SPORTS

The Chelsea defender was involved in an on-pitch clash with another player.

Swansea City manager Brendan Rodgers was aware of Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney’s obvious talents when he saw him play for the Everton Academy aged 14.

Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken of his joy at the news that former Manchester United reserves keeper Ron-Robert Zieler has made his debut for the Germany national team, as the side drew 3-3 with Ukraine last night.

Swansea City boss Brendan Rodgers has described Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney as “a phenomenal football player”.

Reports in Spain suggest Real Madrid are plotting a move for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney next summer.

Owen Coyle has given his biggest indication yet that Gary Cahill could leave Bolton in January, with the defender the subject of a great deal of transfer interest.

Swindon Town have revealed that Chelsea offered 12 year old prodigy Jordan Young a deal to move to Stamford Bridge, but the youngster decided to stay with the club where he began his career, for the time being at least.

Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara has praised the impact of Cesc Fabregas since the Spain international joined the club in August.

Arsenal and Tottenham have both made bids for Leandro Damiao, according to the Brazilian striker's agent.

Robin Van Persie has revealed that Theo Walcott is the reason behind his goals, with the striker claiming that the two players have a 'connection' that has allowed them to hit top form and bring Arsenal back to within contention for a Champions League spot.

Laurent Robert has praised his former club Newcastle United for their recent investment in French talent like Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa.

Arsenal target Lucho Gonzalez has concrete plans in place to leave Marseille in the next transfer window, according to his agent, as clubs begin to get ready for January.

Sepp Blatter's controversial views on racism in football has sparked outrage in the sporting world, with many calling for the FIFA president to resign. IBTimes Sport takes a look at the reaction to his remarks:

The agent of Gregory Van der Wiel has not received any offers from Manchester United, Arsenal or Chelsea but admits the Holland international’s future in January will be decided by Ajax.

The fall-out from Sepp Blatter's recent remarks on the state of the world's favourite game - "there is no racism... at the end of the game, we shake hands" - continues to dominate the back-pages this morning. But Blatter's latest blunder is just the most recent in a series of contentious public moments.

Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen, with the 19-year-old revealing he is considering a move to Spain.

Arsenal target Marco Reus believes that he is ready to make the step up to a bigger club than Borussia Monchengladbach, with the midfielder admitting to being flattered by interest to join Bayern Munch.

Jack Rodwell has acclaimed the new wave of England players who have made the transition from the Under-21s to the senior side.

Swansea City will have to play close attention to Manchester United youngster Tom Cleverley when the two sides face in the Premier League this weekend, according to Swans forward Danny Graham.

Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie has credited Arsene Wenger for helping him become one of the finest strikers in the world.

Daniel Sturridge is ready to take over Fernando Torres' position as number one striker at Chelsea, with the youngster hoping to fill the void left by Wayne Rooney in England's European Championship campaign next year.

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has emerged as a £15m January target for Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala, according to the player's agent.

Tom Cleverley and Ashley Young are both expected to be fit for Manchester United’s Premier League encounter with Swansea City this weekend.

Milos Krasic's agent has claimed that he is considering a move to the Premier League, with Dejan Joksimovic insisting that his client is fielding offers in both England and Germany as he weighs up the option of leaving Juventus.

England manager Fabio Capello has compared Manchester United star Phil Jones to Real Madrid hero Fernando Hierro and AC Milan legend Franco Baresi.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter moved to play down the controversy surrounding his comments after claiming racist abuse between players on the pitch should be settled with a handshake.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes the current predominantly British squad at Anfield can end his agonising wait for a Premier League title.

Manchester United and Liverpool will have to wait until the summer transfer window to land Brazilian youngster Lucas, with a source insisting that only an irresistible offer will tempt Sao Paulo to sell in January.

Martin Johnson has publicly confirmed his decision to resign as the England team manager in a press conference at Twickenham, suggesting it was a considered decision made on the basis that it "was the right time to go".