Inter Milan will not make a move for Genoa star Diego Milito or any other player in the January transfer window.
Argentinian striker Milito, who is among the leading scorers in Serie A with 12 goals so far, has been strongly linked with a move to the Italian giants.
However, Inter Milan transfer market consultant Gabriele Oriali told on the club's official website the club has no plans to buy this month.
"The intention of the club and of our coach is to continue with the same group that we have," he said.
"Milito is a great player and we tried to get him two or three years ago before he joined Zaragoza.
"But we are happy with the players we have and we will not intervene in January."
The future of Brazilian forward Adriano at the San Siro still remains uncertain, however.
Adriano has been unsettled in Milan and has been linked with a hosts of clubs, most recently Manchester City.
"Our intention is to keep him (Adriano)," Oriali said.
"But it depends only and exclusively on him. Adriano knows what he has to do and how he has to behave.
"January is a cold and long month. There is time but as I have said before, our idea is to keep him."
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp admits he would keep Jermain Defoe at Portsmouth if he was still in charge at Fratton Park.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie have been in talks over the 26-year-old, who wants a move back to White Hart Lane after leaving just over a year ago.
"The chairman and Peter Storrie are trying to do a deal," said Redknapp, ahead of Spurs' Carling Cup semi-final against Burnley. "Unless they do a deal, we'll move on. If they want to do a deal they will.
"It's their choice to say he is not for sale. I wouldn't have sold him if I was manager at Portsmouth and Tottenham came back in, I'd be keeping him."
Redknapp's reaction formed part of his defence when asked if he has unsettled players at other teams.
Another Redknapp target who wants to leave his current club is winger Stewart Downing, who has submitted a transfer request to Middlesbrough.
"It's the same (with Stewart Downing), I wouldn't sell him if I didn't want to," Redknapp said.
"If they want to leave, they have their reasons. If Defoe has got reasons why he wants to come back to Tottenham, fine."
Boro labelled Levy's initial offer as "derisory" but Redknapp added: "The chairman has made a big offer but Middlesbrough are a good club with a great chairman and if he doesn't want to sell him, it's his right to do that."
Redknapp is desperate to bolster his squad for the second part of the season, with the first-leg clash against Burnley highlighting his problems.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Jermaine Jenas are suspended, while Tom Huddlestone's ankle injury and Darren Bent's groin problem mean they join Alan Hutton on the sidelines.
Skipper Ledley King could also rest his knee ahead of the Barclays Premier League clash against Wigan at the weekend, with Spurs desperately needing points to climb away from the relegation zone.
It means Fraizer Campbell and Roman Pavlyuchenko, Redknapp's only fit senior strikers, are set to start in attack.
"They performed well in their last match together and I was pleased with the partnership they struck up," Redknapp said. "They did well against Liverpool earlier in the competition as well."
Midfielder Hossam Ghaly is in contention for a place in the squad, despite the angry reaction from Spurs fans when he stripped off to come on as a substitute in the FA Cup win over Wigan. Redknapp was forced to bring on a different player instead.
Supporters remembered when he threw his shirt to the ground in his last appearance two seasons ago, after being brought off the bench and getting replaced again.
"I don't think he was being disrespectful to Tottenham. I've seen other players take their shirts off when they get taken off," Redknapp said.
"He was just was very annoyed at being brought on and then subbed. Who wouldn't be annoyed? That is as low as you can go.
"If you're supposed to have a smile on your face then you're in the wrong game. That was a rarity. People should forgive and forget - let's move on."
Against Burnley, Spurs want to avoid being the Coca-Cola Championship side's fourth top-flight scalp. The other teams have also been from London.
"They've done well," Redknapp said. "I watched them on Saturday against QPR and they are well organised and have experienced players.
"They've had a fantastic run - Chelsea, Fulham and Arsenal - so we won't be underestimating them."
Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing has handed in a written transfer request, PA Sport understands.
The 24-year-old handed in a transfer request on Monday morning with Tottenham stepping up their long-held interest in the England international.
Boro chairman Steve Gibson has insisted the academy graduate - or anyone else for that matter - is not for sale, but Downing, who signed a new five-year deal in February last year, is desperate to quit the Riverside Stadium.
His father, Stewart Sr, told the Evening Gazette: "Stewart's been frustrated since the summer, really.
"When he signed his new contract he was assured that there would be significant investment in the squad.
"He feels that the club haven't matched those expectations. He's also frustrated that the team is once again struggling in the Premier League.
"Obviously as a Middlesbrough lad, he's thought long and hard about the decision to hand in a transfer request, and he also hopes the fans will understand his reasons for doing so."
Spurs are now understood to have offered in excess of £11million for the winger, a player they have been trailing for several years.
Shay Given today underlined his importance to Newcastle with a superb performance to keep out Hull in the FA Cup.
The goalkeeper looked far from unsettled as he produced a number of fine saves in an entertaining all-Premier League third round tie at the KC Stadium.
Hull also thought they had scored when a Michael Turner header rebounded off the woodwork but referee Chris Foy ruled it had not crossed the line.
Newcastle had their opportunities too with Michael Owen missing two good chances.
The game was notable for the reaction of the crowd to Given and his Newcastle team-mate Danny Guthrie.
Given, after 11 excellent years at Newcastle, received a huge ovation from the visiting fans despite a statement from his representative this week suggesting he was considering his future.
Guthrie, by contrast, was public enemy number one in the eyes of the Hull supporters after the horror tackle which broke Tigers forward Craig Fagan's leg in September.
Fagan, coincidentally, was making his first start since that game and his battle against Guthrie added extra spice to the match.
Despite being booed heavily with every touch, Guthrie made a useful early contribution by playing in Owen, whose cross was headed straight at Matt Duke by Andrew Carroll.
Duke was making a rare appearance in the Hull goal in place of the rested Boaz Myhill in one of seven changes made by manager Phil Brown after three successive defeats.
