Friday 14 June 2013

DAVID MOYES CHASING MIDFIELD STAR FOR MANCHESTER UNITED


ABOVE: David Moyes has clearly identified central midfield as an area Manchester United need to strengthen
“
He wants to sign Cristiano Ronaldo and Cesc Fabregas. Kevin Strootman is also on his radar, along with Thiago Alcantara and Marouane Fellaini.
”
14th June 2013

By Jeremy Cross

DAVID MOYES might appear to be walking into a dream job when he becomes Manchester United boss next month.

He will be taking charge of one of the biggest clubs in the world and a squad most managers can only dream about.
Considering United romped to a record 20th league title last season, Moyes could be forgiven for thinking he can just breeze into Old Trafford and carry on where Sir Alex Ferguson left off.
But the truth is things are far less simple for Moyes than But the truth is things are far less simple for Moyes than they appear - and the biggest issue facing the Scot is that he has a midfield conundrum to solve.
Despite his continued success right up to the date of his retirement, Fergie faced it too - but failed to resolve it.
The fact is United lack genuine class in central midfield to succeed at the highest level.
And Fergie knew it deep down but didn't manage to do much about it.
It resulted in United losing two Champions League finals to Barcelona, who boasted Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
It got worse than that, though. In the last two seasons United failed to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
They were found wanting at the highest level and this will have contributed to Fergie's decision to call time on his illustrious career.
In recent seasons he tried but failed to sign Wesley Sneijder, Frank Lampard and Bastian Schweinsteiger.
It left him having to shuffle a midfield pack that included such mediocre talents as Anderson, Ji-Sung Park, Liam Miller, Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Alan Smith.
Fergie relied on Paul Scholes, despite his ageing legs, and was delighted when the former England star came out of retirement.
But even the mercurial Scholes struggled to paper over the widening cracks running through the middle of United's team.
Ryan Giggs has also dropped into a deeper and more central role in the twilight of his wonderful career.
Michael Carrick held United together for most of last season and has matured into an influential force.
However, the fact is United have lacked a midfield general since Roy Keane.
This might explain why Moyes has wasted no time in considering his options.
He wants to sign Cristiano Ronaldo and Cesc Fabregas. Kevin Strootman is also on his radar, along with Thiago Alcantara and Marouane Fellaini.
Should Ronaldo stay at Real Madrid, then Fabregas tops his wish-list. However, Starsport understands United are braced for a long fight to get him to Old Trafford from Barcelona.
Fabregas doesn't want to leave the Spanish champions but may have no choice should Barca make some more significant signings before the new season.
Brazilian Neymar has already joined them and Nou Camp bosses are determined to see them return to the top of the European tree.
Moyes will have a plan that includes someone like Fabregas, who he hopes will make United the complete side again.
This will involve Carrick and Phil Jones being holding players, with an attacking three revolving around the likes of Ronaldo, Fabregas, Shinji Kagawa, Ashley Young and Wayne Rooney.
Robin van Persie will lead the line and with more creative and attacking support the Dutchman would scale even greater heights.
The pressure is on Moyes to continue United's success.
Domestic dominance should not be a problem.
But if Moyes is to lead United to more European glory, he will have to succeed where Fergie failed in recent times - and create a midfield good enough to do so.

LIVERPOOL AGREE £7.7M DEAL FOR IAGO ASPAS


ABOVE: Iago Aspas helped keep Celta Vigo in La Liga last season
“
Rodgers was light on attacking options last season and the Scot will be keen not to get caught short again.
”
14th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

LIVERPOOL have agreed a deal for £7.7m Celta Vigo striker Iago Aspas.

The Spaniard, 25, netted 12 goals in 34 games this season to help keep Celta in La Liga.
He will become Brendan Rodgers' second signing of the summer following the arrival of Manchester City centre-half Kolo Toure, who joined on a free.
Aspas' move hasn't officially been confirmed but only the final paperwork remains to be completed.
Rodgers was light on attacking options last season and the Scot will be keen not to get caught short again.
Luis Suarez' future at Anfield is in doubt, Andy Carroll is set to join West Ham and Daniel Sturridge has his own injury problems to overcome.
Rodgers is also tracking 20-year-old Sevilla frontman Luis Alberto, who spent last season on loan at Barcelona B.

