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Didier Drogba has been linked with a possible switch to Spurs from Chelsea. But would it be a good transfer for Spurs to consider and would Chelsea be keen to do the deal?

There can be little doubt that Didier Drogba has been one of the finest signings we have seen in the Premier League. He was in sparkling form last season when he led the top scorers chart with 29 Premier League goals. This season he has had his problems with injury and illness, but has still managed to score 13 goals in all competitions. However, Drogba is now 33 and there will be questions on how many more years he can continue to compete at the highest level. All this will need to be taken on board for Spurs to decide if he is the right signing for them.

At this time it is somewhat unclear how willing Chelsea would be to cash in on their prize asset. Drogba will have one year left on his contract in the summer and it may represent the last time Chelsea can expect to get a decent fee for him. However, the current Chelsea manager is not keen to sell Drogba. But the decision may not lay with him, if Chelsea changes manager in the summer.

The forward line at Spurs has been below par this season and it’s not hard to see why they would be in the market for a proven goal-scorer. But with a transfer fee of around £10m and the player now 33 it remains to be seen if this deal represents good value for money. Drogba on a free transfer would be an excellent bit of business. Spurs need to access how many seasons at this level Drogba has left in him, if it’s four or five – then do the deal. However, the reality is, it may only be one or two and in that time Drogba may find that injuries start catching up with him.

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Due to the unknown nature of the future of Drogba, I would suggest Spurs look to recruit a younger player that can grow and develop with the club and be sure of playing for at least four to five years. That said I can see Chelsea cashing in on Drogba in the summer and allow Fernando Torres to become the main striker at Chelsea. As some other people have said signing Torres for £50m was a strange thing to do if Drogba was to stay.

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Fernando Torres has admitted that he needs to improve for the Stamford Bridge fans, who he claims have always supported him despite a slow start to his time at the London club.

The Spain international joined Andre Villas Boas’ men back in January for £50 million, but has received criticism as he has only scored five goals in 30 games since signing.

Despite not playing to his potential during his time at The Blues, Torres feels he has the ability to get back to his best.

“Whenever you go somewhere new, you expect to have difficulties,” he told Mirror Football.

“But whenever I have had difficult times, I look at myself and say, ‘Yes, I can get back to my level.’

“All that I need to do, above anything else, is to work. If you work and give everything and really want to do something, that is all you can be asked.

“If you do that and things do not work out, you have nothing to be ashamed of.

“But I am in debt to the Chelsea fans. They have always supported me. And I promise them the one thing I have never done and will never do in my life is give up,” he concluded.

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Torres will most likely feature for Chelsea against former club Liverpool in a mouth-watering clash at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

By Gareth McKnight

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Manager Tony Pulis remains confident that his Stoke City side will be able to recover from a poor recent run of form which has seen them lose their last four games in all competitions.

A 1-0 reverse at Everton left the Potters just a point outside the relegation places, but Pulis is not too concerned, believing that his side just need to be more clinical in front of goal.

He told his club's official website:"We are under no illusion about how difficult this season is going to be, but we have to battle through and keep our heads – because we need some points from our next few games.

"You have runs in football. We went five without losing before this run, when we had things going for us that are not going for us now. You just have to take it on the chin.

"We've got to dig in, but we've got a good group of players who will work very hard.

"We played fantastically well. When you think that we have had three unbelievably tough games in six days, so to come here and put on a performance like this against a quality team like Everton made it hugely frustrating that we have ended up losing.

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Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has refused to be drawn on his side’s bid to sign unsettled Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.

Chelsea had a rumoured bid of around 35 million pounds rejected by Liverpool, and despite speculation the Spaniard was keen on a move away from Anfield, Ancelotti refused to discuss the situation on Friday.

“I don’t want to speak about this, you will have to ask the club. He is not my player and I have to have respect for Liverpool. I don’t like to speak about this,” Ancelotti said.

The 51-year-old Italian said he was pleased with the backing he had been given by the club’s board to bolster his squad.

“I am happy because the club is doing a fantastic job in this transfer market. The club is trying to do everything to improve the squad,” he said.

And Ancelotti defended striker Didier Drogba who, despite scoring 10 goals this season, has been plagued by inconsistency.

“Drogba doesn’t have a problem. He can play with anybody,” Ancelotti said.

“For tomorrow I don’t need more strikers. Maybe in the future, I don’t know.”

Meanwhile, Ancelotti has failed in his bid to land Brazilian defender David Luiz from Portuguese side Benfica, with the club releasing a statement declaring talks had halted.

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“The negotiations between Benfica and Chelsea FC with regard to the potential transfer of David Luiz, were concluded today without the parties reaching an agreement,” the statement read.

“Benfica are happy to be able to keep in their ranks a player with the sporting quality and moral shown by David Luiz.”

“Unlike some news that had come up these last few days, David Luiz never tried to force his exit, he is an exemplary professional, worthy of the shirt he wears.”

