Carling Cup Wrap-Up

Manchester City continued their impressive goalscoring form into the Carling Cup as they brushed aside Wolves 5-2 to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Roberto Mancini made 11 changes from the side that humbled Manchester United 6-1 on Sunday, but they had no problem picking up where their teammates left off.

After falling behind to Nenad Milijas’ 18th minute strike City hit back through Adam Johnson, Samir Nasri and Edin Dzeko to take a healthy lead into the break.

And a second-half own goal from Wolves goalkeeper Dorus De Vries and a second strike from Dzeko put the Premier League leaders en route to repeating their derby success before Jamie O’Hara struck back to make it 5-2.

Ten-man Chelsea joined City in the quarter-finals as they edged past Everton 2-1 thanks to Daniel Sturridge’s 116th minute strike in an eventful game.

Nicolas Anelka missed a penalty before Salomon Kalou put the Bues into a first-half lead, before goalkeeper Ross Turnbull was given his marching orders after clattering Louis Saha.

But substitute Petr Cech stepped up to save Leighton Baines’ resulting penalty and the rebound, however, Saha struck late on to earn extra-time before Sturridge sealed the victory with just minutes remaining.

A Luis Suarez brace ensured Liverpool’s safe route too, as they eased past Stoke 2-1 at the Britannia Stadium.

Kenwyne Jones headed the Potters ahead minutes before half-time but Suarez struck in the 54th and 85th minutes to earn a memorable win.

In the other game Blackburn beat Newcastle 4-3 after extra-time at Ewood Park, but only just.

With a comfortable 2-0 lead thanks to Ruben Rochina and Yakubu goals, Rovers contrived to let Newcastle back into the game as Danny Guthrie and Yohan Cabaye scored in added time to pull themselves back from the brink of defeat.

Morten Gamst Pedersen put the home side back in front in the 99th minute before a Peter Lovenkrands penalty saw Newcastle equalise for a third time.

Then with seconds remaining on the clock Gael Givet headed home from Chris Samba’s knock down to nick a dramatic win and finally give Steve Kean something to smile about.

Meanwhile, Manchester United began their recovery from a 6-1 thumping against Manchester City by booking their place in the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup with a convincing 3-0 win against Aldershot.

The League Two side began well and gave a spirited display as they took the game to the Premier League champions but first-half goals from Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen all but killed off their hopes of progression.

And by the time Antonio Valencia thumped in a stunning long-range effort in the 48th minute to make it 3-0 it was game over.

Arsenal progressed to their ninth consecutive Carling Cup quarter-final as they came from behind to beat Bolton 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.

Fabrice Muamba, a former Gunner, opened the scoring for Bolton early in the second-half but less than ten minutes later Andrey Arshavin and Chu-Young Park goals had continued Arsenal’s winning run and heaped more misery on Bolton boss Owen Coyle's shoulders.

Elsewhere Championship sides Cardiff and Crystal Palace also got into the last eight, Cardiff winning 1-0 against Burnley thanks to Joe Mason’s goal and Palace beating Southampton 2-0 with late strikes from Darren Ambrose and Jermaine Easter.

Chelsea Ready Offer For Unwanted AC Milan And Brazil Superstar

Chelsea are waiting in the wings after learning that AC Milan have told Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato that he is no longer 'indispensable' to the club after a dip in form.

The 22-year-old was viewed as one of the stars of the club and has already scored 50 league goals in just 105 appearances in Serie A and last season helped fire Milan to the league title.

Pato scored a memorable goal in the Champions League earlier this season against Barcelona but has since struggle with injuries and a loss of form.

In his absence Milan have teamed Antonio Cassano with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, while Kevin Prince Boateng has emerged as goal-scoring midfielder as he fired a hat-trick at the weekend to inspire an amazing comeback from 3-0 down to eventually win 4-3.

According to reports in Milan, manager Max Allegri has warned the young striker that he may struggle to get back into the first team and is essentially on trial until the end of the season.

Pato, who has scored six times for Brazil in 18 appearances, is still highly regarded by a host of European clubs with both Barcelona and Chelsea known to be interested in the striker.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and manager Andre Villas-Boas are both known admirers of Pato and should he become available at the end of the season then the west London club would almost certainly make an offer.

The Brazilian has previously been linked with a move and Milan had always suggested that it would take a mega offer of more than £40million for them to consider selling.

