CSKA Moscow

Sevilla v CSKA is not one of the most interesting matches in the Round of 16 dramatic collision, but there are still reason's this topic should be discussed.

If you look at both of those teams, there's a great chance that you might say that the winner would be Sevilla, but a close look at this match-up could give a lot of great reason's to make you think again about your judgement.

CSKA Point Of View: CSKA has been a "giant" in Russian Premier League, they have won many titles such as 5 Russian Cups, 4 Russian Super Cups ( which is a record ) and are the holders of 3 RPL titles. In 2005 CSKA won the UEFA Cup by beating Sporting 3:1. Recently they have traveled to Spain for training, when they left Copa De Sol title traveled with them. CSKA is known for their great teamwork and young players: Alan Dzagoev- 19, Igor Akinfeev-23, Mamaev- 20, Shennikov-19, Necid-20. In January transfers the team added a 23 year old Japanese star Keisuke Honda and Doumbia. Also a Brazilian striker Guilherme and Mark Gonzalez came back from their injury's and are ready to play.

Sevilla Point Of View: Sevilla is known for their great players and a style of play. They have been one of the greatest teams in Spain though they could never compete at the "star" teams level. They won La Liga one's in 1945-1946, gained 1 Super Cup and four Copa Del Rey's. Outside Spain they have won 2 UEFA Cup's and one UEFA Super Cup. Recently Sevilla "lost" their defender Sergio Sanchez and played a lot of poor games.

Now as we looked closely at both teams I must say that it's CSKA's first time making round of 16, they are still non-experienced in that enviroment. But both of those teams have never won Champions League before, their skill is about the same and same as their style of play. All of this factors make up another great match In the most elite tournament in Europe

It's usually not a great thing when the best way to describe a season is turbulent, but that's exactly how CSKA Moscow's 2009 campaign went.

After bashing Aston Villa out of the Europa League in February and taking the Russian Super Cup with an extra time victory over Rubin Kazan, CSKA had many reasons to be optimistic for the new season. However, every time where it felt like the club was finally gaining some traction, they would be handed another loss from a lower level side.

Momentum-killing losses to Tom Tomsk, newly promoted Rostov and Kuban Krasnodar dulled any early successes. The final blow in a run of mediocrity was delivered after the June break in the Russian Cup, a 1-0 loss to 1st Division side Ural Sverdlovskaya Oblast that knocked the Army Men out of the competition.  

It also helped none that star midfielder Yuri Zhirkov had departed for Chelsea, leaving a gaping hole on the left side of the field. Not even a month later, leading goal scorer Vagner Love departed on a year long loan for Palmeiras.

However, CSKA management decided a change needed to be made after a string of losses to city rivals Spartak Moscow, Lokomotiv Moscow and Rostov again. Brazilian coach Zico was relieved of his duties and replaced by former Real Madrid boss Juande Ramos.

But during Ramos' time as manager, CSKA lost nearly every meaningful match. Losses to Wolfsburg, Manchester United and Zenit St. Petersburg didn't dig his grave, but dropping points to relegation side Spartak Nalchik and getting humiliated by FC Moscow did. Only 47 days after being appointed manager, the club fired Ramos, clearly unimpressed by the progress.

Russian Leonid Slutskiy was the next in line to try his hand at righting the quickly sinking ship, but his time was limited.

He made every second of it count. In only his second match as a manager, CSKA headed to the famous Old Trafford, where they scored three goals in 50 minutes against Manchester United, eventually walking out with a stunning 3-3 draw. From that point, Slutskiy lead CSKA to victories over Besiktas and Wolfsburg to ensure progress in the Champions League.

He also finished the RPL season in style, knocking off second-place Spartak Moscow 3-2 and locking up a Europa League berth for 2010.

Already taking no time to utilize his funds, Slutskiy added stellar defender Kirill Nababkin and Japanese playmaker Keisuke Honda in December. But his 2010 roster still has some work to do, so let's take a look.

