Gordon Macrae

Arsene Wenger has begun the search for an additional left-back after Kieran Gibbs suffered a setback in his recovery from hernia surgery, as Arsenal's defensive crisis mounted.

David Moyes has warned Manchester United and Chelsea that Jack Rodwell is unlikely to leave Everton in January and warned the player his development would be better served if he remains at Goodison Park.

Spain international David Silva believes Manchester United are City's chief rivals for the Premier League title and backed boss Roberto Mancini to achieve the club's goals this season.

On-loan Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole revealed he is looking forward to his forthcoming trip to Merseyside and said he hoped to take in a game during his Christmas break.

Alastair Cook may have garnered the accolades but the 'Shermanator's' rise has been even more remarkable.

Jordi Gomez believes Wigan have nothing to fear against Liverpool on Wednesday, after they came from behind to draw with Chelsea at the weekend.

Stewart Downing has backed Liverpool to pick up maximum points over the festive season and revealed he was not put off by the abuse he received from Aston Villa fans at the weekend.

Former Newcastle United midfielder Mick Martin believes club star Cheick Tiote could be sold to Manchester United in the January transfer window.

2011: A Year in Review

Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool side is strong enough to compete for a trophy and secure qualification for next season's champions League, according to Alan Hansen.

Arsenal will play seven-time winners AC Milan in the pick of the Champions League last-16 draw.

Aaron Ramsey believes Arsenal's young side are well placed to challenge for major honours this season and has backed the club's young cohorts to get stronger in the years to come.

Francis Coquelin has refused to rule out a move to Lille but admits he is committed to winning a place in the Arsenal first-XI.

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has rejected claims Alexandre Pato is set to leave the San Siro in January, despite speculation linking him with a move to Chelsea.

Liverpool could welcome back Steven Gerrard for the Boxing Day clash with Blackburn Rovers, after the midfielder returned to training this week.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish believes his squad is strong enough to cope with the demands of a busy festive period and has backed his strikers to overcome their recent goal drought.

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas remains adamant Fernando Torres will not be sold in January, insisting the forward is not available "at any price."

Jack Rodwell has emerged as Manchester United's top transfer target in the January window, after Darren Fletcher announced he would miss the rest of the season through illness.

Manchester United midfield Ryan Giggs is the natural candidate to follow Gary Speed as Wales boss, according to former international Malcolm Allen.

Alan Hansen believes Jordan Henderson will excel in central midfield this season and has urged Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish to give the midfielder an extended run in the side.

Arsene Wenger has revealed he will be in the market for a striker in the New Year, after the Arsenal manager confirmed he hoped to bolster his squad ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Former Chelsea manager Avram Grant admits the club never got the best out of Nicolas Anelka and suggested the player's "lack of passion" was to blame for a mediocre spell at Stamford Bridge.

Tom Cleverley has admitted he was "always confident" Manchester United could keep pace with rivals City in the race for the Premier League crown.

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has dismissed speculation surrounding the future of Liverpool-target David Villa.

Liverpool have been put on red alert after Barcelona transfer listed David Villa on Wednesday, according to reports in Spain.

Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam has played down suggestions he is currently in the best form of his career and contends the performance of the team is much more important than any personal praise.

Jamie Redknapp believes the "exciting [and] dynamic" Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge is the natural candidate to partner Wayne Rooney in the England first XI.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will be without Andre Santos until March after it emerged the Brazilian left-back will undergo surgery on an ankle injury.

Tony Pulis has voiced his support for Kenny Dalglish after the Liverpool manager accused the Football Association of double standards on disciplinary issues.