Wenger could sign two players in January

Arsene Wenger is preparing to strengthen his Arsenal squad in the January transfer window with possible moves planned for two players.

Wenger revealed that the club have made funds available to him in order to bring new faces in after a frustrating start to the Premier League season.

Schalke striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar, PSV Eindhoven midfielder Kevin Strootman and Crystal Palace youngster Wilfried Zaha have all been linked, but Wenger refused to disclose details.

"This winter we will work very hard because we have some funds available," he told French television station beIN Sport. "It could happen that we buy two players, but I cannot reveal the names."

The Arsenal boss also talked of reviving a move for Thierry Henry from New York Red Bulls, but insisted his focus was bringing players on a permanent basis rather than loan.

"A loan [for Henry] is still a possibility, but we will still try to strengthen for the long term," he said.

"Henry is the talent that you dream to have. He has fantastic physique, fantastic technique, a fantastic brain, all built together in one man.

"At the start he was not confident enough but he has gone on to show what a great player he is."

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Mourinho 'happiest at Inter'

Jose Mourinho has revealed that Inter Milan was the place that made him the happiest, but says his career would not have been complete without Real Madrid.

The Portuguese manager, 49, left Inter after his side famously defeated Spanish giants Barcelona on their way to their first European Cup title for 45 years.



Despite great success at Porto, Chelsea and Madrid, the man known as 'the Special One' says Inter is the place that gave him the most pleasure.



Since joining Madrid he has guided Los Blancos to their first domestic title since 2008, as well as success in the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de Espana.



"Inter is the club where I liked most to stay, no one else gave me the same happiness. When I left, I cried more than once, I will belong to the Nerazzurri family forever," said Mourinho.



"I wondered why I left, and now I try to explain it. Friends told me that I could be a great coach, but without working for Real Madrid there would be a hole (in my career).



"It's why I got busy with Florentino Perez, but I always miss Inter."

Modric urges team-mate to join him at Madrid

Luka Modric wants former Spurs team-mate Gareth Bale to join him at Real Madrid next season.

The former Tottenham midfielder wants Bale to play alongside him and Cristiano Ronaldo in a midfield he describes as "unstoppable".

"It would be amazing for Gareth to come and play for Real Madrid," said Modric.

“I play with Ronaldo here at Real and the way he just runs with the ball with such confidence and defenders back off him is exactly the same as Gareth.

"It would be even better than now to have Ronaldo and Bale on the wings for Madrid. And it could make Gareth an even better player. For me, they are the best two wingers in the world.

“To have the both in the same team would be unstoppable.



The 27-year-old Croatian added: "I think he can do it. He is certainly good enough to play at the highest level. I hope he will come to us. He's a top player."

Modric, who joined the Spanish giants at the start of the season in a deal worth £33m, revealed that he and Bale often spoke of playing at a higher level when playing together at White Hart Lane.

“We used to talk and I know he wants to play Champions League football every season and has a big dream of winning the Champions League.

“Madrid would be a great club for him to achieve his dreams."

Bale's form, which has made him one of the most feared players in the Premier League, will make it difficult for Spurs club to hold on to their prize asset and manager Andre Villas-Boas has conceded as much.

"At the moment he is performing extremely well for Spurs and we are amazed at what he can do for us. He is on to a great career," Villas-Boas said.

"Obviously Tottenham as a football club want to keep him here for as long as we can but we understand players like this have propositions and a market which is the nature of the game."

Vidic set to return, Nani blow

Nemanja Vidic is back in training and could make his Manchester United return next week, but Nani is unlikely to play again this year.

Serbia international defender Vidic could make a surprise comeback in United's Champions League tie at home to Cluj on Wednesday.



The 31-year-old has been out since September after undergoing knee surgery but United manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed on Friday his captain had returned to training and an appearance against Cluj at Old Trafford was a possibility.



"It would be nice for him to play on Wednesday," said Ferguson.



"We are not afraid of that."



However, there was less good news about Portugal winger Nani, who has been missing since the beginning of the month with a hamstring injury.



"Nani is going to be out for a longer spell, possibly another four or five weeks," said Ferguson.



The United manager also confirmed Antonio Valencia would miss Saturday's trip to Reading with a hip injury.

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Beckham: I’d love to play for England again

David Beckham road show is moving on but do not think for a minute it is winding down.



After six seasons in the States, Becks plays his final game for the LA Galaxy in the MLS Cup Final against Houston Dynamo tomorrow.

But ask him, at the ripe old age of 37, if he’s thinking of retirement the answer is an unequivocal “No”. Becks has not even called time on his England career.

Clubs in mainland Europe, China, Australia, Brazil and England would still love to sign Becks. However, he appears to rule out a return to the Premier League with QPR or West Ham.

Faded glamour team Monaco have now jumped to the head of the queue as favourites even though they are currently in the second tier of French football.

They are top of the table and backed by a Russian billionaire and you would have to say a stint on the French Riviera sounds very in-keeping with “Brand Beckham”.

It would be particularly appealing to Becks’ wife Victoria and her fashion projects.

Meanwhile, Beckham is also in talks about finalising his dream of becoming an owner of an MLS franchise.

The result of that will, he revealed, be announced ‘soon’.

Becks said: “Retirement hasn’t even come into my head yet, to be honest.

“I feel great, physically good. I’ve scored seven goals, had nine assists and played in the majority of games and physically I do feel I can play on “I’m happy I’ve played in America for six years but now is the time to go and do something different.

“Everyone knows I’ve always enjoyed a challenge in my career and done pretty well with them.

“I feel I’ve got another one in me. “I’ve been discussing a franchise with my manager for the last six months.

“I’m in talks, I can’t say who with, but it’s an exciting project.

“I’m going to enjoy being an owner, It will be announced pretty soon we are going over small details.”

Beckham made the last of his 115 England appearances against Belarus at Wembley three years ago and accepts it is unlikely he will wear the white shirt again.

