Cole set for Spurs switch

Joe Cole's move from Liverpool to Spurs is set to go through this week after the two clubs agreed a £3million fee.
The midfielder, 29, struggled with injuries and poor form at Anfield last season following his free-transfer switch from Chelsea 12 months ago and is set to be offloaded by the Reds this summer.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp remains a big fan of Cole, who he nurtured as a youngster when they were both at West Ham, and wants to take him to Tottenham this summer despite his less-than-successful spell on Merseyside.
Reports claim the two clubs have already agreed a £3million fee and a deal could go through this week, provided Cole passes a tough medical and agrees personal terms.
The England international is believed to be keen on a return to London and will push for a move to Spurs even though he will have to take a considerable pay cut from what he earns at Anfield.

from sport.co.uk

Chelsea told to pay £4million for Hiddink

Chelsea will have to fork out £4million to secure current Turkey manager Guus Hiddink as their new boss.
Hiddink, who spent a brief spell at Chelsea and guided them to FA Cup glory in 2009, is the current manager of the Turkish national side but the Dutchman is widely believed to be Chelsea's top choice to replace the axed Carlo Ancelotti.
The 64-year-old has hinted on a number of occasions that he would welcome a return to Stamford Bridge and again spoke of Chelsea's interest following Turkey's 1-1 draw with Belgium on Friday night.
"I can't answer that. Everything is fluid. My time at Chelsea was a beautiful time. Everyone knows that," said Hiddink.
"I still have a contract with Turkey but at my age when some issues come up, you always have to talk about them. At my age, most of my story is behind me."
It has been reported that the Turkish FA accept Hiddink is keen to move on but they will demand a fee of £4million to release him from his current contract.

No Arsenal move for Alcantara

Barcelona's Thiago Alcantara will not be heading to Arsenal as part of a deal for Cesc Fabregas, according to the youngster's father.
The Catalan giants are expected to launch yet another move for the Gunners midfield star in the summer and reports had suggested they would offer Alcantara as part of a £50million player-plus-cash deal.
The 20-year-old struggled to break into the Barca side last season but his father, former Brazil international Mazinho, believes Alcantara has a place at Camp Nou and is a part of boss Pep Guardiola's plans for the 2011/2012 campaign.
"We have seen the news in the papers, but I believe that Thiago is in the plans of Guardiola for next season," Mazinho told EFE.
"My son stays at Barcelona. They have a contract and we have decided it's continuity.
"Thiago is developing and needs to evolve.

"This season was important, but next season could be better."

Parker in no rush to decide future

Spurs target Scott Parker says he will take his time to decide on his future but will leave West Ham following their relegation.
The football writers' Player of the Year has admitted he wants to stay and play in the Premier League next season meaning he will quit the recently-relegated Hammers over the summer.
Speaking after England's 2-2 draw with Switzerland on Saturday, the midfielder says he will go on holiday and take time to decide on where to go with Spurs, Arsenal and Liverpool all said to be interested.
Spurs remain favourites to land the former Newcastle and Chelsea man who plans to speak to new Hammers boss Sam Allardyce to discuss his future.
"I'm sure he'll (Allardyce) give me a call and we'll go through things," he said.
"As soon as that game ended, I think my main focus was having a rest and just shutting the body down, really.
"It's been a long, hard season for the majority of the players in there. So, looking forward to getting away with the family and just chilling out a little bit."

Wolves keen on Upson deal

Wolves are said to be leading the race for West Ham defender Matthew Upson on a free after the Hammers were relegated.
Boss Mick McCarthy is on the lookout for new signings over the summer to bolster his squad after they managed to stay in the Premier League on the last day of the season.
It has been quiet on the transfer front at Molineux so far but McCarthy has said he wants to land some experienced top-flight players and Upson is available after the Hammers were relegated.
Upson is out of contract at Upton Park and will be among several star exits to leave with plenty of clubs interested in the centre-back.
However, Wolves are thought to be leading the race for him and McCarthy hopes to sort out a deal for the former Arsenal and Birmingham man in the next few weeks.

