Man United had contract for Dortmund midfielder

Mario Gotze's agent Dirk Hebel claims he has had contact with Manchester United and Juventus over the highly-rated Borussia Dortmund midfielder.

The 19-year-old is one of the hottest young properties in Europe having shone for Dortmund since breaking into the first team in 2009.

Gotze, already capped 12 times for Germany, is expected to play an integral role in his country's Euro 2012 campaign this summer.

His agent, Dirk Hebel, claims several of Europe's top clubs are chasing the attacking midfielder, who has not featured for Dortmund since December 11th due to a groin injury.

Hebel named United and Juve as two suitors who have been in touch over Gotze but insists the Bundesliga club will not let him leave for less than €40million (£33m).

The agent told calciomercato.com: "I think in Europe all the top clubs are interested in Mario.

"I can confirm that I have had contact with Juventus and Manchester United, but not only them.

"I don't know if he'll go away after this season, you should ask Borussia. But I think that they will not let him leave for less than 40million euros.

"He still is very happy at Dortmund, though now he is injured."

Round up Top stories in UK

Newspaper round-up

Roberto Mancini slammed the door on Carlos Tevez returning to the Man City team. THE SUN

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Ryan Giggs could one day succeed him as Manchester United manager.

DAILY MAIL

Man City manager Roberto Mancini has ordered striker Mario Balotelli to behave himself for the rest of the season. THE SUN

Patrice Evra has been left out of Man Utd's Europa League trip to Amsterdam as a result of an 'emotional week' following the handshake row with Luis Suarez. DAILY MAIL

Robinho and Kevin-Prince Boateng sent Arsenal crashing to their worst-ever European defeat in the San Siro. THE SUN

Arsenal were outpaced, out-thought and outfought as Arsene Wenger's woeful failure to invest properly last summer finally caught up with them. DAILY TELEGRAPH

Chelsea are once again showing interest in 25-year-old CSKA Moscow goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.

DAILY MAIL

Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala have offered Guus Hiddink an extraordinary £8.3m-a-year contract to become their new coach and want a decision this week. DAILY TELEGRAPH

Man City boss Roberto Mancini last night hit back at Carlos Tevez by snapping: "I treated you too well." DAILY STAR

Rangers owner Craig Whyte will not face criminal charges over the £9 million in tax and VAT that is owed. TELEGRAPH

Morocco defender Mehdi Benatia, 24, has issued a 'come and get me' call to Manchester United. The Udinese centre-back is believed to be being monitored by Sir Alex Ferguson. THE SUN

Thierry Hazard, the father of Lille's Eden Hazard, has given Tottenham encouragement in their bid to sign the playmaker. DAILY MAIL

Steve Bruce faces stiff competition for the Wolves manager's job from Alan Curbishley and Neil Warnock. GUARDIAN

Sturridge considering Chelsea future

Daniel Sturridge is considering his future at Chelsea as their season lurches deeper into disarray.

The striker, 22, has just over a year left on his contract and is concerned about the club's decline on and off the pitch.

A pal said: "Daniel will be distraught if Chelsea finish outside the top four — he's desperate to prove himself at the highest level and that means he wants Champions League football, not Europa League."

Chelsea's defeat at Everton on Saturday saw the Londoners slip to fifth in the Premier League after a dismal run of just 12 points out of a possible 30.

It sparked a training ground showdown between manager Andre Villas-Boas and his players on Sunday, all in front of owner Roman Abramovich.

Sturridge is one of the unhappy ones. He is desperate to play as centre forward but AVB insists he is not ready and continues to persist with £50million flop Fernando Torres.

Yet Sturridge has outscored the Spaniard 10 goals to four this season despite being played wide right most of the time.

Champions League - Team of the Week: Four-star Milan!

AC Milan's four goals against Arsenal have resulted in four Rossoneri players making our Team of the Week, as selected via our expert and user matchcast ratings.

(Team formation: 4-3-3)

GK: Christian Abbiati (Milan) - Expert 7, Users 7 - The veteran keeper kept a clean sheet thanks to two excellent stops to deny Robin van Persie at the San Siro.

RB: Vedran Corluka (Bayer Leverkusen) - Expert 7, Users 5.8 - The former Tottenham defender, signed in January, was the pick of the German side's defenders and provided the assist for their solitary goal.

CB: Thiago Silva (Milan) - Expert 7, Users 7 - A solid performance at the back from the Brazilian who helped the Italian side keep a clean sheet.

CB: Paulo Jorge (APOEL Nicosia) - Expert 8, Users 6.3 - The APOEL defender may have ended up on the losing side, but he limited Lyon to a single goal with an inspired performance.

LB: Michal Kadlec (Bayer Leverkusen) - Expert 8, Users 6.3 - Like team-mate Corluka, got forward to good effect in the second half and was on hand to nod home the Bundesliga side's goal.

RM: Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon) - Expert 8, Users 7.4 - A surprise inclusion in Lyon's starting line-up but coach Remi Garde's faith in him was rewarded when he swooped to net the decisive goal.

CM: Roman Shirokov (Zenit St Petersburg) - Expert 9, Users 7.9 - An all-action performance from the midfielder, who scored with two clever finishes and dictated the tempo of a game his side mostly dominated.

LM: Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona) - Expert 8, Users 7 - A well-taken brace on the Chilean's full Champions League debut announced his arrival on the scene.

FW: Lionel Messi (Barcelona) - Expert 9, Users 6.6 - A goal and an assist, but Messi's all-round performance against Leverkusen was just a delight to watch.

FW: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Milan) - Expert 9, Users 7.6 - Won and scored a penalty but Ibra deserves praise for a glorious performance as a deep-lying forward: Arsenal packed the midfield, so he simply joined them, tearing them apart with his passing.

FW: Robinho (Milan) - Expert 8, Users 7.6 - Along with Kevin-Prince Boateng, the ex-Manchester City striker was one of two former Premier League flops to star in the drubbing of Arsenal.

Brazil's key World Cup law in spotlight

Sunday afternoon and all is set for the big football derby match in Brazil.

The strong stance from Fifa has raised hackles in Brazil and provoked complaints the governing body is meddling in the country's laws and even its sovereignty.

Critics argue that the only beneficiaries of lifting the alcohol ban would be Fifa and its sponsors, among them brewer Anheuser-Busch.

"Fifa wants to have powers in Brazil which it is not entitled to, as a private company," says Romario, who was part of Brazil's 1994 World Cup-winning team.

