Rooney, Ibrahimovic and Benteke? I have my own players to worry about, says Jose Mourinho

JOSE MOURINHO insists he's not thinking about the possibility of signing Wayne Rooney, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Christian Benteke.

Jose Mourinho wants to instil a winning mentality at Chelsea

“Until August 31 we will see if anyone can improve our squad”

Jose Mourinho

Chelsea are intent on strengthening their frontline with all three names mentioned as possible targets.
But the Special One is adamant he's only focused on the current crop of Blues stars.
He said: "At this moment I'm so happy with the people I have here that I'm not thinking about other players.
"If I have to think about some players, I have to think about my players who are on holiday period and still have to join us on July 28.
"The first part of my job is to get the best from these players, try to push the young boys to the levels they can reach, and to try to make a real team. After that, we will see.

Mourinho wants to bring the glory days back to Stamford Bridge

"This is a period where the big clubs, and the managers of the big clubs, are connected with every player.
"Until August 31 [and the close of the transfer window], that's the old story in football. Rumours and rumours and rumours.
"At the end of the day, after so many rumours, some things come true.

Wayne Rooney has been linked with a move to Chelsea...

Manchester City want to keep hold of Aleksandar Kolarov

MANCHESTER CITY will knock back interest from Juventus and Inter Milan for defender Aleksandar Kolarov.

Manchester City want to keep Aleksandar Kolarov

The Serie A giants are eyeing the Serbia star, 27, who has fallen behind Gael Clichy in the pecking order at the Etihad.

Kolarov, who joined City for £16m from Lazio in 2010, is keen to leave in search of regular football.

But City want to keep him on board under new boss Manuel Pellegrini.

Meanwhile, the Blues are close to a £24m deal for Fiorentina hitman Stevan Jovetic and also want Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo.

Paul Lambert: Ashley Westwood is one of Premier League's best

ASTON Villa boss Paul Lambert says Ashley Westwood is one of the exceptional new Premier League pass-masters.

Ashley Westwood was a key man for Aston Villa last season

Westwood, 23, has signed a new four-year contract at Villa after playing a starring role last season.

His old deal was torn up after he made a massive impression following his £3m move from Crewe just a year ago.

Lambert believes the midfielder could now go on to force himself into the England reckoning.

He said: “His passing stats show a success rate of something like 91 per cent and he has been exceptional for us.

You can be a great, Eden! Jose Mourinho's message to Hazard

JOSE MOURINHO has told Eden Hazard: You can be Chelsea’s special one this season.

Eden Hazard had an excellent debut season at Chelsea

Ever since Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge, there has been a ­belief among the fans that the ­manager will make all the difference.

But the Chelsea boss has spent the first week of pre-season drumming into his players that success will not come down to anyone in the dugout – but those on the pitch.

And Belgian Hazard is one of those ­Mourinho has spoken to in depth, telling him exactly what he expects him to deliver in his second year in English football.

Hazard said: “He told us all what he expected of us, what he wants to see.

“To me, he told me to be ambitious with my game, to try things and that, if I do that, I can do something special this year.

“I told him I wanted to do myself justice, to do as well as I can, and that is all he wants to see from all of us.

Steven Gerrard orders Liverpool to start spending big

STEVEN GERRARD last night told Liverpool to splash the cash – after pledging the rest of his career to the club.

Steven Gerrard has pledged his future to Liverpool after signing a new deal

The Kop skipper has signed a new contract worth around £140,000 a week which will keep him at Anfield until 2015.
He is desperate to bring success back to the club, but admits the Merseysiders need more new faces – despite already snapping up four players this summer.
Gerrard, 33, has spent his entire 15-year professional career a Liverpool, scoring 158 goals in 630 appearances, but only had a year left on his contract.
He said: “I’ve been here that long and so to extend, it’s a big day for me and I’m really happy for myself and my family.
“I’ve got a lot of confidence and belief in my team-mates and in the coaches we’ve got.
“That’s the reason why I feel as if we can move forward together and get success back soon.
“Every fan out there, and the players are no different – we want to see a few more faces to strengthen the team and squad even more.

