Liga Preview: Albacete - Barcelona

After the second string suffered expected defeat in Donetsk the Barca first team stars will be refreshed for a clash that looks ominous for the newly promoted hosts.

No January bid for Gerrard - Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has insisted there would be no bid by Chelsea to buy England midfielder Steven Gerrard from Liverpool when next month's transfer window opens.

Today's Scoreboard

Ronaldinho voted World Soccer Player of the Year

Barcelona's brilliant Brazilian gained almost 29 per cent of the votes in World Soccer magazine's 23rd annual poll, ahead of Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, Andrii Shevchenko of Milan and Portugal's Brazil-born midfielder Deco

Fiorentina chief confirms deal for China skipper Li Weifeng

Fiorentina director general Fabrizio Lucchesi has confirmed the signing of Chinese national team captain Li Weifeng.Lucchesi told La Nazione that Li Weifeng will arrive in Florence in January for the second-half of the Serie A season.

Unsettled Anelka struggling for Man City place

Manchester City striker Nicolas Anelka could be left on the bench this weekend.
The Frenchman has been missing for the past two games and is no guaranteed starter for the clash with Tottenham.

La Liga Preview

After finally securing their qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League, Real Madrid are now turning their attention to domestic matters as they look to make up ground on runaway leaders Barcelona.

Del Bosque Does Not Want To Lose Carew

Besiktas' boss Vicente Del Bosque has admitted that losing John Carew would be a big blow to his team after interest from Barcelona surfaced this week.

Premiership preview

Judgement Day is the tagline for the top-of-the-table clash between Arsenal and Chelsea and what a pre-Christmas appetiser it promises to be.

Agent Rules Out Tacchinardi Barça Move

Alessio Tacchinardi’s agent has announced that the player will not be moving to Barcelona in the January transfer window.

Veron Wants Inter Stay

Inter midfielder Juan Veron says he wants to stay at the club beyond this season.

Milan? No Thanks-Chivu

Eternally injured Roma defender Christian Chivu told Italian daily ‘Corriere dello Sport’ that he has no intention of leaving the Giallorossi despite mighty AC Milan would like him to become Paolo ‘The Great’ Maldini’s successor.

Souness warns Kluivert

Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert must score more goals or he will have no long-term future at Newcastle United, manager Graeme Souness was quoted as saying on Friday. "Patrick will be judged on his goals, that's the price on the ticket if you're a striker," Souness said.

Barcelona close in on Tacchinardi

Barcelona are accelerating talks with Juventus over a deal for midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi for the winter market

Serie A Round 14 Top games goals

Parma 1 - 2 AC Milan
Internazionale 5 - 0 Messina
Reggina 1 - 3 Brescia
Juventus 2 - 1 Lazio
Lecce 3 - 2 Livorno
Cagliari 4 - 2 Chievo

La Liga Round 14 Top games goals

Barcelona 4 - 0 Malaga
Real Sociedad 1 - 0 Real Betis
Racing Santander 2 - 2 Deportivo la Corunia
Mallorca 3 - 2 Numancia
Atletico Madrid 3 - 2 osasuna

EPL Round 16, Top games goals

Arsenal 3 - 0 Birmingham
Liverpool 1 - 1 Aston Villa
Newcastle 0 - 4 Chelsea
Everton 3 - 2 Bolton
Southampon 0 - 3 Manchester United

Group Stage Game 6 Champions league goals

Monaco 5 - 0 Deportivo La Coruna
Liverpool 3 - 1 Olympiacos
Leverkusen 3 - 0 Dynamo Kyiv
Roma 0 - 3 Real Madrid
Ajax 2 - 2 Bayer Munich
Lyon 5 - 0 Sparta Prague
Fenerbahce 3 - 0 Mancherster United
Arsenal 5 - 1 Rosenborg
Panthaniakos 4 - 1 PSV
Shakhtar 2 - Barcelona
Internazionale 3 - 0 Anderlecht
Valencia 0 - 2 Bremen
Porto 2 - 1 Chelsea
PSG 1 - 3 CSKA Moscva

Diego on show in Tokyo

After scoring his first UEFA Champions League goal on Tuesday, Diego is hoping to shine for FC Porto in Sunday's European/South American Cup

Angulo apologises for behaviour

The Argentine was set off for an violent lunge on Paraguayan striker Nelson Valdez, and he also seemed to spit at Werder midfielder Tim Borowski as he walked off.

