MANCHESTER UNITED boss Alex Ferguson has already identified £40million of new talent to help sustain his stranglehold on the Premier League.

The Reds are on the verge of retaining their title but they have to win their remaining two matches.

I will now reveal the names of the four young stars that Fergie has his eyes on ahead of next season.

Portugal and Sporting Lisbon stars Miguel Veloso and Joao Moutinho are top of the shopping list.

And Ferguson is also targeting Wigan aces Wilson Palacios and Luis Antonio Valencia.

Old Trafford No 2 Carlos Queiroz has been on scouting missions over the last few weeks to run the rule over all four players.

Last summer Ferguson had finished his transfer business almost as soon as the team secured the title and this year looks to be no different.

It was revealed in October that Fergie was interested in midfielders Veloso and Moutinho. Both players will be part of Portugals Euro 2008 squad.

Moutinho, 21, has 11 caps for Portugal and his quick-footed, artistic style is perfectly suited to United.

Veloso, also 21, is a more defensive midfielder who can also play as a centre-half or as a full-back. He has five Portugal caps to his name.

United have a terrific relationship with Sporting Lisbon and bought current stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani from the Portuguese side.

Queiroz watched the Sporting players in their Uefa Cup defeat to Rangers last week.

And it is believed that United have first refusal on the young stars but the champions-elect know they will need to shell out around £30m for the pair.

Before his trip to Lisbon Queiroz watched Wigans game with Birmingham where £6m-rated midfielder Palacios, 23, and £4m winger Valencia, 22, starred in a 2-0 win.

Palacios has been a key figure in Wigans relegation battle since his January switch from Honduran side Olimpia.

Wigan boss Steve Bruce also signed Palacios on loan when he was the manager of Birmingham earlier this season.

Valencia moved to Wigan after impressing for Ecuador in the 2006 World Cup.

Last season United forked out £80m for Anderson, Nani, Owen Hargreaves and Carlos Tevez.

But this year Ferguson wants to improve the depth of his squad and will give the new youngsters time to make their mark at Old Trafford.

While midfielder Anderson has made a big impact in the Premier League and in Europe this season, winger Nani has been used more sparingly.

Ferguson knows his starting team is as strong as he could hope for and it would be difficult to improve.

So now he is eyeing long-term replacements for veterans Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville.

Nani is seen by many as the long-term successor to Giggs and Moutinho is considered a perfect replacement for Scholes.

Manchester United chief executive David Gill has promised Sir Alex Ferguson further funds to strengthen his title-winning squad this summer.

Gill said: "We will be in a position where, if we can improve it, we will.

"It is the best league in the world so if we want to continue to be at the top we have to make sure we look at the squad and improve it."

United were happy to spend last summer, with Owen Hargreaves, Anderson, Carlos Tevez and Nani all added to the squad.

However, Ferguson has been given licence to add more new signings as he looks to equal Liverpool's record haul of 18 league titles.

England internationals Michael Owen and Micah Richards are rumoured to be on the Scotsman's shopping list.

"When you make big money signings like we did last year, it is fantastic when you see them come in and do so well," said Gill.

"That shows what this club is about. All these big stars are integrated very quickly, made to feel very welcome and therefore they produce the goods on the pitch."

In a later interview for BBC Radio 5 Live, Gill added that United's success was attributable to a number of individuals.

Gill said: "It's down to Fergsuon, his assistant Carlos Queiroz, the coaching staff, the scouting staff and the players.

"It's down to what happens on the pitch but what happens off the pitch gives Alex the funds to invest in the club."

He said the Glazer family had brought stability to Old Trafford three years after taking over.

"They recognised the importance of what happens on the pitch and to have a business plan off it.

"But there will always be certain factions that will be anti the Glazers even if we win the European Cup in Moscow."

Gill also insisted there was no question of the 66-year-old Ferguson considering retirement, adding: "He's on a 12-month rolling contract and we never discuss it [retirement].

"He's got the enthusiasm and the appetite for more."

Bosingwa is set to be named in Portugal's Euro 2008 squad Chelsea have completed the signing of Porto right-back Jose Bosingwa on a three-year contract for £16.2m. The 25-year-old Portugal international will join up with the Blues after Euro 2008 in the summer. Bosingwa, who was also a target for Manchester United, was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo but moved to Portugal as a child. The full-back helped Porto to the 2004 Champions League title and four league championships since signing in 2003. Bosingwa made more than 40 appearances for Boavista before former Blues boss Jose Mourinho brought him to rivals Porto. Although he was used sparingly in his first season, the defender, who can also play on the wing, had been the first-choice right-back during the last three seasons. His performances have earned him seven caps for Portugal and he is expected to be named in their Euro 2008 squad this week. Portuguese journalist Alberto da Silva, who works for Abola, believes Bosingwa has been overvalued by Chelsea. "He's a good player but he's not worth that much money," he told BBC Radio 5 Live. "I think Chelsea's current right-back Paulo Ferreira is a better player. I don't know who negotiated the deal, but he did well for Porto." Three years ago, Bosingwa was involved in a serious car accident along with four other footballers. All survived, but Sandro Luis, from a minor Portuguese side, had to have his left foot amputated as a result of the accident. Bosingwa's arrival at Stamford Bridge will cast doubt over the future of another right-back Juliano Belletti. The former Barcelona defender, who scored the winning goal in the 2006 Champions League final against Arsenal, has been overlooked by Blues manager Avram Grant in recent weeks, with Michael Essien occupying the full-back berth.

Boys' Town end season with 4-2 win
published: Monday | May 12, 2008

Keisha Hill, Staff Reporter

Boys' Town were on fire in yesterday's final game of the National Premier League at Collie Smith Drive as they whipped Waterhouse 4-2 in a thrilling encounter.

The winners went ahead in the 23rd minute from Denzil Watson found the back of the net with a powerful right foot shot.

Garfield Gillespie increased his team's lead in the 60th minute. George Vernal made it 3-0 five minutes later. Renae Lloyd sealed his team's victory in the 89th minute after Weston Forrest (84th) and Newton Sterling (85th) had given Waterhouse a glimmer of hope.

According to Wayne Fairclough, coach of Waterhouse, he kept eight of the team's key players on the bench as they will play the COK Champions Cup final on Tuesday and it was necessary to rest some of their best players.

Problems

He added: "The defensive unit played well, but the link men created problems for us today. I think they got side-tracked in that they were tracking and not tackling. This resulted in so many goals scored against us."

Meanwhile Andrew Price coach of Boys' Town was thankful that his team had improved their perfor-mance over last year's season.

"Placing ninth last season and coming third this season I think it is a major achievement for the team, and what we have to do is grow on this and try to keep this nucleus together," Price said.

Boys' Town 4

(Denzil Watson 23rd

Garfield Gillespie 60th

George Vernal 65th

Renae Lloyd 89th)

Waterhouse 2

(Weston Forrest 84th

Newton Sterling 85th)

Cousins' strike earns draw for Portmore
published: Monday | May 12, 2008

Ainsley Walters, Freelance Writer

Portmore's Ricardo Cousins. - file

CHAMPIONS Portmore United yesterday showed Tivoli Gardens exactly why they are Premier League champions, crafting a splendid 63rd minute equaliser to end their season with a 1-1 draw in front of home fans at Ferdie Neita Park.

Tivoli, runners-up to Portmore in the Premiership, grabbed the lead in the 34th minute when Roland Dean lobbed goalie Shawn Sawyers on the left side of the box, sending a high ball inside, which Damion Gordon headed into an empty goal.

However, Portmore coach Linval Dixon, intent on not losing the final match of the season at home, brought two big guns off the bench at the break, the league's top scorer, Roen Nelson, and midfielder Ricardo Cousins.

Classical build-up

Dixon's move paid off in the 63rd with a classical build-up and exquisite finish. Striker Carlington Smith twisted and turned his marker on the right flank before hoisting a cross to the back post, where Nelson chested off the ball to Cousins, whose sweet volley whistled past Jason Samuels in goal for Tivoli.

Tivoli's players could only admire the artistry and Kevin Blackford, already on a 40th minute yellow card, was sent packing a minute after the equaliser for two cautions after viciously hacking down Ricardo Cousins in front of the Portmore bench.

Steven Morrissey should have put Portmore 2-1 ahead six minutes from time but scooped his shot from the penalty spot over the bar with only the Tivoli 'keeper to beat.

Tivoli got their chances in the first half especially in the 17th minute when Jermaine Taylor was sent one-on-one with goalie Shawn Sawyers off a defence splitting pass by defender Damion Gordon.

However, the Tivoli winger chose to shoot along the ground from the edge of the box with Sawyers already committed, going down to his left at the penalty spot.

Taylor's half-hearted shot was easily held by the experienced goalkeeper stretching to his left to collect.

