SPORTS

Arsenal legend Alan Smith has lauded the potential of Manchester United youngsters Phil Jones and Danny Welbeck and believes the pair represent two of England's brightest prospects beyond Euro 2012.

Craig Bellamy believes that Liverpool need to keep striving if they hope to challenge for more trophies, with the club looking beyond the success of the Carling Cup to qualifying for next season's Champions League.

Arsenal's chief executive says Arsenal have no problem not qualifying for the Champions League.

Mikel Arteta has insisted that Robin van Persie is completely unaware of interest from Barcelona or Real Madrid, with the striker concentrating on playing his best for Arsenal this season.

Arsenal are reportedly close to signing Lukas Podolski after the German striker expressed his interest in playing in the Premier League.

Sir Alex Ferguson sees the match up with Tottenham this weekend as all-important in the title fight, and the Manchester United manager has one eye on getting closer to cross town rivals Manchester City before the sides face off on April 30.

Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita admits he is "flattered" to be linked with a move to Liverpool but insists no decision has been made about his future past the end of this season.

It appears that Inter Milan's Argentinean centre back, Walter Samuel, is being pursued by three Premier League clubs - Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham.

At a press conference on Tuesday, French national manager Laurent Blanc confirmed Lyon keeper Hugo Lloris as his captain.

Bolton Wanderers midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker has openly criticised his club's performance following their 0-3 defeat to Chelsea.

Marussia F1 team delays launch of car after failed crash test

The FA charges Manchester United's Macheda and two others with making homophobic comments.

Wayne Rooney says that he is continually inspired by Sir Alex Ferguson, with the striker insisting that while the Manchester United legend is intimidating, he knows exactly how to handle each of his players.

Emmanuel Adebayor has called on Tottenham to keep fighting, despite loss to Arsenal

Havard Nordveit has revealed that he is aware of speculation connecting him to Liverpool, but the Norwegian youngster insists that no concrete offers have been made by the Reds for his services.

Giant Olympic rings on River Thames, to herald the start of the 2012 London Olympic games.

David de Gea has received more praise for his recent performances for Manchester United, with Jonny Evans joining the likes of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs in lauding the youngster's talents this season.

Cesc Fabregas insists Arsene Wenger is the right man to lead Arsenal, and cautioned the club against bringing in a new manager, as the north London side head for a seventh successive season without a trophy.

Tottenham striker Louis Saha has revealed that a number of professional footballers use escort girls in order to keep their off-pitch antics out of the public eye.

Spanish media are claiming that Tottenham have succeeded in keeping hold of star playmaker Gareth Bale, with Spurs refusing to even negotiate with Barcelona over any possible deal.

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas, who has been in the news for quite some time now, has finally revealed that he is at a risk of being fired as the Blues boss following his team's poor performance in the cup as well as the league games.

Wesley Sneijder has continued to fuel speculation surrounding a possible summer move away from Inter Milan, with the Manchester United target admitting the Holand England friendly will be a chance to showcase his skills.

Tottenham and Arsenal look set to start a fierce competition off the pitch as well as on it, with the cross-town rivals fighting over both Eden Hazard and Theo Walcott.

Liverpool legend Alan Hansen has praised Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay and believes it is only a matter of time before the Scot is head-hunted for a move to the Premier League.

Wojciech Szczesny has tried to stay neutral in the debate over whether Robin van Persie will sign a new contract with Arsenal, but the keeper has admitted that he hopes his captain stays at the Emirates beyond the 2013 summer.

Manchester United face a battle to retain highly-rated teenager Paul Pogba after his agent revealed the two parties are yet to agree terms on a contract extension for the Frenchman.

England's striker crisis does not seem to be getting any better, following news that Aston Villa striker Darren Bent has been sidelined for up to 3 months with an ankle injury.

The international friendly between Wales and Costa Rica on Friday will also be a memorial to former Welsh national team manager Gary Speed, who committed suicide last year.

Liverpool owner John Henry insists the club's Carling Cup triumph is merely the first step in the rejuvenation process at Anfield but said he was satisfied with the direction of the club under manager Kenny Dalglish.