Europa League Preview

Tottenham host Rubin Kazan in Europa League action on Thursday with Spurs looking to bounce back from their 2-2 draw with Newcastle at the weekend.

After defensive frailties let the Premier League side down once again on their trip to Newcastle, Harry Redknapp's team will need to curtail Rubin's former Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins if they are to claim the three points from the Russian outfit at White Hart Lane.

Spurs and Rubin are tied on top of Group A with four points each with Rubin ahead on goal difference.

Martins has proved somewhat of a thorn in Tottenham's side, having scored in his first four games against the club for Newcastle - all of them wins.

Greek side PAOK FC play host to Irish team Shamrock Rovers in the other Group A fixture.

Group I leaders Atletico Madrid travel away to take on Serie A side Udinese as both sides battle for top spot with four points each.

The Spanish club will be looking to Brazilian midfielder Diego to pull the strings with the side hosting what should prove to be one of the matches of the round.

Scottish giants Celtic travel across the channel to take on French team Stade Rennes in the group's other match with both clubs only managing to pick up a point so far in their respective campaigns.

AEK Athens travel north to battle Lokomotiv Moscow in Group L without star striker Eidur Gudjonsen, who broke his leg against Olympiakos on Saturday.

AEK have no points so far and new coach Nikos Kostenoglou must steel his men for a rough night as Lokomotiv attempt to seal qualification and continue their formidable record at home.

The other fixture in the group sees Belgian side Anderlecht travel away to Austria's SK Sturm Graz.

In Group E, Stoke, fresh from their 2-0 win over Fulham in the Premier League, host Israel side Maccabi Tel Aviv as Tony Pulis looks to maintain their position on top of the group.

Dynamo Kiev and Besiktas do battle in the other group match.

Lazio are on the road to Swiss side FC Zurich in Group D full of confidence following their morale-boosting derby win over Roma in the Serie A. Manager Edoardo Reja has star strikers Miroslav Klose and Djibril Cisse in form and will need both to get their campaign rolling after picking up just a point.

Sporting Lisbon host FC Vaslui in the other match.

In Group K, Polish club Wisla Krakow host Fulham while Odense face Dutch outfit FC Twente.

Fulham boss Martin Jol will seek to cement the Cottagers' passage into the next round of the Europa League with a win, with Andrew Johnson, fresh from a hat-trick in their 6-0 thrashing of QPR a week ago, fit and raring to go.

Twente will look to build on their 4-1 hammering of Krakow last round with danger man Marc Janko at the frontline of their attack, and confident with two goals against the Poles.

Swedish outfit Malmo is at home to Metalist Kharkiv while Dutch side AZ Alkmaar travel away to play Austria Wien in Group G.

In Group H Maribor play host to Portuguese side Braga with Club Brugge entertaining English Championship side Birmingham.

In Group J action, AEK Larnaca host Bundesliga side Schalke while Maccabi Haifa host Romanian team Steaua Bucharest.

Belgian club Standard Liege is at home to FC Vorska Poltava in Group B with German club Hannover playing host to Copenhagen.

In Group C, Rapid Bucuresti is at home to Legia Warsaw, with Hapoel Tel Aviv hosting PSV.

And in Group F, SV Salzburg travel to Spain to take on Athletic Bilbao, while Slovan Bratislava host Ligue 1 leaders PSG.

Manchester United Given Go-Ahead To Sign The "New Messi"

Manchester United have been granted permission to open talks with Athletic Bilbao “superkid” Iker Muniain, who has been described as the "new Lionel Messi", with the brain trust at ‘Spanish Leadership’ claiming Bilbao are ready to sell, according to tribalfootball.com.

The collections of experts have revealed that the exciting prospect’s future will be in the Premier League, prompting interest from Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham.

"Back in 2008 we saw Muniain making his Europa League debut in Bremen. He was just 16 and proved technically more gifted that Mesut Özil.

"However Özil plays for Real Madrid who will never consider signing him (Munain) because he is not a foreigner who would sell T-shirts. In other words, lack of leadership.