The former striker, who is now a federal congressman, has been one of the most vocal critics of Fifa and the 2014 Organising Committee.

Ticket prices have also proved a sore point, as under the agreement Fifa sets the prices but usually students and senior citizens pay half price to attend games.

While no politician has come out publicly in defence of Fifa's demands, legislators and government officials know that the pressure is on.

The worst-case, if highly improbable scenario, would be for Fifa to decide to move the World Cup elsewhere.

That would be a devastating outcome for Brazil, where people are eager for their country to host its first World Cup in 64 years.

After all the wrangling, it seems likely that Fifa will get its way on alcohol sales and other matters.

The Brazilian side has already agreed to lift the beer ban - as long as it is sold in paper cups - and to cover any financial losses in the case of natural disasters or terrorist attacks.

Amid the battle between political and commercial interests, there has been little discussion of whether the alcohol prohibition has actually reduced football violence.

But proposals by some Brazilian politicians to lift the ban permanently were quashed.

So once the 2014 World Cup is over, football stadiums will be continue to be alcohol-free, just as now.

Another blow! Koscielny joined Mertesacker on sidelines.

Arsenal are to assess the state of Laurent Koscielny's knee injury after the Frenchman joined fellow centre-half Per Mertesacker on the sidelines.

Koscielny was withdrawn in pain during Wednesday night's 4-0 Champions League defeat by AC Milan in the San Siro.

Following Mertesacker's injury in Sunday's 2-1 win at Sunderland, it has left manager Arsene Wenger with threadbare options at the back.

And fellow centre-back Thomas Vermaelen looks short of full match sharpness.

In a defeat described by Wenger as the club's "worst performance in Europe by far", Vermaelen - who has only recently from a four-month lay-off with an Achilles injury - struggled to keep pace with the rampant home side.

The Belgium international lost Kevin-Prince Boateng in the run-up to the former Tottenham Hotspur man's brilliant opener before slipping to allow Robinho to blast home the third.

Switzerland international Johan Djourou, who replaced 26-year-old Koscielny in the 44th minute, was involved in the late penalty incident that sealed Milan's victory.

And Wenger now has decisions to make as to who will occupy his back line for Saturday's FA Cup fifth round meeting with Sunderland.

Midfielder Alexander Song could be asked to fill the defensive role he carried out for the final 24 minutes at the San Siro for the foreseeable future.

Sebastien Squillaci has only played in the FA Cup victory against Leeds United since his part in Arsenal's collapse at Fulham on 2 January, while 19-year-old Spaniard Ignasi Miquel lacks top-level experience.

Mertesacker is currently undergoing scans in his native Germany with the national team doctor to assess the extent of his ankle ligament damage, but the summer signing from Werder Bremen is expected to be out of action for at least a month after collapsing in agony at the Stadium of Light.

Fergie eyes Europa glory

Sir Alex Ferguson is determinded to add the Europa League trophy to his collection.

Manchester United face Ajax in Holland for their Round of 32 first leg clash on Thursday evening. It will be United's first appearance in the competition since 1995, following their Champions League exit.

However, Ferguson isn't taking the Europa League lightly and is aiming to win the tournament for the first time.

"Winning a European trophy is significant," said Ferguson. "I feel good about it - it is a tournament we will try and win. There's a final in Romania. I want to be there and they (the players) want to be there and so do our supporters.

"Players are coming back and we can combine the Premier League and Europa League with the number of players available."

Like United, Ajax are more accustomed to the Champions League and Ferguson is aware of the threat the Dutch side pose. "We must respect all our opposition," he said. "We had that lesson from Basel this season.

"Whichever team you play in the Europa League, they are capable of producing players. I worry about Ajax's history more than I do any particular players. I respect that

PSG keep tabs on Reds striker Suarez

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez could be in line for a move to big-spending Paris Saint-Germain according to press reports in France.

L'Equipe newspaper claims the French league leaders, boosted by fresh capital from Qatari owners, have been in contact with Suarez's representatives.

Any move could hinge on PSG claiming a place in the Champions League next season.

Liverpool are currently seventh in the Premier League and on current form look set to miss out on a European place next year.

Suarez recently returned to action after an eight-match ban for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra in a match at Anfield last October.

And the Uruguay international caused further controversy when he refused to shake Evra's hand when the team's met at Old Trafford last weekend.

Leverkusen boss angry at players over Messi shirts

Two Bayer Leverkusen players will have to auction off Barcelona shirts they got from Lionel Messi in a 3-1 Champions League defeat on Tuesday after sports director Rudi Voeller said they were too enthusiastic in their quest for a souvenir.

Defender Michal Kadlec, who scored the Germans' only goal in their round of 16 first leg defeat, had sought the Argentine player's top at halftime but was beaten to it in the tunnel by fellow defender Manuel Friedrich.

Kadlec then got Messi's shirt at the end of the match, much to the irritation of Voeller.

Messi, the world footballer of the year, is having another spectacular season, scoring Barca's third goal on Tuesday to make it 25 goals in his last 24 Champions League matches for the holders.

"I can guarantee you that these two players will auction off the tops for a good cause," Voeller told Bild newspaper on Thursday.

"What they did was too much of a good thing. I have not yet spoken with them but I will do it," the 1990 World Cup winner said.

Leverkusen have only slim chances of advancing when they travel to Barcelona for the return leg on March 7.

Folan training with Birmingham

Birmingham manager Chris Hughton has confirmed that former Hull striker Caleb Folan is training with the club.

Folan, 29, is currently without a club since leaving Major League Soccer outfit Colorado Rapids earlier this month.

"He's available," confirmed Hughton in the Birmingham Mail. "He's not under contract anywhere.

"I can remember him a couple of seasons ago at Hull being a real handful. He's used to this division so we're going to have a good look at him."

The Republic of Ireland international had the distinction of scoring the winning goal for Hull in their first ever Premier League game, against Fulham in August 2008.

Fabregas admits Barcelona was 'boring' against Bayer Leverkusen

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas has admitted that the Catalans' gameplan for Tuesday's Champions League round of 16 match away against Bayer Leverkusen was a little boring, but stressed that their cautious approach was the right choice.

The Blaugranas recorded a 3-1 win at the BayArena in the first leg of the tie, and Fabregas was pleased with the final outcome of the encounter.

