Southampton stun Premier League champions to deepen Stamford Bridge gloom

Southampton deepened the gloom at Chelsea with a fully deserved 3-1 victory over the Premier League champions at Stamford Bridge.

The Saints had to come from behind in west London after Willian’s early free kick put the Blues ahead, but Steve Davis expertly equalised before half time.

Sadio Mane edged the visitors in front after poor defending from John Terry before Graziano Pelle completed the scoring after a fine breakaway move.

The defeat leaves Jose Mourinho’s side languishing in the doldrums of the Premier League table after a fourth defeat in seven games.

Mourinho restored captain Terry to the starting XI in an attempt to shore up the home defence, and Willian’s brilliant free kick appeared to give them the perfect platform for a second consecutive home league success.

The Brazilian is making a name for himself from dead ball situations, and his perfectly-executed effort after just nine minutes was his fourth goal from a free kick in as many games.

Southampton then started to grow into the game and Mane, who terrorised Terry and Gary Cahill throughout, will feel aggrieved that he wasn’t awarded a penalty after going down following contact from Ramires.

But the Saints did equalise just before the break, Davis powering home a sublime volley after Pelle had shrugged off the attentions of Cahill.

Soon after half time, Begovic was quick off his line to make a smart stop from Mane, but the Senegalese wasn’t to be denied for too long.

After Radamel Falcao was dubiously booked for simulation by referee Robert Madley, Mane rolled a naïve lunge from Terry before squeezing his shot under Begovic on the hour mark.

Mourinho introduced Pedro for goalscorer Willian and was greeted by a chorus of boos and, to make matters worse, Southampton extended their lead with just under 20 minutes remaining.

After the abject Eden Hazard squandered possession on halfway, the Saints broke quickly and Pelle capped a fine counter with a clinical finish across the despairing Begovic.

Falcao had a late free kick deflected just over Martin Stekelenburg’s crossbar but, in truth, the Blues never looked like mounting a fightback as their dire start to the season continued.

Man Utd throw away lead on Champions League return

Manchester United’s return to the Champions League after a one season absence ended in defeat as PSV came from a goal down to win at the Philips Stadion,

United full back Luke Shaw suffered a suspected broken leg in the early stages, before Memphis Depay put the visitors ahead with a clinical strike against his former employers.

But Hector Moreno equalised from a corner for PSV before half time after United had missed several chances to double their advantage.

And Luciano Narsingh headed home Maxime Lestienne’s perfect cross after 57 minutes, with United fading drastically as they pushed for an equaliser late on.

After a comparatively slow start to the first half, Shaw’s sickening injury threatened to mar the encounter as the England left-back left the pitch on a stretcher requiring oxygen.

Memphis, who was cheered by the home fans prior to kick off, looked visibly unsettled by the clash, but gave United the lead four minutes before half time with an emphatic finish after cleverly engineering space with some nimble footwork.

United could have extended their lead almost immediately through Memphis and Chris Smalling, who galloped forward and forced a save, but were then hit by a PSV sucker punch before the break.

In the first minute of eight stoppage time minutes following Shaw’s injury, Moreno rose brilliantly to head home an equaliser via a deflection off Daley Blind.

Just before the hour mark, the Dutch champions caught United out with a rapid break, Lestienne crossing perfectly for Narsingh to cap a fine move with a powerful header past David De Gea.

Mata then squandered a gilt-edged opportunity to level proceedings, somehow failing to control Bastian Schweinsteiger’s perfectly waited pass when bearing down on goal.

Luuk de Jong then lashed wastefully over when well placed as PSV looked to make sure of the points, but they hung on to ruin Louis van Gaal’s return to Holland.

Elsehwere in Group B, Julian Draxler scores his first Wolfsburg goal as the Bundesliga side edged CSKA Moscow 1-0 in Germany
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David De Gea: Man Utd keeper hopes for 'good fortune' at club

Goalkeeper David De Gea says he is "happy" and hoping for "good fortune" as he looks to reclaim his number one spot at Manchester United.