But he turned down the offer of a farewell cap from then England boss Fabio Capello and refuses to write of his international career completely — despite new manager Roy Hodgson building a future with younger players.

Beckham said: “I’ve not played for my country for quite a few years now.

“Would I like to? Of course. That’s why I’ve never come out and said I’ve retired from England because if there was any chance at any point that there was hardly any players fit then of course I would love to be playing for my country. Will it happen? I doubt it but you never know.”

The MLS invested around £22million in taking Becks to the MLS and the general consensus is that it has been money well spent.

Beckham’s aim was to increase awareness of the MLS and to be successful on the field — and he believes both have been achieved.

This is his third MLS Cup Final and Galaxy are aiming to retain the trophy at their very own Home Depot Center tomorrow.

He added: “On the field has been most important because I want to win trophies and championships.

“Off the field has become important because I want to leave a lasting legacy — and a league that’s in a great position to push forward to challenge to be one of the big leagues.

“I’m happy with what I’ve done getting to three finals in six years, winning one and hopefully winning another one.

“I’ve seen six new stadiums built, there are six new teams, and attendances have been in the top three in US sports “Also Thierry Henry, Robbie Keane and Tim Cahill coming over is great for the game.

“The biggest thing is that people are talking about it in Europe now. Going back to England they talk about the Galaxy and the New York Red Bulls and Seattle.”

Beckham insists the move was not about money even if there are those who refuse to believe him.

He asked: “Do people still question my motives?” he asked.

“My career has never been about the money. Wherever I’ve gone in my career I played the sport because I love it. It was never about the money and never will be.

“I’m excited to be in another final. The emotions will come out and the realisation it’s my last game for the Galaxy.

“But to be in a final at our own stadium in front of our own fans is kind of a nice way to go out.”




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Rodgers: Sterling 'foolish' not to stay

Brendan Rodgers believes Raheem Sterling would be "very foolish" not to commit himself to Liverpool.

The 17-year-old winger has burst onto the scene this season, starting 13 out of 14 Barclays Premier League matches and earning an England debut in the friendly against Sweden.



He turns 18 a week tomorrow, with the club currently in negotiations over a first professional contract.



The player has already intimated new terms can wait until his birthday, and Rodgers has stressed he is confident there will not be any hitches, but that has not stopped the speculation about the teenager's future.



Rodgers knows how valuable Sterling can be to his side but he believes it is a two-way street and has urged him to recognise the importance of the Reds in his development.



"It's important for the club to sign our young talent - but it's even more important for Raheem," Rodgers told reporters.



"If you are 17 and playing regularly, you would be very foolish not to commit yourself very quickly.



"This is a club that is going to give young players an opportunity and he has played more games than he could have dreamed of this season, both in the Premier League and the Europa League.



"Liverpool have given him the chance to become a full international player.



"If I was Raheem Sterling and his agents, I would look to tie it up very quickly.



"Raheem's (contract) has been ongoing really.



"The club and his representatives are in good dialogue and communication and hopefully we will get that resolved very soon, but there is no timescale."



Although Sterling has been a key performer in Rodgers' first season at Anfield, the Northern Irishman accepts there will come a point when he will need to be rested for his own benefit.



Rodgers has no concerns about the physical demands on the player but accepts he may require a mental break.



"There will be at some point and we'll need to give him a breather, there's no question," said the Reds boss.



"He's a very young man and is still learning the game. He still has technical elements he needs to improve upon and tactical elements.



"But one of the biggest things is psychological at this level - real mental fatigue can set in.



"He's been terrific so far. He's got to this stage at the end of November and been absolutely brilliant, but at some point he will need that breather.



"He's been one of our leading players, but for the benefit of Raheem it'll be something I'll need to consider."

Campbell: I can 'fix' Torres

Former Olympic sprint champion Darren Campbell has claimed he could solve Fernando Torres' goalscoring problems for Chelsea.

Campbell, who won gold in the 4x100m at the Athens Games eight years ago, believes Torres needed just a fortnight's specialist training to recover most of his lost pace.



Torres briefly worked with Campbell during his first year at Stamford Bridge, prior to the departure of Dr Bryan English as Chelsea's medical director during Andre Villas-Boas' reign.



Interim manager Rafael Benitez suggested on Tuesday that Torres needed to do gym work to regain his explosive power.



And Campbell, a sprint coach in football and rugby union, told the Daily Telegraph: "It's something that is best done in pre-season but I think Fernando just needs two weeks when he hasn't got to worry about playing on the Saturday and just put in a nice two-week training programme that I think would definitely bring the majority of his speed back.



"I'm sure I could fix him. It doesn't have to be a lengthy process because these guys are already extremely fit. That's the great thing about working with footballers and rugby players. You're not having to worry about the base fitness so you just go in and teach the raw speed.



"In the case of Fernando, I think he would also probably need to do a bit of weightlifting as well as the running and the speed drills to put some power back into his muscles. That's why sprinters lift weights, to gain that explosive speed and power."



Meanwhile, Los Angeles Galaxy chief executive Tim Leiweke has admitted he is "honoured" his club have been linked with a move for Frank Lampard.



Lampard has long been touted with a move to Major League Soccer as a big-name replacement for David Beckham, who is quitting Galaxy at the end of their season.



Leiweke told Sky Sports News: "Chelsea is a club we have a great relationship with.



"We've heard of other players mentioned that are playing in Europe and we want to respect their clubs and where they're at."



But he added: "When you mention the likes of Frank Lampard to me, he's one of the class acts of football. I'm a huge fan of him as an individual, a huge fan of him as a captain and a huge fan of him as a player.



"We're honoured that anyone would even speculate that Frank would want to come here, that's a good day."

Leiva delight with support

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has thanked the club's fans for their support during his absence due to a thigh injury.

The Brazilian, who also missed a large part of last season with a knee problem, is set to return to first-team action after a three-month lay-off in Saturday's home game against Southampton.

