Josh McEachran Threatening To Be Left Out In The Cold At Chelsea

With weak opposition facing them, Chelsea used Wednesday evening's Champions League tie to give some of their first-team peripherals the opportunity to get some minutes under their belt.

The likes of Alex, Paulo Ferreira and the recently returned David Luiz were all handed run outs, while Juan Mata, John Terry and Didier Drogba sat out ahead of a week of fixtures which climaxes with the visit of Arsenal.

Another handed the opportunity to impress was Oriol Romeu, a summer recruit from Barcelona.

Those who had missed his Carling Cup appearance against Fulham, before Wednesday night his first start for the Blues, were given a glimpse of the 20-year-old's calmness on the ball and adept positional sence, seemingly inherited from his time at the Nou Camp.

Despite Chelsea plundering five goals past the Belgian champions, it was the performance of the Spaniard that caught the eye at Stamford Bridge.

It appears, at least in the recent history of the Barclays Premier League, that Chelsea more than most have possessed some of the world's best holding players.

The likes of Claude Makelele, Didier Deschamps and more loosely Dennis Wise have applied their trade protecting the Blues' back four, and with John Obi Mikel, only 24, having failed to stamp his authority on the position, Romeu is being prepped as the club's long-term midfield solution.

While on commentary during Wednesday night's win over Genk, former Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins compared Romeu to Brazilian World Cup winner Dunga for his no nonsense approach in midfield, while the morning's papers reported shades of Makelele in the former Catalan protege.

But everything isn't quiet as rosy as you might think. While Romeu is impressing, the west-Londoners are neglecting a player who in many quarters is considered to be one of England's prized young assets.

Following the game, Jamie Redknapp immediately raised the issue where Romeu's assured display leaves 20-year-old Josh McEachran.

The England under-21 international has featured just twice for Chelsea this season after being assured of regular first-team opportunities this season.

Such were the fears of the midfielder that he would be restricted to a bit-part role that he requested a loan move during the summer, which was subsequently rejected by manager Andre Villas-Boas.

"I did ask to go out on loan at the start of the season but Andre said he wants me to stay because he thinks I will get enough games here," McEachran said.

"I saw in the paper that Fabio Capello wanted me to go on loan to get more experience but Andre is my manager and if he wanted me to go on loan, that's what I'd do.

"It's not going to happen before the transfer window closes next week, but maybe it could happen in the new year."

Many in the ranks at the Football Association see McEachran as the future of England's midfield alongside Jack Wilshere, but with appearances rare at Stamford Bridge, Capello has signalled that he wishes the player to go out on loan this season.

The move worked for both Tom Cleverley, who spent last season at Wigan Athletic, and Wilshere, who spent 12 months at Bolton Wanderers, with both now pivotal members of their club sides, while in Wilshere's case, established internationals.

Andre Villa-Boas would do well to follow the acts of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, and give McEachran the experience of regular first-team football in the Barclays Premier League, so not to see his undeniable talent fall away.

Too often we've seen home grown talent held back by club's bringing in expensive foreign imports, and let's hope one of those latest additions, manager Villas-Boas, doesn't hold back the career of another potential England star.

With England lacking creatively in their midfield, and given Capello's insistence to occasionally go against the grain, an impressive season lower down the division may give the Italian reason to chose McEachran for next summer's tournament in Poland and Ukraine, a potentially vital experience for the teen.

His transfer policy suggests Villas-Boas is gearing towards refreshing Chelsea's squad and he's doing youth a favour by blooding them in the Blues first-team, but he's going to do any favours to the future of the club and of England, providing the country's leading light with the chance to shine would be a good place to start.

Barcelona Will Not Sign Replacement For Injured Ibrahim Afellay

Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta has ruled out the possibility of signing a substitute for Ibrahim Afellay in the winter transfer window.

The Netherlands international is due to spend approximately the next six months on the sidelines after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in Thursday's training.

With Afellay expected to feature only in the last two months of the campaign, it has been suggested that Barcelona could bring in a January replacement for the 25-year-old.