City poised for Baines battle

Arsenal will reportedly join Manchester City in the bid to try and lure defender Leighton Baines away from Everton this summer.
City boss Roberto Mancini has been heavily linked with a swoop on Goodison Park this summer as Jack Rodwell is another possible transfer target.
And, following recent reports that 26-year-old Baines is wanted at Eastlands with talk of a possible cash-plus-player deal involving Wayne Bridge, it now looks like Gunners boss Arsene Wenger could try and make a counter offer to take the England international to the Emirates Stadium.
Toffees boss David Moyes would be loathe to lose such a key player in Baines, but with finances tight at the Merseyside club, the Scot has been informed that he will have to sell before he can then move to bring in any of his own transfer targets.
And, this could lead to an interesting scramble between City and Arsenal as the two clubs bid to bolster their respective back lines for Champions League football next term.

Newcastle close to £10m swoop

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is believed to be on the verge of securing a £10million deal for Lille winger Gervinho.
The Ivory Coast international is set to depart the French Champions in the summer and he is now expected to join Newcastle, where he would link up with international team-mate Cheik Tiote.
Gervinho's agent has revealed his client will open talks with a Newcastle this week and a deal could be completed by the end of the week.
However, Liverpool have been credited with an interest in the past and Gervinho has been linked with a number of sides from across Europe, meaning Pardew may still face a battle to capture the 24-year-old.

Stoke plan striker swoop

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has been to watch Caen's Youssef Al-Arabi in action and could launch a move for the striker in the summer.
The Moroccan striker bagged 17 goals for the French outfit last season as Caen narrowly avoided the drop but Al-Arabi is believed to be keen to move on.
Reports claims Pulis has watched the 24-year-old in action and may make a move in the summer.
Pulis has been linked with a number of forwards in recent weeks and it would appear as if he is keen to strengthen his options in attack.
Bari striker Erik Huseklepp and Liverpool forward David Ngog have been linked with Stoke since the end of the season, but Pulis is yet to launch a firm bid for either Al-Arabi, Ngog or Huseklepp as yet.

Wigan star attracting interest

Wigan are preparing for a battle to retain Charles N'Zogbia, with Liverpool, Sunderland and Newcastle all linked with a swoop.
Latics boss Roberto Martinez has stressed his desire to retain the Frenchman for the 2011/2012 campaign, although he admits N'Zogbia will move on at some point in the near future, but it would seem as if his biggest transfer battle this summer will be keeping hold of the playmaker.
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is believed to have identified N'Zogbia as his top target and is ready to make a firm offer.
Newcastle had a bid turned down in the January transfer window and reports indicate they will reignite their interest during the current window.
Liverpool are keen to bring in at least one wide man during the summer window and N'Zogbia is thought to be amongst boss Kenny Dalglish's targets.

Swansea City rise from rags to Premier League riches

BBC Sport Wales

As far as footballing deals go, acquiring a club for a quid and banking a £90m return inside 10 years has to be up there as the sporting deal of the century.

Swansea City were down and going out of business in 2001 before a hardy bunch of supporters and local businessmen, , came to the rescue.
Fans had taken to the streets to ensure previous owner Tony Petty got the message - and once the wreckage of his controversial three-month stewardship had been cleared, the heart of this close-knit Welsh community could beat soundly again.
But not even the ever-optimistic Nurse could have predicted the rags to riches story that was dramatically completed on a memorable Spring Bank Holiday at Wembley.
And like all fairytales, their Championship play-off final triumph over Reading had a twist that even Swans fan and Hollywood actor  would have enjoyed.