Liverpool on outer as Morientes chooses Monaco

Liverpool appear to be losing their fight to land Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes next month. The Spaniard has declared he wants a permanent move to AS Monaco after failing to cement a starting place at Real this season

Ranieri Tips Chelsea

Former Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri expects the Blues to win the Premiership this season and believe they are capable of also winning the Champions League.

Valencia Chairman Furious At Angulo

Crisis has erupted at Valencia following their elimination from the Champions League.

Van der Vaart stripped of Ajax captaincy

Dutch international Rafael van der Vaart was stripped of the Ajax Amsterdam captaincy on Thursday after he refused to play out of position in the Champions League game against Bayern Munich.

Ronaldo Looking Forward To Meet Inter

The Brazilian star would like to play against his former side in the next round of the Champions League.

Perez Not Interested In Roma Duo

Real’s President has denied the recent rumours which linked Francesco Totti and Antonio Cassano with a move to Madrid.

Del Piero: I Want To Avoid Barca, Real And Utd

The Juventus captain would prefer to play against a less quoted side in the next round of the Champions League.

Barcelona January Transfer Strategy Defined Last Night

UEFA Champions League, Group stage wrap

Liverpool FC left it late to seal their place in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League as they joined AS Monaco FC, Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Real Madrid CF in advancing from Groups A-D on the final round of group-stage matches on Wednesday night. The 16 teams through to the first knockout round are now known, along with the eight clubs transferring to the UEFA Cup last 32.

Leverkusen dismantle Dynamo

Bayer 04 Leverkusen strolled into the UEFA Champions League's last 16 with a comfortable 3-0 win against FC Dynamo Kyiv in Group B, with all three goals coming in the second half.

Figo propels Madrid forward

Two second-half goals from Luís Figo made sure of Real Madrid CF's place in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League as they beat AS Roma 3-0 at the Stadio Olimpico.

Liverpool through after thriller

Steven Gerrard's stunning late strike completed a dramatic Liverpool comeback and took them through to the last 16 at Olympiacos CFP's expense on head-to-head record.

Brazil's Zagallo says games should be two hours long

Soccer games should be two hours long instead of 90 minutes to exhaust increasingly fitter defenders, says Brazil great Mario Zagallo.

UEFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Valencia and Werder Bremen

UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Valencia and Werder Bremen on Wednesday, one day after their Champions League match was marred by clashes and crowd disorder

Sticky: Today's Scoreboard

UEFA Champions League

Batistuta's Barça Deal Is Off

Gabriel Batistuta has revealed that his move to Barcelona has collapsed because he does not have an EU passport.

Saviola: Barça Do Not Want Me Back Now

Javier Saviola has revealed that Barcelona have never asked him to return to the club during the January transfer window to replace the injured Henrik Larsson.

Pérez Wants Totti And Cassano

Florentino Pérez has announced that he would love to sign Francesco Totti and Antonio Cassano from Roma.

Harry makes Southampton switch

Harry Redknapp looks set to be unveiled as Southampton manager this afternoon. The 57-year-old quit south coast rivals Portsmouth two weeks ago claiming he needed a break from the game

Edmilson: We’re Better Than Real

Barcelona defender Edmilson says that the Catalan club are now a better side than Real Madrid.

Olympiacos in confident mood

Juventus chief fed-up with Udinese over Jankulovski

Photo gallery: Champions League Action, Dec. 7

Gerrard issues honours ultimatum

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says he will leave Anfield if the club does not win the Premiership soon.

