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Morocco to Host 2015 Nations Cup

Morocco handed 2015 Nations Cup; South Africa host 2017

Morocco and South africa will host the 2015 and 2017 editions of the Nations Cup respectively

Morocco have won the right to stage the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations while South Africa will host the 2017 edition.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the executive committee of the Confederation of African Football (Caf) in Lubumbashi, DR Congo.
Morocco and South Africa were the only countries bidding to stage the tournament after DR Congo withdrew.
South Africa last hosted the Cup of Nations in 1996 while the competition went to Morocco in 1988.
The President of the South African Football Association (Safa) Kirsten Nematandani told reporters after the announcement that he was happy that they were awarded the 2017 edition.
"We are not disappointed at all, it gives us more time to prepare our national team for the event," Nematandani said.
He continued: "This time we also want to win it on home soil."
Nematandani's Moroccan counterpart Ali Fassi Hihiri said he too was satisfied with the way things had gone.
"It's a great day for Morocco and I am very happy," Hihiri commented.
Morocco and South Africa were engaged in a fierce battle for the right to host the 2010 World Cup, which South Africa won in a tight 14-10 vote in Zurich in 2004.
The 2012 African Nations Cup finals are being co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
After that, the tournament will be played every odd year with the 2013 tournament already designated to Libya.
In other decisions taken at the Caf Executive Committee meeting, Morocco will host the 2013 edition of the African Under-17 Championship while Rwanda will host 2016 edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Shawn Micheal in WWE Hall Of Fame

SHAWN MICHAELS is the first name to be announced for the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2011.

The Heartbreak Kid emotionally retired at last year's WrestleMania after his match with Undertaker - a bout considered some by one as the best in history.
And he made a surprise appearance on this week's WWE Raw, where it was announced he will enter the HOF the night before WrestleMania 27, in Atlanta.
Midway through Raw, WWE ran an outstanding and emotional video packages showcasing some of Michaels' career highlights.
Still no-one expected, when HBK's familiar music played in the arena, that Shawn himself would appear before the live crowd.
He emerged to a huge ovation, and lapped up the adulation before entering the ring. Before he had a chance to speak, he was joined by Alberto Del Rio, who put down the accomplishments of Michaels, touting himself as the next Mr WrestleMania.
Shawn silenced the cocky Mexican with a rendition of Sweet Chin Music, to the crowd's delight.
Michaels never uttered a word, but the magic he brings to the ring made him easily the highlight of the show.
Seconds after his appearance, Michaels tweeted "Surprise, surprise," and followed up with "Seriously, thanks to all of you for making my career such a joy. I will carry those moments with me all my life. Thanks for sharing it with me."
 

There will now be speculation as to whether Michaels will be involved in WrestleMania itself.
It is highly doubtful he will wrestle again, but there are precedents for retired stars being special guest referees.
There is also some interest over who will induct Michaels at the Hall of Fame ceremony.
Smart money would seemingly be on his friend and DX partner Triple H, but Michaels told WWE magazine two years ago that he'd thought about Bret Hart doing the honours.
It seemed laughable at the time, but since the two have made peace and Bret is back in the WWE fold, it is possible.
Other names rumoured for this year's Hall of Fame include Arn Anderson, Ron Simmons, The Road Warriors, Sting and Bill Goldberg.

Torres Can Decide Club Destiny

FERNANDO TORRES has long had the world at his feet.