Goalkeeper

Overview: Any time you see No. 35 between the posts, a level of confidence sets in. CSKA has a tremendous luxury at the position, thanks to Russia's best goalkeeper, Igor Akinfeev. He has been the first choice keeper for CSKA since his 17th birthday and he has already accumulated an entire trophy case at such a young age.

But the question remains, when will he make the move? He has been attracting attention from great clubs all over the continent who are interested in his services. But following CSKA's recent Champions League success and 2010 Europa League berth, Akinfeev might feel like he still has unfinished business.

One thing is certain though. No matter who the manager of the Army Men is, Akinfeev will be starting every match. He was between the pipes in all 30 Premier League matches in 2009, and CSKA has so much faith in him that they don't even see a need to pay a veteran backup.

Towering 20-year-old Evgeny Pomazan will serve as Akinfeev's apprentice in 2010, and if No. 35 does depart at any point during the season, Pomazan would be a capable netminder as he has already represented Russia at the U-17 and U-21 levels.

Possible Additions: Nothing major is on Leonid Slutskiy's shopping list, and if CSKA is to sign a goalkeeper in January, it would be a low-key addition.

Players Departing: Possibly Igor Akinfeev (Chelsea, Arsenal, Fiorentina, Manchester United, basically any club with a lot of cash and an interest in adding an elite goalkeeper).

Position Grade: A+. When a manager has the luxury of a world-class goalkeeper that wants to play every single match, he has very little to worry about.

Fullbacks

Overview:  Possibly one of the best stories during the 2009 season was the emergence of 18-year-old left back Georgi Schennikov. During the 2008 campaign, the scrawny kid was given a promotion from CSKA's youth squad in order to gain some experience in Cup play and as a fill-in against relegation sides. But he hasn't ceased to impress and was named third best left back in the Russian Premier League for 2009.

With 25 matches played, including five Champions League starts, Schennikov proved that his time as Russia's top left back may not be far off. Although he was struck by a bolt of horrendous luck during the biggest moments of his life, trying to hold off Manchester United at Old Trafford and having Antonio Valencia's tying goal deflect off his head, his first full season was a complete success.

Long-term Lithuanian fullback Deividas Semberas had his moments, but at 31-years-old, Slutskiy clearly favored the teenager later in the season. However, his uses are far from finished, as his versatility makes him a resourceful backup.

At right back, Slutskiy will have a handful of options. Aleksei Berezutskiy, Chidi Odiah, newcomer Kirill Nababkin and Semberas can all play the position well. Odiah was clearly not favored, only making 13 league appearances against several very poor clubs, while Berezutskiy remains more of a natural center back.

Nababkin however, was named the 3rd best right back in the RPL as a member of FC Moscow last season. The 23-year-old will most likely be the projected starter for 2010.

Possible Additions: Kirill Nababkin (FC Moscow, transfer completed).

Players Departing: Possibly Chidi Odiah.

Position Grade: A-. CSKA now features two backs named to the RPL Top 33 players from 2009, and the depth is also very good. But with a young back line, there is always room for improvement. 

Center Backs

Overview: Ideally, the strength of any great team should be its center backs. They are the heart and soul of the defense and can often act as secondary goalkeepers in the box. CSKA features one of the most powerful, yet dynamic center lines in the league.

Led by Russian internationals Sergei Ignashevich, Vasili Berezutskiy and Aleksei Berezutskiy, there is no shortage of size and experience. The familiarity between these three players and Akinfeev is unmatched around Russia. While the trio not only provides mostly superb defense, they also have proved they can score some goals as well.

Ignashevich hits a very effective free kick, and has scored quite a few times like such. Vasili is a force to be reckoned with around the opposing net with his header.

Also waiting in the shadows is highly lauded Serbian 17-year-old Uros Cosic, who is being hailed by many as the next Nemanja Vidic. Cosic looks to make his RPL debut in 2010 and Leonid Slutskiy seems very excited at being able to put the talented defender through his paces.

Possible Additions: None.

Players Leaving : Vasili Berezutskiy (Blackburn).