De Gea, 24, has not played for United this season as boss Louis van Gaal felt he could not focus with interest from Real Madrid, who failed to sign him on deadline-day.

He played his first competitive game of the season for Spain against Macedonia in a Euro 2016 qualifier on Tuesday.

"I felt good," said De Gea.

He added: "I really wanted to play. Now I need to keep working and see if I have some good fortune at my club as well."

Argentina international Sergio Romero has been in goal for all of United's games this season.

De Gea had been poised to join Madrid on deadline day but the move collapsed as the necessary paperwork was not submitted in time.

He has since been included in United's Champions League squad. 

De Gea added: "My future will be the same as now: remain calm, keep working and improving. In concrete terms, enjoy my football. I am happy."

United host Liverpool at Old Trafford in the Premier League in their first game back following the international break, on Saturday.

Ryan Mason's late goal secures first win of the season for Spurs

Ryan Mason’s late winner handed Tottenham their first Premier League win of the season at the expense of strugglingSunderland. 

The England midfielder finished off a flowing Spurs move with eight minutes remaining to send the Dick Advocaat’s side to the foot of the table. 

Pressure will continue to mount on the Dutch coach after this defeat - his side have now taken just two points from their opening five games. 

The Stadium of Light has been a happy hunting ground for Spurs in recent years and Mauricio Pochettino’s side were bright in the opening stages. The visitors could have been awarded a penalty inside two minutes when Kyle Walker was bundled over by Patrick van Aanholt. 

Sunderland improved as the first half went on and former Tottenham man Jermain Defoesquandered a golden chance to put them ahead. Having broken the offside trap, the forward raced through on goal and his shot cannoned off the post and away to safety. 

Defoe caused the Spurs defence problems throughout the first half and had a good shout for a penalty after he was tugged back by Toby Alderweireld before shooting straight at Hugo Lloris. 

After his goalscoring exploits for England, Harry Kane was looking to get off the mark in a club shirt and he missed Tottenham’s best chance of the game in the 67th minute. Andros Townsend found the forward unmarked at the back post with a clipped cross but he mis-kicked his attempted volley. 

Eric Dier headed straight at Costel Pantilimon as Spurs pushed for a winner and they finally made their pressure count inside the last 10 minutes when Mason danced through midfield, combining with Erik Lamela, before lifting a deft chip over Pantilimon. 

Jack Rodwell lashed a shot off the bar as Sunderland poured forward in search of a late equaliser while Pantilimon denied Kane with a point-blank save and Spurs held on for a welcome first win.

Jose Mourinho : Chelsea will not sack me and I will not leave

Jose Mourinho has dismissed any parallels between 2007 and now, insisting he has the desire and determination to lead Chelsea out of their current malaise.

The Blues won the 2014-15 Barclays Premier League title at a canter, but have four points from four games and sit eight points behind leaders Manchester City ahead of Saturday's match at Everton, who frustrated Mourinho in his pursuit of John Stones.

With the Toffees sticking to England defender Stones, Chelsea had to turn to other players, like the unheralded Papy Djilobodji, prompting speculation Mourinho was unhappy just weeks after signing a four-year contract.

Mourinho had a categorical response for those thinking his second spell at Stamford Bridge could unravel and end as quickly as the first.

"Let's be objective. I don't want to leave the club, in any circumstances," the Portuguese said.

"And the club doesn't want me to leave. I'm not going to walk away. The club is not going to sack me.

"If somebody anyone thinks that I walk, or I leave the job, it's somebody that doesn't know.

"Chelsea fans know me for good and for bad and that's not my profile, to run away from problems, in this case to run away from bad results."

David De Gea: Man Utd keeper hopes for 'good fortune' at club

Goalkeeper David De Gea says he is "happy" and hoping for "good fortune" as he looks to reclaim his number one spot at Manchester United.

De Gea, 24, has not played for United this season as boss Louis van Gaal felt he could not focus with interest from Real Madrid, who failed to sign him on deadline-day.