Now he has the futures of two of England's biggest clubs in his hands.
The Liverpool striker is a transfer target for Chelsea - who, having already had a £40million bid rejected by the Kop, have now upped their offer to £42.5m plus Daniel Sturridge.
And like a Canadian Mountie, they will seemingly not stop until they get their man.
Officially, the decision on whether Torres is allowed to leave Anfield for Stamford Bridge will rest with Liverpool. And ultimately, if owner John W Henry and his directors snub the advances, the deal will not happen.
But we all know football is not like that these days and unofficially, with player power what it is, everything will depend on how much Torres stands his ground.
The Spaniard now faces a massive decision, the consequences of which will not only affect his future but those of the two clubs involved - and maybe even the Premier League and European competitions as well.
The news out of his camp yesterday was that he wants to join Chelsea. If that was to happen, it would be a major blow to Liverpool and their chances of regaining their top-four status.
But it would give a huge boost to Chelsea and send out a message they are not only determined to retain their crown as English champions, they also have their sights set on conquering Europe.
And make no mistake, capturing Torres would be a huge coup. Carlo Ancelotti's team have had a rough patch recently. After starting the season like a house on fire, they hit a wall.
One win in nine league matches saw them fall from first to fifth in the table.
They have now returned to form after Monday's 4-0 win at Bolton restored them to fourth.
But questions were still being asked down the King's Road on Tuesday morning.
Not so much about Ancelotti's ability as manager but whether he was getting enough support from club owner Roman Abramovich.
With Red Rom's roubles not finding their way into the transfer market as much as they used to, the word on the street was that the Russian billionaire's feelings for Chelsea were not as deep as they once were.
The suggestion was that he was more interested in helping to bankroll the 2018 World Cup for his native Reds than helping out his adopted Blues.
And after more than seven years at Stamford Bridge, his love was beginning to wane and he was getting itchy feet.
But with Valentine's Day little more than a fortnight away, Abramovich's pursuit of Torres has shown the world his passion for Chelsea is still burning strong.
After all, nothing says 'I love you' more than a new mega-money striker, especially one as good as Torres.
For the cash Rom is willing to splash, he could have targeted almost any player in the world. But he has not. He has targeted Torres.
He knows Torres is the man and I agree with him.
As a striker, El Nino has everything, including an eye for a pass as well as a goal.
He is not only a goalgrabber, he is also the ultimate team player and link-up man. Just ask Steven Gerrard, who has combined so effectively with Torres since the striker's arrival at Anfield 3½ years ago.
He has scored goals and performed magnificently on every stage since.
He may have had his injury woes, but a fee of £50m is not a gamble, it is virtually a guarantee.
Torres is THE player who can haul Chelsea out of their current sub-standard predicament and restore their status and gravitas as a powerful and ambitious club.

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He would knit them together to make them great and successful once more.
With Torres in their team, Chelsea would again be a genuine contender to land the Champions League, the trophy Abramovich desires most. He knows Torres could help him achieve that.
A strikeforce of Torres and Didier Drogba would be frightening.
Chelsea's bid has shown that Red Rom is back in business. Now all eyes are on Liverpool's new owners to see whether they will cash in or keep their promise to retain their best players and build a squad worthy of the club's name.
Selling Torres would not be a disaster, provided Kenny Dalglish was given the money and more on top to bring in new players to improve his squad.
However, if Henry and Co do allow Torres to leave and do not give the cash to the manager to spend, it will be a clear indication they are no better than previous owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks and are willing to let Liverpool degenerate even further.
But, whatever their wishes and those of Dalglish, I know from experience it rarely pays to keep an unhappy player against his will.
So Fernando, it's over to you...

Manny left HBO

THERE has been a big development in America this week, one that slipped under the radar over here.

But it's one that could have major ramifications throughout boxing.
Manny Pacquiao has left US TV giant HBO to join rival network Showtime. Many assumed Pacquiao's fight with Shane Mosley on May 7 would be on HBO pay-per-view, where his last eight fights have been shown.
But his promoter Bob Arum has been bold in taking the world's best fighter to Showtime, where he expects a much wider audience.
Showtime is owned by CBS, free in 115million homes, compared to HBO's 30m subscribers.
Their intention is to heavily promote the fight which will reflect, it is expected, on the amount of PPV buys on Showtime. Talk is Arum was angered by HBO seemingly steering boxers to Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, in particular Floyd Mayweather Jnr, who Arum promoted and built up.
Golden Boy were once seen as the only game in town due to their deal with HBO and this was undoubtedly used as a tool to influence fighters to join them.
Some top British fighters have gone to them, as only recently Matthew Macklin signed to fight veteran Winky Wright. What they don't realise is they are going in as opponents. A classic example is Ricky Hatton being fed to Pacman and Mayweather.
Arum could dramatically shift the axis of power from HBO to Showtime if he succeeds with this venture - and I think he can.
If Pacquiao-Mosley generates big income on PPV, it will put a huge dent in HBO's influence.

My Olym-picks

THE London 2012 Olympics should see more British boxers emerge as big stars.
Beijing gold-medallist James DeGale last month won the British super-middleweight title in only his eighth fight. Amir Khan won silver in Athens and I guided him towards his world title.
The GB boxing team has plenty of talented youngsters in Luke Campbell, Callum Smith and Iain Weaver.
To register your interest for Olympic tickets, go to www.tickets.london2012.com.

