SPORTS

Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Willian has admitted he would welcome the opportunity to move to Chelsea.

Sao Paulo have rejected a £29m bid for highly-rated Brazilian midfielder Lucas Rodrigues Moura da Silva.

Former Premier League referee Graham Poll believes Liverpool were incredibly fortunate to be awarded a penalty against Manchester City on Wednesday night.

Real managed to force a 2-2 draw but the Catalans overcame them with a 4-3 aggregate win helped by the 2-1 advantage in the first leg.

Nigel de Jong scored the opener from a distance on 31 minutes. But Liverpool drew level on 40 minutes with Steven Gerrard scoring with a penalty shot.

A litany of missed chances marred England's progress in an otherwise impressive display by the tourists on a cool, windswept opening day of the second Test in Abu Dhabi.

Manchester United have been connected with a host of strikers, midfielders and defenders in the lead up to the January transfer window, but right now, as Sir Alex Ferguson continues to deny the club have any realistic targets in mind, it's the current players that seem to be hogging the spotlight.

Chelsea and QPR have issued a joint statement in preparation for the sides facing one another in the FA Cup this weekend, with both Bruce Buck and Tony Fernandes urging fans to treat the match as a 'celebration' rather than a opportunity to promote hatred.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp told Premier League inquiry in 2006 he was 'sick and tired' of slurs on his name.

Sports and entertainment agent Chris Nathaniel quizzed over stabbing of east London teenager Danny O'Shea.

England's interim head coach Stuart Lancaster has confirmed his desire to take the role on a fulltime basis and has admitted he will be applying for the job.

Tottenham look set to lose Giovanni dos Santos this month, according to Villarreal, with the 22 year old currently in advanced negotiations with the Spanish side.

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas should have left Fernando Torres on the pitch during the Blues' stalemate at Carrow Road on Saturday, according to Chris Kamara.

Chelsea transfer news: Willian, Kevin de Bruyne and Igor Lichnovsky all on Andre Villas-Boas' wishlist

Pepe Reina has backed Liverpool to end their 22-wait for a league title but cautioned it could be "two or three more years" before the club is in a position to challenge for major honours.

Business secretary sparks controversy again with claims footballers deserve fat pay packets because rewards reflect merits.

Manchester United legend Andy Cole has revealed he can see some of himself in Danny Welbeck, as the young striker continues to stake his claim on a starting sport for the English giants.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish desperately needs Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson to 'come alive', according to Sky Sports pundit Chris Kamara.

Gareth Barry has revealed he came close to signing for Liverpool but was ultimately dissuaded after hearing abusive chants from the Anfield crowd.

Newcastle transfer news: Mathias Jorgensen and Adrian Mariappa both look unlikely to move to St James' Park

Manchester City have revealed their AWOL striker Carlos Tevez's recent behaviour has cost the controversial Argentine more than £9 million in fines and unpaid wages and bonuses.

Gerrard's penalty in the first leg means Liverpool carry a slender advantage into tonight's match-up and the midfielder believes the Reds' experience in two-legged contests in recent years could prove crucial against the Premier League leaders.

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique believes Pep Guardiola and Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson have very contrasting approaches to management.

FIFA Street, the fourth installment in EA Sports' franchise of street football video games, is confirmed for a global release on March 13.

Andy Murray is through to the semi-final of the Australian Open after he defeated Kei Nishikori in straight sets to set up a potentially mouth-watering semi-final against Novak Djokovic, should the World number one beat David Ferrer.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp allegedly failed to declare his offshore bank account for a number of years, jurors have heard.

Alan Smith believes that Arsene Wenger has seriously missed out after not signing Gary Cahill in the summer, after the defender joined Chelsea last week in order to help the Blues maintain their advantage over Arsenal for a Champions League spot.

Mario Balotelli's agent has lambasted Howard Webb and the Football Association after the Manchester City striker was charged with violent conduct.

Liverpool target Keisuke Honda is currently in talks with Lazio over a possible move, according to CSKA Moscow president Yevgeny Giner.