Carling Cup Wrap-Up

Manchester City continued their impressive goalscoring form into the Carling Cup as they brushed aside Wolves 5-2 to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Roberto Mancini made 11 changes from the side that humbled Manchester United 6-1 on Sunday, but they had no problem picking up where their teammates left off.

After falling behind to Nenad Milijas’ 18th minute strike City hit back through Adam Johnson, Samir Nasri and Edin Dzeko to take a healthy lead into the break.

And a second-half own goal from Wolves goalkeeper Dorus De Vries and a second strike from Dzeko put the Premier League leaders en route to repeating their derby success before Jamie O’Hara struck back to make it 5-2.

Ten-man Chelsea joined City in the quarter-finals as they edged past Everton 2-1 thanks to Daniel Sturridge’s 116th minute strike in an eventful game.

Nicolas Anelka missed a penalty before Salomon Kalou put the Bues into a first-half lead, before goalkeeper Ross Turnbull was given his marching orders after clattering Louis Saha.

But substitute Petr Cech stepped up to save Leighton Baines’ resulting penalty and the rebound, however, Saha struck late on to earn extra-time before Sturridge sealed the victory with just minutes remaining.

A Luis Suarez brace ensured Liverpool’s safe route too, as they eased past Stoke 2-1 at the Britannia Stadium.

Kenwyne Jones headed the Potters ahead minutes before half-time but Suarez struck in the 54th and 85th minutes to earn a memorable win.

In the other game Blackburn beat Newcastle 4-3 after extra-time at Ewood Park, but only just.

With a comfortable 2-0 lead thanks to Ruben Rochina and Yakubu goals, Rovers contrived to let Newcastle back into the game as Danny Guthrie and Yohan Cabaye scored in added time to pull themselves back from the brink of defeat.

Morten Gamst Pedersen put the home side back in front in the 99th minute before a Peter Lovenkrands penalty saw Newcastle equalise for a third time.

Then with seconds remaining on the clock Gael Givet headed home from Chris Samba’s knock down to nick a dramatic win and finally give Steve Kean something to smile about.

Meanwhile, Manchester United began their recovery from a 6-1 thumping against Manchester City by booking their place in the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup with a convincing 3-0 win against Aldershot.

The League Two side began well and gave a spirited display as they took the game to the Premier League champions but first-half goals from Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen all but killed off their hopes of progression.

And by the time Antonio Valencia thumped in a stunning long-range effort in the 48th minute to make it 3-0 it was game over.

Arsenal progressed to their ninth consecutive Carling Cup quarter-final as they came from behind to beat Bolton 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.

Fabrice Muamba, a former Gunner, opened the scoring for Bolton early in the second-half but less than ten minutes later Andrey Arshavin and Chu-Young Park goals had continued Arsenal’s winning run and heaped more misery on Bolton boss Owen Coyle's shoulders.

Elsewhere Championship sides Cardiff and Crystal Palace also got into the last eight, Cardiff winning 1-0 against Burnley thanks to Joe Mason’s goal and Palace beating Southampton 2-0 with late strikes from Darren Ambrose and Jermaine Easter.

Chelsea Ready Offer For Unwanted AC Milan And Brazil Superstar

Chelsea are waiting in the wings after learning that AC Milan have told Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato that he is no longer 'indispensable' to the club after a dip in form.

The 22-year-old was viewed as one of the stars of the club and has already scored 50 league goals in just 105 appearances in Serie A and last season helped fire Milan to the league title.

Pato scored a memorable goal in the Champions League earlier this season against Barcelona but has since struggle with injuries and a loss of form.

In his absence Milan have teamed Antonio Cassano with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, while Kevin Prince Boateng has emerged as goal-scoring midfielder as he fired a hat-trick at the weekend to inspire an amazing comeback from 3-0 down to eventually win 4-3.

According to reports in Milan, manager Max Allegri has warned the young striker that he may struggle to get back into the first team and is essentially on trial until the end of the season.

Pato, who has scored six times for Brazil in 18 appearances, is still highly regarded by a host of European clubs with both Barcelona and Chelsea known to be interested in the striker.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and manager Andre Villas-Boas are both known admirers of Pato and should he become available at the end of the season then the west London club would almost certainly make an offer.

The Brazilian has previously been linked with a move and Milan had always suggested that it would take a mega offer of more than £40million for them to consider selling.

While it may still take this sort of offer, Chelsea would certainly not be put off as they attempt to find long term replacements for Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka.

Arsenal Prepare To Make Sensational Move To Tottenham Striker

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is preparing a shock move for Tottenham Hotspur striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.

According to reports in The Metro, Wenger is keeping tabs on the Russian international after the latest quotes from the player with regards to his future at White Hart Lane.

Pavlyuchenko has so far this season made just two appearances in the Premier League and feels he needs more regular first team football in order to start for Russia during Euro 2012.

The 29-year-old has also stated he like likes life in London, which as also alerted Premiership rivals Queens Park Rangers and Fulham.

However it is felt Arsenal could be Pavlyuchenko's preferred destination and could see him team up with Russian team-mate Anrdey Arshavin.

Speaking to Russian publication Sport Express, Pav said: "I don't believe I can fight my way into the Tottenham starting line-up. Players can feel what the manager thinks about them, and I know that the manager doesn't count on me these days.

"Something must change. I must play in order not to miss Euro 2012.

"You don't get into the national squad on past achievements. I will be 30 in December, and it could be my last big tournament.

"I don't know whether the club will execute that option [to sell me], but a good offer would definitely be considered.

"It would be silly of me to hide that I find life in London much better."

Manchester United Star Subject Of Shock Interest From Roma

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has reportedly become a shock target for big-spending Italian side Roma.