“Barcelona do not need to sign him having their own fruitful academy with players such as (Gerard) Deloufeu or Rafinha coming up as well.

"Muniain's future is the Premier."

The diminutive winger, who stands at just 5ft 7in, became the youngest ever player to represent Athletic Bilbao at just 16 years, 7 months and 11 days old. He scored his first ever goal just a week later to re-enter the record books as their youngest ever scorer.

Having represented Spain at every level from Under-16s to Under-21s, the midfielder – now 18 – has made 19 appearances for his current club.

His current deal at Bilbao does not expire until 2015, but interest from the Premier League is said to have cast doubt in Muniain’s mind about a possible future in La Liga.

Manchester City Join Race To Sign Barcelona Defender

Barcelona left-back Eric Abidal has admitted that there are a number of clubs interested in signing him with AC Milan, PSG and Manchester City all in the race to land the vastly experienced defender.

The France international helped Barcelona win the Champions League last season but his current contract is coming towards a close and he will be a free agent at the end of the season.

Barcelona has yet to reach an agreement with Abidal and that has led to a number of European clubs declaring their interest in the 32-year-old.

Abidal has revealed that he is flattered to be linked with these clubs and would be interested in listening to offers if he is unable to agree a new deal.

The three-time La Liga winner also declared that he would like to continue playing at the top level for another three years.

"There are clubs that have shown an interest, notably PSG, Milan and Manchester City," Abidal told RMC. "But there have been no concrete offers and I can't say any more.

"I have a lot of respect for Barca but if we can't reach an agreement, the door is always open. I believe I have the legs to go on for two more years.

"I have an international objective. We have qualified for Euro 2012, which is good, but I am also looking at the 2014 World Cup."

Tottenham Prepare To Swoop For Swiss Wing Wizard

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp is set to step up his pursuit of Basel winger Xherdan Shaqiri, according to reports on talkSPORT.co.uk.

The Switzerland international is fast emerging as one of the hottest prospects in Europe and a number of leading clubs are keeping tabs on him including Spanish giants Barcelona and Bundesliga outfit Hamburg.

However Tottenham seem to be leading the chase for the versatile 20-year-old who can operate on the wing as well as in central midfield.

Shagirl has stated he is happy at Basel, but has not ruled out moving from the club, and the club manager Thorsten Fink is desperate to keep hold of his prized asset.

Spurs boss Redknapp however is going to test to Swiss sides resolve by reportedly making a move worth to be £7million when the January transfer window opens.

United Make Approach To Sign Serie A Winger

Manchester United have reportedly made an initial move to sign Juventus winger Milos Krasic in January.

The Serbia international has struggled to make an impact under new Juve bos Antonio Conte and his future in Turin has been the subject of frequent speculation in recent weeks.

Arsenal and Chelsea have both been linked with respective moves for Krasic in the New Year, while AC Milan are also alleged to have shown an interest.

But, according to Corriere dello Sport, Sir Alex Ferguson has already approached Juve over a proposed six-month loan deal for the 26-year-old.

Should United formalize their supposed interest, Krasic would not be cup-tied for the Champions League, with the Bianconeri not featuring in the competition this season.

However, it would come as surprise if Ferguson did decided to bring Krasic to Old Trafford, due to a stable of talented wingers already at his disposal.

The United boss currently has Ryan Giggs, Luis Nani, Ashley Young, Park Ji-sung and Antonio Valencia to choose from when it comes to wide midfield positions.

Liverpool Set To Win The Race For South American Starlet

Liverpool look to have won the race to sign South American sensation Andy Polo - with the teenager expected to arrive at Anfield next month.

A host of top clubs, including Real Madrid and Arsenal, have sent scouts to Peru to run the rule over the highly-rated striker, who made his debut for Universitario aged just 16.

Polo, nicknamed La Joya (The Jewel), has scored three goals in 13 games and has been compared to Brazilian star Robinho.

The teenager is expected to travel to England in November at the end of the Peruvian domestic season.

He will spend a month at Anfield and is then expected to sign a long-term deal to join his South American compatriots Luis Suarez, Lucas and Sebastian Coates.