Fagan also got into the action early on but shot well wide and Brazilian star Geovanni, restored after being dropped against Aston Villa in midweek, forced Given to save from distance.
Given had to be alert again when when Geovanni almost put Daniel Cousin through on goal after a probing run.
A poor shot from Nicky Butt inadvertently found Guthrie in space and his ball set up Owen but the England striker's effort was deflected for a corner.
Owen had an even better chance on 17 minutes when he beat Sam Ricketts and Duke to a long punt upfield but lifted the ball wide. Duke then palmed out a shot from Carroll moments later.
Fagan brought up a huge cheer after 26 minutes when he fouled Guthrie despite it being in dangerous territory, and fortunately for him Newcastle wasted the free-kick.
Cousin caused some problems for the Newcastle defence and good work from the Gabon international created an opening for Ricketts to shoot but Given saved.
Referee Foy became centre of attention when he felt it necessary to have a word with Hull boss Brown for voicing his displeasure at a decision. He then booked Fagan at the subsequent free-kick for failing to retreat 10 yards.
Newcastle lost Charles N'Zogbia to injury 10 minutes before the break with Jonas Gutierrez taking his place.
Given showed brilliant reflexes to deny Cousin from point-blank range after Fagan had beaten Steven Taylor on the right, the keeper touching his shot against the post.
Geovanni created the first chance of the second half with a run into the Newcastle area but his cross for George Boateng was underhit and Guthrie slid in to clear.
Newcastle then claimed a penalty when Owen went down under a challenge from Duke after a poor clearance by the goalkeeper but Foy was not interested.
Cousin worked space to turn and shoot after a Giannakopoulos cross but again Given was equal to his effort.
Ricketts then shot at Given before racing back to put in an excellent tackle on Carroll after Damien Duff had cut Hull open on the counter-attack.
Given then saved superbly again from a curling Geovanni free-kick and on-loan Sunderland player Paul McShane further spared Newcastle by firing over in the ensuing scramble.
Newcastle earned a remarkable reprieve in the 72nd minute as Given clutched a ball Hull were convinced had crossed the line.
Turner rose to head a Dean Marney corner which Duff headed onto the angle of crossbar and post.
Given smothered the bouncing ball as Hull claimed a goal but Foy and his assistant were unmoved.
Newcastle then almost caught Hull on the counter again as Owen fired over from a Butt knock-down.
At the other end, Carroll did similar when presented with a good chance and despite further openings at both ends, the sides had to settle for a replay.
Robin van Persie scored two goals as Arsenal saw off the challenge of Plymouth 3-1 in their FA Cup third-round tie.
The Dutchman struck at the start and the end of the second half to secure safe passage into Monday's draw after Argyle captain Karl Duguid had grabbed a lifeline for the West Country side and their superb 9,000-strong support.
Arsenal have not made the final of the FA Cup since they won it in 2005 - the last trophy lifted by Wenger's men.
Given their current 10-point deficit in the Barclays Premier League, this famous old competition could now represent the most likely avenue to more silverware in 2009 - and as such Wenger named a strong side, led by van Persie in the absence of injured skipper Cesc Fabregas.
Arsenal saw plenty of the ball as the hosts dominated the opening exchanges.
There was a half chance on five minutes when Aaron Ramsey's scuffed shot found its way through to van Persie in the six-yard box. But the angle was tight and Plymouth keeper Romain Larrieu made a smart double block at the near post.
The home side remained patient in their build-up, and in the 15th minute they carved open the Plymouth defence.
Wales youngster Ramsey charged into the penalty box before laying the ball off to Emmanuel Eboue - and it took a brilliant reaction save from Larrieu to deny the much-maligned Ivory Coast midfielder.
Van Persie glanced a header just wide at the far post from Samir Nasri's cross as the Gunners pressed again.
Abou Diaby's quick turn in from the right corner saw him flash the ball across goal, but Nicklas Bendtner was unable to make contact.
William Gallas' angled effort was blocked first by Chris Baker and then the goalkeeper as the Plymouth goal continued to lead a charmed life.
Larrieu beat away a 20-yard strike from Ramsey before Arsenal were forced into a change on the half-hour when Mikael Silvestre limped off, to be replaced by Kieran Gibbs.
It was then Lukasz Fabianski's turn to take centre stage when the Pole, making a rare start, acrobatically tipped over Paul Gallagher's chip from the edge of the penalty area which was dropping in under the bar.
Arsenal finally grabbed the lead just 53 seconds after the restart through van Persie.
The Dutchman was left unmarked in the six-yard box at a corner, taken by Samir Nasri on the left, and promptly crashed a bullet header into the roof of the net.
Before the Championship side had time to regroup, it was 2-0.
This time van Persie turned provider, spinning his marker down the right side of the box and sending a low centre across goal.
With Bendtner lurking, David Gray - the on-loan Manchester United defender making his debut - could only manage to divert the ball past the goalkeeper on 50 minutes.
Arsenal, though, were themselves then guilty of poor defending to immediately allow Argyle back into the match.
A deep free-kick from the left was punched only half clear by Fabianski. Gray, on the overlap down the right, picked up the loose ball and whipped it across a crowded six-yard box, where skipper Duguid arrived at the far post to volley into the net - and send the massed ranks of green behind the goal into delirium.
The Premier League side were clearly rattled and for a spell lost their composure.
Plymouth continued to press for an equaliser, testing the resolve of the Arsenal backline with several high balls deep into the danger area.
Midfielder Rory Fallon tried his luck with a 20-yard curling effort, which was just wide of the top corner.
Arsenal fans sensed they would need a third goal to make the tie safe - and Ramsey was just off-target with his angled shot on the turn before Marcel Seip cleared Nasri's effort off the line after the keeper had raced out of his area.
It was finally 3-1 with six minutes left when Nasri chipped the ball through to van Persie. His lob was well saved by Larrieu, but the Dutchman was first to the rebound, which he smashed into the empty net.