"Perhaps this kind of play is a bit boring but that’s the kind of play we needed to employ," Fabregas was quoted as saying on the official Barcelona website. "There were reasons we played like we did in the first half: they are a very physical team. They can complicate the whole game with one counterattack but we dominated the situation. We’re very pleased."

Fabregas then responded to recent criticism that Barcelona seems less hungry for success than in recent years, and stressed it is always motivated.

"We’re always excited [to play] even though it can appear otherwise from the outside. The team always has the same level of excitement and the same motivation. The boss won’t let us give up."

Barcelona hosts Bayer Leverkusen in the second leg of the round of 16 encounter on March 7.

Liverpool unlikely to give Aurelio new deal

Fabio Aurelio is set to leave Liverpool FC this summer.

The 32-year-old left-back is out of contract at the end of the season and there have been no talks about a new deal.

The popular Brazilian, who has been dogged by injuries throughout his Reds career, is expected to return to South America to finish his playing days.

Aurelio has made just two first team appearances so far this season. He started last month’s FA Cup tie against Oldham and then made a brief substitute appearance in the recent league win at Wolves.

Jose Enrique has established himself as Kenny Dalglish’s first choice left-back since arriving from Newcastle last August.

With Glen Johnson equally at home on either flank and highly-rated young full-backs Jack Robinson and Jon Flanagan also able to play on the left, Aurelio has slipped down the pecking order.

Aurelio’s quality has never been in doubt but he has been beset by a succession of injury problems since arriving at Anfield on a free transfer from Valencia in 2006.

The first Brazilian to ever sign for the Reds, he missed the 2007 Champions League final against AC Milan after rupturing his Achilles in the quarter-final against PSV.

His best season for Liverpool came in 2008/09 when he clocked up 33 appearances and netted memorable free-kicks against Portsmouth, Manchester United and Chelsea. However, Aurelio sat out the start of the following season after injurying his knee following a freak accident while playing with his son in the garden.

After a disappointing campaign and with his contract running out in the summer of 2010 he rejected Rafa Benitez’s offer of a pay-as-you-play deal. He briefly left the club but just months later was back when new boss Roy Hodgson offered him a two-year contract.

Last season he started just 13 games and this term he hadn’t kicked a ball competitively until Oldham came to Anfield last month. But Aurelio is determined to add to his 133 appearances for Liverpool between now and the end of the season, hoping to be involved against Brighton in the FA Cup on Sunday.

“I am feeling good,” he said. “I am enjoying the training sessions every day and improving. I am available and waiting for an opportunity to get on the pitch again.

“It’s up to the manager to decide who is involved in each match, but my aim is to be available as much as possible and see what his thoughts are.”

Wilshere could return in March

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is hopeful Jack Wilshere could finally return to action next month.

The 20-year-old has not played this season after undergoing ankle surgery in September and then suffering a stress fracture in his right foot during his rehabilitation.

Wilshere was on target for a February comeback until it was confirmed earlier this month that the England international had suffered the latest setback.

Wenger has revealed Wilshere's recovery is going well and the midfielder could be back within a month if all goes to plan.

"Jack can be back within a month if all goes well," said Wenger.

"The recovery of his latest problems looks very good. The latest scan was very positive.

"We go cautiously step-by-step because we tried to push him back quicker in the first instance and he had a setback. So this time we have to be cautious and not go too quick.

"He can be back before then end of the season, of course."

Mertesacker blow

Meanwhile, Per Mertesacker has been ruled out for a month after suffering an ankle injury against Sunderland at the weekend.

Mertesacker was stretchered off after he appeared to catch his studs in the turf at the Stadium of Light and collapsed to the ground in the build-up to Sunderland's goal from James McClean.

The 27-year-old, who had reconstruction of his ankle before joining the Gunners, has returned to Germany to see a specialist.

Chicharito eye Europa League prize

Javier Hernandez admits Manchester United would rather be dining at Europe's top table, but says the club will be going all out to win the Europa League.

The Red Devils surprisingly slipped out of the UEFA Champions League at the group stage, forcing them to take in Thursday night football in 2012.

Their first outing in the Europa League sees them pitched against Dutch giants Ajax, another side who feel they deserve to be competing on a grander stage.

They must, however, accept their fate and Hernandez claims United are already setting their sights on continental glory.

"Both teams have come out of the Champions League and they both have a great history," he said.

"We have won a lot of European Cups between us, so it will be a very interesting game.

"We need to get used to the fact we are not in the Champions League this season.

"And the history of Manchester United is such that it doesn't matter which competition you are in, we want to win it, no matter who else is in it, or whether it is an important trophy for other teams."

Hernandez is hoping he will be offered the opportunity to spearhead United's quest for silverware, with niggling knocks and the impressive form of strike rival Danny Welbeck having made the 2011/12 campaign something of a frustrating one for him on a personal level.

"It has been a little bit frustrating because I have been injured a lot," he said.

"But there are some things you can't do anything about.

"I am happy and I am still enjoying it. It is a privilege to play for Manchester United, whether things are going good or bad, I want to keep that attitude."

Downing readying himself for a Wembley showdown with Cardiff

Stewart Downing is hoping the 2012 Carling Cup final will offer him an opportunity to right the wrongs of his past experiences of the event.

The Liverpool winger is preparing to figure in his third final, with the Reds set to face Championship side Cardiff at Wembley on 26th February.

Downing was part of the Middlesbrough squad that went all the way in 2004, but was forced to watch on from the bench as Boro saw off Bolton.

Six years later he did manage to get onto the pitch, but he was unable to prevent Aston Villa from coming unstuck against Manchester United.

Downing is determined to ensure that his third appearance is memorable for all of the right reasons, with the England international hoping to a play a leading role in a Liverpool victory.

"The first one I was an unused sub for Middlesbrough. I would have liked to have played but I was still involved," he said.

"The second one for Villa against United - a few things didn't go our way.

"Nemanja Vidic could have been sent off early on and we were a little bit unlucky on the day.

"It would have been nice to finish with a medal but it wasn't to be.

"Hopefully this time around I'll get one."

Liverpool will head to Wembley as firm favourites to collect the silverware, but Downing has warned the Bluebirds that there is no chance of Kenny Dalglish's side taking their eye off the ball.

"You work hard to get there with the trips away to Exeter and Brighton - they stick in your mind," he told the club's website.

"They were hard games so it'd be nice to finish the job off at Wembley."

Exclusive: Why Tevez refused to warm up in CL clash at Munich in September

Carlos Tevez has arrived at Manchester City's training ground for talks with club officials.