Blackwood twice tested Sawyers, first in the 10th and 20th minutes later, but both his shots were blocked by the Portmore goalie.

Dixon afterward said his team wanted to end the season with a victory at home but were satisfied with the draw.

"It was a good season," he said. "We set out to win the title from the start and wanted a win here today, but it's a fair result and we are already looking forward to next season."

Tivoli's Desmond Francis said his team's form in front of goal cost them the title.

"My team had a good season, but we missed out on goalscoring," said Francis.

Portmore 1 (Ricardo Cousins 63rd) Tivoli 1 (Damion Gordon 34th)

Arnett send Seba packing in Montego Bay
published: Monday | May 12, 2008

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Seba United's Delroy Ellis (right) attempting to beat Arnett's Oneil Robinson in yesterday's National Premier League match at Jarrett Park. Arnett Gardens won 2-1. - photo by Adrian Frater

Western Bureau:

Seba United were relegated from the National Premier League yesterday afternoon when they were beaten 2-1 by Arnett Gardens at Jarrett Park in Montego Bay.

In a game from which Arnett Gardens needed just a point to pull them clear of the relegation drop, they snatched a workmanlike victory through Horace Sharpe (penalty) and substitute Andrew Phang. Seba got their lone goal from Delroy Ellis (penalty).

"Today we came here for a point and we got all three so we are pleased," said Arnett Garden's coach Jerome Waite. "It looked like it was going to be a draw, but we put in Phang (Andrew) as a late substitute and he did the trick for us."

For Seba United the defeat and relegation was a bitter pill for assistant coach Alrick Henry, who bemoaned the fact that internal problems had stripped the team of most of its senior players.

Fumbled

"We played well in patches but because we had so many inexperienced players out there, they were not able to step up when they were required to," said Henry. "We will just have to pick up the pieces and look to the future."

Seba looked like making it a good afternoon when Edward Campbell sent Ellis clear in the seventh minute. However, he fumbled and lost possession to the advancing goalkeeper.

Arnett made the first real attack on goal a rewarding one when Kevin Wilson rounded the goal-keeper and fired goalward only to see Seba's Jerome Eccleston deflecting the ball away with his hand, which earned him a red card and got Arnett a penalty. Sharpe made no mistake from the spot.

Six minutes later Seba earned a penalty when Ellis was fouled deep inside Arnett's penalty area. Ellis got up and converted by booting past the goalkeeper for a 1-1 half-time score.

The second half started with Arnett in control. They created good chances through Garfield Rennicks and Cornell Chin-Sue in the 52nd and 59th minutes, but wasted both opportunities.

Three substitutions

After making three substitutions, bringing on Andrew James, Norman Foster and Terrence McIntyre, Seba created and wasted another good chance. McIntrye turned on the edge of the area but fired straight at the goalkeeper.

With Seba United looking threatening, Arnett replaced the tiring Fabian Davis in midfield with the robust Oniel Robinson. The tide swung Arnett's way with chances going to Wilson and Phang.

With time running out in the game, Phang pounced on a loose ball just outside the penalty area in the 90th minute and cracked the winner past goalkeeper Jacomeno Barrett.

Arnett 2 (Horace Sharpe 17th, Andrew

Phang 90th)

Seba 1 (Delroy Ellis 23rd)

WHO WILL WIN THIS GAME FOR U?.... LA LEAD THE SERIES 2-1 BUT UTAH IS  FIGHTING BACK

WE'RE CHAMPIONS: SIR ALEX ECSTATIC Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted after landing his 10th Barclays Premier League title as United boss. This is what he said in his first post-match interview at Wigan: Was this the toughest title race so far? It was a tough one all right and being away from home made it more difficult. In fairness for most of the game we played well. There were some nervous moments and then the rain came, anything can happen on a rainy surface. Just after half-time we started to get a grip of it. We missed a few chances and the goalkeeper made some great saves. I was saying to myself, please give us that second goal. Of course, my oldest player, ten medals today, gets it Ryan Giggs. Fantastic." How nervous were you when Chelsea went 1-0 up? There was a guy behind us who kept telling us it was 2-0 to Chelsea after one minute. Youve got to try and dismiss all the stuff round about you, forget what was happening at Chelsea and concentrate on our own game. I think we did that." What would you regard as the turning point in the title race? "It ebbed and flowed a bit. Arsenal, for long periods, looked like they were going to win it. Then they dropped a few points after we knocked them out of the FA Cup and that told for them. We then dropped a few points at Blackburn and Middlesbrough and that allowed Chelsea to close right in. But the two points Chelsea dropped against Wigan probably won the title for us." How does it feel to have won 10 titles? "Fantastic. Im very proud. Proud to have survived for so long. Its a great club and its much easier for me than it is for anyone else. How would I do without this? Tell me." What impact will winning the title have on the Champions League final? "The great thing is were bouncing into the final. We can look forward to it. If wed lost the title today, it would have been difficult. When we lost the title at West Ham in 1995, we lost the FA Cup final the following week. We were dead then. Were not dead now, were alive. If we win the European Cup, this has to be my best team." Video reaction: Rio Ferdinand // Sir Alex Ferguson // Ryan Giggs Image gallery: Title celebrations

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES United's tenth Premier League title means so much to so many people. Here is a selection of quotes which capture the mood... "It feels great. I'm not bothered about individual records, this is what its all about championships." - Ryan Giggs "This is my third title but its Giggsys tenth and that puts it into perspective. He keeps driving on every season and thats an inspiration to all the lads." - Rio Ferdinand The pressure was high, but we believed in ourselves and we deserve to win the title, definitely." - Cristiano Ronaldo "Alex Fergusons record is simply sensational. The man is a genius. And if there's anyone I would have liked to equal my record, its Ryan Giggs. Hes a credit to his family, the club, the game and himself." - Sir Bobby Charlton "We knew that coming into the last two games, if we got six points wed be champions. We could see the finish line. It was in our hands and we werent going to let it slip. We were so determined to retain the title." - Wayne Rooney "I think [equalling Liverpool's] 18 titles will come. This sides young. Its developing all the time. Its a good young team and there are plenty of years left in them. Theyll do it in their own time." - Sir Alex Ferguson

TEN KEYS TO TITLE SUCCESS Red View puts forward 10 reasons why United are Premier League champions for the 10th time Home Rule Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken in recent seasons about the need to re-establish Old Trafford as a fortress. It's safe to say that mission has been accomplished this term. Aside from Reading's opening day bore draw and the horror of February's defeat to Manchester City, United have beaten all comers in M16, winning 17 out of 19 games. Leaving It Late Opposing teams expect to be on the rack in the closing stages of games, and stats show that United are at their deadliest in the final 15 minutes of games. Most telling in this seasons title race were two dramatic strikes from Carlos Tevez - a tap-in at Tottenham and a priceless header at Blackburn in April. That Boy Ronaldo While the winger himself is ever-eager to point out that its not a one-man show, United fans have been privileged to watch a genius at work this season. Almost always at his unplayable best, Ronaldo has plundered goal after goal, overtaking records in the same way he plays - left, right and centre. Defence For all the plaudits lavished upon the Reds star-studded attack, the platform for this seasons success has been built on a miserly defensive record. Despite being without skipper Gary Neville all season, Uniteds backline registered 20 domestic clean sheets - the finest defensive record in the Premier League. Big Game Hunters Until April's defeat at Stamford Bridge, United's record against the members of the 'Big Four' was almost unblemished. Ever able to raise themselves for the big games, the Reds beat Liverpool twice, took four points off Arsenal and beat Chelsea at OT, taking 13 points from a possible 18. New Boys The near-instant assimilation of four summer arrivals was key to Uniteds title triumph. The young Portuguese-based Anderson and Nani proved themselves as players for now, not just the future, while the more experienced Hargreaves and Tevez were integral to the Reds' late-season surge. Squad Depth Last seasons bid for a second Treble was left in tatters by injuries. Eager to avoid a repeat, Sir Alex made new signings and brought back a host of youngsters to bolster his squad. The move worked wonders, with every squad member contributing when injuries hit just recall Ben Fosters heroics at Derby for example. Experience For all the free-spirited youthfulness of Uniteds play, the calmness of some sage old heads has been an influential factor. Off the field, Sir Alex Ferguson and his coaching staff have been there, done it enough times to keep everybody grounded, while experienced players like Rio Ferdinand, Edwin van der Sar, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs brought vital know-how at fraught times. Bouncing Back The mark of champions is to respond positively to setbacks, which is exactly what United did all season. Every time questions were posed by a domestic defeat Manchester City (twice), Bolton, West Ham, Chelsea the Reds responded with a victory. Attack, Attack, Attack Much was made of the contrast in the title chasers styles. Pragmatic, robotic Chelsea doing battle with swashbuckling, easy-on-the-eye United for the grand prize. Had the rivals finished on the same number of points, then goal difference would have won it for the free-scoring Reds.

