Fergie Wary Of Chelsea

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists Chelsea remain a "big threat" for the Premier League title this season.

United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen had branded Chelsea's squad 'too old' to provide any real competition for the title this season.

However, Ferguson is not of the same thinking and believes Chelsea will be up there challenging as he has a lot of respect for their experienced squad.

"They have tremendous experience with the likes of Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Petr Cech, John Terry, Alex, Nicolas Anelka, Fernando Torres - there aren't any young kids in that team," Ferguson told Inside United.

"But they don't have 36 or 37-year-olds like Ryan Giggs. Lampard and Drogba are 33, Anelka is 32 - not dissimilar to (Michael) Carrick and Rio Ferdinand, and we wouldn't be saying they are dead and buried, would we? So why should they be?

"They'll still be a big threat and we expect them to challenge."

Ferguson will lock horns with new Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas for the first time later this month and Ferguson admits he does not know a great deal about the young Portuguese tactician.

"He has a different set-up there to me, but I'm sure he'll get plenty of advice from others and he'll do fine. I don't know much about him," added Ferguson.

"He's a young man and it's a big step coming into the Premier League from the Portuguese championship, but given time and support anything is possible."

Arsenal Considering New Move For Thiago Alcantara

Arsenal is contemplating a move for Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara when the transfer window reopens in January, it has been claimed.

According to Spanish radio network Cadena SER, the north London club is keen to bring the 20-year-old to the Emirates Stadium in the new year, but may leave a bid until next summer.

Thiago is regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in Spanish football, and made his senior debut for La Roja in August, having starred for Spain's under-21s in a triumphant European Championships campaign.

The young playmaker has been linked with a move to Arsenal for some time and, after the departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasir, Arsene Wenger may be encouraged to formalize his interest.

The Arsenal boss did, however, make moves to ensure the loss of the midfield duo did not prove to be a complete catastrophe, with Mikel Arteta and Yossi Benayoun both signing for the Gunners on deadline day.

Both players will be in line to make their Arsenal debuts against Swansea on Saturday, as will Per Mertesacker, Andre Santos and Park Chu-Young.

Manchester United Monitoring Everton Midfielder Ross Barkley

Manchester United is reportedly monitoring Everton teenager Ross Barkley, as the midfielder begins to make his mark on David Moyes' first team.

According to The People, the Barclays Premier League champion has been keeping tabs Barkley, who has impressed on his two league outings for the Toffees so far this season.

Sir Alex Ferguson, it has been claimed, is a huge admirer of the 17-year-old, who is regarded as Everton's brightest prospect since the emergence of Wayne Rooney.

The United striker moved to Old Trafford two years after breaking into the senior side at Goodison Park and, it would seem, Barkley could eventually follow suit.

United has been making a concerted effort to invest in youth of late, with the signings of Chris Smalling and, latterly, Phil Jones and David De Gea ushering a new era at the club.

And, with Ferguson also putting his faith in the likes of Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck, Barkley would thrive should he eventually join United.

Barkley, who won the UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship with England last year, has been hailed by former Arsenal defender Martin Keown as "one of the best players we'll ever see in this country."

Newcastle Could Bid For Nedum Onuoha In January

Newcastle has identified Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha as potential January acquisition, it has been claimed.

According to the Sunday Sun, Magpies scouts have been told to find a capable right-back that could join the club in the new year, and Onuoha has been shortlisted.

The 24-year-old spent last season on loan with Sunderland, where he scored a stunning solo goal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in a shock 3-0 win for the Black Cats.

And it would appear that Newcastle were sufficiently impressed with the exploits of the Onuoha during his previous stint in the north-east, and may now try to bring him to St James' Park when the transfer window reopens.

Newcastle will be under intense pressure to spend big in January, having failed to sufficiently invest the money made from the sale of Andy Carroll.

The 21-year-old left Newcastle for Liverpool last winter, but Alan Pardew was unable to use the vast majority of the £35 million received on new players.

Gyan Quiet On Galatasaray

Asamoah Gyan has refused to be drawn on reports that Galatasaray are looking to sign him.

The Ghana superstar was linked with a move on transfer deadline day, as Tottenham and Marseille reportedly expressed an interest, but nothing materialized.