While it may still take this sort of offer, Chelsea would certainly not be put off as they attempt to find long term replacements for Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka.

Arsenal Prepare To Make Sensational Move To Tottenham Striker

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is preparing a shock move for Tottenham Hotspur striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.

According to reports in The Metro, Wenger is keeping tabs on the Russian international after the latest quotes from the player with regards to his future at White Hart Lane.

Pavlyuchenko has so far this season made just two appearances in the Premier League and feels he needs more regular first team football in order to start for Russia during Euro 2012.

The 29-year-old has also stated he like likes life in London, which as also alerted Premiership rivals Queens Park Rangers and Fulham.

However it is felt Arsenal could be Pavlyuchenko's preferred destination and could see him team up with Russian team-mate Anrdey Arshavin.

Speaking to Russian publication Sport Express, Pav said: "I don't believe I can fight my way into the Tottenham starting line-up. Players can feel what the manager thinks about them, and I know that the manager doesn't count on me these days.

"Something must change. I must play in order not to miss Euro 2012.

"You don't get into the national squad on past achievements. I will be 30 in December, and it could be my last big tournament.

"I don't know whether the club will execute that option [to sell me], but a good offer would definitely be considered.

"It would be silly of me to hide that I find life in London much better."

Manchester United Star Subject Of Shock Interest From Roma

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has reportedly become a shock target for big-spending Italian side Roma.

According to Insidefutbol.com, manager of the Serie A side, Luis Enrique, is a big admirer of the England centre-back and believes he could persuade him to leave United.

Ferdinand's position at Old Trafford is under more threat than ever before with the arrivals of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones and the emergence of Jonny Evans.

The 32-year-old has been linked with a move to the MLS, but Roma are reportedly ready to offer him the chance to continue his career at the top level of European football.

It is thought that if they are given a clear indication that United are willing to sell Ferdinand, Roma will be ready with an official bid.

The chance to move abroad and test himself in another league could appeal to the former West Ham and Leeds player, particularly given that any move in England would surely be a step down.

Spurs Tracking Argentinian Wonderkid Ahead Of Summer Move

Tottenham are reportedly monitoring the progress of Argentinian wonderkid Paulo Dybala and are considering a move for the forward at the end of the season.

According to the Daily Mirror, Spurs are among a host of European clubs tracking the 17-year-old, who is being touted as one of the next big talents coming out of South America.

Dybala has drawn interest following his goal-scoring exploits this season. He has netted seven times in 11 appearances for second-division side Instituto.

It is thought Portuguese club Benfica are interested in Dybala, which has pleased the teenager.

"I have heard the interest of Benfica. They are a great club of course. But my agent who is processing my future, has kept me on the sidelines as much as possible,” he said.

"Argentine players always succeed at Benfica, I have seen them playing in European and Portuguese games on TV.

"Sometimes there are some league games but I’ve seen most of Benfica in the UEFA Champions League. I really like Aimar and Saviola."

However, Spurs will not be deterred in their pursuit of Dybala and it is thought Kia Joorabchian is trying to broker a deal for the north London club.

United Send Paul Scholes To Watch Jordan Rhodes

Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Huddersfield striker Jordan Rhodes, after sending newly appointed scout Paul Scholes to run the rule over the free-scoring 21-year-old.

Scholes was in the stands at the Galpharm Stadium last night, where Rhodes found the net once again, as Huddersfield drew 2-2 with Scunthorpe United.

The strike was Rhodes' ninth in his last four matches for the Terriers, while a hat-trick for Scotland's Under-21's in-between means he has 12 goals in five matches for club and country, in a remarkable purple patch.

That superb form has led to increased speculation about Rhodes' future, with a host of Premier League clubs now increasing their interest in the powerful hitman, who bagged 22 strikes in all competitions last term.

Sir Alex Ferguson has since been put on to the player by Scotland Under-21 boss Billy Stark, and with United loanee Oliver Norwood also in action last night, he instructed newly appointed scout Scholes to take a closer look and report back.

However, should Ferguson decide to push ahead with a bid, it's likely to take up to £5 million to secure his services, after Huddersfield chairman Dean Hoyle warned off interested parties last week.