ARSENAL WANT ME, CLAIMS ANZHI STAR ODIL AHMEDOV


ABOVE: Odil Ahmedov is not short of self-belief
“
I am happy at Anzhi but I'd like to try England or Spain
”
Odil Ahmedov
14th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

ODIL AHMEDOV has claimed that Arsenal want to sign him.

And the confident midfielder reckons he could take the Premier League storm - insisting: "I could be a huge success there."
Ahmedov, 25, plays his club football for mega-rich Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala and says Arsenal scouts were keeping taps on him throughout last season.
He told Russian newspaper Izvestia: "It is true I have interest from Arsenal - their scouts have watched me in every match this season.
"If I move there, I could be a huge success but there is no bid yet.
"I am happy at Anzhi but I'd like to try England or Spain."
Ahmedov made his international debut for Uzbekistan when he was just 19.
He joined Anzhi from Uzbek club FC Pakhtakor in 2011 and has scored twice in 60 Russian Premier League games.

WAYNE ROONEY COULD JOIN ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC AT PSG


ABOVE: Wayne Rooney could join Zlatan Ibrahimovic at PSG
“
Zlatan will go on at PSG next year
”
Agent Mino Raiola
14th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

WAYNE ROONEY could answer Zlatan Ibrahimovic's plea to join him at Paris Saint-Germain.

The Swedish striker told Rooney to come to PSG so the two could play together, while their president Nasser Al-Khelaifi admitted he was a fan of the Manchester United star.
But it looked like the link-up was off as doubts grew over Ibrahimovic's PSG future.
However, Ibrahimovic is now set to stay at the French giants, adding to the possibility that Rooney may now be convinced to answer the ex-Barcelona man's calls.
"Zlatan will go on at PSG next year," his agent Mino Raiola told French radio station RMC.
"He is very happy in Paris. He won the national title, scored goals and did his job.
"He has had a good relationship with Carlo Ancelotti but Zlatan has always had a good relationship with his coaches, apart from Pep Guardiola."
Ibrahimovic opened the door for Rooney to move to the mega-rich French outfit back in April.
He said: "If he wants to be part of the best project in football then there is only one club to sign for."

CHELSEA AND MANCHESTER UNITED TARGET ELIAQUIM MANGALA FOCUSED ON PORTO


ABOVE: Eliaquim Mangala not thinking about a move to Chelsea
“
I am only thinking about Porto next season
”
Eliaquim Mangala
14th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

CHELSEA are eyeing up Porto centre-half Eliaquim Mangala - but he's not thinking about a move to Stamford Bridge.

Jose Mourinho pondered a move for the 22-year-old French international while he was in charge at Real Madrid.
Now the Special One has renewed his interest at Chelsea but Manchester United and Manchester City are also keeping close tabs on him.
Mangala, however, is not letting his head turn.
He said: "I not am preoccupied about my future. There have been many rumours in the papers in the last few days - but I am very calm.
"My objective is to work each day and to progress in my club. I am only thinking about Porto next season.
"I was also very happy with my debut for France. My dream is to play in the World Cup 2014."
Mangala could come in as a replacement for David Luiz, who is being chased by Barcelona.

CHELSEA AND MANCHESTER UNITED TARGET ELIAQUIM MANGALA FOCUSED ON PORTO


ABOVE: Eliaquim Mangala not thinking about a move to Chelsea
“
I am only thinking about Porto next season
”
Eliaquim Mangala
14th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

CHELSEA are eyeing up Porto centre-half Eliaquim Mangala - but he's not thinking about a move to Stamford Bridge.

