News Headlines

Chelsea ready to intensify Lukaku talks

??? The 18-year-old is keen to move to Stamford Bridge??? Anderlecht want a down-payment of ??13m for the strikerChelsea are to continue talks with Anderlecht over the weekend in the hope that a deal can finally be struck for Romelu Lukaku after discussions with the Belgian club's general manager,...

Saturday interview: Dietmar Hamann

Dietmar Hamann, who gained European glory with Liverpool, tackles taking Stockport County back to the Football LeagueIt's been an interesting day, hasn't it?" Dietmar Hamann says with a smile as he takes another drag on a cigarette and stretches out his legs in the early evening sunshine. Sitting...

F??bregas omission adds to Bar??a saga

??? Midfielder 'not ready to play in a game,' says Wenger??? Arsenal face tough task in Champions League play-offThe Cesc F??bregas transfer saga has taken yet another twist after the player was surprisingly omitted from the Arsenal squad that travelled to Lisbon on Friday night for a friendly...

BBC barred from Leeds United after dispute

??? Leeds unhappy at TV documentary on club's ownership??? BBC not granted admission to press conferencesKen Bates has in effect banned the BBC from covering Leeds United beyond contractual obligations due to a dispute over a TV documentary being made by BBC Leeds regarding the club's ownership. It...

Tottenham Hotspur to play Hearts in Europa League play-off

??? Tie will capture imagination, says Hearts manager Paulo S??rgio??? Stoke play FC Thun in first European campaign since 1974-75Tottenham Hotspur have been drawn against Hearts in the Europa League play-off. Harry Redknapp has said he is not a fan of the competition as he views it as impossible...

Both Manchester clubs are set to dominate the domestic scene | Kevin McCarra

This season Manchester derbies may not be merely for local bragging rights, but for the Premier League itselfManchester City must know they are making their mark. The club have collected the FA Cup, their first major trophy since 1976, and Roberto Mancini will have the full attention of all rivals...

Premier League preview No10: Manchester United | Daniel Taylor

Sir Alex Ferguson's may have a squad ready to retain the league title but a bigger challenge awaits in EuropeGuardian writers' prediction 1st (This is not Daniel Taylor's prediction, but the average of our writers' tips)Last season's position 1stOdds on winning title 7-4We will probably know more...

Blackpool snatch late win at Hull

Gary Taylor-Fletcher's fine finish secures Blackpool a 1-0 victory at Hull in the opening match of the Championship season.