Villas-Boas Confirms Talks With Belgian Wonderkid

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has hinted that Chelsea are preparing to move for Genk superstar Kevin De Bruyne, after comparing him to Belgian legend Enzo Scifo and revealing that their scouting team have been watching him closely.

Chelsea revealed that during the summer transfer window they were in official talks with De Bruyne and Genk over potentially bringing him to Stamford Bridge. The 20-year-old eventually ended up staying in Belgium, but with Genk set for a Champions League double-header against Chelsea in the next fortnight De Bruyne has an opportunity to impress Villas-Boas.

Chelsea’s 34-year-old manager has already revealed how much he admires the youngster, fuelling speculation that De Bruyne will join Chelsea perhaps as soon as January.

"He's exceptionally gifted technically and reminds me of the old technical Belgian players like Enzo Scifo,” Villas-Boas revealed. “We've not only scouted him but we've scouted numerous different players before.”

With Villas-Boas declaring his interest in the star midfielder, Genk boss Mario Been claimed that he would be willing to sell the youngster at the right price.

"I know that Kevin is a really great player and that Chelsea already talked about him. Chelsea look and want to buy all the big talents so, for me, it wouldn't be a surprise if Kevin went to Chelsea. Everyone's got his price."

De Bruyne has already won the Belgian Pro League, the Belgian Cup and the Belgian Super Cup, and the youngster is in the pursuit of a new challenge, with England reportedly his preferred destination.

Real Madrid Face Italian Competition For Maxime Gonalons

Lyon’s highly rated defensive midfielder Maxime Gonalons is being targeted by three Italian clubs according to his agent.

Gonalons has begun to make his presence felt at the Stade Gerland this season, clocking up ten Ligue-1 appearances so far under new coach Remi Garde.

The 22-year-old’s fine displays in a rejuvenated Les Gones side have not gone unnoticed, with even Real Madrid believed to be keeping a close eye on his progress.

But the most serious interest so far has come from Serie A, with the Frenchman’s agent Frederic Guerra claiming three Italian sides are queuing up.

"It’s too early to talk about the summer market and his potential sale", Guerra told Tutto Mercato.

"There are three Italian teams that are very interested in him."

Two of the Serie A sides believed to be tracking Gonalons are Inter and Napoli.

Tottenham Hotspur Hunt Valencia Striker Roberto Soldado

Tottenham Hotspur have joined the race for Valencia hitman Roberto Soldado.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is believed to be keen to bolster his attacking options for the second half of the season and has been eyeing up several options, including CSKA Moscow’s potent finisher Seydou Doumbia.

But the former Portsmouth manager has not lost sight of Soldado’s progression at the Mestalla and the Spaniard may represent a better bet than the Ivorian given his experience of a higher quality league.

According to Spanish radio station Cadena Ser, Spurs have begun to prepare a swoop for Soldado, although it is dependent on selling Russian striker Roman Pavlyuchenko in January.

Interest in Pavlyuchenko is substantial, especially from his homeland Russia, where several big name sides would dearly love to add the former Spartak Moscow striker to their ranks.

This would give Redknapp the space he needs to launch an assault for Soldado, who has performed such heroics in a white shirt that he has quickly helped Los Che fans to forget the departure of legendary striker David Villa to Barcelona in 2010 – the man Soldado was signed to replace.

Soldado does have a number of admirers, with Bayern Munich keen observers as Valencia took on Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League. Spurs then could have to battle the Germans for the 26-year-old.

Manchester United Striker Is Set For Premiership Switch

Manchester United striker Federico Macheda is being lined up for a Premier League loan move to new boys Queens Park Rangers, according to reports in the Daily Star.

The 20-year-old joined Manchester United from Lazio in 2007 and so far has made 28 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions.

Last season Macheda went on loan to Serie A club Sampdoria and made 16 appearances and scored one goal.

The Italy Under-21 international has come back to Old Trafford this season but has just made one appearance in the League Cup.

QPR manager Neil Warnock has been keeping tabs on Macheda and is planning to make a loan move for the United striker when the January transfer window opens.

