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The French pair have both been told that they are not in manager Alan Pardew's plans ahead of the 2014-15 season, with the Magpies looking to reshape their squad

By William Joyce

Newcastle United are willing to listen to offers for Hatem Ben Arfa and Sylvain Marveaux, Goal understands.

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12/1 Newcastle United are 12/1 with Bet365 to finish in the Premier League top six in 2014-15 Ben Arfa, who became something of a cult figure after joining the club from Marseille in 2010, has cut a frustrated figure in the last six months having fallen out of favour with manager Alan Pardew.

The 27-year-old's last start came in March and Pardew has now decided that the attacking midfielder can leave the club, having completed the signing of Remy Cabella – who plays in a similar position to Ben Arfa – from Montpellier for £12m.

Marveaux, signed on a free transfer from Rennes in 2011, has also been told that he is not in Pardew's thoughts and is free to leave the club along with his compatriot.

Since joining the club, Marveaux has struggled to nail down a starting spot in Pardew's XI and is now set to depart this summer, with Montpellier strongly linked with a loan move for the 28-year-old.

Ben Arfa, meanwhile, has been strongly linked with a move to the Middle East.

Despite the expected exits, Newcastle have strengthened heavily this summer, with Siem De Jong, Cabella, Ayoze Perez, Emmanuel Riviere and Jack Colback already joining the club and Daryl Janmaat set to sign once Mathieu Debuchy has completed his expected £8m move to Arsenal.

Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan could be ready to expand his Bluebirds empire – after being linked with the takeover of World Cup icon Eusebio’s former club.

Malaysian millionaire Tan has been widely reported as the man behind new investment in Portuguese side Beira-Mar, with an agreement over past debts reached that would pave the way for his involvement and take his football portfolio up to THREE clubs.

The move could see Tan set up of a pathway to ensure Portugal’s top talent heads to South Wales in an attempt for the Bluebirds to try to snap-up the next budding Cristiano Ronaldo.

More: Cardiff City are favourites for Premier League return

More: The young star we tipped for the top, along with Aaron Ramsey and Cameron Jerome

Tan, who established links with Bosnian side FK Sarajevo last summer before completing a full takeover at Christmas, has already gone on record to state his aims of bringing the best young footballers in the Balkans to Cardiff City Stadium.

City chief executive Simon Lim said at the time investment in their academy was with the aim of producing the next Edin Dzeko for the Bluebirds.

It appears Tan has also turned his attention to Portugal with Beira-Mar – once the home of the famed Portugal striker Eusebio – as he seeks to do something similar in Iberia.

Portugal has supplied some of Europe’s most gifted players down the years, including Eusebio, Ronaldo, Luis Figo, Deco and Nani.

Tan has been linked with Beira-Mar in the past when Cardiff were claimed to be ready to sign the second-tier side’s striker Willyan, something denied by the Bluebirds at the time.

But there were suggestions a link-up between the clubs had been established regardless, with fresh reports claiming Tan’s buy-in could see fringe players in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad sent to Beira Mar.

There is nothing in football rules preventing the ownership of more than one club, although Uefa does step in for clubs in the same country or involved in the same competition.

Tan could experience European football for the first time next season after Sarajevo’s Bosnian Cup triumph, but it is clear he is keeping focus on Cardiff’s bid for a second promotion after his loans helped the club to the Premier League two years ago. The City owner has funded a summer spending spree by Solskjaer to sign new players, including Spanish striker Javi Geurra, Manchester United’s Federico Macheda and Reading hit-man Adam Le Fondre.

Tan told a media outlet in Sarjaevo: “Certainly we will learn from our mistakes and refocus our efforts to do everything to return to the Premier League.”

Manchester United forward Bebe will leave discussions regarding another potential loan move with his representative.

The 23-year-old completed a shock switch to Old Trafford in 2010, penning a five-year contract upon his arrival.

He has, however, struggled to offer a return on United's sizeable investment, making just two Premier League appearances.

That has forced him to look elsewhere for game time, with the last three seasons seeing him take in spells at Besiktas, Rio Ave and Pacos de Ferreira.