Atletico Madrid agree Birmingham deal for Gronkjaer

Maccabi Tel-Aviv News

We abstain from covering Maccabi Tel-Aviv's news, in solidarity with human rights against gross acts of discrimination, human rights attrocities and the suspicious global silence on these issues.

Ajax Amsterdam v Bayern Munich: Preview

Ajax manager Ronald Koeman is confident his side will manage an improved showing against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday as they battle for a UEFA Cup spot.

Bayer Leverkusen v Dynamo Kiev: Preview

Dynamo Kiev travel to Bayer Leverkusen knowing a draw will be enough to secure their place in the knockout phase of the Champions League - although the same cannot be said of the hosts.

Fenerbahce v Man Utd: Preview

Sir Alex Ferguson bundled Cristiano Ronaldo aboard Manchester United's charter flight to Turkey with a reminder to the precocious Portuguese teenager that he is still just a kid.

Liverpool v Olympiakos: Preview

Steven Gerrard insists he will not accept "second best" by crashing out of the Champions League and into the UEFA Cup.

Roma v Real Madrid: Preview

Real Madrid's path to the knockout phase of the Champions League appears to have been made smoother with Roma to rest key players for the Group B clash at the Stadio Olimpico.

Mourinho Unhappy In Defeat

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was disappointed that his side lost 2-1 to his former club Porto in the Champions League, despite the fact that the Blues had already qualified for the knock-out phase.

PSG Boss Crushed By Defeat

PSG manager Vahid Halilhodzic expressed his severe disappointment by the French club's failure to secure a UEFA Cup place after being outclassed by then man CSKA Moscow and Segei Semak's hat-trick.

Jose Mourinho interview

Today's Live Scoreboard

UEFA Champions League

Tension-filled nights loom for Europe's big guns

European champions Porto, nine-times champions Real Madrid, English champions Arsenal, Spanish champions Valencia and German champions Werder Bremen all go into their last group matches still uncertain of further involvement in the competition.

BBC - Radio Five Live

or listen to David Beckham's interview

Helguera Interview: “It´s in these games is where you see the true Real Madrid”

Real ready for Roma's empty threat

Nine-times European champions Real Madrid risk slipping out of the Champions League with barely a whimper on Wednesday when they take on AS Roma at a deserted Olympic Stadium.

Panathinaikos beats PSV Eindhoven 4-1, but exits Champions

Captain Markus Muench scored twice Tuesday to lead Panathinaikos over PSV Eindhoven 4-1, but the Greek team failed to qualify for the knockout phase of the Champions League.

Bremen beats Valencia 2-0 to advance

Substitute Nelson Valdez scored two late goals Tuesday to earn Werder Bremen a 2-0 victory over Valencia and send the German team into the Champions League's second round.

Inter beats Anderlecht 3-0

Obafemi Martins scored twice within three minutes in the second half and Julio Ricardo Cruz had a first-half goal to give Inter Milan a 3-0 victory over Anderlecht in a European Champions League match on Tuesday.

Celtic Fade Out Of Europe

Celtic crashed out of Europe for the season after failing to break down AC Milan in their Champions League tie.

Porto seal dramatic escape

A late header by Benni McCarthy rescued Porto's Champions League campaign and ensured former boss Jose Mourinho made an unwelcome return to his former club.

FIVE-STAR ARSENAL QUALIFY

Arsenal's annual panic is over. The Premiership champions specialise in making qualification to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League problematic, but solved their yearly puzzle by dismissing Rosenborg 5-1 at Highbury.

Pérez Confident Of Madrid Victory

Florentino Pérez believes that Real Madrid are ready for their crucial Champions League clash with Roma and that luck will be on their side.

CL Live Wrap: Gunners Ahead, Barca Behind

UEFA Champions League Standings

Barcelona on Ljuboja trail?

Danijel Ljuboja's agent has confirmed that the Serbia and Montenegran international is set leave Paris-Saint-Germain. Barcelona and Inter Milan have been linked with the out-of-favour forward, who has clashed several times with PSG coach Vahid Halilhodzic.