But because the transfer market remains open in Turkey until Monday evening, any player in theory could still leave the Premier League to play there.

And Galatasaray are understood to be interested in the 25-year-old who joined Sunderland just over 12 months ago.

Speaking exclusively to skysports.com, Gyan insists that he is not thinking about a move as he is with Ghana in London ahead of their friendly clash with Brazil on Monday evening.

Asked about Galatasaray's interest, he said: "I heard the news like everyone, before I came to England, there was a transfer bid from a Turkish club and I choose to come here.

"I am flattered by their interest but like I said it is up to Sunderland.

"I am at Sunderland, if they accept a bid from any club, I will have to speak to that club, as you know I am preparing for a game against Brazil and not thinking about any transfer."

Rodwell Targets Regular Spot

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

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

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

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

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

Newcastle Plan January Move For Croatian Hotshot

Newcastle will reportedly reignite their interest in Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic when the transfer window reopens in January.

According to The People, the Magpies made an enquiry during the summer regarding the availability of the Croatian forward, and will return to the Glasgow club again in the new year.

Rangers rejected a formal offer for Jelavic from Leicester City on deadline day, and are reluctant to let the 26-year-old leave Ibrox.

However, Newcastle are likely to test the resolve of the Scottish giants come the winter window, as Alan Pardew still seeks a long-term replacement for Andy Carroll.

Newcastle tried desperately to bring another goalscorer to St James' Park before the transfer deadline, and was credited with bids for Papiss Demba Cisse and Bryan Ruiz.

However, their attempts proved fruitless, and Pardew will have to make do with Demba Ba, Leon Best and Shola Ameobi until January.

PSG Eye Barcelona's Abidal

Paris Saint-Germain has made an offer for Barcelona's France defender Eric Abidal, who is negotiating a contract renewal with the Spanish champions, a Spanish sports newspaper said on Monday.

"Eric Abidal has received a very interesting offer to join Paris Saint-Germain," the Barcelona-based daily Sport said.

"The French club would give him a three-year contract, which could lead the French player to question his future at Barcelona."

Barcelona have offered Abidal a one-year renewal of his contract with a further year negotiable, but the player wants a fixed two-year deal, Sport said.

The 32-year-old left-back was in the form of his life last season before a tumour was discovered on his liver in March.

However, after undergoing surgery he made a rapid recovery, and after returning to action on May 3 he also appeared in Barca's Champions League final win over Manchester United at Wembley.

PSG have embarked upon an ambitious recruitment program since being taken over by Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) in May.

The club signed Abidal's France teammates Kevin Gameiro, Blaise Matuidi and Jeremy Menez over the summer and also broke the French transfer record by signing Javier Pastore from Palermo for 42 million euros ($59.4m).

Fenerbahce & Everton Agree Joseph Yobo Loan Extension

Fenerbahce has reached an agreement to extend the loan deal of Everton defender Joseph Yobo for a second season, according to Ntvspor.

The Nigeria international spent the last campaign on loan at the Turkish giants, playing an important role as the club clinched the league title.

It is believed Yobo will earn around £2 million in his second year at the Istanbul outfit, who were eager to hold on to the African centre-back after selling Diego Lugano to Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

Yobo, who joined Everton from Marseille in 2002, is set to become Fenerbahce's latest defensive reinforcement, following in the footsteps on Juventus' Reto Ziegler, who also moved on loan.

Fabio Capello Warns Andy Carroll About His Lifestyle

England manager Fabio Capello has warned Andy Carroll he needs to "be careful" about his lifestyle.

The Liverpool striker, who failed to make the bench against Bulgaria on Friday, was pictured in the summer partying on holiday in Barbados.

Capello said: "I don't know anything about his lifestyle. It is a private problem that I never spoke about.

"But if he wants to be a good player and a good sportsman, he needs to drink less than the others."

Carroll, 22, scored his first senior international goal against Ghana at Wembley in March, but has since missed the Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland and the European Under-21 Championships because of injury.

He is unlikely to start against Wales at Wembley on Tuesday following England's 3-0 win in Sofia.

But Capello still sees the Gateshead-born frontman as a vital part of his squad.

He said: "He is not at the top of his form at the moment but he was fantastic in the last two training sessions.