Steven Gerrard wants to see a few more signings at Liverpool this summer

“It is an exciting time when you get a few new faces in to freshen the squad up”

Steven Gerrard

“It is an exciting time when you get a few new faces in to freshen the squad up – you’re at the beginning of the season and it’s a fresh start.
“There are trophies to be won and things to achieve. I won’t lie to you, I’m really excited at the moment.”
Liverpool have already signed Simon Mignolet, Kolo Toure, Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto this summer – but face the prospect of losing star man Luis Suarez.
Whatever happens though, Gerrard clearly believes the club are on the up after failing to win any silverware or qualify for the Champions League last season.
The England skipper admits it’s a huge 12 months for him with the World Cup on the horizon next summer – but he insists his only focus right now is Liverpool.
He said: “It’s a big year – it’s a World Cup year. We’ve got a lot of hard work to do to get to the World Cup first.
“As a footballer, you concentrate on the next game and it’s very important you’re not distracted by the thought of qualifying or getting to a World Cup.

Sunderland set sights on landing former Tottenham and Malmö FF star

SUNDERLAND are looking to launch a bid for Hellas Verona midfielder Emil Hallfredsson.

Hellas Verona midfielder Emil Hallfredsson

The Black Cats have already snapped up Juventus midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini and reports in Italy now claim they're heading back to Serie A to strengthen their squad.
Hallfredsson is thought to be a perfect signing for the North-East outfit, who only narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League last term.
Sunderland have been active in the transfer window so far this summer, signing up Vito Mannone while making an inquiry for Eintracht Frankfurt full-back, Bastian Oczipka.

Emil Hallfredsson battles for the ball

“Hellas Verona midfielder Emil Hallfredsson could be heading for the Premier League this season”

New boss Paolo Di Canio is scouring the market for a left-back to fill the spot vacated by Danny Rose.
Rose has returned to Tottenham after a successful loan spell at the Stadium of Light last season.

Emil Hallfredsson is a target for Black Cats boss Di Canio

Emil Hallfredsson joined Verona back in 2010

Hallfredsson played a big part in Verona's push for promotion from Serie B, helping to propel the squad to the top flight for the 2013-14 campaign.
The midfielder netted three goals for the the Mastini team, making 34 appearances.

Manchester City and Chelsea eyeing up United target Cesc Fabregas

MANCHESTER UNITED'S bid for Cesc Fabregas has sparked the interest of both Chelsea and rivals City.

Cesc Fabregas has been the subject of interest from Manchester United

The Reds look to be in pole position to land the former Arsenal star, having tabled an opening offer of £26m.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has made no move to re-sign Fabregas, but United's interest looks to have brought rivals City and Chelsea into the race for his signature.
And sources in England have revealed the 26-year-old would be open to a move back to the Premier League, who joined the Nou Camp giants two years ago.
Barcelona look unlikely to accept the opening offer from the Old Trafford outfit, paving the way for some of the other top-four clubs to try and hijack any potential deal.

Some of the Premier League's biggest clubs are interested in signing Cesc Fabregas

“He wants to succeed here”

Barcelona head coach Tito Vilanova

David Moyes is said to be eager to inject a more creative influence into the side he inherited from Sir Alex Ferguson.
United are now thought to be waiting a response from Barca, having put forward their surprise offer on Monday.
The La Liga giants head coach Tito Vilanova revealed his views on recent interest in his player, telling the Spanish media: "I'm aware there have been offers.
"I had a conversation with him and he told me that he wanted to continue here and that he didn't want to go to another big club.
"He wants to succeed here."

Arsenal aren't thought to be interested in bidding for Cesc

It comes after United lost out to Bayern for The Spain international, 22, who was tipped to become Moyes' first big signing of the summer.
The Champions League winners nipped in and agreed a deal to bring the playmaker to Germany, where he'll link up with ex-boss Pep Guardiola, who is embarking on his first season at the Bayern helm.
A fee of £21.6m has been agreed between the two clubs, as well as a commitment to hold a friendly by 2017.

Arsenal step back to allow Manchester United to swoop for Cesc Fabregas

ARSENAL will NOT go head-to-head with Manchester United for the signature of former skipper Cesc Fabregas.

Cesc Fabregas could be set for a return to England with Manchester United

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has stepped back to allow rival David Moyes to land the Barcelona ace, knowing his club will pick up half of the transfer fee.
United have tabled an opening offer of £26m for the midfielder, who joined the Nou Camp giants two years ago.
Arsenal insisted on having a £25m buyback clause, with a 50 per cent sell-on inserted, after selling Fabregas to the Catalans for £30m.
But Wenger has made no move to re-sign Fabregas, leaving United in pole position to get him.

