Chelsea Veteran Rejects Impossible German Giants Transfer

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has played down talk of a possible move away from Stamford Bridge.

The Ivorian striker was linked with both Tottenham Hotspur and AC Milan this summer, with Bayern Munich most recently linked with a move for the former Marseille star.

However, the 33-year-old has effectively ruled out a move away from Chelsea, stating it would be difficult to start again at a new club.

"I believe the rumours were unnecessary," said Drogba on the subject of leaving west London.

"At my age, it's next to impossible to start again at a new club."

Drogba has only recently recovered from an injury in west London, coming off the bench to score for Chelsea in a 4-1 win over Swansea City last weekend.

After missing out on an appearance against Valencia in the Champions League, the forward is again expected to come for the fore in the absence of Fernando Torres, who will miss the next three Barclays Premier League matches for Chelsea after picking up a red card against the Swans.

His first start for Andre Villas-Boas' side since the injury is set to come against Bolton, before clashes against Everton (twice), Genk QPR and Arsenal complete a busy October for Chelsea.

Tottenham Defender Is £10m Target For PSG

Tottenham Hotspur defender Younes Kaboul could be a shock transfer target for mega-rich French club Paris Saint Germain.

According to reports in the Daily Mirror, during the course of the summer transfer window PSG were keeping tabs of Kaboul but nothing materialized.

The French international defender is versatile and can play at both full-back and centre-back, and has even operated in midfield on occasions.

Kaboul has he is happy with life at White Hart Lane but he doesn't rule out a move back to France in the future.

"I am happy at Spurs but I don't rule out a return to France before the end of my career," the 25-year-old told French radio station RMC Sports. "I could have joined PSG in the summer but preferred the stability of Tottenham.

"I am a PSG fan and I watch the matches on TV.

"I adored the club as a kid and I hope they reach the Champions League next season."

Real Madrid Preparing Bid For Eden Hazard

Arsenal's hopes of signing Lille star Eden Hazard have taken a blow, with the news that Real Madrid are planning to make a bid.

The Belgian midfielder has been one of Gunners boss Arsene Wenger's top transfer targets since the start of the year, but the French champions were unwilling to sell over the summer.

Hazard, 20, has also caught the eye of Zinedine Zidane, who now works as Real Madrid's sporting director.

The World Cup winner recently asked the club's scouts to compile a detailed dossier on Hazard, reports Spanish newspaper AS.

It recommended that Madrid should try to sign the youngster and both Zidane and coach Jose Mourinho have apparently now approved the report.

Lille have put a £25million price tag on Hazard, who only signed a new contract committing him to the club until 2015 in March.

That price would not have deterred Real Madrid in the past, but the new Financial Fair Play regulations mean they can no longer afford to be so extravagant.

They are likely to attempt to negotiate the transfer fee down, which would present Arsenal with an opportunity to beat them to Hazard's signature.

Jovetic Cools Blues Talk

Stevan Jovetic has played down speculation linking him with a move away from Fiorentina amid reported interest from Chelsea.

The Blues are thought to be chasing the Montenegro international's signature, while Manchester City and Barcelona have also been linked with the 21-year-old.

However, Jovetic says he is in talks with Fiorentina over extending his contract, which expires in 2013, with his agent Fali Ramadani set to meet with the Viola board after Sunday's Lazio clash.

Jovetic told Sky Italia: "I read in the newspaper that many clubs are interested, including Manchester City, Barcelona and Chelsea.

"I don't know if any of it is true, but I'm always focused on Fiorentina.

"When I get the offers and the time comes for these things, we'll think about it.

"Meanwhile, I am thinking of Fiorentina. I still have a two-year contract and we are also talking about an extension of the contract."

Ramadani added of Chelsea's reported interest: "These are just rumours that I don't want to comment on.

"Our priority is to meet with the leaders at Fiorentina.

"I will be in Florence on Sunday to watch the Fiorentina versus Lazio game and then I'll meet with Fiorentina's management.

"Jovetic is having a great time in Florence, he's reiterated that more than once."

Paris Saint-Germain Ponder Hamisk Swoop

Paris Saint-Germain are weighing up move for Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik, according to RMC.

The Saints have spent piles of cash on new players in the summer, but are already looking for ways to further reinforce the squad.

After signing Javier Pastore from Palermo, the French giants have shown interest in another Serie A star, Napoli’s Marek Hamsik.

The Slovakian midfielder is reportedly looking for a new challenge and Napoli are prepared to sell if the price is right.