Everton Keeping Tabs On Bosnian International Striker

Everton manager David Moyes is set to step up his pursuit of a new striker and it is believed he is keeping tabs on free agent Zlatan Muslimovic.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina international has had spells with Serie A clubs Udinese, Parma and Atalanta.

Muslimovic was last with Greek side PAOK but his contract ran out in the summer and was not renewed. He currently plays alongside Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko in the Bosnian national side.

Scottish giants Rangers and a number of Championship sides were linked with moves for the 30-year-old in the summer but nothing materialized.

However, it is now thought Everton boss Moyes is keen to strengthen his attacking options and sees Muslimovic as an ideal signing.

Everton aren't the only side interested with Premier League rivals Fulham and Blackburn as well as German side Werder Bremen all believed to be tracking the player.

Speaking exclusively to Sportsvibe.co.uk, Muslimovic's agent Jan Dreyer said: "Scottish champions Rangers and a few Championship teams were interested in Zlatan during the summer, but he wants to play in the Premiership or the Bundesliga.

"Zlatan is a powerful forward and is very strong in the air, he's style of football would suit one of those leagues.

"A number of options are available to Zlatan and we will see what happens in January."

Tottenham Defender Becomes Surprise Target For Italian Giants

Tottenham right-back Kyle Walker has emerged as a surprise transfer target for Italian side AS Roma who are keen to rebuild their squad in the New Year.

Roma have recently appointed Franco Baldini as the clubs director of football and the Italian has reportedly suggested to manager Luis Enrique that they attempt to land the defender.

Baldini previously worked with Fabio Capello as part of the England back room staff and has witnessed the talent of the young defender.

Italian newspaper Leggo reports that Baldini is convinced that Walker has a bright future ahead of him and is keen to bring the former Sheffield United defender to the Stadio Olimpico.

The 21-year-old has been with Tottenham since 2009 but has only become a first team regular this season after impressing on loan at Aston Villa last season.

Tottenham would certainly not want to let the athletic right-back leave the club but Baldini is convinced that Walker would jump at the chance to play abroad.

Spurs do have the likes of Kyle Naughton and Vedran Corluka, while Younes Kaboul has played on the right hand side of defence but boss Harry Redknapp would certainly want to keep the England Under-21 defender.

Valencia To Rival Arsenal For Sochaux Star's Signature

Valencia have joined the race for Arsenal target Marvin Martin.

The 23-year-old midfielder is among the players on Arsene Wenger's long wish-list and a New Year bid has been suggested.

But, earlier this month, Martin insisted that he has no intention of walking out on Sochaux halfway through the season.

And now reports in France have revealed that Spanish side Valencia are ready to wait until the summer to sign Martin, who they think could help fill the void left by Juan Mata - who left for Chelsea in August.

Martin is under contract with Sochaux until 2015 and is reportedly available for around £10m.

Manchester United To Resurrect Interest In Greek Sensation

Manchester United are rumoured to be planning a January move for Greek sensation Sotiris Ninis.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has been earmarked by Old Trafford chiefs as the creative spark United have been lacking of late.

The Panathinaikos star is currently sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury, which will see him out of action until the new year, but this isn't expected to be too much of a stumbling block, if a move were to materialize.

Ninis, who progressed though the youth ranks, has attracted the attention of some of Europe's biggest clubs, and United will have to move soon if they are to get their man.

The Greek international, who scored the winner in Greece's Euro 2012 qualification match against Israel in September, is valued at €7.5 million, although it is thought that United may have to pay upwards of €10 million for his services.

Villas-Boas Targets January Deal For Italy Midfielder

According to reports on tribalfootball.com, Chelsea has set their sights on Parma's Sebastian Giovinco and could move for the attacking midfielder in January.

The 24-year-old Italy international was regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in Europe whilst at former club Juventus, but it seemed at one point he may not fulfill his huge potential.

However, since moving to Parma this summer, Giovinco has shown what he is capable of with five goals in his first five games.

His sparkling form has alerted Juventus, who are reportedly set to make a shock move to re-sign him, but they will face competition from Chelsea.

It is thought Blues manager Andre Villas-Boas has been tracking Giovinco since his time in charge at Porto and he is reportedly convinced the midfielder will be able to handle the rigours of the Premier League.

The Portuguese tactician is still on the look-out for a new midfielder despite bringing in Raul Meireles and Juan Mata in the summer.

