Scroll down to check out some of the big current rumours coming out of England!

Our Pick

Cole seeks fresh challenge

Joe Cole endured a disaster first season at Liverpool, starting okay with Roy Hodgson and then barely getting a game under Kenny Dalglish. The midfielder might still have a bit to offer and with the mountains of experience he has, the likes of QPR, Fulham and Tottenham have all been linked. His 3-4 million pound asking price probably rules out the likes of QPR, with Tottenham rumoured to be in pole position to land the England international.

Will Samir Stay? Pressure mounts on Gunners

Say What?!

Nasri eyes Arsenal exit

The curious case of Samir Nasri continues to boil over, with reported interest now from Bayern Munich. There has also been a quiet word that Bastian Schweinsteiger might be involved in a swap for the French ace. Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City are also said to be interested

Ronaldo wants 400k per week at City

In an absolute cracker of a story, it is believed that Crisitiano Ronaldo is prepared to leave Real Madrid after continuous falling outs with Jose Mourinho and head to old rivals Manchester City. City is probably the only club in the world who could seriously afford his wages, but 400k a week? Come on CR7, no one is paying you over 20 million pounds a year just to play footy!

United look at Modric, Schneider

Manchester United is keeping tabs on Luka Modric and Wesley Schneider as they look to bring in a replacement for recently retired Paul Scholes. The midfield, in particularly central, lacks some depth and the addition of either would add some real class. However, Harry Redknapp has come out saying that his Croatian maestro is not going anywhere.

Which shade of red for Phil Jones?

The young defender has been suspect to huge interest of late and it appears as though Liverpool and Manchester United are the two remaining candidates. It was rumoured that Untied has locked in the defender up until Pool launched a late bid of over 25 million pounds as they look to rebuild their squad.

Rumoured News

Spurs and Liverpool interest in Sturridge

Daniel Sturridge enjoyed his best ever season in the Premier League last time round, showing some very promising signs at loan to Bolton and has hence received some interest from Spurs and Liverpool. It is believed Spurs is the more serious contender, with rumours they are looking to offload Defoe and Pavlyuchenko. However, Chelsea have strapped a 20 million price tag on his head, is he worth that much?

Where on earth is Gervinho going?

It appears no one has a clue where this Ivorian is going. Newcastle, Arsenal, Liverpool and Sunderland have all been linked with the forward and he has been quoted as saying that next season he will play in the EPL. However, it does seem he favours playing in the Champions League and there is only one club on that list that can offer it.

Cahill, Samba on Gunners target

No doubt Arsenal need to strengthen their defence this window and it appears Wenger might be favouring some experienced Premier League defenders in Gary Cahill and Chris Samba. Arsenal have a close relationship with Bolton and that might shave a few pounds of Cahill’s price tag, but one thinks he will still be around 10-15 million pounds. Samba might be a little bit cheaper, rumoured at a nine million fee.

Everton starlet Tottenham?

Jack Rodwell is drawing some heavy interest from Spurs right now as the youngster looks to play in Europe and get game time at a bigger club. Not sure, how much there is to this one though, he probably would spend most of his playing time off the bench at Tottenham.

Kewell and Neill to QPR?

The Aussie duo are both out of contract and have been told their Galatasaray contracts will not be renewed for next season. Newly promoted Premier League side Queens Park Rangers are said to be looking for some experience, the Australians certainly have that and still probably a few decent years left in them.

Ashley to leave Villa?

Ashley Young is apparently eying a move out of Aston Villa to win some trophies with Manchester United rumoured as potential suitors. But after losing the likes of Gareth Barry and James Milner in recent years, it appears Villa will be holding out for a massive fee if Young were to leave.

What Do You Think?

What are your thoughts on all these possible transfers? Which, if any do you think will materialize? Also, add any news you’ve heard in the comments section below and we’ll feature you in our next installation of Transfer Time!

They’re pretty bloody good! But surely everyone has that little voice in their head after the ‘special one’s’ latest comments.

After their 2-0 away win at Real Madrid this morning, Barca put one foot in the door of what could be another UCL final with Manchester United.

However, it was Madrid’s coach, the one-in-a-million, Jose Mourinho who stole the limelight with some classic post-match quotes.

The former Inter, Chelsea and Porto man claimed that he hoped one day Barcelona would win the Champions League ‘properly’.

The comments came after a Pepe straight red card saw Barcelona take full advantage slotting two goals after the dismissal.

It must be said, it was a yellow card tackle at best.

Mourinho felt teams have next to no chance of beating Barca in the Champions League. He noted, in particularly, Chelsea’s loss in the semi to Barca a few seasons back and also Arsenal’s quarter-final exit earlier this year.