The Partenopei value Hamsik at €45 million, which is a few million more than Paris Saint-Germain paid for Javier Pastore.

Anzhi Makhachkala To Offer Jose Mourinho €30m Per Year

Anzhi Makhachkala have their eye on Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, and are ready to offer him €30 million per year to be their new boss, according to Sport.

The big-spending Russian Premier League side has bolstered their playing squad with the additions of Samuel Eto’o and Yuri Zhirkov over the summer, and is backed by billionaire owner Suleyman Kerimov.

With Roberto Carlos the current caretaker manager after Gadzhi Gadzhiyev's dismissal, the eastern European outfit is on the lookout for a big-name trainer to continue their revolution.

Sport claims that Anzhi will offer the Portuguese coach €30m per year to take over the reins, but Mourinho is supposedly keen to remain in the Spanish capital city, as he feels he has unfinished business in La Liga.

England boss Fabio Capello has also been linked to the vacant post, with Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard supposed transfer targets come January.

Schalke Cool On Adler Link

Schalke have insisted they are happy with current goalkeeper Ralf Fahrmann amid reports the club are lining up a move to sign Rene Adler from Bayer Leverkusen.

Fahrmann has been installed as Schalke's No.1 this season after Germany international Manuel Neuer left to join Bayern Munich.

Neuer's national team colleague Adler has been linked with a move to Schalke and he will be a free agent next summer when his contract expires.

Adler is currently sidelined with a knee injury and Schalke's general manager Horst Heldt has refused to comments on reports a move could be in the pipeline.

"We signed Ralf Fahrmann at the start of the season and we are extremely delighted with the progress of Ralf Fahrmann," Heldt told Reviersport.

"He is our starting goalkeeper and he has won us points with his performances this season.

"We are happy to have Ralf Fahrmann under contract."

Speculation has claimed that Leverkusen have offered Adler a one-year extension to his contract, but the keeper's agent Uli Ferber declined to discuss the reports.

Ferber said: "We are not intending to comment on any report."

Betting Recommendations For October 1, 2011

Everton vs Liverpool

Looking ahead to the Merseyside derby, Everton have the edge in terms of derby experience, with every one of last week's line-up having played in this fixture before. Should Liverpool be unchanged they'd have six players experiencing it for the first time - although none of the newcomers are strangers to big local rivalries. Charlie Adam played in eight Old Firm games, whilst Jordan Henderson, Andy Carroll and Jose Enrique are all Tyne & Wear veterans.

It has been a while since these two teams drew at Goodison Park but with neither holding outstanding claims currently, this fixture promises nothing but a feisty encounter. Specifically, this Premier League fixture saw more red cards than any other - 19 to be exact, with 11 in the last 15 meetings between the blue and red of Merseyside.

Liverpool have shown flashes this season to suggest they are top four material but it has been sporadic and mostly centered around Luis Suarez as they try and integrate their summer signings. The striker looks a special player despite his little strop after being substituted last week in the win over Wolves, thus suggesting that he is only going to improve as he adapts to the English game. This will be a good test for him as Everton dealt pretty well with the similar Sergio Aguero although they eventually buckled against Manchester City in their last outing.

With Everton having won just one of their last nine Premier League encounters against Liverpool with a 2-0 victory at Goodison Park last season, and Liverpool having won three of their last four Premier League games at Goodison Park, this fixture appears more favorable to the Reds. As such, a small wager on Liverpool to win this encounter or on Dirk Kuyt to score anytime sounds reasonable.

Sunderland vs West Brom

What a difference a good start makes - and that's exactly what both these clubs were looking for after their comfortable mid-table finishes of last season. Both had added new faces and expectation was high, but that has been replaced by frustration just six games in. Both sides will be looking at this fixture as an ideal opportunity to record a second win of the season and increase the feel-good factor ahead of the international break.

That's particularly the case for Sunderland. However, there seems to be an over-reaction by some on Wearside with all of their defeats have been by a single goal. The failure to convert chances has been a source of annoyance for Steve Bruce so far and someone needs to take responsibility in front of goal.

West Brom's return of four points needs to be put into context too. Only the real optimists felt opening games against Manchester United and Chelsea would provide points, but just one goal since will be a slight concern. Having finished last season so well, they'll be keen to start finding consistency as soon as possible and provide the service to the likes of Long and Odemwingie to help them up the table.