The English side has expressed an interest in signing Berezutskiy, but it is unlikely that Blackburn would have the appropriate finances or that he would have an interest in moving away from a club now in the Champions League knockout stages.

Position Grade: A-. The group is very talented, but aging as well. They should be good to go in 2010.

Defensive Midfield

Overview: Without much doubt, this is the spot that has prevented CSKA from being a truly great team and a major reason why a team with this much talent only finished fifth in 2009. Only two men on the roster are remotely capable, and both will be in their 30s during the upcoming season.

Evgeni Aldonin has been the first choice defensive midfielder, appearing in 28 of 30 matches during the season. But his success has been up and down. He has fallen out of favor with the national team, and rightly so. His play has not been what it was in 2006 when he was Guus Hiddink's first choice.

33-year-old Bosnian international Elvir Rahimic has shown that his uses are almost none, as CSKA tried their very best not to have to rely on him. Youngster Pavel Mamaev has also taken his shot at the position, but his defense induces hair-pulling at best.

Possible Additions:  None. The club was very high on returning an old friend, Rubin Kazan captain Sergei Semak, but Semak penned a new contract that will keep him in Kazan until he is 36.

Players Leaving: None.

Position Grade:  D+. Aldonin is still talented, but it is very clear that the position is not heavily utilized by Slutskiy. He has even gone to formations with five defenders to eliminate a defensive midfielder.  

Attacking Midfield

Overview:  A feast for any European eyes.

At the spearhead of CSKA's attack is 19-year-old wonderboy Alan Dzagoev, who has not only proved to be one of the best players at his position, but one of the best players in the entire league. And at such a young age, he has already transformed himself into a big game player, scoring three times and assisting another in Champions League play.

Joining him are Brazilian Daniel Carvalho and Nigerien Ouwu Moussa Maazou, who provide superb talent and depth. Also rejoining the team is 19-year-old Sekou Oliseh, who returns from a loan at Midtjylland.

Newcomer Keisuke Honda will look to fill a second starting role in the center of the attack.

Laying in the wings are two phenomenally gifted players in Serbian Milos Krasic and Chilean Mark Gonzalez. Krasic proved that he is one of best right wingers in Europe during CSKA's Champions League run and can disect any defense at any level. Former Liverpool left winger Speedy Gonzalez, who transfered from Real Betis during the summer, suffered an injury blow in early October and was unable to finish the season. However, he should be fully prepared for training camp.

Possible Additions: Keisuke Honda (VVV-Venlo, transfer complete), Diego Souza (Palmeiras), Seydou Doumbia (BSC Young Boys).

CSKA has been monitoring the 24-year-old Souza for some time now and are prepared to offer the Brazilian club €6-8 million for his services. The versatile attacker received his first call-up to Brazil's national team in 2009 and is looking for a move to Europe.

22-year-old Ivorian attacker Seydou Doumbia has already agreed to join CSKA, but not until the summer. He has been a goal-scoring machine during his time with Young Boys with 16 goals in 13 matches so far in 2009/10.

Players Leaving:  Milos Krasic (Juventus, AC Milan, Internazionale, Manchester United), Ouwu Moussa Mazzou (Standard Liege, Braga), Alan Dzagoev (Real Madrid).

Milos Krasic is most likely to move anywhere but has declared his allegiance (for now) to CSKA until the World Cup. But with many suitors and a potentially sky-high transfer salary, one of the clubs could make him an offer he simply can't refuse. But for the time being, he will not be leaving CSKA.

Mazzou wants more playing time, and feels like a move away from the cluttered CSKA midfield would be best for his career. While a loan deal is most likely, he may chose to stay around, knowing that CSKA will be playing many more matches during 2010 than a season ago.

Real Madrid has been targeting Dzagoev for nearly a year now, but the young superstar insists that he will not be joining the Spanish giants any time soon because he feels his play isn't good enough for a starting role yet.

Position Grade:  A. One of the best in Russia, if not the best.

Strikers

Overview:  2008 Russian Premier League scoring champion Vagner Love is gone. But somehow the forwards have managed to make do without their dynamic striker. Led by a platoon of Tomas Necid and Guilherme, CSKA might not get nearly the goal totals as they used to but the effect hasn't decreased by much.

