Monday, 13 January 2014

Star trio vie for women’s award

Star trio vie for women’s award
© FIFA.com
With a 35-year-old, a 33-year-old and a five-time winner in the running this year, the FIFA's Women's Player of the Year award for 2013 is sure to be won by a true stalwart of the female game.
The nominees hail from three different continents, and bring very different talents to their respective sides. However, what Nadine Angerer, Marta and Abby Wambach all have in common is a lengthy history of sterling service to their clubs, national teams and the sport as a whole.
With next month’s FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala drawing ever closer, FIFA.com takes a closer look at this all-star trio vying for women’s football’s top individual honour.
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 35
Represents: Germany & Brisbane Roar (AUS) 
Profile: A dependable and often inspirational keeper whose shot-stopping ability and organisational skills have seen her set the standard for her position in the women’s game.
Greatest achievements: Football being a team sport, Angerer would quite rightly list her two FIFA Women’s World Cups™ (2003, 2007) and five consecutive UEFA Women’s EURO titles. This year, though, also saw her pick up a notable personal honour as the first-ever recipient of the UEFA Best Women’s Player in Europe Award. 
2013 highlight: A remarkable match-winning performance in the EURO final in which she saved two penalties en route to a clean sheet, a 1-0 win over Norway and yet another European title. 
Quote: “Nadine was our best player. She is the reason why we are European champions,” Bianca Schmidt, Germany team-mate.

Position: Forward
Age: 27
Represents: Brazil & Tyreso (SWE)
Profile: A quick, skilful and dynamic player who emerged as the finest natural talent of her generation.
Greatest achievements: Marta’s tally of five FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year awards, all won between 2006 and 2010, is a record that speaks for itself. The Brazilian is also the joint-leading scorer inFIFA Women’s World Cup history with 14 goals, and will hope to move past Birgit Prinz and take sole ownership of that record at Canada 2015.
2013 highlight: This has been a year in which the 27-year-old has once again established herself in the demanding Swedish Damallsvenskan and, more recently, led Tyreso to the first UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final in their history.
Quote: “Marta has always been my idol on the pitch, and still is. She has always been there for the team and scored important goals,” Veronica Boquete, Tyreso team-mate.

Position: Striker
Age: 33
Represents: USA & Western New York Flash
Profile: A prolific yet unselfish centre-forward who blends awesome physical attributes with intelligence, courage and a supreme eye for goal. 
Greatest achievements: As well as being the reigning FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year, and the first American recipient in a decade, Wambach is a six-time winner of US Soccer’s Athlete of the Year award. On the team front, she has won two Olympic gold medals, the first of which she helped secure at Athens 2004 with a dramatic 112th-minute winner in the final against Brazil. 
2013 highlight: An Algarve Cup with USA and a NWSL Shield with her club, Western New York Flash, made this a productive year for the striker. Her headline-grabbing moment arrived in June, though, when she surpassed idol Mia Hamm’s long-standing scoring record of 158 and became the highest scorer in the history of international football. 
Quote: “I don't think there's anybody comparable in women's football to Abby. Worldwide, she's in a class of her own. Nobody even comes close," Tom Sermanni, USA coach.
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Candidates and stars have their say

Candidates and stars have their say
© Getty Images
“Do I deserve to win it? Maybe I do, just like I did last year or two years ago. I think I deserve to win the Ballon d’Or every year.” Cristiano Ronaldo, who figures on the FIFA Ballon d’Or shortlist for the sixth time in the last seven years.
“It’s a pleasure to be among the three finalists and it makes me very proud. To my mind team awards are the ones that really count, but it’s always nice to be recognised. And if I don’t win the Ballon d’Or, then it won’t be the end of the world either.”
Leo Messi, who is aiming to win his fifth consecutive FIFA Ballon d’Or.

“I’m going to carry on being happy whether I win or not. I’m just pleased to be among the contenders with Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi.”
Franck Ribery, who is on the three-man shortlist for the very first time.

“All three deserve to win the Ballon d’Or, but I think it should go to Santa Claus.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic expresses his inimitable view on who should win the award.

“He’s deserved to win it before and it would be very unfair if he doesn’t come away with it this time. No matter what happens, he’s still the best player in the world. I’m absolutely sure of that. ”
Portugal coach Paulo Bento gives his backing to his compatriot Cristiano.