WIN A TRIP TO MOSCOW! ManUtd.com is giving away a pair of tickets and two flights to the UEFA Champions League, to four lucky winners! For more details and to enter, please login here. Closes 15:30 BST Monday 12 May.

TRY DEM TWO LINK YA FIRST...THE OTHERS ARE ACTING UP:

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-- Edited by postinor at 10:35, 2008-05-11

England - Premier League
17:16 May 11
FT Birmingham C. 4 - 1 Blackburn R.
FT Chelsea 1 - 1 Bolton W.
FT Derby County 0 - 4 Reading
FT Everton 3 - 1 Newcastle U.
FT Middlesbrough 8 - 1 Manchester C.
FT Portsmouth 0 - 1 Fulham
FT Sunderland 0 - 1 Arsenal
FT Tottenham H. 0 - 2 Liverpool
FT West Ham U. 2 - 2 Aston Villa
FT Wigan Athletic 0 - 2 Manchester U.

IMPORTANT POINTS

Manchester United retanin their title
Fulam pulls off the great escape
Everton qualify for europe
Arsenal completes 4 straight seasons without any trophies poor arsenal fans

EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR has told Barcelona to forget about signing him as he wants to make history with Arsenal.

The Gunners hitman is on Barcas summer shopping list after grabbing 30 goals.

Adebayor, who can expect to renegotiate his £50,000-a-week Emirates contract, reckons Arsenal fans deserve loyalty.

The 24-year-old said: As a footballer you want to make history and leave your name at a club.

"I hope I can do that here as I love Arsenal. Hopefully I can make some more history.

Im at the right team at the right time, playing good football and scoring goals so Im happy.

The most important thing is playing for the fans and having the opportunity to play with so many great players.

Adebayor, who has two years to run on his current deal, proved a great replacement for Thierry Henry.

Yet he knows many thought he would flop including the bookies.

He was 40-1 for top scorer way behind 5-1 favourite Didier Drogba. Now he is third behind Cristiano

Ronaldo and Fernando Torres. He added: I remember one poll on whod be top scorer and my name wasnt even there!

"People were not talking about me, so I thought Thats fine, Ill show what I can do.

I consider this to be my first full season in England. I joined halfway through the 2006-07 season and most of the time we played with just one striker and that was Thierry.

So this year Im happy with what I have achieved. I never dreamt of being in the team of the season, or of being in the top three players of the season, its a big bonus.

Maybe next year I can be first. People are going to be looking at what I can do but, as a player, you have to be ready for that. Next season will be a new challenge.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has admitted his disappointment that free agent Mathieu Flamini, 24, joined AC Milan this week.

Wenger said: I hope the core of the team says come on, weve only just lost. Lets come back and show we are winners.

If players are not capable of doing that and want to walk out for bigger contracts, that would be a big disappointment.

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yeaaa....jus answer di question in di topic...an give reasons....dont matter what league division or anything...jus state who u feel got di most skillz an ting.. my choice is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, reason....di man got reallllll talent...best me seen since Zidane me ago post up couple video an ting lil later to backup my statement...but yeah contribute folks!

Real president Ramon Calderon has declared his interest in the Spanish midfielder, which Wenger slammed as disrespectful behaviour.

Calderon said: My policy is not to create a confrontation with other teams but Cesc is No 1 in his position. I would like to have him.

Furious Wenger had earlier warned Calderon: I dont want to sit there and hear Madrid come out and say they want this player and Barcelona come out and say they want that one.

I never come out and say that I want a player from Real Madrid or Barcelona because of respect to these clubs.

If I want a player from them I call them,

I know who to call and ask if theyre selling him.

All the rest I find that its like We walk all over everybody else and we dont care about anybody.

Its unacceptable. But nothing will ever be done.

The rule when a player is under contract is that you first contact the club to see if a player is available.

Were not stupid enough to believe it really happens like that but I think you have to be decent enough not to come out in newspaper because its unsettling as well.

That they contact agents behind our back, we understand.

But that they come in a newspaper I find disrespectful.

Calderon had told reporters: If Cesc wants a change we will be there to negotiate.

Cesc is a player that all managers and technical directors like and ours do too.

But it has to be a decision that comes from him. It has to be the player to understand a cycle has ended and he wants a change.

If thats the case well be ready to negotiate with his team.

Calderons words will infuriate Wenger, who has hinted he is ready to sue Inter Milan for tapping up midfielder Alexander Hleb.

The Belarus midfielders future is also uncertain following the very public overtures of Inter, who have already met his representatives.

Reporting Real to FIFA is an option Wenger is certainly prepared to take.

It is not the first time Madrid have caused outrage with their blatant disregard for FIFA rules.

They tapped up David Beckham after ex-president Florentino Perez invited him to the Bernabeu.

Perez also approached Arsenals Patrick Vieira and held a private meeting him but the French internationals move fell through.

Real have constantly shown a desire to sign Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo.

The winger came close to joining them two years ago after his World Cup spat with Wayne Rooney.

Barcelona have also tried to lure Arsenals players on numerous occasions.

They nabbed Thierry Henry for £16million last summer.

AVRAM GRANT would be happy to step down as Chelsea boss and let Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard take over at Stamford Bridge.

The b****shell was delivered by Grants close pal Portsmouth player Richard Hughes.

He insisted: This will take place with Avrams blessing. He is a modest guy who does not particularly like being in the limelight.

Hed be happy to revert to the role where he acts as a link between the coaching staff and the board.

Grant has led Chelsea to the Champions League final and kept them in the Premier League title race with Manchester United until the last day of the season.

Yet Hughes, who became close friends with Grant while he was director of football at Pompey, believes the Israeli will step down EVEN if he completes an historic Double.

Abramovich admires Barcelona

Hughes added: Avram is a student of football. I had countless conversations with him when he was here about Barca, their players and the way they play.

It is well known Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is an admirer of Barcelona and the football they play.

He seems to be on a crusade to bring a similar brand of play to Stamford Bridge.

"A big reason for Jose Mourinho leaving was that Abramovich wanted to see a type of football the Special One was not delivering.

Rijkaard will leave the Nou Camp at the end of this campaign having lost the title to Real Madrid. Reserve-team coach Josep Guardiola is his likely successor.

Hughes, who is understood to have spoken with Grant last week, thinks the manager will revert to his post as director of football, making way for the Dutchman.

Hughes added: He is not in it for personal glory and could go about his business outside of the limelight.

The FIFA president is ready to wage war after seeing Manchester United and Chelsea reach the Champions League final.

Blatter believes the pair, along with Arsenal and Liverpool, are too dominant in English football.

And he hopes the introduction of new rules forcing clubs to limit the amount of foreign players they field will give other teams a better chance of success.

Blatter blasted: "Shall we let the rich become richer and say nothing?

"The big money is coming out of the Champions League.

"It's the biggest league in the world and practically 80 per cent of the income goes to the directly to the 32 participating clubs.

"This season, there were four English teams in the last eight, three in the semi-finals and two in the final.

"The Champions League has been very successful financially but it has also favoured national inequality.

"That's why, being in charge of football, I have to bring this item to the attention of the FIFA congress."

Blatter wants to bring in rules so teams will have to field five homegrown players.

He added: "This is the sporting situation but let us start with our idea of the six-plus-five rule.

"Then we will see what the difference will be in the future.

"This rule will be fighting against the monopolies of clubs and leagues.

"We are not fighting the problem of money but for the identity of national teams."

Spain star Villa is being lined up to replace Didier Drogba and Andriy Shevchenko.

But boss Grants future is not secure despite the fact they are in the title race and into the Champions League semi-finals.

Chairman Bruce Buck, asked if Grant would be boss next season, said: I think it is a yes or no question and I am not going to give you a yes or no answer.

Avram has a multi-year contract and hes our manager. Having said that, every manager, at every club, is judged by results.

Buck made his comments just a day after chief executive Peter Kenyon insisted the team had some way to go before playing the kind of football owner Roman Abramovich has demanded.

Grant has presided over the Carling Cup loss to Spurs as well as the humiliating FA Cup exit at Barnsley.

Buck stops with results

Buck added: We thought that when you change managers, you have to have some re-building. So we are unbelievably happy that we are here, where we are now.

We wished we would have beaten Barnsley and Tottenham and whatever, but I think we are reasonably happy with where we are now.

Thats the name of the game, results, and right now Avrams results are very good, so hes our manager.

The Blues are still planning ahead and are resigned to losing Drogba while Shevchenko is expected to return to AC Milan.

And Villa is their No 1 target to play up front alongside Nicolas Anelka next term.

