Italian Serie-A Weekly Review

Juventus and Udinese moved back into a share of top spot in Serie A after posting impressive wins on Sunday.

Udinese held the leadership outright for a few hours following their 2-0 win over Bologna in the afternoon but they were joined once again by Juve, who beat AC Milan 2-0 in the late kick-off.

Juve's bid to register a third win from five league games appeared to be floundering with the game 0-0 after 85 minutes but midfielder Claudio Marchisio popped up with a late brace to sink the struggling Rossoneri.

In between the goals, Milan had Kevin-Prince Boateng sent off after he collected a second yellow card for clipping Giorgio Chiellini in the face with his arm.

Udinese had a more straightforward victory.

Medhi Benatia opened the scoring in the 29th minute and Antonio Di Natale added a second from the penalty spot 18 minutes from time.

Palermo and Cagliari joined Napoli - 3-0 winners at Inter Milan on Saturday night - on 10 points, one adrift of top spot.

Giulio Migliaccio's first goal of the season and an injury-time Abel Hernandez penalty helped Palermo continue their impressive home form with a 2-0 win over Siena.

Long-serving midfielder Migliaccio set Palermo on their way, opening the scoring in the 19th minute, and, despite Devis Mangia's side being reduced to 10 men in the 55th minute when Federico Balzaretti was sent off, the hosts kept hold of their lead before Hernandez sealed the win from the spot late on.

Palermo are unbeaten at the Stadio Renza Barbara since May 22.

Two first-half goals allowed Cagliari to somehow snatch a 2-0 victory over Lecce at Via del Mare.

Thiago Ribeiro put the visitors ahead 10 minutes in and, after Lecce went close to an equaliser on several occasions, Davide Biondini made it 2-0 before the interval.

The hosts continued to press for the remainder of the game but were unable to find a way past goalkeeper Michael Agazzi.

Miroslav Klose grabbed a late winner to hand Lazio an impressive 2-1 victory at Fiorentina.

Fiorentina took an eighth-minute lead through Alessio Cerci but Hernanes equalised before the half-hour mark and although Fiorentina looked the most likely to snatch all three points, it was Germany international Klose who headed in the winner with seven minutes remaining.

Cesena picked up their first point of the season with a 0-0 draw at home to Chievo but should have claimed a victory.

The hosts went into the contest at the Dino Manuzzi stadium with nothing to show for their efforts from the first four games of the season but could have taken the lead when they were awarded a penalty in the second half.

However, Adrian Mutu saw his effort saved by Chievo goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino as the contest finished goalless.

Sebastian Giovinco inspired Parma to only their second win of the season to lift them out of the relegation zone as they beat Genoa 3-1.

The Italy international scored two and created the third against an off-colour Genoa, who slumped to their second straight defeat.

Giovinco scored his first in the 29th minute before adding a second from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute.

He then turned provider for the third goal, scored by captain Stefano Morrone in the 50th minute.

Rodrigo Palacio scored a consolation for Genoa with the final kick of the game from the penalty spot.

Alejandro Gomez's stoppage-time equalizer earned Catania a dramatic 3-3 draw against Novara at the Stadio Silvio Piola.

The hosts twice came from behind to get back on level terms, Marcio Rigoni's penalty cancelling out Nicola Legrottaglie's 14th-minute opener and Takayuki Morimoto equalizing again after Francesco Lodi had restored Catania's advantage.

Promoted Novara then went in front for the first time in the 85th minute through substitute Jeda, only for Gomez to snatch a draw for the visitors in the first minute of added time.

On Saturday, Napoli moved temporarily to the top of the table with a convincing win at Inter Milan, ending Claudio Ranieri's winning start to life as manager of the Nerazzurri .

Walter Mazzarri's side laid out their title credentials in style with a 3-0 success at the San Siro.

A red card for Joel Obi and a dubious penalty decision in the 43rd minute helped Napoli on their way - although Marek Hamsik missed the penalty, Hugo Campagnaro converted the rebound.