He played his first competitive game of the season for Spain against Macedonia in a Euro 2016 qualifier on Tuesday.

"I felt good," said De Gea.

He added: "I really wanted to play. Now I need to keep working and see if I have some good fortune at my club as well."

Argentina international Sergio Romero has been in goal for all of United's games this season.

De Gea had been poised to join Madrid on deadline day but the move collapsed as the necessary paperwork was not submitted in time.

He has since been included in United's Champions League squad. 

De Gea added: "My future will be the same as now: remain calm, keep working and improving. In concrete terms, enjoy my football. I am happy."

United host Liverpool at Old Trafford in the Premier League in their first game back following the international break, on Saturday
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Carrick out of Switzerland game

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has withdrawn from England's Euro 2016 qualifier against Switzerland at Wembley on Tuesday with a calf injury.

Roy Hodgson's team became the first to qualify for France next summer with Saturday's 6-0 win over San Marino.

Carrick, 34, has not played for England since winning his 33rd cap in March's draw in Italy, missing three matches.

"We don't believe it's that serious," Hodgson said.

United host Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday, with Carrick now a doubt for the match.

"It's quite strange because it came out of nowhere. It was at the start of the warm-up in San Marino. He felt something very small, very slight and just out of precaution we pulled him out," Hodgson added.

Will Shelvey get another chance?

Jonjo Shelvey 

Carrick's injury may create an opportunity for Swansea City's Jonjo Shelvey, who impressed in a holding midfield role in San Marino, although Hodgson said there were other options.

"We have Fabian Delph, who played well in the game, we have Ryan Mason, we have James Milner, who is capable of playing in other positions."

Hodgson did say he would make changes to the team that started on Saturday.

England need a point to secure top spot in Group E, having qualified for next year's tournament with three games to spare.

How will England prepare for Euro 2016?

The complex incl

England will base themselves in the French town of Chantilly, on the outskirts of Paris, for Euro 2016.

Two days after England secured qualification to the tournament, the Football Association confirmed the team will be based at the exclusive Auberge du Jeu de Paume hotel during the finals.

Hodgson's squad will train at local amateur club US Chantilly, which only has basic facilities so it will be renovated in advance.

"The base is something we looked at for a long time," said Hodgson. "There was criteria we wanted to fulfil - proximity to the town, airport etc. Chantilly best filled those criteria.

"Then a lot of work had to be done, not least that the pitch will be brought up to scratch. We have that guarantee now from Chantilly and Uefa. There's still a long time until we take our place there, it will look very different."

Hodgson also said he has lots of ideas about how to make sure England do not fail at the tournament but said he does not want them to "fall on deaf ears, warning he will need help from the FA and clubs.

They will face European champions Spain in Alicante on 13 November and then host France at Wembley on 17 November, before a trip to Berlin to play Germany on 26 March.

Switzerland 'have moved forward

Switzerland captain Gokhan Inler sat out Saturday's dramatic 3-2 victory over Slovenia, as Vladimir Petkovic's side recovered from 2-0 down.

England beat Switzerland 2-0 in Zurich last September thanks to Danny Welbeck's brace, but Inler, who is expected to return for Tuesday's match at Wembley, said the team's spirit is "vital for our progress".

The Swiss are second in Group E ahead of Estonia and need four points from their final three games to qualify.

Boss Petkovic added: "We have definitely moved forward since we played England last year. The main difference is we've got to know each other better."

Sunday Oliseh to star in Nigeria vs Tanzania game

A key Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match in Dar es Salaam signifies the start to the reign of the new Nigeria coach. How would he handle his first act?

They say when life gives you lemons, you make lemonades. For new Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh, it is the optimism he needs as he travels to Dar es Salaam for his first competitive game in charge of the Super Eagles.

After taking over from Stephen Keshi in July, the 40-year-old former national team captain faces a real test of his credentials against the Taifa Stars.

Though ranked 87 places below the Super Eagles, Tanzania will no doubt provide a key challenge to the former African champions, who are building again under a new manager.