"I was really happy with him and told him he needs to do the same when he goes back to Liverpool.

"He will be a really important player for Liverpool, and for us.

Bayern Chief Admits Interest In Goetze

Bayern Munich chief Uli Hoeness has admitted interest in Borussia Dortmund star Mario Goetze.

The 19-year-old midfielder attracted attention from big European clubs with his scintillating performances last term and he has continued his rich vein of form at the start of the new season.

Even though the transfer window in Europe has just finished, Bayern Munich official Uli Hoeness has expressed interest in the Germany international.

“If his contract runs out, we’ll see what happens,” Hoeness told LIGA total.

“Many players said in the past they would never go to Bayern, but eventually came.

“If we’re still interested, and he’s still playing well and we have a super attractive team, we’ll have talks for sure.

“I’m not worried that it won’t be today or tomorrow… but to have such a fantastic player at FC Bayern Munich – that would be a really nice thing.”

Eden Hazard Still On Arsenal's Radar

Arsenal is reportedly confident of landing Lille star Eden Hazard in the January transfer window, despite falling out with the French club over Chu-Young Park.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has a long-standing interest in Belgium international Hazard and finally made a £28million bid for the 20-year-old midfielder last month.

The offer came too late for the transfer to be completed before the deadline, but Wenger is optimistic he will get his man in January.

A source told the Daily Star Sunday: 'The deal was very close to happening but it couldn't be done in time.

'Negotiating had all but been done but Lille didn't have a suitable player to come in for Hazard so it fell short. But Arsene will make it happen come January.'

The situation may be complicated by a spat between the clubs over South Korea striker Park.

Lille had agreed terms to sign the 26-year-old from Monaco and the deal got as far as the player completing the first half of a two-part medical.

Park then decided he wanted to join Arsenal and left for London without telling Lille officials - a move that soured the relationship between the two clubs.

Michel Seydoux, president of the French champions, raged: 'For someone who's always preaching about morals, Wenger showed distinct lack of class.'

Liverpool is also keen to land Hazard and improved their relations with Seydoux by sending Joe Cole to Lille on loan.

Gary Cahill To Spark Bidding War Between Chelsea And Spurs In January

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas is planning to challenge Spurs for the signature of Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill when the January transfer window opens.

England centre-back Cahill was close to joining Tottenham on deadline day, but the deal fell through because a fee could not be agreed.

Bolton wanted £17million for the 25-year-old - a figure that had deterred Arsenal and Liverpool earlier in the summer.

However, Cahill is now in the final year of his contract and Wanderers will look to offload him for around £8million in January, unless he signs a new deal.

Spurs are planning to renew their interest, but will face competition from Chelsea, reports the People.

Villas-Boas apparently wants to pair Cahill with his international team-mate John Terry at the heart of the Blues defence and will ask owner Roman Abramovich for the funds to sign him.

Arsenal and Liverpool are unlikely to return with new bids for the Bolton star, having signed Per Mertesacker and Sebastian Coates respectively in the closing stages of the summer transfer window.

Wolves Lead Chase For McFadden

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is heading the race to sign Scotland striker James McFadden on a free transfer, according to reports.

Reports in Scotland suggest that McCarthy will move to bring in the 28-year-old when he returns to full fitness in around four weeks' time after spending almost a year out of action with knee ligament damage.

But Aston Villa and Celtic are also understood to be monitoring his situation and could make a move for the former Everton striker's signature.

McFadden missed most of last season after suffering cruciate ligament damage last September and he left Birmingham at the end of the last campaign, three years after arriving from Everton, after they decided against the option of offering him a new two-year deal.

Barca Deny City Bid For Messi

Barcelona vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu has rejected rumours that Manchester City made an audacious bid for superstar Lionel Messi during the latest transfer window.

Reports in Spain suggested big-spending City had tabled €50million plus striker Mario Balotelli to bring Argentina ace Messi to the Etihad Stadium but Barca had rejected the bid.

However, Bartomeu insists no such offer was made.

He told Sport: "Our policy is not to sell our stars but on this subject it certainly did not (happen)."

Meanwhile, Bartomeu made no guarantees over the future of Barca coach Pep Guardiola but hopes the Spaniard will stay on at Camp Nou.