It is believed the move will benefit all three parties involved as Macheda will gain more first-team Premier League experience.

Juve Will Try To Sell Amauri

Juventus have confirmed that they will try and sell Amauri during the January transfer window.

The striker was expected to be sacrificed in the summer given that he earns €3.8m a season and his contract at the club expires in June 2012.

No transfer was agreed though and he remained in Turin, although he’s clearly not a part of the club’s first team plans.

“In January we decided to loan him to Parma,” director general Beppe Marotta told Tuttosport on Wednesday.

“He’d only scored one goal for us and, for his own good and ours, it was decided to give him away on a temporary basis.

“In June, though, we told Amauri that he wasn’t a part of the project anymore. There was interest from Marseille who were ready to offer him a three-year deal, but he rejected that.

“Unfortunately our contractual power over him is almost zero now given that his deal expires in June, but we’ll see if we can sell him in January.”

Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain are being associated with a New Year approach for the Brazilian-born Italian international.

Champions League Group E Preview

Chelsea can improve their already dominant position in Champions League Group E when they host lowly Genk in London on Wednesday.

The Blues have not lost a European group stage clash at Stamford Bridge in eight years, and the Belgian First Division champions would need a miracle to take all three points in their first fixture against English opposition in the tournament.

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has a positive recent history with Genk, having led former team Porto to a 7-2 aggregate defeat of the Belgian outfit in the Europa League playoff round last season.

The Londoners are also fresh off a drought-breaking 3-1 win in the Premier League over Everton - a side they had not conquered since the FA Cup final in 2009.

Genk, meanwhile, have lost their past three in all competitions, including a 2-0 defeat by Bayer Leverkusen in the group.

They managed to hold Valencia to a scoreless draw at home on matchday one, and manager Mario Been will be hoping for more of the same defensive stubbornness out of his XI.

In the other game in Group E, Leverkusen will aim to add to their defeat of Genk with another three points when they host Valencia at Bay Arena.

Robin Dutt's men are second in the group, one point above their La Liga opponents.

The Bundesliga side are unbeaten in three matches in all competitions, including a defiant 2-2 draw with 10 men away to Borussia Monchengladbach in the league at their last start.

Brazilian midfielder Renato Augusto - who played the full 90 minutes in the win over Genk - will miss after having knee surgery earlier this month.

Third-choice keeper Bernd Leno will get another chance on the European stage for Leverkusen, with injury still ruling out first-choice stopper Rene Adler and number two Fabian Giefer.

Turkish midfielder Mehmet Topal could make a return to the starting line-up for Valencia, after spending several weeks out with a shoulder injury.

Valencia will be hoping summer signing Sergio Canales or goal machine Roberto Soldado can score their first open-play goal in their European campaign, after they were lucky to scrape a 1-1 draw at home to Chelsea.

Soldado converted a fortunate spot-kick for an alleged foul on Salomon Kalou for handball, but replays suggested the Ivorian did not contact the ball at all as it came in from a corner.

Valencia, though, will take the point, but manager Unai Emery would be all too aware of the need to start scoring to set alight their fight for a top-two spot and a ticket to the knockout stages.

Champions League Group F Preview

Arsenal will be unfazed by a trip to Marseille for their Champions League Group F clash, having never lost away to a French club.

Didier Deschamps' Marseille sit top of the group with six points from two matches and are yet to concede a goal in the competition.

But they will be wary of an Arsenal team who reached the last 16 of the Champions League last season before falling to eventual winners Barcelona.

However, the Gunners' recent form is nothing to write home about, struggling in a 2-1 win over Sunderland in the Premier League at the weekend.

With Thomas Vermaelen out injured and Bacary Sagna's broken leg keeping him out until next year, manager Arsene Wenger then had to replace Kieran Gibbs with Andre Santos five minutes into the second half with stomach muscle inflammation.

Robin Van Persie's brace against Sunderland may have pulled Arsenal up to 10th in the league but it is their backline that may prove to be their undoing as they come up against the firepower of Ghanaian Andre Ayew and France international Loic Remy.