Visibly concerned about his team’s performance during a warm-up game on Wednesday evening against a well-drilled Abuja Football Academy side at the National Stadium, Oliseh paced up and down the sidelines, regularly turning towards his assistant Francois Vainker muttering disappointment in French.

At half time he questioned his attacking players’ positioning, especially laying into striker Emmanuel Emenike who did not have a spectacular game despite tapping in for the team’s first goal.

Oliseh’s passion was unmistakable as he reminded the players of their game plan, whipping out the tactics board to ensure they realized the enormity of their lack of gel in a game against mainly school boys.

The former defensive midfielder heads into Saturday’s game without the team’s most experienced player, the 101-cap Vincent Enyeama, who asked to be dropped from the team due to what has emerged as the death of his mother.

In his place, Oliseh’s point man is winger Ahmed Musa, the team’s next most-capped player, who has not been known for his commanding leadership presence.

In goal would be debutant Carl Ikeme of Wolverhampton Wanderers, a physically impressive man who is making his international bow at the rather old age of 29.

Playing in front of the goalkeeper would be William Troost-Ekong, who is earning just his second Nigeria cap, and Afcon winner Kenneth Omeruo and returning full backs Kingsley Madu and Solomon Kwambe.

However, it is in midfield that Oliseh’s team would struggle to get going as Obiorah Nwankwo did not show enough dexterity in holding play for his side, a role in which the coach excelled pretty well in his day.

However, there was impressive running by Moses Simon on the left wing while Musa showed glimpses of magic but needs a lot more consistency in his play on the right.

When this writer asked the coach about his philosophy going into the game, Oliseh reiterated that in the absence of a highly talented player in the mould of Lionel Messi in his present squad, he is focusing on joint effort.

“My philosophy is based on the team being the star and not individual players being the star. We have to be able to cope if a player falls sick or gets injured or is out of form,” Oliseh said in response to Goal’s question.  

“People need to be able to see that the team is doing well because every player is doing their job.

“I must confess that I’m seeing the understanding and the belief that they are beginning to enjoy working together,” he said.

With six players chosen from the Nigeria Professional Football League to travel with the side to Dar es Salaam, Oliseh is hopeful that the progress he saw in training would be able to help the team at the battle front.

As a football crazy nation expects nothing short of victory in Dar es Salaam, Oliseh attempted to dampen expectations when a journalist baited him about the number of goals he expects from his team.

“We’re building, the players are almost completely new together but I’m very optimistic. I’m not looking at just winning, but my team going out to play well and whatever the result, we’ll take it like that.

“Our objective is to qualify. If we win on Saturday we don’t qualify, we still have games to play. If we lose we’re not out, if we win our job is not done, the journey is just starting,” he said.

Oliseh will be keeping an eye on the other Group G game between Egypt and Chad in N'Djamena. The Pharaohs lead the group on goal difference.

For the new coach, time would stand still as he takes charge of his most important football game. How he makes good use of the opening act would be key to his future acceptance and success.

John Stones will start for England against San Marino

John Stones, Jonjo Shelvey and Jamie Vardy will start England's Euro 2016 qualifier against San Marino on Saturday, manager Roy Hodgson has announced.

Hodgson kept to his policy of not naming his full line-up for the Group E clash, but told a pre-match press conference the fringe trio would get a chance to further advance their international claims.

Defender Stones, who has remained at Everton despite repeated bids from Chelsea in the transfer window, will win his fifth cap, while Swansea midfielder Shelvey and Leicester striker Vardy will each win their second.

Hodgson reported a clean bill of health as England look to make it seven wins out of seven in the pool.

Piers Morgan slams ‘arrogant’ Arsene Wenger

Piers Morgan has launched a fierce attack on Arsenal’s hesitance in the transfer window this summer, saying their failure to sign an outfield players highlights the “stubbornness, arrogance and the ‘I know best’ mentality” of manager Arsene Wenger.