However, Zubizarreta has knocked down that scenario, telling Barca TV: "Afellay's injury is not good news, but it is clear that the solution is in our squad and in our youth ranks.

"We are not considering signing a new player. The club doctors will analyze the case and decide his recovery time. "

The 25-year-old, who joined Barcelona from PSV in January, has made two appearances for the club this season, both as a substitute.

Manchester United Ace Unhappy At Not Being Allowed To Leave Club

Manchester United stopper Tomasz Kuszczak is unhappy and disappointed at the way he has been treated at Old Trafford after failing to secure a move away from the club this summer.

Kuszczak has made just 61 appearances during five years at the club and has fallen even further down the pecking order after the club signed David de Gea this summer, and Anders Lindegaard in January.

The polish goalkeeper now wants to leave Old Trafford in order to secure first team football, however he says the club have blocked his attempts to depart by overestimating his value.

"I am angry and disappointed with the way I am treated," said Kuszczak in The Sun.

"I had a few good offers. The problem was the club who wanted to sell me for £4m."

Kuszczak was linked with a return to previous club West Brom over the summer, as well as being linked with moves to several teams abroad, but the goalkeeper has said he would prefer to stay in England.

Modric Will Sign New Spurs Deal - Redknapp

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp expects Luka Modric to be offered a new contract after Spurs chairman Daniel Levy rejected several bids from Chelsea during the transfer window.

Modric was keen to leave Spurs in the summer but Levy insisted the Croatian playmaker would not be sold at any price and, true to his word, turned down increasingly large offers - reportedly of £22 million and £27 million - from Stamford Bridge. Redknapp said there was a final offer of £40 million on deadline day.

Redknapp feels Modric can now focus on playing for Spurs and although the 26-year-old is already tied to a long-term contract, is anticipating an improved contract for Modric.

"Luka will just get on with it - the chairman will sit down and discuss his contract and make a deal," said Redknapp. "We are looking to make him a good offer. The transfer window being shut now makes my job easier because he has to just get on with playing."

Barca Confirm Sanchez Blow

Barcelona have confirmed summer signing Alexis Sanchez will be out for eight weeks due to the thigh injury suffered against Real Sociedad.

The winger, who joined Barca from Udinese, was carried off on a stretcher during the first half of the 2-2 draw in San Sebastian and he is now facing a lengthy lay-off.

The Chilean is expected to miss the next 13 games with Barca pencilling in the clash with Real Zaragoza on the weekend of November 19/20 as a date for his possible return.

His absence will be a blow for a Barca side still reeling from throwing away a two-goal lead at the Estadio de Anoeta.

Goals from Xavi and Cesc Fabregas had Barca cruising after just a quarter of an hour before Sociedad hit back and midfielder Sergio Busquets has spoken of the need to "correct the mistakes".

He said: "Last year we also began with problems, losing to Hercules, but it's no good worrying about it.

"We have to take note of it, correct the mistakes, and think from now onwards about the Champions League and AC Milan (on Tuesday night).

"At half-time we didn't think at all that the game was won, and it turned out like that.

"It's a fact that away from home winning is always tough and will get increasingly tougher. We haven't had the chance to talk about what happened yesterday but we will."

Most of the Barca squad were away on international duty last week, and Spain international Busquets believes that may have been a contributing factor.

He added: "It's always tricky. You come back from another setting, another team, and different team-mates.

"It's not easy to get back to what we do well, but we can't let it happen again."

Rodwell Targets Regular Spot

Jack Rodwell says he hopes the departure of Mikel Arteta will finally signal his chance to become a regular in the Toffees' line-up.

Injuries have plagued the talented youngster in recent years and he has found opportunities in his favoured central midfield role hard to come by.

However, with the departure of the Spaniard to Arsenal, there is now a free spot in the Everton engine room and Rodwell is looking to take his opportunity with both hands.

"It's a good opportunity for him so we all wish him the best" Rodwell told the Liverpool Echo.