Abrahimovich helping Chelsea to get Torres

Roman Abramovich raises the stakes as bid for Fernando Torres signals sea change at Chelsea

Carlo Ancelotti tried to resist the idea but there can be little doubt the swoop for Liverpool's Fernando Torres signifies a drastic change of direction from Roman Abramovich.
Having watched from afar as Chelsea’s campaign crumbled, Abramovich appears to have resigned himself to the idea that Ancelotti’s squad still needs his considerable financial clout.
An experiment to bring through players from the youth team has had mixed results and Torres has been promised a move to Stamford Bridge on the basis that he would be joining a team still capable of competing for Europe’s top prizes.

Change of direction: Chelsea's audacious bid to sign Fernando Torres shows they're not willing to give up on glory just yet torres

It is a sea change for a club which spent 2010 running scared of UEFA’s financial fair play rules and desperate to break even as quickly as possible, stripping back the squad and cutting bonuses.
Abramovich has swaggered back from his winter break to offer a club record £35million for Torres and attempt to hustle through a long-running move for Benfica’s Brazilian central defender David Luiz.
Chelsea believe the Luiz deal is still alive, with Nemanja Matic possibly moving in the opposite direction, despite claims from the Portuguese club yesterday that the on-off transfer was dead.
Abramovich has assured people, who in turn have assured Torres, that he is firmly back at the controls and has a plan in place.

It includes Ancelotti staying as manager for at least one more season and, should any unforeseen event lead to the Italian’s departure, there is another candidate ready and willing to accept the job.

Waving his money goodbye: Roman Abramovich has had to open his wallet

There is an ambitious list of transfer targets, including a return for Neymar in the summer, and a ‘big personality’ lined up to step into the sporting director’s role which will be vacated by Frank Arnesen at the end of the season.
It is not former Barcelona sporting director Txiki Begiristain, who has rejected the job on account of its complexity and the fact he would not be allowed the freedom he enjoyed at the Nou Camp.
Abramovich likes to make the big decisions about transfers with the help of his close circle of advisors, leaving the manager to concentrate on coaching and organising those players assembled for him.

In the dark: Carlo Ancelotti gave little away in his press conference on Friday

Ancelotti insists he maintains the right of veto, although yesterday he gave a very good impression of a manager who was not fully in the picture about the move for Torres. Lots of shrugging, raised eyebrows and a hint of embarrassment.

After all, the Chelsea boss spent most of last year talking up the talents of six young players — Josh McEachran, Gael Kakuta, Patrick van Aanholt, Fabio Borini, Jeffrey Bruma and Daniel Sturridge — and how they would represent the future of the club.
McEachran has proved an undisputed success and the manager was quick to bring up his name, but Kakuta and Van Aanholt have gone out on loan to garner experience and Bruma could follow.
Borini looks set to return to Italy when his contract expires in June and Sturridge is about to be offered as part of the Torres package.
Without writing off his youngsters, Ancelotti has spent the January transfer window talking about the need to recruit an experienced centre back but suddenly found himself on the defensive, fielding questions about how another striker might fit into his rigid formation. A striker, for that matter for whom he has consistently denied any need.

Write caption here

Last May, he said: ‘Torres is a fantastic player but it’s better to grow players of this ability in the Academy.’
In July, he said: ‘I don’t think we need other strikers. We have Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka, Salomon Kalou and Daniel Sturridge.’
In November, he said: ‘We don’t really need to have a striker, a fantastic striker, like Fernando Torres. When you have Drogba and Anelka, it’s difficult to think about Torres.’
Yesterday he said: ‘We did not make a mistake,’ when asked if it had been wrong to let five senior players leave last summer. And: ‘I knew about the bid,’ in response to suggestions this target had come from the top.
Of course Drogba and Anelka have futures at the club, he insisted.
Vanity signings disappeared from Chelsea with the arrival of Andriy Shevchenko. As a friend and personal favourite of the owner, Shevchenko signed for £31m in 2006 but it proved a terrible piece of business.