The striker walked into the Carrington complex shortly before 5pm, having jetted into Manchester Airport from his native Argentina three hours earlier.

Tevez shook hands with two City officials upon his arrival, before heading inside.

The striker has been exiled in Argentina for the past three months following a falling out with manager Roberto Mancini when he refused to warm up in the Champions League clash at Bayern Munich in September.

And Tevez reignited the disagreement when he claimed Mancini had treated him "like a dog" shortly before departing South America.

Giving his version of events in Munich, Tevez said: "When he brings on (Nigel) de Jong and takes off (Edin) Dzeko and we're losing 2-0 I thought it was a defensive substitution so I decided to sit back down.

"Dzeko comes off and is really angry and has a go at Mancini, so I go and sit down, but then he turns around and sees me.

"He's in the middle of an argument and tells me to keep on warming up and treats me like a dog. So when he spoke to me in that tone of voice, and I said 'No, I'm not going out'.

"So I was willing to play, but the coach was in such a foul mood because he had that argument with Dzeko. He started on me as well, started swearing at me.

"I was very calm. I was just sitting on the bench and you can see from the footage that I was calm and just talking with (Pablo) Zabaleta. Mancini said some horrible things to me."

But despite his outburst, Tevez appears ready to attempt to settle his differences with Mancini on his return to the club.

Arsenal lose Mertesacker

Arsenal will be without defender Per Mertesacker for their Champions League clash with Serie A leaders AC Milan at the San Siro today.

The Germany defender damaged ankle ligaments during the Gunners' 2-1 victory over Sunderland at the weekend and will be out for at least a month.

Thomas Vermaelen could, therefore, be granted his wish of a return to central defence on Wednesday with Kieran Gibbs set to make his comeback at left-back.

AC Milan regained top spot in Serie A with a 2-1 victory over Udinese on Saturday and are further boosted by the return of several key players.

Christian Abbiati, Alessandro Nesta, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Alexandre Pato, Mathieu Flamini and Mario Yepes have all returned to training and are likely to be available.

Meanwhile Sweden striker Ibrahimovic, who has five goals in as many Champions League appearances this season, is back from a domestic ban.

Arsenal have come out on top in four of their past six visits to Italy.

Fergie still feel the pain following exit in CL

Sir Alex Ferguson admits Manchester United's UEFA Champions League exit still leaves a bitter taste in his mouth.

The Red Devils are preparing for a Europa League clash with Ajax after missing out on the Champions League knockout stages for the first time since 2006.

Europe's elite competition resumes on Tuesday, with Benfica and Basel through to the next phase after progressing out of United's group.

The Reds won just two games in Group C - both 2-0 victories against Romanian side Otelul Galati - but Ferguson's frustration comes from their performances against Basel.

The Swiss side claimed a point after drawing 3-3 at Old Trafford before winning 2-1 in the final game of the group stage to knock the Premier League champions out.

But Ferguson remains convinced he manages one of the best sides in Europe, as he said: "It was a massive disappointment, because my feeling is that if we'd gone through, we would have gone on to the final.

"The problem was the home game against Basel. We ended up losing our concentration and though we managed to salvage a draw, it was a bad result.

"We dominated the return game, but didn't score and when that happens you don't deserve to win.

"I don't feel we're that far away from Barcelona and Real Madrid. I'm sure we'll show that soon."

Hazard looks to be heading for England but denied agree deal

Eden Hazard has denied he has already agreed to join Tottenham Hotspur this summer, but admits they are an attractive proposition.

The Belgian forward is regarded as one of the finest young talents in world football and a host of clubs from around Europe are chasing the Lille star.

Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal have all been linked, but reports in France on Monday claimed Harry Redknapp's Spurs had won the race for Hazard.

The 21-year-old was quick to deny any deal had been struck, however, tellingly he revealed he would be happy to finalise a move to North London.

"I have not signed anything at Tottenham," Hazard told talkshow La Tribune on Belgian-based TV station RTBF.

"Maybe I will play there next season. It is a nice club with a lot of good players and absolutely a top coach."

Hazard had previously stated his desire to move to England and he reiterated his dream to play in the Premier League, although he also admitted La Liga may be the better place for him.

"Perhaps Spanish football would be better for me, rather than the English. But if you want to be champion, you would need to play with Barcelona or Real Madrid.

"The opportunities would be much smaller. The competition would be strong at Tottenham too, but less so that at Barca or Real.

"I think I can learn the most in England. You play a big game every week and the atmosphere is great."

Hazard also dropped a huge hint Spurs had won the race for his signature, as he added: "The transfer is still pending. I have not signed anything yet, but I hope it will happen in the near future."

Hazard's current deal at Lille is due to expire in 2015.

Donovan would consider Everton deal

Landon Donovan admits he would love to sign a permanent deal with Everton, but only after his Los Angeles Galaxy contract ends.

The 29-year-old USA international has just completed a two-month loan spell at Goodison Park, his second such stint with the Merseyside outfit.

Donovan impressed during his initial spell in England and he has only enhanced his reputation during his most recent loan.

The American ace admits he would love to join the club on a permanent deal but insists he would not leave the Galaxy until his deal with them was over.

"It would be hard to go to any other club now so if anything were to happen I would imagine it would be here at Everton," Donovan told Reuters.

"I know for sure this year I'm going back to LA but we'll see.

"My commitment is for two more years to the Galaxy and we'll see what happens after this year but I would obviously welcome the opportunity to come back."

Donovan insists that he will still have plenty to offer, even when his current deal with Galaxy expires.

"There is no question that as you get older your desirability to European clubs diminishes," he said.

"But I still think I can perform at a high level and I think that if guys are doing it at 36, 37, then I hope I can still be doing it at 32, 33."

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder ruled out of Barcelona clash

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Michael Ballack has been ruled out of Tuesday night's UEFA Champions League last-16 first-leg tie at home to Barcelona.

Ballack has sat on the bench for Leverkusen's last three Bundesliga matches but was expected to be called upon on Tuesday night due to his vast European experience.

Instead, the 35-year-old faces even more time on the sidelines, depriving Leverkusen of an influential figure at the BayArena where their chances are already regarded as being low.

"They are not a bad side," Leverkusen's director of sport Rudi Voller said with a smile.

"We have been looking forward to this game for weeks, for the fans and for our young players who will play against the best side in the world. This is definitely a dream."

After losing for the sixth time in the league at the weekend, Voller is hoping his side can use Tuesday's game as a learning exercise.