"But I'm ready to step up and fill his boots. I'm ready now" he said. "I feel fit, I feel sharp and focused. I believe this is the season for me.

Joey Barton Made Available On Free Transfer

Joey Barton has been made available on a free transfer, Newcastle have confirmed on their official website.

Relations between the club and the outspoken midfielder had already been strained following a breakdown of contract talks over the summer, with Barton taking to Twitter to air his frustrations.

The 28-year-old did so again following yesterday's friendly defeat at Leeds, before saying he would make an announcement on his future at 4pm today.

But the club have pre-empted whatever Barton was going to say by announcing he is able to leave the club a year out from the end of his contract.

A brief statement on http://www.nufc.co.uk read: "Newcastle United can today confirm that Joey Barton has been placed on the transfer list.

"The player has been advised that he can leave the club on a free transfer."

Barton made reference to behind-the-scenes unrest on the social networking site yesterday afternoon, following on from full-back Jose Enrique who was recently fined by the club for accusing them of lacking ambition via his own account.

In May, Barton's agent Willie McKay said the player would not be offered a new deal with the club, with Barton later Tweeting that they wanted a "'younger, better, cheaper player".

The Liverpudlian has become a fans' favourite in the north east after initially suffering a troublesome start to his life on Tyneside.

After joining for £5.8million from Manchester City in June 2007 he served a 77-day prison sentence after being found guilty of assault following an incident in Liverpool, while he was also given a suspended four-month sentence for a training ground assault on then City team-mate Ousmane Dabo.

The Dabo incident earned him a six-match ban upon his release from jail, before injury then curtailed his first-team comeback, and his days at the club looked to be numbered as he was sent off in a late-season clash at Liverpool, a game Newcastle lost 3-0 on their way to relegation from the Premier League.

He clashed with manager Alan Shearer in the aftermath and was suspended by the club, but resolved his differences sufficiently enough to remain with them in the Championship under new boss Chris Hughton.

Although injury ruled him out for the middle part of the season he played key roles at the start and end of what was a title-winning campaign.

He went on to become a key figure in the first-team last season, and was understood to be close to extending his stay at St James' Park in January when the bombshell of Andy Carroll's departure for Liverpool dropped.

Talks were put on hold until the end of the season with the player later indicating that he would be happy to stay if captain and friend Kevin Nolan also put pen to paper on a new deal.

But Nolan's exit to West Ham was followed by the news that Barton would be leaving next summer, although recent developments have brought that forward.

Barton's promised tweet arrived 55 minutes later than expected, with him confirming the news and expressing his pride at having worn the club's shirt, while also getting in another dig at the owners.

Mihajlovic Sets Fiorentina Targets

Sinisa Mihajlovic has set Fiorentina’s agenda for the new season. “We want to finish in the top six and get back into Europe.”

The Viola has failed to qualify for continental competition for the last two campaigns, leading to anger from fans and questions from their players.

“Compared to last term, it has rained every single day of our pre-season training camp. Maybe it’ll bring us luck,” smiled the Coach.

His team was held to a 0-0 draw by Torino on Friday, denied by a goal line clearance and the woodwork.

“I am fairly happy. We tried to play despite the state of the pitch in this rain and we did not concede a goal. It was a real game and I am pleased with the physical fitness of my players.

“Our objective is certainly to qualify for the Europa League. We want to finish in the top six and get back into Europe.”

United Set To Reward Duo

Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia has agreed a new contract and striker Javier Hernandez is also set to be rewarded with fresh terms.

The Premier League champions are currently on a pre-season tour of North America but chief executive David Gill revealed plans are already afoot to secure key players to long-term deals.

Valencia's extended stay could be confirmed before United's Community Shield match against local rivals City at Wembley next weekend.

The Ecuador international has been an influential figure for the Red Devils since joining from Wigan Athletic and recovered from a serious injury to play a key part in the closing couple of months of last season.

Hernandez, who is currently sidelined with concussion, enjoyed a stunning debut season at Old Trafford last term after his arrival from Chivas and is also due to agree a new deal.

