Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has delivered a frosty response to speculation over striker Demba Ba’s future on Tyneside.

FOOTBALL managers are paid to put a positive spin on events but even so, it was a surprise quite how upbeat Mark Hughes and David Moyes were after a draw that did neither side any favours.

DAVID MOYES has had precious little to enthuse over in a trying season at Everton, but here – at last – was a light in the tunnel which was not attached to an oncoming train.

Everton have spent the season striving to reach a cup final and Lee Carsley believes their Premier League clash with Aston Villa will certainly feel like one.

LOCAL pride is secure for another season, but Liverpool remain on the margins of the bigger picture. Victories such as this will only ever be consolation triumphs while the league title remains such a distant dream, but at least Rafael Benitez’s side are now firmly in pole position in the race to secure another stab at the Champions League next season.

DIXIE DEAN, Joe Royle, Bob Latchford, Graeme Sharp, and now Ayegbeni Yakubu.

Everton boss David Moyes has recalled Ayegbeni Yakubu to his squad for the UEFA Cup tie away to Brann after his fine and banishment from the side that beat Reading on Saturday.

Everton boss David Moyes has left Ayegbeni Yakubu out of the squad for tomorrow’s Premier League clash with Reading following the Nigerian striker’s late return from the African Nations Cup.

Everton boss David Moyes has been dealt a selection headache ahead of Sunday’s Barclays Premier League clash with Middlesbrough after Wednesday’s Carling Cup win over Sheffield Wednesday came at a price.

Middlesbrough striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu was back in training today after finally overcoming his visa problems.

Middlesbrough have dismissed claims they have rejected a massive bid for leading scorer Aiyegbeni Yakubu – and warned potential suitors he is not for sale.

Portsmouth striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu has admitted he would leave Fratton Park if a bigger club came in for him.