Barca Edge Closer To Cesc

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has reached a verbal agreement with Barcelona to return to Catalunya during the summer, according to Spanish publication Sport. The midfielder is now understood to have taken the first steps to completing a move.

Back Into Top Four

A star turn from home debutant Adam Johnson ensured Manchester City moved above Tottenham and level on points with fourth-placed Liverpool with a 2-0 victory over Bolton at the City of Manchester Stadium. Adebayor and Tevez scored the goals.

Inter, Barca Were After CR9

Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has revealed that Barcelona and Inter were also in the race to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United. Calderon also divulged how Los Blancos captured CR9 long before the summer of 2009.

Lazio Sack Ballardini

Davide Ballardini has been sacked by Lazio and will leave the club with immediate effect, according to both Dire news agency and Sky Sport Italia. Meanwhile, former Napoli boss Edy Reja has been tipped to take over (see link below).

We Must Beat Liverpool

Playmaker Andrey Arshavin believes his Arsenal side must take all three points against Liverpool on Wednesday night if they are to have any hope of being crowned Premier League champions this season.

Dinho Snubbed Again

Ronaldinho has been excluded from the Brazil squad to face Ireland in London on March 2 by coach Carlos Dunga because "he is not part of the plan". This latest snub has led to the suggestion that 'Dinho' may not play at the World Cup.

Lyon Reunion In Doubt

Real Madrid hitman Karim Benzema is expected to be sidelined for a week due to an injury. The Frenchman is certain to be ruled out this weekend against Xerez, but he is also doubtful to take on his former club Lyon in the Champions League.