Future: Despite his advancing years, Didier Drogba is still key to Chelsea's plans

Since then, new players have generally been recruited with a little more sense and a nod towards the quest for self-sufficiency and Michel Platini’s plans to ensure clubs balance their books. But this season’s slump has proved a chastening experience.
As he prepared for today’s FA Cup fourth-round tie at Everton, Ancelotti may not have worn the satisfied smile of a man who told you so, but, essentially, his fears have been proved right.
Privately, he was reluctant to see midfielder Michael Ballack and centre back Ricardo Carvalho go and suspected the young players would need more time before they were ready for the Barclays Premier League. Despite his public comments, he would have liked Torres last summer.
Abramovich appears to be back in the game and Ancelotti’s frown may be explained by his shifting problems. What happens if the Torres swoop fails and he has to motivate four strikers until the end of the season?

Andy Murray hoping to win Australian Open Title

In with a shout! I'm just one match from Slam glory, insists Murray

The one to watch: British No 1 Andy Murray beat David Ferrer to reach the Australian Open final

Andy Murray will try to shut out all historical significance for what he predicts is going to be a 'brutal' Australian Open final against world No 3 Novak Djokovic.
The 23-year-old from Dunblane has given himself his best opportunity yet to become the first British player to win a Grand Slam since Fred Perry in 1936 after fighting back from a set down to beat David Ferrer in the semi-final.
He will try to keep his emotions in check against Serbian Djokovic and show the same composure as he did at the crucial moments of a 4-6, 7-6, 6-1, 7-6 victory over Ferrer, the pugnacious Spaniard who was within a point of going two sets up until Murray battled back for a hard-fought win.
Murray, who reached the final last year before losing to Roger Federer, said: 'I don't want to get so amped up that I play a stinker of a match.
'You don't want to go in thinking, "Yeah, no-one's won one for 60 years (it is actually nearly 75) and I might never get another chance".
'The historical thing, it's not something that I've thought about that much. It's more like a personal dream of mine, a personal goal.
'That's what you need to think to keep yourself in check and not get ahead of yourself. I need to make sure I'm relaxed and calm on court. I don't want to get myself too worked up.'
A heatwave is expected here in Melbourne this weekend and, even with the final being played at night, the starting temperature is predicted to be 34 degrees.
Djokovic has sometimes had problems in his career coping with extreme heat. 'It's going to be a brutal match, but we are both in very good shape,' said Murray. 'I wouldn't expect it to be an issue, but if it is an issue for him then that's an advantage for me. I won't go in thinking it will be a problem for him.

One more obstacle: Novak Djokovic, the Serb ranked No 3 in the world, awaits Murray in Sunday's final

'I'm good friends with Novak but we'll be putting that aside when we play and hopefully we can be friends again afterwards. He can serve a few double faults at tight moments and that's something I will try to put pressure on, make him feel I'm taking chances on my returns. It's down to who does it all on the day. He's a great player, but if I play well I know I'm in with a shot at winning.'
Murray acknowledged that Djokovic holds a slight advantage, having had an extra day's rest. He said: 'I think it helps. I think the more rest you can have, the better. But it's not like at the US Open, where I would be playing the final in 13 or 14 hours. I have the whole of Saturday off.
'I won't practise till late and then I've got the whole day to get ready on Sunday. So I'm hoping physically I'll be OK.

FACup Chelsea vs Everton

Everton 1 Chelsea 1: Super sub Soloman Kalou rescues FA Cup holders

Salomon Kalou came off the bench to maintain Chelsea's hold on the FA Cup this afternoon.
The holders and winners for the past two seasons appeared to be heading for a fourth-round exit at Everton after falling behind to a Louis Saha header.

Up for the Cup: Louis Saha (left) head's Everton ahead

But Kalou, who had entered the field just five minutes earlier, booked a replay at Stamford Bridge as he finished off a swift counter-attack 15 minutes from time.
It came just moments after Petr Cech had produced a brilliant save to prevent Seamus Coleman doubling the Toffees' lead.
Both sides went close to a late winner as Ramires struck a post for Chelsea and Jermaine Beckford also tested Cech.
The visiting fans had been in good voice, gleefully proclaiming Fernando Torres as "Chelsea's number nine" in reference to the Stamford Bridge club's attempts to sign the Liverpool striker.
But the game lacked urgency at the start with Chelsea's Didier Drogba having the first opportunity for either side when he shot weakly at Tim Howard after five minutes.