With an apparent war chest at the boss’ disposal, the Gunners started in style with the surprise early arrival of Petr Cech from Premier League rivals Chelsea for just £10million.

"I don't understand why Wenger would do this...he's done nothing!"

Piers Morgan

But fans were left frustrated as the goalkeeper remained the only first-team player brought in by Tuesday’s deadline, with 16-year-old Ajax striker Donyell Malen - who joined on a free transfer - their only other signing.

The Emirates Stadium faithful were crying out for Wenger to land a top class striker to make them Premier League challengers once more, but a long pursuit of France international Karim Benzema ended in failure, while they baulked and refused to pay Paris Saint-Germain's £50million asking price for Edinson Cavani.

And Morgan is livid with Wenger’s - and the club's - failures, telling the Alan Brazil Sports Breaksfast: “This was the season when all the excuses where supposed to be over.

“According to board member Lord Harris only last month, we have £200million sitting there and we can afford ‘any player in the world Wenger wants, other than possibly Messi and Ronaldo’.

"Yesterday the deadline elapsed and I spent more money buying a cup of coffee in Starbucks for £2.50 than Arsene Wenger spent in the window after initially buying Cech earlier in the summer.

“Wenger has spent £10m out of £200m at his disposal. Arsenal fans know what we need, we know we haven’t had a first class centre-forward since Van Persie betrayed us and went to Man United.

“We do not have a centre forward who is going to win us the league – Giroud will not win us the league.

“I cannot understand why Wenger would do this. Why, when we are on the cusp of potentially challenging again, when you have £200m at your disposal, do you literally do nothing?

“I think it’s a shameful abrogation of your duties as Arsenal manager, I think it is further indicative - to me - than he is not the Arsene Wenger he was ten years ago, and I’m afraid that because of his inaction in this transfer window, arsenal are likely to come third or fourth again or potentially slip out of the top four.

“The idea that we’re on anywhere the same level as Manchester City is laughable. I think we’ll be about 15 points adrift of City, minimum, this season and for me that’s inexcusable.

“I think Arsene Wenger was one of the  greatest managers the world has ever seen for eight years, but for the next ten years he’s been unbelievably disappointing my eyes.

“This behaviour yesterday in the transfer window absolutely personifies the stubbornness, the arrogance, the intransigence and the ‘I know best’ mentality Wenger has.”

Red Devils release statement responding to Real Madrid's David De Gea comments

Manchester United have responded to Real Madrid’s allegations earlier today blaming the Red Devils for the collapse of the David De Gea transfer. 

The deal stalled on Monday night after a mix-up over the paperwork, with both clubs failing to take responsibility for the mishap. 

De Gea will now remain at Old Trafford at least until January and United have hit back at Real, giving their version of yesterday’s events: 

1) Manchester United did not seek contact from Real Madrid for the sale of David. David is a key member of our squad and the club’s preference was not to sell - no offer was received for David until yesterday (Monday). 

2) At lunchtime yesterday, Real Madrid made its first offer to buy David. A deal was agreed between the clubs, which included Keylor Navas being transferred to Old Trafford. The deals were dependent on each other.

3) In the last several hours of the process, with Navas at the Real Madrid training ground, Real Madrid were controlling the documentation processes of David, Navas and Real Madrid. Manchester United was in control only of the documentation of Manchester United.

4) Manchester United sent transfer documents for both players to Real Madrid at 2042 BST. David’s documentation was returned by Real Madrid to Manchester United without the signatory page at 2232 BST. 

5) At 22:40 BST, minutes before the deadline, major changes to the documentation came through to Manchester United which immediately put the deals at risk. Only at 2255 BST were the documents that are needed to cancel David’s contract received by Manchester United from Real Madrid. 

6) At this point Navas’ documentation was still not returned by Real Madrid.

7) At 2258 BST, the transfer agreement was sent back by Manchester United, uploaded onto TMS and accepted – all before the deadline. 