Necid quietly lead the team in goals, tied with Milos Krasic with nine. But the young Czech steadily improved as the season went on, and built off his success even more when Guilherme arrived on loan from Dynamo Kiev. He closed out the RPL season with four goals in his last three matches.

Although the two were rarely on the field at the same time, as Slutskiy/Ramos/Zico all favored a 4-5-1 formation, the addition of a second capable striker took the pressure off Necid to perform every week.

Possible Additions: Jô (Everton), Andriy Voronin (Liverpool), Lacina Traore (CFR Cluj).

When Jô made the jump from Brazil to Europe, his first stop was with CSKA Moscow, where he had tremendous success. He scored 44 times in 53 total appearances with CSKA. But his move to England hasn't worked out as planned. He is currently suspended by Everton and could move back to CSKA on loan.

Liverpool plans on an annual yard sale, cleaning house with some unwanted players. Andriy Voronin appears at the top of that list, as he hasn't had much fun at Anfield. As always, no Ukrainian is guaranteed a spot on a Russian team, but Voronin would certainly have a better chance at CSKA than with Liverpool.

Lacking a true vertical threat up front, Lacina Traore at 2.03m (6-foot-8) would be an ideal addition. The 19-year-old Ivorian isn't completely refined at his trade, but he has experience in European play.

Players Leaving:  Ricardo Jesus (on loan to Larissa), Ganiyu Oseni (on loan to Esperance Tunis).

Position Grade: C+. Not an incredibly deep position, but it doesn't need to be in the formations Leonid Slutskiy wants to play. But at least one more striker must be added to the mix for 2010.   

CSKA Moscow 1 - Spartak Moscow 2 (Russian Premier League, July 26, 2009) Deividas Semberas fired the hosts in a 12th minute, Alex equalised with a stunning free-kick ten minutes later and the Spartak playmaker bagged his brace midway through the second half from the spot.

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Helsingborg 2 - Gefle 0 (Allsvenskan, July 26, 2009) Helsingborgs are third after a 2-0 win over Gefle, Henrik Larsson and Marcus Lantz grabbing the goals.

Elfsborg 3 - Djurgarden 1 (Allsvenskan, July 26, 2009) Elfsborg won the match with three goal in teh final ten minutes from Avdic, Nordmark and a Gustafsson own goal.

Trelleborg 2 - IFK Gothenburg 1 (Allsvenskan, July 26, 2009) Gustav Svensson gave the visitors the lead after only two minutes but Andreas Drugge and Andreas Whilborg won it for Trelleborg in the second half.

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Mattersburg 2 - Rapid Vienna 1 (T-Mobile Bundesliga, July 26, 2009) Robert Waltner netted the winner after Rapid - who were down to nine men at the time - had cancelled out Michael Morz’s spot-kick opener with a goal from Markus Heikkinen.

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DVTK Borsodi 1 - Debrecen 0 (Borsodi Liga, July 25, 2009) A 94th minute penalty from Akos Lippai ensured Debrecen walked away from the match with nothing.

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Illitchivets Mariupol 0 - Shakhtar Donetsk 2 (Ukrainian Premier League, July 25, 2009) Luiz Adriano’s brace earned Shakhtar victory.

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Dinamo Zagreb 7 - NK Istra 1961 1 (1. HNL, July 25, 2009)

Croatia Sesvete 1 - HNK Sibenik 2 (1. HNL, July 25, 2009)

NK Zadar 0 - Cibalia Vinkovci 3 (1. HNL, July 25, 2009)

Medimurje 1 - Karlovac 1 (1. HNL, July 25, 2009)

France 1 - Turkey 0, International Friendly, June 5th, 2009:

A Karim Benzemapenalty gave France the lead at home against Turkey. Anelka had been brought down by Uzulmez who received a red card.

Czech Republic 1 - Malta 0, International Friendly, June 5, 2009:

Highly-rated, 19-year-old, CSKA Moscow striker Tomas Necid, scored the only goal in seventy seven minutes.