On Valencia, Gill said: "He has (agreed a new deal) and we are in the process of finalizing that.

"He has been away at the Copa America and we've been away here, but that's broadly sorted out. That should be announced next week.

"Antonio signed for four years, so he's got two left. The length of the deal will come out when it comes out, but it's a longer-term deal, yes.

"Hernandez came on a five-year deal. There's no re-negotiation clause in his contract, but we want to address it when there is no pressure with regards to that issue, so we intend to do it in the autumn."

Gill also revealed the club had an option to extend Dimitar Berbatov's by another year but admitted a decision would likely be made at the end of the season.

Gerrard To Miss Start Of Season

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is expected to be out until September because of a groin problem.

Gerrard, 31, began a course of antibiotic treatment for an infection on Saturday and is expected to remain in hospital for several days.

Groin surgery ended Gerrard's season in March but he had expected to be back for the start of the new campaign.

The midfielder could also miss England's two Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Wales.

Gerrard missed his side's pre-season tour of Asia this month in order to try to regain full fitness for the start of the new season on 13 August, when Liverpool play Sunderland at Anfield.

He will also miss Premier League fixtures against Arsenal and Bolton, with the trip to Stoke on 10 September a likely target date for his return.

The England midfielder was already set to miss the international friendly with the Netherlands on 10 August but will now also be a doubt for the qualifiers away to Bulgaria on 2 September and at home to Wales four days later.

Gerrard has been plagued by the problem for several years now and it restricted his effectiveness in the last campaign, when he played only 21 of 38 Premier League matches.

Rossi Set To Stay At Villarreal

Giuseppe Rossi's agent has confirmed the player will remain at Villarreal for the forthcoming season after being linked with a summer move.

Tottenham were reported to have been interested in the Italy international but Italian giants Juventus had emerged as his most likely destination if he left Spain.

But following the sale of Santi Cazorla to Malaga for 19million euros, the pressure on Villarreal to cash in on the striker has eased and he will now stay with the club.

The former Manchester United marksman had been keen on a deal to Juventus but will now adhere to the club's decision not to sell him.

"Giuseppe Rossi has officially been taken off the market after they sold Santi Cazorla to Malaga," his agent Federico Pastorello told Sky Italia.

"The economic problems which the club had have now been resolved by that transfer.

"Nevertheless, this decision has liberated Rossi as he's now just focusing on playing football and scoring goals.

"He's not used to being at the centre of such negotiations and tension. He wanted Juventus, but he's accepted the position taken by the president of Villarreal."

No Offers Yet For Gary Cahill - Bolton

Bolton manager Owen Coyle has reminded his sought-after defender Gary Cahill to focus on performing well where he is, saying that he has not yet received any offers for the player.

Arsenal is believed to be among the suitors for the 25-year-old who has impressed at the Reebok Stadium since joining in 2008.

But Coyle told Sky Sports News: “I know there is interest from other clubs, nothing concrete in terms of offers, but all these elite clubs know he is an outstanding player so we will have to wait and see what happens with that.”

The former Aston Villa man has started to break into the England national setup during his time at Bolton, having earned his first caps last season.

And his manager is keen to make sure that Cahill is focused on performing to the best of his ability while he remains on the books.

“I think it is well known the belief I have in Gary Cahill, the quality he has, but that's the nature of football,” Coyle said after Cahill scored the second goal in Bolton’s 2-0 pre-season victory over Bury.

“It only takes a phone call for it to all change but I have said to him he is a Bolton Wanderers player, he is well paid by Bolton Wanderers and he has to make sure he is focused to do the job in hand until something was to change.

“He is such an outstanding player that we are very fortunate to have him.”

Cahill has made over 100 league appearances for the Trotters since joining three summers ago.

German Winger David Odonkor Begins Trial At Rangers

Rangers have taken German winger David Odonkor on trial after the 27-year-old was released by Real Betis.

The former Borussia Dortmund player will spend a few days with Ally McCoist's side after an injury-strewn five years in Spain.

