FLORENTINO PEREZ insists the pampering of David Beckham and his fellow Real Madrid ‘galacticos’ must cease if the club are to achieve their ambitions.

EVERTON are making progress towards keeping boss David Moyes on a long-term basis after the former Preston manager revealed talks over a new deal are moving close to fruition.

NICKY BUTT has issued a public apology for walking out on Birmingham before their Premiership defeat at West Ham.

PSV Eindhoven boss Guus Hiddink has revealed he fought until the last minute to bring AC Milan defender Jaap Stam back to the club.

ALAN SMITH has been told a few more goals for Leeds this season should seal his place at the European Championships.

IRATE Manchester United supporters have accused the club of fleecing fans by widening a three percent ‘ticket tax’ to all match-day applications.

COVETED Barcelona midfielder Xavi has said he is in talks with the Catalan giants over a new contract.

EDWIN van der Sar’s move to Manchester United was finalised yesterday after the goalkeeper passed a medical.

ROBERT PIRES would love to extend his stay with Arsenal, but Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger maintains there is no provision to automatically offer the 31-year-old a new 12-month deal when his current contract expires.

JULIEN ESCUDE’S future remains in the balance after talks between his club Rennes and Manchester United officials stalled in Paris yesterday.

WIGAN striker Jason Roberts will be available for the Carling Cup final after his side’s rearranged match against Tottenham was confirmed for February 18.

CHELSEA midfielder Mikel John Obi’s contract with former club Lyn Oslo is being investigated by Norwegian police.

FOOTBALLER Ryan Giggs was given a few words of advice from his boss Alex Ferguson ahead of collecting an OBE yesterday.

CRISTIANO RONALDO is working towards becoming the world’s best footballer.

NEW manager Paul Ince insists he will tackle the challenge of keeping Macclesfield in the Football League in the same fashion as he would on the pitch.

FABIEN BARTHEZ has announced his retirement from football.

ENGLAND captain David Beckham insists he will not venture into football management at the end of his playing career.

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.

BIRMINGHAM midfielder Nicky Butt is facing a further two-match suspension after admitting a charge of abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official following his sending-off against Portsmouth on Saturday.

JOHN O’SHEA made his comeback from fractured ribs in Manchester United’s reserves match against Everton last night.