Jose Mourinho pondered a move for the 22-year-old French international while he was in charge at Real Madrid.
Now the Special One has renewed his interest at Chelsea but Manchester United and Manchester City are also keeping close tabs on him.
Mangala, however, is not letting his head turn.
He said: "I not am preoccupied about my future. There have been many rumours in the papers in the last few days - but I am very calm.
"My objective is to work each day and to progress in my club. I am only thinking about Porto next season.
"I was also very happy with my debut for France. My dream is to play in the World Cup 2014."
Mangala could come in as a replacement for David Luiz, who is being chased by Barcelona.

PSG PREPARE TOTTENHAM RAID FOR GARETH BALE AND ANDRE VILLAS-BOAS


ABOVE: Gareth Bale enjoyed a stunning season for Tottenham
“
Bale is known to be a big AVB fan
”
14th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN are willing to offer Totenham £85m for Gareth Bale.

And they want to bring in Andre Villas-Boas to replace Carlo Ancelotti too, according to a national newspaper, in a move that would send shockwave through Spurs.
Real Madrid were the frontrunners to sign Welshman Bale - but mega-rich PSG have other ideas.
Bale is known to be a big AVB fan and his future at White Hart Lane could be up in the air if the boss leaves.
The Wales star has said that Villas-Boas "has helped me in all aspects of my game" and that "he has given me the confidence to do what I want and do what I do best, which is a massive thing for a player."
Bale has had a dream season, scoring 26 goals and bagging a host of awards.
But a lot of his success is down to the management of Villas-Boas, who has impressed the free-spending Ligue 1 champions.
PSG see the Portugese as a possible replacement for Real Madrid-bound Ancelotti.

CHELSEA AND MANCHESTER UNITED TARGET ELIAQUIM MANGALA FOCUSED ON PORTO


ABOVE: Eliaquim Mangala not thinking about a move to Chelsea
“
I am only thinking about Porto next season
”
Eliaquim Mangala
14th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

CHELSEA are eyeing up Porto centre-half Eliaquim Mangala - but he's not thinking about a move to Stamford Bridge.

Jose Mourinho pondered a move for the 22-year-old French international while he was in charge at Real Madrid.
Now the Special One has renewed his interest at Chelsea but Manchester United and Manchester City are also keeping close tabs on him.
Mangala, however, is not letting his head turn.
He said: "I not am preoccupied about my future. There have been many rumours in the papers in the last few days - but I am very calm.
"My objective is to work each day and to progress in my club. I am only thinking about Porto next season.
"I was also very happy with my debut for France. My dream is to play in the World Cup 2014."
Mangala could come in as a replacement for David Luiz, who is being chased by Barcelona.

EDINSON CAVANI NOT INTERESTED IN CHELSEA OR MANCHESTER CITY, SAYS HIS DAD


ABOVE: Edinson Cavani has a fine goal-scoring record for Napoli
“
Cavani's intention is to play for Madrid
”
Luis Cavani
14th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

EDINSON CAVANI doesn't want to sign for Chelsea, the Napoli striker's father has claimed.

And Manchester City can forget about pursuing him too because Real Madrid are the only club he's interested in.
Cavani's mum waded into one of the summer's biggest transfer sagas yesterday by claiming that City and Madrid were in a head-to-head battle to sign him.
Now dad Luiz has had his say.
"Cavani's intention is to play for Madrid," he told Spanish TV show Futboleros.
"He is excited about it and is very willing to see it through.
"He has told the family in private that he wants to join Real Madrid but if he declares it publicly it will annoy Napoli.
"There has been contact with Real Madrid's lawyers and now we are waiting for the two clubs to meet.
"I hope it happens and that talks take place as soon as possible. Who wouldn't want to play for Real Madrid?"
However, Cavani Snr warned that any deal for his son could prove difficult to negotiate given the £55m fee Napoli are demanding.
He added: "It's not just up to Edi - they are talking €65m (£55m) and Napoli won't negotiate for any less."