Delight: Saha (right) celebrates heading Everton in front against Chelsea

Everton's first spell of pressure ended with Leighton Baines delivering a deep cross but Coleman's header back across goal was cleared.
A sliced clearance by Ashley Cole allowed Everton captain Phil Neville to launch a long throw into the box and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov almost profited but the Russian failed to make firm contact.
Chelsea captain John Terry went close to opening the scoring when he headed narrowly over from a Florent Malouda corner after 17 minutes.
Everton came to life midway through the first half as Marouane Fellaini robbed Michael Essien and Saha sent Jack Rodwell through. The youngster got a clear sight of goal but Cech reacted quickly to block his shot.
The hosts had another opportunity moments later as Neville picked out Bilyaletdinov with a cross from the right but his header was comfortably taken by Cech.
Chelsea responded with fit-again Frank Lampard slipping Nicolas Anelka through on goal but the Frenchman was flagged offside.
Anelka timed his run better when Ramires threaded a fine pass through the defence but this time Howard rushed out of goal to block his shot.

Mikel Arteta tried his luck from distance in the closing minute of the half but drilled a low shot wide of Cech's post. Everton lifted the tempo after the restart and had an early opportunity after Coleman's persistence won possession on the right.
The Irishman fed Rodwell and his cross was almost turned in on the volley by Saha at the back post but Ramires blocked on the line.
Fellaini then brought a fine save from Cech as he met an Arteta cross with a firm header after Cole had needlessly pushed Coleman to concede a free-kick.
Fellaini turned provider to set up Arteta with a shooting chance on the edge of the area with a good nod down but the Spaniard flashed wide.
Everton were rewarded for a good spell of pressure when Saha got behind Terry and rose highest to head home a Baines corner in the 62nd minute.

It maintained Saha's fine personal record against the Londoners, having scored against them three times last season and in the 2009 cup final defeat.
Cech brilliantly prevented Everton from adding a second by saving at point-blank range as Coleman met a teasing Baines cross with a diving header.
The true value of the save became clear moments later as the Londoners broke up the field to equalise. Kalou, who had seen little of the ball, finished off a swift counter-attack by charging into the area and finding space to hammer a low shot into the far corner.
The game then appeared to meander towards a replay but Everton were almost caught out five minutes from as Ramires struck a fierce shot against the post from 25 yards.
Everton substitute Beckford then pounced on a Branislav Ivanovic error to test Cech with a well-struck shot but again the Chelsea keeper saved superbly.

Ferrari unveil theri car for 2011

Ferrari drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa have taken the wraps off the first Formula 1 car of 2011.

The team hope the car will be good enough to make amends for just missing out on the 2010 drivers' world title.
A strategic error at the final race allowed Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel to overhaul Fernando Alonso's lead.
Alonso said: "This new car is the fruit of many months of work. We have to commit completely to what we do - we are up to the challenge."
The launch at the Italian team's headquarters in Maranello provided the first glimpse of an F1 car designed to meet the challenges of 2011's regulation changes.

This will be a very hot championship. The competition will be even harder and the uncertainty even higher Ferrari team principal Stefano Domencali

The new car - named to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the reunification of Italy - was given a brief run at the team's Fiorano test track by Alonso on Friday and will be flown to Valencia in Spain for the first pre-season test, which starts on 1 February.
Alonso will drive for the first two days in Valencia, with team-mate Massa taking over for the final day.
But a number of new parts will be added to the F150 between then and the first race.
Team principal Stefano Domenicali said: "The F150 was created for substantially different technical regulations than in the past so it is important to start from reliability - and this car is the first step towards that.
"Driving kilometres, working on reliability and seeing how the new tyres behave and work is clearly our aim [in Valencia]. We will not start concentrating on time tests.
"Last season we had difficult and beautiful moments, and we want to build on those beautiful moments.

Alonso put some miles on the new car at the Fiorano test track on Friday

"This will be a very hot championship. It will be a very intense season, just like last year. I expect many teams to be able to win. The competition will be even harder and the uncertainty even higher."
The new season will see the return of the Kers energy-recovery and power-boost system, a new tyre supplier, with Pirelli replacing Bridgestone, and the introduction of a moveable rear wing to aid overtaking.
Ferrari were keen to emphasise that the car unwrapped in Italy would evolve significantly ahead of the first race in Bahrain on 13 March.
"The car you will see at the first race will be completely different from the car you will see in Valencia," Domenicali said.
Chief designer Nikolas Tombazis added: "This car is just the first step; the entire body will be changed. We will have changes visually and also in performance for our first race."
Last year the team started well with a win in the first race of the season in Bahrain, but they fell off the pace during the first half of the campaign before bouncing back to be the second fastest team behind Red Bull by the summer.
Alonso won five races and entered the final grand prix 15 points clear of Vettel, but could finish only seventh after the team's decision to make an early pit stop backfired. He spent the rest of the race stuck behind Renault's Vitaly Petrov while Vettel stormed to victory.
The Spaniard, who won successive world titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006, is determined to use all his experience from the last year to help him prepare for a second campaign with Ferrari.