He is reportedly impressed with Giovinco's versatility - he can play in an advanced central role or wide on the flanks - and his creativity.

Giovinco is considered an important member of the Parma team and the Serie A outfit will reportedly only consider offers in excess of €20m.

Arsenal Eyeing Surprise Move For Juventus Veteran

Arsenal could make a shock move to sign Juventus striker Luca Toni.

Toni, 34, has failed to make any impact under new coach Antonio Conte and is looking for a new challenge when the transfer window re-opens.

The Italian international has a wealth of experience and still feels he can compete at the highest level.

Arsene Wenger is keen to bolster his forward line and provide more competition for the likes of Robin Van Persie and Gervinho.

Toni could be available on a free transfer as his contract runs out with Juventus next summer and he would relish the chance to sign for a Premier League club.

Tottenham Eye New Goalkeeper

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is checking on Bulgarian keeper Nikolay Mihaylov.

Brazilian Heurelho Gomes has made it clear he wants to quit after losing his starting place to Brad Friedel, and that has left Spurs scouting for a new face at the position.

Mihaylov currently plays for Dutch side FC Twente after a brief spell at Liverpool was ruined by work-permit problems.

The Bulgaria international, 23, is now building a strong reputation and a few clubs are watching developments.

Mihaylov's dad Borislav was the wig-wearing Bulgaria keeper at the 1994 World Cup in the USA and at Euro 96, who later played for Reading.

Newcastle To Make Second Attempt For Birmingham Defender

Newcastle United is reportedly set to make a renewed attempt to sign Birmingham City defender Liam Ridgewell when the transfer window reopens in January.

Toon boss Alan Pardew was reported to have made an attempt to sign Ridgewell in the summer but the deal fell through at the last minute.

Despite Newcastle's impressive start to the season, particularly defensively, Pardew remains keen to bolster his back-line in January.

Ridgewell was reported to have submitted a transfer request in August as interest from Premier League clubs emerged, although Birmingham decided to reject his request.

And according to The Journal, Pardew will make a second attempt to sign the former England Under-21 centre-back with Birmingham now expected to listen to offers as they attempt to off-load the club's highest earners.

Aston Villa Line Up Move For Danish International Defender

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish will be on red alert after the latest comments coming from AZ Alkmaar defender Simon Poulsen.

The Denmark international is versatile and can operate in the full-back role as well as in midfield.

There have been reports that Aston Villa along with a number of other Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on Poulsen with a view of making an offer in the January transfer window.

Speaking to Danish publication AD about speculation linking him with a move to Villa, the 27-year-old said: "I still haven't made a decision.

"I also know nothing about Aston Villa's interest in me. I've only heard that from the media.

"My agent will only notify me only if there is something concrete.

"I haven't heard anything after last weekend. I did not play such a good game."

He added: "Aston Villa, what can I say? It's a beautiful club."

Arsenal Winger Being Lined Up For Switch To Spanish Giants

Arsenal winger Theo Walcott could be the next big name heading out of the Emirates with Spanish giants Barcelona reportedly interested according to the Daily Star.

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

However the speculation hasn't stopped since the transfer window closed shut and Robin van Persie and Walcott have been linked with moves away from the Gunners.

The 22-year-old, England international has recently been linked with a move to Serie A side Juventus but it is now believed Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola is keeping tabs on Walcott whose contract expires in 2013.

Many people around the Gunners feels if a bid was to come in for Walcott it would be seriously considered as he has not lived up to his potential and new signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is staking his claim for a place in the first team ahead of Walcott.

In the past Barca manager Guardiola commented on Walcott and said: "You would need a pistol to stop him.”

Whilst Lionel Messi added: "He's one of the most dangerous players I have ever played against."

Liverpool Lead Race For Wycombe Wonderkid Jordan Ibe

Liverpool is leading the race for Wycombe Wanderers sensation Jordan Ibe, Goal.com has learned.

The 15-year-old schoolboy, who has already broken into the League One side’s first team, had a trial at the Merseyside club’s Melwood training base earlier this season, where he impressed manager Kenny Dalglish and his coaching staff.

But Liverpool faces competition for the wide attacker from Manchester United and Fulham, who have also made enquiries for the youngster.

Scouts from Manchester City have also watched Ibe on a number of occasions this season although the Premier League leaders have not registered any formal interest in the player.

