Barclays Premier League Preview

It is the same fixture that provided the goal of the season last year, and with both teams flying at the top of the Premier League, the first Manchester derby of 2011/12 is arguably the most-anticipated fixture of the campaign so far. United host their neighbours City at Old Trafford, with Wayne Rooney scoring a spectacular overhead kick the last time the sides met in the league. 

In a week when the Stone Roses announced their return to the music scene, and with both clubs flourishing at this early stage, it is a good time to be a Mancunian - be it a Red or a Blue. But who will be celebrating to the beats of Ian Brown and co on Sunday afternoon? 

Elsewhere in the top flight there are more notable matches to whet the appetite as the table begins to take shape after eight games. There are other local derbies as Chelsea take on Queens Park Rangers for the bragging rights in West London, while Aston Villa host West Brom in a Midlands encounter.

It is a mark of the transformation at the Etihad Stadium in recent years that only two Manchester City players remain from the side that last beat United on their own patch only three years ago. Joe Hart and Micah Richards are the survivors from that day, and there is no doubt that Roberto Mancini's XI this weekend is a far cry from the one Sven Goran Eriksson fielded in 2008. The same result would see City go five points clear of their rivals although the stats are against them - Sir Alex Ferguson's men have been victorious the last four times the two teams have met at Old Trafford, and City failed to win away at any top-seven opponent last season.

While the spotlight will be elsewhere this weekend, Chelsea may not be too concerned about that as they begin to click into gear under Andre Villas-Boas. A 5-0 demolition of Genk in the Champions League on Wednesday saw Fernando Torres score two and took the Blues to a total of 13 goals in their last three matches. A local derby in the league against QPR has not been seen since 1996, although twice the two sides have met in the Carling Cup and the FA Cup in recent times - with Chelsea winning 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on both occasions. This clash, though, will be played out at Loftus Road, and Neil Warnock will have his players stoked for an upset.

More animosity will be shared in Birmingham on Saturday when West Brom makes the short journey from the Black Country to Aston Villa. Alex McLeish's start since switching allegiance from the blue half of the city has been a relatively solid one - the Scot building foundations at the back, especially at home. West Brom, meanwhile, started dreadfully but has picked things up. The Baggies are unbeaten in three games and Roy Hodgson will hope last week's success over Wolves will spark their season into life.

The owners of Blackburn Rovers, Venky's, issued a statement earlier in the week, like many other clubs, which they were steadfastly against the suggestion from the League Manager's Association chief executive, Richard Bevan, that relegation from the Premier League could be scrapped. But having accrued just five points from eight games this season, dropping out of the top flight could become a reality for Rovers. Steve Kean remains at the helm as Blackburn play Tottenham, who come into the game on the back of a Europa League victory over Rubin Kazan.

Arsenal is slowly turning the corner after their woeful start, having won five of their last six matches in all competitions. Yet there is still a sense of unease at the Emirates Stadium and when Stoke come to town on Sunday, you can put your house on the Potters not making it easy for the North Londoners. Two more contrasting styles you could not wish to see, with Arsenal's free-flowing approach at odds with Stoke's physical tactics. Both teams won in Europe in midweek, but this is a game Tony Pulis will relish.

The row involving Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra shows little sign of abating and it will be interesting to see if the Uruguayan is at all affected by off-the-pitch matters when Liverpool welcome Norwich to Anfield. Kenny Dalglish's side has been in good form since their battering at Tottenham in September, with three wins in four matches. Steven Gerrard marked his return to the fold with a goal against Manchester United and they will expect to come out of the Canaries clash with three points. However, Paul Lambert's team will be up for the challenge.

There is no doubt that the surprise package of the season has been Newcastle, and Alan Pardew deserves great credit as his side currently sit fourth in the table. This weekend the Magpies take on struggling Wigan Athletic, who are in a real rut. Roberto Martinez may now be wondering if he should have taken the Aston Villa job when it was offered to him in the summer, as his Latics side has lost five on the bounce. A sixth at St James' Park would increase the pressure on the Spaniard.