Argentina 3 - Egypt 2, U20 Toulon Tournament, June 5, 2009:

The North Africans took a thirty seven minute lead thanks to Mohamed, only for Ever Banega to net his second of the games from the spot two minutes later. Alejandro Gomez fired the South Americans ahead after the break, but Egypt refused to lie down as Rashad equalized from the spot. Diego Buonanottewrapped up the match for the Argies chesting down a cross and firing into the bottom corner in the sevent second minute.

Sweden U21 2 - Poland U21 1, Friendly, June 5, 2009:

Patryk Malecki fired Poland into the lead in five minutes, Ola Toivonen equalized and Labinot Harbuzi scored the winning goal two minutes from time after a jinking run.

Salernitana 3 - Brescia 0 (Series B, March 23, 2009): Salernitana picked up three valuable points in the bid for safety and derailed Brescia’s play-off push with a convincing win at the Stadio Arechi.

Treviso 1 - Grosseto 0 (Serie B, March 23, 2009): After soaking up much of the first half pressure, Smit headed Treviso into the lead at the start of the second half.

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CSKA Moscow 0 - Tomsk 1 (Russian Premier League, March 23, 2009): CSKA's difficult start to the season continued as they fell to a surprise home defeat to Tomsk, the visitors taking the lead in the very first minute through Goran Maznov, before holding on to that advantage to record their first win of the season.

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Dynamo Kiev 3 - Arsenal Kiev 0 (Vyscha Liga, March 23, 2009): Artem Kravets bundled Dynamo into an early lead, which was doubled by a super-strike from Olexandr Aliyev that beat the keeper from 25 yards. In the second half, Olexandr Aliyev struck again with another beauty from the edge of the D which gave the keeper no chance.

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All the goals from the weekend’s action in the Belgium Jupiler League can be seen here.

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Kuwait 0 - Iran 1 (International friendly, March 23, 2009): Ali Daei’s men had to wait until the eighty-fourth minute for the deadlock to be broken with Maziar Zareh converting a late penalty.

John Carew handed Aston Villa a UEFA Cup lifeline with a second-half equaliser as they drew 1-1 in the last-32 first-leg clash with CSKA Moscow at Villa Park. The Norway international struck his eighth goal of the campaign after Vagner Love had broken the deadlock.

Martin O’Neill’s men dominated the second 45 minutes but the visitors somehow survived the onslaught. It was a classic confrontation contrasting the technical skills and movement of the Russian side and the more direct but equally threatening approach of Villa.

Vagner Love and Yury Zhirkov always posed a menace for the Villa back four in what was CSKA’s first competitive game since Dec. 4. But Villa deserve massive credit for the way they responded in such positive fashion after going behind.

They dominated the second 45 minutes with Ashley Young a constant threat on the left flank and supplying a stream of dangerous crosses. Gareth Barry also drove his side on from midfield in typically inspirational fashion while Gabriel Agbonlahor’s pace also gave CSKA a lot to think about.

And, given Villa’s impressive away record in the Barclays Premier League this season, they will still believe they can pull of a positive result in Moscow next Thursday.

Carew told Radio Five:

“European games are very difficult, and we were against a great team, so we can’t be disappointed. It was a good game in the end but the away game will be more difficult, and cold, so we will have to prepare well and believe we can do it, although it would have been good to get the win.”

 

Aston Villa and CSKA Moscow shared the spoils with a 1-1 draw in the UEFA Cup Round of 32 match on Wednesday night.

For the visit of CSKA Moscow to Villa Park, Martin O'Neill made only one change to the side from last week's FA Cup defeat to Everton, with Brad Friedel being replaced in goal by fellow American Brad Guzan.

Both sides made a lively start in the opening stages, with CSKA having slightly more possession and creating a few more chances than the hosts.

In the 10th minute Villa had a good chance as Ashley Young saw a well struck free-kick saved by CSKA keeper Akinfeev, after Gabriel Agbonlahor had been felled just outside the area.

