When Rafa Benitez quit Naples for Madrid last summer, everyone naturally focused on how he would fare in his dream job. As for his replacement at Napoli, Maurizio Sarri, the most usual reaction was “who?”

Manchester United want one, Arsenal supporters crave one, while Chelsea have rolled the dice with one that once was. 

Manchester United have still not agreed a fee with Fenerbahce for the transfer of Robin van Persie even though the striker has already been unveiled by the Turkish giants.

Rafael Benitez has confirmed he is leaving Napoli at the end of the season after two years in charge, paving the way for a move to take over at Real Madrid.

Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis is demanding €100m in compensation after striker Gonzalo Higuain injured himself in the region of Campania.

Liverpool owner John Henry appears to have no intention of selling striker Luis Suarez to Arsenal — or anyone else — on the cheap if indeed at all.

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp believes star striker Robert Lewandowski will be a Bayern Munich player the season after next.

Napoli striker Edinson Cavani has described his summer situation as “delicate” as Manchester City and Real Madrid continue to be linked with a move for him.

Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has claimed Manchester City are not prepared to meet their €63 million asking price for striker Edinson Cavani.

Galatasaray have failed in a bid for Nani because Manchester United want €10 million for the winger, according to the Turkish club.

Rafael Benitez paid tribute to the Napoli fans after he was confirmed as the club’s new manager last night.

Rafael Benitez has been appointed as the new coach of Napoli, club president Aurelio de Laurentiis announced on his Twitter feed last night.

ON the face of it, there is little reason for optimism about English or Irish football after last week’s internationals.

“It’s like a final,” said Juan Mata yesterday of Chelsea’s match against Napoli.

Fernando Torres and Edinson Cavani — tonight’s match in Naples is packed with intriguing contrasts but none perhaps as telling as the contrasting fortunes of two strikers.

ARSENAL AND CHELSEA will both face Italian opposition in the last 16 of the Champions League after yesterday’s draw in Nyon.

MANCHESTER CITY manager Roberto Mancini intends to speak to Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge today about his persistent sniping at the English club.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini intends to speak to Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge about his persistent sniping at the English club tomorrow.

IF THERE are gods of football, justice, then on Sunday they were surely smiling down on Naples.

ONE Liverpool player completed a transfer to Real Madrid yesterday, but Xabi Alonso’s wish to follow suit looks like going to the wire.

Fernando Torres talked of winning the Premier League with Liverpool today, as countryman Xabi Alonso moved closer to the Anfield exit door.

Napoli insist Ezequiel Lavezzi will not be leaving the club in the winter transfer window amid reported interest from Chelsea.

Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow are heading for a new sci-fi movie.