PSV Eindhoven midfielder Mark van Bommel wants to play in England but not for Leeds United.

Liverpool expect Portuguese defender Abel Xavier to complete a medical today and sign a four-year deal which will see Everton receive a £800,000 fee for a player who could have left Goodison Park for nothing in the summer.

Phil Thompson admitted that Barcelona gave his Liverpool side a Champions League lesson.

Ashley Cole’s Arsenal team-mates are convinced he will bounce back without a mental scar from the red card shock that cost the Gunners a potentially damaging Champions League setback in Majorca.

Former Celtic star Tommy Gemmell claimed Martin O’Neill would have to strengthen his squad if his side were to succeed in the Champions League.

Gerard Houllier summed up Liverpool’s fierce determination not to blow their Champions League dream by claiming his treble winners were ‘‘desperate’’ to reach their holy grail.

Patrick Vieira has stepped up his bid to leave Arsenal with an amazing attack on the club’s board, his team-mates and Arsene Wenger’s summer signings.

Markus Babbel declared that the unbreakable spirit of Liverpool had been the key to their UEFA Cup triumph as he celebrated the second golden goal victory of his career.

David O’Leary is hoping this summer’s transfer targets will be swayed by Leeds’ ambition - not whether the club is in the Champions League or UEFA Cup.