CHELSEA AND MANCHESTER UNITED TARGET ELIAQUIM MANGALA FOCUSED ON PORTO


ABOVE: Eliaquim Mangala not thinking about a move to Chelsea
“
I am only thinking about Porto next season
”
Eliaquim Mangala
14th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

CHELSEA are eyeing up Porto centre-half Eliaquim Mangala - but he's not thinking about a move to Stamford Bridge.

Jose Mourinho pondered a move for the 22-year-old French international while he was in charge at Real Madrid.
Now the Special One has renewed his interest at Chelsea but Manchester United and Manchester City are also keeping close tabs on him.
Mangala, however, is not letting his head turn.
He said: "I not am preoccupied about my future. There have been many rumours in the papers in the last few days - but I am very calm.
"My objective is to work each day and to progress in my club. I am only thinking about Porto next season.
"I was also very happy with my debut for France. My dream is to play in the World Cup 2014."
Mangala could come in as a replacement for David Luiz, who is being chased by Barcelona.

CHELSEA AND MANCHESTER UNITED TARGET ELIAQUIM MANGALA FOCUSED ON PORTO


ABOVE: Eliaquim Mangala not thinking about a move to Chelsea
“
I am only thinking about Porto next season
”
Eliaquim Mangala
14th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

CHELSEA are eyeing up Porto centre-half Eliaquim Mangala - but he's not thinking about a move to Stamford Bridge.

Jose Mourinho pondered a move for the 22-year-old French international while he was in charge at Real Madrid.
Now the Special One has renewed his interest at Chelsea but Manchester United and Manchester City are also keeping close tabs on him.
Mangala, however, is not letting his head turn.
He said: "I not am preoccupied about my future. There have been many rumours in the papers in the last few days - but I am very calm.
"My objective is to work each day and to progress in my club. I am only thinking about Porto next season.
"I was also very happy with my debut for France. My dream is to play in the World Cup 2014."
Mangala could come in as a replacement for David Luiz, who is being chased by Barcelona.

CHELSEA AND MANCHESTER UNITED TARGET ELIAQUIM MANGALA FOCUSED ON PORTO


ABOVE: Eliaquim Mangala not thinking about a move to Chelsea
“
I am only thinking about Porto next season
”
Eliaquim Mangala
14th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

CHELSEA are eyeing up Porto centre-half Eliaquim Mangala - but he's not thinking about a move to Stamford Bridge.

Jose Mourinho pondered a move for the 22-year-old French international while he was in charge at Real Madrid.
Now the Special One has renewed his interest at Chelsea but Manchester United and Manchester City are also keeping close tabs on him.
Mangala, however, is not letting his head turn.
He said: "I not am preoccupied about my future. There have been many rumours in the papers in the last few days - but I am very calm.
"My objective is to work each day and to progress in my club. I am only thinking about Porto next season.
"I was also very happy with my debut for France. My dream is to play in the World Cup 2014."
Mangala could come in as a replacement for David Luiz, who is being chased by Barcelona.

GARETH THOMAS: SAM WARBURTON HAS TO START FOR THE LIONS


ABOVE: Gareth Thomas captained the Lions in 2005
“
When you go on a Lions tour it is completely different to anything you’ll ever do
”
14th June 2013

By Gareth Thomas

HE'S captained the British & Lions and played 100 Tests for Wales. Now legend Gareth Thomas has given Starsport Online his take on what's to come for the Lions - and he's flying the flag for his countryman Sam Warburton.