According to Insidefutbol.com, manager of the Serie A side, Luis Enrique, is a big admirer of the England centre-back and believes he could persuade him to leave United.

Ferdinand's position at Old Trafford is under more threat than ever before with the arrivals of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones and the emergence of Jonny Evans.

The 32-year-old has been linked with a move to the MLS, but Roma are reportedly ready to offer him the chance to continue his career at the top level of European football.

It is thought that if they are given a clear indication that United are willing to sell Ferdinand, Roma will be ready with an official bid.

The chance to move abroad and test himself in another league could appeal to the former West Ham and Leeds player, particularly given that any move in England would surely be a step down.

Spurs Tracking Argentinian Wonderkid Ahead Of Summer Move

Tottenham are reportedly monitoring the progress of Argentinian wonderkid Paulo Dybala and are considering a move for the forward at the end of the season.

According to the Daily Mirror, Spurs are among a host of European clubs tracking the 17-year-old, who is being touted as one of the next big talents coming out of South America.

Dybala has drawn interest following his goal-scoring exploits this season. He has netted seven times in 11 appearances for second-division side Instituto.

It is thought Portuguese club Benfica are interested in Dybala, which has pleased the teenager.

"I have heard the interest of Benfica. They are a great club of course. But my agent who is processing my future, has kept me on the sidelines as much as possible,” he said.

"Argentine players always succeed at Benfica, I have seen them playing in European and Portuguese games on TV.

"Sometimes there are some league games but I’ve seen most of Benfica in the UEFA Champions League. I really like Aimar and Saviola."

However, Spurs will not be deterred in their pursuit of Dybala and it is thought Kia Joorabchian is trying to broker a deal for the north London club.

United Send Paul Scholes To Watch Jordan Rhodes

Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Huddersfield striker Jordan Rhodes, after sending newly appointed scout Paul Scholes to run the rule over the free-scoring 21-year-old.

Scholes was in the stands at the Galpharm Stadium last night, where Rhodes found the net once again, as Huddersfield drew 2-2 with Scunthorpe United.

The strike was Rhodes' ninth in his last four matches for the Terriers, while a hat-trick for Scotland's Under-21's in-between means he has 12 goals in five matches for club and country, in a remarkable purple patch.

That superb form has led to increased speculation about Rhodes' future, with a host of Premier League clubs now increasing their interest in the powerful hitman, who bagged 22 strikes in all competitions last term.

Sir Alex Ferguson has since been put on to the player by Scotland Under-21 boss Billy Stark, and with United loanee Oliver Norwood also in action last night, he instructed newly appointed scout Scholes to take a closer look and report back.

However, should Ferguson decide to push ahead with a bid, it's likely to take up to £5 million to secure his services, after Huddersfield chairman Dean Hoyle warned off interested parties last week.

Everton Keeping Tabs On Bosnian International Striker

Everton manager David Moyes is set to step up his pursuit of a new striker and it is believed he is keeping tabs on free agent Zlatan Muslimovic.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina international has had spells with Serie A clubs Udinese, Parma and Atalanta.

Muslimovic was last with Greek side PAOK but his contract ran out in the summer and was not renewed. He currently plays alongside Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko in the Bosnian national side.

Scottish giants Rangers and a number of Championship sides were linked with moves for the 30-year-old in the summer but nothing materialized.

However, it is now thought Everton boss Moyes is keen to strengthen his attacking options and sees Muslimovic as an ideal signing.

Everton aren't the only side interested with Premier League rivals Fulham and Blackburn as well as German side Werder Bremen all believed to be tracking the player.

Speaking exclusively to Sportsvibe.co.uk, Muslimovic's agent Jan Dreyer said: "Scottish champions Rangers and a few Championship teams were interested in Zlatan during the summer, but he wants to play in the Premiership or the Bundesliga.

"Zlatan is a powerful forward and is very strong in the air, he's style of football would suit one of those leagues.

"A number of options are available to Zlatan and we will see what happens in January."

Tottenham Defender Becomes Surprise Target For Italian Giants

Tottenham right-back Kyle Walker has emerged as a surprise transfer target for Italian side AS Roma who are keen to rebuild their squad in the New Year.

Roma have recently appointed Franco Baldini as the clubs director of football and the Italian has reportedly suggested to manager Luis Enrique that they attempt to land the defender.

Baldini previously worked with Fabio Capello as part of the England back room staff and has witnessed the talent of the young defender.

Italian newspaper Leggo reports that Baldini is convinced that Walker has a bright future ahead of him and is keen to bring the former Sheffield United defender to the Stadio Olimpico.

The 21-year-old has been with Tottenham since 2009 but has only become a first team regular this season after impressing on loan at Aston Villa last season.

Tottenham would certainly not want to let the athletic right-back leave the club but Baldini is convinced that Walker would jump at the chance to play abroad.

Spurs do have the likes of Kyle Naughton and Vedran Corluka, while Younes Kaboul has played on the right hand side of defence but boss Harry Redknapp would certainly want to keep the England Under-21 defender.

Valencia To Rival Arsenal For Sochaux Star's Signature

Valencia have joined the race for Arsenal target Marvin Martin.

The 23-year-old midfielder is among the players on Arsene Wenger's long wish-list and a New Year bid has been suggested.

But, earlier this month, Martin insisted that he has no intention of walking out on Sochaux halfway through the season.

And now reports in France have revealed that Spanish side Valencia are ready to wait until the summer to sign Martin, who they think could help fill the void left by Juan Mata - who left for Chelsea in August.

Martin is under contract with Sochaux until 2015 and is reportedly available for around £10m.