Steve Bruce has yet to beat a team managed by Roy Hodgson in the Premier League: he has three draws and three defeats from their six previous meetings. Sunderland has won just one of their last five home league games, a 4-0 victory against Stoke City. On the contrast, Roy Hodgson's side has only won one of their last six Premier League away games. Nonetheless, Roy Hodgson's side did the double over Sunderland last season so will arrive knowing they have what it takes to heap more misery on the home side.

In addition, a feature of recent meetings has been goals, with 13 in the last four games between the sides, and with West Brom having almost a full complement to pick from and Sunderland without Bramble, this trend looks set to continue this week. Thus, a bet on over 2.25 goals appears promising.

Barclays Premier League Preview

There are massive derbies at the beginning and end of this weekend's action, while in between Manchester United and Manchester City will jostle for superiority at the top of the table. It is already shaping up to be a fascinating 2011/12 Premier League campaign but every team in the division will be looking to learn from what they have done in the opening few games and push on to better things. The likes of Bolton, West Brom and Blackburn may be the most desperate for points as they strive to pull clear of trouble, but others in mid-table will also be looking up rather than down.

Everton and Liverpool are two sides that will certainly hope to finish higher than their current positions, of 11th and 5th respectively, but local bragging rights are also hugely important and that is what supporters will be concerned about as Goodison Park provides the setting for the 216th Merseyside derby on Saturday lunchtime. The Toffees can climb above their rivals with a home victory but it will be no easy task against a Reds side that could welcome back Steven Gerrard for a first start of the season.

North London neighbours Tottenham and Arsenal lock horns in the second major derby of the weekend on Sunday afternoon. Spurs have been in impressive form since the transfer window slammed shut and will fancy their chances of piling more pressure on the Gunners. Arsene Wenger has enjoyed one of his less stressful weeks of the season following back-to-back wins in the Premier League and Europe, and three points against Spurs would provide a massive boost for his 13th-placed side.

Manchester City are another team in need of a boost after a week dominated by negative headlines about Carlos Tevez, who Roberto Mancini says refused to play against Bayern Munich in their UEFA Champions League defeat. Not much has gone wrong for City in the Premier League so far this season but it has been suggested that the Tevez row could damage their title hopes. City will be determined to prove otherwise and they could go top on Saturday by winning at Ewood Park against a Blackburn side whose manager Steve Kean has come under plenty of media scrutiny himself.

If City are to reach the summit there would have to be a slip-up from Manchester United, and Sir Alex Ferguson does not expect that to happen after admitting their surprise 3-3 draw with Basel should provide a wake-up call to his troops. Basel were not expected to get anything from their trip to Old Trafford and neither are newly-promoted Norwich, who have risen into the top half on the back of two straight victories but know they face a different class of opponent this Saturday.

Chelsea trail the Manchester duo by three points ahead of their clash with bottom club Bolton at the Reebok Stadium on Sunday before the North London derby. The Blues will be without the suspended Fernando Torres as they seek to stay in touch with the leaders and inflict a sixth straight defeat on the Trotters, who have been cursed by rotten luck with injuries and this week learned Stuart Holden will be sidelined for another six months.

Just above Bolton in the standings are West Brom on four points, and the Baggies will not want to delay their ascent up the table any longer. Roy Hodgson takes his men to the Stadium of Light this Saturday to face a Sunderland side that has shown glimpses of potential but no consistency and are hovering just above the danger zone at present.

Newcastle have made an unbeaten start to the season to take up a place in the top four and, while even the most optimistic of fans will not expect the Magpies to stay there, they will be hoping the run continues at Molineux this weekend. Wolves also began well this term but struggled to maintain that form and are now on a three-match losing streak.

Wigan have also lost three in a row to slide into the bottom six and face a difficult challenge to return to winning ways against an Aston Villa side that has yet to taste defeat. Villa have drawn five of their six games, though, and will now be looking to build on that solid platform by collecting more three-point hauls.

Back to Sunday and another derby, this time in West London between Fulham and Queens Park Rangers. Martin Jol's Cottagers are the only team without a victory in the Premier League this season and would love to break that duck in their first match against QPR since 2001. QPR will be equally determined not to let that happen and are in buoyant mood after performing well since Tony Fernandes' takeover.

Stoke continued their bright start to the season last weekend by becoming the first side to take points off Manchester United, and will now be keen to underline their European credentials when they travel to the Liberty Stadium to meet Swansea. Brendan Rodgers' men are currently just a point outside the relegation zone but won their last home game against West Brom.