“Franck should fly to Zurich with a big smile on his face and enjoy it. It’s not easy to get that far and he should enjoy the moment. All three are incredible players, and I’m just happy that it’s not up to me.”
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola assesses Franck Ribery’s chances of winning.

“If you ask me, Cristiano Ronaldo is still the best. Messi might not like it and he might come up and tell me: ‘You never vote for me’. But I didn’t vote for him because I think Cristiano deserves it, especially this year.”
Former Portugal and current Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.

“I’m going for Messi because he deserves it, because of what he represents for us and because he’s a team-mate and friend of mine.”
Barcelona player Andres Iniesta.

“Whether he wins the Ballon d’Or or not, Messi is still the best player in the world. There’s no one else like him.”
Jordi Alba, Messi’s team-mate at Barça.

“Franck Ribery has obviously had a fantastic season with Bayern, while Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi andCristiano Ronaldo have all stood out as well. That said, I think it’s Ribery’s turn this time, because he’s the one who won the lot with his club last season.” 
Former Germany, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Andreas Moller.

“Personally I’d like to see Messi win the trophy, though I have to admit that Cristiano Ronaldo deserves it.”
Former Brazil star Rivaldo, who played for Barcelona.

“I’d give the Ballon d’Or to Leo Messi, and if he doesn’t get it then I hope it goes to Ribery. Cristiano Ronaldo? He comes after Messi and Franck.”
Xavi Hernandez reveals his one-two-three for the FIFA Ballon d’Or.

“I’m Portuguese and I hope Cristiano wins, for all he’s done in the last few seasons. He’s been absolutely amazing and he keeps on getting better. He’s a polite person and he’s still young. Whenever I’ve seen him and worked with him, he’s always struck me as someone who sets objectives for himself. He has a burning ambition to achieve them too. He deserves this award.” 
Current Maccabi Tel Aviv coach and ex-Portugal international Paulo Sousa.

“They’re the top two players in the world, but I’d give it to Messi for his skill.”
Former Brazil international Ronaldo on Cristiano, Messi and who should win the FIFA Ballon d’Or.

“I think Ribery has had a truly sensational year. He won everything with his club, scored some very important goals and played in all the big games. Frank is a great kid and he’s vital to Bayern and France. You mentioned Cristiano and Messi. Leo’s stats in helping Barça win the league were amazing, while Cristiano didn’t win anything. He ran a lot, fought as hard as anyone, but he didn’t win a single trophy. The logical thing would be for Ribery to get the nod.” 
Former Germany international Paul Breitner gives his views on who should win the award.

“I think Cristiano Ronaldo is going to win the Ballon d’Or because of the way he’s playing. Ribery is playing really well too, but Cristiano is in fantastic form and he deserves it.” 
Jefferson Farfan of Peru and Schalke 04.
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Fulham attacker Bryan Ruiz on verge of Dutch return with PSV Eindhoven

Fulham, the, in, to, for
 Sky sources understand Fulham attacker Bryan Ruiz is close to sealing a return to Holland with PSV Eindhoven.
The Costa Rica international had been linked with a move to Real Betis this week, but it appears that PSV have stolen a march on the La Liga side in the race to sign the forward.
The 28-year-old is no longer considered a regular in the Fulham line-up and has not featured for the west London club since the club's 6-0 defeat to Hull on December 28.
Ruiz moved to Fulham from Dutch Eredivise side FC Twente on transfer deadline day in the summer of 2011 for an undisclosed fee.
He began his career in his homeland of Costa Rica before moving to Gent in 2006. After three years with the Belgian side he moved to Twente where he scored 35 goals in 65 appearances.
He worked under former England manager Steve McClaren during his time in Holland and helped FC Twente win the championship for the first time in their history in 2010.
Ruiz has scored once in 12 Premier League matches for Fulham this season.
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Everton defender Antolin Alcaraz is sidelined with a muscle problem

Everton, the, to, of, a
Everton defender Antolin Alcaraz is expected to be out of action for the rest of the month after suffering muscle fatigue.
The Paraguay international missed Saturday's 2-0 victory over Norwich City at Goodison Park as a result of the problem.
Alcaraz had recently returned to the Everton side, featuring in the previous three games following a lengthy absence.
The 31-year-old had sat out five months having undergone surgery on a hernia problem sustained in pre-season.
Alcaraz will almost certainly be unavailable for the trip to West Bromwich Albion on 20 January, and could miss the FA Cup tie at Stevenage and the derby clash with Liverpool at Anfield.
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Sunday, 12 January 2014