Four minutes later it was the visitors who took the lead as a good link-up play sent the blue-haired Vagner Love through on goal, with the Brazilian striker making no mistake and slotting home calmly past a helpless Guzan.

In the 29th minute, Villa had a great chance to equalise.  Gareth Barry won the ball and played it out wide to Young, who crossed in for an unmarked Abgonlahor, but the striker could not direct his header goal-ward.

Just three minutes later the home side had another decent chance as Gabriel Agbonlahor played the ball out to Young, who crossed in for John Carew to head the ball just over the crossbar.

Villa had a few more chances in the remainder of the first half, but couldn't find the target. CSKA also had some chances, with the lively Vagner Love again threatening the home side's defence.

It was the visitors who had the first chance after the re-start, with Zhirkov blazing over after being expertly played through by Love.

Villa then found their feet and almost scored at 53 minutes. A deep corner from Barry was headed back across by Craig Gardener, with the midfielder seeing his effort clipping the crossbar before bouncing over.

After threatening on several occasions, Villa finally managed to equalise in the 67th minute.

Ashley Young's low cross evaded everyone inside the box before being picked up on the other wing by Craig Gardener, who cut the ball back inside for Carew to slot past Akinfeev and draw the scores level at 1-1.

In the 81st minute, Villa the home side had a great chance to take the lead, as Gareth Barry held off the CSKA defenders inside the box before laying it off to Young, who unleashed a powerful effort just wide of the post.

Villa were looking ominous and just a minute later had another great chance, as Agbonlahor raced down the wing before playing it back across to Young, who dribbled his way into the box before hitting a decent effort just over the bar.

Both sides had chances towards the end, but both could not score.  In the end it finished 1-1 in a packed Villa Park.

Aston Villa: Guzan; L Young, Davies, Knight, Shorey; Gardner, Barry, Petrov, A Young; Agbonlahor, Carew

Subs: Friedel, Salifou, Harewood, Delfouneso, Bannan, Lowry, Albrighton

CSKA Moscow: Akinfeev, Ignashevich, A Berezutski, Love, Krasic, Zhirkov, Aldonin (90 Mamaev), V Berezutski, Rahmic, Shchennikov, Dzagoev (80 Carvalho).

Subs: Pomazan, Ramon, Carvalho, Mamaev Da Silva, Odiah, Caner

Ilisiakos 1 - AEK Athens 2 (AET) (Greek Cup, November 11, 2008) The game burst into life in extra time, Blanco putt AEK ahead with a fine strike in the 94th minute. The hosts replied through a Tsitsomitsos volley minutes later, but the visitors ran out winners thanks to a Kafes strike that slotted into the bottom corner.

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Trabzonspor 1 - Besiktas 2 (Turkish Cup, November 11, 2008) Bobo gave Besiktas a lead heading into half time, but the host equalised through Korkmaz early in the second half. With time running out the visitors found a last gasp winner thanks to a Zapotocny header.

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Hapoel Tel Aviv 7 - Bnei Sakhnin 2 (Toto Cup, November 11, 2008) Eran Zehavi was the star of the night for Hapoel bagging a hat-trick.

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Olexandria 1 - Shakhtar Donetsk 2 (Kubok, November 11, 2008)

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Belchatow 1 - Legia Warsaw 0 (Ekstraklasa, November 11, 2008) Gargula whipped in a perfect free-kick into the top corner in the first half.

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FC Moscow 1 - CSKA Moscow 4 (Russian Premier League, November 10, 2008) Not to be outdone by the exploits of Higuain and Samuel Eto’o over the weekend, Brazilian striker Vagner Love won this derby match on his own, he bagged two early goals with close-range finishes. Then in the second half Vagner Love added two more with his confidence clearly sky-high after scoring six goals in two games. Bracamonte pulled one back late on.

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Benfica 3 - Aves 0 (Taca de Portugal, November 10, 2008) Goals from Hassan Yebda, Luisao and Maxi Pereira.