Further goals from Christian Maggio and Hamsik in the second half earned Napoli all three points.

In Saturday's other game, Roma won their second game in a row, beating Atalanta 3-1 at the Stadio Olimpico to end the Bergamo side's unbeaten start to the campaign.

Bojan Krkic opened his account for the Giallorossi in the 20th minute before Pablo Osvaldo added a second after half an hour.

German Denis opened the game up with a goal in the 48th minute, but Fabio Simplicio settled Roma's nerves with the winner nine minutes from the end.

Man United Set For Tempting £25m Inter Milan Swap Offer

New Inter Milan boss Claudio Ranieri is ready to offer Man United the services of playmaker Wesley Sneijder as the new San Siro boss attempts to reignite Sir Alex Ferguson’s interest in the Dutchman. In return the Nerazzurri boss will ask for winger Nani in a straight swap deal that may well tempt the Premier League champions.

Moves to bring Sneijder to Old Trafford in the summer were said to have reached a fairly advanced stage with chief executive David Gill in talks with the Italian giants but a deal was not sealed before the transfer window slammed shut and moves to complete the deal either in January or next summer are very plausible and now the Serie A side want to make an offer to keep such a deal alive.

Inter Milan have had a horrid start to their current campaign and this resulted in the sacking of boss Gian Piero Gasperini just weeks into the new season and newly appointed former Chelsea boss Ranieri believes that now may be the time to consider cashing in on Sneijder.

The 27 year old has not been in the best form and Ranieri is keen to offload the former Ajax and Real Madrid man in return for Man United winger Nani. The Portuguese international found himself out of the first team picture towards the end of last season, despite being the Premier League’s leading assist maker but has been an ever present this term notching up three goals and three assists already.

However given the impact Ashley Young has made since his arrival from Aston Villa and the fact that Ferguson has Luis Antonio Valencia to use on the right flank perhaps the offer of Sneijder in return could lead the Scot to consider losing the former Sporting Lisbon man.

It was widely reported that a big factor in the collapse of any summer move to sign Wesley Sneijder were the Dutch international’s wage demands which the Inter Milan man would have to consider reducing to seal such a move and a lot could also depend on the continued good form shown by the likes of Tom Cleverley which could negate the need to bring in another ‘marquee’ signing.

That said Sneijder is considered to be one of the best playmakers in European football and the form he showed during Inter Milan’s treble winning campaign would lead many to assume that Sir Alex Ferguson could still be interested in completing a deal to Utrecht born attacking midfielder.

Arsenal Plot £34m Double Ajax Raid

Arsene Wenger is reportedly readying a January bid to sign Ajax pair Jan Vertonghen and Christian Eriksen as he looks to further strengthen his Emirates Stadium squad after a very poor start to the Premier League campaign.

Both Ajax players have been long term targets of the Gunners boss and Wenger will look to make substantial offers to lure the duo to North London.

Despite bringing in Per Mertesacker from Werder Bremen it appears that Arsenal’s defence is still very much in need of added solidity and Wenger hopes that the addition of Belgian international Vertonghen can help fulfill just such a role. The 24 year old Ajax captain has formed a national team pairing with Thomas Vermaelen and the French manager will be looking to the powerfully built centre back to steady things at the back.

Though Arsenal have suffered with injury concerns with a number of their defensive options there is growing speculation that French duo Sebastien Squillaci and Laurent Koscielny will be made available for transfer as neither have adapted well to life in the English top tier and the jury is seemingly still out on Swiss centre back Johan Djourou.

Wenger will also look to persuade Danish international starlet Christian Eriksen to move to Arsenal. The teenager had a standout campaign last term during which the attacking midfielder notched up over 45 appearances in all competitions and help Ajax to the Dutch title.

The 19 year old is being touted by a number of Europe’s elite but Wenger’s reputation for trusting to youth may help Arsenal win the race for a player who may well see his future as being best served outside the Dutch Eredivisie.