The future of Mark Hughes is uncertain after Man City suffered FA Cup humiliation at the hands of Nottingham Forest.
City's Abu Dhabi-based backers have resolutely stuck by their manager throughout this season's struggles but their faith will be tested as never before after Hughes' side capitulated against a once-mighty Forest, whose own dismal form this term means Billy Davies will take over as boss on Monday.
Davies will do so on the back of a fully-deserved success, masterminded by temporary boss John Pemberton in which Nathan Tyson and Robert Earnshaw established a clear first-half lead before Joe Garner finished City off.
Garner's goal was the cue for City supporters to stream out of the stadium, hurling abuse at Hughes as they went.
The Welshman still has a number of January transfer targets he is confident will improve his team markedly. The question now is will he be given the chance.
Less than a week ago, Hughes was hailing his side's battling qualities at Blackburn, believing a corner had been turned in the battle to turn the Blues into a top-flight force.
Unfortunately for Hughes, it was nothing more than another dead end.
In parading US$15 million England defender Wayne Bridge immediately before kick-off, City were supposed to be ushering in a new dawn.
Instead, as whistles echoed around him at half-time, Bridge must wonder what he has let himself in for.
Forest might have been ahead before the breakthrough eventually came but headers from Lewis McGurk, Matt Thornhill and Ian Breckin all flew narrowly wide.
In fairness, after a sluggish start, City had their chances as well with Paul Smith making a couple of superb saves to deny Felipe Caicedo and Daniel Sturridge, paired together in attack as Robinho was rested.
The hosts' cause was not helped by the loss of Shaun Wright-Phillips to a hamstring injury after just 18 minutes.
While there was no flow to disrupt as such, it robbed Hughes' side of their major attacking threat - a mantle Elano never looked like inheriting.
Still, with the clock ticking down towards half-time there was little sign of the drama to come as a long ball was lofted into the City box.
Micah Richards got his head to it but only saw the ball drop perfectly for Tyson, who let fly with a dipping first-time volley that gave Joe Hart no chance as it whistled into the City net.
The hosts were still clearing their heads when Forest doubled their lead.
In a season dogged by inconsistency, Pablo Zabaleta has been one of the Blues' more effective performers.
But the Argentina star was robbed far too easily by Chris Cohen close to the touchline, setting the Forest man haring into the box where he found Thornhill with a precise cross.
The midfielder's shot was hopelessly off target. But that was just fine for Earnshaw, who coolly steered it into the corner.
Not for the first time this season, Hughes was left to raise the flagging morale of players capable of far better than they had delivered.
The chants of 'sacked in the morning' from the massive visiting contingent reflected a view amongst the Forest faithful that he was not up to the job.
And the truth was City were no better.
Caicedo twice forced Smith into fine saves, without which a recovery may have been on the cards.
But without Wright-Phillips, there was no spark from the hosts.
Sturridge tried manfully to prompt a comeback, as he did at Ewood Park.
But a teenager cannot be expected to carry such a heavy burden and he rushed his best opportunity - a lofted shot as Smith advanced, and dropped it onto the roof of the net.
Jo has failed to impress anyone since his US$27 million arrival from CSKA Moscow in the summer but he would probably have pulled a goal back if Wes Morgan had not made a brave block 20 minutes from the end.
But Morgan did his stuff and, not long afterwards, substitute Dietmar Hamann failed to spot Garner lurking with intent as he tried to find Richard Dunne with a throw-in and the young midfielder gleefully drove home.
Martin O'Neill may have to sign a new striker in January with John Carew now sidelined for a further two months.
Carew's prolonged absence with a back injury means that O'Neill's pursuit of another forward has become more pressing and, as a result, may encourage selling clubs to raise their asking price in the belief that Villa are backed into a corner and could be persuaded to pay over the odds.
O'Neill would have been in the market for a forward irrespective of Carew's back problem, but losing the powerful Norwegian for an extended spell – he has not played since 22 November – means that time is of the essence and his search has intensified.
The Villa manager has already drawn up his targets, with Emile Heskey, who has only six months remaining on his contract at Wigan and previously played under O'Neill at Leicester, the favoured choice to fill Carew's boots.
Peter Crouch has also been on Villa's radar, although it is thought that the England international's salary demands could be prohibitive. Both Crouch and Heskey provide the aerial presence that O'Neill has traditionally valued in centre-forwards and would also enable the Northern Irishman to have a Plan B – something that he is without at the moment, with Agbonlahor routinely deployed as a lone striker in the absence of alternative options.
Jermain Defoe's potential availability has also occupied O'Neill's thoughts but the Villa manager has denied reports that the Midlands club have tabled an offer for the England international. Even if Villa did submit a bid, there will be serious competition from Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. Heskey's situation is also complicated but Dave Whelan, the Wigan chairman, has indicated he would consider selling this month to ensure the club get a return on the England forward.
Either way, O'Neill will be upset that Carew's condition has been made public on the eve of the transfer window. The Villa manager had done his best to avoid the subject of Carew's injury recently and yesterday claimed that comments from the player's agent, Per Flod, were wide of the mark. "It is hard to say when John will be back," said Flod. "Maybe in February, maybe in March or later. This is an injury that will take time. It is important that John is completely healed."
espnstar.com runs through the papers to see who is going where as the much anticipated January transfer window looms.