"Of course we will try to cause Barca problems," he is quoted as saying by Die Welt newspaper. "Usually, when you watch them, you say to yourself, 'my word, they play good football'.

"It is great for the players to experience in the flesh how they do it and why they are so good."

Bayer coach Robin Dutt is not being so pessimistic, though, and feels his side have a chance against the Catalans.

Match facts and stats

:: Barcelona scored 20 goals in this season's Champions League Group Stage, equaling the all-time record set by Manchester United in 1998/99.

:: These sides have met on six occasions in European competition, Barcelona winning the last three encounters.

:: Bayer Leverkusen have only kept six clean sheets in their last 42 Champions League matches.

:: Starting with his goal in the 2009 final, Lionel Messi has scored 27 goals in his last 28 Champions League starts, including six in five this season.

:: Bayer Leverkusen picked up seven points from losing positions this season in the Champions League Group Stage, more than any other team.

Tevez confirms exit talk

Ahead of returning to Manchester City, Carlos Tevez has confirmed the transfer circus which surrounded his career in January.

The striker was a target of AC Milan, Inter Milan and Paris Saint Germain in the winter window and has in the past also been linked with former club Corinthians.

Tevez has suffered a much-publicised fall-out with City since refusing to warm-up in September's UEFA Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich.

The former City captain has been on unauthorized leave in his native Argentina in recent months and on Monday accused manager Roberto Mancini of treating him like a dog.

And despite expectedly travelling back to Manchester on Tuesday, Tevez has admitted he came close to securing his wish of leaving the Premier League leaders.

The 28-year-old, who is under contract with City until the summer of 2014, told media at Buenos Aires airport: "All the rumours about transfers are true, but they were not achieved and I belong to City.

"So I have to go back there."

There is a huge rift to heal between Tevez and Mancini, although the City boss has in recent weeks seemed more open to welcoming back the forward to help in the title race.

"I've got two-and-a-half-years to accomplish yet and then I'll get more chances," said Tevez.

"Now I will face the challenge and for me that is to come back to training and also to see all of my colleagues."

Asked how he thinks fans will welcome him, he said: "We will see."

Wenger – I’d love to have Thierry stay longer

Thierry Henry to end Arsenal loan spell on 16 February

Thierry Henry will leave Arsenal and return to New York Red Bulls on 16 February, Arsene Wenger has revealed.

It means Henry will depart the Gunners six weeks into a two-month loan spell.

Arsenal manager Wenger said: "I would have loved Thierry to stay for two more weeks but he has to go back. It's only fair on New York."

Henry will be available for Arsenal's trip to Sunderland on Saturday and the Champions League knockout tie against AC Milan on Wednesday.

The former captain will miss the FA Cup fifth-round tie with Sunderland on February 18 and the derby against Tottenham on 26 February.

Henry, Arsenal's record goalscorer, re-signed for Arsenal on 6 January, having trained with the club during the Major League Soccer off-season.

Since rejoining he has scored two goals in five appearances, including the winner on his second 'debut' against Leeds.

The MLS season starts on March 10.

Chelsea accounts reflect £28m

Despite the looming impact of Uefa's financial fair play (FFP) regulations, Chelsea's full accounts show that Roman Abramovich finds it hard to break one expensive habit – it cost the club £28m to sack Carlo Ancelotti in the summer and hire his replacement, André Villas-Boas.

The £28m it cost to pay off Ancelotti and his back-room staff and compensate Porto for the acquisition of Villas-Boas takes to around £64m the total Chelsea have paid out in hiring and firing managers in the last four years alone.

The club's full results to the end of June 2011, filed at Companies House on Wednesday, show that the club incurred £41.9m of exceptional, one-off losses that had a "significant impact" on the overall size of the losses.

Chelsea revealed last week that it had marginally reduced overall losses to £67.7m from £70.9m the previous year and increased revenues to £222.3m from £205.8m, thanks to a rise in Champions League and television income.

Besides the pay-offs related to Ancelotti's departure, other exceptional items included in the accounts include £7.4m to write down the value of player registrations and £6.4m to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs. The payment to HMRC is one of a number of sizeable payments made by Premier League clubs to settle the continuing issue over the taxation of image rights payments.

The club will point to the fact that without the impact of one-off costs that are unlikely to be repeated, with Chelsea saying that Villas-Boas will remain in charge regardless of where they finish this season, they would be making significant progress towards the goal of breaking even. With those exceptional payments taken out of the equation, Chelsea are also able to claim that wages are down by £4.4m on last year and operating expenses down by £7m.

Those cost-cutting measures are partially offset by the fact that player amortisation – the cost of transfers spread over the course of a contract – increased by £2.1m, partly as a result of the splurge on Fernando Torres and David Luiz in January 2011. The accounts also note that since the end of the financial year covered by the 2010-11 figures Chelsea have spent £64.65m on players including Juan Mata, Raul Meireles and Romelu Lukaku and recouped £25.6m through player sales.

The current season, 2011-12, is the first that will be considered by Uefa's accountants with regard to its new FFP rules. Under these, clubs will be permitted to lose only up to €45m over two seasons as long as those losses are covered by their owners. The scale of permitted losses will then be reduced gradually for each three-year qualifying period.

Uefa will begin examining accounts in 2013-14, with 2014-15 the first season when potential sanctions could come into force. Uefa has proposed an escalating scale of possible sanctions, from a fine to possible suspension from European competition.

Chelsea insiders continue to claim the club is making progress towards break-even and their chairman, Bruce Buck, said last week: "The club is focused on complying with the requirements of Uefa's financial fair play regulations while maintaining its ability to challenge for major trophies. We would expect this to be reflected in our results for the current financial year."

What a Legend! Giggs pen new deal

Ryan Giggs has signed a one-year extension to his contract, which will take the winger into his 22nd season as a United first-team player in 2012/13.

The 38-year-old made his debut for the Reds in March 1991 and has gone on to win almost everything in the game, including a record 12 league titles and two Champions Leagues.

He’s made 22 appearances this season to take him to 898 overall, scoring three goals and adding vital nous and experience whether on the wing or in central midfield.

Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Ryan is a marvellous player. In many ways, he epitomises all my teams here at United: he has constantly re-invented himself, adapted to the changing nature of the game and retained that desire and hunger for success.

"In every training session and match, he is the example for others to follow. The young players in the dressing room have a great chance to learn from a player who will continue to break records that anyone in the game will find hard to beat."