Arsenal & Man City Prepare Stunning Mega Money Swap Deal

Both Manchester City and Arsenal are preparing to enter negotiations over a potential swap deal involving Carlos Tevez and Robin van Persie according to the Guardian, with both players seemingly unsettled at their respective clubs.

Tevez – who found himself embroiled in a bitter disagreement with manager Roberto Mancini after refusing to come on as a substitute against Bayern Munich – is desperate to leave Eastlands, although many have suggested that a switch abroad is the most likely destination.

Manchester City officials now believe that they would be lucky to get £20 million for a player Mancini has revealed the club are “finished” with, following his conduct over the past few months. Tevez has persistently remained an unsettling influence at Eastlands, culminating in the club suspending Tevez for two weeks following the incident against Bayern Munich.

Reportedly, Van Persie remains Mancini’s primary target for the summer, although with Tevez’s position at Manchester City now untenable, it is believed a deal may be brought forward to the January transfer window.

Whilst Van Persie has been in excellent form for the Gunners this season, a fact not lost on his current boss Arsene Wenger, his club has now gone six years without a trophy. With the Dutchman quickly establishing himself as one of the top talents in world football, his ambitions may stretch above and beyond a club that currently remain

Van Persie recently refused to enter contract negotiations with Arsenal, suggesting that whilst he still has two years left on his deal there is no rush, but skeptics have suggested he simply refuses to commit to a club that are seemingly on the downturn.

“I still have almost two years left here, so for the moment that’s fine,” Van Persie revealed. “But I don’t know, we will have to look.”

The path between Arsenal and Manchester City is a heavily trodden one, with Emmanuel Adebayor, Kolo Toure, Gael Clichy and Samir Nasri all making journey in recent years. With the precedent set, and Manchester City seemingly more capable of mounting a serious challenge for genuine silverware than the Gunners are, such a move would seem a very appealing one to Van Persie.

Mancini is reportedly unwilling to allow Tevez to get the move to a big club that he so desperately craves, and with Arsenal seemingly a waning influence in English football, such a deal would potentially represent good value for both clubs.

Genoa Hitman On Tottenham's Radar

Tottenham have joined AC Milan in the race for Genoa hitman Rodrigo Palacio.

The 29-year-old has started the season with a bang, hitting four goals in four in Serie A matches to help Genoa to within a point of early leaders Juventus.

But sources in Italy have indicated that his form has attracted the interest of Harry Redknapp, who currently has three recognized strikers in his squad and could be in the market for a new one in January.

Palacio, who is famous for his unusual 'rat's tail' hair cut, was prolific for former club Boca Juniors before switching to Genoa in 2009.

It is understood that the Argentina international is valued at around £9m and is also wanted by Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri.

Barcelona Looking At Wilfried Zaha.

Barcelona and Bayern Munich have joined the chase for £5m-rated teen sensation Wilfried Zaha.

Crystal Palace attacker Zaha is one of the Championship’s rising stars and has begun the season in sparkling form. And the 18-year-old’s displays have caught the attention of Spanish and European champions Barca and German giants Munich.

Barca registered their interest this week after Zaha played a starring role in Palace’s derby win at bitter rivals Brighton on Tuesday night.

He bagged his fourth goal of the season and inspired Palace’s stunning late comeback from 1-0 down to win 3-1.

Meanwhile, Bayern have had Ivory Coast-born England Under-19 star Zaha watched on numerous occasions this season.

They made a shock swoop for another Football League starlet – Tranmere winger Dale Jennings – in the summer.

And the Bundesliga leaders are considering following that up with a January move for Zaha.

News of Barca and Bayern’s interest will concern the list of English clubs also tracking the pacy and tricky forward, who looks set to have a number of teams scrapping for his signature in January.

Zaha has been a long-term target for Liverpool, who are keen to continue their bid to recruit top English talent.

Moneybags Manchester City is also keen.

Both clubs sent scouts to Selhurst Park to watch Zaha star in Palace’s Carling Cup win over Championship high-fliers Middlesbrough last week.

Meanwhile, Stoke and Fulham, who had approaches for Zaha knocked back during the summer, remain interested.

Zaha penned a four-and-a- half year deal last November tying him to Palace until 2015.

But the club appears resigned to losing Zaha, their young player of the year last season, well before then.

Manchester United Wonderkid Wanted By Wanderers

Bolton Wanderers are the latest club to be linked with a move for Manchester United starlet Paul Pogba.

The French midfielder is considered one of the best young players at Old Trafford, but has so far been unable to gain first team experience with the likes of Anderson, Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher, Tom Cleverly and Ryan Giggs all vying for a starting berth in the centre of midfield.