Atlético Prepare Lucho Raid?

Atlético Madrid are set to make an a huge offer for highly-rated River Plate midfielder Lucho González

Serie A Round 14: The Best Eleven

Real Madrid gets big break as Roma opts to keep its top players out

ROME (AP) - Real Madrid received a big break in its route to the next round of the Champions League when AS Roma coach Luigi Del Neri announced Tuesday that he would not field his three top strikers.

UEFA Champions League Statistics- Top Goal Scorer /Teams

UEFA Champions League Statistics- Top Scorers

UEFA Champions League Statistics- Assists

United leave experienced stars at home

With qualification secure and only a position at the top of Group D to fight for, Sir Alex Ferguson opted to take what amounted to his Carling Cup squad to Istanbul.

Seaman Jumps To Lehmann’s Defence

Arsenal goalkeeping legend David Seaman believes manager Arsene Wenger has acted harshly in dropping Jens Lehmann from the Gunners side.

Carlos defends Real form

Roberto Carlos has defended the recent performances of Real Madrid and insists the team are not playing as badly as critics are suggesting.

Rossi In At Atalanta

Atalanta have appointed Delio Rossi as their new coach after yesterday’s sacking of Andrea Mandorlini.

Inter Milan to make swap bid for Figo?

Inter Milan are being linked with a sensational swap bid for Real Madrid ace Luis Figo.

Barcelona encouraged by Arsenal's Edu demands

Barcelona are preparing a bid for Arsenal midfielder Edu.The ultimatum made by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger over the weekend regarding the Brazilian's contract has alerted Barca president Joan Laporta to the possibility of landing the midfielder in January.

Liverpool ponder free transfer for Kewell?

Real Madrid president to ask about Totti?

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was in Italy yesterday to meet with good friend Franco Sensi, AS Roma's president.

Wenger keeping faith with Almunia

Arsene Wenger has pledged to keep faith with stand-in keeper Manuel Almunia for the crunch week which could define Arsenal's season.

Houllier praises Benitez regime

Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier has praised the work of his Anfield successor Rafael Benitez.

CL Preview: Ajax-Bayern Munich

Two of Europe’s biggest club sides meet at the Amsterdam Arena on Wednesday night, but with Munich already safely in the knock out phase the pressure is on Ajax to produce the win that will secure a Uefa Cup spot.

CL Preview: Shakhtar - Barcelona

Barcelona are set to name their strongest side to face Shakhtar in Donetsk as they bid to leapfrog Milan to finish top of Group F, but their Ukrainian hosts will be fighting for a Uefa Cup place.

Strike duo boost Boro

Middlesbrough kept in touch with the top four after a 3-2 win over Manchester City, but were made to work all the way by Kevin Keegan's men.

Article: Tevez - an Argentine in Brazil

Barça Favourites To Land Kompany?

Blues hit back at Porto

Chelsea hit back at Porto president Jorge Nuno Pinto Da Costa as the war of words escalated ahead of Jose Mourinho's return to the club on Tuesday night.

Figo doubt for Roma date

Luis Figo is a doubt for Real Madrid's crucial UEFA Champion League clash with Roma on Wednesday."The presence of the player on Wednesday depends on his progress in the next 24 hours," explained a club spokesman.

CL Preview: FC Porto–Chelsea

It’s not so much old friends reunited but rather the return of a reviled adversary as Jose brings his new employees back to his old office. There will be no warm welcome, although there may be one or two fireworks.

CL Preview: Valencia – Werder Bremen

The night of reckoning has arrived for the reigning Bundesliga and Primera Liga champions in what promises to be a hyper-tense affair where reputations are at stake.

CL Preview: Arsenal-Rosenborg

With a league game against Chelsea on the horizon, Arsenal begin a tough couple of weeks with a vitally important clash against Rosenborg on Tuesday night. Victory will see the Gunners into the next phase of the competition in what is a must win game at Highbury.