Jose Mourinho says Chelsea striker Fernando Torres is enjoying his football again

Chelsea, his, the, he, for
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes Fernando Torres is enjoying his football again after scoring in the last two Premier League games.
The Spanish striker has rarely hit the heights of his Liverpool days during his three years at Stamford Bridge but remains a key part of Mourinho's plans.
Just four of his eight goals this season have come in the Premier League but Mourinho is happy with Torres' contribution after his goal wrapped up the 2-0 victory at Hull on Saturday.
"Fernando scored against Southampton, now he has scored again. He is enjoying his football more than the last couple of years," said Mourinho.
"The goals are coming and he is doing what we want him to do: press defenders, hold the ball, wait for support, get behind defenders and he scored.
"It is important for him but more important for us."
The Portuguese credits Chelsea supporters for continuing to back Torres during his less successful times but has not been surprised by their attitude after seeing similar support for a struggling striker during his first spell at the club.
"Chelsea fans are like this. I remember in 2004 when we had Mateja Kezman and he scored his first (league) goal in December, but every time playing at Stamford Bridge people were supporting him," he said.
"It helps players, especially in a difficult moment. Players do not feel the heat when things are not going well for them."
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7 Premier League truths – Liverpool, City and Hazard warnings

1. Liverpool fans with high blood pressure might not last the season
Liverpool's thrilling eight goal victory over Stoke City was a rollercoaster ride to say the least. They bounced from looking like genuine title contenders to a side that will struggle to make the Europa League every couple of minutes.
The likelihood is they are something in between and their supporters can expect to see plenty more 'basketball games' like this before the end of the season, especially away from Anfield. Their defence looked all over the place against Stoke, while goalkeeper Simon Mignolet seems to have suffered a mini-crisis of confidence since Christmas. The fact that Liverpool have now conceded two or more goals in seven of their last eight Premier League away games is an alarming statistic.
However, with Luis Suarez at the fulcrum, there are few attacks that purr so loud, and Liverpool will never be out of a game with such devastating weapons going forward. These were three big, big points – a win you suspect Brendan Rodgers' men would not have dug out last season.
Such schizophrenic performances from the Reds should lead to plenty more excitement before the end of the season. It'll be great for neutrals; not so much for Liverpool fans with dodgy tickers.
2. Title hopefuls beware: Manchester City just picked up their most important three points of the season
Should Cheick Tiote's strike have counted? Probably. Were Manchester City lucky to win at Newcastle? Absolutely! However, win they did, and it is in these types of games that titles are won and lost.
Ruthless thrashings at home are all well good but Manchester City look to have fixed the two big problems that threatened to wreck their title bid – their goalkeeper and their away form.
With their dual Achilles' heels seemingly fixed, City now look ominously convincing. No wonder bookies have slashed them to evens to win the league.
Manuel Pellegrini's decision to drop, and then reinstate, Joe Hart is looking like a masterstroke. When the England keeper was at his previous best he looked cocky, but now he just looks confident. Hart started to believe his own hype and it bit him on the bum, but his spell on the sidelines looks to have taught him a valuable lesson. He is now playing for his team, and his place in it, rather than his reputation.
Meanwhile, a more pragmatic approach on the road is paying dividends. Attacking football remains Plan A, but Pellegrini is willing to tweak when required as his substitutes at St James' Park illustrated. City are now seven games unbeaten on the road – not bad for a team that 'doesn't travel well.'
3. Adnan Januzaj is already one of Manchester United’s very best players
Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie were both missing for Manchester United’s home game against Swansea. But inspiring another defeat for David Moyes, the absence of two such key players for Saturday’s game allowed the brilliant young Adnan Januzaj to demonstrate his deep, deep potential once again.
In a United team that is struggling to win points for artistic impression, this fearless 18-year-old – who has three goals and two assists this season – continues to provide invention and daring, and both of the two goals in the 2-0 win came following one of his crosses.