Giggs added: "When I signed my first contract, I never thought I’d be able to play at United for 22 years, but I feel good and I know I can still contribute to keeping the team pushing for honours.

"Winning the club’s 19th title was a great feeling but this club is all about what we do next and I’m really pleased I can be part of that."

Fergie - Redknapp is the right man

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Harry Redknapp as "the best man" for the England job.

Tottenham manager Redknapp is being widely tipped as the replacement for Fabio Capello, who resigned as England coach on Wednesday evening.

Redknapp has tried to play down the talk linking him with the Three Lions role insisting his focus is on Spurs, but Ferguson believes the former West Ham and Portsmouth man is the right choice for England.

"There is no doubt Harry Redknapp is the best man," Ferguson said.

"The press have decided. Harry is the best man.

"He has the experience and personality and the knowledge of the game. He has changed the fortunes of every club he has been at.

"He is the right choice.

"You should try to get the best man with the best qualities. A young manager has no chance."

Tottenham are in the hunt for their first league title since 1961 and there has been a suggestion Redknapp could take the England job part-time.

But Ferguson, who took on the Scotland job for the 1986 World Cup while Aberdeen manager following the death of Jock Stein, cautioned against that approach.

"I tried it myself with Scotland in Mexico. I found it very difficult," added Ferguson.

Jose Enrique back to face Man United

Kenny Dalglish is confident of having Jose Enrique at his disposal when Liverpool travel to Manchester United on Saturday lunchtime.

The left-back missed our goalless draw with Tottenham on Monday night due to back stiffness.

But Dalglish said: "We're looking alright, I don't think we're too bad and we should have everybody to choose from.

"If we say everybody, I think that includes Jose Enrique."

The Spaniard's return is a boost for the Reds, who shifted Glen Johnson to the left against Spurs.

Enrique is currently third in the Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the Match table for 2011-12 behind Luis Suarez and Craig Bellamy.

Cleverley back to face Liverpool

Tom Cleverley is set to return to action for the first time since October in Saturday’s crunch Barclays Premier League clash with Liverpool.

The midfielder has been sidelined with a foot injury since the 1-0 at Everton on 29 October but is ready to make his comeback against Kenny Dalglish’s side.

Cleverley was due to play in the Reserves’ clash with Chelsea at the start of the week until the game was postponed, and he was not selected for Thursday’s Manchester Senior Cup defeat to Manchester City, leading to speculation he would be involved in the first team this weekend.

Sir Alex said at his Friday press conference: “Tom's training well. We were disappointed the Chelsea Reserves game was called off on Monday. But he'll be involved tomorrow.”

Chris Smalling could also take his place in defence after missing the Chelsea draw with a knock, but Phil Jones will only be back for the Europa League trip to Ajax next week.

“There’s not much change on the injury front for us,” Sir Alex added. “I think Smalling could be available, but all the rest is as it was last Sunday.

“Phil Jones got a knock against City, which he never quite recovered from, but he'll be fit for the Ajax game.”

RVP 20 Goals trophy - pictures

Robin van Persie was rewarded for his red-hot form at London Colney yesterday when he was presented with the 'First to 20 goals' trophy to celebrate the fact he is the first player in the Premier League to reach 20 goals this season.

The Arsenal captain scored his 20th league goal in the 7-1 defeat of Blackburn at Emirates Stadium on Saturday, before adding two more to his tally to reach 22 in 24 Premier League fixtures this term.

Van Persie was also the first man to reach 10 goals and he did that while scoring a hat-trick in the 5-3 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in October.

Van Persie's 22 goals put him six ahead of Newcastle United's Demba Ba, and seven away from Manchester City's Sergio Aguero and Manchester United's Wayne Rooney.

Agbonlahor desperate to win race to face Manchester City

Gabby Agbonlahor admits his stunning hat-trick against Manchester City three-and-a-half years ago is in his top three claret and blue moments - and he'd love the chance to face them again on Sunday.

Agbonlahor fondly remembers the treble he bagged for Villa on the opening day in August 2008.

The star striker scored what is considered the "perfect" hat-trick - bagging efforts with his head, right foot and left foot at Villa Park.

The triple treat was netted in the space of seven minutes, making it the second-fastest hat-trick in the history of the Premier League.

He's desperate to line up against the men from the Etihad Stadium again this weekend and admits he's been working hard to try and be fit for this latest encounter.

Agbonlahor missed out against QPR and Newcastle with hamstring/back spasms but he says the pain is relenting.

Agbonlahor had been receiving round-the-clock massage and physio to give him the best chance possible to be fit.

And now he's got his eyes firmly fixed on the date with Roberto Mancini's title-chasers.

He said: "It's been really frustrating being out injured. No player likes it and that's especially true for me because I love to play football, so I'm working hard to try to get back.

"You don't want to miss games. We're all very eager to get some wins and I love being in amongst it and helping the team.

"It's been annoying with the back and hamstring problem I've had. But it's improving.

"I've been staying behind after most players have gone for the day to do additional work to get fit as soon as I can.

"I'm getting plenty of physio and massage and I'm really eager to be back as soon as I can.

"Manchester City is going to be a big match and, if possible, I want to be involved. I'm working really hard to be fit.

"There are few bigger challenges than facing Manchester City but we're up for the challenge.

"I have really fond memories of facing them. It was an incredible feeling to score that hat-trick on the opening day of the season - and to score all the goals so close together was unbelievable.

"I would still say that 5-1 win over Birmingham City is the highlight of my time with Villa but the hat-trick makes up one of my top three, along with my debut against Everton at Goodison Park."

A look at the stories making the backpages today

Fabio Capello has emerged as a shock contender to replace Andre Villas-Boas at Chelsea - THE SUN

The Football Association have not ruled out Harry Redknapp becoming England manager just for Euro 2012 - then letting him return to his Tottenham job - THE SUN

Jermain Defoe believes that Tottenham Hotspur's players will be caught between club and country if the FA offers Harry Redknapp the job of England manager - THE TIMES

FA chiefs will have to pay Spurs £5m to make Redknapp the next England boss - DAILY MIRROR

Harry Redknapp is interested in taking charge of England for this summer's European Championship but the FA will have to persuade him to lead the team into the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign - DAILY TELEGRAPH

The cost of appointing Harry Redknapp as England manager will exceed £10m - before the FA pay him a penny in wages - DAILY MAIL

The FA were accused of hypocrisy over racism when they unveiled Stuart Pearce as temporary successor to Fabio Capello as England manager. Pearce was accused of racially abusing Paul Ince in his playing days - DAILY MAIL

The Football Association has dismissed concerns that it could be open to charges of hypocrisy over the appointment of interim England manager Stuart Pearce, who had to apologise for allegedly racially abusing Paul Ince during a Premier League game in 1994 - THE INDEPENDENT

Fabio Capello has signed a confidentiality clause to prevent him criticising his former FA employers again - DAILY MIRROR

Football development executive Patrick Vieira has accused referees and the FA of a conspiracy to undermine Manchester City's title hopes - DAILY EXPRESS

Fergie is on Wesley Sneijder red alert

Wesley Sneijder has dropped the biggest hint yet that he would move to United.