Odonkor, who won 16 caps between 2006 and 2008, had several knee operations whilst with Betis.

McCoist signed winger Juanma Ortiz earlier this summer but Rangers are short of natural wide players.

Afellay Quiet On Spurs Link

Barcelona playmaker Ibrahim Afellay is keeping quiet over rumours linking him with a move to Tottenham.

The Netherlands international arrived at Camp Nou from PSV in January but has struggled to force his way into Pep Guardiola's first team.

Spurs are thought to have made the 25-year-old a target this summer, with reports suggesting they have tabled an offer.

And while Afellay insists he is focused on Barca, the Dutchman stopped short of denying that Tottenham have made a bid.

Asked if the speculation was true, he told AS: "Look, if there is anything that is clear it's that rumours are part of football and we must learn to live with them, but now I'm just focused on Barcelona.

"I'm aware (of the reports) because I read the information arriving from England. People call you and say they have seen such a thing."

Afellay, who is tied to a four-and-a-half-year contract at Barca, has also reportedly attracted interest from Juventus and Lazio this summer.

But the midfielder insists he is happy with the European champions and keen to secure more regular first-team action.

"It's perfect. I feel happy. On a sporting level, I hope to express my potential," he added.

"(Playing more) is my intention, of course. I want to play as much as possible."

Park Hopes To Sign Soon

Manchester United's South Korean ace Park Ji-sung hopes to sign his contract extension soon.

After struggling to make an impact during his early years following his move from PSV Eindhoven in 2005, the midfielder has emerged as a key figure in recent seasons at Old Trafford.

Last term he scored the winner against Arsenal, while he was then on target with United's crucial second in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea in April.

So far this pre-season, the South Korean, who has been offered a two-year contract extension, has scored in three of United's four games on their tour of North America.

He is delighted to have proved his worth for the Red Devils and hopes to sign his contract extension soon.

"It's on the table now so maybe, hopefully (we can) get it done quickly," he told Sky Sports News.

"I keep saying I want to stay at Manchester United for more years.

"Hopefully one day we will get together and sort it out."

Some believed his move to the Red Devils in 2005 was a cynical marketing move, designed to sell shirts in the Far East, and Park is delighted to have proved the doubters wrong.

He added: "At first, some said I was selling T-shirts. It didn't hurt. It was my first year and maybe they thought an Asian player could not perform in European football.

"I proved it was the wrong thing to think and I am delighted with that.

"I have proved I can play in European football."

Other Premier League teams are starting to look at South Korea as a recruiting ground, with Bolton having made a home for Chung Yong-lee while Sunderland signed Won Ji-dong.

Park believes there are other compatriots who have the capability to follow his lead.

"More Korean players will come here," he said.

"There are Korean players who have the talent to play in Europe. Hopefully they can come over to play and show how much Asian football has improved."

Walcott Set For Ankle Scan

Arsene Wenger has revealed Theo Walcott has left Arsenal's training camp in Germany to undergo a scan on a recurring ankle problem.

England international Walcott, 22, sat out training on Monday before the decision was made to send him home and try to fix the problem before Arsenal start their Premier League campaign against Newcastle next month.

Wenger, who will start the new season hoping to guide his side to a first piece of silverware in six years, told the club's official website the injury required 'investigation'.

"Theo went home early and was due to have an MRI," he said.

"It is an ankle injury that comes and goes. We need some more investigation because sometimes he's completely free of it and sometimes it affects him. But we had to send him back because he couldn't practice anymore."

Meanwhile, Wenger also confirmed young midfielder Conor Henderson is set to miss at least six months of the season.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international was stretchered off in the closing stages of Saturday's 2-1 win over Cologne and his injury has now been confirmed.

Wenger said: "Conor has a knee injury and it looks as if it is a cruciate. That means unfortunately that he will be out for six months at the very least."

Arsenal's pre-season comes to a head this weekend when they play Boca Juniors and New York Red Bulls in the fifth Emirates Cup, and Wenger is looking forward to clashing with the 23-time Argentinian champions.