The Barca chief added: "The decision lies with Pep but we hope to go on with him on the bench."

Inter's Muntari Heads To Galatasaray

The Turkish transfer market is still open and it’s reported Sulley Muntari is heading to Galatasaray.

Although clubs in most of Europe can no longer sign players after the September 1 deadline, the Turkish session closes on Monday.

NTV Sports claims Inter have agreed a deal to sell Muntari to Galatasaray within the next 24 hours.

The Ghanaian midfielder is considered surplus to requirements at San Siro and already had a loan spell at Sunderland over the last six months.

Other Serie A players considering a move to Turkey this weekend include Juventus duo Amauri and Luca Toni.

Amauri Turns Down Turkish Move

There are reports Amauri has also turned down a move to Trabzonspor, so he’ll be frozen out of the Juventus squad.

The Brazilian-Italian striker was lambasted by director general Beppe Marotta this week after rejecting numerous proposals, despite being told he did not feature in their plans.

Palermo, Olympique Marseille and others tried to bring him to their clubs to no avail.

Although the Serie A market is now closed, the Turkish sides can still sign players up to Monday.

However, it’s now reported Amauri has also rejected a transfer to Trabzonspor, even though they are in the Champions League.

Juventus are not happy about this latest snub and could well freeze him out of the squad, leaving him in the stands for the season.

Amauri is likely to therefore terminate his contract in January, when he can choose his own future club in a free transfer. His current deal expires in June 2012, but can be ended six months early under UEFA regulations.

The same situation could also be present for teammate Vincenzo Iaquinta, while Reto Ziegler officially joined Turkish team Fenerbahce on loan yesterday.

On the other hand, Fabio Grosso looks set to be brought back into the Juventus team despite being on the market.

Malaga Renew Hernandez Bid

Palermo held on to Abel Hernandez amid interest, but there are reports Malaga will revive their bid in January.

The Uruguayan hitman had several offers over the summer and all were rejected by President Maurizio Zamparini.

It is now rumoured that Spanish side Malaga have not given up on Hernandez and are already preparing another proposal for the January transfer window.

Mourinho Persuaded Sneijder Not To Join Man United

Wesley Sneijder has revealed that he was put off of a move to Manchester United this summer by former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.

Manchester United were strongly linked with the Dutchman all summer, and it was thought that Sir Alex Ferguson had seen Sneijder as the perfect replacement for the recently retired Paul Scholes.

The Holland international recently admitted that he was close to joining United during the transfer window, but has revealed that it was the advice of his former manager at Inter Milan which persuaded him to stay in Italy.

"Mourinho called me and he told me to stay. He has an Inter heart and he has always told me to remain," Sneijder toldGazzetta dello Sport.

"I am happy to have stayed because I never wanted to leave and so I no longer want to speak about Manchester United."

Carlos Tevez' agent has also claimed that Sneijder was close to joining Manchester City in a swap deal involving the two player, but this is something that the Inter Milan playmaker refutes.

"Manchester City? I don't know anything about this. I am happy at Inter," he said.

"I have a contract until 2015 and I want to respect it."

Santos President Denies Barcelona Deal For Neymar

Santos president Luis Alvaro has denied reports that forward Neymar will join Barcelona in a pre-agreed transfer in two years' time.

A report in Brazilian newspaper Estadao on Saturday stated that an agreement has been reached between the two clubs, and that Wagner Ribeiro did not participate in the discussions as he is not the 19-year-old's agent anymore.

However, Alvaro has dismissed the idea that a deal is set in stone for Neymar to move to Barcelona in 2013 and told ESPN Brazil: "I did not sign anything.

"By the end of the transfer window, the idea was shelved. There are always conversations but a €60 million proposal never came and I doubt it ever will."

However, Alvaro reiterated that Neymar could be allowed to leave if a club meets their valuation of the player in the future.

"If he wants to leave, according to the conditions of Santos, he can leave," he stressed. "But if he wants to stay, then I want him to remain with us for a long time.

"When he will get a proposal, I will be the first person to tell him, but right now there is nothing."

Neymar recently said that he is happy to continue playing in Brazil for the time being but added that he felt "flattered" by the interest shown in him by Real Madrid, who were said to have approached Santos for the player's signature during the summer transfer window.