Bolton and Sunderland have also endured torrid starts and while Wanderers emerged victorious at the DW Stadium last weekend, Owen Coyle will not be happy with the fact that they sit 18th in the table. Steve Bruce's Sunderland are on the same points, six, and were perhaps unlucky not to pick up a draw at Arsenal last time out. The Black Cats have had a terrible 2011 in terms of results and with two months to go until the New Year, Bruce will be desperate for a turnaround before that comes to pass.

Everton have lost three games in succession but in fairness to the Toffees those defeats have come against Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City. They will be looking to take advantage of Fulham's fatigued Europa League legs on Sunday. The Cottagers lost in Krakow on Thursday and also fell to Stoke on their last Premier League outing. With both sides on seven points, they will want to move away from the bottom three.

Wolves play Swansea in the first kick-off of the weekend on Saturday. Wolves are on a dreadful run having lost their last five league games, while the Swans are beginning to get to grips with the standard required. Having said that, they are the only team in the top flight who have not earned a point away from home and Mick McCarthy will see this as a major opportunity to get back on the winning path.

Spanish Primera Liga Preview

Malaga will be looking to reassert themselves amongst the upper-echelons of La Liga when they face their toughest test yet as Real Madrid come to visit.

The high-spending Andalucian outfit suffered a significant setback to their lofty ambitions with a 3-0 defeat at high-flying Levante last week, while Madrid are back to their rampant best with back-to-back four-goal hauls against Real Betis last weekend and then Lyonin the Champions League.

Malaga's hopes of ending Levante's unbeaten start were virtually over after half-an-hour with goalkeeper Willy Caballero seeing red before the hosts made it 2-0.

While Sky Bet make them 13/2 to cause an upset, Malaga will certainly have the inside info on their visitors with former Bernabeu boss Manuel Pellegrini backed up by Bernabeu legend Fernando Hierro in the general manager role.

Ruud van Nistelrooy is also in line to face his former club, while another ex-Madrid man Julio Baptista is ruled out with a foot problem.

Malaga will be looking to avenge a 7-0 defeat in their last meeting, but their much-changed side can take encouragement from the knowledge that a victory would see them move level with Real Madrid on 16 points.

Jose Mourinho's men are not the only ones looking to subdue supposed challengers from Andalucia, with Barcelona facing a Sevilla side yet to taste defeat this season.

Los Rojiblancos will, however, be without their star striker Alvaro Negredo and winger Diego Perotti, as they attempt to beat Barca for the first time under Pep Guardiola, having endured a 5-0 hammering last time they visited the Nou Camp.

Barca, who are also unbeaten this term, have the added boost of Cesc Fabregas returning from a hamstring injury but will be without Gerard Pique, Alexis Sanchez and Ibrahim Afellay.

Elsewhere on Saturday, injury-hit Racing Santander could be forced to persist with a string of youth players when they go in search of their first victory of the season against Espanyol.

In the other game, basement boys Sporting Gijon have their best chance of securing a first win of the season when Granada, who are only one win better off in their first season in the top-flight, come to town.

The pick of Sunday's six games will see Villarreal look to be the side to end Levante's stunning start and bounce back from their Champions League heartache.

The Yellow Submarines saw a 1-0 lead turn in to a defeat as Sergio Aguero struck a last-gasp winner for Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

That 2-1 loss means Juan Carlos Garrido's men have only won twice in all competitions, once in the league and once in the Champions League qualifying stage, leaving them in an area of the table second-place Levante would be expected to occupy.

In contrast, Levante have only dropped four points to date and conceding just three goals in the process, the least in the league.

Garrido will know this is the sort of game which could really get his side going again or, with a trip to Real Madrid to proceed, leave them looking down at very few in the La Liga.

Manchester United Target Young Spanish Midfield Maestro

Sir Alex Ferguson will look to lure Atletico Madrid teenager Jorge Merodio, more commonly known by his nickname Koke, as he looks to continue his policy of snapping up and coming starlets that he hopes will be the basis of the next generation of Man United talent.

Koke is considered one of the hottest young properties in Spanish football and there has been much speculation that both Barcelona and Real Madrid are monitoring the 19 year old’s progress but Ferguson hopes he can make the Spanish Under 21 international the second player he has persuaded to leave the Vicente Calderon for Old Trafford, having signed keeper David de Gea from the La Liga side over the summer.