He told the club's official website: "Ever since my first injury, the fans have been very important to me.



"When you don't play, you think that people might forget about you but I think it has been completely the opposite.



"People send me nice messages and they say that they really miss me. So this has given me the confidence to come back.



"The players, on a daily basis, have really supported me. I remember when Luis scored and he had a message for me on his shirt. These are the small things that really mean a lot and they keep you going. Now it's the time for me to repay that and help them.



"Brendan Rodgers has been very good to me since my first day. When he arrived I was just recovering from the knee injury, so he gave me a lot of confidence and was always very clear about his plans for me.



"He has tried to keep me very calm and not tried to rush me, in terms of my rehabilitation."

Kagawa named as Asia's best overseas player

Shinji Kagawa has been named the Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) International Player of the Year after a sterling 12 months with Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United.

The 23-year-old edged out Inter Milan's pacy full-back Yuto Nagatomo and Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer for the inaugural trophy, which is given to the best player based outside the AFC region.



A key player in Dortmund's league and cup "double" last season, Kagawa joined Manchester United for an initial fee of £12million during the summer amidst much fanfare.



He has shown glimpses of his mercurial ability for United this term but has not featured for Sir Alex Ferguson's men since the end of October due to a knee injury.



Ulsan Hyundai forward Lee Keun-ho won the AFC Player of the Year award for players based within the region.



The 27-year-old, who was briefly linked with Blackburn Rovers in 2009, was instrumental in leading Ulsan to the AFC Champions League title this season.


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Arsenal want pay cuts for Champions League failure

Arsenal want players signing new contracts to agree deals that involve reduced payments if the club fail to qualify for the Champions League.



Arsenal have qualified for the Champions League in every one of Arsène Wenger's 16 years in charge. Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Kieran Gibbs and Karl Jenkinson have or will soon be offered long-term deals.



An Arsenal spokesman said it was "normal practice" for players to have clauses that were linked to the club's success both domestically and in Europe.



"Each player has an individual contract that contains elements of performance-related payments, which are linked to a player's individual contribution and also to the club's progress in both domestic and European competitions," he said.

Ronaldinho extends Atletico Mineiro contract

Former Brazil star Ronaldinho has extended his contract with Atletico Mineiro for one year, the president of the Belo Horizonte club has announced.



"You wanted him. He is staying," Alexandre Kalil tweeted late on Wednesday.



Ronaldinho, a FIFA World Cup™ winner in 2002 who joined Atletico in June after quitting Flamengo over a salary dispute, will earn a higher salary of $450,000 plus a share of revenues from club jersey sales and bonuses should Atletico shine in major competitions next year, acording to the sports daily Lance.



The 32-year-old former Barcelona and Milan star and former FIFA World Player of the Year played 31 matchs with Atletico, scoring nine goals and winning the support of fans.



"Ronaldinho's objective is to rejoin the Seleção (national squad) and compete in the 2013 Confederations Cup, a key step to win a slot on the 2014 World Cup squad," Lance said.




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Scolari: We have an obligation to win crown

Luiz Felipe Scolari believes Brazil have a solemn duty to win the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ on home soil in 2014, but admitted that the faltering giants are nowhere near favourites for a sixth world title.

Scolari is used to guiding Brazil through stormy waters having taken over a side struggling even to qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup before guiding them to their most recent triumph 10 years ago.



Winning the trophy again in 18 months' time would take things to a new level given that Brazil famously missed the target on the only other occasion they staged the showpiece - losing the 1950 final in the Maracana to Uruguay.



"We have an obligation to win, we are playing at home. Don't you think our players are aware of the importance of winning the trophy on home soil?" asked Scolari after he was presented to the media in Rio at the start of his second spell in charge.



"We are not favourites right now but we intend to turn ourselves into favourites during the tournament."



The pressure looks on after two consecutive poor FIFA World Cup showings and a lost Men's Olympic Football Tournament final to Mexico which saw predecessor Mano Menezes given the boot.



But Scolari, who had a stellar second spell in charge of Gremio and a less successful second stint with Palmeiras, says he can take the pressure. "If you don't want pressure best not to be in the team."



Scolari takes the helm of a side currently ranked just 13th in the FIFA/Cocoa-Cola World Ranking behind the likes of Greece and Colombia.



As Brazil demand "new methods" Scolari insists he is focused. "The objective is clear - to win the World Cup in 2014. I don't feel under pressure. The players are the ones with pressure on them."



A year after his initial arrival Brazil landed their fifth world title - the Pentecampeao.



Now it is a Hexacampeao that Scolari and his sidekick, 1994 winning coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, are tasked with winning - using next summer's home FIFA Confederations Cup as a springboard.



"I am happy to work with people who have confidence in me and happy to have at my side someone to share in this task - that is, Parreira," said Scolari. "The World Cup project is starting off strongly," said the man named 'Felipao'.



"Our sole commitment is to seek out and offer the best for our football and it is in this vein that we have chosen these two great champions, respected not just in our country but worldwide," Brazilian Football Confederation president Jose Maria Marin said.



Scolari, whom Chelsea sacked mid-season in early 2009, was out of work after parting company with Palmeiras last September - the team were later relegated.



Divided opinion

Former players are divided on whether Brazil can go back to a glorious future under him.



Ronaldo, whose goals landed the 2002 FIFA World Cup title, said: "Congratulations to him. It's a great challenge for him."



Zico, star of the early 1980s, also favoured the move. "Felipao (Scolari) has won so many titles he has to be respected," he said.



But former skipper Carlos Alberto, who lifted the 1970 World Cup after starring in the Pele-inspired 4-1 thrashing of Italy, is not impressed.



"I don't know that this is Felipao's moment. He won in 2002 - but that was 2002! This year he bombed out at Palmeiras."



Single-mindedness is now the name of the game for the new tandem.