 

Years ago the club couldn't even pay the electricity bill at the Vetch which is absolutely incredible if you look that we have just won the £90m game

Brendan Rodgers Swansea City manager

Swansea, leading 3-0 at the interval, survived Reading's stirring revival as the Royals came back with two goals inside eight second-half minutes.
But Scott Sinclair's third - a second composed penalty - confirmed a  and Swansea's ticket to the millionaire's playground of the Premier League with its estimated £90m jackpot for the new boys.
Yet as Swansea celebrated the dawn of a golden era, the club always remember the dark days.
"Eight years ago the club to stay in the Football League," said Swans manager Brendan Rodgers.
"And Swansea won that game 4-2 and one player scored a hat-trick that included two penalties.
"So it is absolutely ironic that to become the first Welsh team to go into the Premier League that someone got a hat-trick with penalties and we won 4-2. The footballing gods were with us."
But there is nothing divine about the reasons why Wales' second city still has a football club to call its own - Swansea City survived by virtue of the sheer commitment, courage and diligence of a bunch of proud Jacks.
The initial deal to satisfy Petty may have been small change but the new owners had to deal with an estimated £1.7m debt.
Directors sought a  and hand the Welsh club hope and a future that now has never seemed so bright.
"I was talking to the chairman about that period," said Rodgers, who has completed the Swansea dream in his first year at the Liberty Stadium.
"And years ago the club couldn't even pay the electricity bill at the Vetch which is absolutely incredible if you look that we have just won the £90m game.
"It took brave people to come in and save the club. The club was very unstable in that moment but what you had is local businessmen and basically supporters who had the club at their heart.

Rodgers reflects on his journey

"They were making decisions as supporters rather than as businessmen.
"There is no question that the close-knit community of Swansea helped the club during the dark days.
"That is the uniqueness of Swansea. It is down in south Wales and I think people think Wales stops at Cardiff but if you travel another hour down the road you come to a wonderful city, one of the most beautiful places in the world, where people's passion is only Swansea.
"There is no coincidence that our home record this season is the best in division and that is because of the passion and hostility as well as the quality of our players - so that ability to fight for the cause of saving the club was vital.
"The club has since taken off in the football department and let us hope now with finances that are in place at the club, it will hopefully allow it to stabilise and keep the business growing."
Investing in a football club is usually akin to throwing money down a black hole, but Swansea do things differently.
The ramshackle old  by the , the council-run ground the Swans share with the Ospreys rugby region, and the once directionless club were now benefiting from a stable foundation.
Swansea had fallen on hard times since dropping out of the top-flight after two seasons in 1983 but once the books started balancing off the pitch, their swagger and style returned on it.

And it is perhaps fitting that Swansea completed their rise from bottom to top division inside six years with such joie de vivre just two days after  had dished out yet another football lesson on the very same Wembley turf.
Swansea watched  in the Champions League before the team nicknamed 'Swansalona' strutted into the Premier League.
"This club is clever in that they understand the type of manager they want," added Rodgers.
"Nine out of 10 good managers wouldn't suit the Swansea way in how the club want to play - a wee bit like the Barcelona philosophy where they have a method and each manager brings in a new slant.
"And the Premier League will be a better place with Swansea in it."

By Peter Shuttleworth

Watford assess Swansea Danny Graham bid

Watford are seriously considering an offer of more than £3m from Swansea for Danny Graham, BBC Three Counties Radio understands.

Graham's 24 goals this term made him the Championship's top marksman and he has already attracted a £2.5m bid from QPR, which was rejected.
The Hornets will wait to see if any other bids come in for the 25-year-old before making their decision.
Graham has stated he would only leave Watford for a Premier League club.
"I'm contracted to Watford, I love it here, but I'm not going to lie or kid anyone, I want to play at the top level," he said at the end of the season.
"If that happens, it happens. If not, and another Championship club comes in, I'm not interested.
"I want to be a Premiership player, I'm not going to hide the fact, but we'll see what happens."
Swansea and QPR will be aware of Graham's talents, after he netted a brace at Loftus Road in a 3-1 win over the Championship title winners in December and scored his side's goal in a 1-1 draw in Wales in March.