  Contact has already been made with the 26-year-olds representative, who confirmed Villas desire to play in the Premier League.

The Spain international was originally wanted by Jose Mourinho two seasons ago.

Valencia refused to sell then but with the club struggling in 14th position in La Liga, they are now prepared to cash in to rebuild the squad.

Villa has averaged a goal every two games for his club this season despite their faltering form.

And with Drogba expected to join Inter Milan should Mourinho go there as
coach or Real Madrid, they need to recruit.

FRANK LAMPARD has been given a take it or leave it contract offer by Chelsea.

But the package falls short of the England midfielders pay demands and will only increase specualtion over his future at the club.

Lampard is keen to stay at Chelsea but feels his service over the past seven years means he should be the clubs highest-paid player.

Skipper John Terry currently holds that honour on £130,000 a week with Lamps on around £100,000.

Lampards advisors talked with Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon over the last 24 hours. But the clubs new offer came nowhere near what they want.

The Blues insist they will go no higher and have given the £11million buy from West Ham star just a few weeks to consider their proposal.

Lampard, 29, has only one season to run on his current contract and Chelsea dare not risk losing him on a Bosman free next summer.

The all-action midfielder is wanted by a cl**tch of top European clubs including Italian champions Inter Milan.

And he has seriously been considering his future recently.

The death of his mother, Pat, last month has totally changed his outlook and Lampard is keen to stay but only if Chelsea can meet his terms.

Lamps has been genuinely touched by the show of support from Chelseas hierarchy during his bereavement and it has helped heal a rift with boss Avram Grant.

The pair had a bust-up in the run-up to Februarys Carling Cup final defeat against Spurs.

But Grant, Kenyon and the entire Chelsea first-team squad paid their respects and turned out at his mums funeral last Friday in a show of support for the heartbroken star.

ALEX FERGUSON was up to his old tricks again on Friday.

The Manchester United boss, famed for his mind games, accused Boltons players of undermining the integrity of the Premier League.

Fergie claimed the Trotters spent all week celebrating their probable survival rather than preparing for a visit to Chelsea.

Bolton manager Gary Megson insists his team will give everything.

If Bolton lose, United must beat Wigan to be champions.

Fergie said: People are talking about Wigans integrity but no one has even mentioned Bolton. All we have seen is Wigan players saying how they will beat us. Fine, Ive no problem with that.

Then you hear about Bolton players out all week celebrating. Both teams are safe but one is all keyed up to play Manchester United and the other one is out celebrating.

The only thing that gives me confidence about Bolton is the manager, Gary Megson, and the assistant manager, Archie Knox. I have known Archie for many years at United and Aberdeen.

I wish he were playing on Sunday because he will not enjoy hearing about his players going out celebrating and neither will Gary Megson when there is such an important game in the offing.

Boltons players were in Manchesters city centre bar The Living Room on Monday.

But Trotters boss Megson insisted: The players were not celebrating. They went out together, which they have done in the past on Monday.

It wasnt in terms of a celebration or doing anything as we are not mathematically safe yet.

Since that point they have been preparing properly and I can assure Sir Alex and everybody else we will be going into the Chelsea game as prepared as we possibly can be.

Well be giving it everything we possibly can on the day I can assure Sir Alex of that.

I spoke to Sir Alex earlier in the week. I speak to him a lot. Sir Alex could never disappoint me as he is a good friend and we get on very well.

This is not the first time Ferguson has used mind games in a title run-in.

His latest comments echo those he made in 1996 which prompted Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan to blow up in a live TV interview and declare Id love it if we beat them! Love it!

Chelsea boss Avram Grant joked Fergie has learned mind games from the Israeli secret service. He said: Alex is friends with Mossad but nobody believes me.

a di last time mi a run this quiz and mi waa u gi detailed explaination. if u nuh kno bout footbll den nuh seh nuttn

The Premier League is preparing for one of the most dramatic days in the history of the competition.

The league title, Uefa Cup placings and the relegation issues will all be decided on the closing weekend of the 2007-08 season.

All 10 games will kick off simultaneously on Sunday at 1500 BST.

Manchester United need a victory at Wigan to clinch the championship, but if they fail to win Chelsea could pip them to the Premier League crown.

It is only the fourth time in the Premier League's history that the title has gone down to the last game of the season.

If Chelsea, who are at home to Bolton, match United's result then it will be the first time since 1989 that the English champions will be decided on goal difference.

Back then Arsenal beat Liverpool 2-0 at Anfield, coming from behind to clinch the league in the most dramatic finish in the 120-year history of the English top flight.

Up to 20,000 United fans are expected to make the short journey to the JJB Stadium, hoping that their side will not suffer the same fate.

An estimated 400m people worldwide will follow the drama at the top and bottom of the table.

We went into the game fully expecting to win because of the type of team we were

Liverpool's John Barnes relives previous final day dramas

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is looking to win his 10th league title and the club's 17th in total, just one behind their rivals Liverpool.

The club lost the title on the final day of the season in 1968 and 1995, but also won it on the last game in 1996 and 1999.

Ferguson said: "I speak to people abroad and they love the Premier League.

"That's why they show it all over the world. When we played Arsenal the match was seen in 200 countries.

"It is the most exciting league in the world. We are all looking forward to a nail-biting Sunday for the fans."

Chelsea manager Avram Grant took over the club in September and overcame a difficult start to take the club to the Champions League final and to within one game of the Premier League crown.

But he added: "Whatever happens on Sunday I will be very proud of what we have done this season.

"Alex said a few months ago it was the best Manchester United side since he's been coaching. We've given them a battle.

"If they take the title, and I'm not sure they will, it will be on goal difference.
"This is the most competitive league all over the world, so to come second here is better than in all the other leagues, with all due respect."

The two sides recently shared a hostile encounter at Stamford Bridge and will meet again in the Champions League final in Moscow on 21 May.

Grant has promised that no matter what happens on Sunday he will remain friends with Ferguson.

"I promised him an Israeli wine and we're going to drink it before the Champions League final," added Grant.

The top four sides all qualify for the Champions League next season and those places have already been sewn up by Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.

But a place in the Uefa Cup is still to be decided, with Everton needing a point at home to Newcastle to seal fifth place and European football.

Aston Villa go to West Ham waiting to pounce if Everton were to slip up.

Villa or Blackburn are the teams most likely to take the Intertoto Cup place, while Manchester City are in pole position to grab another Uefa Cup through the Fair Play league.

At the bottom things are even tighter with two teams to be relegated on the last day.

Derby are already down with a record low points total for a top flight team, with two from three joining them.

Birmingham and Reading go into the final game occupying the final two slots, on 32 and 33 points respectively.

But Fulham are only above the drop zone on goal difference and face a trip to eighth-placed Portsmouth on Sunday.

Reading look like having the easiest game away to Derby, who have only won once all season.

But the Royals have suffered an almighty slump after looking safe in March and have not even scored a goal in 551 minutes of football.

Reading skipper Graeme Murty summed up what slipping out of the top flight means to the clubs.

"You don't play Manchester United in the Championship. You don't play in front of 78,000 people, you go to Plymouth. Home Park's a lovely stadium, but it ain't Old Trafford," he said.

Birmingham are at home to seventh-placed Blackburn in their final game knowing even a win might not be enough to prevent them slipping back to the Championship after just one season.

There are likely to be ups and downs, winners and losers and you can follow all the action right here.

Inter Milan are considering a £30m move for Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o. 

Cristiano Ronaldo is not happy at Manchester United and is considering leaving this summer, with Real Madrid "waiting with open arms".

Liverpool describe as "fantasy" suggestions that they have had a bid from Inter Milan for Steven Gerrard.

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has agreed a three-year deal with AC Milan to link up with boss Jose Mourinho, who is likely to replace Carlo Ancelotti next season.

 

Chelsea are ready to bid £20m to take striker Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham. 

Man Utd are lining up a move for Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano who has scored 33 goals in 38 games for Sevilla this season. 

Ajax forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar will be a £16m target for Manchester United if they cannot lure Berbatov from Spurs.

Sunderland manager Roy Keane will have £50m to spend in the summer and is lining up bids for Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan, Celtic's Aiden McGeady and Manchester City captain Richard Dunne.

West Ham will make a move for Brazilian defender Diego Gaucho, currently with Portuguese club Gil Vicente. 

Aston Villa want Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann to replace Scott Carson, whose loan deal from Liverpool is about to end. burg's £15m-rated Belgian centre back Vincent Kompany. 

Wenger has also agreed a £16m deal to land Lyon winger Hatem Ben Arfa, beating Liverpool and Manchester United to his signature.

Defender Peter Ramage, who will leave Newcastle at the end of the season, is close to agreeing a three-year deal with managerless QPR. 