A number of Championship sides have attempted to get the player on-loan, but United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has so far turned down their advances and instead decided to give the midfielder a chance to impress in the Carling Cup.

Pogba made his debut for United earlier this month in the Carling Cup victory against Leeds United and has now gained even more interest from a host of clubs.

The latest to declare their interest in the 18-year-old is fellow Premier League side Bolton Wanderers who have previously had Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere and Chelsea forward Daniel Sturridge.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle has developed a reputation as a manager who helps young players develop and the Scot is hoping that he can persuade Ferguson to loan the player in January for the rest of the season

Arsenal To Make £10m Offer For German Midfield Starlet

Arsenal are reportedly interested in Werder Bremen midfielder Marko Marin and are considering a £10m bid in the January transfer window.

According to footieonline.co.uk, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is a keen admirer of the Germany international and has been monitoring him for the past 12 months.

Marin is reportedly wanted by Serie A club Roma, who will provide Arsenal stiff competition in their pursuit of the 22-year-old.

However, it is thought the north London club are in pole position to capture Marin's signature should Bremen allow him to leave.

The former Borussia Monchengladbach star, who can play in a central playmaker role or out on the wing, has been capped 16 times by Germany and is considered one of the brightest talents the country has produced in recent times.

Newcastle Face Leverkusen Competition For Diego Souza Signing

Newcastle United face competition from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen if they are going to sign Vasco da Gama's Diego Souza.

According to reports in Germany, Bayer Leverkuen is ready to challenge the Magpies for his signature and could make a move as early as January.

Leverkusen wants to add more firepower to the squad with Eren Derdiyok struggling with form recently. Also, Souza is good friends with midfielder Renato Augusto and it is believed, Augusto brought Souza to the attentions of the German side's scouts.

Mike Ashley, the Newcastle chairman, is currently under pressure from fans to spend some money with Andy Carroll leaving for Liverpool in January for £35 million. Even though Demba Ba was signed, it involved no fee and fans want to see money spent.

They failed with a deadline day bid for Fulham striker Bryan Ruiz, who was formerly at Twente, after a bid of around £12 million was accepted. Sources in Brazil say Vasco would demand a similar fee for the prolific Souza who is currently on the fringes of the Brazil squad.

Manchester City Target Napoli Star

Manchester City could make a shock January move for Napoli striker Edinson Cavani as they look for a replacement for Carlos Tevez.

Tevez is unlikely to play for the club again after allegedly refusing to come on as a substitute during Tuesday's Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.

And, with City desperate to offload their former captain in the January transfer window, they are weighing up whether to make a bid for Uruguayan forward Cavani as a £35m replacement.

The 24-year-old is one of the hottest properties in European football and clearly impressed Roberto Mancini when he scored against City when Napoli drew 1-1 at the Etihad Stadium earlier this month.

Cavani has a £40m release clause in his contract and, according to Calciomercato and Mediaset, City will test Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis' resolve in January by making a bid.

Chelsea Battle For £8m Real Madrid Midfield Target

Lyon midfielder Clement Grenier is on Andre Villas-Boas’ radar, with the star also being chased by Real Madrid, according to the Daily Express.

Grenier has starred for Lyon since moving into the senior side in 2008, and the 20-year-old has drawn interest from numerous European clubs as a result.

Chelsea in particular want to bring Grenier on board, the paper claims, because they see him as a future star.

While Real Madrid have shown interest in him, with Zinedine Zidane showing a particular interest in the youngster, Chelsea have reportedly sent scouts to a few matches to France to watch Grenier in action.

In particular, Chelsea are said to admire Grenier’s talent from set pieces, and quick ball skills.

Spain La Liga Preview

Barcelona visit bottom side Sporting Gijon and Real Madrid are at Espanyol in Sunday's La Liga action.

Since their 2-2 draw with Valencia at the Estadio Mestalla last Wednesday, Pep Guardiola's side have looked invincible, cruising to a 5-0 win over Atletico Madrid on Saturday before repeating that scoreline against Belarusians BATE Borisov in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Argentine maestro Lionel Messi orchestrated much of the carnage, scoring a hat-trick against Atletico and following up with a brace in Belarus.

Guardiola's team is looking healthy, with Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol both back in action after injury, although Andres Iniesta (hamstring), Ibrahim Afellay (knee) and Alexis Sanchez (hamstring) are all unavailable.

Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid side, meanwhile, are in fifth place, just two points off the lead, and they will be buoyed by their 3-0 win over Ajax in the Champions League on Wednesday as they head to 10th-placed Espanyol.

Defenders Fabio Coentrao and Pepe are under clouds for Real, but Mourinho will be delighted by the return to form of Brazilian playmaker Kaka, who scored a goal and played a starring role in the Ajax win.

But the surprise packet so far of the 2011/12 La Liga season is Real Betis, who have a one-point buffer at the top of the table over Barca, Levante and Sevilla after five games.

Betis host Levante at the Estadio Benito Villamarin on Sunday, while Sevilla journey to Madrid to meet Atletico, and Real Sociedad welcome Athletic Bilbao.

Saturday's games see Mallorca journey to Osasuna, Racing Santander host league newcomers Rayo Vallecano and Villarreal will look to bounce back from their 2-0 Champions League loss to Napoli on Tuesday when they host Real Zaragoza.

Valencia, fresh from their 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Champions League on Wednesday, welcome Granada while Getafe visit Malaga.

Italian Serie A Preview

Inter Milan will host Napoli on Saturday in Serie A, with both sides coming off confidence-lifting Champions League wins in midweek.

Inter beat CSKA Moscow 3-2 away in Russia to continue their revival under new manager Claudio Ranieri, while Napoli were 2-0 home winners over Villarreal.

While both camps were victorious on Tuesday, they also paid the price in the medical room, as Inter's Giampaolo Pazzini and Napoli's Edinson Cavani are both in doubt for the clash at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza with respective ankle injuries.

Pazzini picked up a sprained left ankle and was substituted in the 49th minute in Tuesday's clash, while Cavani also sprained an ankle and limped off on 71 minutes of Napoli's encounter with Villarreal.

Also on Saturday, Roma - placed 12th with five points from four games - welcome an unbeaten Atalanta outfit to the Italian capital.

After incurring a six-point penalty at the start of the season, newly promoted Atalanta have worked off their deficit to sit in 15th place on four points, having won three and drawn one.

On Sunday, Juventus host AC Milan in the late kick off, aiming to preserve top spot on the league table.

However, with one point separating the top eight teams, Juve's spot at the top will not last long unless they defeat the defending champions.

Milan had little trouble in the Champions League on Wednesday, dispatching of Czech side Viktoria Plzen.

Elsewhere, Udinese - tied for points with leaders Juve - will host winless Bologna, while Parma and Genoa will face-off after both sides lost their last league encounter.

Promoted Siena are on the road to Palermo, while Cagliari will be hunting back-to-back clean sheets for the first time in their past 40 games when they travel to strugglers Lecce.

Cesena, placed bottom of the league, will aim for their first league points at home to in-form Chievo, and fifth-placed Fiorentina host Lazio.

Novara and Catania will do battle in Sunday's early kick off.

German Bundesliga Preview

Bayern Munich's 10-match winning streak may come under threat at Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

Jupp Heynckes' side have not dropped a point after losing 1-0 at home to Borussia Monchengladbach in their season opener and will enter the trip to the Wirsol Rhein-Neckar Arena this weekend full of confidence.

A 2-0 win over Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday outlined just how much of a threat Bayern will be in that competition this season and new signing Manuel Neuer extended his run of clean sheets to an amazing ten.

The statistics indicate that this will be another Bayern win but Hoffenheim, who sit fourth, are capable of putting up a stern challenge.

Holger Stanislawski's side have been impressive in front of their home fans this season, notching wins over last season's champions Borussia Dortmund and Wolfsburg, and will benefit from an extra three days recovery from their opponents.

But stopping the likes of Mario Gomez, who has scored 12 goals in 11 matches in all competitions this season, and wingers Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben will not be easy, meaning Hoffenheim will need to be at their absolute best to stop Bayern's winning run.

Also on Saturday, Dortmund host the struggling Augsburg just three days after they travel to France to play Marseille in the Champions League, but the depth of Juergen Klopp's squad should ensure they get past the newly promoted side.

Monchengladbach are this season's surprise packets, sitting third, and they will fancy their chances going to second-from-bottom Freiburg, while Nuremburg are at home to Mainz.

Bayer Leverkusen have dropped their last two league matches in disappointing fashion to rivals Cologne and Bayern, meaning their home match against Wolfsburg takes on extra significance.

The late kick-off sees Hertha Berlin host Cologne.

Friday's match sees Kaiserslautern, who have won just once this season, at home to Stuttgart while on Sunday second-placed Werder Bremen travel to Hannover and lowly Hamburg host Schalke.

