News Headlines

Villa to offer new deal to in-form Milner

• Contract a reward for 'outstanding' season so far• Wages expected to rise to £65,000 a weekAston Villa will reward James Milner with an improved contract in the summer in recognition of his outstanding performances in central midfield this season that, according to Martin...

Fulham ready for Wolfsburg at fortress

• Compact Craven Cottage gives Fulham the edge in Europe• Hodgson relishes quarter-final meeting of 'two similar clubs'Zoltan Gera believes Fulham have created a fortress at Craven Cottage and it can give them the edge in their attempt to make further inroads in the Europa...

Heavy petting recalls days of the dark arts

Inter defenders' close contact with Chelsea's Didier Drogba conjured stimulating results for the Italian sideI had a night off last Tuesday, a rarity in the midst of a stand-up tour, and was thus able, for the first time in a couple of months, to watch a match live and complete. And I did not...

Gianfranco Zola on a fight for survival

The next eight days will tell us much about the merits of West Ham's likeable managerLast Saturday night, having absorbed the pain of West Ham sinking deeper into the mire after they had lost that afternoon to his once beloved Chelsea, Gianfranco Zola loosened his tie and stretched out his legs. He...

Review of pay-TV rules may trigger price war

BT and Virgin Media ready to start price war as Ofcom forces Sky to cut the fees it charges other broadcastersThe cost of watching Premier League football and a host of other sports is set to tumble as watchdog Ofcom tries to ease the grip held by Rupert Murdoch's satellite empire on the nation's...

Rooney finds Liverpool tough to crack

The Manchester United striker's ever-improving goalscoring record shows a peculiar long-term failure against LiverpoolWayne Rooney is fast becoming the irresistible choice for footballer of the year. He already has 32 goals for the season and anyone who wants to pick holes in him should do so...

Benítez cheered by Torres and Gerrard

• Liverpool manager says pair can 'win games on their own'• Will play in leading role in visit to Old Trafford on SundayRafael Benítez understands why indifference can sometimes be more hurtful than hatred. Well aware that the intensity of Sir Alex Ferguson's feelings towards him...

Ancelotti keen to move on from Inter

• Champions League exit must be forgotten now, says Italian• Blues are in a 'position of strength' in race for the title Carlo Ancelotti is "100% sure" that he will still be Chelsea's manager next season despite the club's premature elimination from the Champions League. The Italian has...