Sheffield United striker Rob Hulse is a £1.5m target for relegated Derby.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will not be at Stamford Bridge to see his side try and win the Premier League title against Bolton on Sunday. 

Alternatively, Abramovich has a private jet on standby for the three-and-a-half hour journey from Russia to London and will watch Chelsea on Sunday for the first time in 11 matches.

Michael Owen faces a £40,000-a-week wage cut after Newcastle owner Mike Ashley and manager Kevin Keegan struck a "fragile truce" on Friday. 

Frank Lampard has been given a "take it or leave it" offer on a new contract, with Inter Milan joining the queue of clubs keen to take the England midfielder. 

Lawrie Sanchez claims that Fulham would have guaranteed their survival by now if he was still in charge. 

Reading boss Steve Coppell has admitted he may leave the club if they are relegated to the Championship on Sunday. 

Man Utd and Chelsea still have 3,000 tickets available for the Champions League final in Moscow with fans struggling to find affordable flights and accommodation. 

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore remains convinced that his ideas for a 39th top flight game abroad will still go ahead. 

Liverpool co-owner George Gillett was in London on Friday night for informal talks with Dubai International Capital, the group hoping to buy the club.

Former Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren says Rangers will tire in the Uefa CUp final, just like his players did in the 2006 final when they lost 4-0 to Sevilla, due the number of games they have played in recent times.

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has urged his players to beat Hibs on Sunday and ensure the title race goes to the final day.

Falkirk midfielder Russell Latapy, who turns 40 in August, says he is enjoying his football more than ever and has not entertained thoughts of retiring.

Dundee United defender Lee Wilkie says he hopes his side exploit Rangers' title jitters in today's encounter at Ibrox. 

Sir Alex Ferguson has blasted the SPL for not helping ease Rangers' fixture congestion ahead of the Uefa Cup final. 

 

Man Utd striker Wayne Rooney and fiancee Coleen McLoughlin have left manager Sir Alex Ferguson on the bench by not inviting him to their wedding in Italy next month. 

Four Chelsea players - captain John Terry, Joe Cole, Ashley Cole and Steve Sidwell - have been pictured riding quad bikes along a busy road without helmets. The quartet were riding from their Cobham training ground in Surrey to a pub four miles away on Thursday.

Derby midfielder Robbie Savage has said it would an "amazing fairytale" if Blackburn beat Birmingham on Sunday and send them down. 

Rams boss Paul Jewell had Alex McLeish in stitches when he told the Birmingham manager that Derby would try to beat Reading on Sunday. He said: "I just said to Alex, 'The bad news is we're going to try our best'. At that point he collapsed!"

Fulham chairman Mohamed Al-Fayed has promised his players a £5,000 Harrods hamper if they avoid the drop. "I can't wait for my hamper. I'll be the first in the queue," said midfielder Jimmy Bullard. 

Fulham's Dejan Stefanovic says his side "will be lucky to get a point" in their must-win relegation decider against Portsmouth on Sunday. "It is a squad which can just about survive, if they are lucky," he says. "There isn't a lot of quality." 

Dundee United midfielder Willo Flood said he would have billed Rangers for £1,000 for his cancelled holiday - if the Ibrox club had been successful in their request to have today's match postponed.

amaica's 100m hurdles record holder, Brigitte Foster-Hylton, clocked a season best 12.56 seconds to win the event at the Doha Super Grand Prix yesterday. Foster-Hylton, the only Jamaican winner at the meet, beat America's Lolo Jones, 12.65 and her compatriot, Virginia Powell, 12.77. Lacena Golding-Clarke was fourth in 12.83.

In the men's 100m, Michael Frater (10.08) was third and Nesta Carter (10.10) behind winner Jaysuma Saidy Ndure of Norway who clocked 10.01. Chris Williams (20.91) and Ainsley Waugh (21.05) were third and fourth respectively in the 200m. The event was won in 20.08 by American LaShawn Merritt.

Olympic silver medallist, Danny McFarlane was pipped in the 400m hurdles by South African L.J. van Zyl. The winner clocked 49.03 with McFarlane just behind in 49.10.

National shot put champion Dorian Scott (20.58m) had to settle for fourth in the event won with a world-leading throw of 21.48m by American Reese Hoffa. Scott went into the meet as the world number one with a best of 21.45m.

It took less than 90 minutes for Allyson Felix to become the year's fastest woman in both the 100m and 400m.

The American ran inside eleven seconds for the first time and set a personal best of 10.93 in the 100m. She then outran all opponents with the same easy stride to take the 400m in 49.83, the first time a woman broke the 50-second mark this season.

"This is what I wanted to do, but I am tired," she said. "In the 100m, my start still needs to improve, but it is a lot better than it was."

In the 100m, Felix made the difference over the final 40m, dipping across the line to comfortably beat Sherone Simpson, 11.09. Sheri-Ann Brooks was third in 11.14.

In the 400m, Felix finished ahead of Shericka Williams, 50.50. Shereefa Lloyd (51.18) and Kaliese Spencer (51.48) were fourth and fifth respectively.

Chelsea Hammond was third in the long jump with 6.69m. Tatyana Kotova of Russia won with 6.83m.

American 110m hurdler David Oliver made sure he could not be counted out of the medal race in Beijing, winning in 12.95 seconds - just 0.07 off the world record set by China's Liu Xiang. Oliver's previous personal best was just 13.08. Oliver had ideal wind conditions to boost his time and make him the eighth best performer of all time.

WENGER DISAPPOINTED BY FLAMINI EXIT

By Jim van Wijk, PA Sport

Arsene Wenger is "disappointed" Mathieu Flamini did not share his vision for Arsenal's future, but is convinced there are enough "winners" left in the squad to prove him right next season.

The 24-year-old France midfielder, who was out of contract in the summer, earlier this week completed his long-anticipated move to AC Milan.

Arsenal had been keen to keep Flamini, who forged a strong partnership with Cesc Fabregas at the heart of the team, but not at any cost.

The Emirates Stadium club are understood to have offered Flamini - a player whom 12 months ago looked on his way out of the club - a lucrative new deal, worth around £55,000 a week.

Because he was a free agent, Flamini was able to get himself a better package elsewhere and rumours continue over whether Inter Milan target Alexander Hleb or indeed Fabregas will be at Emirates Stadium for the start of next season.

Wenger, though, insists Arsenal will not be held to ransom by anyone looking to force them to break the club's strict wages cap - and would not want anyone to stay unless it was to share his determination for success.

"It is a problem [the salaries on offer] but we did not master this situation [with Flamini] because when a player is out of contract he can sign where he wants," said Wenger, speaking at a forum for Arsenal's shareholders.

"I must say I am disappointed that he did that - but legally he can do it.

"But I hope that 95% of the team, the core of the team, says 'come on, we have only just lost'.

"And it is just, because we were leading at Manchester United, we were leading at Chelsea and we were leading at Liverpool in the Champions League - and every time we just lost a little bit of focus and lost the game.

"Let's come back and show we are winners. That is the real target of the team."

Wenger believes the experiences of the last nine months, when his side led the Barclays Premier League for long spells only to fade away, will leave his youngsters stronger for the challenges ahead next season.

"We were close this year, but we did not win and what I expect from my team is that, if you are a winner, you say 'let's come back next year and win'," the Arsenal manager said.

"If our players are not capable of doing that and just want to walk out for bigger contracts, for me that would be the biggest disappointment.

"If you are a winner you say 'you beat me now in a game but give me a chance to come back and beat you'. That's what I expect of a team.

"If they cannot do that then it means I was wrong completely in my whole judgement of this team.

"That would be the biggest disappointment for the club - not only to not win this year but to not be capable of coming back together."

Wenger insisted he did not want any more players to leave this summer, with Hleb reported to be ready to buy his freedom under new FIFA regulations of the Webster Clause.

The Arsenal manager has been less than impressed with other clubs talking up his players who are under contract.

The Arsenal manager insisted: "We want to keep Hleb, we want him to be part of our team next year.

"It is as simple as that. We have lost one player [Mathieu Flamini], we do not want to lose more."

Wenger added: "What people say about the buy-out clause, it is not as simple as it looks.

"It is much more difficult and the clubs are reluctant to do that [invoke the Webster Clause]."

Kobe Bryant added another honour yesterday to go with his MVP award, becoming the only unanimous selection to the All-NBA team.

The Lakers star was voted to the first team for the third straight season and sixth time in his career. He led Los Angeles to the best record in the Western Conference and was presented with the MVP trophy Wednesday before helping the Lakers to a 120-110 victory over Utah in Game 2 of the conference semi-finals.

Joining Bryant on the first team were New Orleans guard Chris Paul, who was three votes shy of being a unanimous pick, along with Boston's Kevin Garnett, Cleveland's LeBron James and Orlando centre Dwight Howard.