He has impressed during his time back in his native Portugal, sparking reports of interest from Braga and Sporting Lisbon.

Bebe admits to being aware of the rumours and says he would welcome the opportunity to take another step up in class if an agreement can be reached with United.

He told A Bola: "I don't know anything concrete (about my future).

"I have heard about Braga and Sporting Lisbon, but they are just rumours. I will leave all of that to my agent.

"If I could choose to stay in Portugal, it would be to play for a big club. I think anything else wouldn't be very favourable to me.

"However, as I have already said, I know that my agent will certainly sort out my life."

Inter Milan are hoping to complete the signing of English winger Tom Ince by the end of this week.

The 22-year-old, whose contract with Blackpool expires this month, has an offer to join the Nerazzurri outfit.

Ince arrived in Milan on Sunday with his father Paul, who played two seasons at Inter almost two decades ago, to discuss a possible move to the San Siro outfit.

When asked if the deal had been completed, Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio said on the club's official website: "It's still early.

"The player came to Milan because he wanted to have a look at everything for himself.

"We made the most of the weekend that he decided to spend in Milan with his family.

"We've laid some foundations, now we'll see if we're able to close the deal over the coming days."

Ince spent the second half of this season on loan at Crystal Palace and is also a reported target of Monaco and Everton.

Inter would only have to pay a nominal compensation fee to Blackpool for Ince.

Should they fail to lure Ince to Milan, the Italian media claim the Nerazzurri would then make an approach for Tottenham winger Erik Lamela.

Lamela moved to the London outfit last summer from Roma in a £30million transfer deal but has failed to impress in his first season in the Premier League.

The 22-year-old made only three league starts and missed the second half of the campaign through injury.

When asked about Lamela, Ausilio said: "I don't usually name names, we have a lot of work to do."

AFC Leopards have been fined Sh500,000 after the club fans caused the abandonment of their Kenyan Premier League game against Thika United a fortnight ago.

The KPL Leagues and Competitions Committee also awarded two goals and three points to Thika United for the match that was abandoned in the 83rd minute. Thika were leading by a solitary goal by the time of abandonment.

(READ: Fans disrupt AFC, Thika United league match)

According to KPL Chief Executive Officer Jack Oguda, the committee found Leopards guilty of causing the abandonment of the game after their fans invaded the pitch before the end of the match.

Referee Nassur Doka tried to restore normalcy but when it became clear it was becoming a security risk, he decided to call off the game.

The chaotic Leopards fans engaged the police in running battles in and out of the Nyayo Stadium causing damage to private and public property.

“The verdict is out and Leopards will have to pay Sh500,000 and forfeit the match. Thika United have been awarded the three points and a 2-0 win margin,” said Oguda.

The decision means Leopards remain 12th on the 16-team KPL log with 14 points from 13 matches after the league body opted not to dock the 13-time Kenyan champions points.

Last week, Leopards Secretary General George Aladwa demanded that KPL awards the club three points claiming that Thika United, being the home team, failed to ensure there was enough security during the game.

“Thika United were the home team, they should have provided enough security. Their players also refused to return to the field of play even after calm had been restored,” said Aladwa.

“We therefore demand that AFC Leopards be awarded the three points,” he added.

Aston Villa’s owner, Randy Lerner has confirmed his intention to put the club up for sale.

Speculation had been circulating that the American was planning to sell the club. Following another disappointing season in the Premier League in which they finished 15th on 38 points, 5 points clear of the relegation places a statement by Randy Lerner released by the club on Monday confirmed his intentions.

The statement reads: “Several weeks back I said that following the end of the season I would clarify my future role with the Club, and address what had become seemingly constant rumours of a sale.

“I have come to know well that fates are fickle in the business of English football. And I feel that I have pushed mine well past the limit. The last several seasons have been week in, week out battles and having now come through this last season unfortunately limping amidst very meaningful injuries and constant sale rumours, I feel further that now is the time for me to look for new ownership and thus new leadership. I have asked the world of Paul Lambert and Paul Faulkner and they have both delivered selflessly. On a personal level it is time for me, like the Shunammite, to dwell among my own and get on with other aspects of my career, following a sale.