“No-one else has any chance really. Arsène Wenger. Today myself. I don’t understand why. I hope one day I will find the answer.”

He even went as far as wondering whether Barca’s shirt partner UNICEF was a reason for their ‘power’ in world football.

“It must be difficult to get all this power. Where does this power come from? I don’t know if it’s because they give UNICEF publicity (on their shirts)?”

Barca are now considering taking legal action against Mourinho as his comments start to spread.

However, when one looks back at some of the, let’s say ‘controversial’, games Barca have been involved with in the Champions League in recent times, there is a slight sense of intrigue.

2004-5: Barcelona v Chelsea (Second Round – 1^st Leg)

Barcelona defeated Chelsea 2-1 at the Nou Camp this game. However, Chelsea led 1-0 until Didier Drogba was sent off for a challenge on Victor Valdes. Replays showed he pulled out and the challenge was quite minimal. Claims emerged that Frank Rijkaard, Barca manager at the time, had met the referee, Anders Frisk, during half time of the game – something strictly prohibited in FIFA laws. The meeting was confirmed and the Frisk retired weeks later.

2008-9: Chelsea v Barcelona (Semi Final – 2^nd Leg)

As much as I enjoy seeing Chelsea lose, they were robbed hardcore in this game. They could have easily had four penalties in this game, but got none. Add Iniesta’s late strike to the occasion and Barca went through by the skin of their teeth. How the ref missed some of the decisions no one will ever know.

2009-10: Barcelona v Inter Milan (Semi Final – 2^nd Leg)

Inter actually won this game last year to get to the final, but it was Thiago Motta’s red card that nearly saw them exit the competition. A challenge on Sergio Busquets in the first half resulted in the red and some farcical scenes at the Nou Camp. Motta did raise his hand but contact was minimal. Busquets getting treatment after it was absolutely ridiculous though. Make what you want out of this one!

2010-11: Barcelona v Arsenal (Second Round – 2^nd Leg)

Arsenal held a 2-1 aggregate lead from the first leg heading to the Nou Camp. However, after Arsenal much like Chelsea got the lead, ref Massimo Busacca proceeded to send off Robin Van Persie for a second yellow card for kicking the ball away. The Dutchman pleaded his case, noting the boisterous noise inside the stadium meant he didn’t hear the whistle; there weren’t even appeals from the Barca players. But he got red and the rest is history.

Those are just some thoughts for you to chew on. Are Barcelona cheats? No. Are they lucky? Yes.

No one can deny their ability to play football, but one does wonder about their reputation after such games.

The UCL is moving on to the business stages of the competition.

Roma vs Shakhtar Donetsk

Milan vs Tottenham

Valencia vs Schalke

Inter vs Bayern Munich

Lyon vs Real Madrid

Arsenal vs Barcelona

Marseille vs Man. United

Kobenhavn vs Chelsea

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The draw for the knockout stages of the 2010/2011 Champions League tonight has provided some mouth-watering clashes as we head into the Round of 16 stage.

Arguably the two most anticipated fixtures are the replay of last season’s grand final, where Inter will take on Bayern Munich, as well as another tantalizing rematch between heavyweights Arsenal and Barcelona.

Tottenham will play their first Champions League knockout game in the red side of Milan, while Manchester United face a tricky trip to Marseille.

Lyon take on Real Madrid in another replay, the two played each other in this fixture last year, with Lyon winning.

In the other matches, Roma take on Shakhtar Donetsk, Schalke will visit Valencia, while the struggling Chelsea will play minnows Kobenhavn.

In team news, Chelsea welcome back Ashley Cole and John Obi Mikel, the Nigerian expected to start his first match for over 6 weeks. However, Michael Essien is still carrying a long term injury. Chelsea also retain the prolific Didier Drogba, who has scored 10 in his last 11 against Arsenal, the Ivorian scoring against Hull midweek as well. Carlo Ancelotti has also confirmed that John Terry will start the match and as captain, citing that his behaviour is extremely professional and that in terms of training it has been “A very normal week”.

Arsenal on the other hand have more pressing injury concerns and while Abou Diaby is expected to pass a late fitness test to start; Eduardo, Carlos Vela, Fran Merida, Kieran Gibbs, Robin van Persie and Johan Djourou remain casualties. However, Cesc Fabregas has been in scintillating form, netting 11 League goals and notching 13 assists.

Wenger’s main concern will be his sides mentality against such physical opposition; with Sol Campbell fit it would make sense to play him and push Gallas out to the left, Clichy having a torrid time against Nani last week. This would at least give Drogba a physical equal and also give Ballack and Anelka something to think about with Gallas out on the left. Also, playing  Nicklas Bendtner as a centre forward and pushing Arshavin out to his more familiar support role would vastly benefit their goalscoring opportunities as most would think John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho will physically dominate the 1.75m tall Russian.