"I'm not talking about there being a 'Scolari family - but we're going to foster an atmosphere of unity," Scolari stressed.



Parreira earlier told Brazilian media that "it's time to put other problems aside and focus on winning the World Cup."




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Southampton boss excited about trip to Liverpool

Nigel Adkins is looking forward to taking Southampton to Liverpool this weekend and believes it will be a great occasion for himself and the supporters.

The Southampton boss was born in Birkenhead and was also on the books of Liverpool as a young goalkeeper before he joined Tranmere Rovers.

He now returns to his old stomping ground as a Premier League manager and is both proud and excited by the prospect of leading Southampton out at Anfield on Saturday.



"It will be good to go there," he said. "I was a schoolboy at Liverpool. I had the option to stay there before I decided to go to Tranmere Rovers, which was important from my career point of view.



"We are obviously steeped in tradition on Merseyside: you're either red, blue or the white of Tranmere.



"You are either a Liverpool supporter or an Everton supporter, but you're always going to be a Tranmere supporter if you're from Birkenhead.



"Going to Merseyside is going to be great for everybody and great for all our supporters to go to Liverpool, a club steeped in tradition.



"Obviously they're going through a transition at this moment in time, but it is a game that we'll look forward to as we do every single game in the Barclays Premier League."



The Saints boss, who played at Anfield three times as a player, tried to downplay the personal importance of his managerial debut at the famous old ground, although admitted he has fond memories of his time there.



"This shouldn't be about me and Liverpool," he said. "It should be about Southampton, shouldn't it?"

Kaka's Real exit talks denied

Kaka's father and agent has denied reports that the Real Madrid playmaker could join Corinthians or New York Red Bulls in the January transfer window.

The Brazilian continues to struggle for regular first-team football at Real and he was linked with a return to former club AC Milan over the summer.



With the transfer window on the horizon, speculation has claimed that Corinthians will try to tempt the 30-year-old back to Brazil and MLS club New York are also weighing up an offer.



However, Bosco Leite says there have been no negotiations regarding a transfer and confirmed that Kaka's preference is to stay in Europe.



"I don't know about that," Leite told Lancenet with regard to the rumours. "For now, as it stands now, he wants to stay in Europe.



"That might change but today, I don't know.



"Corinthians were never mentioned. And Corinthians themselves never said anything either."




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Thursday's round up of the top transfer stories

- Arsenal are leading the chase to sign Juventus striker Alessandro Matri, according to sources in Italy.



- Arsene Wenger has confirmed Arsenal want to sign two players in January as well as bringing back Thierry Henry for a third spell at the club.



- Marouane Chamakh could escape his Arsenal misery with a January move to Turkish side Fenerbahce.



- Chelsea have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Diego Reyes after his team Club America admitted that they will struggle to keep hold of the Mexico defender.



- Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Metalist Kharkiv striker Taison, according to sources in Brazil.



- Reports claiming Chelsea were in talks for Brazilian starlet Bernard have been denied by one of the player's agents.



- Joe Cole is wanted by Harry Redknapp to save QPR from the drop, according to Dailymail.



- Liverpool target Oscar Cardozo is ready to open talks over a new Benfica contract - but his agent has suggested he could also be tempted by a move away.



- Liverpool could make a surprise January swoop for former Leeds United star Max Gradel.



- Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed he will have "a bit of money to spend" during the January transfer window and is looking to bring in "one or two" players on loan, with Aston Villa striker Darren Bent believed to be a target for the Reds.



- Roberto Mancini insisted that Manchester City have no intention of selling Mario Balotelli in the January transfer window after the Italian made the breakthrough against Wigan.



- Man Utd have stepped up their interest in Torino defender Angelo Ogbonna, according to the Daily Mirror.



- Manchester United have slipped behind Juventus in the running for Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski, according to talkSPORT.



- Tottenham will face a fight to sign Miralem Pjanic amid reports that Barcelona and Newcastle are also tracking the Roma midfielder.



- Tottenham Hotspur boss Andre Villas-Boas insists he has no intention of letting Gareth Bale leave White Hart Lane.



- Jermain Defoe has rubbished speculation linking him with a move to QPR and has vowed to remain at Tottenham until the end of his career.



- Former Manchester United striker Mame Biram Diouf is set for a shock Premier League return - with Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert weighing up a January move for the 24-year-old.



- Kaka's father and agent has denied reports that the Real Madrid playmaker could join Corinthians or New York Red Bulls in the January transfer window.



- In a bid to land Parma winger Jonathan Biabiany, AC Milan are set to offer them Djamel Mesbah and Bakaye Traore to force the transfer through, according to Tuttosport.



- Veteran defender Lucio has admitted that he is unhappy at Juventus and would consider returning to Germany.



- Inter Milan playmaker Wesley Sneijder, who is reportedly back on Manchester United's radar, has admitted he is unsure if he will still be at the club next year.



- AS Roma are lining up a shock move for Newcastle defender Danny Simpson.



- Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has revealed Chelsea and Manchester City target Radamel Falcao is keen to test himself outside of La Liga.



- Senad Lulic's agent has insisted he is not in talks with any club regarding a move for the midfielder and says his client is happy at Lazio.



- Monaco have expressed an interest in signing David Beckham, but remain one of several clubs keen to bring in the midfielder.



- Bolton goalkeeper Adam Bogdan has penned a new contract to keep him at the Reebok Stadium until 2015.



- Owen Coyle has declared himself ready for a quick return to management, while expressing an interest in the vacant Scotland job.

Del Bosque backs Guardiola as top coach

Vicente del Bosque says he has voted for Pep Guardiola to win the 2012 FIFA Coach of the Year award.



The Spain coach was named on the final three-man shortlist for the prize, along with the former Barcelona boss and Jose Mourinho on Thursday.



"I voted for Guardiola because he is an important figure within our football," he told Terra.