Januzaj’s emergence has been one of the most positive aspects of Moyes’s reign – even if his huge talent means such an ascension was inevitable. Without him, United would not have beaten Swansea. Indeed, it is frightening to think just how bleak their season would have been without his input. Januzaj looks brighter and better than anyone else in a United shirt at present.
4. Eden Hazard is priceless
A curious transfer tale erupted on Friday with suggestions in the French press that Eden Hazard could be moving to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer in a deal that could trouble the world record. According to French sources, Hazard has already told one of his team-mates that he wants to move to Paris at the end of the season – which seems somewhat unlikely given how, if you followed the saga of his exit from Lille, it is obvious Hazard likes to ramp up the drama and take these decisions as late as possible.
Still, Jose Mourinho said after a 2-0 victory at Hull that the club have no intention of selling -and understandably so. Even in a squad as full of small, attacking midfielders as Chelsea’s, Hazard stands out. Brilliantly so. The Belgian scored a gorgeous goal at the KC Stadium just when it seemed Chelseacould be heading for a frustrating draw after putting in a rather insipid performance. Hazard brought Chelsea to life and took them temporarily top of the league. The club must resist any offers for their most consistent attacking player.
5. Adam Johnson fires World Cup reminder, even if it’s probably too late
In all likelihood Adam Johnson is not going to make the World Cup squad – not unless Raheem Sterling, Danny Welbeck, Andros Towsend and James Milner all become embroiled in some kind of scandal in a pre-tournament trip to Ayia Napa.
Thinking about it, that does actually seem possible - and should anything happen to any of the aforementioned, Johnson's hat-trick on Saturday for Sunderland at Fulham will have reminded Roy Hodgson that he is still a vastly talented player. It is rather easy to forget that at the start of Euro 2012 qualifying, Johnson was a starter in the England XI, scoring in qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland under Fabio Capello.
Theo Walcott is out injured so there could be a vacancy on the right of the England attack, but Johnson did not feature for his country at all in 2013 and Sunderland’s struggles have helped to obscure his undoubted ability. It might be too late now, but at Craven Cottage he showed he does have international class.
6. Jason Puncheon is also England material
Well, sort of. The Croydon-born winger was responsible for one of the worst penalties ever to blight football when he put a spot-kick very high and very wide for Crystal Palace against Spurs. Such incompetence from 12 yards surely makes him a natural pick for Roy Hodgson with a knockout tournament looming – what better way to protect the country’s awful record in shoot-outs?
Puncheon was the first player to put a penalty off target in the Premier League this season – and in some style too. It may be only January, but we make no excuses for having another look at a moment which will no doubt headline all those football gaffe videos at the end of the year.
7. Pepe Mel has much to ponder at West Brom
The Spaniard has a line in writing mystery novels, and he'll need every ounce of his creative talent if he's to dream up a scenario in which he turns round the West Brom side who lost 1-0 at Southampton this weekend. There was little to write home about: West Brom mustered only two shots on target and had only 38 per cent of possession as they fell to a defeat which leaves them only three points above the relegation zone.
Mel enjoyed success at Real Betis last season – taking the club into the Europa League – before earning the sack after a poor start to this campaign. In Seville, he built his side around a luxuriantly talented deep playmaker called Benat – essentially a chubby Pirlo – and utilised a lone striker in Ruben Castro who scored 18 times. At West Brom he has been bequeathed a side which played 4-4-2 in its last game and is lacking in midfield guile, or a reliable goalscorer. The novel-writing might suffer for now: Mel has plenty to do.


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European Football - This might be the year for Ronaldo to claim Ballon d'Or

Cristiano Ronaldo must be used to giving an appreciative nod and almost resentful smile following a number of years when he has been so close to being named as the FIFA Ballon D'Or winner - the award bestowed to the best footballer in the world - but he is favourite to collect the trophy this time around.