“Above all, the debt I owe Aston Villa whether as owner, Chairman, custodian or simply as a fan is to put the Club first. To make good on that debt, I owe it to Villa to move on, and look for fresh, invigorated leadership, if in my heart I feel I can no longer do the job.

“During my time with Villa, I have tried to strengthen and improve the Club’s physical infrastructure both at Villa Park and Bodymoor Heath while also trying to carry on the McGregor tradition of being mindful of the local community we serve. Above all in this effort is the connection the Club has made with Acorns; the caring, kindness and warmth that players, staff, managers and supporters have shown to Mr Strudley and Acorns has wiped away all disappointments and sobered my finest memories.

“Still, I can see now that it is time, if possible, to hand these privileges and responsibilities to the next person or group to take the Club forward. I am appreciative of the support I have received, even in these last years of comparative struggle when criticism was due, and will look on with others- with fingers crossed, for stronger future performance appropriate to our size and heritage.

“On a practical level, the Club will continue with its normal operations and plans for the summer. I've no doubt that the core staff at both Villa Park and BMH, to whom I owe a massive debt of friendship and loyalty, will continue to guide and protect the Club through this period of transition according to their collective sense of professional pride and long term service to Villa- the vast majority having preceded my tenure.

“Finally, in light of the above, I have engaged Bank of America Merrill Lynch to advise on the sale of Aston Villa.”

A thrilling Premier League season is over so it’s warp speed into the world of rumour, links and denials as the transfer silly season kicks off in earnest.

It was widely reported in the media yesterday that Manchester United have submitted a formal bid of £27m to Southampton for their left-back, Luke Shaw. The 18-year-old is set to be named in Roy Hodgson’s England World Cup squad today and the youngster and United have been casting admiring glances at for some time now. That is a huge amount of money for an 18-year-old, but if you’re English, young and show decent ability, your price is always going to be inflated.

Press Association Sport looks at five of the best signings of the 2013-14 Barclays Premier League season.

1 WILFRIED BONY: Bony proved an inspired signing by the then Swansea boss Michael Laudrup last summer. Any fears of splashing a club-record £12million for the Ivory Coast international from Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem were quickly assuaged as Bony went on to score 25 goals in all competitions and play a huge part in keeping the club in the top flight.

iverpool came so close to lifting their maiden Premier League trophy, finishing two points behind their mega rich rivals Manchester City.

While the supporters will still be seething after what could have been, it’s important for them to remember that Brendan Rodgers has transformed a 7th placed side into title contenders in the space of one season.

Here’s how we rated the manager, and his players this term…

Brendan Rodgers – 9/10

The 41-year-old boss has earned the respect of virtually everyone this term. The football he makes his team play is dynamic, exciting, and most importantly – effective. If his team hadn’t slipped against Chelsea and Crystal Palace and had won the title, we’d give him a ten.

Simon Mignolet – 6/10

The Belgian has done ok, but he certainly hasn’t convinced every supporter that he’s of the ilk to replace the currently on loan Pepe Reina permanently. Shaky performances against Chelsea and Manchester City over Christmas haven’t helped him, but he did save a penalty on the first day of the season to set the tone for Liverpool’s season.

Λονδίνο - Τσέλσι Ζοζέ Μουρίνιο υποστήριξε ότι η Λίβερπουλ επιθετικός Luis Suarez είναι μια ανάξια επιλογή της φετινής σεζόν της Premier League παίκτης της χρονιάς .

" Luis Suarez είναι ένας πολύ καλός παίκτης . Δεν ψηφίζετε για έναν παίκτη ο οποίος δεν έχει την ποιότητα », δήλωσε ο Μουρίνιο , στα σχόλια ασκούνται από αρκετές βρετανικές εφημερίδες την Κυριακή .