Portsmouth have turned down a combined US$43.8m (£30m) bid from Tottenham for defender Glen Johnson and strikers Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe. - The Guardian
Manchester City have joined Spurs and Villa in the chase for Defoe. - The Guardian
Liverpool remain confident of bringing England right-back Glen Johnson to Anfield in January. - Daily Mail
Spurs have had a bid of US$13m (£9m) rejected for Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing, but will return with a bigger offer by the end of the week. - Daily Express
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is set to bring in former Liverpool right-back Steve Finnan from Espanyol. - Daily Express
Arsenal will bid US$17.5 (£12m) to sign Everton's Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta as a stand-in for the injured Cesc Fabregas, who is out for the next four months. - The Sun
Wenger has also lined up Udinese playmaker Gokhan Inler to bolster his midfield. - Daily Star
Everton manager David Moyes could be tempted to cash in on Arteta to fund a swoop for CSKA striker Wagner Love. - The Sun
Wenger could also bid US14.6m (£10m) for Dynamo Kiev's Senegal centre-back Pape Diakhate but faces competition from Manchester City and Portsmouth. - The Sun
Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Andrei Arshavin is prepared to take a pay cut from his current wages of £90,000-a-week to clinch a £12m move to Arsenal. Daily Mirror
Reports suggest that Arsenal will sign 15-year-old Brazil and Fluminense striker Wellington in the New Year. - Wires
Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari is eyeing Wagner Love, Marseille winger Hatem Ben Arfa and Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano despite being told he must sell before he buys in January. - Daily Mirror
Fabiano is Scolari's first choice signing but Palmeiras hit-man Kleber and Inter Milan forward Andres D'Alessandro are his other targets. - Daily Express
Middlesbrough are determined to keep Turkey striker Tuncay at the Riverside despite interest from Chelsea. - The Times
Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz is wanted by Real Madrid as well as Manchester City, but will only leave Ewood Park for another Premier League club. - The Sun
Manchester City manager Mark Hughes will bid US$11.7m (£8m) for Chelsea left-back Wayne Bridge, but will turn to Bayern Munich's Philipp Lahm if the Blues refuse to sell. - Daily Express
Hughes hopes to beat Arsenal to the signing of Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given as he launches a US$73m (£50m) January spending spree when the transfer window opens on Thursday. - Daily Express
West Ham have told Manchester City target Scott Parker that he will not be allowed to leave Upton Park, even though the midfielder has indicated he would like to talk to the Eastlands club. - The Independent
Newcastle could launch a £4m raid for highly rated Wolves winger Michael Kightly. - The Sun
As well as the Magpies, Kightly is also being tracked by Everton and Middlesbrough. - Daily Mirror
Everton are also watching Wolves striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. - Daily Mail
Atletico Madrid have offered former Liverpool wideman Luis Garcia on loan to Tottenham, Blackburn, Portsmouth and Middlesbrough until the end of the season. - Daily Mail
Bolton and Everton will fight it out for Toulouse striker Andre-Pierre Gignac, who has scored 12 times in 19 games in France this season. - Daily Star
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is pleased with his team as they head into the new year full of confidence.
Monday night's 1-0 victory over a battling Middlesbrough at Old Trafford closed the gap on Barclays Premier League leaders Liverpool to seven points with two matches in hand.
"We are in a good position come the turn of the year. We have two games in hand, both at home, and it is going to be a great run in," he said. "The important thing is to do our own job, look after ourselves and we'll do okay."
United struggled to break down a resilient Boro side, creating 25 chances in all but having only Dimitar Berbatov's 69th-minute goal to show for their efforts.
The Bulgarian volleyed home from close range after Michael Carrick's left-wing cross had bounced back off Boro defender David Wheater
Berbatov, who replaced Boxing Day's match-winner at Stoke Carlos Tevez after he returned to Argentina on a "family issue", was one of the guilty culprits in the first hour of the match.
But he was not the only one with Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael, Nemanja Vidic and Ji-sung Park all squandering chances.
It was the second successive 1-0 win but United have scored only three goals in their last four matches.
Ferguson admitted the inability to convert opportunities is becoming a concern.
"We missed a lot of chances and that is the big concern," he said. "If we can't take those chances we will suffer from it. But I think you have to see how well Middlesbrough played. For a team in their position (one place above the relegation zone) it belies their ability."
espnstar.com runs through the papers to see who is going where as the much anticipated January transfer window looms.
Portsmouth's England international, Jermain Defoe might be on his way out of Fratton Park after a bust-up with manager Tony Adams. - The Sun
Martin O'Neill will turn to Tottenham Hotspur's Darren Bent if his bid to sign Defoe lands in failure. - Daily Mirror
Fulham are rumoured to be readying a £2m bid for QPR striker Dexter Blackstock. - Daily Mirror
Steve Bruce is set to land £3.5m-rated midfielder Mariusz Lewandowski from Shakhtar Donetsk. - The Sun
Gary Megson is keen to sign Wigan's versatile midfielder Ryan Taylor for Bolton Wanderers. - Daily Mirror
Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi rejected offers from Blackburn Rovers and Tottenham Hotspur by securing a four-year deal at the Reebok Stadium. - The Sun
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has managed to talk chairman Daniel Levy into making a £15m bid for Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing. - Daily Mail
The Lilywhites are also said to be keeping a close eye on Blackburn winger Morten Gamst Pedersen, Sevilla's Diego Capel and Bordeaux's Denilson in case the Downing bid gets rejected. - The Times
Irish midfielder Stephen Hunt who currently plays for Reading is also said to be on Redknapp's radar at an estimated cost of £5m. - Daily Mirror
David Moyes sent two of his backroom staff to check on Hearts' left-winger Andy Driver who might be come at a bargain price. - Daily Mirror
Mark Hughes' side Manchester City have made a £15m offer for West Ham duo, Craig Bellamy and Scott Parker. - Daily Mail
Primera Liga outfit Valencia have signed Tottenham striker Dag Alexander Olsen. - Daily Mail
In another Spurs related piece of transfer rumour, Manchester United's reserve goalkeeper Ben Foster could be moving to White Hart Lane if Spurs are willing to pay him £20,000 a week. - The Sun
Birmingham are ready to take Celtic defender Bobo Balde to England on a free transfer. - Daily Mirror
England forward Emile Heskey might be joining former club Liverpool with Wigan seemingly close to signing Columbian striker Hugo Rodallega for a fee of £4.5m from Mexican side Necaxa. - The Sun
With the January transfer window about to erupt, who do you think cash rich Manchester City should bid for?
Here is a list of our selected few.
