.

Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata ‘looks like a star in the making’, according to BBC Football pundit Garth Crooks.

Chelsea have long since been attempting to land Genk winger Kevin De Bruyne but are finding it difficult to come to an agreement on the transfer fee with the Belgian side.

Tony Cascarino believes Wayne Rooney’s best form for Manchester United is currently being stifled by the deeper lying role Sir Alex Ferguson has asked him to play this season.

Liverpool are set to battle Chelsea and Inter Milan for the signature of highly-rated Brazilian teenager Lucas Rodrigues, according to reports.

Ricky van Wolfswinkel has admitted to being flattered by rumours linking him with a move to Manchester United, but the striker insists he is concentrating on playing well for Sporting CP.