Make or break for Madrid

UEFA Champions League First Round Game 6 Preview: Final qualification game.>

Basel protest heavy-handed policing

Swiss club FC Basel have issued a public complaint against Zurich police after the weekend arrest of around 300 fans. Officers from Zurich's city police force made the arrests on Sunday, shortly before Basel's 3-2 win at Grasshoppers Zurich.

AC Milan coach: We've already decided next season's transfers

Samuel: Real Madrid door open to Totti

Real Madrid defender Walter Samuel has called on his former AS Roma teammate Francesco Totti to join him in Spain.

Real Sociedad in for Valencia's Pellegrino?

Deportivo La Coruna keen on Barcelona's Gerard?

Besiktas striker Carew tops Barcelona wanted list??

Prem: Worst Eleven Of The Week

Wenger backing for midfield pair

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has backed the inexperienced midfield pair of Mathieu Flamini and Cesc Fabregas for the game against Rosenborg.

Sagnol out for the rest of the year

Bayern Munich defender Willy Sagnol has been ruled out for four weeks after suffering an ankle injury.

Atalanta sack coach

Atalanta have axed manager Andrea Mandorlini following their poor start to the season.

Swiss player loses finger

Servette midfielder Paulo Diogo has been left without a finger after a goal celebration went badly wrong.

Van Nistelrooy misses Turkey trip

Manchester United's Ruud van Nistelrooy is out of the Champions League clash against Fenerbahce on Wednesday.

Porto play down Mourinho concerns

Porto insist they have no plans to make special security arrangements for former manager Jose Mourinho when he returns with Chelsea on Tuesday.

Campbell set to sign new Arsenal deal

Sol Campbell today revealed that he has agreed to sign a new long-term contract at Arsenal. The England defender is expecting to tie up a few loose ends over the next couple of weeks before making an official announcement.

Zola Apologizes For Doping Comments

The former Chelsea player explained that he did not intend to attack Juventus with his words.

Barcelona To Hold Decisive Transfer Meeting On Wednesday

On Wednesday Barcelona’s directors Laporta, Rosell, and Beguiristain, and coach Frank Rijkaard will meet to decide upon the Catalan club’s January moves.

Roberto Carlos Confident Ahead Of Rome Showdown

Roberto Carlos is sure Real Madrid will win behind the Olimpico closed doors when the Merengues face AS Roma in Champions League action on Wednesday evening.

Italy Planning Euro 2012 Bid

Italian football federation president Franco Carraro has asked the Italian government to ok an Italian bid for the 2012 European championships.

Ancelotti: Gilardino Would Be A Great Signing

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that he wants to sign Parma striker Alberto Gilardino.

Arsenal eye Brazilian

Brazilian star Anderson Silva is honoured at rumours of interest from Premiership giants Arsenal, admitting it would be a dream to play in English football.

UEFA offer Mourinho protection

UEFA, aware of Jose Mourinho's security concerns on his return to Porto, have given the Chelsea manager permission to miss press conferences to promote the match.

Greece Judiciary to investigate Panionios UEFA Cup win

Allegations of match-fixing surrounding last week's UEFA Cup tie between Panionios and Dinamo Tblisi are to be investigated by Greece's Public Prosecutions Office.

Primera Liga leading scorers

12 - Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona)
8 - Ricardo Oliveira (Real Betis), Ismael Urzaiz(Bilbao)
7 - Torres (Atletico Madrid), Ronaldo (Real
Madrid), Maxi Rodriguez (Espanyol)

United worry over Ruud

Manchester United are sweating over the fitness of striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.
The Dutch star missed Saturday's win over Southampton with a calf injury and manager Sir Alex Ferguson has already ruled him out of the midweek trip to Fenerbahce.

Solari Admits Roma Preoccupation

Santiago Solari admitted after Real Madrid's dull draw with Villarreal that Wednesday's Champions League tie with AS Roma was on the players' minds.

