Chelsea suffered a blow ahead of tomorrow night’s vital Barclays Premiership clash with Newcastle as England midfielder Joe Cole was ruled out of their festive programme with a foot injury.

Celtic fans would welcome the signing of Roy Keane, according to Peter Rafferty, President of the Affiliation of Celtic Supporters Clubs.

West Brom are confident key midfielder Zoltan Gera and defender Steve Watson will be available for the hectic Christmas period after injury.

Owen Hargreaves drove out of Bayern Munich’s training ground this afternoon but remained tight-lipped on his potential move to Manchester United.

Alan Smith has ruled out the possibility of an early return to action for Manchester United.

Fabien Barthez has retired from football, it was announced tonight.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has branded UEFA’s criteria to put his team among the Champions League second seeds as “silly”.

Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United can build on their superb start to the season with four successive victories coming in difficult circumstances.

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has admitted he expressed an interest in signing Patrick Vieira.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, who managed only six league goals in a injury-wrecked last season, put Manchester United ahead in the first half at Goodison Park.

Manchester United striker Louis Saha is convinced Alex Ferguson’s in-form side can overhaul stuttering Chelsea at the top of the Barclays Premiership table.

The Football Association insist there is no club-versus-country rift over the decision about whether Wayne Rooney will go to the World Cup.

Villarreal may be a new name on the European scene but are they fast making their mark at the highest level.

Wigan sharp-shooter Nathan Ellington is ready to commit his future to the Premiership newcomers.

Manchester United are to quit the Pontins League this summer just one season after their return.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has claimed there was no malice in his much-criticised challenge on Ashley Cole during Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Jerzy Dudek will keep his place in the Liverpool side for the re-arranged FA Cup third round tie at Burnley despite the howler which gifted Manchester United victory at Anfield on Saturday.

Manchester United look set to open informal contract talks with Rio Ferdinand amid renewed speculation of a big-money summer bid from Chelsea.

Former Manchester United keeper Alex Stepney believes it is unfair to criticise Roy Carroll for not admitting Tottenham should have scored a late winner during Tuesday night’s 0-0 draw.

Birmingham manager Steve Bruce made three changes from the side beaten at Manchester United for the visit of Rafael Benitez’s side.