England 1-1 Ghana

Derek Boateng picks up Gyan as Ghana celebrate their equaliser

By Phil McNulty Chief football writer at Wembley

Asamoah Gyan's injury-time equaliser deprived England of victory in a highly entertaining friendly against Ghana at Wembley.
Andy Carroll's first international goal just before the interval looked to have settled the game in favour of Fabio Capello's revamped England side before Gyan gave Ghana a draw they fully deserved.
Ghana's vast and colourful support inside Wembley celebrated wildly as Gyan bamboozled England substitute Joleon Lescott, not for the first time, inside the area before clipping a composed finish beyond Joe Hart.
Liverpool's £35m striker Carroll still looked short of match fitness after a lengthy recent injury absence - but gave a glimpse of his rich potential when he rounded off a fine move with a powerful finish just before half-time.
Ghana, however, were a threat throughout and Gyan's goal was fitting reward for his tireless display and the Black Stars' ambitious attacking approach.

Dominic Adiyiah forced Hart into two fine saves in the first half, while Ashley Young should have scored for England when he drove a close-range effort against the bar from Stewart Downing's cross.
Despite fears that Capello's decision to make seven changes from the team that beat Wales in Saturday's Euro 2012 qualifier would take the edge of this friendly, Wembley played host to a vibrant occasion that was given a game to match the atmosphere.
Capello will be disappointed that victory was cast aside so late, but England's coach can still take away plenty from the game, particularly Carroll opening his England goal account and accomplished performances from Young and Downing as he worked with a 4-3-3 formation once more.
And it was also a memorable night for Wolves winger Matt Jarvis and Danny Welbeck, on loan at Sunderland from Manchester United, as they made their England debuts in the second half.

Carroll's fine left-foot strike put England ahead at Wembley

Capello made the expected changes prior to kick-off, but the alterations did not affect the rhythm of a thrilling first half as both sides showed commendable attacking intent.
Ghana, urged forward by a huge following banked at one end of Wembley, were a constant threat and Adiyiah signalled their positive approach early on when he raced clear only to be thwarted by the advancing Hart.
England's response was swift, with Downing shooting well over from an angle and Young forcing an athletic save from Ghana keeper Richard Kingson with a rising effort from 20 yards.
Sunderland's Gyan was the darling of the Ghana fans, but his ambition got the better of him when he tested Hart from in excess of 40 yards - a shot that carried plenty of power but was straight at the England keeper.
Young's enterprising start should have been rewarded with a goal after 24 minutes. He arrived perfectly on the end of a cross from Villa team-mate Downing but turned his shot against the bar with Kingson beaten.
Hart was England's saviour again when Adiyiah sent in a shot from Sulley Muntari's free-kick, sticking out a hand to make a fine reflex save to ensure Capello's side remained on terms.
Ghana were unhappy when England full-back Leighton Baines launched himself into a 50-50 challenge with Isaac Vorsah that left the Ghana player rolling in agony, but Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir kept his yellow card in his pocket.
As an end-to-end half somehow looked to be ending goalless, Carroll rounded off a slick passage of play to give England the lead. Young picked out Downing with precise pass and Carroll slammed a left-foot finish low past Kingson.
Capello made one change at half-time, sending on Lescott for Glen Johnson - and it was Ghana who made the early running after the break.

Ghana's following almost got the goal they craved as the Black Stars threatened twice within second, England captain Gareth Barry deflecting John Pantsil's shot over the top and Jonathan Mensah heading the resulting corner just wide.
Carroll had given England an hour before he was replaced by Jermain Defoe and Capello later introduced two more debutants when Jarvis came on for Jack Wilshere and Welbeck replaced Young.
Welbeck was not afforded a warm reception by Ghana's followers after pledging his loyalty to England despite qualifying for the Africans.
They forgot their anger at Welbeck when the goal they had been waiting for arrived as the fourth official signalled the start of three minutes of added time.
Gyan's sleight of foot was all too much for Lescott and the striker rounded off a fine night's work with a goal that was greeted ecstatically by Ghana's fans.