"I did not do it on a whim, to support Barcelona or because of any 'anti-madridismo'. It would be good if he went back to work. He is young, has added things to the game and is passionate about this sport."



Del Bosque has also been impressed with the transition at Camp Nou since Tito Vilanova replaced Guardiola at the helm during the summer.



"Tito has taken over naturally. The important thing is that he has been able to maintain the enthusiasm of these players, who have won so much," he said.



The 61-year-old's next major assignment will be getting Spain ready to participate in next year's Confederations Cup and the former Real Madrid boss said preparation is absolutely paramount if his side are to continue their dominance.



"It will be a test ahead of the next World Cup. Our last experience of the competition before South Africa was good because we got to know everything that was waiting for us ahead of the World Cup," he said.



"In Spain we have lost a lot of the fear (we had before) of promoting a player from the 'cantera'. Clubs are conscious they have to take care of them and that benefits the national team. We have to trust the youngsters because they are very talented kids."

Klopp hopes to trouble Bayern Munich

Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp believes his side can cause Bayern Munich problems when the teams meet on Saturday.



The clash between the Bundesliga heavyweights in Munich could prove an important turning point in the season.



Dortmund are third on the table, 11 points behind league leaders Bayern, who have lost their past five league matches against Klopp's men.



"We have the possibility to cause some trouble for Bayern," Klopp said.



"We have beaten them five times in a row in the league but we lost in the Super Cup.



"There, we really felt how different Bayern are this year. We tried to play our game in that match but on the other side the players were so aggressive.



"But if we can put all our quality on the pitch, then there are not many clubs in the Bundesliga that are as difficult to play as us.



"That is our task for this game, there is no guarantee for a good result for another team.



"Of course Bayern are favourites. They play at home, they have 11 points more.



"It looks like they play their own season but nevertheless it's our duty to go there and make it difficult for them to win."



Klopp, who has guided Dortmund to the past two Bundesliga titles, said he expected Bayern to always challenge for the crown.



"I guess it is not a big effort for (Bayern manager) Jupp Heynckes to motivate and focus them on their goals," he said.



"They have made some huge transfers. That is quite unique in Europe.



"Everywhere money is short but not in Munich. They have extended their squad in quality.



"Their offence for example is very good. You can change five, six or seven players and you still have a top European team.



"We have to admit that, and it's fine. Everybody has the right to do what they can within their limits."

Coyle interested in Scotland job

Owen Coyle has indicated he would be open to an approach from the Scottish Football Association over the vacant national team manager's job.



Coyle is one of a number of potential candidates who have been linked with the role following the sacking of Craig Levein on November 5. He has been out of work since parting company with Bolton last month after almost three years at the Reebok Stadium.



Speaking at a Tesco Bank Football Challenge event in Glasgow on Thursday, he said: "There is no doubt that the Scotland job is a terrific job for the right candidate."



He continued: "If they (the SFA) felt that I was one of those candidates and they wanted to speak, then, of course, I'm quite happy to listen and see what people think - how they want to progress and what they think of yourself and what you can bring to that job.



"I've worked as hard as a manager as I did as a player and maximised everything I had. Whatever I enter into, I go in giving everything I've got.



"If people felt you were worth speaking to about their club or national job or whatever it is, then I would be flattered if that came to be."



Gordon Strachan remains the bookmakers' favourite to fill the role.



Coyle added: "What I would say, and I've got to give balance to it, is that I think Scotland are very fortunate that they do have many outstanding candidates capable, I think, of ultimately qualifying for major competitions."

Platini: "If Messi wins the Ballon d'Or, it's because he deserves it"

The Frenchman Michel Platini was awarded the Ballon d'Or on three consecutive occasions ('83, '84 and '85). Messi may out do him this season. "Records are there to be beaten. If he wins it again, it's because he deserves it. He's 25 years old and has every opportunity to leave his mark for all eternity," stated the UEFA president in an interview with 'France Football'.



Platini gave his personal view on French football and his national team. In his opinion, Zidane may manage the France team one day. "Someone with Zidane's presence can be a coach. Sometimes you talk to him and he helps put you on the right path. From experience, I know that it's not easy to be a manager without having done it before," he remarked.



However, the 'Bleu' bench is currently occupied by Didier Deschamps. "He was a brilliant player and he has had a great coaching career. He has every right to be the manager," assured Platini. He expressed less certainty with respect to the players who make up the team: "They need to decide if they're important. They're young. It's hard to tell just now."



Messi has also received the backing of the majority of players to have won the Ballon d'Or. 'France Football' asked 13 of them for their verdict. Seven opted for the Argentinean, three for Cristiano, one for Iniesta and Pirlo and two abstained. Messi's camp consists of Kopa, Luis Suárez, Keegan, Rummenigge, Van Basten, Sammer and Shevchenko. Rivera, Kaká and Beckenbauer opted for Madrid's Portuguese striker. Iniesta and Pirlo received a consolation vote from Cannavaro, whilst Di Stéfano and Figo preferred not to venture an opinion.

Essien back at Chelsea

Injured Real Madrid on-loan midfielder Michael Essien has returned to his English club Chelsea as he fights to regain fitness.



The presence of the Ghana international at Cobham has sparked hopes that new coach of the club Rafa Benitez could recall him following the sacking of Di Matteo.



The speculation over Essien’s likely return to Chelsea has heightened since it was revealed that Nigerian midfielder fJohn Obi Mikel could be the first victim of Rafa Benitez’s Chelsea reign.



But GHANAsoccernet.com insiders say Essien has been undergoing treatment at Cobham, Chelsea’s training ground, because of the medical expertise at the club.



The Ghanaian midfielder, on loan from Chelsea, has not played for Jose Mourinho’s side since the 2-1 La Liga win at Levante on November 11 and it is believed he may not be available for the remainder of 2012.



Essien may not be able to get on the pitch again for Real Madrid this year following an allergic reaction to medication since the injury and he is trying to find a quick solution.