The central midfield has already racked up 26 first team appearances and has been dubbed by some as the “Next Xabi Alonso” and the Madrid born talent impressed many during his debut for the Spanish Under 21 side earlier this month, during which he scored against Croatia.

Over the past 18 months Sir Alex Ferguson has signed the likes of De Gea, Javier Hernandez, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones as the Scot opts to sign players with potential as he looks to put together a side that blends these incoming talents with those coming through the club’s academy system.

Los Rojiblancos boss Gregorio Manzano will be loathed to lose his prized young talent but may well find it hard to prevent Koke from being tempted by such a move, especially after Atletico Madrid’s fairly average start to the current campaign and the loss of big names such as Sergio Aguero, Diego Forlan and the aforementioned David de Gea.

Tottenham Join Race To Sign Next Sergio Busquets

Tottenham have reportedly joined the race to sign Poland under-21 starlet Bartosz Salamon, who is attracting the interest of clubs across Europe.

The 20-year-old midfielder has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in Europe having made his debut for Brescia at just 17. He is now an integral part of the Serie B outfit and is thought to be on the radars of Barcelona and Napoli.

And according to talkSPORT, Spurs are also interested in Salamon and could make an offer in the January transfer window.

Salamon, who has been compared to Barcelona midfield anchor Sergio Busquets, would be available for a reported £4.5m.

Arsenal Agree To Bring Fiery Brazilian Back To The Emirates

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger looks set to welcome on-loan midfielder Denilson back to the club, with the 23-year-old’s spell at Sao Paulo on the verge of self-destructing.

Denilson started his career at Sao Paulo in 2005, emerging as a fringe player in side that won the Copa Libertadores and the FIFA Club World Cup. In the summer of 2006, Arsenal signed the youngster and handed him 96 appearances over five years at the Emirates.

However, with Denilson becoming an increasingly peripheral figure for Arsenal following the emergence of Jack Wilshere, Wenger loaned the promising youngster back to his former club for the 2010-11 season.

Since returning to Sao Paulo, the typically mild-mannered Brazilian has formed something of a ‘bad-boy’ image, following a spat with fans via social networking website Twitter and three red cards.

Denilson was sent off most recently in a 3-3 draw with Cruziero, creating further rifts between the player and a set of fans already at odds with the midfielder. Following fan protests about manager Adilson Batista, Denilson branded participants as “very, very annoying”.

Arsenal’s midfield currently looks a little lightweight, with the departures of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas worsened by the long-term absence of Jack Wilshere. Denilson could be ready to make his return to the Gunners if the situation at Sao Paulo worsens, but certain Arsenal fans have reservations about the youngster returning to North London.

After agreeing the deal to return on-loan to Sao Paulo, Denilson labelled himself “a winner”, bemoaning the lack of trophies during his spell at Arsenal. With Arsenal finally looking to have found some stability, the return of Denilson may bring Wenger more problems than solutions.

Tottenham Battle London Rivals For Espanyol Keeper

It appears as though Espnayol stopper Carlos Kameni could soon he playing his trade in the Premier League after it was revealed that he would jump at the chance to play in England.

The Sun reports that both Tottenham and Fulham have shown an interest in the vastly experienced goalkeeper and could be interested in bringing him to the Premiership.

The 27-year-old has been the number one at Espanyol for five seasons and has played more than 200 league games for the Catalan club, but this season has been demoted to third choice.

Espanyol manager Mauricio Pachettino now prefers Cristian Alvarez, with Francisco Casilla the number two, leaving Kameni not even warming the bench.

The former Le Havre keeper is still considered an excellent shot stopper and just two seasons ago managed to set a record of 497 minutes without conceding a goal.

Tottenham currently have Brad Friedel, Carlo Cudicini and Huerelho Gomes at the club but the Brazilian keeper has been linked with a move, while Friedel and Cudicini are both coming towards the end of their careers.

Fulham's current number one Mark Schwarzer is also coming towards the end of his career and at 39-years-old may well not have too long left at the top level.

According to a family friend of Kameni: "If any English club make an offer, then he would accept it without any problem."