I feel it will be easier for me to adapt to the new car "" Fernando Alonso

"Last year was an incredible one for me," added Alonso, 29. "I discovered a wonderful team, one that was really passionate for a new driver.
"I know the team better now. I know the names of the mechanics, which I didn't last year, and I'm now far more integrated within the team.
"What has been carried out in 2010 has continued in the development of this new car. I feel it will be easier for me to adapt to the new car and I hope it will be as strong and as beautiful."
Massa, who found himself at the centre of a controversy when he ceded position to Alonso at last year's German Grand Prix, is also optimistic as he embarks on his sixth season with Ferrari.
"You always feel pressure when you drive for Ferrari, but especially for me because last year was a difficult one," the Brazilian said.
"So I would like to start this year with positive results, and I'm confident I will do this.
"There are a lot of things to learn as quickly as possible, and I really hope this new car will live and grow as quickly as possible."
The biggest surprise on the car is Ferrari's decision to retain push-rod rear suspension, where the springs and dampers sit on top of the gearbox.
This is counter to the pull-rod design Red Bull have used for the last two years, which has the springs located lower down and helps teams produce a lower centre of gravity and better airflow at the back of the car.
Pull-rod designs are expected to be widely adopted this year by other teams as they seek to minimise the aerodynamic losses caused by the banning of the so-called double diffuser.
Ferrari had been expected to switch to pull-rod, but it is understood they have completely redesigned their rear suspension to provide the benefits of a pull-rod while avoiding its disadvantages, which include being difficult to work on.
This includes a low back to the gearbox, enabling a narrow rear to the car. The sidepod profile has also been changed, with a much tighter waisting low down and a flatter top surface.

The rear wing of the Ferrari is decked out in the Italian 'tricolore'

And the nose is broader than last year's car, similar to but not as extreme as last year's Red Bull.
Ferrari are confident the car will be competitive.
Tombazis said the team had easily attained the targets they set for themselves with the car and he was "quite optimistic about this car and how it will go during the season".
Detailing some of the other design approaches the team had taken, Tombazis said: "The front part of the chassis has been raised, the suspension lowered to improve the flow of air beneath the car.
"The driver will be sitting in higher position. The engine snorkel is a bit higher.
"We have tried to improve the structure in aerodynamic terms. It's lower and far simpler."
The next teams to unveil their cars are Renault, Sauber and Lotus on 31 January, with world champions Red Bull, Mercedes and Toro Rosso following suit on 1 February.
McLaren are the only top team who will not have a new car at the Valencia test.
They plan to run an updated 2010 car there before taking the new car to the second test in Jerez on 10-13 February in the hope the extra few days' aerodynamic research will give them an advantage.

Saturday's Gossip column and Rumours for Football

Fernando Torres has told Liverpool that he wants to leave the club and the striker feels he has been "verbally intimidated".
Full story: Daily Telegraph
Chelsea are to make a £40m bid for Torres, having had an initial bid of about £35m rejected, and will throw in young striker Daniel Sturridge as an extra.
Full story: The Guardian
Alternatively, the Blues are preparing to make a British record £60m offer for the Spain international.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Times football editor Tony Evans says he believes Torres will join Chelsea before the transfer window closes on Monday.
Full story: talkSport
Chelsea's proposed new deal for Torres will make him the club's highest-earning player.
Full story: the Sun
 