In the other Group F clash, Olympiakos and Borussia Dortmund meet for the first time in a competitive fixture.

The Greek champions are still without a point in last place, having lost narrowly to Arsenal on matchday two.

Coach Ernesto Valverde will be looking for a better performance on home soil but he will have to do it without talismanic Spanish midfielder David Fuster.

Borussia Dortmund snatched a 1-1 draw with the Gunners in their first match before crashing back to earth with a 3-0 loss to Marseille.

But Jurgen Klopp's team will fancy their chances against Olympiakos in what is shaping as an even match.

Champions League Group G Preview

Porto will enter their Champions League Group G clash with APOEL FC as warm favourites but will not be taking the surprise leaders lightly.

The two-time European champions meet the Cypriot team away as they look to bounce back from their defeat to Zenit St Petersburg.

Porto have not suffered back-to-back losses in Europe for three years.

After losing to 3-1 to Zenit following Jorge Fucil's sending off, Vitor Pereira's team will be looking for nothing less than a win against APOEL.

Brazilian striker Kleber who scored in Porto's 2-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk, has recovered from his shoulder injury and will expected to lead the line alongside fellow Brazilian strike partner Hulk.

Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk are also aiming to get their campaign back on track when they meet Zenit St Petersburg.

Quarter-finalists in the Champions League last season, Shakhtar Donetsk sit bottom of the group with just one point after a home draw with APOEL.

Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu will be desperate to jump-start their campaign with a home win at Donbass Arena, with the likes of former Corinthians midfielder Willian and former Arsenal frontman Eduardo looking to put their stamp on the occasion.

The two clubs were rivals in the old Soviet league but have not met since 1989.

The Russian side, led by former Roma coach Luciano Spalletti, will be counting on Portuguese striker Danny and Aleksandr Kerzhakov to spearhead Zenit's qualification challenge.

With his brace in their 3-1 over Porto lifting Zenit level on three points with the two-time Champions League winners, Roman Shirokov will be key to their hopes for qualification to the knockout stage.

Champions League Group H Preview

Barcelona and AC Milan can move six points clear in the top two spots in Champions League Group H with victories on Wednesday.

The La Liga champions host Czech side Viktoria Plzen, while the Serie A outfit welcome BATE Borisov, the Belarusian champions.

The Catalans have had their fair share of injury worries early in the season and hampering them further will be the loss of centre-back Gerard Pique for two weeks to a hamstring injury.

Pique was substituted just nine minutes into their league clash with Racing Santander on Sunday, forcing Eric Abidal to play out the majority of the contest despite being under a fitness cloud himself.

It has been a while since Czech opposition have visited the Camp Nou - so much so, that current manager Pep Guardiola was on the scoresheet for Barcelona in a 5-0 victory over Sparta Prague in the 1999-2000 group stages.

Despite the result being a decade ago, Guardiola will be hoping for a similar scoreline as Barca look to go six points clear of the bottom two and move a step closer to the knockout stages.

Milan will have similar hopes as they prepare to welcome Borisov to the San Siro.

Borisov's domestic form has been steady as they have not lost in seven games, but the gulf in class between their home league and the Champions League was evidenced by Barcelona's 5-0 thrashing of them at their last start.

The Belarusians have experienced the pressure of playing Milan previously, going down 6-0 on aggregate in the UEFA Cup first round in 2001-02.

Featuring on the pitch that day were current coach Vikto Goncharenko and assistants Aleksandr Fedorovich and Aleksei Baga.

The only current-day player in the side that day was attacker Artem Kontsevoy.

Milan, however, will not be worried about history as they look to continue their form which has seen them win three of their past four.

Their home form in Champions League past seasons has been woeful, winning just one of eight in their two most recent campaigns before a 2-0 win over Plzen steadied the ship.

Brazilian striker Robinho returned to the Milan line-up in their 3-0 win over Palermo, adding a new dimension to their attack, and the former Santos and Manchester City star will be in contention to keep his spot under Massimiliano Allegri.