Beattie facing two weeks on sidelines

The England international suffered a recurrence of a calf strain in Saints' 3-0 defeat at Manchester United on Saturday and came off after just 21 minutes.

Benitez confident of Reds victory

Rafael Benitez says Liverpool will beat Olympiakos on Wednesday and qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League.
The Reds need to beat the Greek league leaders, who top Group A, by two goals to progress to the knock-out stage.

Beckham confident of facing Roma

The England captain was substituted after 65 minutes of Real's Primera Liga clash with Villarreal last night after aggravating a foot injury in a tackle, having earlier hit the bar with a free-kick.

BBC Premiership Team of the Week

Barcelona to launch January raid for Man City's Anelka

Barcelona are planning a January bid for Manchester City striker Nicolas Anelka. The Sun says Anelka is being lined up by Barcelona for an £8million New Year escape from City.

The latest gossip from Monday's newspapers.

David Beckham is in danger of missing Real Madrid's Champions League game against Roma after injuring his right foot.

Today's Scoreboard

English Premiership

Henry laughs off critics' jibes

Thierry Henry vowed to lead Arsenal into the knock-out stages of the Champions League as he rounded on his critics and insisted: 'I am not a machine.'

Watertight PSV make history

PSV Eindhoven broke AFC Ajax's 33-year-old Eredivisie record of 1,082 minutes without conceding a goal as they eased to victory against bottom club De Graafschap.

AC Milan to lock in Scotland academy

AC Milan officials will spend part of this week locked in talks over a new football academy to be based in Scotland.

Roma Held By Sampdoria

Roma and Sampdoria shared the spoils in an entertaining 1-1 match which probably satisfied none.

Big names in danger of elimination from Champions League

LONDON (AP) - The final nine places in the Champions League knockout stage will be determined this week, with nine-time winner Real Madrid, defending titlist FC Porto and domestic champions Arsenal, Werder Bremen and Valencia all in danger of elimination.

Schalke 04 beat Dortmund to close in on Bayern

Schalke 04 won 1-0 at arch rivals Borussia Dortmund in a tense local derby on Sunday to move level on points with Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga after their ninth win in the last 10 league matches.

Lacklustre Real lose further ground to Barca

A lacklustre Real Madrid lost further ground to Barcelona at the top of the table after they were held to a 0-0 draw at Villarreal in the Primera Liga on Sunday.

Atletico Madrid v Osasuna

Atletico leapt four places to sixth after beating Osasuna 3-2 with goals from Fernando Torres, Salva Ballesta and Gonzalo Colsa.

Spain retain world Futsal crown

Spain 2-1 Italy
Goals from Kike and Marcelo ensured Spain retained the FIFA Futsal World Championship in Chinese Taipei despite a determined effort from European title-holders Italy and a last-gasp strike from Sandro Zanetti.

Serie A Wrap: Ibra The Hero For Juve

La Liga: Tamudo marks return by scoring Espanyol winner

Espanyol striker Raul Tamudo marked his return from a month-long injury lay-off by scoring the winner in his side's 1-0 victory at Real Zaragoza in the Primera Liga on Sunday.

Today's Live Results

English Premiership
Spanish Primera Liga
Italian Serie A
German Bundesliga
French Ligue 1
Dutch Eredivisie
and more...

La Liga Standings

Ligue 1 Standings

Bundesliga Standings

Serie A Standings

EPL Standings

BIG PHIL REVEALS REAL APPROACH

Portugal boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has revealed that Real Madrid have approached him over their managerial post.

Maradona Goes Home For Christmas

Diego Maradona has defied doctor’s advice by interrupting his cocaine-addiction therapy in Cuba to return home to join his family for Christmas.

Tomasson Out Until New Year?

Milan striker Jon Dahl Tomasson may not play again this year, according to reports in Italy.

Juventus 2-1 Lazio

TURIN, December 5 (Serie A) - Juventus maintained their excellent start to the Serie A season as they recorded a comeback win at home to Lazio to keep second-placed AC Milan at arm's length.