Nacional 1 - Braga 0 (Taca de Portugal, November 10, 2008)

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Maccabi Haifa 2 - Maccabi Netanya 3 (Ligat Ha’Al, November 10, 2008) Lothar Matthaus’ side go top of the Israeli league with an impressive away victory at title rivals Haifa.

• Brazilian defender Edmilson has left Barcelona and joined Villarreal on a free transfer; the player turned down advances from Newcastle to say in Spain.

• Wolverhampton Wanderers have signed Bournemouth’s teenage striker Sam Vokes for an undisclosed fee.

• Leeds United have signed Wales international Andy Robinson from Swansea City on a free transfer. The Swans have signed Stockport County defender Ashley Williams for a club record fee of 400,000 pounds.

• Celtic’s Japanese winger Shunsuke Nakamara has denied he is about to leave Parkhead for the J league to sign for Yokohama Marinos. (Kyoda News)

• World cup-winning fullback Gianluca Zambrotta could to set to finalise his switch from Barcelona to AC Milan, if the Catalan’s valuation of 7 million euro is met by the San Siro club. (tribalfootball.com)

• Real Madrid and Barcelona are interested in signing Deportivo La Coruna’s Argentinian defender Fabricio Coloccini. The former AC Milan player had a move to River Plate fall through last summer. (Marca)

• Middlesbrough, Bolton Wanderers, and Aston Villa are all fighting it out for Tottenham’s English goalkeeper Paul Robinson in a 5 million pound deal. (Daily Star)

• Fulham have signed Middlesbrough keeper Mark Schwarzer on a free transfer. The Australian international turned down moves from European giants Bayern Munich and Juventus. (Sky Sports News)

• Everton are the latest club to be interested in Birmingham City keeper Maik Taylor. The toffees want the former Farnborough man to be a reliable backup to first choice, Tim Howard. (The Times)

• Chelsea will beat Manchester City to the signature of Barcelona’s Mexico International whiz kid Giovanni Dos Santos, by offering Florent Malouda in exchange. (Daily telegraph)

• Manchester City will use the sale of Ireland internationals Richard Dunne and Stephen Ireland to fund a move for Zenit St. Petersburg captain Andrei Arshavin. Roy Keane’s Sunderland are interested in the pair as well as Newcastle. (Daily Mirror)

• Chelsea are prepared to sell Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba after the forwards petulant display in the Champions League Final. (Daily mail)

• Cardiff City are set to release veteran strikers Jimmy Floyd Hasselbank and Robbie Fowler in the summer. (Daily Telegraph)

• Manchester City are also on the verge of signing CSKA Moscow’s Brazilian striker Jo, despite reported interest from Everton. (Daily Mail)

• Liverpool have upped their bid for Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry by 2 million to 12 million pounds. (The Sun)

• Tottenham have reportively made a 2.5 million pound bid for Lyon’s France keeper Gregory Coupet. (The Sun)

• Derby County have signed Nottingham Forrest winger Kris Commons on a free transfer from the City Ground.

• It’s reported that Real Madrid will use Robinho as a make-weight in a 64 million pound move for Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo. (Daily Mail)

• Mark Hudson is set to leave Crystal Palace and sign for former boss Iain Dowie at QPR, after the former Fulham player turned down a new contract. (Sky Sports News)

• Newly Promoted Premier league side Stoke City are interested in Senegalese midfielder Guirane N'Daw. The player currently plays for Sochaux in France. (Sky Sports News)

• Falkirk striker Pedro Moutinho is set to move back to his homeland and sign for Maritimo. (Sky Sports News)

• West Ham’s bid to take Juventus striker Davide Lanzafame on a season loan, looks in doubt after Palermo asked for fifty percent of his rights in the deal to take Amauri to the Stadio Delle Alpi. (Sky Sports News)

• Inverness striker Dennis Wyness has signed for St Mirren on a two year contract. (Sky Sports News)
  

• Portsmouth are interested in Rennes’ Ghanaian defender John Mensah and Tottenham’s France U-21 defender Younes Kaboul. Rennes are already looking at bringing in Dynamo Kiev’s Pape Diakhate as a replacement. (Sky Sports News)