WARREN GATLAND has made a bed to lie in by picking Sam Warburton as captain - and he will end up with major egg on his face is he doesn't pick him for the first Test.
But so many of the back rowers have impressed on tour, it’s hard to see a place for him.
Justin Tipuric has been playing out of his skin, Toby Faletau has shown he’s up for it, Sean O’Brien has impressed – there are so many possible combinations. You have to admit that the one that gives the Lions their best chance of victory may not involve Sam Warburton.
I would keep Sam in the team - but purely because he is captain.
The way his rivals have played has blown it wide open. Sam hasn’t done anything wrong and it doesn’t undermine him, but candidates who weren’t really considered genuine contenders for the Test team a few weeks back have put their hands up by playing really well.
It puts pressure on Sam but he should be able to deal with it. The other guys that are playing have more freedom to go and express themselves on the pitch because Warby is taking the pressure and the spotlight off them.
With all the media speculation you just have to get on with it. Whether you play on the local park or at a sell-out stadium, it is still rugby, a working-class traditional sport.
When you go on a Lions tour it is completely different to anything you’ll ever do. All of a sudden there is a media bandwagon and a whole group of supporters from all over the British Isles.
As captain in 2005 I had to deal with Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell quite a lot. Although I wasn’t ready for it or expecting it, I realised it was all about promoting the sport and the Lions brand.
At times I thought what’s the point, I was just there for the rugby, but now I get it and I understand.
The next two games will dictate the team for the Lions. The partnerships start to gel and it is interesting to see the attitude of the players who figure out that they’re not in the Test squad.
Some of them will knuckle down and help and some will understandably get p**sed off and upset about not being there. On the training field at the moment there are boys that know if they have done enough.
There are plenty of players who will get disheartened and you wouldn’t be right if you weren’t gutted - but you have to get over that in a matter of seconds.
You can’t be happy at missing out on a once in a lifetime opportunity. You’re not there to be p**sed off, you’re not there to sulk, you’re there to get on with it and play for your place.Gareth Thomas is blogging for Paddy Power during the Lions,
Gareth Thomas is blogging for bookmakers Paddy Power throughout the Lions tour, visit the site for exclusive content and rugby offers.

OWEN COYLE TO BE APPOINTED WIGAN BOSS


ABOVE: Owen Coyle is due to return to management at Wigan
“
The Latics have yet to confirm the news
”
14th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

OWEN COYLE is set to be named the new Wigan boss.

Bookmakers have received a run of bets on the ex-Bolton man being appointed as Roberto Martinez's replacement.
Now bookies have suspended betting on Coyle being the next permanent manager.
The Latics have yet to confirm the news - but are expected to do so soon.
Ex-England manager Steve McLaren had also been linked with the job.
Star Wigan midfielder James McAthur tweeted: "Happy with the new appointment in Owen coyle another scot. Hopefully everyone can get behind him and the team for new season #coyle #wafc."

OWEN COYLE TO BE APPOINTED WIGAN BOSS


ABOVE: Owen Coyle is due to return to management at Wigan
“
The Latics have yet to confirm the news
”
14th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

OWEN COYLE is set to be named the new Wigan boss.

Bookmakers have received a run of bets on the ex-Bolton man being appointed as Roberto Martinez's replacement.
Now bookies have suspended betting on Coyle being the next permanent manager.
The Latics have yet to confirm the news - but are expected to do so soon.
Ex-England manager Steve McLaren had also been linked with the job.
Star Wigan midfielder James McAthur tweeted: "Happy with the new appointment in Owen coyle another scot. Hopefully everyone can get behind him and the team for new season #coyle #wafc."

GLENN HODDLE WOULD TURN DOWN ENGLAND U21S JOB


ABOVE: Glenn Hoddle hasn't managed a club side since Wolves in 2006
“
It's like a boxer going in to the ring with one arm tied behind his back
”
Glenn Hoddle
14th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

GLENN HODDLE insists he wouldn't take the England Under-21s job unless the selection policy was changed.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Danny Welbeck, Phil Jones and Jack Rodwell all missed the European Under-21 Championships because they were involved with the senior team.
England subsequently crashed out having lost all three of their group games, leaving Stuart Pearce's future as coach in doubt.
Harry Redknapp yesterday called for Hoddle to be the next Young Lions coach - but the ex-England manager would say no if offered the role.
"It wouldn't [interest me] unless they changed the rules," Hoddle told talkSPORT.
"Why would anyone be interested when you are taking your weapon away, when your better players aren't going to be there with you?"
"I feel sorry for Stuart Pearce. Whoever takes the job, or continues to do the job, why would they take it if you are not going to get your best players?
"It's like a boxer going in to the ring with one arm tied behind his back."
Hoddle has been out of management for seven years since leaving Wolves in 2006

CHELSEA AND MANCHESTER UNITED TARGET ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI REIGNITES LINKS


ABOVE: Robert Lewandowski is being chased by Europe's big boys
“
Jose Mourinho is a fan of the Polish international
”
14th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI has fanned the flames of speculation linking him with a move to Chelsea or Manchester United .