Dutch first division results/standings

AMSTERDAM, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Results of Dutch first division soccer matches played on Sunday: AZ Alkmaar 2 ADO Den Haag 0 Vitesse Arnhem 2 Utrecht 1 Feyenoord 2 NEC Nijmegen 1 Willem II Tilburg 2 Heerenveen 2

Dutch first division leading scorers

AMSTERDAM, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Leading scorers in the Dutch first division after the weekend's matches: 13 Dirk Kuijt 10 Salomon Kalou Klaas,Jan Huntelaar 8 Kenneth Perez, Ali Boussaboun

Brazilian striker dies on field during Indian club soccer match

De Lima, 25, had scored both goals for Dempo against Mohun Bagan, both Indian clubs, in the final of the Federation Cup tournament before he collapsed.

Premiership clubs to lose millions

Premiership clubs to lose millions as EU end Sky live matches monopoly

Souness rejects Giggs speculation

Newcastle boss Graeme Souness has played down newspaper reports linking him with a move for Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs.

Beckham's Butler fed up with Victoria, quits

London - David Beckham's butler has quit, raising concerns that he might spill closely-guarded secrets about the England captain's private life, two British newspapers reported on Sunday.

Fergie: Chelsea will slip up

Manchester United chief Sir Alex Ferguson insists Premiership leaders Chelsea will have a 'blip'.

Benitez bullish over Gerrard

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is confident Steven Gerrard will stay at Anfield regardless of whether the club are successful this term.

Spain star hints at Blues move

Chelsea look ready to step up their long-term interest in Real Betis winger Joaquin with a multi-million pound offer in January.

Anelka 'eyes Man City departure'

Striker Nicolas Anelka reportedly wants to leave Manchester City in search of Champions League football.

Monaco coach dismissed link with Real Madrid's Morientes

Deschamps:"It is very regrettable to see Fernando on the bench with Madrid, but he will not come back to Monaco."

Rijkaard hails Deco after Barcelona rout

"Deco has confirmed what a player he is, because he is scoring important goals, is always available and gives the feeling that he enjoys being on the field. He is an example to all the team."

Roma v Sampdoria: Preview

Roma and Sampdoria will both go into their meeting with a big weight lifted from their shoulders.

Juventus v Lazio: Preview

Under-fire Lazio coach Mimmo Caso takes his team to Turin knowing he can ill-afford to taste defeat against Serie A leaders Juventus.

Villarreal v Real Madrid: Preview

Michael Owen will be handed another opportunity to stake his claim for a regular starting berth when he leads a weakened Real Madrid attack into action against Villarreal on Sunday.Casillas is also expected to captain the galacticos

Man Utd eye Parma No1 Frey

United chief scout Martin Ferguson and goalkeeping coach Tony Coton have both made checks on the Frenchman in the last year.

Juventus fight off Real Madrid for Buffon

The Italy international is being lined up by Real president Florentino Perez as a replacement for contract rebel Iker Casillas.

Baros in the frame for Reds Euro crunch

Liverpool need to win 1-0, or by two clear goals, against the Greek side to reach the knockout stages of the tournament, along with fellow Premiership representatives Manchester United and Chelsea and Benitez is quietly confident that Baros could return to his injury-hit front line.

Four goals. But can Chelsea really win all four trophies?

The Premiership: Mourinho's Incredibles aim to supplant Invincibles

FA chief wants television replays

New Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick wants television replays to help referees.

€15 million will bag Bojinov

Lecce have placed a €15 million price tag on the head of teenage striking sensation Valeri Bojinov.

Rijkaard Delighted By Barca Performance

Ranieri: We May Have Been Looking Past Albacete

Adriano Happy For Inter

Pirlo: We Really Wanted It

Betis Coach Pleased In Defeat

KOVACEVIC PROVES MATCH-WINNER

Real Sociedad climbed further away from trouble with an important win at the expense of high-flying Real Betis.

The gossip column

All the latest gossip from Sunday's newspapers.