Arsenal To Make Shock Offer To Manchester United Starlet

Arsenal are thought to be closely monitoring the contract situation of Manchester United youngster Paul Pogba and are ready to offer him a deal if he fails to agree new terms.

Pogba is a highly-rated member of United's reserves and is tipped to soon break into the first-team, however, his current deal reportedly ends at the end of the current season.

That allows the 18-year-old midfielder to listen to other offers in the New Year and according to the Metro, Arsenal are ready to make an approach.

Pogba was reportedly being tracked by the Gunners before he left Le Havre for Old Trafford in 2009.

And it appears the chance to make the switch to north London could happen if he is not offered a route into United's first-team in the near future.

However, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is thought to be desperate to keep hold of the player being described as 'the new Patrick Vieira.'

"If we hold Pogba back, what’s going to happen? He’s going to leave," Ferguson said.

"You know, in a couple of years’ time when his contract is going to finish.

"So we have to give him the opportunity to see how he can do in the first-team and he’s got great ability."

Dalglish Could Launch Shock Move For Real Madrid Star Striker

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has emerged as a shock contender to sign Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain who has been consistently linked with a move away from the Bernabeu.

The Argentina international joined the Spanish giants for €13million in December 2006 and has since gone on to score 77 goals in just 134 La Liga games.

Despite this impressive goal scoring record, Higuain has never been a regular starter for the club and last season was only able to make 17 league appearances with injuries hampering his opportunities.

With the likes of Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel di Maria all pushing for a start in the front three, Higuain has only managed to start three league games this season.

However, despite not starting the season as first choice the striker has already scored eight league goals this season, including a hat-trick in Madrid's last game against Real Betis.

According to Cadena SER, Liverpool and Manchester United have both been tracking the forward with Dalglish keen to bring another striker to the squad in January, despite already having Andy Carroll, Luis Suarez and Craig Bellamy at his disposal.

Dalglish believes he needs four top quality strikers to help the Reds push for a Champions League place and while Dirk Kuyt has the ability to play up top he is often used on the right side of midfield.

Should Liverpool want to sign the prolific striker then Liverpool would need to make a substantial offer as Madrid would certainly want to make a profit on the 23-year-old.

Manchester United Set To Swoop For Croatian Playmaker

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is preparing to step up his pursuit of a new midfielder and has set his sights on Dinamo Zagreb's Mateo Kovacic, according to reports on Goal.com.

During the course of the summer transfer window Ferguson was looking at a number of options to replace the retired Paul Scholes.

Both Tottenham's Luka Modric and Inter Milan's Wesley Sneijder were being lined up by Manchester United but nothing materialized.

A number of top clubs have been keeping tabs on Kovacic including Juventus, Bayern Munich and Premier League rivals Arsenal.

However it is believed that the Old Trafford outfit is leading the chase for the 17-year-old, and Ferguson has sent scouts out to watch him in action for Zagreb and the Croatian Under-21's.

It is felt the Croatian club has rated their prized asset at £10million and Kovacic's agent Marcel Kacinari has hinted his client could be on his way to the Premiership.

"It is most likely that he will go to England where the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United are leading the race," Kacinari said. "Dinamo Zagreb have done business in the past with several Premier League teams."

Tottenham Join Arsenal In Race For Brazilian Midfield Sensation

Tottenham have reportedly joined a number of top European clubs in the race to sign Brazilian wonderkid Casemiro.

It was reported by Gazzetta dello Sport at the beginning of the week that Arsenal, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid were all keeping tabs on the Sao Paulo midfielder, who is emerging as one of the most exciting talents in South America.

And according to tribalfootball.com, Spurs are ready to join their fierce rivals, as well as Europe's finest, in the chase for Casemiro.

It is thought Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is eager to recruit the 19-year-old starlet following the success of another recent Brazilian recruit in Sandro.

Redknapp is reportedly ready to move quickly and lodge an offer in the January transfer window to beat the competition, particularly as reports in Italy claim AC Milan have sent scout to Brazil to watch him in action.

Casemiro has caught the eye this season following a number of highly-impressive displays for both club and country.