"The South Americans will cycle the ball at a slow pace and suddenly try to kill you, so it's always a good experience - and they have all the tricks of street football too," he added.

"They can slow the game down, they always have good technique and intelligent behaviour at the back. It's always difficult to score goals against them. Boca Juniors is a great name of world football, so it will be interesting."

Brescia Rue Hamsik Sale

Brescia President Gino Corioni still has regrets over his decision to sell Marek Hamsik to Napoli in 2007.

The Slovakian was sold by the Lombard outfit for €5.5m back then and he’s now worth at least five times that amount.

“I regret letting Hamsik go to Napoli for such a low price,” Corioni told Radio CRC on Wednesday afternoon.

Hamsik was rumoured to be a €30m target for Milan this summer, but the attacking midfielder will remain at the San Paolo.

“He’s made the right decision in staying at Napoli because that club wants to construct a great side,” the Brescia chief added.

“Hamsik is not a top champion, but he is still irreplaceable. Players with his characteristics should not be sold.”

The Slovakian international today celebrates his 24th birthday.

Piszczek Signs With Dortmund Through 2016

Bundesliga champion Borussia Dortmund has extended the contract of defender Lukasz Piszczek until 2016.

Dortmund sports director Michael Zorc said Tuesday that the 26-year-old Poland international is one of "the absolute top players in his position in the Bundesliga.''

Piszczek joined Dortmund from Hertha Berlin at the beginning of last season on a three-year deal. He was a key player in the team's run to the Bundesliga title.

Ezequiel Lavezzi Is Not Looking To Leave Napoli

Ezequiel Lavezzi will remain at Napoli, despite recently being linked with Manchester City, his agent Alejandro Mazzoni has revealed.

There was plenty of speculation surrounding the Argentina international after club president Aurelio De Laurentiis said last week that Lavezzi would have to decide whether or not he wanted to remain at Napoli.

This led to speculation suggesting Manchester City, who appear close to sealing a deal for Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero, were keeping an eye on Lavezzi.

However, Mazzoni believes the forward has a bright future with the Champions League hopefuls and is not considering leaving for the time being.

"I don't know why all these rumours have come out regarding Lavezzi moving to another club," the agent told Radio Crc.

"Maybe some people just want to stir up a case. It's true there is a clause in his contract, but to leave a club, a player must also be in agreement.

"Lavezzi will not leave Napoli, but if an offer was to arrive that suits both club and player then we could talk."

Lavezzi is tied to Napoli until 2015.

Lokomotiv Moscow President Blasts Levante Following Felipe Caicedo Capture

Levante have come in for strong criticism following the transfer of Ecuadorian forward Felipe Caicedo, after Lokomotiv Moscow president Olga Smorodskaya accused the Spanish club of behaving unprofessionally in the sale.

The 22-year-old Guayaquil native signed a four-year contract with the Russian outfit on Tuesday afternoon, according to the club's official website.

The Ecuador international impressed during a one-year loan in Levante and the Spanish side was keen to pursue a permanent deal, using a purchase clause at the end of the Liga season to sign him for €1 million.

The Russian club were not deterred, however, and after tense negotiations with the Spaniards eventually agreed a deal worth €7m, which could rise to nearly €10m depending on various appearance and performance-related bonuses.

Following the announcement of the transfer, Smorodskaya hit out at Levante for their lack of co-operation during negotiations.

"This deal was very difficult for us due to the unprofessional and inadequate position of Levante. Their directors seemed to have a very poor knowledge of Fifa's regulations, as they insisted on things forbidden by those rules," the president told RIA Novosti.

"As a result we had to explain everything to them and give legal substantiations to each of our steps in order to sign a contract that would be consistent with the law."

Caicedo was the only Ecuadorian to find the net in the Copa America, scoring both his side's goals in a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Brazil as the Tricolor went out in the first round. He is scheduled to arrive in Moscow and meet with his new team-mates on August 1.