Arsenal Prepare Shock Move For Italian World Cup Winning Striker

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to step up his pursuit of a striker and is preparing to make a move for Juventus' Luca Toni, according to reports on tribalfootball.com.

Reports in Italy suggest Toni's contract with the Seire A club expires in June and it is believed the club aren't going to demand a fee for the World Cup winner and are just looking to get him off the wage bill.

During the course of the summer transfer window Arsenal lost two key players with Cesc Fabregas joining Barcelona and Samir Nasri moving to Premier League rivals Manchester City.

The speculation hasn't stopped and the latest player being linked with a move away from the Emirates is Robin van Persie who is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal with the Gunners.

That has left Arsenal boss Wenger looking for more options up front and he has targeted Toni for when the transfer window opens in January.

Manchester City Sign Promising Norwegian Forward Bersant Celina

Manchester City have completed the signing of Norwegian forward Bersant Celina on a three-year deal.

The 15-year-old, who reportedly attracted the interest of Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers, is delighted to have agreed terms with City and confessed that it is a dream to play in the top flight.

"This is a childhood dream coming true." Celina told Drammens Tidende. "I believe it will be very good for me."

The young forward is set to join up with Roberto Mancini’s side in 2012 once he has completed his schooling in Norway.

The new signing represents a change from the usual big-money signings that fans have come to expect at the Etihad, such as the likes of recent acquisitions Samir Nasri and Sergio Aguero.

However, the City faithful will be happy to see Mancini looking to the future to ensure the continued success of the club for many seasons to come.

Manchester City currently sit at the top of the Premier League table after a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday.

The club will be hoping to continue their unbeaten record in the Premier League in their derby clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Schalke Agree Hildebrand Deal

Schalke have agreed a deal to sign Timo Hildebrand on a contract until the end of the season subject to the goalkeeper passing a medical.

The Bundesliga club has moved to bring in the former Germany international after losing Ralf Fahrmann to a knee injury.

Coach Huub Stevens had been left with just Lars Unnerstall and Mathias Schober at his disposal after No.1 Fahrmann was ruled out for three months.

Hildebrand has been training with second division side Eintracht Frankfurt in recent weeks since being released by Sporting in the summer, while he also had a trial at Manchester City in pre-season.

The 32-year-old last appeared in the Bundesliga for Hoffenheim last year, but they chose not to extend his contract in May 2010.

Suarez Set To Escape Rap Over Evra Claims Of Racism

Luiz Suarez is likely to escape disciplinary action following allegations of racist abuse by Patrice Evra unless the Manchester United defender is able to offer secondary evidence of his claims when he meets the FA to discuss the matter within the next 48 hours.

Evra is due to be interviewed by members of the FA’s disciplinary unit in Manchester before the weekend after United granted permission for the governing body to speak to the French full-back following his claim that Liverpool forward Suarez racially insulted him “at least 10 times” during last Saturday’s Premier League encounter at Anfield.

But due to the hugely sensitive nature of Evra’s allegations, the 30-year-old will be expected by the FA to provide additional evidence of his claims, beyond his own accusation, that supports his suggestion that Suarez subjected him to racist abuse.

The FA is likely to require witness statements from players or officials supporting Evra’s claims or television evidence which provides grounds for further investigation.

Uruguay international Suarez has strenuously denied Evra’s accusation, but Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson confirmed on Monday that his player is determined to follow through with his complaint.

“He (Evra) thought he was slighted on Saturday. Obviously Patrice feels very aggrieved at what was said to him, so it rests in the hands of the FA now,” Ferguson said.

It was understood that Evra, who went public with his allegations in an interview with French broadcaster Canal Plus on Saturday, would meet the FA today or tomorrow, depending on his training schedule ahead of Sunday’s top-of-the-table fixture against Manchester City.

Suarez is only likely to be interviewed by the FA if the disciplinary unit is sufficiently persuaded by the United defender that his opponent has a case to answer.

Liverpool have already issued a public statement defending Suarez, but Ferguson has attempted to ease the tensions between the two clubs by insisting that the issue is “not something we would want to level against Liverpool” as a club.