It is our understanding that the deals couldn’t happen because:

- Real Madrid didn’t upload David’s documents onto TMS in time (Manchester United did)

- Real Madrid didn’t upload David’s documents to the Spanish league in time, per reports it seems some 28 minutes after the deadline • The fact that Manchester United filed the papers on time was acknowledged by the Football Association, who offered to support that claim in any discussions with FIFA. The Club offered this assistance, as well as its own timestamped documents to Real Madrid but they have chosen not to go down this route.

The club went on to say they are delighted to keep hold of the Spanish goalkeeper
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Anthony Martial to seal £36m move to Manchester United

Anthony Martial has been given permission to leave France's national team camp to complete a move to Manchester United, the French Football Federation has announced.
Reports emerged on Sunday that United had made a £36m bid for the 19-year-old Monaco starlet, who has been likened to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.
Now they look to be close to concluding a deal, with Martial on his way to England to finalize terms with Louis van Gaal's side.
"Anthony Martial asked France coach Didier Deschamps for permission to travel to England to sign a contract with Manchester United," an FFF statement read.
"Taking into account the exceptional circumstances, the manager allowed the player this request.
"Anthony left Clairefontaine on Monday at 12:00 local time. He'll return Tuesday morning."
Van Gaal is keen to add to his attacking options following Robin van Persie's move to Fenerbahce and having decided against turning Radamel Falcao's loan move into a permanent deal.
The Dutchman has been eyeing a host of big-name players, with Thomas Muller, Gareth Bale and Neymar all understood to be on his radar.
But with all of that trio looking out of reach, Van Gaal turned his attentions to Martial after his side slumped to a 2-1 defeat to Swansea on Sunday.
The £36m fee represents a huge outlay on a player who has scored just 10 league goals in his career, but Van Gaal sees him as the man to boost his attack.

David De Gea future is out of my hands says Louis van Gaal

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says the situation surrounding David De Gea’s future is now out of his hands. 

The Spanish goalkeeper, who has yet to feature for United this season, looks set to join Real Madrid before the transfer window closes. 

United lost their first Premier League game of the season to Swansea City on Sunday and questions were raised about the performance of Sergio Romero. 

Van Gaal hinted an announcement about De Gea could be imminent and but was coy on whether United will buy a replacement goalkeeper or a striker before Tuesday’s deadline. 

“I don’t want to interfere as a manager,” said Van Gaal. 

“You have to wait and see until Manchester United make announcements or the club he is going to make announcements. Otherwise he stays. 

“We have divided our task and the task is for Ed Woodward, not for me. I have said nothing, the club shall announce it when it is finished. 

“You can never speak as a club like Manchester United that you are satisfied because it is a process and certainly we shall not buy at the end of the transfer window another player than we have scouted before. 

“We know already in advance what is happening and what is not happening. We have to keep on and in January the windows are open again. It’s a process and I cannot change that progress. 

“You are dependable not only from the player but also the club and what you want to spend. It’s a lot of things you cannot force.”

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Manchester City complete £54m signing of Kevin de Bruyne from Wolfsburg

Manchester City have completed the signing of Kevin de Bruyne from Wolfsburg for an estimated fee of around £54m. 

The Belgian midfielder has penned a six-year deal at the Etihad and becomes City’s fourth major signing of the summer, with the transfer being announced just as Manchester United kicked off at Swansea City. 

De Bruyne began his career at Genk before moving to Chelsea for £6.7m in January 2012 

He struggled to make an impact for the Blues and was shipped out on loan to Werder Bremen before making a permanent switch to Wolfsburg in January 2014. 

“I want to reach the highest level possible as a player and I think the most important thing is that at the end of the season we can be happy and maybe have some titles," he told the club’s official website. 

"I think this is the most important thing for the club, the players and for the fans of course."

Manchester United keeper's Besiktas move off

Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes's proposed transfer to Turkish side Besiktas has collapsed.

A source close to Valdes said Besiktas attempted to change the terms of an agreed deal and the 33-year-old has now backed out of the move.

