Avram Grant does not believe Manchester United can make it all the way through the season without defeat – but warned Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have a habit of coming good in the end.

Nicolas Anelka put his own Luzhniki Stadium pain behind him to suggest that Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney would be welcome at Stamford Bridge.

West Ham today appointed Avram Grant as their new manager on a four-year contract.

Avram Grant has emerged as the leading candidate for the West Ham manager’s job as new owners David Gold and David Sullivan look to take the club forwards.

Nicolas Anelka has hit out at former Chelsea manager Avram Grant, saying: "He used to look down on me."

Avram Grant has been appointed as Portsmouth’s director of football, the club have confirmed.

Chelsea have announced that chief executive Peter Kenyon is to leave his full-time role at the club.

UEFA have promised to “seriously consider” Wembley as the venue for the 2010 Champions League final, after the stadium was passed over for 2008 and 2009 finals.

The 2008 UEFA Cup final will be held in the City of Manchester Stadium – but Wembley has been overlooked for the Champions League finals in 2008 and 2009.

Football Association chiefs will discover in October if their bid for Wembley to host the 2008 Champions League final has been successful.