Manchester United Keeping Tabs On Next Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has told his scouts to keep a close eye on the progress of Real Betis winger Alvaro Vadilo who has drawn comparison to former Red Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 17-year-old winger has already established himself as an important member of the Betis first team and was due to be watched by both Manchester United and AC Milan, according to Madrid newspaper Marca.

Unfortunately for the young midfielder he picked up a knee injury playing against Real Madrid at the weekend and will not learn until later today how long he will be on the sidelines.

United have been keeping a close eye on the midfielder ever since he first appeared in the Betis B team and reportedly sent two scouts to watch him in action at the Bernabeu.

Ferguson has previously snapped up Ronaldo and Nani from Portugal and has managed to turn them into superstars and believes that Vadilo could be the next star winger.

Vadilo is the second youngest player ever to play in the Primera Division and is currently a member of the Spain Under-19 squad.

Chelsea Keeper Admits He Could Make Shock Tottenham Move

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has revealed that he could end up playing for Tottenham after out lining that the west London club has already outlined his future.

The Belgian stopper was only brought into the club in the summer but was immediately loaned to Spanish side Atletico Madrid as a replacement for David de Gea.

The Spain Under-21 star was bought by Manchester United in the summer and Atletico immediately contacted Chelsea about taking their new signing on a one-year loan.

Now, Courtois has explained to Spanish radio station Onda Cero that Chelsea has outlined a plan that could see him join Tottenham of Fulham in the future.

"Chelsea told me that I would spend two years in a team like Atletico," said Courtois. "At the moment is only one year, but if they want me for a second Chelsea are fine with that. It is possible."

"After that I would then spend one more season with an English club, like Fulham or Tottenham, to allow me to adapt to the English league. Then in the fourth season everything would be normal at Chelsea."

Tottenham currently have two vastly experienced keepers as their first choice and reserve with Brad Friedel, 40, and Carlo Cudicini, 38, so could well be on the lookout for a younger stopper.

Courtois has looked impressive for Atletico so far this season and the 19-year-old has a big reputation after arriving at Chelsea for £8million.

The youngster has also called into question the future of Petr Cech by declaring that he does not know how much longer the keeper can keep playing at the top level.

"Chelsea’s goalkeeping coach told me he doesn’t know how much time Cech can play at the top level. I know he has problems in his knees and on his back."

Arsenal Striker Is Set For Shock Emirates Exit

Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh looks as though he could be heading out of the Emirates as French Ligue 1 side Olympique Marseille are showing an interest, according to reports on tribalfootball.com.

The Moroccan international forward has failed to impress during his time at Arsenal since moving to the Emirates on a free transfer from French outfit Bordeaux last year.

So far this season the 27-year-old has only made four appearances in the Premier League and scored a single goal. He is struggling to gain a first team place and is behind Robin van Persie and Gervinho in the pecking order.

It is believed that Marseille president Vincent Labrune is keen to bring Chamakh on loan in January but it is felt Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will be willing to sell the player on a permanent deal.

Reds Linked With Inkoom

Ghana full-back Samuel Inkoom has claimed Liverpool are closing in on a deal to sign him in the January transfer window.

The club are reported to be in negotiations with the 22-year-old who is contracted to Ukrainian side Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk.

The right-back area has been a problem for the Reds this season, with Glen Johnson suffering from a hamstring injury.

Centre-back Martin Skrtel has been used as a temporary right-back, while young defender Martin Kelly has also deputized in the position.

Inkoom told Ghana radio station Top Radio: "My agent is still locked in talks with my club and a scout of Liverpool and a deal could be concluded very soon.

"Nothing has been decided yet on whether I will join Liverpool on loan or move permanently.

"Liverpool is one of the biggest names in football and so if everything goes well and the Lord allows it, everyone will see where I am going and hopefully, it will be Liverpool, which will be a big step for me."

Inkoom began his career at Ghanaian side Sekondi Hasaacas before playing for Asante Kotoko and Basle.

He has won 25 caps for his country and was part of the squad that reached the World Cup quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010.

City Coach Hypes Up Lavezzi

Manchester City first-team coach Fausto Salsano believes Napoli forward Ezequiel Lavezzi is ready for the Premier League, but has ruled out a swap deal involving Mario Balotelli and says the club will not make a move for him while they have a full complement of strikers.