" (Αλλά ) το προφίλ του παίκτη που κερδίζει τον παίκτη της χρονιάς δεν είναι το προφίλ του παίκτη που χρησιμοποιούνται για να κερδίσει στο αγγλικό ποδόσφαιρο 10 , οκτώ , πριν από έξι χρόνια . "

Suarez είχε απαγορευτεί για 10 αγώνες μετά το δάγκωμα της Τσέλσι Μπράνισλαβ Ιβάνοβιτς την περασμένη σεζόν , αλλά επέστρεψε για να γίνει εξαιρετική παίκτη της χώρας , σκοράροντας 31 γκολ στο πρωτάθλημα για να εμπνεύσει πρόκληση τίτλου του Λίβερπουλ .

Εκλέχτηκε στη συνέχεια παίκτης της χρονιάς τόσο από « σύνδεσης και των συγγραφέων ποδοσφαίρου » των Επαγγελματιών Ποδοσφαιριστών σύνδεσης.

Μουρίνιο επέκρινε Suarez αυτή τη σεζόν , κατηγορώντας τον για τράβηγμα από ένα « ακροβατικό πισίνα " βουτιά σε μια μάταιη προσπάθεια να κερδίσει ένα πέναλτι κατά τη διάρκεια της Λίβερπουλ με 2-1 στην Τσέλσι τον Δεκέμβριο .

Ο διευθυντής της Τσέλσι πιστεύει επίσης ότι ο παίκτης της σεζόν θα πρέπει να προέλθει από τους πρωταθλητές της Premier League , και είναι πόλη και όχι Λίβερπουλ που είναι στην pole position για να εξασφαλίσει τον τίτλο του αργότερα την Κυριακή .

« Δάγκωσε ( Ιβάνοβιτς ) δεν αυτή τη σεζόν , αλλά την προηγούμενη σεζόν . Αυτή είναι μια διαφορετική εποχή », δήλωσε ο Μουρίνιο .

" Δεν μιλάω για ένα λάθος που ένας άνθρωπος μπορεί να έχει . Δεν πρέπει να τιμωρηθούν για το υπόλοιπο της ζωής σας, αν κάνετε ένα λάθος στο γήπεδο ποδοσφαίρου .

" ( Αλλά ) player μου του έτους θα είναι πάντα από τους πρωταθλητές , σε κάθε κατάσταση . Αν ο πρωταθλητής είναι η Μάντσεστερ Σίτι - που χρειάζονται ένα σημείο A θα έλεγα Μάντσεστερ Σίτι παίκτης και αν έπρεπε να διαλέξω ένα , θα επέλεγα ( Edin ) Dzeko " .

Σε υμνούν Dzeko , ο Μουρίνιο σκηνοθέτησε αρκετές επικρίσεις στο πέπλο Suarez .

«Το είδος του παίκτη που είναι , δεν είναι απλά ένα σκόρερ », δήλωσε η πορτογαλική . " Βοηθάει , παίζει , που συμπεριφέρεται , είναι δίκαιη , δεν κατάδυση , δεν προσπαθεί να θέσει τους αντιπάλους στις κερκίδες με τη συσσώρευση των καρτών .

" Ήταν ο τρίτος επιθετικός στην αρχή της σεζόν . Ήταν κρυμμένο πίσω από τις πρώτες επιλογές του διευθυντή του και όταν η ομάδα τον χρειάζεται σε κρίσιμες στιγμές της σεζόν , νομίζω ότι έκανε τη διαφορά .

" Αυτή τη στιγμή νομίζω ότι έχει 16 γκολ . Δεκαέξι γκολ για την τρίτη επιθετικός είναι κάτι θεαματικό " - . Sapa - AFP

The win at Everton on Saturday has given Manchester City the impetus in the title race and with just two hurdles to jump, Manuel Pellegrini's men look to be hitting the front at just the right time.

Two Etihad Stadium matches now lie between them and a second league title in three years, with the first of those coming with the visit of Aston Villa on Wednesday.

Paul Lambert's side secured their Premier League status for next season with Saturday's win over Hull at Villa Park and so there will be no pressure on his young team when they head to Manchester. Such circumstances can often lead to better performances.

So how will City play it? 