Chase For Cut-Price Tevez Begins

Inter Milan, Juventus and PSG are ready to sign Carlos Tevez.

The two Italian clubs, who were in negotiations over the Argentine in the summer, reckon his fallout at Manchester City will now have halved his price to around £20million.

Juve want to take the Tevez on loan in January, with the view to a permanent move next summer. The Turin club failed to strike a deal for him this summer, with their failure to qualify for the Champions League one of the obstacles.

Inter will also go back in for the former City captain. Last year's Champions League winners were interested in a swap deal involving their Wesley Sneijder before City bought Arsenal's Samir Nasri.

Now coached by Claudio Ranieri, Inter also have a core of Argentine players in captain Javier Zanetti, Esteban Cambiasso, Walter Samuel, Diego Milito and on-loan Mauro Zarate.

Qatari-owned PSG, who spent £45m on Javier Pastore in the summer, are also keen on another big-name signing.

Reports in the French capital claimed the club's sporting director, Leonardo, has made contact with David Beckham to propose a loan move to the Paris side in January. The Brazilian was the former England captain's coach at AC Milan.

Roberto Mancini's insistence he will not select Tevez again should make a deal easier to push through at a lower price.

In the summer, Juventus sporting director Beppe Marotta held talks with Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian.

Marotta said: "Tevez is a great player who we would like to have but it is a thought shared by a lot of clubs and economically it is not easy to reach an agreement."

After Sunday's draw at Catania, Juve coach Antonio Conte admitted his side lack the quality to win Serie A after missing out on targets such as Tevez in the summer.

"We have a long way to go to be a title-winning team," he said. "It is not as if we signed Nani or Tevez in the summer, but younger players."

Former West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola reckons Tevez could decide the destiny of the Serie A title this season if he moves to Italy.

"Carlos is definitely a player who is so good he can make an immediate difference - even more so in a league as balanced as the Italian one," he said. "Great players like him always want to play and it is not that strange that at City, where there are so many great players, that there is a problem."

Spurs Eye Ecuadorian Deal

Tottenham are in talks to seal a co-operation deal with Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle.

And as part of initial talks, Spurs have agreed a deal to take six of their brightest talents on trial.

Tottenham have personally picked out Junior Sornoza, Freddy Araujo, Jonathan Gonzalez, Carlos Grueso, Winter Ayovi and Sebastian Mendez to bring to England.

Of those only Somoza and Araujo are over 16, with the former having starred at this summer's South American Under-20 championship for Ecuador.

Independiente confirmed that the move was part of talks that would see them link-up with Tottenham.

"They have been talking with us since the South American Championship," director Santiago Morales told La Deportiva.

"It has been going slow because we were waiting on the papers to travel to England.

"And this is not only Junior Sornoza, as the Tottenham scout has picked out six boys.

"The idea is that we start a co-operation with Tottenham.

"They will now spend October 3rd to October 12th with Spurs, and hopefully this will take the partnership in the right direction as they are very interested, as we are.

"The idea of the relationship is also the idea of Tottenham players may come to Ecuador, and obviously our players travel to England.

"This will give them the chance to share the experience of South American and European players."

Chelsea Target Real Madrid Midfielder

You would have thought that Chelsea had enough players in their squad, but apparently not. There are reports today suggesting that Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira is a target for Andre Villas-Boas after Chelsea gave up hope of signing Luka Modric.

Khedira only moved to the Bernabeu last summer in a €14million move from Bundesliga side Stuttgart. He has failed to hold down a regular place since his arrival and after a recent sending off against Levante Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is losing patience with the German.

Real Madrid have midfield players in abundance, with the likes of Mesut Ozil, Xabi Alonso, Hamit Altintop, Lassana Diarra, Angel Hernandez and even the Brazilian Kaka has rediscovered his form, all of which could limit Khedira’s chances this season.

Andre Villas-Boas is concerned about the injury to Michael Essien, who could now be out for the remainder of the season, and he sees Khedira as a like for like replacement.

Roman Abramovich made a concerted effort to tempt Tottenham into selling Modric but Daniel Levy stood his ground and Chelsea have now backed off from increasing their bids even further and are now looking further afield.

Bayern Munich could also make a move for the German, as could Italian giants AC Milan and it will be interesting to see who moves first once the transfer window opens in January.

Manchester City Keen To Land Italian Midfielder

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is keen to land the services of Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi, according to reports in The Metro.

Mancini had been linked with a move for De Rossi during the course of the summer transfer window but nothing materialized.