The pair are valued in the region of a combined fee of €40m (£34.3m) and this is a price Wenger is willing to pay and given that Arsenal sold players to the tune of over £70m over the summer (whilst spending around £48m on new signings) the Gunners manager will be hopeful the club’s board is ready to offer him the funds to make a significant offer.

Whilst both players will of course be cup tied when it comes to Champions League football it seems that such has been the disastrous start to the season that the main prize to secure would be another top four finish.

Real Madrid Consider Swap Deal For Manchester City Misfit

Spanish giants Real Madrid are considering a player plus cash swap for Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez who according to the City manager Roberto Mancini, is “finished” at the club.

With City at the end of their tether for the wantaway Argentine, who was reported to have refused to play against Bayern Munich in their recent Champions League defeat, they are now prepared to listen to very much any serious offer in January with Real Madrid considering a small cash sum plus defensive midfielder and Germany international Sami Khedira.

The 24 year old is rumoured to a player that Madrid could be prepared to sell on in January and it is believed they would rather use him in exchange for Tevez than stomp up a larger transfer fee. The summer saw Manchester City looking for at least £40m for Tevez with both Real Madrid and Italian side Inter Milan interested.

Neither were prepared to match City’s estimation however and with the Manchester club now looking to get rid of Tevez as quickly as possible, it is likely they will accept something closer to £25m for the 27 year old. The player had previously suggested over the summer that he would prefer to head back to his native Argentina but with few sides in South America able to pay his wages, let alone the transfer fee, a move to either Spain or Italy does seem more realistic.

Should Manchester City and Real Madrid agree to a switch then there is likely to be more pressure on Real’s strikers with the club already having Benzema and Higuain on their books.

Although it is far too early to confirm a move to the Spanish capital will happen, it is certainly the most likely scenario for a player who no longer looks to be wanted in the English Premiership.

Barcelona Boss Keen On Luring Another Arsenal Star To The Nou Camp

Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola is reportedly keen on young Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny and may attempt to lure the Polish international to the Nou Camp as a possible challenger to long term custodian Victor Valdes.

Guardiola has reportedly been greatly impressed by the maturity and talent shown by the young Polish international and is monitoring the 21 year old’s progress ahead of a possible bid next summer. Barcelona’s current number one Valdes has barely missed a game over the past 9 seasons and the club’s number two goalie, veteran Jose Maria Pinto, has barely had a look in.

Whilst Valdes is considered one of the most consistent performers in his position in Europe, Guardiola is still keen to bring in a long term successor and a player who can keep the Spanish international on his toes.

Arsene Wenger will be keen to avoid Barcelona luring Szczesny away from North London as the former Legia youth team player has been in fine form since becoming a regular in the Gunners first team picture in January and has manfully taken over from the fumbling Manuel Almunia and inconsistent countryman Lukasz Fabianski.

Arsenal have wisely tied their young goalkeeper to a long term contract that runs until the summer of 2015 but that may not prevent Barcelona from expressing their interest in Szczesny.

Valencia Re-Ignite Interest In Manchester United Striker

Spanish side Valencia is ready to re-ignite interest in Manchester United forward Dimitar Berbatov who has this season fallen down the Old Trafford pecking order.

The forward was the subject of enquiries from Valencia and PSG during the summer. However Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson decided to stick with the Bulgarian who was last season’s top goal scorer for the record breaking club as they went on to win their 19th title.

However, with the emerging partnership of Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez, plus the goal scoring antics of former Sunderland loanee Danny Welbeck, Berbatov has found little playing time. An issue for Valencia though will be the 30 year old becoming cup tied in the Champions League.

Manchester United very rarely do any business in January unless Sir Alex Ferguson feels some of his youngsters will benefit where he occasionally decides to send them out on loan. A bid from Valencia would be unlikely should they progress to the knock out stages from Group E with Berbatov cup tied but should they go out, further enquiries will be much more serious and an offer to Manchester United for the aging striker could be enough to tempt them into a sale.