Sir Alex Ferguson would be delighted with a professional showing from his Manchester United after their debacle in midweek. It was important 3pts for the Red Devils as they look to stay with the pace at the top of the Premier League.

At FFC this week there’s been plenty of United blogs that include the Pogba conundrum; in defence of David De Gea, while the curse of the Rio Ferdinand model.

We also have a selection of the best United blogs from across the web.

[divider]

The curse of the Rio Ferdinand model

Caption Competition: A Nemanja Nightmare for United

Transfer activity at Old Trafford?

Not what Manchester United or City would have wanted

When Paul Pogba is ready, he won’t be held back

In defence of David De Gea

Travesty perhaps, but it shouldn’t paper over the problem at United

Simply an unwanted distraction?

Wenger set to join Fergie in pursuit of £20m Spaniard

[divider]Best of WEB[divider]

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Call Me Crazy But I Have To Agree With Kenny Daglish – Red Flag Flying High

It’s the midfield, stupid II – United Rant

Blogging Reds discuss Jones, Rooney, Carrick and Lindegaard – The Busby Way

The Pogba Situation Needs A Rooney-Like Response – The United Religion

Documentary: The Mark Hughes Story – 7Cantonas

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Click on Daniela Martins to see her in all her glory

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Charlie Adam missed a penalty as Liverpool’s hopes of reaching the Premier League top four took a hit after they were held to a goalless draw by Wigan.

The summer signing from Blackpool saw his spot kick saved by Latic’s goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi after Luis Suarez saw his acrobatic effort blocked by the hand of Gary Caldwell. The fact the Uruguayan was even on the field irked many in the football sphere after the FA found him guilty of racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra. However despite that being the main talking point before kick off and Liverpool showing their solidarity by wearing t-shirts bearing Suarez’s image it failed to overshadow a pulsating encounter in the North West. Wigan played their part as well and manager Roberto Martinez will be delighted that his side have now held two of the leagues biggest clubs in consecutive games as they look to escape the relegation zone before the new year.

It was the visitors who started the opening half the brightest although without the usual vim and vigour from Suarez who appeared uncharacteristically subdued amidst a sea of jeers from the Wigan supporters. Still, the Reds looked the more likely to score and manager Kenny Dalglish will be disappointed that his side failed to convert the chances the created with Jordan Henderson, Martin Skrtel, Dirk Kuyt and Glen Johnson all seeing efforts saved by the impressive Al Habsi. That seemed to wake the hosts up and they soon settled into the slick passing routine that has become their hallmark under Martinez. Mohamed Diame lashed a shot into the side netting from 40-yards before Pepe Reina had to be at his best to keep out Victor Moses swerving effort after the winger’s mazy run from the half way line.

Liverpool regained their momentum in the second half and were presented with a glorious opportunity to break the deadlock when Caldwell blocked Suarez’s over head kick with his arm leaving referee Michael Oliver with no option but to point to the spot. Adam stepped up but could only to Al Habsi claw the ball asway as Dalglish’s men missed from 12-yards for the fourth time this season. It seemed to knock the stuffing out of the Reds although they should have taken the lead just minutes after their penalty miss with Dirk Kuyt hooking over from six yards when it looked easier to score. Wigan had one more chance left in them and it was Moses who came close to snatching three points but could only stab the ball wide from close range as they moved to within one point of safety.

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Last night England were taught a lesson by an intelligent and well drilled France team. The French for the majority of the game were the better side, and if England had equalised in the final moments it would have been harsh. The French played with fluidity, constantly moving and always looking for space. England again played with little nerve or imagination, but this had to be expected considering the age of the England team and the quality of the French.

However, lets not get over dramatic about last night. Kieran Gibbs, Jordan Henderson and Andy Carroll all started a senior international for the first time. This was great to see. Fabio Capello picked a big game to play these players in, something we all called for after the World Cup. It is unfair to look at the score in too much detail. It was an experiment from Capello, to see what players could cope with senior international football. In the main the three in question as well as other fringe players all had decent games, though need more time to settle. If England had played woeful opposition, like Scotland’s game on Tuesday, what would we have discovered. The youngsters would have been comfortable and the press would have raved about them for the next few days. In a game against a top quality side, they did well, and Capello should be applauded for giving them a chance on the top stage.

Last night seemed so bad because of the way the media portrayed France in the build up to the game. They underestimated France and it came back to bite them. Instead of the press accepting that France were terrific in parts, they have rounded on Capello and his selection. What can the manager do? Where is the media’s integrity? Three months ago they were calling for such a shake up, now they have got it, they round on Fabio Capello. Last night France were the better team but without a doubt England have the better youngsters coming through. This can’t be ignored.

The question has to be can these players provide competition for the senior players. If we look at the England goalkeeping situation, not many people can question the quality England have. Both Hart and Foster are gaining experience and have played well so far this season. Hart is undeniably number one, but Foster will provide excellent competition – something that will benefit the players and the England team.