Kaka
AC Milan and Brazil's lynchpin in attack.
Dazzling dribbler with a great shot to boot. Will add another dimension to the already jam packed Brazilian flavor at the Eastlands.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Since money is not an issue for their rich middle-eastern owners, how about putting in a record breaking bid for their eternal nemesis, Manchester United's Portuguese winger, Cristiano Ronaldo?
That will be the ultimate slap in the face for Fergie and his Red Devils!
Sergio Ramos
City's defence could do with some help.
Real Madrid's Ramos has had a difficult season at the Bernabau and seems to be lacking the motivation over in the Primera Liga.
A stylish defender who can also play as a right-back. Micah Richards and him will give Mark Hughes - if he is still in-charge come January - a dynamic defensive combination.
Jermain Defoe
A cheaper alternative than the ones stated above, Defoe is a proven scorer on English soil and his bust-up with Pompey manager Tony Adams could mean the England striker is ready to move on.
A speedster with a thunderous shot. Why not?
Walter Samuel
Internazionale's Argentine hardman.
Good tackler who reads the game well from the back.
Samuel suits the Premier League to perfection and will prove to be a valuable asset to City's desire to break into the big four.
What do you think?
Here is a chance for you to play manager for a day, so give us your list or who City should move in for and why.
Here is an in-depth look at the life and times of England and Liverpool midfielder Steven George Gerrard, MBE.
1980: Born May 30, in Huyton.
1988: Joins Liverpool Academy.
1998: November - Makes Liverpool debut as substitute against Blackburn.
December - Makes full debut against Tottenham.
1999: September - One of three players sent off in bad-tempered Merseyside derby as Everton achieve 1-0 win at Anfield.
December - Scores first Liverpool goal in 4-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday.
2000: May - Included in Euro 2000 squad and makes England debut in 2-0 friendly win against Ukraine.
June - Features as substitute in England's 1-0 success against Germany in Charleroi but forced to pull out of final group game through injury. England lose to Romania and go out of Euro 2000.
2001: September - Scores with a terrific long-range shot to put England ahead against Germany after they had fallen behind. They go on to win the match 5-1.
October - He is called up for England's World Cup qualifier against Greece, but is spotted out drinking 11 hours before he is due to meet up with the rest of the England squad. He apologises to manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.
2002: May 12 - Ruled out of World Cup because of groin injury.
2003: February 3 - Banned for three games with immediate effect by an FA disciplinary hearing at Bolton's Reebok Stadium after two-footed lunge at Everton defender Gary Naysmith.
September 11 - Gerrard appointed Liverpool captain.
November 11 - Signs new contract to keep him at Anfield until 2007.
2004: March 30 - Named England captain for friendly in Sweden in the absence of David Beckham and Michael Owen.
June 13 - Stray backpass while playing for England eventually allows Zinedine Zidane to equalise for France in a European Championship match. France go on to win 2-1.
December 8 - Stunning long-range goal seals 3-1 win over Olympiacos and earns place in the second round of the Champions League.
2005: May 25 - Lifts Champions League trophy, scoring the first goal as Rafael Benitez's team fight back from 3-0 down to win on penalties.
July 7 - Signs a four-year contract extension to Liverpool contract.
2006: March 25 - Sent off for two bookings against Everton - both within minutes of each other - but Liverpool win 3-1.
April 19 - Real Madrid include Gerrard on their list of transfer targets, according to the club's footballing director Benito Floro.
April 23 - Named PFA player of the year.
May 13 - Nets twice as Liverpool win FA Cup with defeat of West Ham.
June 15 - Scores England's second goal in 2-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in World Cup group stage.
June 20 - On the scoresheet again in final group game, a 2-2 draw with Sweden.
July 1 - England knocked out on penalties by Portugal in the quarter-final in Gelsenkirchen.
August 10 - Named England vice captain to John Terry by new manager Steve McClaren.
2007: June 4 - Signs new contract with Liverpool, committing him to the Anfield club until 2011.
2008: October - Scores his 100th goal for Liverpool with strike against PSV Eindhoven.
December 29 - Arrested in early hours after incident in a Southport nightclub, hours after helping Liverpool go three points clear at the top of the Premier League with two goals in a 5-1 win at Newcastle.
Reading striker Shane Long headed an equaliser to keep his side second in the Championship table and push Southampton into the bottom three.
David McGoldrick, who had hit the bar in the first half, put Saints ahead on 74 minutes when he slotted home a pass from lively substitute Kayne McLaggon.
But Long levelled 10 minutes later with a header from James Harper's free-kick.
Kevin Doyle hit the bar with a header and the Saints had a strong penalty appeal rejected in a thrilling finish.
England striker Michael Owen will not make a decision about his future with Newcastle United until the end of the season, a statement released by his agent said Monday.
While that means Owen, 29, will stay with Newcastle through the January transfer window, his long-term future remains uncertain when his current 103,000 pounds-a-week (153,969 dollars) deal expires at the season's end.
But the statement did say the former Liverpool and Real Madrid forward, who is now free to talk to other clubs from January 1, would consider a pay-cut if he decided to stay at St James' Park.
"Following speculation about my future at Newcastle United, I have decided today (Monday) to make it clear that I am committed to the club until at least the end of this season, and I have informed them I do not want to make a decision about my future until that time," club captain Owen said.
"I hope this will be seen as a positive step and not seen as being disloyal in any way.
"I am happy here and enjoy the challenge. It is simply a matter of seriously thinking about my future as I was 29 last week and my next career decision is a crucial one.
"My decision is not about money. I told the club some months ago that I would accept a reduction in my wages.
"I have no intention of leaving Newcastle United during the January transfer window and want to assure the fans that under Joe Kinnear's passionate management, I am committed with the rest of the players to ensure that the club ends the season on a high."
However, Owen has left open the possibilty he may move to another team where he feels he has a greater chance of winning a trophy and so impressing England manager Fabio Capello, who has done without him in recent matches, even when the player has been fit.