---

England: Hart, Johnson (Lescott 46), Cahill, Jagielka, Baines, Milner, Barry, Wilshere (Jarvis 69), Downing, Carroll (Defoe 59), Young (Welbeck 81).
Subs Not Used: Green, Parker, Crouch, Bent, Carson.
Booked: Milner.
Goals: Carroll 43.
Ghana: Kingson, Pantsil, Vorsah (Jonathan Mensah 46), John Mensah, Lee Addy (Opare 46), Adiyah (Tagoe 69), Annan (Derek Boateng 46), Agyemang-Badu, Kwadwo Asamoah (Inkoom 83), Muntari (Ayew 59), Gyan.
Subs Not Used: Adjei, David Addy, Kumordzi, Clottey, Sowah.
Booked: Derek Boateng, Ayew.
Goals: Gyan 90.
Att: 80,102.
Ref: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey).

England boss Fabio Capello pleased with 4-3-3 formation

England players react to their comfortable 2-0 win in Cardiff

England coach Fabio Capello felt that his team's 4-3-3 system was a key factor in his team's 2-0 win in Wales.

Frank Lampard and Darren Bent scored as England moved to the top of Euro 2012 qualifying Group G.
"We played really well, we passed the ball quickly and created chances to score goals with no chances for Wales," said Capello.
"This formation is really good because some players like Ashley Young are improving a lot."
Scott Parker played in a holding midfielder role, with Jack Wilshere and Frank Lampard given licence to push forward.
Bent spearheaded the front line, with Wayne Rooney starting on the left and man of the match Young on the right.

"The goals that we scored were really nice and in every moment we were focused on the game, which was important," added Capello, who hinted that he might make 11 changes for the friendly against Ghana at Wembley on Tuesday.
"I decided after watching games Wales have played to use Parker and two midfielders. I decided for a new position for Rooney and Young.
"When we are defending they stay wide, when we have the ball Wayne comes in and it was a problem for Wales.
"Parker is a good player in the holding position, he won back a lot of balls and we need someone like him in that role."
Lampard put England ahead from the penalty spot after seven minutes following a clumsy challenge on Young by Aston Villa team-mate James Collins.
Bent then slotted home a low cross from Young after 14 minutes as England built up an impressive early lead.
"It was a new formation for us but people knew what they were doing and it worked," said Young.
"We worked on getting the ball back as soon as we lost it and putting them under pressure straight away."

The new system was very positive - the attitude was to get at them and press them high up the pitch

England captain John Terry

The match was the first since John Terry was reinstated as captain of England on a permanent basis - and the central defender was pleased with a winning return to the role.
"The new system was very positive," said Terry. "The attitude was to get at them and press them high up the pitch to stop them breaking out early."
The vast majority of the 68,959 supporters inside the Millennium Stadium booed throughout God Save the Queen as the national anthem of the England team was played prior to the match.
"It was not nice and sometimes it can have the reverse effect," added Terry when asked if it motivated his players.
"We set the tempo early and it was very important that we over-powered their fans, we silenced them after the opening goal."
Terry revealed that England had practised regaining possession in the build-up to the game.
"We worked on it and during the first half we did it really well," added Terry. "In the second half the lads felt a little bit tired. We are back on top of Group G and we must keep winning."
Meanwhile the Football Association will not be making a formal complaint over the shining of lasers in the eyes of players when Scott Parker was replaced by Phil Jagielka.

Fulham's Zamora and Stockdale named in England squad

Fulham striker Bobby Zamora has been called up for the England squad to face Switzerland in the Euro 2012 qualifier on 4 June at Wembley.