He was an integral part of the Brazil team at the Under-20 FIFA World Championship and made his senior international debut earlier this season.

Chelsea Prepare To Make Move For South American Wing Wizard

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas is preparing a move for Argentine starlet Lucas Ocampos who has been dubbed as the 'new Christiano Ronaldo' according to reports in the Daily Mail.

The 17-year-old River Plate winger as been touted has one of the hot young prospects to be coming out of South America.

A number of top clubs from around Europe have been notified about Ocampos including the likes of Inter Milan and Bayern Munich as well as Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester United.

However it is believed Chelsea are leading the chase for Ocampos, who likes to imitate the Real Madrid star.

"Everybody wants to be like Messi, but Ronaldo is the one I like. I try to imitate him." he said.

So far this season he has made 11 appearances for the Argentine side and has scored four goals.

It is believed that River Plate is looking for in the region of £15million for their prized asset and Chelsea are ready to match that when the transfer window opens in January.

Moyes Set To Make January Bid For Belgium Striker

Everton are reportedly interested in signing Genk striker Marvin Ogunjimi and will consider making an official bid when the January transfer window opens.

With limited options up-front, Toffees boss David Moyes is desperate to sign a striker and he has set his sights on 24-year-old Ogunjimi.

According to The People, Moyes watched the Belgium international in action for his country against Germany last week and was impressed with what he saw.

It is thought Everton chairman Bill Kenwright will make funds available to Moyes in January despite the club's limited finances.

The £10m the club received from the sale of Mikel Arteta to Arsenal will reportedly be made available and Moyes is keen to improve his squad in January.

Ogunjimi, who made his international debut in October 2010, has impressed for Belgium, scoring five goals in his first seven appearances for his country.

While Genk is reluctant to sell, it is thought an offer in excess of £3m would be enough to tempt them to part with their star striker.

Tottenham Prepare Shock Move For Barcelona Pair

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp is set to strengthen is defense by making a sensational move for Barcelona pair Martin Montoya and Marc Bartra.

Full-back Montoya has been linked with a number of clubs including Italian giants AS Roma as well as Premier League rivals Bolton and Blackburn.

Both Montoya and Bartra had agreed terms to stay at the Nou Camp at the end of last term, but neither player signed a new deal with the Catalan giants and according to Sport their situation has changed.

Barcelona still have the same offers on the table for the young pair but it is felt that there are better offers coming from abroad.

It is believed that Tottenham are leading the chase for 20-year-old Montoya who has been a part of the Spanish senior squad - it is also thought that Spurs will make an offer for Bartra when the transfer window opens in January.

Juventus Plan To Test Arsenal's Resolve With Walcott Bid

Arsenal winger Theo Walcott is Juventus' main transfer target in a move that could trigger a transfer triangle involving Chelsea as well.

Juventus manager, Antonio Conte, is a confessed admirer of the qualities of the English international and has prepared a plan to bring him to Italy in the summer.

Conte has meet with Juventus' sporting director Beppe Marotta and is ready to discuss the possibility of selling Milos Krasic to Chelsea to generate the funds to buy Walcott.

According to reports in Corriere dello Sport, the Italians have already contacted Walcott's agent and have been told that it will all depend on how the Gunners season will develop and whether Juventus qualifies or not for next season's Champions League.

Krasic is not part of Conte's plans and has been linked with Chelsea in a move that could see out-of-favour Brazilian centre back Alex head to the Alps as part-exchange.

The Blues see the Serbian playmaker as a more economical alternative to Luka Modric and Andre Villas-Boas has already expressed his admiration for the 26-year-old.

Walcott's agent Colin Gordon has denied speculation and said there has been no contact with Juventus, saying: "Juventus have never called us. We have not received calls from Italy recently."

Asked if the winger will stay at the Emirates, he added: "We'll see. I don't know what will happen."

Arsenal Expected To Complete Deal For Real Madrid Wonderkid

Arsenal are close to completing a deal for Real Madrid youngster Jose Rodriguez with the Daily Mail even suggesting that the 16-year-old has already been to London to check on the clubs facilities.