If Owen was to leave at the end of the season, Newcastle would not receive a transfer fee on their highly-prized asset as he would be a free agent.
Kinnear, who offered the striker a new three-year contract last week, responded positively to Owen's comments.
"Michael told me in person about his decision and I fully understand where he is coming from," Kinnear explained to Newcastle's official website, www.nufc.co.uk.
"We have a great relationship as captain and manager and that will certainly continue. He is focused on scoring goals for Newcastle United and helping us keep progressing this season.
"Michael will consider his options in the summer but I am still optimistic that he will stay with us when it comes to making a decision."
He added: "In the meantime I have no doubts whatsoever that he will continue to give 100 percent.
"I'm looking forward to him continuing to score goals for us as they will be crucial in what we do for the rest of the season."
Newcastle did appear destined for relegation from the Premier League earlier this season but have risen up the table since Kinnear took charge following Kevin Keegan's exit and the caretaker spell at the helm of Chris Hughton.
Sunday's 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur left Newcastle four points above the relegation zone in 12th place.
Owen has scored 19 goals in 37 games this year but his time on Tyneside has been beset by injuries with his overall record for Newcastle now standing at 29 goals in 63 games.
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard celebrates the opener at Newcastle
Liverpool cemented their place at the Premier League summit with a ruthless demolition of Newcastle United.
Newcastle keeper Shay Given denied Liverpool before Steven Gerrard stroked home from 12 yards after 31 minutes.
Sami Hyypia headed a second five minutes later, but David Edgar pulled one back on the stroke of half-time.
Ryan Babel scrambled home Liverpool's third five minutes after the break. Gerrard raced clear for a fourth and Xabi Alonso made it five from the spot.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez surprisingly left Robbie Keane, a two-goal hero in the Boxing Day win against Bolton, on the bench - and how the Republic of Ireland striker must have wished he had been on the pitch in an encounter that was embarrassingly one-sided from start to finish.
Benitez was in the directors' box recovering from surgery for kidney stones as Liverpool exposed Newcastle's every flaw throughout 90 minutes of torture for the home fans - providing further confirmation that the Merseysiders' are in this title race for the long haul.
Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley took the "For Sale" signs down from the club prior to kick-off - and their players then produced the sort of performance that would have sent potential purchasers heading for the hills.
Liverpool created chances at will, and only a combination of brilliant goalkeeping from Given and poor finishing from Liverpool stopped Newcastle from shipping at least six goals in the first half alone.
Given set the tone for his one-man show of defiance by blocking Dirk Kuyt and saving brilliantly twice from Gerrard inside the first 13 minutes.
Hyypia then headed wide of an open goal from Gerrard's free-kick before Lucas somehow failed to turn in from a yard following a goalmouth scramble. The Brazilian then had a header turned away by Given before Charles N'Zogbia cleared another Hyypia header off the line.
Newcastle's survival for the first 31 minutes had been almost miraculous - but it could not last and to say Liverpool deserved the lead Gerrard gave them was a massive under-statement.
Javier Mascherano carved Newcastle open down the right flank, and when Yossi Benayoun pulled back a cross for Gerrard the Liverpool captain obliged with a thumping finish high past Given.
Newcastle's defending from set-pieces would have shamed a Sunday league side, and they paid the price again six minutes later when Hyypia rose to head Gerrard's corner beyond Given.
Hyypia had another header saved by Given before Newcastle astonishingly gave themselves a lifeline seconds before the interval.
This time Liverpool's defending was slack as Edgar got in front of Jamie Carragher to head past the previously unemployed Pepe Reina.
If Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear had ordered his side to improve their defending after the break, his plea had clearly fallen on deaf ears as they conceded another cheap goal after 50 minutes.
Gerrard's unremarkable corner created an outbreak of mass confusion in the six-yard area, and as a variety of Newcastle defenders stood motionless, Babel jabbed home the simplest of goals.
Substitute Geremi almost gave Newcastle slim hopes of a revival when his 25-yard free-kick clipped the bar, but in reality Newcastle had been outclassed.
Newcastle had been appalling, but credit must also go to Liverpool for a hugely impressive destruction and Gerrard underscored their superiority with their fourth goal after 66 minutes.
Lucas slipped an inviting through ball into Gerrard's path, and he was in no mood to let Given deny him again as he chipped a clever right-foot finish over the advancing keeper.
Gerrard was then withdrawn, even drawing applause from Newcastle fans in the season's best 52,114 crowd, but there was no let up in the pressure on Newcastle.
Liverpool's fifth goal came with 13 minutes left, substitute Alonso scoring from the spot after another replacement, David Ngog, had been hauled down by Edgar.
The game ended as it began, with Given saving brilliantly from Lucas' header and Liverpool remaining at the head of the race for the Premier League title.
Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear: "When you've six or seven key players missing it's always going to be difficult.
"We've had to put young kids in there and ask them to do a man's job against Liverpool, but we didn't do ourselves any favours in the way we defended.
"Shay Given proved that, without a shadow of a doubt, he's the best keeper in the Premiership. He made some magnificent saves."
Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee: "This is a strong, focused and determined bunch of players.
"We are improving with every game and that is all we can look for but you haven't seen the best of Liverpool yet.
"You win nothing in December but you can lose a lot and we're pleased to be going into the New Year at the top, however we cannot rest on our laurels."
Newcastle: Given, Edgar, Taylor, Coloccini, Jose Enrique (Ameobi 46), Gutierrez, Guthrie, Butt (Geremi 56), N'Zogbia, Duff, Owen (LuaLua 79). Subs Not Used: Harper, Xisco, Kadar, Carroll.
William Gallas scored a second-half header to earn Arsenal victory in a scrappy match with Portsmouth.
In a drab first half, Portsmouth came close to opening the scoring when Peter Crouch saw his header hit the post.
Arsenal's best opening fell to Emmanuel Adebayor but Sylvain Distin's excellent tackle prevented a certain goal.