However, speculation about Chelsea return grows with news that Mikel may be axed from the side for Wednesday’s match against Fulham at Stamford Bridge.



As Benitez aims to produce more opportunities for under pressure £50million striker Fernando Torres, Mikel could pay the price for his lack of creativity.



The Spaniard wants to reshape his side and believes that Mikel is too defensive in his position in front of the back four.



Mikel was missing from the key preparations for Chelsea’s derby with Fulham and could now be replaced by Oriel Romeu, who came on for him on Sunday.



The injury-prone Essien has been struggling with foot and other leg problems lately and it has been suggested that he has reacted poorly to medication he has taken to address those. He has also been on a specific training plan in order to gain full fitness.



Sami Khedira’s recovery from injury has prompted Madrid to rest Essien and he may even be sidelined until the New Year.

The top stories from papers and websites - 29 November 2012

• New Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez wants to bring in German forward Andre Schurrle from Bayer Leverkusen - he was also a target for previous Blues boss Roberto Di Matteo.


• Newly appointed QPR manager Harry Redknapp could move for out-of-favour Aston Villa striker Darren Bent.


• Liverpool are ready to pay Blackpool £6m to sign winger Thomas Ince in January, just 18 months after he was allowed to leave Anfield for £250,000.


• Newcastle's £800,000 swoop for NAC Breda's 21-year-old Serbian midfielder Nemanja Gudelj has been put on hold until the summer at least - after his father was named as the club's new manager.


• Harry Redknapp is to give Rob Green another chance to establish himself as QPR's first-choice goalkeeper following an injury to team-mate Julio Cesar.

• Real Madrid playmaker Mesut Ozil is back on Manchester United's radar after reports claimed the German international, 24, is considering his future.


• Turkish side Fenerbahce are ready to make a move for out-of-favour Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh. Meanwhile, Gunners frontman Nicklas Bendtner's loan spell at Juventus could be cut short as he has failed to impress.


• Chelsea are keeping tabs on Brazilian midfielder Bernard, valued at £6m by Atletico Mineiro and dubbed as the new Oscar.


• Liverpool are still to offer teenage sensation Raheem Sterling a new contract.


• Sunderland fear skipper Lee Cattermole could be sidelined for two months by a knee injury.


• Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway has criticised Arsene Wenger over his interest in Wilfried Zaha.

• Bohemians defender Kevin Feely, 20, has turned down a move to Everton in favour of joining Championship side Charlton on a two-year-deal.


• MK Dons boss Karl Robinson says his team's scouts have been asked not to attend to AFC Wimbledon games ahead of this weekend's FA Cup tie.

• Arsenal and Manchester United have been alerted after it was revealed Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mario Gotze, 20, has a release clause of £30million.


• Aston Villa have failed in a bid to take defender Abdoulaye Ba, 21, on loan with Porto only willing to consider a permanent deal.


• Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is understood to be in negotiations with Rangers for naming rights to Ibrox.


• Manchester United want 16 year-old Chelsea midfielder Conor Hunte.

• England manager Roy Hodgson believes scraping through to the World Cup via the play-offs will be acceptable.

• Former England head coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is in talks about taking over as Ukraine coach after Harry Redknapp turned the role down.

• Malaga insist Manchester United and City target Isco will sign a new long-term deal.


• Daniele De Rossi will snub Manchester City and Chelsea for either Paris St-Germain or Real Madrid.

• Perennial Manchester United target Wesley Sneijder has admitted he could leave Inter Milan over a contract dispute

• Brazilian full-back Wallace claims he will definitely move to Chelsea.

Wednesday's round up of the top transfer stories

- Vitesse Arnhem have issued a hands-off warning to clubs interested in Liverpool and Chelsea target Wilfried Bony.



Chelsea are chasing German striker Andre Schurrle - in case Rafa Benitez needs more help sorting out Fernando Torres, according to Mirror.



- Chelsea’s teenage midfielder Conor Hunte is wanted by Manchester United, according to Dailymail.



- Brazilian full-back Wallace claims he is on the verge of joining European champions Chelsea either in the January transfer window or next summer.



- Arsenal and Manchester United have been alerted after it was revealed that Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mario Gotze has a release clause of £30million.



- Arsenal defender Andre Santos has confirmed a number of Turkish clubs have enquired about his possible availability.



- Benfica will sell misfit forward Nolito in January - and Liverpool are rumoured to be keen.



- Man Utd have stepped up their interest in Torino defender Angelo Ogbonna, according to the Daily Mirror.



- Manchester United are on red alert after Dutch star Kevin Strootman set his sights on a move to the Premier League.



- Newcastle have joined the race for combative Anderlecht defender Cheikhou Kouyate, according to talkSPORT.



- Newcastle target Nemanja Gudelj is expected to stay at NAC Breda after his own father was named as the club's new boss.



- Aston Villa have been rebuffed in a bid to sign defender Abdoulaye Ba on loan from Porto.



- Aston Villa target Cyril Thereau has revealed he has been sounded out by Fiorentina - but says he is committed to current club Chievo Verona.



- Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic thinks his Bosnia-Herzegovina team-mate Miralem Pjanic has the right qualities to succeed in England.



- On-loan striker Romelu Lukaku is confident he will remain at West Brom for the remainder of the season - rather than return to his parent club Chelsea in January.



- Norwich boss Chris Hughton is weighing up a January move for Scotland striker Leigh Griffiths.



- Inter Milan are not interested in re-signing unsettled Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli in January, according to club president Massimo Moratti.



- The agent of AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato insists the striker is happy at Milan despite rumours linking him with a move to the Premier League or back to his native Brazil.



- Shakhtar Donetsk playmaker Willian, who has been linked with Chelsea and Tottenham, has emerged as a target for Manchester City, according to the Daily Mirror.



- Malaga insist highly-coveted youngster Isco, who is wanted by Manchester United and Manchester City, is on course to sign a new long-term deal at the Spanish club.