The Real Madrid man has finished runner-up three times in the past four years since winning both the Ballon D'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year in 2008, before the two trophies became one.
In any other generation Ronaldo would have arguably been head and shoulders above every other player but one man has continually pipped the Portugal captain to the biggest individual honour, withLionel Messi annually crowned as the world's best in the past four years.
But the 2013 award, which will be presented to the winner at a ceremony in Zurich on Monday, is expected to be much closer run with both Ronaldo and Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery presenting a strong challenge to Barcelona's Messi.
Ribery was part of an all-conquering Bayern Munich side which swept everyone away both domestically and on the European stage, hammering Messi's Barcelona 7-0 on aggregate in their Champions League semi-final before going on to beat German rivals Borussia Dortmund in the Wembley final.
The 30-year-old France winger has been part of a side, along with players such as Arjen Robben, Thomas Muller, Phillipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger, which has led the way as the Bundesliga earns plaudits throughout the world.
Twenty-one goals in 50 appearances for club and country in 2013 have established Ribery as a player who works hard for his team and is capable of taking a game by the scruff of the neck if the situation requires it.
But the FIFA Ballon D'Or is for individuals, nothing to do with the number of trophies a team have won during the year, which will be a relief to Ronaldo.
Whilst Ribery collected winners' medals for the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, Ronaldo did not win a single team accolade with Madrid in 2013.
But the 28-year-old has been in the form of his life, continually proving to be Madrid's talisman and breaking goalscoring records throughout the year.
Ronaldo became the quickest player to reach 200 goals for Madrid, doing so in a record 197 games and also proved to be the difference between Jose Mourinho's side and his former club Manchester United when the pair met in the Champions League first knockout stage.
Goals in both legs, which Ronaldo refused to celebrate, saw his current club advance at the expense of United in Sir Alex Ferguson's last campaign in charge at Old Trafford, and his form saw him sign an extended deal at the Bernabeu.
He ended 2013 with a remarkable 62 goals from 52 appearances and, given that his usual antagoniser Messi has had injury problems towards the back end of the year, this will no doubt be his best chance in recent times to overturn the form book.
But Messi will still be in with more than a decent shout of yet again retaining an award he has become synonymous with.
His goals in La Liga were the main reason Mourinho left Madrid without back-to-back league titles.
Indeed, Messi's importance to Barcelona was highlighted during that infamous Champions League mauling at the hands of Ribery's Bayern in April when the 26-year-old was an unused substitute in the second leg as he struggled to overcome a hamstring issue.
It may have not been his most fruitful year by his own standards, with a court case surrounding tax fraud also drawing headlines off the pitch for the first time in his career, but Messi's standards eclipse those of almost every other footballer and he could easily be celebrating a fifth straight award with his usual modesty on Monday.
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Ashes - Australia beat England again in opening ODI in Melbourne

Aaron Finch struck his second 50-over hundred as Australia maintained their dominance over England with a six-wicket victory in the first one-day international on Sunday.

Finch (121) and fellow opener David Warner (65) dazzled while captain Michael Clarke contributed 43 brisk runs as the hosts eased to a victory target of 270 with 4.2 overs to spare.
Earlier, half-centuries from Gary Ballance (79) and Eoin Morgan (50) helped England put behind a wobbly start and post 269 for seven wickets after captain Alastair Cook had opted to bat first.
The 163-run stand between Finch and Warner in 28 overs laid the foundation for Australia's comprehensive win which prolonged England's misery Down Under after their Test series whitewash.
Australia's openers enjoyed their share of luck with Finch dropped by Ballance on eight and Warner, when on 22, called back from the boundary line after replays could not establish conclusively Jos Buttler had taken a clean catch behind the stumps.
Warner eventually holed out in the deep off Joe Root to depart after a 72-ball knock that included five boundaries and a six off Chris Jordan.
Jordan dismissed Shane Watson for a two-ball duck in the next over but Clarke and Finch scored freely to kill the contest.
Balance eventually caught Finch in the 40th over off Ben Stokes, ending his 128-ball blitz.
England suffered an early blow when Cook edged the fourth ball of the day to perish caught behind for four.
Clint McKay (3-44) claimed his second victim in Root (three) to reduce the tourists to 22 for two before Ian Bell and Ballance steadied the ship.
Bell reverse-swept Xavier Doherty for a boundary and slog-swept Glen Maxwell for a six to reach 41 before attempting a repeat of the same shot only to be clean bowled by Doherty.
Morgan joined Ballance in the middle for England's most productive partnership, adding 83 runs from 14.1 overs with some cheeky shots and sharp running between the wickets.
Maxwell dismissed Morgan for 50 off 47 balls while Ballance fell in the 46th over, having justified his call-up with his maiden ODI fifty.
Man of the match Finch said: "It's nice, it's always good to get a good start to the series, it's a nice feeling.
"I think the way the wicket was, it swung around a bit early. You need a bit of luck in one-day cricket. It was nice to go on and get a big score and contribute in a good partnership with Davy Warner.
"Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. He(Warner) takes a lot of pressure when you bat with him, I've known him for the best part of 15 years."
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Premier League - City go top after controversial win at Newcastle