The Spain international has no future at Old Trafford after falling outwith manager Louis van Gaal.

The transfer window in England and Scotland closes on Tuesday, but it is Monday in most European countries.

Ex-Barcelona player Valdes signed an 18-month deal with the Premier League side in January, but was not given a squad number for this season after Van Gaal claimed he refused to play in an Under-21 game.

Meanwhile, there has still been no bid from Spanish giants Real Madrid for David De Gea.

The La Liga club have been heavily linked with a move for the 24-year-old Spain international this summer, but are reluctant to meet United's demand of a world-record fee for a keeper.

Van Gaal says he will not pick the 24-year-old until the transfer window has closed.

The most ever paid for a goalkeeper is the £32.6m Juventus spent to sign Gianluigi Buffon from Parma in 2001

West Brom reject transfer request from Saido Berahino amid Tottenham links

West Brom have rejected a transfer request from striker Saido Berahino.

The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham, with reports this week suggesting Spurs had a £15m bid turned down by the Baggies.

Berahino was left out of the West Brom side which lost to 3-2 to Chelsea on Sunday.

A club statement read: "West Bromwich Albion have received a written transfer request from Saido Berahino.

"The request has been rejected and the club's position remains unchanged from that outlined in the statement from chairman Jeremy Peace of August 18."

Peace underlined the Baggies' desire to keep Berahino - who scored 20 goals last season - after turning down Spurs' opening offer last week. 

"We have no interest in selling Saido which is what I have told (Tottenham chairman) Daniel Levy," he said in a statement.

"I know we are living in an age where no club can say 'never' about the possibility of selling a player.

"However, the prospect of selling Saido is simply not on our agenda."

But Pulis has admitted the club would be powerless to stop Berahino leaving if Tottenham made them an offer they could not refuse. 

"I'm sure Tottenham wanted to keep Bale and Manchester United wanted to keep Ronaldo so I'm not stupid enough to say 'I'm not doing this' or 'I'm not doing that'," he said last week.

Berahino came through the youth ranks at The Hawthorns, having made his debut in August 2012, and spent time on loan at Northampton, Brentford and Peterborough.

He has made 83 appearances and scored 29 goals for the Baggies. 

Jamie Carragher has told talkSPORT John Stones should turn his back on Chelsea and stay at Everton.

The England central defender is wanted by the reigning Premier League champions, who have so far had two bids rejected, but the Anfield hero has urged the 21-year-old to remain on Merseyside.

Carragher told Drivetime: “Every player should want to play at the highest level and win trophies, play in the Champions League and play for his country. That’s the aim of every player. It’s just [a question of] what is the right time for the player to go.

“I think the right thing for John Stones would be to play for another couple of years at Everton. He’s playing really well but you have ups and downs as a young player, especially as a defender where you can make a couple of mistakes, give away a penalty, and your confidence goes. That’s part of being a defender and learning your trade.

“I think it would be better for him to know he’s almost guaranteed to play week in, week out for Everton, go through those times with Everton, and then when he eventually gets his move to a top English club, as he will do, he’ll be going there a bit more experienced, a better player, and a bit more mature in his game.

“When you get to that really top level, any little mistake, anything that’s not quite right, can cost your team a draw, or you drop three points, and that can end up costing a team the league title, or seeing them knocked out the Champions League.

“You don’t want to be learning on the job when you’re at a top club. I think it would be better for him to spend another couple of years at Everton and then make that move.”

Karim Benzema rubbishes exit rumours

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Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema looks to have ended any speculation regarding his future in the Spanish capital by taking to Twitter to confess Madrid is his 'home'.

The prolific French forward has been linked with a move to Arsenal over the summer as the Gunners look to strengthen their attacking options.

But, despite new Los Blancos manager Rafael Benitez considering moving Cristiano Ronaldo into the number nine role, the former Lyon forward has no intention of leaving.

Benzema didn't feature in Real's 0-0 draw with Sporting Gijon on Sunday in their opening La Liga fixture after being sidelined with a thigh injury.