England do need to look at the centre back issue. Realistically, how many times will Rio Ferdinand and John Terry play together before the European Championships. For the rest of this season, the signs are not good. John Terry could be out for a couple of months and Rio Ferdinand can’t shake of niggling injuries. Fabio Capello should not be looking at Michael Dawson, Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka and Michael Turner to replace both Ferdinand and Terry. It is time for a shake up defensively and such a shake up will provide greater competition in the domestic and international game.

Continuing on in the hypothetical shake up, Andy Carroll did himself proud last night. The England man’s confidence was there for all too see, and if he had been provided with better service, instead of Joleon Lescott believing himself to be a quarter back, he would have caused greater problems. His build up play was excellent – fashioning a chance for Gerrard after a superb knock down. The service to him was pitiful – Sunday league standard at times. Just because Carroll is big it doesn’t mean to say he can deal with punts up fie.ld. England will need to learn to play with Carroll as they have with Peter Crouch. It is a process that will take time no doubt, but and England squad featuring Andy Carroll. Wayne Rooney, Jermaine Defoe and Peter Crouch has quality all around it.

We should be supporting Capello’s selection last night, not rounding on him. It is too easy to be blinded by a defeat to France. Some sections of the media have used lines like, England loose to the only team worse than themselves at the World Cup. France are in transition, and no one can seriously believe had Laurent Blanc taken that exact team to the World Cup they would have performed as bad. England are in transition, and had big injuries last night.

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Lets put things into perspective. England need to clear out dead wood from the squad, but it will take time. As well as this, the senior players need competition, Capello is providing them with this. It is very easy to look at the result last night and be downhearted about England. Hey, its what we do. We need to back the youngsters, because they have the quality to do play for England. The transition from dead wood to talented youngsters will take time but we are on the right road.

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Reports gathering pace from both The Daily Mail and the Mirror suggest that Robbie Keane will become a Leicester City player within the next 48 hours.

If Keane signs for the Championship club, it will represent Sven-Goran Eriksson’s biggest capture of the summer at the club, and is hoping to convince the Republic of Ireland international to take a step down in division by offering a lucrative salary in order to get his man.

Leicester have now targeted Keane in response to their failure to sign another Republic of Ireland international striker, Shane Long, who instead chose to join West Brom earlier this week in a £7 million deal. They have also had three bids rejected by Bristol City for their forward, Nicky Maynard. Eriksson, who has already signed 11 players during this close-season, still feels they need to bring in a proven goalscorer: ‘I always said if we can get a striker with a good goal-scoring record, we are going to try. If there is a proven striker who can score 20 goals, then we will work hard to bring him in’.

Robbie Keane is now thought to be that man and an initial bid of around £3 million has been made. Although the transfer fee seems low, Tottenham are looking to reduce their already high wage bill and allowing Keane to leave would reduce that figure significantly.

If Keane moves, Leicester represent his 9th professional club – alongside Wolves, Coventry, Inter Milan, Tottenham, Liverpool, Celtic (loan) and West Ham (loan), amassing nearly £80 million in total transfer fees paid for his signature.

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Chris Coleman is widely expected to be named as the new Wales manager on Thursday, as their Football Association have called a press conference.

The Celtic nation are looking for a new boss after the tragic suicide of Gary Speed, and Coleman has admitted that he would feel guilty should he be given the job.

“It’d be a stupid man who goes in there and takes the job, whether it’s me or anyone else, and changes everything. If it ain’t broke, you don’t fix it,” he told Sky Sports.

“But it’s a very sensitive situation. If I’m offered the job and accept, I will have mixed emotions. I don’t think you turn down Wales, and it would be the pinnacle for me.

“In another situation, I’d probably be on cloud nine. But, ideally, Gary, who was a close friend of mine for many years, would still be sitting here doing a great job for the country.

“I almost feel a little bit guilty even talking about the job because Gary is no longer with us,” he concluded.

Coleman has recently stepped down from his post as coach of Greek side Larissa.

By Gareth McKnight

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AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has predicted a tough encounter when his side visits Catania on Saturday in the Serie A.

Despite being placed at opposite ends of the table, Allegri knows to expect a heated battle at the Stadio Angelo Massimino as the hosts – who are just three points clear of the relegation zone – scrap for maximum points.

With two draws from their past three Serie A matches, Allegri will be desperate for a win against Catania to extend his side’s four-point lead on top of the league.

“I believe this is going to be a messy match because they have had a couple of negative results and will surely be playing an intense match at a fast pace,” Allegri said.

“It’s a team made up of several Argentinean players so it is difficult to play against them.”

“We should do a good job and remain focused for the whole 95 or 100 minutes. Most of all we should be extra careful and focus only on the match. We have important skills and important substitutions.”

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“For the last four games we have played once every three days and it is possible to be a bit tired. But we should make sure we put in a good performance.”