Manchester City trio Robinho, Jo and Elano have both been named in Brazil’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Colombia next month but there is no place for Ronaldinho.

Midfielder Mathieu Flamini has revealed he would have signed a new deal with Arsenal last summer but the ’pain’ of missing out on the Barclays Premier League title influenced his decision to leave the Emirates.

Tottenham head coach Juande Ramos brought Young-Pyo Lee back into the starting XI for the UEFA Cup clash against PSV Eindhoven at Philips Stadium.

Caretaker manager Don Givens is hoping to temporarily divert attention away from the Republic of Ireland’s search for a new boss by fashioning a famous win over Brazil at sold-out Croke Park.

Norwich striker Dion Dublin has confirmed he will retire at the end of the season.

Northern Ireland will be without Motherwell defender Stephen Craigan for Wednesday’s friendly with Bulgaria at Windsor Park.

Giovanni Trapattoni has announced his team to face Cyprus tomorrow.

Tottenham are unlikely to land Zenit St Petersburg striker Andrei Arshavin, according to the player’s agent.

Robinho insists he wants to stay at Real Madrid next season and not be used in any deal to bring Cristiano Ronaldo to the Bernabeu.

Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan has revealed he hopes to end his club’s lack of activity in the transfer market this summer by bringing in three new players.

Didier Drogba has been sensationally axed from Chelsea’s side to face Southend tonight.

Cristiano Ronaldo has already set his sights on being named the best player in the world again next year

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola was unable to field the same team which won at Portsmouth on December 26 for the visit of Stoke, with injuries and suspensions forcing his hand.

Republic of Ireland defender Stephen Kelly was handed a first competitive start under Giovanni Trapattoni in tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Georgia.

Liverpool’s players face going into the most crucial point of their season so far with uncertainty surrounding the long-term future of manager Rafael Benitez.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger named a strong side for this afternoon’s FA Cup third-round tie against Coca-Cola Championship side Plymouth at the Emirates Stadium.

Alex Ferguson believes everything is in place for Cristiano Ronaldo to go on and become one of football’s true greats.

Middlesbrough midfielder Gary O’Neil has a chance of being involved against Everton on St Stephen's Day after returning from injury.

Taribo West is leaving Derby after saving the Rams from relegation - because of international commitments.

Barcelona star Rivaldo could be on the verge of moving to the English Premiership, it was claimed today.