Arsene Wenger is not interested in bringing Fabregas back to Arsenal

“Arsenal insisted on having a £25m buyback clause”

Barcelona are unlikely to accept the first offer from Old Trafford, which came after Moyes was snubbed by his No.1 target, Thiago Alcantara.
It remains to be seen whether Fabregas, 26, would be prepared to join United having been at the centre of some stormy encounters with the Red Devils while at Arsenal.
Fabregas had been widely rumoured to be the player who threw a slice of pizza at Sir Alex Ferguson after a hot-headed clash at Old Trafford in October 2004.
But Fabregas is said to be one of several stars at Barcelona who have been less than impressed at the huge wages dished out to new Brazilian superstar Neymar which top that of even Lionel Messi.
Meanwhile, Arsenal target Gonzalo Higuain has returned to training with Real Madrid and asked for time to consider his future.
Madrid were willing to sell Argentine striker Higuain for £26m but Arsenal's bid was £3m below that

Manchester United and Barcelona to go head to head with Chelsea and City for Marquinhos

MANCHESTER UNITED and Barcelona have both placed bids for Roma star Marquinhos.

Roma star Marquinhos

That's according to agent Roberto Calenda, who says the Italian giants are now open to letting him go for the right price.
He said: "Roma has told us that there is the possibility of a sale, and we'll respect the decision they take.
"There are offers from PSG, Barcelona and Manchester United, and it's possible the club accepts one of those."

Marquinhos has impressed in Serie A

“There are offers from PSG, Barcelona and Manchester United, and it's possible the club accepts one of those”

Agent Roberto Calenda

French team Paris Saint-Germain were thought to be leading the race for the coveted former Corinthians star, with sources in Brazil revealing they had placed a bid worth around £30m.
Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester City were keeping tabs on the Marquinhos situation but their interest was seemingly rebuffed when it was made clear Roma hadn't reached a decision about the young star's future early last week.

Marquinhos would be David Moyes' first big signing

A representative for the 19-year-old said: "It's a natural thing that there is a lot of interest in him, but Roma have not allowed us to talk to anyone.
"I can confirm I was in Barcelona, but it happened a long time ago and Marquinhos is not my only client."
The sought-after centre-half has only been in Italy for only a year but has attracted rave reviews for his assured performances.

Manchester City 'agree deal in principle' with Sevilla for Alvaro Negredo

MANCHESTER CITY have agreed in principle to sign Seville ace Alvaro Negredo.

Sevilla ace Alvaro Negredo

According to sources in Spain, The Citizens have had a bid accepted for the striker.
The two teams were locked in negotiations all of Monday before a new deal was reportedly clinched by City.
The Spanish side held out to cash in on the 27-year-old, finally thrashing out a deal worth around £24m.
City's original offer of £21m was rejected and the club will now pay the extra transfer fee through variables relating to performance and titles earned.

Alvaro Negredo trains with Fernando Torres

The Spanish will sign a four-year-deal

“Manchester City look to be close to completing a deal for Alvaro Negredo”

Negredo looks set to sign a four-year-deal with the club, thought to be worth around £3.9m.
The president of Sevilla Del Nido was reported as saying recently: "Sevilla have put an evaluation on Negredo and either Sevilla are paid what they're asking for or he stays for another three years.

Alvaro Negredo looks to be heading for the Premier League

"I'm not saying the price that's been put on him. The ideal thing would be that he remains in Sevilla and renews for another two years.
"We are in no hurry. We are in a better situation than a month ago and we've shown that with the signings that we've made."
It follows reports that City boss Manuel Pellegrini has moved his attention firmly to securing the striker, having missed out on Paris Saint-Germain bound forward Edinson Cavani.

Arsenal deal for Gonzalo Higuain on a knife-edge

ARSENAL'S chances of signing Real Madrid ace Gonzalo Higuain are hanging by a thread.

Gonzalo Higuain had said he wanted to leave Real Madrid

The Gunners have delayed nailing down a deal for the Argentina striker, which at one point looked a certainty to go through.
They have since lodged a £30m bid for Luis Suarez, while boss Arsene Wenger has also shown an interest in signing Wayne Rooney.

“Arsenal had stalled over paying £22m for the prolific striker”

Higuain had expressed his desire to leave Madrid at the end of last season but now he could be set to perform a U-turn and stay at the Bernabeu.
The 26-year-old has started pre-season training with Real and has been told by new boss Carlo Ancelotti that he will have a clean slate under him.

Arsenal had stalled over paying £22m for the prolific striker and even if they do want him, the move might not be a goer.
Napoli have just sold Edinson Cavani to Paris St-Germain for £54m, money which could be used to swoop for Higuain.