- Daniele De Rossi will snub interest from Manchester City and Chelsea if he decides to leave Roma, according to sources in Italy.



- Inter Milan are poised to beat Spurs and Manchester United to the signature of Udinese defender Mehdi Benatia.

Scolari set for return to Brazil post

Luiz Felipe Scolari will be named as the new coach of 2014 World Cup hosts Brazil on Thursday, a source close to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has told Reuters.



The former Chelsea manager, who led Brazil to their last World Cup title in 2002, will replace Mano Menezes who was sacked last Friday.



CBF president Jose Maria Marin told reporters in Sao Paulo that the new coach would be announced on Thursday but declined to name him.

Cesar likely to miss Villa clash

QPR goalkeeper Julio Cesar is a major doubt for Saturday's Premier League basement battle with Aston Villa at Loftus Road.



New manager Harry Redknapp has revealed that the groin injury that forced the Brazilian off at half-time in their game against Sunderland is expected to keep him out of Redknapp's first home game in charge.



Former England goalkeeper Rob Green, who came on for Ceasr at the Stadium of Light and played his part in denying the Black Cats in the 0-0 draw, looks set to keep his place against fellow early season strugglers Villa.



"Julio looks like he's done a groin," Redknapp told the club's website.



"We'll send him for a scan on Thursday, once the swelling goes down a bit, and see what the extent of the injury is. We're lucky that we've got two top goalkeepers.



"Cesar has won everything there is to win in the game. He's a top goalkeeper. Rob is an England international keeper and made a fantastic save when he came on.



"He didn't have a lot to do apart from that, but when he was called into action he was fantastic."

Messi back at top of AP rankings, Iniesta 3rd

Lionel Messi moved back to the top of the AP Global Soccer rankings, and Barcelona stayed No. 1 in the team poll after a 4-0 win over Levante in the Spanish league.



Messi earned 183 out of a possible 200 points from The Associated Press' panel of 20 global soccer journalists. Last week's winner, Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, was second. Ibrahimovic topped the previous poll mainly for his four goals for Sweden against England.



Barcelona was voted the top club of the week after stretching its lead to three points over Atletico Madrid and 11 points over third-place Real Madrid.



Ibrahimovic had 124 points, while another Barcelona player, Andres Iniesta, moved into third place with 119.



"Two clinical finishes from Messi got Barca rolling towards a 4-0 win against Levante and followed his Champions League double against Spartak," panelist Will Tidey of the San Francisco-based Bleacher report said. "Gerd Mueller's record is just three goals away."



Mueller, a former Germany and Bayern Munich great, holds the record for most goals scored in a calendar year with 85.



The panel's two Italian voters, Paulo Condi of La Gazzetta Dello Sport and Aurelio Capaldi of Rai Sport, paid tribute to Iniesta.



"He made things easy for Barca as he twice set up Messi, scored a goal and allowed Cesc Fabregas to kill the game," Capaldi said.



Borussia Dortmund, which is giving Bayern Munich a fight in the Bundesliga, had two players in the top five. Striker Robert Lewandowski was fourth with 83 points and midfielder Mario Goetze, who played a key role in Lewandowski's two goals in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Mainz, was fifth with 63.



"Mario Goetze is currently in superb form," Christian Schaetzle of website derfussballblogger.de said. "He was the outstanding player in both Dortmund's Champions League win in Amsterdam and in his side's important away win at Mainz in the Bundesliga, involved in nearly all the goals."



Several panelists thought Philippe Mexes' overhead kick in AC Milan's 3-1 Champions League victory at Anderlecht was even better than Ibrahimovic's dramatic goal against England a week earlier.



"His goal was more beautiful than that of Ibrahimovic, because he controlled the ball first with the chest and there was a goalkeeper between the posts," Francois Colin of Belgium's De Standaard said. "Most of all this was a game that mattered."



For Filip Bondy of the New York Daily News, it was a "prettier goal in many ways than the bicycle kick from Ibrahimovic."



Mexes' efforts brought him into sixth place.



With Barcelona seemingly glued into the top team position, Bayern and Dortmund were second and third in the AP poll, with no English team in the top five for the first time since the survey began.



Barcelona had 176 points, well ahead of Bayern with 129 and Dortmund with 105. Real Madrid, which lost to Real Betis on Sunday, plunged to 24th.



"There's a team in Europe nobody expected anything from before this Champions League season," Schaetzle said. "Borussia Dortmund won Group D, the Group of Death (with opponents Real Madrid, Manchester City, Ajax), with its phenomenal 4-1 win at Ajax to reach the Round of 16."



AC Milan was rewarded for its 1-0 victory over Serie A leader Juventus and the victory over Anderlecht by being voted into fourth by the panel, which gives 10 points to their top choice down to one point for 10th.



Unglamorous English team West Bromwich Albion, which has slipped almost unnoticed into third place in the Premier League, was in the top 10 for the second straight week, coming in eighth, a few points behind Manchester United.



Newly-crowned J-League champion Sanfrecce Hiroshima was voted into 10th after clinching the title with one round still to play.



John Duerden, of website www.kickoffasia.com, paid tribute to J-League top scorer Hisato Sato.



"He has had his critics over the years but his goals have given a first title to Hiroshima," Duerden said.

Real looking to offload Kaká in January

The winter transfer window is approaching and the potential departure of Kaká from Real Madrid is once again a talking point. The Brazilian has not had many opportunities this season and it seems Real intends to dispose of the player, whilst reducing the team's wage bill.



The Real Madrid camp is convinced that the midfielder will be offloaded in the winter transfer window. Brazilian side Corinthians and the New York Red Bulls are said to be keeping tabs on the player, as the club and José Mourinho look to facilitate his departure.



The Portuguese coach is determined to see the back of Kaká and is making life difficult for him at the club. Mourinho wanted to sell the Brazilian in the summer and hopes to do so in the near future, despite the fact that the player has been training extra hard over the last few months and has put on good displays when called into action, when the team has been struggling.