The player himself has recently stated though that moving anywhere from Manchester United would be a “step down”.

Neven Subotic Linked With Napoli Move

Napoli is the latest in a long list of clubs to be linked with Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic.

According to Itasportpress.it, the 22-year-old Serbia international, who was dropped but later defended by coach Jurgen Klopp following their 4-0 Bundesliga win over Augsburg, is wanted in Italy.

Last month Subotic said he was happy in Dortmund, and made clear he would only leave for a top European side.

Chelsea, Roma, Juventus and AC Milan have all been linked with the stopper.

But, if reports are to be believed, Napoli has joined the race to sign him in January.

Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis will dig deep to strengthen, especially if Napoli get through their Champions League group, which they are contesting with Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Villarreal.

However, Dortmund are said to be looking for at least €20 million for their man if he becomes available for sale.

Subotic joined the Bundesliga champions from Mainz in 2008 and he has a contract there until 2014.

Ryad Boudebouz Targeted By Arsenal

Sochaux midfielder Ryad Boudebouz has emerged as a January transfer target for Arsenal, as Arsene Wenger looks to strengthen his squad.

The Gunners boss has been told he will have money to spend in the new year and is keen to bring in another creative player, as Jack Wilshere is likely to be sidelined until March by an ankle injury.

Wenger has been linked with Hertha Berlin's Raffael and Werder Bremen's Marko Marin, but is apparently also keen on Boudebouz.

Arsenal officials have already made an initial enquiry about the Algeria international's availability and to find out whether he would be interested in moving to London, reports the People.

Sochaux value the 21-year-old at around £6million, putting him well within the Gunners' price range.

Should the French club indicate they are willing to sell the attacking midfielder, Arsenal are likely to face competition from several Premier League rivals, as both Liverpool and Newcastle United expressed an interest in him over the summer.

Tottenham Set To Move For £6m Italian Stiker

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp is set to step up his pursuit of another striker and has been alerted by the availability of Juventus' Amauri.

The Brazilian born, Italian international has been told by the Seire A club that he will be aloud to leave in January.

That news has altered Premier League duo Newcastle United and Tottenham and it is felt the latter would be the preferred destination for Amauri.

Speaking to Italian publication Sportmediaset.it, the 31-year-old's agent Giampiero Pocetta said: "Amauri is training hard at Juventus, but he will be one of the biggest names on the transfer market.

"Now it seems that he is not in Juventus' plans, but in England and other leagues we have interest and will have to see what happens in the next few months."

Manchester United Plan Summer Move For Real Madrid Star

Premier League champions, Manchester United, are being linked with three world class strikers in time for a summer move.

Edinson Cavani of Napoli, Fernando Llorente of Athletico Bilbao and Gonzalo Higuain of Real Madrid are three international forwards that present European experience and would be welcome additions to the United squad.

The trio have all shown the potential to be top class forwards on their day, and have all been associated with European moves in the past.

Higuain is the youngest of the batch at 23 years-old and would probably be the preferred option for Sir Alex Ferguson as he brings in another generation of youthful stars at Old Trafford.

This may be a little far fetched. One would wonder if Sir Alex Ferguson would really be in the market for another striker given the number of options available to him. Currently his first choice strike pairing of Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney have been hugely effective as has Danny Welbeck when called upon, add to this trio the fact that Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen are knocking on the door and after notching up 22 goals in six games the need for more firepower seems somewhat unlikely.

That said, Higuain is a talented striker and a player who has reportedly found it hard to settle following the arrival of Jose Mourinho at the club. The Argentine missed most of last term with a herniated disc but has managed to net 43 goals in 69 appearances over the past two and a bit seasons.

Most tellingly the former River Plate man has started just one start this season as Mourinho has opted on the whole to start with Karim Benzema and that may lead some to believe that Higuain may be considering his options.

The £25m rated striker is also said to be attracting interest from Serie A sides.

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.