OTHER TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea are also chasing Real Madrid winger Pedro Leon, 24, who joined the Spanish side from Getafe last summer for 10m euros.
Full story: Insidefutbol.com
Tottenham have tabled a new improved £25m bid for Newcastle's 22-year-old striker Andy Carroll.
Full story: the Sun
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has urged the club's board to break the bank to hold on to Gareth Bale.
Full story: Daily Mail
Spurs are ready to offer £8m plus striker Robbie Keane for West Ham's 30-year-old midfielder Scott Parker.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg is Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's main target as he looks to replace Edwin van der Sar.
Full story: The Guardian
Chelsea may make a renewed bid for Bolton defender Gary Cahill after an Arsenal overture for the player has come to nothing.
Full story: Metro
Blackpool have rejected an improved Liverpool bid for midfielder Charlie Adam.
Full story: Liverpool Echo
Adam's father, also called Charlie, claims Blackpool's decision to turn down the offer is a "revenge" attack because the Tangerines' skipper took the club to a tribunal over the bonus they owed him.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given, 34, is so desperate to play first-team football that he is willing to drop down to a Championship club.
Full story: Daily Mail
Mexico midfielder Efrain Juarez is poised for a loan move to Italian Serie A club Brescia after only six months with Celtic. (the Sun)
Scotland winger Kris Commons says Rangers were never in the running to sign him from Derby County before his move to Celtic. (Various)
Rangers had been tracking Kris Commons for two years, but budget constraints meant they could not meet the Scotland winger's contact demands. (Daily Mail)
Kris Commons says former Celtic and Rangers striker Kenny Miller convinced him to move to Parkhead instead of Ibrox from Derby County. (Various)
Birmingham City are likely to take up the option to extend James McFadden's contract at the end of the season, but the Scotland forward wants to return to Motherwell one day and end his career there. (the Sun)
West Brom have dismissed claims that Scotland midfielder Graham Dorrans is moving to Blackburn Rovers for £8m. (Daily Record)
Ajax defender Timony van der Meulen is training with Dundee United and the Dutchman can move for free if he receives an offer from another club. (Various)

 

 

OTHER GOSSIP

West Ham United co-owner David Gold says it was never on the club's agenda to sack manager Avram Grant.
Full story: The Daily Telegraph
Arsenal's Jack Wilshere will be the lynchpin of England's next generation, national team boss Fabio Capello says.
Full story: Daily Star
Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov has flown into Scotland from Lithuania to question manager Jim Jefferies about the midweek 4-0 defeat by Celtic. (Various)

Pakistan win the one dayer against New Zealand

Mohammad Hafeez hit his maiden century to set up a 43-run victory over New Zealand in the third one-day international in Christchurch.

Opening batsman Hafeez hit 115 off 144 balls and Shahid Afridi hit 65 from 25 as Pakistan posted a formidable 293-7.
Scott Styris (46) and Kane Williamson (42) gave the hosts hope but they could manage only 250-9 from their 50 overs.
The six-match series is now all-square after the second match in Queenstown was washed out on Wednesday.
Tim Southee gave his side early success after New Zealand opted to bowl first, dismissing Ahmed Shehzad and Kamran Akmal, while Jacob Oram claimed Younus Khan to leave Pakistan reeling at 56-3.
But Hafeez and Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq stemmed the fall of wickets and took Pakistan past 100 in the 26th over.
Kyle Mills gave New Zealand the breakthrough when Misbah (35 off 64 balls) holed out to mid-off, which brought Umar Akmal to the middle.
Hafeez reached three figures soon after, before Pakistan switched up a gear in the powerplay overs.
The duo took the visitors past 200 in the 43rd over and added 52 off 45 balls before Hafeez, who hit 12 boundaries and two sixes in his innings, perished trying to hoist Mills over mid-on.
The stage was set for Afridi's blitz and the Pakistan captain did not disappoint, moving to his 31st fifty in only 19 balls and sharing a 26-ball stand of 69 with Umar Akmal, who fell to Hamish Bennett after making 44.
Bennett also ended Afridi's stay in his next over but by that time the captain had hit five sixes and five boundaries.
In reply, New Zealand blazed to 50 inside nine overs, although they lost opener Jamie How (24 off 25 balls), who was outfoxed by a slower ball from Sohail Tanvir.
Pakistan kept up the pressure, with Umar Gul removing stand-in skipper Ross Taylor in his first over and Wahab Riaz dismissing Martin Guptill (39 off 39 balls) to leave the Kiwis reeling at 80-3.
Styris and Williamson took their side past 100 but the Kiwis managed only 24 runs in the eight overs after the fall of the third wicket.
With 133 runs needed off 112 balls, Styris tried to break the shackles but was brilliantly taken by Umar Akmal just inches inside the rope at deep mid-wicket off the bowling of Hafeez.
Riaz then castled Williamson before McCullum was run out by Umar Akmal, which left two new batsmen - Oram and Luke Woodcock - with the task of scoring 111 in 72 balls.
And once Oram - who hit a massive six over long-on off Afridi - departed, holing out in Tanvir's next over, the result was a formality.
The fourth match will take place in Napier on Tuesday, before the series moves on to Hamilton on Thursday.