Kaká has only featured in eight matches this campaign, which has all been down to Mourinho. His first game was against Deportivo de La Coruña and he started against Ajax two days after being selected for the Brazil national team.



Sources at the club believe that Mourinho did not want the player to perform well for his country without having played for his club, which led the coach to use the midfielder in these two matches – in which he played to a good standard.



It is no secret that Mourinho wants rid of Kaká, who was surprisingly left out of the squad to face Alcoyano in the Copa del Rey.

The top stories from papers and websites - 28 November 2012

• Theo Walcott does not feature in Arsenal's official 2013 calendar - fuelling speculation he is set to quit the club.


• Harry Redknapp insists he can keep QPR in the Premier League.


• Chelsea are still refusing to say sorry to Mark Clattenburg despite withdrawing claims of racial abuse.


• Juan Mata says the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo at Chelsea shows how "hard and unjust" football can be.


• Martin Jol has backed Rafa Benitez to beat the Chelsea hate mob.


• Arsene Wenger says he doesn't know if he still has the backing of the majority of Arsenal fans.


• David Moyes will finally sit down with Everton chief Bill Kenwright in the New Year and talk about his contract.


• Arsenal have been told to forget about signing Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.


• Manchester United have stepped up their bid to land St Etienne defender Kurt Zouma.


• Newcastle are on the trail of Serbia Under-21 international Nemanja Gudeji.


• Andre Villas-Boas rates Jermain Defoe alongside Falcao as the best striker he has worked with.


• Anzhi Makhachkala boss Guus Hiddink is set to retire at the end of the season.

• Chelsea last night refused to say sorry to Mark Clattenburg.


• Southampton whizkid Luke Shaw has promised not to quit St Mary's to join one of the Premier League's giants.


• Andre Villas-Boas rates Jermain Defoe alongside £50million superstar Radamel Falcao.


• Sir Alex Ferguson will invite transfer target Kurt Zouma to Old Trafford in a bid to seal a £9million deal.


• Fulham and West Ham are set for a £5million January tussle over Benfica midfielder Nolito.


• Zenit St Petersburg want Andrey Arshavin for a cut-price £2million.

• Ruud van Nistelrooy has backed Robin van Persie to make Manchester United Premier League champions again.


• Andre Villas-Boas insists Jermain Defoe is not for sale after comparing the Spurs striker to Falcao.


• Everton boss David Moyes will wait until after the transfer window before pledging his future to the club.


• Southampton whizkid Luke Shaw - dubbed the new Gareth Bale - insists he is staying at St Mary's.

• Theo Walcott and Bacary Sagna have been omitted from Arsenal's official 2013 calendar, fuelling speculation they will become the next big-name players to leave the club.


• Scott Sinclair has been told he can leave Manchester City if he grows tired of a bit-part role.


• West Ham are poised to sign young Irish striker Sean Maguire.


• Newcastle are interested in NAC Breda midfielder NemanjaGudeji.


• Roger Espinoza is close to finalising a move from Sporting Kansas City to Wigan.


• Manchester United are on red alert after Dutch star Kevin Strootman set his sights on a move to the Premier League. The Red Devils have registered their interest in the £20m-rated PSV midfielder, who is also wanted by Real Madrid and AC Milan.


• Andre Villas-Boas has told new QPR manager Harry Redknapp to forget about signing Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe.


• West Ham are poised to sign young Irish striker Sean Maguire after he impressed on trial.

• Harry Redknapp's return to management ended in a chorus of boos - not for him, but Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill.


• Frank Lampard wants to end his career in the USA - a decision that will spark a major scramble for his signature from MLS clubs.


• Ruud van Nistelrooy is backing Robin van Persie to win back the Premier League title for Manchester United.


• Chelsea are weighing up a bid to lure Bayern Munich forward Mario Gomez to Stamford Bridge in January.


• Arsenal are involved in a tug of war with Inter Milan in a bid to bring Schalke midfielder Lewis Holtby and Stuttgart player Zdravko Kuzmanovic to the Emirates.


• Christian Eriksen is being linked with a move to Tottenham in January after snubbing Ajax’s efforts to discuss a new contract.

• Rafael Benitez became the first Chelsea manager yesterday to question openly whether Fernando Torres would ever reproduce the form that he showed under him at Liverpool.


• Ramires remains adamant that he heard Mark Clattenburg make a racist comment despite Chelsea resolving their differences with the referee in a public statement yesterday.

• Harry Redknapp's first game as QPR manager will at least bring a measure of encouragement.


• Chelsea have expressed regret over their handling of aspects of the complaint of abuse lodged against Mark Clattenburg, with all parties involved now seeking to draw a line under the controversy ahead of the official's return to top-flight refereeing tonight.

• The Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck was left in no doubt as to the feelings of the Premier League's 16 Select Group referees over the Mark Clattenburg affair in a meeting with them on Monday that prompted yesterday's statement of "regret'' from the club.


• Rafael Benitez, the interim Chelsea manager, has said that Fernando Torres may never be the same player he was at Liverpool, though will change his training regime to try to restore the striker's pace.

• Harry Redknapp began his mission to rescue bottom-placed QPR with a well-deserved point and a team performance brimming with graft, if little craft, on a wet Wearside last night.


• Darren Bent suffered another humiliating snub but just when Aston Villa's players threatened to further ridicule his continued omission, Christian Benteke spared his manager from a more severe inquest.


• Liverpool are hopeful the managerial chaos at Chelsea will not impact on their efforts to sign Daniel Sturridge in January.


• Sinclair is facing an uncertain future at Man City with the club identifying Malaga attacking midfielder Isco as a leading summer target.

• Chelsea are said to be ready to test Feyenoord's resolve in January by lodging a £5million bid for their contract rebel captain Stefan de Vrij.