Ibe is in his final year of secondary school in south London and it is understood that the teenager is keen to remain at Wycombe this season because of the prospect of first-team football.

“Jordan is pretty special,” a source told Goal.com “He has exploded onto the scene this season and a lot of big clubs are taking an interest in him. He is very quick, skilful and plays out wide.

“Liverpool really liked the look of him but he is still at school and is happy at Wycombe because he can get in the team, which won’t happen at Liverpool or Man United.”

The youngster made headlines when he became Wycombe’s youngest debutant since the club entered the Football League, making his senior bow in a League Cup clash against Colchester in August aged 15 years and 244 days.

He has played five matches in total for Wycombe this season, including substitute appearances in the club’s last two fixtures, although he had to pull out of one game because of school commitments the following day.

Wycombe gave permission for Ibe to spend a few days with Liverpool, where it is believed that he took part in training sessions and was shown around Melwood by senior staff.

The League One club will struggle to hold on to the teenager should a Premier League or top Championship team make a substantial offer, although the new Elite Player Performance Plan system, which was agreed by Football League clubs last week, means that sides like Wycombe will soon receive lower fees for leading players under the age of 17.

Wycombe were one of the 22 clubs who voted against the new proposal last week, which will come into effect from the start of next season and put an end to million pound-plus deals for teenagers.

Barcelona's Jonathan Soriano Hints At Benfica Switch

Barcelona B striker Jonathan Soriano has refused to rule out the possibility of joining Benfica in the winter transfer window.

The 26-year-old's agent claimed on Monday that Benfica were still following his client after he had been on their wishlist in the summer.

Soriano sustained a serious knee injury in a friendly match against Bayern Munich and Benfica decided not to follow up their interest in the player.

As Soriano nears the final stages of his recovery, the striker admitted he would be tempted to join the Portuguese outfit.

"My contract runs out at the end of the season and I will try to find the best solution for me," he told TSF. "It is clear that Benfica are an option, they were interested in the summer already, but things did not work out.

"In the winter transfer window we will be able to talk and see what the best option is.

"Benfica are a great club, they have been doing very well in the Champions League and they fight for the Portuguese Liga title.

"They are a club full of tradition and everyone would like to play there.

Inter Milan Lining Up Raid On Arsenal's Ramsey

Last week there were tentative reports in Italy linking Inter Milan with the Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey, and today those reports are gathering pace.

The Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sport reported last week that Ramsey was a target for Inter Milan, and again today they are reporting that Ramsey is a target for Inter boss Claudio Ranieri in January.

The report hinted that Inter were prepared to offer €20 million for the Welsh international, but it remains to be seen if Arsenal would even consider selling one of their brighter young talents.

Maybe Arsenal would do business if they could secure a cash deal plus the services of the Argentinian international Ricardo Alvarez. Alvarez chose Inter over Arsenal in the summer, but he admitted recently that he is finding life hard in Italy since his arrival from Velez Sarsfield, and he has only appeared three times for the Nerazzurri this season.

Whatever happens, if Arsenal do decide to sell they would want a considerable return on the £4.8million they paid for Ramsey three years ago. But €20million may be a sum that Arsene Wenger cannot turn down, as he could use the money to add a marquee signing to his squad, a signing that the Arsenal fans are craving in January.

Celtic Looking To Sign Young Swedish Defender

Celtic are interested in signing £1.5m highly rated Swedish defender Alexander Milosevic after the AIK impressed during a trial spell at Parkhead last January.

The Glasgow side will face competition from a number of other sides also interested in the Swedish Under-21 centre back and Milosevic has already trained with Italian side Fiorentina while Ajax, Partizan Belgrade and Werder Bremen have all made enquiries about the player.

Bremen had a €600,000 official bid for the player turned down as his agent felt that more first team football in Sweden would aid his development.

Milosevic though has expressed a desire to move to Celtic after being impressed by the club during his trial earlier this year.

“I spent a week training at Celtic earlier this year and really enjoyed it”, he said.

“I have three years left on my contract, but Celtic is a big club. If the clubs can work something out, I would be interested.”

Under-fire Celtic boss Neil Lennon knows that he will need to strengthen his side if they are to have any chance of overcoming the 10 point advantage Rangers have amassed after a disappointing start to the season for the Hoops.