After the break, Adebayor and Samir Nasri missed chances before Gallas got in front of David James to nod home the winner from Denilson's cross.
The result lifts Arsenal to fourth place in the table, above Aston Villa, by virtue of having scored one more goal than Martin O'Neill's side, who next play on Tuesday.
But for a long time, it looked as though Arsenal would not get past a much-improved Pompey defence and that visiting boss Tony Adams would get something out of his return to the club he belonged to for 20 years.
In a sluggish opening period, neither side could establish dominance with possession frequently given away cheaply.
Arsenal, lacking creativity in midfield, were finding it difficult to break down a Pompey side that looked intent on eradicating recent defensive errors. As a result, an uninspiring stalemate ensued - and it was difficult to see who might inject some much-needed pace and inventiveness into the match.
The first real chance came Portsmouth's way and Crouch was unlucky to see his downward header bounce up against the post.
Arsenal responded by creating their only decent chance of the half when Adebayor rounded James and beat Campbell, but he had the ball nicked off his toes by Distin as he was set to score.
The game opened up a little after the break, and Nasri looked as though he could spark some life into the Gunners.
But Portsmouth remained defensively sound, with Papa Bouba Diop, in particular, providing a solid defensive barrier for the visitors.
In keeping with the scruffiness of the match, the scoring opportunities that did arrive were a result of defensive errors rather than attacking brilliance.
Twice James got away with failing to deal with a cross as first Mikael Silvestre's header was scrambled clear and, later, Adebayor volleyed into the side netting.
Portsmouth were showing little as an attacking force and Arsenal started to take control as they notched up the pressure.
And it took a decent save by James to prevent Nasri breaking the deadlock, the big keeper blocking with his leg to divert a low shot.
But James will probably feel he should have done better to prevent Arsenal's winner not long after, when Gallas got in front of him to power home a header after the keeper had come out to challenge for a cross.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "We were lacking a bit of zip because we gave a lot at Aston Villa in our last match.
"It was important that we were intelligent and patient. Portsmouth played very well and they were well organised and defended very deep.
"My team is maturing quite well, and quickly. We will fight for the title and we believe we have a chance."
Portsmouth boss Tony Adams: "David James made a great save from a one-on-one, just before Arsenal's goal, that kept us in the game.
"He is a magnificent goalkeeper and I don't have a bad word to say about him.
"I am very proud of my players - they worked their socks off. The players are certainly fighting for me, but we are just not getting the results."
Italy began 2008 as host country to the world champions for both clubs and countries but ended it in dismay and at times disarray.
Italy are still the world champions, for another year and a half at least, but came up well short on the continental stage in Austria and Switzerland.
They were drawn in the so-called group of death with France, the Netherlands and Romania and got off to a terrible start, thrashed 3-0 by the Dutch.
A draw with Romania left them in a precarious position but a 2-0 victory over 10-man France allowed the world champions to stumble into the quarter-finals.
That was as far as they would go, though, as they lost to eventual winners Spain on penalties, a failure that cost coach Roberto Donadoni his job.
While the national team failed to produce on the international stage, the country's club sides were equally underwhelming abroad.
Starting the year with the European champions AC Milan, hopes of Italian involvement in the Champions League final in Moscow in May would have been high.
But things started off badly as Lazio finished bottom of their group but both Milan sides topped theirs and AS Roma also made it through to the knock-out stages.
However, that was where the English became the scourge of Italy. Arsenal dumped Milan and Liverpool beat Inter home and away in the second round leaving only Roma to fly the green, red and white flag.
They had a surprising victory over Real Madrid in the second round but fell to Manchester United in the quarter-finals for the second year in a row.
Even in Europe's secondary competition, the UEFA Cup, Italian teams were little more than an embarrassement.
Palermo, Sampdoria and Empoli failed to even make the group stages losing to teams from Slovakia, Denmark and Switzerland.
Only Fiorentina put up a fight, making it all the way to the semi-final before losing on penalties to a Rangers team so negative that they were described as playing anti-football.
On the domestic front any hopes of Inter's domination of Serie A being ended also fell flat.
Inter started the year with Roberto Mancini at the helm and a healthy lead over AS Roma, their only serious title challengers.
Luciano Spalletti's men stuck in, though, and gradually ground back the gap on Inter to arrive at the final game of the season just a point behind and with a chance of being crowned champions.
Briefly, they led Catania while Inter were being held by Parma which would have been enough for Rome to claim the title.
But Inter scored twice, Catania equalised and any hope of an unexpected twist in the season's tail ended.
There was some excitement, though, as the reigning world and European champions AC Milan failed to make up enough ground from their dreadful start to the season and finished fifth, missing out on Champions League qualification.
Without the distraction of Champions League football the next season and with marquee signings Ronaldinho, Andrei Shevchenko and Mathieu Flamini joining a team already including Ballon d'Or winner Kaka and stars such as Alessandro Nesta, Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso, a lot of hype surrounded the San Siro.
Inter meanwhile replaced Mancini, who paid for his European failure, with former Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho and a battle royale was expected in the new title race.
But while Mourinho's Inter carried on where Mancini's had left off, the new Milan failed to shine.
They ended the year nine points behind Inter and with a mountain to climb to win a first title since 2004.
Juventus, on the other hand, proved the most likely pretenders to Inter's crown. With one season of Serie A action under their belts following their match-fixing relegation and some intelligent summer recruiting, they ended the year second but still six points behind Inter.
The blue and black half of Milan still looks likely to dominate in 2009 while in Europe a dangerous path awaits the Italian teams.
Revenge will be on their minds as all three survivors from the Champions League group stage -- Inter, Juve and Roma -- have drawn English teams in the second round.
As Sir Alex Ferguson watched Ryan Giggs sprint towards the jubilant Manchester United supporters packed into one end of Wigan's JJB Stadium, a look of relief spread across his face.
Giggs had just scored the goal that wrapped up United's 17th English league title and their 10th during Ferguson's reign.