Garnett was a first-team pick for the fourth time and James made his second appearance. Paul and Howard were first-timers.

Voting was done by a panel of 127 sports writers and broadcasters, with points being awarded on a 5-3-1 basis.

Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash of Phoenix were voted to the second team along with San Antonio's Tim Duncan, Utah guard Deron Williams and Dallas forward Dirk Nowitzki. The third team consisted of Houston's Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, plus Utah's Carlos Boozer, Boston's Paul Pierce and the Spurs' Manu Ginobili, the league's top sixth man.

ARSENE WENGER was staring into an Arsenal abyss last night after Alex Hleb revealed he is the latest star to quit the club.

Hleb, 27, will buy out the final two years of his contract for £3million and join Inter Milan in the summer.

He follows Mathieu Flamini who snubbed a new Gunners deal to sign for AC Milan on a free.

Boss Wenger also faces a fight to keep Cesc Fabregas after Real Madrid confirmed this week the Spanish star is their No 1 target.

Hlebs agent, Nikolai Shpilevski, revealed the Belarus midfielder gave Wenger the news face- to-face yesterday.

Shpilevski said: Alex is preparing to make one of the most important moves of his life.

He is leaving even though Arsenal want to offer him a new long-term contract.

Only time will tell if it is the right decision but theres no way back now. Everything will be settled in the next two weeks.

Wenger is furious Inter publicly announced they wanted Hleb who cost Gunners £10m three years ago and could report the Italians to FIFA.

 

mi rate arsenal but i'm loving this, look like we'll be winning again next year

The analogy was humorous but poignant. At yesterday's awards ceremony for the Sherwin Williams Women's League, technical director of football René Simoes urged the women to show off their Mercedes-Benz. Simoes was using the luxury vehicle as a synonym for the confidence inside each player and brought the point home with one of his famous stories.

"There was once a man who had a beautiful Mercedes-Benz," the Brazilian began his analogy in his usual broken English. "But every day he would lock up his Mercedes in his garage and no one would see it, so who knew he had a Mercedes?"

"Your Mercedes-Benz," he said directly to the players, "is your confidence. Believe in yourself - you are all Mercedes."

Simoes was the guest speaker at the ceremony held at the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) office in New Kingston. Among the top teams for the season - Waterhouse (Premier League champs), Reno ('A' league champs) and Harbour View (knockout champs) - were a number of national players who will be in action in the coming weeks in various tournaments. Simoes' aim was to stroke their self-conviction, particularly the U-17 and U-20 teams that have tough CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers ahead of them.

"Without confidence you have nothing because you don't know who you are," Simoes said. "You have to discover the courage and confidence you have inside."

During his speech, the technical director drew reference to Jamaica's senior men's team that qualified for the 1998 World Cup in France, stating that the development of their self-belief was a critical ingredient to their success.

Simoes also had a similar experience while coaching Brazil's women team at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

"The girls always say that they discovered their self confidence and courage which led them to win silver in Athens, and then they go on to win the Pan American gold and silver at the World Cup," Simoes added.

The U-20 team will play in a CONCACAF World Championship qualifier between June 17-28 in Mexico, while the U-17 team will be in Trinidad and Tobago between July 17-26 for their qualifiers.

The U-15 girls will take part in a Caribbean tournament from July 30 - August 4 in Trinidad and Tobago.

JFF president Captain Horace Burrell pointed out that it is very costly to maintain four women's teams (including the senior team) but that "once I'm president I will make all opportunities available to the girls."

Chelsea v Bolton

Chelsea boss Avram Grant will make a late check on Ricardo Carvalho's back injury. Salomon Kalou has been carrying an ankle complaint but will be fit to start. Reserve keeper Carlo Cudicini has a hamstring injury.

Bolton boss Gary Megson is hoping midfield duo Joey O'Brien (hamstring) and Ivan Campo (calf) will be passed fit. Keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and defenders Ricardo Gardner and Nicky Hunt remain sidelined.

Chelsea: Cech, Hilario, Belletti, Ferreira, Carvalho, Alex, Ben-Haim, Terry, A Cole, Bridge, J Cole, Ballack, Essien, Lampard, Wright-Phillips, Malouda, Kalou, Anelka, Drogba, Shevchenko, Obi, Makelele.

Bolton: Al Habsi, Samuel, Andrew O'Brien, Cahill, Steinsson, Nolan, Campo, Giannakopoulos, McCann, Joey O'Brien, Guthrie, Taylor, Davies, Rasiak, Diouf, Walker, Fojut, Cohen, Alonso, Helguson.

===================================================

Wigan v Man Utd

Midfielder Kevin Kilbane (back) will sit it out after being told to rest by boss Steve Bruce. Mario Melchiot and Erik Edman remain sidelined through injury.

Nemanja Vidic returns after suffering concussion during the defeat at Chelsea. Wayne Rooney may be on the bench after a recurrence of his hip problem in the same game, while Nani is suspended after being sent off against West Ham last weekend.

Wigan: Kirkland, Taylor, Scharner, Boyce, Valencia, Brown, Palacios, Koumas, Bent, Heskey, King, Sibierski, Skoko, Pollitt, Bramble, Figueroa, Hagen, Aghahowa, Olembe.

Manchester United: Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Foster, Neville, Hargreaves, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Pique, O'Shea, Evra, Silvestre, Ronaldo, Fletcher, Carrick, Scholes, Anderson, Giggs, Park, Tevez, Rooney.

It doesn't get any closer than this. With Manchester United and Chelsea tied on points, the Premier League title will be decided Sunday on the final day of the season.

United only need to beat Wigan on Sunday to secure their 17th English title - and 10th in the Premier League - because of their large goal difference of 17 over Chelsea.

"As long as we're controlling our destiny, I don't think we need worry too much," Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves said. "We've got 90 minutes to play and it's a great position to be in. We've had no mid-week game so we've put in some good training and hopefully we will be ready for the weekend."

Sunday, May 11, 2008
Home			Visitor		Status	Stadium
	Chelsea	vs.	Bolton Wanderers		10:00 AM	Stamford Bridge
	Derby County	vs.	Reading		10:00 AM	Pride Park
	Everton	vs.	Newcastle United		10:00 AM	Goodison Park
	Middlesbrough	vs.	Manchester City		10:00 AM	Riverside Stadium
	Sunderland	vs.	Arsenal		10:00 AM	Stadium Of Light
	Tottenham Hotspur	vs.	Liverpool		10:00 AM	White Hart Lane
	West Ham United	vs.	Aston Villa		10:00 AM	Upton Park
	Portsmouth	vs.	Fulham		10:00 AM	Fratton Park
	Birmingham City	vs.	Blackburn Rovers		10:00 AM	St. Andrews
	Wigan Athletic FC	vs.	Manchester United		10:00 AM	JJB Stadium

which one of these team u think going to wimuefa champions league

BARCELONA have sacked boss Frank Rijkaard after disasterous season.

The Dutchman was on thin ice after Barca lost their Champions League semi-final to Manchester United and finished third in La Liga.

But a stunning 4-1 loss to bitter rivals Real Madrid last night was the final straw for the Catalan club.

Rijkaard won the Spanish league title twice and Champions League once during his four years in charge.

He will be replaced this summer by ex-Barca midfielder and current reserves coach Pep Guardiola.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u7YGSZxAOA

-- Edited by lyndo bwoy at 13:21, 2008-05-08

Rooney Unleashed!

Madrid, which clinched the title on Sunday, improved its record against its arch rival to 68-30-58 and only one loss their last seven meetings. It climbed to 81 points atop the table, 10 better than Villarreal and 17 ahead of third-placed Barcelona.

Jose Maria "Guti" Gutierrez lost possession trying to get by Rafael Marquez in the 13th minute and Raul pounced on the loose ball to shoot past goalkeeper Victor Valdes.

Barcelona's defense was to blame when Robben ran clear through in the 21st to meet Guti's free kick. Gonzalo Higuain, who scored the clinching goal in Sunday's 2-1 victory against Osasuna, added another in the 63rd - less than a minute after replacing Robben.

Substitute Van Nistelrooy converted a penalty in the 78th while Thierry Henry tallied a consolation goal for Barcelona with three minutes remaining.

Barcelona's defeat likely will add to speculation that Frank Rijkaard will not remain as manager of the Catalan club following a second straight season with out a trophy.

Adhering to tradition, Barcelona honored the champion as Real Madrid entered the Santiago Bernabeu field - the first time in 20 years the Catalans have formed the passage of honor for their longtime rivals.

Souce: http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/8105654/La-Liga-Roundup,-May-7

MANCHESTER UNITED have bid £15.8million for Portugal right-back Jose Bosingwa.