The Dortmund striker, 24, looked destined to follow team-mate Mario Gotze to fierce rivals Bayern Munich.
But to Lewandowski's dismay, the transfer been blocked by Dortmund top brass.
Now the Polish international has turned down a switch to Real Madrid, according to sources on the confident.
It means the door is still open on a move to the Premier League, with Chelsea showing real interest in signing him.
Jose Mourinho is a fan of the hitman, who scored four against his old club Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals.
Chelsea were keen to lure Edinson Cavani to Stamford Bridge but may be priced out of the move.
Napoli were asking for around £55m, a figure Roman Abramovich was unwilling to pay.
Lewandowski would cost around £25.5m and would be a more affordable option for the Blues.

MICHAEL LAUDRUP HOLDS TALKS WITH PSG


ABOVE: Michael Laudrup guided Swansea to Capital One Cup glory this season
“
Relationships are strained at Swansea with the club refusing to liaise with Laudrup's agent Bayram Tutumlu
”
14th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN have held talks with Swansea boss Michael Laudrup over replacing Carlo Ancelotti.

The Italian is destined to join Real Madrid and PSG are already lining up replacements.
And they've highlighted Laudrup, who won the Capital One Cup with Swansea this season, as their No.1 target.
The Dane is under contract until 2015 but has held preliminary talks with the Ligue 1 giants, according to French newspaper l'Equipe.
PSG are also looking at ex-Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink but Anzhi, where Hiddink is in charge, insists he's not going anywhere.
Relationships are strained at Swansea with the club refusing to liaise with Laudrup's agent Bayram Tutumlu.
While Laudrup has maintained that he won't walk out on the Swans, a move to PSG would be desperately hard to turn down.

MICHAEL LAUDRUP HOLDS TALKS WITH PSG


ABOVE: Michael Laudrup guided Swansea to Capital One Cup glory this season
“
Relationships are strained at Swansea with the club refusing to liaise with Laudrup's agent Bayram Tutumlu
”
14th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN have held talks with Swansea boss Michael Laudrup over replacing Carlo Ancelotti.

The Italian is destined to join Real Madrid and PSG are already lining up replacements.
And they've highlighted Laudrup, who won the Capital One Cup with Swansea this season, as their No.1 target.
The Dane is under contract until 2015 but has held preliminary talks with the Ligue 1 giants, according to French newspaper l'Equipe.
PSG are also looking at ex-Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink but Anzhi, where Hiddink is in charge, insists he's not going anywhere.
Relationships are strained at Swansea with the club refusing to liaise with Laudrup's agent Bayram Tutumlu.
While Laudrup has maintained that he won't walk out on the Swans, a move to PSG would be desperately hard to turn down.

BARCELONA LINING UP SHOCK DOUBLE CHELSEA RAID


ABOVE: Starlet Ruben Loftus-Cheek is set for a bright future

BARCELONA are planning a double raid on Chelsea.

The Catalan giants want to sign £18m-rated frontman Fernando Torres and little-known academy star Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Barca are interested in bringing in Torres as a replacement for David Villa, who is rumoured to be joining Spurs.
And they have seen enough of Loftus-Cheek, an England youth international, to want to sign him as well.
The 17-year-old midfielder played against Manchester City in a post-season friendly in America.
City were keen on Loftus-Cheek earlier this season and Barca were too - but Chelsea handed him a new deal at Stamford Bridge.
Loftus-Cheek has spent his whole career at Chelsea but won't be moving to the Spanish champions anytime soon.
He doesn't turn 18 until January and therefore isn't old enough to be offered a professional deal.