The Dutch World Cup star has revealed that he would have considered a switch to Old Trafford during the January transfer window if Sir Alex Ferguson had made a firm bid. The United manager spent last summer tracking Sneijder, who he identified as the ideal successor to Paul Scholes. The Inter Milan playmaker’s wage demands – believed to be in the region of £250,000 a week – put a block on a £30m deal, but sources claim he would welcome a transfer to the Premier League champions.

Sneijder’s future will come under intense scrutiny again in the summer and he is refusing to rule out a switch to United. “There have never been any concrete contacts with Manchester United,” said the 27-year-old (right). “I see everything, I am not blind, but there is nothing concrete right now. “I am happy at Inter, but we will see. I currently have no contacts with other clubs and I am living day by day. “If, on the last day of the transfer window, an offer had arrived, maybe I would have left. “The truth is that I feel at home at Inter, but I do not know where I will play next season.” There still remain major question marks as to whether Ferguson would be willing to splash out so much money on a player who turns 28 in June.

The Scot prefers his new recruits to be under the age of 26 with potential sell on values. Tottenham’s Luka Modric is another target – but Spurs are expected to demand in the region of £50m for the brilliant Croatian international. Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a return to the Premier League and Old Trafford would be his first choice. But United, who this week slipped further behind Real and Barcelona in the list of the world’s richest clubs, could not hope to match the £80m they received for the Portuguese in 2009.

United’s year-on-year turnover grew by £45m in 2010-11, but next year’s figures will be hit by their early Champions League exit this season. Ferguson hasn’t come close to matching the club record £30.75m he spent on Dimitar Berbatov in 2008. Despite the retirements of Scholes, Edwin van der Sar and Gary Neville last year, he disappointed fans by failing to bring in a marquee signing last summer.

Suarez ready for Old Trafford return

Luis Suarez is preparing to run the Old Trafford gauntlet when the Liverpool striker faces Manchester United for the first time since his ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra.

The Uruguayan returned from his eight-match suspension when he appeared as a substitute against Tottenham on Monday but is expected to start for the Reds in the latest instalment of the northwest giants' bitter rivalry.

The two clubs met in the FA Cup at Anfield only a fortnight ago, with Liverpool winning a largely trouble-free game 2-1.

However the tie was soured by the relentless barracking of Evra by Liverpool fans, and the subsequent arrest of one fan on suspicion of making racist taunts to the French international.

Mindful of the potential for Saturday's fixture to turn ugly, both United and Liverpool officials have attempted to defuse tensions with calls for calm.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish said Suarez had been instructed to shake Evra's hand in the pre-match ritual.

"I thought everyone involved in the FA Cup tie at Anfield played their part in making sure that the match was played in the right way, so let's make sure that happens again this weekend," Dalglish said.

"I'm sure people will want to talk about Luis Suarez but he accepted his ban, served his suspension and returned against Spurs on Monday.

"It's time for all of us to draw a line under what happened and move forward.

"People are already speculating on the pre-match ceremony, but from Luis's point of view we have spoken to him and I know he will shake the hand of Patrice Evra and the other Manchester United players before the game."

Ferguson meanwhile spoke this week of his surprise at the re-emergence of racist incidents in the English game.

"I don't understand at all where it's coming from," Fergusons said. "This is a moment where we have to take stock and we should do something about it if it's surfacing again, and be really hard and firm on any form or shape of racism.

"There have been a couple of examples recently which is not good. In 2012, you can't believe it. It was obvious maybe 20 years ago and the improvements have been for everyone to see."

While the animosity between Liverpool and United means Suarez is unlikely to be given an easy ride on Saturday, fullback Glen Johnson has backed his teammate to cope with the bearpit atmosphere.

"It is a tough place to go Old Trafford. Luis is a strong character and he will try to let his football do the talking," Johnson said.

"He has had a long break now and hopefully he will be fresh and ready to put in a performance."

A victory for United will see Ferguson's team inch one point clear of leaders Manchester City, who travel to Aston Villa on Sunday after beating Fulham 3-0 last weekend.

Although City demolished Villa 4-1 earlier this sseason, manager Roberto Mancini has said his team have been warned against complacency as they attempt to maintain their lead at the top.

"We will have a difficult game, but if we have the attitude that we had against Fulham, we will do well," Mancini said. "I think the all the remaining games are difficult."

Tottenham meanwhile will aim to celebrate a week which saw the acquittal of manager Harry Redknapp on tax evasion charges with a victory over Newcastle.

Redknapp, strongly tipped to take over as the next England coach following the resignation of Fabio Capello, is assured of a hero's welcome at White Hart Lane in his first match since the conclusion of his court case.

The 64-year-old insisted he had not "even thought about" the England job following his acquittal.

"I've got a job to do," Redknapp said. "I've got a big game on Saturday for Tottenham. Tottenham is my focus."

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has meanwhile said he is unfazed by the visit of the club's billionaire owner Roman Abramovich at training this week.

The Russian tycoon's appearance had been interpreted as a sign that support for Villas-Boas is wavering, but he Portuguese manager brushed off the suggestion as he prepared for this week's trip to Everton.

"You can speculate whatever you want, but for us it is fantastic to have him here," said Villas-Boas. "It is not distracting, not at all."

Fixtures:

Saturday: Man Utd v Liverpool, Blackburn v QPR, Bolton v Wigan, Everton v Chelsea, Fulham v Stoke, Sunderland v Arsenal, Swansea v Norwich, Tottenham v Newcastle

Sunday: Wolves v West Brom, Aston Villa v Manchester City.

Maradona blasts FA over Capello

Argentine legend Diego Maradona has lashed out at the FA in the wake of Fabio Capello's shock resignation.