After the Carlos Tevez incident against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday night, Mancini is even more eager to acquire the services of De Rossi and will be willing to make an offer in the region of £24million when the January transfer window opens.

Speaking earlier this summer about the 28-year-old, Italian international, Mancini said: "De Rossi would be absolutely perfect (for Manchester City), I rate him one of the best midfielders in the world."

However Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini believes De Rossi will extend his current deal, which expires in 2012.

Redknapp Looks To Udinese Keeper As Replacement For Gomes

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has admitted that Brazilian goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes could leave in January and has already identified a possible replacement in Zeljko Brkic.

The Serbian stopper is currently on-loan at Siena from fellow Serie A side Udinese and according to reports in the Italian media is being linked with a possible switch to White Hart Lane.

With Gomes almost certain to leave north London during the January transfer window, Redknapp is keen to bring a younger keeper to the club with two vastly experienced stoppers currently filling the number one and two role.

“I’m very lucky I have three top goalkeepers here and it’s unlucky for the two not in the team," said Redknapp. "He’s done nothing wrong. He’s a fantastic goalkeeper and a great pro. I just went with Carlo in Greece [against PAOK in the Europa League] - and he was magnificent.

“I would think [Gomes] won’t be happy. He wants to play at the World Cup with Brazil, so it’s going to be a problem. We’ll wait until the next window and see where that takes us.”

Friedel, 40, and Cudicini, 38, are coming towards the end of their long and successful careers and Redknapp knows that he will not be able to rely on the pair for many more seasons to come.

Redknapp could try and convince Brkic to make the move to the Premier League after being impressed with the keeper’s performances for Siena.

The 25-year-old has five caps for Serbia and despite only signing for Udinese in the summer, it is believed the Italian club would be prepared to let him leave if the right offer came in.

Juventus Target QPR Midfielder

The Queens Park Rangers midfielder Adel Taarabt was linked with a move away from Loftus Road during the summer, but nothing materialized and he has stayed put for now. But Italian side Lazio have made the Moroccan their number one target once the January transfer window opens.

Paris Saint Germain was heavily linked with Taarabt, 22, over the summer, as were Arsenal, Spurs and a host of other clubs. Their attention was drawn to Loftus Road after a string of fine performances last season saw Taarabt score 19 goals in the Championship, which helped QPR win the title.

Lazio are looking to strengthen their squad after a poor start to their league season in Italy which has seen them take just five points from their first four games, and they could only draw their opening Europa League game 2-2 against Romanian minnows FC Vaslui.

Taarabt has yet to score this season and has found life much harder in the Premier League, and with QPR now being under the ownership of Tony Fernandes and looking to buy in the likes of David Beckham Taarabt’s days could well be numbered.

German Giants Looking At Tottenham Hit Man

German champions Borussia Dortmund are reportedly ready to make an offer for Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Pavlyuchenko has hardly set the world alight at Tottenham, in fact, he has been a failure and it really is only a matter of time before the Russian International is discarded by Tottenham. It had been thought that he was a certainty to go in the summer, however, he managed to stay but remains nothing more than a fringe player under Harry Redknapp, the Tottenham manager.

Dortmund are looking to add more depth to their squad after a disappointing start to the season and have identified Pavlyuchenko as an ideal addition, the only obstacle appears to be the fee.

Tottenham were hoping to get as close to what they paid for the Russian, that is not going to happen and a fee in the region of £8 Million is being talked about, Dortmund may have to pay a couple more Million if they really want to land the 29 year old.

QPR Set To Challenge Arsenal For French Whiz Kid

QPR are preparing to take on Arsenal in the battle to sign Lille 20 year old attacking midfield player, Eden Hazard.

Arsenal have been linked so long with Hazard that one could be forgiven for thinking it was already a done deal, but after months and months of indecision by the board at The Emirates QPR have decided that they will make the first official attempt to land the highly regarded youngster in the hope that they will literally steal the player from under the noses of Arsenal.

QPR are becoming more confident by the day, they have money to spend and are ready to mix it with the big boys in the transfer market and see Hazard as the ideal player in which to begin that process.

Whether Hazard would agree to join QPR is another matter, but it has been reported that the player is fed up with Arsenal blowing hot and cold and if QPR offer a big enough bid and match that with a juicy wage, then anything is possible, this is football after all, where greed rules.

If QPR do land Hazard, then Arsenal only have themselves to blame, they had the player primed for a move to North London and simply did not act on it, QPR are ready to.