Rodriguez was brought to the attention of Gunners boss Arsene Wenger by the clubs chief scout in Spain Francisco Cagigao who suggested the club attempt to lure the midfielder away from Real Madrid.

Wenger has already brought Jon Toral and Hector Bellerin to Arsenal from Barcelona over the summer while central defender Ignasi Miquel is a regular for the Spain Under 19's.

Now Arsenal plan to bring Rodriguez to the club and are hoping to convince the Spain Under-17 star to choose north London, despite interest from a number of Spanish clubs.

The player has reportedly been to the capital to check on Arsenal's training ground and has also spoken to Cesc Fabregas who has advised him to make the move to the Premier League.

During his time in England, Rodriguez was offered a deal with the Gunners and was also told that he would have the opportunity to play first team football within two seasons.

Madrid cannot offer the player a professional contract until he turns 17, but have already become destined to the fact that he looks likely to choose a move to Arsenal.

Tottenham Tempted By Aston Villa’s High Flyer

Tottenham Hotspur is keeping tabs on Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor and are tempted to make an offer in January.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is looking to sign a permanent hit-man but has been left frustrated as he is constantly being priced out of the market.

He has long been impressed by Agbonlahor, who has made an excellent start to the season scoring four goals in seven games.

The 25-year-old has struggled with injury last season but seems to have shaken off the niggles.

He has lost his place in the England squad, but wants it back, and knows a move to an elite club with European football on offer will help.

But Tottenham’s attempts to steal him away from Villa Park could be ended by the Midlands’ side valuation of £20million.

Agbonlahor has four years left on his contract and Villa would not want to lose another star so soon after losing Stewart Downing and Ashley Young.

Nevertheless Redknapp will test their resolve with a bid in January but will have more of a chance at the end of the season.

Chelsea Line Up Move For South American Defender

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas is looking to step up his pursuit of a defender and is keeping tabs on Atletico Madrid's Diego Godwin.

According to reports in The Sun, Chelsea will raise the money for Godwin by selling Brazilian defender Alex.

Both Tottenham and Arsenal have shown an interest in signing Alex when the transfer window re-opens which would enable the west London club to make their move for the Uruguay international.

In the past former Stamford Bridge boss Carlo Ancelotti had a £15million bid for Godwin rejected last January.

However it is believed the new Chelsea manager is preparing to go back in for the 25-year-old when the transfer window opens in the New Year with a bid in the region of £20m.

United Keen On Krasic

Milos Krasic's agent has claimed Manchester United have been monitoring the Juventus winger for the past two years.

Krasic, 26, joined Juve in 2010 after impressing for his former club CSKA Moscow, and the midfielder caught the eye in his debut campaign in Italy, scoring six goals and laying on as many assists in Serie A.

The Serbia international's agent, Dejan Joksimovic, told tuttomercatoweb.com: "Manchester United have been interested in Krasic for two years.

"They like the player but no negotiations have taken place. Every day Krasic is rumoured to be departing Juventus but, currently, there are no signs of this happening."

Arsenal Boss Set For £50m Transfer Splurge

Arsene Wenger is reportedly contemplating how best to use his significant transfer kitty when the window opens again in January.

According to The Telegraph, Wenger will have £50 million at his disposal to spend on player recruitment and the renewal of existing contracts.

Majority Arsenal shareholder Stan Kroenke is reported to have told Wenger he can use the cash however best suits, and the Emirates Stadium is likely to be a hub of transfer activity come the New Year.

Robin van Persie, Thomas Vermaelen and Theo Walcott will all be out of contract in 2013 so the Arsenal boss will use at least some of the £50 million to ensure they further their respective stays with the club.

Wenger, meanwhile, is also expected to further reinforce his Arsenal midfield following the departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri in the summer.

Arsenal acquired Mikel Arteta and Yossi Benayoun on deadline day in order to compensate for the loss, but are still in need of further numbers in that department.

Yann M'Vila, Eden Hazard and Mario Gotze have all been mentioned as potential targets for the Gunners.