Al Wasl's current manager made the comments in an Italian TV interview on Thursday night after a 1-0 win over Bani Yas in the UAE Pro League.

"The English FA used the Terry excuse to get rid of him," Maradona said.

"They were not happy with his performance and they saw this as the perfect opportunity to make him leave."

England will be managed by caretaker Stuart Pearce in their friendly against Holland later this month.

While it's unlikely that the man responsible for the infamous 'Hand of God' goal in the 1986 World Cup would ever receive the offer, the 51-year-old affirmed that he would 'absolutely not' accept the now-vacant England coaching position.

Maradona did, however, express interest in managing former Argentinian club Boca Juniors once current manager Juilo Falcioni steps down, while continuing to deny that he has been approached for the vacant UAE coaching position.

The top 15 richest clubs in world football

Manchester United are falling behind Barcelona and Real Madrid in the 'Money League' of the world's richest clubs, according to a new report.

The report by analysts Deloitte says although United's revenues continue to grow they have not kept pace with the Spanish giants, who have the advantage of being able to negotiate their individual TV rights deals.

United's failure to qualify for the group stage of the Champions League this season will see the gap widen further next year, say Deloitte.

Costly: Manchester United's failure to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League has had enormous financial repurcussions

Real Madrid remain top of the money league with revenues in 2010/11 of 479 million euros (£438m) with Barcelona second on 451m euros (£398m) and Manchester United third on 367m euros (£349m).

The report states: 'We are starting to see widening gaps between clubs at the top of the Money League.

'Manchester United's consistent on-pitch success has helped establish it as a continued fixture in the top three of the Money League, yet in recent years a gap has grown between themselves and the Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, rising again to 83.7m euro in this year's edition.

'United's failure to qualify for the 2011/12 Champions League knockout phase will have a detrimental effect on revenues relative to the top two, which may result in this gap increasing to over 100m euro.

'In addition, there is a 70m euro gap between fourth-placed Bayern Munich and fifth-placed Arsenal.'

Chelsea remain sixth in the Money League, but Liverpool have fallen a place to ninth behind Inter Milan and the report states the Reds' lack of European football could see them drop out of the top 10 unless they at least qualify for the Europa League.

Flying high: Spanish, European and world champions Barcelona have seen revenues boom for another year

'The club needs European football each year to maintain its status in the Money League top 10 in future editions,' says the report.

'In the medium to longer term, the Warrior Sports kit deal will underpin further commercial revenue growth, whilst formulating a viable plan to either redevelop Anfield or move to a new home is key in driving matchday revenue increases.'

Tottenham are 11th in the Money League, just in front of Manchester City thanks to last season's Champions League income, but the value of the huge Etihad sponsorship deal, which could total £400m, should see City break into the top 10 next year.

Alan Switzer, a director of Deloitte's sports business group, said: 'The club's heavy squad investment secured Champions League football for 2011/12.

'When combined with the groundbreaking 10-year partnership with Etihad, this will provide substantial growth across all three revenue sources and will see City break into the top 10 in the Money League next year.'

The top 15 richest clubs in world football

1. Real Madrid - R4.42-billion (438.6 million euros)

2. Barcelona - R4.01-billion (398.1 million euros)

3. Manchester United - R3.52-billion (349.8 million euros)

4. Bayern Munich - R3.26-billion (323.0 million euros)

5. Arsenal - R2.76-billion (274.1 million euros)

6. Chelsea - R2.58-billion (255.9 million euros)

7. AC Milan - R2.38-billion (235.8 million euros)

8. Liverpool - R2.27-billion (225.3 million euros)

9. Inter Milan - R2.26-billion (224.8 million euros)

10. Juventus - R2.07-billion (205.0 million euros)

11. Manchester City - R1.54-billion (152.8 million euros)

12. Tottenham Hotspur - R1.476-billion (146.3 million euros)

13. Hamburg - R1.475-billion (146.2 million euros)

14. Lyon - R1.474-billion (146.1 million euros)

15. Marseille - R1.42-billion (141.1 million euros)

Vargas aware of poor form

Chile international Eduardo Vargas admitted his career at Serie A club Napoli has not started positively.

Vargas arrived in southern Italy at the beginning of 2012 following a spectacular year with Universidad de Chile.

The forward caught the attention of the football world as his skills helped the Chilean giants to back-to-back titles in 2011, as well as finishing top scorer in their winning Copa Sudamericana campaign.

The 22-year-old has barely played since moving across the Atlantic Ocean, however, and in his rare appearances has looked a shadow of the player he was in Santiago.

Vargas recognised that adapting to Italian football had not been an easy transition, but he trusted his companions to help him reach his best.

"Here the football is very different, they do not give you as much space and the biggest change is the extra physicality. I have struggled to get used to it, but I have complete support from my team-mates," Vargas told Chilean television outlet TVN.

"Something that has played in my favour is the presence of so many South Americans. They explain to me the things I do not understand (in Italian) and they tell me what the trainer is talking about."

Vargas was an unused substitute in Napoli's 0-0 draw with AC Milan last Sunday.

Etherington fires safety warning

Stoke winger Matthew Etherington says the Potters still have work to do to ensure they are safe from relegation.

Stoke are 10 points clear of Bolton Wanderers, who occupy the third and final relegation place and there is no way Tony Pulis' side should get sucked into a relegation battle.

However the winger is well aware that Stoke are still 10 points away from the magical 40 that is usually guaranteed to keep you in the league, and will not settle until they get there.

Last weekend's 1-0 defeat at home to Sunderland has got Etherington a little bit jittery and he says no-one in the dressing room is taking safety for granted just yet.

"The gap is slowly getting smaller and it's time to start picking up some points," he told the Sentinel. "You can never be complacent about these things, but I know we do have a good enough squad.

"There are a couple of games coming up that are winnable (Fulham and Swansea) and we've got to start picking up points."

Villa unable to extend Keane loan

Aston Villa have been unsuccessful in their attempt to extend Robbie Keane's loan period and he will return to the Los Angeles Galaxy after the clash at Wigan on February 25, Press Association Sport understands.

Keane has made a big impression at Villa, scoring three goals in two league starts, and Villa were hoping he could remain with them for a further week.

But the Galaxy want Keane to return after playing at the DW Stadium to prepare for the new Major Soccer League season which starts on March 10.

Keane will feature in Sunday's Barclays Premier League meeting with Manchester City but Villa's FA Cup exit means he will have a two-week wait before his final appearance against the Latics.

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