CHELSEA STAR ASHLEY COLE CHANGES NUMBER TO AVOID EX-LOVERS


ABOVE: Ashley Cole has had a number of high-profile relationships in the past
“
He wants the next girl he meets to be a serious girlfriend, not just another notch on his bedpost.
”
Source
14th June 2013

By Ed Dyson and Jessica Brown

ASHLEY COLE has changed his mobile phone number to avoid being tempted to revisit his former lovers.

The Chelsea football ace wants to make a fresh start and give up chasing women.
Love rat Ashley, who cheated on ex-wife Cheryl Cole, 29, has told pals he needs a break from all the female drama in his life.
He is currently in LA to clear his head and is taking a step back from the party boy lifestyle he enjoys in London.
A friend of the England star said: “Ashley feels it’s time for him to stop playing the field.
“He’s felt this way before but finds it hard to change when his old one-night stands are always getting in touch by text and Blackberry. So now he’s decided to change his number and scrap his BlackBerry messaging.
“He wants the next girl he meets to be a serious girlfriend, not just another notch on his bedpost.”
But pals think the 32-year-old’s decision has been heavily influenced by Cheryl’s relationship with dancer Tre Holloway, 27.
Our source said: “Ashley sees Cheryl getting more and more serious with Tre and it makes him want to start settling down.
The serial bedhopper’s last serious romance was with The Valleys babe Anna Kelle, 32, earlier this year.
Last night, Ashley’s spokesman was unavailable for comment.

CHELSEA STAR ASHLEY COLE CHANGES NUMBER TO AVOID EX-LOVERS


ABOVE: Ashley Cole has had a number of high-profile relationships in the past
“
He wants the next girl he meets to be a serious girlfriend, not just another notch on his bedpost.
”
Source
14th June 2013

By Ed Dyson and Jessica Brown

ASHLEY COLE has changed his mobile phone number to avoid being tempted to revisit his former lovers.

The Chelsea football ace wants to make a fresh start and give up chasing women.
Love rat Ashley, who cheated on ex-wife Cheryl Cole, 29, has told pals he needs a break from all the female drama in his life.
He is currently in LA to clear his head and is taking a step back from the party boy lifestyle he enjoys in London.
A friend of the England star said: “Ashley feels it’s time for him to stop playing the field.
“He’s felt this way before but finds it hard to change when his old one-night stands are always getting in touch by text and Blackberry. So now he’s decided to change his number and scrap his BlackBerry messaging.
“He wants the next girl he meets to be a serious girlfriend, not just another notch on his bedpost.”
But pals think the 32-year-old’s decision has been heavily influenced by Cheryl’s relationship with dancer Tre Holloway, 27.
Our source said: “Ashley sees Cheryl getting more and more serious with Tre and it makes him want to start settling down.
The serial bedhopper’s last serious romance was with The Valleys babe Anna Kelle, 32, earlier this year.
Last night, Ashley’s spokesman was unavailable for comment.

LUIS SUAREZ NOT THINKING ABOUT REAL MADRID MOVE


ABOVE: Luis Suarez has made no secret of his desire to leave Liverpool
“
My only goal is to win the cup
”
Luis Suarez
14th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

LUIS SUAREZ insists he's not thinking about using the Confederations Cup as a way to enhance his chances of leaving Anfield.

The Uruguay star, 26, will captain his country over the next fortnight and Spain are their first opponents.
The eyes of Real Madrid - who are keen to sign Suarez up - will be on him but the hit-man stressed he is only focused on helping his national team fulfil their potential.
Suarez said: "I've come to play for Uruguay and I'm not thinking what I can do to benefit a transfer.
"My only goal is to win the cup."
Suarez added that "for now there is nothing" in relation to any potential transfer.
Liverpool have yet to be informed by Suarez or his agent of a desire to leave.
However, it is likely they are waiting for Real to make their approach in order for loyalty bonuses not to be sacrificed by making a transfer request.