Premier League, St James's Park - Newcastle 0 Manchester City 2 (Dzeko 8, Negredo 90+4)

City started the stronger and took the lead with a slick opener, crafted by the influential David Silva. The Spaniard slid a measured pass to the advancing Aleksander Kolarov, whose perfectly-weighted cross was touched in by Edin Dzeko at the near post.
The game hinged on a huge call by referee Mike Jones ten minutes before the break. Tiote's sweetly struck half volley from 25 yards flew into the back of the net, triggering celebrations of what appeared to be a richly deserved equaliser. But, after consultation with his assistant, Jones ruled it out for offside, claiming Gouffran was obstructing Joe Hart's view of the ball.
While Gouffran was clearly one of three offside Newcastle players, there is no way he could be seen to be obstructing Hart - and the goal was wrongly chalked off. Alan Pardew confronted the ref as he left the field at half time as a feeling of injustice consumed St James's Park.
That moment ignited St James's Park, but City survived a sustained second half onslaught from Newcastle, whose best chance fell to Loic Remy, only for the Frenchman to see his shot stopped by a much improved Hart.
With Newcastle pouring forward in growing numbers, City put the game beyond the plucky hosts in injury time when Alvaro Negredo went clean through and scored after a richochet off the unlucky Tim Krul. The result was soured only by a serious looking injury to Samir Nasri, who was carried off clutching his left knee.
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TRANSFER GOSSIP/APROKO

Chelsea are prepared to pay £21m to bring Benfica midfielder Nemanja Matic, 26, back to the club during the January transfer window. Matic moved to the Portuguese club from Stamford Bridge in January 2011.
Nemanja Matic
Nemanja Matic made three first-team substitute appearances for Chelsea in 2009-10
Manchester City are ready to pay £30m to sign Southampton defender Luke Shaw, 18. The fee would be a world record for a full-back, beating the £29.5m Barcelona paid Sevilla to sign Dani Alves in 2008.
West Ham have agreed a deal to sign centre-back Joleon Lescott from Manchester City but the move may collapse as the Etihad club do not want to release the 31-year-old until after 20 January.
Arsenal and Chelsea are battling to sign Atletico Madrid's 19-year-old midfielder Saul Niguez.
Manchester United are set to sign Real Madrid defender Fabio Coentrao, 25, on a loan deal until the end of the season.
Manchester City want to sign former Manchester United player Paul Pogba. The 20-year-old French midfielder is currently at Italian Serie A leaders Juventus.
Tottenham head coach Tim Sherwood is unhappy with the attitude of some of his players and is ready to sell midfielder Etienne Capoue, 25.
Manchester United midfielder Anderson, 25, is set to join Italian side Fiorentina, while wingers Nani, 27, and Wilfried Zaha, 21, will seal loan moves to Sporting Lisbon and Cardiff City respectively this month.
Arsenal will step up their bid to sign Schalke forward Julian Draxler, 20, after discovering he has a £40m buy-out clause.
Striker Papiss Cisse, 28, wants to leave Newcastle in order to move to Qatar but the Tyneside club's desire to recoup most of the £9m they paid for the Senegal international is holding up a deal.
Norway and Stromsgodset midfielder Stefan Johansen is waiting for Celtic to make their next move in the hope that he can seal a transfer to the Scottish champions.

OTHER GOSSIP

Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson held an unscheduled meeting with successor David Moyes after the Old Trafford club's FA Cup defeat by Swansea last Sunday.
Chelsea centre-back John Terry, 33, is set to come out of international retirement and make himself available for England's next game, which is a friendly against Denmark in March.
Former Cardiff manager Malky Mackay will become the next boss of struggling West Ham if the Hammers dismiss Sam Allardyce.
Sam Allardyce
West Ham beat Cardiff 2-0 on Saturday to ease the pressure on manager Sam Allardyce
West Ham co-chairman David Gold says Allardyce's position has never been under threat and he should not be blamed for injuries to key players.
The League Managers' Association wants the Football Association to take action against clubs who are guilty of unfairly dismissing technical staff.
Former Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas could take over as the new coach of German club Schalke if they sack current boss Jens Keller, who is under pressure.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has tipped midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 20, to replace Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, 33, in the England team when the Three Lions captain retires.
Liverpool legend John Barnes believes the Reds do not have a strong enough squad to win the Premier League title, but says they may claim a top-four place.
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