Lavezzi has been linked with a switch to the Etihad Stadium along with his Napoli team-mates Edinson Cavani and Marek Hamsik following a series of impressive performances over the past couple of seasons.

Salsano feels Lavezzi would be the best equipped of the trio to take English football by storm and rates the Argentine among the best frontmen on the planet.

The City coach says there are no plans at the moment to try and bring in Lavezzi, although he does not know what might happen in the future.

Roberto Mancini currently has a wealth of attacking options at his disposal and there will only be new arrivals if somebody leaves.

Balotelli's agent recently sparked rumours of an exchange with Lavezzi before making it clear that no such deal was in the offing, and Salsano has also stressed that City have no desire to let the Italian go.

He told Radio Kiss Kiss: "Who among Lavezzi, Cavani and Hamsik is ready for the Premier League? They are three important players with qualities that can play anywhere.

"Lavezzi in particular has important qualities because he is good in one on one situations, he's fast, he's clever and he could do very well in England.

"The Balotelli-Lavezzi exchange? Mario is one of the strongest strikers in Europe and worldwide at this time.

"For us he is a very important player and will not leave Manchester City. We believe very much in him.

"However, Lavezzi is proving to be one of the best strikers around the world."

Asked if Lavezzi might come in if Carlos Tevez were to leave City, Salsano refused to speculate on what could happen.

"In place of Tevez? I don't know, at this moment we are full," said Salsano.

"We have very strong forwards and you may not know now about the future, we look only at the present."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Everton Prepare To Move For American Defender

Everton manager David Moyes is preparing to make a move for FC Dallas defender George John, according to reports in the Daily Mail.

During the course of the summer transfer window it seemed as though John was on the verge of signing for Premier League outfit Blackburn Rovers in a deal believed to be worth £1.2million but it collapsed.

John who is eligible to play for either USA or Greece was keen for a move to England and would welcome the interest for Everton when the January transfer window opens.

Toffees boss Moyes is planning to make his move for the 24-year-old in January but is set to face a battle from Premier League rivals Wigan Athletic.

AC Milan Hints At Signing Alessandro Del Piero

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has given a hint that the Rossoneri could try to sign forward Alessandro Del Piero next summer.

Del Piero’s current contract with Juventus runs out at the end of the season and the Turin giants have announced that they will not renew his deal thereafter.

The 36-year-old has yet to confirm whether he will retire from football altogether in 2012, and Galliani has suggested that should the former Italy international decide to continue carry on playing, then Milan could make an approach for his services.

“Is it never too late? I have learned to define players as talented or mediocre, not young or old,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “I always prefer a talent to a youngster.

“After all, many of our stars like Paolo Maldini and Billy Costacurta retired at 40. Pippo Inzaghi is 38 and still playing for us.”

Galliani also revealed that Milan had tried to sign Del Piero from Padova in 1993 just before he made the switch to Turin where he has been playing for Juventus since.

“We nearly signed Del Piero in 1993 and failing to do that remains one of the great regrets of my career,” admitted the 67-year-old.

“The fact remains that before he went to Juve, Milan were interested in the player.”

Del Piero has made over 450 appearances for the Old Lady, scoring over 200 goals, and has won Serie A five times and the Champions League once among other honours.

Inter Chase Brazilian Prospect

Brazilian stopper Juan Guilherme Nunes Jesus has confirmed reports that Italian giants Inter are looking to sign him.

The Nerazzurri want to rejuvenate their ageing defence and the 20-year-old, who plays for Internacional in Brazil's Serie A, has been on their radar for some months.

"I know that Internacional and Inter will make contact," Juan told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

"My agent told me of their interest and someone from Milan will arrive over the next few days to talk about it."

"I don't occupy myself with these things though, my representative will look after it. We'll just have to wait and see what happens."

The Brazilian Under-20 international was also being watched by Serie A rivals Napoli, who reportedly had a five million euro bid rejected for his services in the summer.

If an agreement can be reached between the two clubs, Juan could make a January switch to the Stadio Meazza.

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.