News Headlines

Liverpool clash at Everton prompts disorder fears

City council considering legal action to force switch of Saturday evening kick-off time for Mersyside deby after police express worries about possible crowd trouble

I could have faced Barcelona playing for Manchester City, says Xavi

• Xavi admits he nearly moved to New York City in the summer • City co-own MSL club and borrow players such as Frank Lampard The Barcelona captain, Xavi, has expressed his relief that he stayed with the Spanish club as he believes he could otherwise have ended up playing against them…

Wednesday's gossip column

Man Utd line up £120m Bale bid, James Milner has a "boring" Christmas, Alex Sanchez channels his inner Richard Marx, plus more.

Perez and De Jong excite Pardew

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is excited at the prospect of Ayoze Perez linking up with Siem de Jong.

Carroll: Allardyce 'a genius'

Andy Carroll has praised the tactics of manager Sam Allardyce who he claims has almost single-handedly turned around the fortunes of West Ham this season.

Zabaleta's warning for Chelsea

Pablo Zabaleta is confident Manchester City can keep the pressure on Premier League leaders Chelsea this Christmas.

Liverpool's Mario Balotelli praised for his honesty

FA reveals that it gave controversial striker a reduced ban for posting an anti-Semitic and racist image because his 'sincere and honest' mitigation impressed diciplinary commission

Jones wants new Liverpool deal

Brad Jones is ignoring speculation that Liverpool will sign a top-level goalkeeper in the January transfer window and wants to earn a new contract.

Lambert plans Cleverley talks

Paul Lambert is to hold talks with Tom Cleverley with the Aston Villa boss hinting that he is keen to make his loanee a permanent signing – either in January or next summer.