Ancelotti seems to have deffered to the 4-2-3-1 that Chelsea used under Guus Hiddink last season and with good results apart from the blip against Hull. The only problem with this system however is that Drogba prefers a second striker and that Anelka tends to disappear out wide, however Lampard becomes much more effective. With Mikel returning, it would be no great surprise to see a return to the 4-1-2-1-2 that was played earlier in the season.

Expected line ups:

Chelsea: (4-2-3-1): Cech, Ivanovic, Carvalho, Terry, A Cole, Mikel, Lampard, Cole, Malouda, Anelka, Drogba.

Arsenal: (4-3-3): Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelan, Clichy, Diaby, Song, Fabregas, Arshavin, Bendtner, Rosicky.

Score prediction: Chelsea have got a point to prove against Hull and have the physicality to play ugly when outplayed. Arsenal it seems do not have a plan B and a lack of mental toughness, this could be their undoing; or at least until they can find a reliable centre-forward and a gritty midfielder. In my opinion, Chelsea will be too strong. 2-0 to the Blues.

Credit to Birmingham, it was another impressive display in solid campaign thus far. They were unlucky not to get a point at Manchester United and had Arsenal nervous at the Emirates. But whilst they might have only got one point from the three matches, they’ve earned some respect.

Benitez finally found his first goal, while Jerome is proving some talent. However, the defence does need some work, especially after that first goal. But to get a draw at Anfield is a result one would think they would always take

However, it was Ngog’s theatrics to set up Gerrard’s equalizer was the big talking point post-game. If Eduardo’s dive in the Champions League was clear-cut, this was blatantly obvious. Ngog rounded Lee Carsley but fell to the ground as the defender slid in.

But Liverpool now sit eleven points behind Chelsea and are in genuine danger of missing the top four, much like Arsenal were at this stage last year.

In other news, the big game of the weekend was the Chelsea v Manchester United match blockbuster. Well it didn’t exactly live up to some of the other big games of the season, but after Chelsea were outplayed by United for most of the match, John Terry popped up for an invaluable goal.

The victory puts Chelsea in a great position as the clubs go into the international break with a five point gap separating them and closest rivals, Arsenal. The Gunners though do have a game in hand and have been in scintillating form since losing to the two Manchester side’s early in the season.

The Red and White’s smashed another four past Wolves on the weekend in a demanding performance. Wolves looked promising early, but once Arsenal got into their rhythm, the game was dead. First half own goals and a classic Arsenal goal through Fabregas seemed to seal things. Arshavin added a fourth until Wolves grabbed a consolation via Craddock.

Arsenal’s maturity is starting to become more evident after their contrasting previous seasons. The only thing opponents seem to be getting from the Gunners lately are consolation goals, and what will please the fans is that they have found the equation of how to kill of games after the 2-2 draw with West Ham a few weeks ago.

Arsenal and Chelsea’s good form sets up a blockbuster at the Emirates Stadium on 29^th November.

Burnley, meanwhile, picked up their first away point of the season with a come from behind 3-3 draw with Manchester City. However, the Clarets would have fancied their first away win after jumping to a 2-0 lead.  But in the space of fifteen minutes, between the 43^rd and 58^th, City went from 2-0 down, to 3-2 leaders. It seemed as if they’d come away with the points, but with four minutes left McDonald equalised to grab a point.

After a 3-0 loss to Arsenal last week, Tottenham bounced back to winnings ways against Sunderland in a 2-0 victory. Former White Heart Land strike Darren Bent returned to Spurs seeking to find his impressive goal scoring attributes he had already showcased this season. After Robbie Keane gave Spurs an early lead, Bent got his chance to take revenge on his old club with a penalty. It appeared to be a soft foul be Gomes, who got a yellow card for his efforts. But perhaps equalling the ledger, Gomes saved the striker’s attempt and sixteen minutes later Huddlestone secured victory with a solid strike.

Hull took some more weight of Phil Brown’s shoulders as Vennegoor of Hesselink produced a 90^th-minute goal to give the Tigers a 2-1 victory over Stoke. Already missing Geovanni, the task became harder when Mathew Etherington gave Stoke the lead. However the Tigers rallied and after equalizing through Olofinjana, the sending off of usually reliable defender Faye turned the momentum. As time was running out, Bullard pulled the trigger from distance, but Sorensen was only able to parry into the path of Hesselink for an easy tap in.

Elsewhere, Villa thrashed Bolton; unlucky West Ham went down to Everton, Blackburn made light work of Portsmouth, whilst Fulham and Wigan shared the points.