Zamora is joined by Fulham team-mate David Stockdale, who is one of three keepers alongside Manchester City's Joe Hart and West Brom's Scott Carson.
Rio Ferdinand is also recalled to the squad for the first time this year.
Arsenal's Jack Wilshere, left out of the Under-21s squad, is included while striker Wayne Rooney is suspended.
The Manchester United star collected a yellow card in England's 2-0 win over Wales at the Millennium Stadium in March, his second of the qualifying campaign, forcing England boss Fabio Capello to reassess his attacking options against Switzerland.
Liverpool's record £35m signing Andy Carroll has been ruled out through injury, handing Zamora, who made his first international appearance in August last year, another opportunity to impress the Italian.
The 30-year-old missed out on last year's provisional World Cup squad because of an Achilles injury but he suffered another setback in September, sustaining a broken leg and ankle ligament damage during a 2-1 victory against Wolves.
His goal against Arsenal in Sunday's 2-2 draw on the final day of the Premier League season was his fourth in 11 matches since returning to full fitness.
Capello has faced a goalkeeping crisis for the Euro 2012 qualifier However, Capello has faced a greater quandary with his goalkeeping options following  earlier this month.
The Birmingham keeper had been Hart's number two, but the 28-year-old cited "niggling injuries" as the main reason for his hiatus.
And West Ham's Robert Green, who had hinted at taking a break from international football, has been overlooked in favour of Carson and Stockdale, who was first summoned to the England squad for the friendly against Denmark in February.
The 25-year-old has made 10 appearances for Fulham this season, although his last game for Mark Hughes' side was the 4-0 FA Cup victory over Spurs at the end of January.
Meanwhile, Manchester United defender Ferdinand earns his first call-up since he lost the captaincy to John Terry in March.
The 32-year-old is set to partner Terry in place of Tottenham's Michael Dawson, who has been surprisingly left out by Capello.
Michael Carrick also earns a call-up, the first time he has been involved with the senior squad since last year's World Cup.
Arsenal's Theo Walcott, who was not selected for the Wales squad, is also recalled.
ahead of Montenegro on goal difference.
Switzerland trail Capello's side by six points and have lost two of their four qualifying matches.
England squad:
Goalkeepers: Scott Carson, Joe Hart, David Stockdale; Defenders: Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jagielka, Glen Johnson, Joleon Lescott, John Terry, Kyle Walker; Midfielders: Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Stewart Downing, Adam Johnson, Frank Lampard, James Milner, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere, Ashley Young; Strikers: Darren Bent, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Bobby Zamora.

from bbc

Jermain Defoe unhappy on Tottenham sidelines

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has admitted he is frustrated with not being in the first team.

The 28-year-old has struggled to hold down a starting place this season and has scored only four goals in the Premier League this term.
He told Sky Sports News: "When you feel like you are working hard, training hard and being professional and then you are not playing, it is difficult."
Defoe hinted that he may reconsider his future if he does not feature more.
"If you speak to any of the players and the fans, they will tell you that I am committed to the club," Defoe added.
"I love the club and I still get the same buzz that I did when I first walked out at White Hart Lane, which is important.
"But for me the main thing is playing football and if I am not playing football then I am not happy, because I love my football."
Defoe, who was out for two months last autumn after undergoing ankle ligament surgery, has made 21 league appearances this season, with six of those as a substitute.

Continue reading the main story

I want to play in every game and score goals

Jermain Defoe

He fired a hat-trick for England in the 4-0 victory over Bulgaria in September while he also scored braces for Spurs in the draws with FC Twente in the Champions League and Wolves in the Premier League as well as the FA Cup victory over Charlton.
And he has admitted that he is frustrated with not playing for Spurs more often.

"At the end of the day I am ambitious," Defoe reflected.
"I want to play in every game and score goals, especially when you score goals for a fantastic club like Tottenham.
"I have always been like that from the first day I walked through the door and I truly believe that if I am playing games I will score goals. I think my record shows that.
"It has been really, really hard to be honest. Players come and go, that is just football and it is out of my hands."