SPORTS

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher feels he is finally over the effects of the mysterious illness that curtailed his involvement in the club's pursuit for honours last season.

Arsene Wenger has lavished praise on midfielder Mikel Arteta following a string of impressive displays.

Jermain Defoe has ruled out a move away from Tottenham Hotspur even though he concedes his current peripheral role could cost him a place at next summer's European Championships.

The agent of Shinji Kagawa has dismissed speculation linking his client with a move to Liverpool by informing the International Business Times that the midfielder is '100 per cent' committed to Borussia Dortmund.

Arsene Wenger believes the stats behind Arsenal's recent run of form support his theory that the Gunners' have recovered after their dismal start to the season.

Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted that he is chasing 'two or three' players in preparation as the January transfer window falls upon the Premier League, but the Manchester United manager believes that they won't be available until next summer at least.

Chelsea target Neymar was tempted into making a move to Real Madrid by former Brazilian star Ronaldo, according to Santos president Luis Alvaro de Oliveira Ribeiro, with the youngster eventually deciding to stay in South America for now at least.

Lewis Hamilton has confessed that he is still in love with ex-girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger, sparking hopes of a reunion in the near future.

Kenny Dalglish has issued a stark warning to Liverpool's expensive underachievers: if you are unhappy, you can leave.

Football pundit Andy Townsend believes Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie would improve any side in world football on current form.

Thierry Henry would be the perfect signing for Arsenal, according to club legend Martin Keown, with the superstar currently training with the team in the MLS off season.

Michael Ballack has questioned his former Chelsea team-mates' mental strength after the Blues lost for the fourth time in seven matches on Wednesday.

Arsene Wenger face an uphill battle to secure Mario Gotze, with Borussia Dortmund insisting that the youngster will stay at his current club for the next season at least.

Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their efforts to sign Eden Hazard, after Lille president Michel Seydoux slapped an astonishing £43 million valuation on the midfielder.

Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle has warned Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur they will have to conclude a move for Gary Cahill early next month or risk missing out on the in demand 25-year-old.

The agent of Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez has held preliminary talks with AC Milan over a possible £25 million move in the January transfer window, according to Skysports.com.

Philippe Coutinho has insisted that he wants to stay at Inter Milan for the long term future, but the Brazil international has admitted that whether he leaves the club in the next transfer window or not is out of his hands.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has lauded Newcastle United counterpart Alan Pardew ahead of this weekend's Premier League encounter at Old Trafford.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish believes Andy Carroll is "playing his best football" for the club and is pushing for inclusion against league leaders Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.

Manchester United legend David Beckham has held preliminary talks with Paris St-Germain, according to the Ligue 1 club's sporting director Leonardo.

Liverpool may not be in the Champions League this season, but with the side setting the ambitious goal of qualifying for the tournament next year, Kenny Dalglish has set the club some top targets who already have experience playing across the continent.

American Samoa, ranked joint worst team in the world, have finally recorded a win after nearly two decades of straight losses.

Arsenal secured qualification for the Champions League knock-out stage with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night.

Nicolas Gaitan has insisted that he is not thinking about whether his future lies away from Benfica, but the playmaker has been coy over if talks have taken place with Manchester United over a possible move.

Arsenal and Manchester United have been coveting Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mario Götze but can they prise the pint-sized genius away from the defending Bundesliga champions?

The Argentine player’s new role as the face of the sports video games giant marks the biggest transfer deal of the season.

Chelsea are monitoring Sporting Lisbon striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel according to the player's agent.

Mikel Arteta has hailed "on fire" Arsenal captain Robin van Persie as one of the world's best strikers after his brace fired the Gunners into the knock-out stage of the Champions League.

Kenny Dalglish insists there have been no talks with Lille about Joe Cole's future, after the French outfit's president said that he might have an 'interesting offer' for the England international to stay at the club permanently.