LUIS SUAREZ NOT THINKING ABOUT REAL MADRID MOVE


ABOVE: Luis Suarez has made no secret of his desire to leave Liverpool
“
My only goal is to win the cup
”
Luis Suarez
14th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

LUIS SUAREZ insists he's not thinking about using the Confederations Cup as a way to enhance his chances of leaving Anfield.

The Uruguay star, 26, will captain his country over the next fortnight and Spain are their first opponents.
The eyes of Real Madrid - who are keen to sign Suarez up - will be on him but the hit-man stressed he is only focused on helping his national team fulfil their potential.
Suarez said: "I've come to play for Uruguay and I'm not thinking what I can do to benefit a transfer.
"My only goal is to win the cup."
Suarez added that "for now there is nothing" in relation to any potential transfer.
Liverpool have yet to be informed by Suarez or his agent of a desire to leave.
However, it is likely they are waiting for Real to make their approach in order for loyalty bonuses not to be sacrificed by making a transfer request.

CLAUDIO MARCHISIO FLATTERED BY MANCHESTER UNITED LINKS


ABOVE: Claudio Marchisio is being flattered with being linked to Manchester United
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I have not heard from anyone at Manchester United or Monaco
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Claudio Marchisio
14th June 2013

By Jack Wilson

JUVENTUS star Claudio Marchisio doesn't know whether the rumours linking to Manchester United are true - but admitted that hearing them has made him proud.

United are understood to be interested in the Italian midfielder, 27, who helped Juve win the Serie A title.
Bolstering the midfield is a priority for David Moyes and experienced Marchisio would fit the bill.
But free-spending Monaco are also interested in his services.
"There are things to be proud of but I am not sure if they are true," Marchisio told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I have not heard from anyone at Manchester United or Monaco.
"When I talk with my club everything will become clearer."

EXCLUSIVE: DAVID MOYES STILL CHASING BARCELONA STAR CESC FABREGAS


ABOVE: Cesc Fabregas has failed to nail down a first-team place at Barcelona and may be available this summ
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Moyes is clinging to the hope that Barca's summer business forces Fabregas, 26, to reassess his future
”
14th June 2013

By Adrian Kajumba and Jeremy Cross

DAVID MOYES is refusing to give up his pursuit of £40m-rated Cesc Fabregas.

The Manchester United boss believes a transfer for Fabregas could be one of the last big deals done this summer.
And the new Old Trafford chief is fully prepared to wait as long as it takes to sign one of his top targets.
Even the midfielder's latest comments labelling talk of a move away from Barcelona "absurd" will not deter the Scot.
Moyes is clinging to the hope that Barca's summer business forces Fabregas, 26, to reassess his future.
His playing time at the Nou Camp was limited last season.
Barca have now brought in £50m Brazilian superstar Neymar and are also targeting Chelsea's Fernando Torres.
Further midfield and attacking arrivals at the Nou Camp will only increase the competition.
The outcome of Moyes' talks with unsettled striker Wayne Rooney will also be pivotal. Wazza's exit would give Moyes further funds to plough into his bid to land ex-Gunner Fabregas.
And a lot of money might be required with the Gunners having first refusal on old boy Fabregas.
Moyes is also facing a fight with new Napoli boss Rafa Benitez for another midfield target - £15mrated Kevin Strootman.
Sir Alex Ferguson had been tracking Strootman for six months before deciding to retire.
And his replacement shares Fergie's admiration of the Dutch midfielder and wants to lure him to Old Trafford this summer.
But Moyesie could miss out if Benitez has anything to do with it.
The former Liverpool boss wants to build his team around the PSV captain and could be armed with a huge war chest if the Italian outfit sell striker Edinson Cavani - expected to leave for a £55m fee.
It means he will be in a position to outbid United, unless Moyes makes a fast move to snap up Strootman.