JAMIE CARRAGHER insists Liverpool have returned from the World Club Championship determined to mount a serious challenge to Chelsea’s grip on the Barclays Premiership.

BARCELONA president Joan Laporta revealed yesterday he would not get involved in an auction with Manchester United to sign Ronaldinho.

BARCELONA president Joan Laporta has insisted that Manchester United’s Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is definitely not on his club’s summer shopping list.

THE Parkhead conveyer belt of talent is set to launch another two starlets onto the senior stage as Celtic manager Martin O’Neill looks to rest his weary first-team stars.

TAKEOVER talks between Manchester United and Malcolm Glazer have come to a halt after the club expressed concern about the high level of debt it would have to take on if the American won control.

MIKE PHELAN is relishing the responsibility of stepping into the assistant manager’s shoes at Manchester United.

GARY NEVILLE believes Manchester United sent a shudder of apprehension through Chelsea and Arsenal with their victory at St James’ Park on Sunday.

STEVE BRUCE has allayed the fears of Birmingham owner David Sullivan by pledging his future to the club — although he admits his head “would be turned” if there was ever an approach from England.

GEORGE BEST was as famous for his taste in women as he was for his football skills.

ROY KEANE is continuing to consider his options as Bolton boss Sam Allardyce became the latest big-name manager to declare an interest in signing the veteran midfielder.

SPECULATION is growing that Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has extended his contract at Anfield to end fears that he could soon end his spell on Merseyside.

MANCHESTER UNITED defender John O’Shea has revealed he is on the verge of signing a new four-year contract with the Old Trafford outfit.

THE battle for Manchester United took another twist yesterday when it emerged that US tycoon Malcolm Glazer had made a fresh approach.

RUUD van Nistelrooy has dismissed speculation that he is set to leave Manchester United.

COBH RAMBLERS must cope with the inevitable contrast between the high excitement of a game against Roy Keane’s Manchester United selection and a less glamorous contest with Limerick if they are to advance in the FAI Carlsberg Cup at St. Colman’s Park tonight (8 pm ko).

DAVID SEAMAN could sign a new one-year deal at Arsenal after all – provided the veteran England goalkeeper receives assurances he will be given every opportunity to prove he is still Highbury number one next season.

ROY Keane could be back in the green of Ireland by the end of the month after he sensationally announced his return to international football.

ARSENAL chairman Peter Hill-Wood yesterday admitted he is “becoming irritated” by Real Madrid’s repeated attempts to hijack Gunners skipper Patrick Vieira.

WITH great dignity Gerard Houllier pledges to fight on to restore Liverpool to their former glories.

“GOODBYE Cruel Football,” reads the massive splash headline on yesterday’s edition of Marca, Spain’s largest-selling sports tabloid.