Liverpool are keeping a close eye on the Copa America as they pursue their interest in South American trio Roberto Firmino, Carlos Bacca and Salomon Rondon.

Midfielder Mikel Arteta cannot understand Arsenal’s hectic schedule – but maintains the players will be out to make a “big statement” with victory at Manchester City in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.

Defender Per Mertesacker believes it could prove a good thing for Arsenal to have to tackle one of Europe’s top sides in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Napoli have completed the signing of Argentinian striker Gonzalo Higuain from Real Madrid for an undisclosed fee.

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.

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

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo matched each other blow for blow at the Nou Camp last night, bagging two goals apiece as Barcelona and Real Madrid battled out an entertaining draw in the first Clasico of the Primera Division season.

Branislav Ivanovic has admitted Chelsea’s confidence is the lowest it has been in the past four years but insists Andre Villas-Boas still has the backing of the dressing room.

The question posed by an Italian journalist to Andre Villas-Boas at Stamford Bridge couldn’t have been more straightforward.

THE Champions League group stage has become such a formality for English clubs in the past few years that it comes as shock to realise Arsenal could be the only English club left in the competition by Thursday morning.

ROBERTO MANCINI will not give up on Manchester City’s Champions League challenge but claims they are not yet good enough to win the competition.

Napoli 2 Manchester City 1

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini made four changes for tonight’s crucial Champions League Group A clash at Napoli’s intimidating Stadio San Paolo.

LIVERPOOL manager Roy Hodgson insists reports of the club’s demise have been greatly exaggerated and they are “far from dead”.

Napoli 0 Liverpool 0

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is keen to get Fernando Torres back to form and scoring goals.

LIVERPOOL manager Roy Hodgson has admitted Wayne Rooney’s desire to leave Manchester United could mean his star striker Fernando Torres is targeted by their arch-rivals.

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson does not feel his position is under any greater threat now Christian Purslow, the man who helped appoint him, has left his role as managing director.

BARCELONA slumped to their first Primera Division defeat of the season last night, going down 2-1 at Atletico Madrid.

Napoli today confirmed the signing of defender Andrea Dossena from Liverpool on a four-year deal.

David Beckham claims it is his “dream” to win the Champions League with AC Milan, even if they were to come up against his former club Manchester United in the final.