It was revealed that Porto received the offer yesterday but want no less than £22m.

United boss Alex Ferguson sees him as the successor to Gary Neville.

Bosingwa, 25, is similar in style to Patrice Evra and a £55k-a-week deal with the player and his agent has been agreed.

Fergie first made a move in January and No2 Carlos Queiroz was sent to open talks.

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has revealed that the Rossoneri are close to signing Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini.
The 24-year-old midfielder, currently sidelined by an ankle problem, has yet to agree a new deal with the Gunners and is out of contract at the end of the season, meaning he could walk away from the Emirates Stadium in the summer with Milan waiting to pounce.

Galliani said: "Flamini will arrive tonight in Milan and will sign a four year contract."

Flamini is expected to undergo a medical on Monday.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger admitted on Sunday after his side's 1-0 win over Everton that he is "not super-confident" Flamini will still be at Arsenal next season.

Wenger expects the matter to be resolved early this week, but it is understood Flamini said his goodbyes to some staff as he left the car park after Sunday's win.

"Frankly, I don't know," said the Arsenal manager when asked about Flamini's future. "But if you ask me was I overall super-confident, I would say no.

"He has an offer on the table which is valid until Monday, then we will see.

"I am not confident, but also not worried. The situation is not in my hands.

"We have done what we had to do, it is now down to him to make a decision."

Wenger insists the matter has to be resolved one way or another.

"At some stage you have to make a decision and if he goes we have to look at our options," said the Arsenal boss.

"We can't wait until July. You could lose players if they come on the market.

"My ideal solution is that he stays, so I am not happy if he goes - but we've done everything we can."

Another player whose future could be resolved in the summer is veteran midfielder Gilberto, while goalkeeper Jens Lehmann is set to leave following an emotional farewell at the Emirates when the German came on as a second-half substitute.

Wenger said: "I would like Gilberto to stay, but I will have to sit down with him to see what he wants to do, and we go from there.

"He is a fantastic guy with a professional attitude. We won trophies with him and Jens because they are fantastic people."

Wenger added: "We will keep 95 per cent of the squad, but we might lose one or two."

"It's a long walk. Those who have done it say it can be a harrowing experience just making your way to the penalty spot. For a footballer, there can be few trips in life as significant as the 60 metre path towards a moment that will remain with you as long as you live. Like the walk down the aisle to be married or the s****re march to say a final goodbye to a loved one who has died..."

• I WROTE those words with Frank Lampard as we were completing his autobiography just after Englands exit from the 2006 World Cup.

They have never been more poignant than this week.

On Wednesday night, he showed extraordinary courage to step up and take the extra-time penalty against Liverpool which helped put Chelsea into the Champions League final.

Today, he will join his father, sisters and family and bury his mother. Pat Lampard died of pneumonia last Thursday, aged 58. Her passing has left a huge gap in a family with football at its very heart.

Husband Frank snr supported their son at Stamford Bridge, as he has at every match the midfield star has played for Chelsea since signing in June 2001.

Pat Lampard travelled home and away to most of the games as well. Her absence from the semi-final, second leg cut deepest when Frank jnr turned to the stand to dedicate his goal to his parents and saw only one.

Moments in sport which c****ine fierce competition and personal tragedy are rare. That is why everyone inside the ground drew a sharp breath when they saw Lampard collect the ball after Italian referee Roberto Rosetti awarded the 98th-minute spot-kick.

His mums illness became news because of his public profile. Her death meant even an emotion as private as mourning must be in the spotlight.

On Tuesday night, Lampard decided he would NOT face Liverpool. But after much soul-searching, he then told Blues boss Avram Grant at 11.30 on the morning of the game that he had changed his mind.

Having committed himself to his team-mates, there was no way he would then turn his back on his responsibilities.

The fear and anxiety that filled the stadium around him never struck Lampard. Penalties are his duty.

Not one team-mate flinched as he placed the ball on the spot. Not even Michael Ballack, who scored a vital one against Manchester United in Lampards absence last weekend.

Yet the emotion released as the ball hit the net was the start of the sadness for him.

Job done, he could start to grieve properly. And while everyone else danced and celebrated at the final whistle, he walked around in front of each stand applauding the fans for the magnificent support they had shown him.

There was no thought of the elation he had given them, only what he has now lost.

A couple of years ago, I had a long chat with Pat Lampard about her son. She told me that when he was 14, he came home after a match where his team had been beaten and in which he had not played well.

The doting mum tried to bring him round without success. She said that, after a while, she realised it was not defeat which upset him most.

It was the thought he had let down his family and team-mates by performing badly.

She smiled as she remembered her pride that her son valued other people more than his own or his teams success.

That is why the five steps Frank took before beating Pepe Reina to deliver Chelsea towards one of the most historic moments in their history look easy compared to the journey he must make today.

As Blues keeper Petr Cech summed up: He just showed what a love for the game he has. This was the best way to honour his mum. She would have loved to see him in the final. Hes a really brave lad.

That he is. But much more important, he is a good son.

Harry Redknapp watched proudly at home with wife Sandra, Pats sister, as his nephew slotted in the vital penalty.

The Portsmouth manager said: Frank showed what he always has, great courage. He had amazing character to pick a ball up and take that penalty under such pressure.

Anyone can take a penalty when you are two or three-up. But you are talking about the semi-final of the Champions League at 1-1. The self-belief he has separates good players from ordinary players.

I was praying he would score but you knew he would. It was great for him and we are all very proud of him.

REAL MADRID have admitted defeat in their bid to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United.

The Spanish giants now accept there is no way they could convince the Red Devils to sell the Portuguese superstar.

Madrid President Ramon Calderon said: "Ronaldo is Manchester United player and they are not a selling club. He's not for sale so I think you have to accept that.

"Players like him, we would all like to sign them, like Manchester or Milan would love some of our players or those of Barcelona. But they are where they are and that's it - we have to accept it."

And Ronaldo's best pal Gabriel Heinze has insisted the winger will not leave Manchester United as long as Alex Ferguson stays at Old Trafford.

Former United star Heinze now plays for Real but is adamant the 38-goal winger does not want to leave the Red Devils.

Two weeks ago, it was exclusively revealed that Ronaldo is set to sign a new deal at United which will keep the Spanish giants at bay.

And Argentine ace Heinze, who formed a close friendship with Ronaldo in his three years at Old Trafford, said: "I would sign Cristiano Ronaldo but it's impossible. While Cristiano continues at this level and knowing Alex Ferguson, it's very difficult for Madrid to sign him because he's going through glorious moments in Manchester.

"Ferguson was the man who discovered him and who allowed him to play at the highest level.

"While Ferguson is at United there will be little chance of him leaving.

"I wish I could play with him again here in Madrid. He's always spoken well of Madrid but in Manchester he's growing with gigantic steps and it's normal that he does not want to change teams. He's still young and he has a lot of time to come to this team."

Usain Bolt speaks to reporters after running an astonishing 9.76 seconds to win the men's 100m at the Jamaica International Invitational Track Meet at the National Stadium on Saturday night. Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

 

USAIN Bolt rocketed to number two on the all-time 100 metres list when he produced a fantastic 9.76 seconds run on Saturday night to blow away his rivals in the men's 100 metres, and stun more than 12,000 spectators who turned up at the National Stadium for the fifth running of the Jamaica International Invitational meet.

Many were awestruck by the acceleration from the tall, far-striding Bolt from 50 metres out. Then, with the crowd giving him a standing ovation, he took a victory lap around the stadium.

American Darvis Patton was a distant second in 10.08, with Antigua and Barbuda's Daniel Bailey third in 10.12. Wallace Spearmon, the American who was expected to be Bolt's main rival, was never in the race and placed fifth in 10.13.

Bolt's time, run with a following wind of 1.8 metres per second (mps), just below the legal limit of 2.0 mps, placed him just below Asafa Powell, who holds the world record 9.74 set in Rieti, Italy, on September 9 last year.

Powell, however, lost two records to Bolt. Saturday's time beat the meet and Stadium record 9.84 Powell clocked in winning the event at the 2005 renewal.

Unbelievable

The 21-year-old Bolt and his coach Glen Mills were just as surprised as everyone else about the final time. Bolt's personal best going into the Saturday's event was a modest 10.03.

"I knew that I was coming here to do under 10 seconds as my training was going pretty well," Bolt said.

"During the race, I really did not know I was going that fast. I was looking at 9.80 or 9.85," said Bolt, who added that he had no lofty expectations going into the meet but was "... just coming here and looking forward to going under 10 seconds flat."

He was unsure whether he can break Powell's world record.

"I don't know ... the night was just right, everything was just perfect, so you never know, this might just be one good race, but I am hoping it's not.

Always an honour

"I am going back to the drawing board and try to perfect the race better than I did tonight," he said, while adding that it's always an honour to have a world record.