Despite holding a substantial lead over their London rivals at one stage, United had been made to sweat all the way to the finish line by Chelsea and eventually ended only two points clear.
Taking the title by such a narrow margin could be a sign of things to come in the Premier League as the global credit crunch begins to level the playing field.
United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal will all finish the year at the top end of the table again, but the emergence of Aston Villa as serious challengers to the big four underlines the closing gap between the league's superpowers and the chasing pack.
That Chelsea will start 2009 firmly in the title race is no surprise, but there are signs that the financial meltdown is starting to make life difficult for Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Scolari made an impressive start after replacing Avram Grant as Chelsea boss, but the Brazilian, who was furious that Manchester City out-bid the Blues for Robinho on transfer deadline day, has presided over a series of spluttering performances in recent weeks.
To make matters worse, Scolari has been told he must sell before he can buy after owner Roman Abramovich called a halt to the extravagant spending that has marked the Russian's time at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea aren't alone in tightening their belts and only Manchester City, backed by their Abu Dhabi-based billionaire owners, will buck the trend and pay big money during the transfer window.
The financial implications of relegation from the Premier League are too catastrophic to contemplate now and inevitably chairmen are getting twitchy.
When Paul Ince was sacked by Blackburn after only 17 matches in charge, he became the sixth top-flight boss to lose his job this season.
Winning the League Cup in February wasn't enough to save Juande Ramos as Tottenham's form collapsed. Harry Redknapp, tempted by a crack at his first big club, left Portsmouth to replace the Spaniard and sparked a remarkable revival, while Kevin Keegan's second coming at Newcastle ended in acrimonious circumstances.
On the field, the Premier League still has much to commend it. Giggs' goal at Wigan was the prelude to an even more dramatic Champions League final penalty shoot-out win against Chelsea in Moscow 10 days later that capped one of United's greatest seasons.
That double triumph could be the start of another glorious era for United, but before the champagne corks had even stopped popping, Cristiano Ronaldo, whose 42 goals had played such a key role in United's success, took the fizz out of their celebrations by unsuccessfully pushing for a move to Real Madrid.
Ronaldo has cut a forlorn figure ever since and his erratic form in the second half of 2008 has added to the impression that he is still at United on sufferance only.
But Ferguson's men still ended the year newly crowned as FIFA's Club World Cup winners and returned from Japan with Liverpool and Chelsea within touching distance.
The most encouraging trend of the year has to be the way newly-promoted Hull and Stoke have managed to make the critics eat their words.
After Derby's relegation in May with 11 points - an English top-flight record low - Stoke and Hull and were widely regarded as certainities for relegation.
But both are clear of the bottom three and, not only was Hull's win at Arsenal was one of the most memorable of the year, it also contributed to the spectacular outburst from Gunners captain William Gallas a few weeks later that revealed the extent of Arsene Wenger's problems at the Emirates Stadium.
Fabio Capello insisted on Saturday that he does not yet deserve to be compared to Sir Alf Ramsey, the man he hopes to emulate by transforming England into world-beaters.
LONDON (AFP) -
Fabio Capello insisted on Saturday that he does not yet deserve to be compared to Sir Alf Ramsey, the man he hopes to emulate by transforming England into world-beaters.
Ramsey coached England to their only World Cup success back in 1966 but Capello's impressive first year in charge of the national squad already has many observers tipping the Italian's team as champions in South Africa in 2010.
But Capello says there is plenty of work ahead if the England of Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Theo Walcott and Wayne Rooney are to be kings of the world.
"Someone spoke to me about this big manager (Ramsey) but we have to wait. He's up here - I'm still down here," said Capello.
"It's a very long way to arrive at the level of Sir Alf Ramsey - it is difficult and very, very long."
Capello has overseen a dramatic improvement in the national team's fortunes in 2008.
After the low of failing to qualify for Euro 2008 under Steve McClaren, England have reached the end of the year on course for the World Cup finals boasting a perfect record in the qualifiers.
For good measure, they ended 2008 with a 2-1 friendly win over Germany in Berlin with their only loss in the year coming against France.
"It's been step forward, step forward," Capello said.
"I'm very happy because the last game against Germany we played very well. The first 11 was new players, some players who hadn't played a lot of games, and we won and this is very important for the future.
"We had another (stepping) stone for the future."
Capello added that, unlike McClaren, he was determined to maintain barriers between himself and his players.
"It's not important to play cards or games with the players. It's not important to me to be one of the lads," said the Italian.
"The important thing is respect. I always say a manager is one against 24 always - there is one boss, one leader being judged by 24 players, in every moment he is under scrutiny and it's important the players know that is my role. The leader is the leader."
Bremen - michel gondry top club Werder Bremen seems to start in doubt bomber can bring Bayern Munich, Lukas Podolski. Bremen pessimistic, referring to the discourse intended Podolski return to the former klubnya FC Cologne.
As before, it was stated Podolski hasratnya to hengkang from Munich, after failing to compete with Miroslav Klose and Luca Toni at the front lines. Knowing this, a number of clubs such as Manchester City, FC Cologne and Bremen are ready to accommodate the bomber Timnas Germany.
However, Klaus Allofs, Bremen club leaders declare his team the opportunity to get peter very thin. The FC Hollywood reportedly more interested Podolski to return to the former klubnya FC Cologne.
"We have tried hard to persuade Bayern to recruit Podolski. However, this seems difficult to implement future," said Allofs This such as the AP, on Thursday (25/12/2008).
"Bayern seemed more interested in the proposal offered by Cologne and will return to Cologne (headquarters FC Köln-red)," he continued.
Podolski transfer speculation has fed a number of public media in Germany. Even some of them dare to claim Prince peter hengkang candidate in the middle of the season transfer market, January future.
However Rumor soon as the Bayern management, which emphasize the welcome release one of their assets in January. For that, removing the biggest probability Striker new stock transfer occurred on the end of the season, June 2009.