Higuain had said he wanted out of the Bernabeu

Arsene Wenger was keen on signing Higuain

Higuain has bagged 20 goals for Argentina

How much did you want to leave, Gonzalo? This much

Wayne Rooney was on Wenger's wishlist...

...as was Liverpool's Luis Suarez

Celtic ponder £4.5m bid from QPR for hitman Gary Hooper

CELTIC have confirmed they have received an improved bid from QPR for striker Gary Hooper.

QPR have bid £4.5m for Gary Hooper

Assistant manager Johan Mjallby revealed the news last night to reporters at Glasgow Airport.
It's believed the bid is around £4.5m for the former Scunthorpe forward, who has been the subject of failed offers from Norwich and Hull this year.

“If he has played his last game, I don't know”

Johan Mjallby

Mjallby said: "A bid came in last night - I don't know how the club has responded to it.
"They increased the bid a wee bit when it came in yesterday. If it is good enough, I don't know.
"That's something you have to ask the chief executive, the manager and the board.
"We know it looks likely right now that Gary is going to leave the club.

Hooper reacts during Celtic's Champions League clash with Barcelona

"I'm not too sure the final word has been said yet - we have to wait and see.
"I think the club is going to sit down and think about it. If he has played his last game, I don't know."
Manager Neil Lennon previously revealed Hooper had probably played his last game for the Hoops.
The striker, who has been struggling with a groin strain, was absent as the Celtic squad flew to Belfast this morning for their Champions League qualifier against Cliftonville.
The R's are trying to fund the move by offloading Frenchman Loic Remy.

Celtic assistant coach Johan Mjaalby

Neil Lennon lifts the Scottish Cup

Harry Redknapp is on the lookout for a striker

Loic Remy is set to leave QPR

Hooper lifts the Scottish Cup

Hooper could have played his last game for Celtic

Manchester United miss Kevin Strootman signing as Roma close in on deal

MANCHESTER UNITED'S hopes of securing PSV star Kevin Strootman look to have been dashed by Italian giants Roma.

PSV ace Kevin Strootman

New reports in Italy suggest the Serie A outfit have beaten the Reds to the signature of the sought-after central midfielder.
The 23-year-old has been snapped up in £15m deal, earning around £2m.
Strootman was tipped to be one of David Moyes' first big signings at United, but his club have been playing hard ball and the ex-Everton boss has been left without yet another target.

Kevin Strootman currently plays for PSV

“Kevin Strootman is reportedly heading for Rome this summer”

Roma's coup will come as somewhat of a surprise after the Dutch side's technical director Marcel Brands insisted Strootman was staying in Holland.
He said: "Roma have contacted us to tell us that they are interested in Kevin Strootman.

Kevin Strootman looks to be leaving his PSV team-mates behind

"We have told Roma that Strootman is not for sale and only an important offer could convince us otherwise.
"In our opinion, Roma is the only club to be interested in Strootman, but they have made no offer."

Strootman in action in Holland

Kevin Strootman on the ball during a FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifier

Chelsea and Manchester City ready to swoop for Zlatan Ibrahimovic

ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC could be set for a stunning Premier League move to Chelsea or Manchester City.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic could leave Paris St-Germain

“Ibrahimovic picks up a bumper wage of more than £11m a year at PSG”

The Swedish star, 31, has fallen out with new Paris St-Germain boss Laurent Blanc over the signing of Edinson Cavani.
PSG will shell out £54m for the hit-man and hand him a bumper contract - and Ibrahimovic isn't happy.
It now appears that he may quit the French giants, despite Blanc being in the job just THREE weeks.
StarSport revealed back in May that Ibrahimovic was pondering a move away from Paris and the latest Cavani rumblings may prove the tipping point.

Ibrahimovic takes home a huge salary at PSG

Ibrahimovic, who has hinted that he'd be open to a move to England, picks up a bumper wage of more than £11m a year at PSG.
That kind of astronomical salary can only be matched by Chelsea or City, who are BOTH on the lookout for strikers.
The pair missed out on signing Cavani themselves while alternative target Robert Lewandowski will see out his contract at Borussia Dortmund.

City haven't replaced Mario Balotelli and Carlos Tevez - and they could lose Edin Dzeko to Chelsea.
Real Madrid have also been linked with Ibrahimovic's signature.

Manuel Pellegrini could make a move for Ibrahimovic

Ibrahimovic has starred on the international stage for Sweden

Edinson Cavani will make a £54m move to PSG

Jose Mourinho needs to bolster his strikeforce

A spitting image of Ibrahimovic