FOOTBALL

Phil Jones has backed Manchester United to qualify for the Champions League knock-out stage and believes domestic rivals Manchester City could feel the pace as they enter the crucial Christmas period.

Manchester United have been boosted in their pursuit of Neven Subotic, with his agent insisting that there has been no interest from Roma in the star defender in preparation for the January transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp admits he was surprised that none of their Premier League rivals made an effort to sign Scott Parker in the summer.

The defender has warned the rivals not to write the Reds off so early in the campaign.

None of Europe’s elite clubs would relish facing Manchester United in the Champions League despite their less than convincing start, according to midfielder Darren Fletcher.

Arsene Wenger praised Robin van Persie after the striker scored twice as Arsenal advanced to the Champions League knock-out phase with a victory at home to Borussia Dortmund.

Eric Abidal has admitted that there is a '90 per cent chance' that he will stay at Barcelona for his long term future, as talks continue over a new contract for the Arsenal target.

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres looks to be "borrowed time" at Stamford Bridge according to their former striker Tony Cascarino.

Arsene Wenger has indicated his desire to remain at Arsenal until 2014 after his Arsenal side booked their place in the knock-out phase of the Champions League.

Former Republic of Ireland international Tony Cascarino has lambasted Andre Villas-Boas’ tactics and claims the Chelsea manager needs to clarify his plans in order to halt the club’s current malaise.

Bayer Leverkusen defeated Chelsea for a 2-1. Now Chelsea have to look for a win or a draw with Valencia to secure qualification.

The Dutch striker scored on 48 and 86 minutes.

Daniele De Rossi has moved to reassure fans over his future, insisting that even though a new contract hasn't been signed yet with Roma, he is not concerned with talks going down to the wire.

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker will prove his critics wrong once he has got to grips with the Premier League, according to Sky Sports pundit Ray Wilkins.

Joe Cole is set to remain at Lille beyond the end of his loan period, according to club president Michel Seydoux.

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has insisted that the club have no problems with Milos Krasic, but he has admitted that if the winger wants to be sold in January, he will consider any offers.

Arsene Wenger has confirmed Robin van Persie will start Arsenal's Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, as the club look to book their place in the knock-out phase.

Chelsea may be concentrating on their Champions League tie with Bayer Leverkusen tonight in their second last group stage match, but Andre Villas-Boas will have one eye on how his transfer targets perform as teams shore up qualification for the next stage of the tournament.

Arsenal youngster Aaron Ramsey has been a crucial figure for Arsene Wenger during their recent revival according to former England captain Ray Wilkins.

Chelsea have been monitoring Valencia midfielder Mehmet Topal for “two months,” according to the midfielder’s agent.

Wesley Sneijder has revealed that he is hungry for more trophies in his footballing career, with the Inter Milan playmaker hoping to win many more accolades before he hangs up his boots for the last time.

Arsene Wenger will be concentrating on tonight's clash with Borussia Dortmund but the Frenchman will have one eye on a number of January transfer targets also in action this week.

The agent of Valencia midfielder Mehmet Topal has told The International Business Times that Manchester City and Chelsea are interested in the Turkish international.

Kenny Dalglish is targeting Swansea City star Nathan Dyer, according to widespread reports, with the winger starring for the newly promoted side so far this season.

Football pundit Tony Cascarino believes Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli would be “unstoppable” if he showed more determination.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has questioned the fairness of Emmanuel Adebayor’s loan deal from Manchester City to Tottenham Hotspur.

Kevin De Bruyne would fit well into the Chelsea squad, according to Genk manager Mario Been, with the youngster looking close to a deal at Stamford Bridge in the next transfer window.

Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Nicolas Gaitan, with the Benfica playmaker insisting that his future lies in Portugal.

Liverpool first-team coach Steve Clarke has praised the impact of Liverpool's senior players following their 2-1 Premier League victory over Chelsea.