The Merseysiders' title hopes are left in tatters after a calamitous passage of defending at Crystal Palace ruined another outstanding attacking display

One of the most remarkable Premier League matches of all ended with an inconsolable double-winning player of the year hiding his face from the world only 15 minutes after he was trying to extend Liverpool’s advantage to four goals.

Liverpool’s meltdown was so sudden, and Palace’s comeback so extraordinary, that all the emotions football can offer seemed to be squeezed into one bite-sized segment.

At the final whistle, the visiting players slumped to their knees en masse. A distraught Steven Gerrard, with tears gently rolling down his face, ushered the television cameras away, while Luis Suarez was bawling his eyes out so uncontrollably that he covered his face with his shirt and was led to the dressing room by unused substitute Kolo Toure.

German giants Borussia Dortmund are looking to sign Swansea striker Wilfried Bony and believe £20m could be an acceptable sum to lure him to Germany, Daily Star reports.

The Ivory Coast striker has been in sensational form in his first Premier League campaign after his £12m move from Vitesse Arnhem last year, scoring 24 goals in 47 games.

His lethal striking tally has gained interest from many European and domestic clubs with Dortmund and Monaco both prime candidates to sign the player.

Jurgen Klopp has already confirmed the signing of Hertha Berlin striker Adrian Ramos to replace Robert Lewandowski, who is set to make his move to Bayern Munich at the end of this season.

Bony however is considered to be another prime target for Klopp, despite his representative Dalibor Lacina stating he is happy where he is.

Lacina said: “We are very happy with what he achieved in his first season at Swansea.

“He’s happy to stay there and it was a good decision to go there. He appreciates that Swansea are the club who gave him his chance in the Premier League.

“He will go to the World Cup in the summer and we think he can be even better next season. He has three years left on his contract and his situation is stable.”

Geoffrey Omusula Kataka’s dreams of playing in the Kenyan Premier League were answered when KRA got promoted last season.

But even he has been surprised about how suddenly things would transform that within four months as he earned his first ever national team call up as part of the locally based players that will go to camp to prepare for Comoros in the African Cup of Nations preliminary round.

"What God can do no man can thanks for the national team call up "'Katako posted in his Facebook page.

Speaking to supersport.com Kataka was upbeat and emotional on the call up.

"It a great feeling because as a player your dreams are to one day play for the national team. God has answered my prayers and now I will not relent because the call up is just the first step the hard work is to fight for a place in the team and ensure am retained. I basically want to work very hard to assure the coach that he made a good decision to call me up," Kataka told 

Class is permanent for Ashley Cole

Times have been tough for the Ashley Cole this season; considered the best left-back in the world 10 months ago, and now, not even good enough to start in Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea XI. But, when called upon, the 33-year old has proved class is permanent. Cole provided another faultless performance on the big occasion against Liverpool on Sunday, reminding England manager Roy Hodgson exactly why he should start against Italy on 14 June, let alone be given a plane ticket to the World Cup in Brazil this summer.

Whereas Mourinho has since restored the faith in his old-guard captain John Terry, the opposite can be said for Cole – the emergence of Cesar Azpilicueta the reason for his decline in the Chelsea peaking order.

Set to move

Whilst Coles future looks set to be away from the Bridge next season, there is no doubt that this summer should see the left-back competing in his fourth and final World Cup. Having been given only 13 minutes football in the last two months, the 33-year old has suddenly found himself playing in two of Chelsea’s biggest games this season. The first, an intimidating prospect away to Atletico Madrid in their Champions League semi-final first-leg and the second, Sunday’s pivotal Premier League title face-off at Liverpool.

There aren’t too many players who can go out without stabilisers and return riding a Harley Davidson, but Cole is certainly among them. Most have written off Cole’s chances this summer, favouring Leighton Baines and issuing a one-sided tug of war between Southampton’s Luke Shaw and Chelsea’s forgotten man Cole. But after watching 180 minutes of Cole for Chelsea, the tussle is, in fact between Baines and Shaw for the coveted final boarding pass.