• Manchester United want to sign French youngsters Jeremy Helen and Daniel Situ. Both players are France U-16 Internationals, and are currently contracted to Rennes and Lens respectivately, although are looking at loop holes in their pre-contracts with the French clubs. (L’Equipe)

• Napoli’s Slovakian midfielder Marek Hamsik has no intention of moving to Liverpool this summer. Despite reported interest from the reds. (Daily Mail)

• Manchester City are reportively lining up big money moves for Espanyol’s Argentine midfielder Pablo Zabaleta for around fifthteen million and Zenit St Petersburg’s Russian International Andrei Arshavin for around twelve million. (Club Call and the Sun)

• Barcelona are going to attempt to swap Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o for Inter Milan’s Romanian captain Christian Chivu, to bulk up there defence. (Football Italia)

• Everton are after CSKA Moscow’s Brazilian defender Dudu, who spent last season on loan at Valencia. The full back would be available for around eight million. (Club Call)

• Another player that has no interest in moving to Liverpool is Wigan’s Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia, who wants to stay at the JJB. (Various)

• But Rafael Benitez is on the lookout for back up for Pepe Reina, with Scott Carson set to sign permantley for Aston Villa and Charles Itandje set to leave.  Possible targets are Newcastle’s Steve Harper, Birmingham’s Northern Ireland international Maik Taylor and Bordeaux’s Ulrich Rame. (Daily Mail)

• Swansea City are set to sign Southend United captain Mark Gower. (Vitalfootball.com)

• Northern Ireland striker Warren Feeney is set to leave Cardiff City for league one side Millwall. (Various)

• Rangers are taking a look at Hearts full back Lee Wallace, with a view to signing him in the summer. (The Sun)

• Tottenham boss Juande Ramos is looking at Seville striker Luis Fabiano and Real Zaragoza’s Diego Milito after failing in a bid to sign Barcelona’s Samuel Eto’o. (Daily Mirror)

• Roy Hodgson is keen on bringing back Liverpool full back Steve Finnan to Fulham. The former Ireland international is believed to be available for two million this summer. (Daily Mirror)

• Bolton and Middlesbrough are tracking Sporting Lisbon striker Simon Vukcevic. (Daily Mail)

• Ajax striker Jan Klaus Huntelaar has left the door open for a possible transfer away for Amsterdam in the summer. The Dutch international said “I am playing in the Dutch squad and the rest is not in my hands.”

• Alan Curbishly is prepared to sell star striker Dean Ashton and defender Anton Ferdinand, to bank roll moves for Newcastle defender Steven Taylor, and Everton striker Andrew Johnson. (Daily Mirror)

• Former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will take over the red devil’s reserve team next season. (Daily Mirror)

• Former Wycombe manager Paul Lambert is in line for the Leicester job or the Motherwell job if Mark McGhee leaves for Hearts. (Various)

• Real Madrid have joined inter Milan in the race to sign Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb. (Sky Sports News)

• Liverpool are close to signing Udinese left back Andrea Dossena for eight million, although both Juventus and Tottenham are waiting in the wings, to sign the Italy cap. (Gazette delle Sport)

• Ajax and Liverpool are both interested in signing highly rated French youngster Sofiane Feghouli from recently promoted Grenoble. (Sky Sports News)

• Southampton will make a move for Sam Allardyce to be there new boss if Leon Crouch and Rupert Lowe resume power at St Mary’s. (Daily Mirror)

• Former Newcastle coach John Carver, now manager of Toronto, wants to bring former charge Shola Ameobi to Canada. (Daily Mirror)

• Manchester City will try and sign Real Betis’ Portuguese International goalkeeper Ricardo if Luiz Fellipe Scolari takes over at Eastlands. (Daily Mirror)

• Portsmouth are in the running to sign Paris St Germain’s highly rated French teenage striker Gael N’Lundulu. (Daily Mirror)

• Everton and Manchester City will battle it out to sign CSKA Moscow striker Jo

this summer. (Sky Sports News)