CHELSEA Trying The last ditch attempt to buy Torres

LIVERPOOL last night turned down a stunning transfer request from Fernando Torres.

The Anfield outfit also threatened to report Chelsea to the Premier League for allegedly "tapping up" the Spanish striker.
They claim Blues went to Torres and his agents to set up a deal before making their £40million bid. Yesterday's high drama also saw:

Liverpool snub a new offer of £42.5m plus hitman Daniel Sturridge.

Torres tell Liverpool that he wants a transfer - only for the club to reject his request.

Kop sources admit a £50m cash offer may change their mind.

Hitman Luis Suarez join the Reds for £23m from Dutch outfit Ajax. Liverpool believe that Chelsea have done an 'Ashley Cole' by speaking to the Torres camp without permission.
A senior Anfield source said: "It's clear Fernando has had his head turned and Chelsea have 'previous' for that sort of thing, don't they?
"Ashley Cole springs to mind and it looks like they've been at it again here."
SunSport can reveal Chelsea increased their offer for Torres by £2½m yesterday and threw Sturridge, 21, into the mix.
And Chelsea intend to keep up the pressure, with a Blues insider saying: "Liverpool don't want to sell but a lot depends on the player's wishes."
There is also a belief that Liverpool's stand could also be swayed if Chelsea up their offer to £50m.
Spanish hitman Torres, 26, has told the club he wants to join Chelsea, who are offering £200,000-a-week.
A pal of Torres said: "He believes it's the best thing for himself and Liverpool. He wants to be part of a team capable of competing at the highest level."
Liverpool have worked tirelessly to persuade Torres to stay since Chelsea's initial £40m bid.
And, last night, a club statement insisted: "Fernando Torres submitted a transfer request which has been rejected by Liverpool.
"Fernando is under long-term contract and the club expect him to honour the commitment he made when he signed the agreement."
But while the battle over Torres rumbled on, Liverpool finally signed Uruguay World Cup striker Suarez, 24, after Ajax accepted an increased offer following talks in Amsterdam.
Suarez, who will sign a five-year contract, said: "This is a dream come true for me."

Asian Girl Loses in Grand Slam final

Kim Clijsters beat Li Na in a pulsating final to win her first Australian Open and fourth Grand Slam title.

Li had made history by becoming China's first Grand Slam singles finalist and made a strong start, but Clijsters powered back to win 3-6 6-3 6-3.

It is the first time that three-time US Open champion Clijsters has won a major title outside of New York.

The 27-year-old has now won back-to-back Grand Slam titles and will rise to second in the world rankings.

She made a typically fast start to Sunday's final, reeling off the opening nine points in a row to grab an early break of serve as Li looked nervous in her first major final.

But the Chinese ninth seed had repeatedly shown her fighting qualities over the past fortnight and headed into the final with an 11-0 record in 2011, and having beaten Clijsters to win the Sydney title on the eve of the tournament

She quickly settled into the rhythm of heavy hitting off both sides that had seen off world number one Caroline Wozniacki in the semi-finals and began to dominate again.

Five games in a row gave Li the first set, which she sealed with a rasping forehand winner past a stranded Clijsters, and the Belgian looked momentarily lost for answers.

A double fault from Li gave Clijsters a much-needed break at the start of the second set and it prompted a run of four successive breaks as the momentum swung from side to side, with both women under huge pressure on serve.

This time it was Clijsters who took the initiative with a run of five straight games as Li struggled to keep the error count down, but the Chinese player stopped the rot by breaking back with a blistering return to trail 2-1 in the decider.

A nail-biting final set appeared to be unfolding but it was Li who buckled under the pressure, giving up another break of serve with a double fault and a wayward backhand in game four, and Clijsters pumped her fist as she closed in on victory.

When it was required, the former world number one showed her mettle with two quickfire holds of serve to stand on the brink of the title, before closing it out to love and dissolving into tears as the achievement began to sink in.