Flashing a broad smile, Mills said the fact that Bolt appeared to ease up just before crossing the line stunned him even more.

"I expected him to run about 9.80 but what surprised me was that he appeared to have eased up in the last part, so when I heard the time ... It's fantastic.

"In training he was showing me that he was going to run a fast time. I had him at low 9.80s but I guess with the adrenaline and so forth ..."

World double sprint champion, American Tyson Gay, who won Saturday's 200m in 20.00, also had high praise for Bolt, the man he beat to win gold in the half-lap event in Osaka last year.

"Bolt is very talented and that 100m was amazing," Gay said after completing his event.

Mills, a legendary local sprint coach whose most famous charge before this was many-time world and Olympic 100m finalist Raymond Stewart, said Bolt is scheduled to run "two more 100m races and a 200m" before next month's National Championships.

Bolt will run the 100m at the Hampton Games in Trinidad and Tobago, on May 17, and at the Reebok meet in New York on May 31. He will then compete in the 200m at the Golden Spike Grand Prix in Ostrava, Czech Republic, on June 12.

THIERRY HENRY has delivered the ultimate insult to Manchester United fans by saying they do not compare to Liverpools.

The former Arsenal striker taunted Old Traffords prawn sandwich brigade by claiming the atmosphere at Anfield the ground Red Devils fans hate the most is much hotter than at United.

Ahead of Tuedays Champions League showdown, Barcelona star Henry also claimed United will be feeling under enormous pressure after the weekend loss to Chelsea which threatens to ruin a season that promised so much.

He said: Old Trafford is not like Anfield, that has an incredible atmosphere. It will be a crucial game for them after playing at Chelsea, especially knowing they wont find it easy to play against us.

United boss Alex Ferguson has blasted the clubs supporters in the past for not making enough noise on European nights.

And former skipper Roy Keane famously accused United fans of being more interested in scoffing prawn sandwiches than supporting the team.

United were criticised for being too defensive in the goalless first leg but Henry insisted they had simply been outclassed by Barca.

He added: It was not a surprise to see United play like that.

There were times when they wanted to play but they couldnt. Its not easy to come to the Camp Nou and play better than us. They wanted to but they couldnt.

Henry taunted Fergie by reminding him of Uniteds quarter-final loss to Monaco 10 years ago.

The French striker said: I remember we drew 0-0 at home and people were saying we were out.

But we showed you can score a goal at old Trafford and we finished 1-1 and we went through.

Monaco are not one of Europes big clubs and to go to the semi-final and also score at Old Trafford was incredible.

 

They were a different team but still Manchester United they won the League that season.

Now they have more players who are famous. But then they had Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Teddy Sheringham.

This time I am confident we will go through if we play at our level.

Its true that in the second leg at Old Trafford we will see a different United. We will have more open spaces to exploit but they can also pose a threat.

Stoke in 'big time' as Foxes flounder

Stoke joined champions West Brom in the Premier League as Leicester were relegated, while Crystal Palace and Watford secured play-off places
  Pulis' outfit produced a typically gritty performance as they battled to a goalless draw at the Britannia Stadium which clinched the Championship's second automatic promotion place.

Leicester defender Richard Stearman's header hit the bar for the visitors in the 82nd minute but Stoke dominated the clash and the although the final whistle was delayed after a premature pitch invasion, the Potters fans were eventually able to celebrate their return to the top flight after a 23-year absence.

Ian Holloway's side were relegated after Southampton claimed a dramatic 3-2 home win over Sheffield United thanks to a brace of goals from Stern John, who was later sent off.

Stephen Quinn (23) had given the Blades, who still had an outside chance of making the play-offs heading into the match, the lead.

Marek Saganowski equalised for the Saints three minutes before half-time and John then grabbed his first goal of the match in the 53rd minute.

United substitute Jonathan Stead levelled matters in the 65th minute but John smashed the ball home from inside the penalty area four minutes later to score the decisive goal.

John was then sent off with 10 minutes left for a second bookable offence to set up a tense finale - but Nigel Pearson's side hung on to avoid the drop.

Alan Lee's 70th-minute winner give Ipswich a 1-0 win over Hull at Portman Road - a result which suited neither side in the end as the hosts failed to make the play-offs.

The Tigers will now face Watford in the play-off semi-finals after the Hornets were held to a 1-1 draw by Blackpool at *la*hmfield Road.

Ben Burgess broke the deadlock in the second minute and Watford's plight looked difficult after Darius Henderson was sent off in the 60th minute for a second bookable offence.

But Tommy Smith's equaliser two minutes later ensured Adrian Boothroyd's side finished sixth, ahead of Wolves on goal difference.

Mick McCarthy's side had claimed a 1-0 win over Plymouth thanks to Seyi Olofinjana's 87th-minute winner - but it left them agonisingly one goal behind Watford in the table.

Crystal Palace secured a play-off meeting with Bristol City in emphatic fashion with a 5-0 thrashing of 10-man Burnley at Selhurst Park.

The Clarets had Clarke Carlisle sent off for a foul on Scott Sinclair inside the penalty area and Ben Watson converted the resulting spot-kick in the eighth minute.

It was all Palace from then onwards as Victor Moses (10), Tom Soares (37), Sinclair (61) and Clinton Morrison (65) found the net for Neil Warnock's side.

West Brom were crowned champions after they eased to a 2-0 win at 10-man QPR.

Martin Rowlands was sent off in the 37th minute and Albion made the extra man count as goals from Do-heon Kim (53) and Chris Brunt (77) saw them home at Loftus Road.

Sheffield Wednesday made sure of their survivial with a 4-1 victory over Norwich in Dion Dublin's final game.

Darren Huckerby had given the Canaries a ninth-minute lead but a brace from Deon Burton, including a 23rd-minute penalty, and a goal apiece from Ben Sahar (76) and Leon Clarke (87) saw the Owls home.

Chris Coleman breathed a huge sigh of relief after his Coventry side stayed up despite their 4-1 defeat by Charlton at The Valley.

Luke Varney (four), Andy Gray (19), Grant Basey (48) and Chris Powell (86) were on target for the Addicks while Michael Mifsud (20) netted a consolation for the Sky Blues.

Elsewhere, Bristol City confirmed a fourth-placed finish after goals from Lee Trundle (eight), Michael McIndoe (16) and David Noble (51) gave them a 3-0 home victory over Preston.

Cardiff warmed up for the FA Cup final with a 3-0 win over Barnsley, the team they edged out in the semi-finals last month, at Ninian Park.

Goals from Paul Parry (44), Kevin McNaughton (49) and Joe Ledley (63) gave Dave Jones' side a comfortable victory over the Tykes.

Relegated Scunthorpe and Colchester ended their Championship campaigns with a six-goal thriller which finished at Glanford Park as Paul Hayes (67, 82) and Kevin McLeod (11, 48) both scored two goals apiece. Jonathan Forte (15) and Scott Vernon (47) were the other players on the scoresheet as the match finished 3-3.

The AC Milan footballer has been recovering after surgery in Brazil

Brazilian football star Ronaldo has been caught up in a sex scandal with three cross-dressing prostitutes.

Having dropped off his girlfriend at her house in Rio de Janeiro on Monday night, the footballer picked up three prostitutes.

When they all booked into a motel, Ronaldo discovered that the prostitutes were in fact men.

According to Rio police, he alleges that the transvestites then tried to extort money from him.

Local press reports quoted one of the prostitutes, Andreia Albertine - otherwise known as Andre Luiz Ribeiro Albertino - as saying that Ronaldo had threatened to hit him, on discovering that he was a transvestite.

'Extortion'

Ronaldo "reported that Andreia had taken his car documents and demanded $30,000 [£15,000]", said Rio police superintendent Carlos Augusto Nogueira.

Albertino took the footballer's documents, police said Ronaldo alleged

He added: "Ronaldo admits the facts. He said he just wanted to amuse himself, that's not a crime. To pay to have sexual relations isn't illegal.

"There's a strong chance that Ronaldo has been the victim of extortion."

When the footballer refused to pay the prostitute, the latter claimed that Ronaldo had taken drugs, and had threatened to hurt the three transvestites.

Under Brazilian law, while pimping sex workers and running establishments where sex is sold are illegal, prostitution itself is not.

In a statement Ronaldo is reported to have denied ever using drugs, and reiterated that he was a victim of extortion.

The three-time Fifa world footballer of the year is in Brazil recovering from knee surgery.

He told police he was having some psychological problems linked to his injury.

im pullin for the hawks still, but boston at home, i dont see them losing

Manchester United vs Chelsea         At Moscow May 21,2008 ,Dont miss it



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the last leg of this race is amazing. bad. watch it to the end. manchester bad

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