Big stage performer

A performance on the big stage is what we’ve come to expect from Cole, someone who has now been at the top of his game for nearly a decade. Age has proved to be no hurdle in his latest two outings, instead he has matched up to the artistry of Gabi, Koke and Diego and used his killer defensive instincts to thwart any attempts from Raheem Sterling, 14-years younger, in using his raw pace to hurt the Chelsea back four.

There is no denying that both Shaw and Baines possess a graver threat on the offensive, but the same cannot be said for their defensive abilities. Having drawn a tough group alongside Italy and Uruguay, both higher in the FIFA world rankings than England, and Costa Rica completing the group, there isn’t time to gamble for Hodgson.

It has been a fantastic breakthrough season for 18-year old Shaw, named in the PFA Team of the Year, but for all the praise the Southampton left back has received, his stats fail to inspire. He may provide an excellent outlet on the counter, but he is without a goal or has only one messily assist to show all season. Cole has one more assist from 18 fewer games, and isn’t known for his bombarding runs from defence.

Shaw’s time will come

Shaw’s time will come, but this, just a step too soon for the inexperienced youngster.

For Baines, it has just been unfortunate timing. Grown into a generation alongside the immovable Cole, allowed only, to live in the shadow, as the Chelsea left back moved into exclusive England 100 club. Baines remains one of England’s finest strikers of the ball, deadly from set piece situations and consistent from wide areas. But even he’s only laid three goals onto his Everton team mates this season, and unless we are looking to play a target man in the form of either Andy Carroll or Rickie Lambert, is there much point of having someone capable of whipping in delivers to strikers who would rather have ball to feet?

After losing 1-0 to West Brom at home at the weekend, Norwich have confirmed that Chris Hughton has been relieved of his duties.

The Canaries face a real scrap to stay in the English top-flight, with five games for new man in charge Neil Adams to keep the club in the Premier League.

Former Newcastle boss Hughton has been on the precipice for some time, with the 55-year-old subject of plenty of rumblings in the media over his future throughout the season.

There is no doubt that the 2013-14 campaign has not gone how Norwich would have hoped for after a relatively ambitious foray into the summer transfer market.

However, with five cup-finals left to save their top-flight status, is sacking Hughton now the club’s potential lifeline or the final nail in the coffin?

Saturday’s defeat at Carrow Road to West Brom was certainly a disappointment, especially given the fact that victory would have taken the club well away from the bottom three and condemned their opponents to a frightening finish.

Despite the frustrating loss, Norwich are by no means dead and buried and are still the envy of teams below them. With five games left to play, they are five points clear of relegation.

Fulham and Cardiff are looking exceedingly doomed to be demoted, while Sunderland are paying the price for a cup run and need a minor miracle to get out of the quagmire.

Chris HughtonThe Stadium of Light outfit are bottom of the pile after a 5-1 hammering at Tottenham last night, but have two games in hand over the others. Even two victories, which seems unlikely given the Wearside club’s current form, would not see Norwich drop into the danger zone.

In my opinion it is a strange time for the Carrow Road outfit to part company with Hughton, who has had a tough job to emulate past overachievements by Norwich in the Premier League.

Having stayed true to the former Tottenham assistant for 33 games, surely giving him the remaining five made sense?

The main thing that has seemingly frustrated the Carrow Road club’s powers that be and the side’s fans has been a lack of goals.

New manager Adams has been described as ‘progressive’, which is more of an insult to Hughton than praise for his replacement.

After the summer additions of Gary Hooper and Dutch internationals Leroy Fer and Ricky van Wolfswinkel, Norwich were expected to be more of a force going forward.

However, a return of 26 goals in 33 games has not lived up to expectations, with only Crystal Palace scoring less this season.

There is little time for new man Adams to operate, with Hughton’s replacement expected to deliver immediately.

It is looking likely that the usual 40-point margin would be more than enough to save the division’s bottom dwellers and with the Canaries on 32 points, two victories should be enough to keep them in the Premier League.

However, just where those wins are going to come from remains to be seen. A simply massive fixture against Fulham at Craven Cottage this weekend must not be lost, and may well need to be won.

Following their match-up against the Cottagers, Norwich have the toughest run-in of any Premier League side, facing Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal in their last four games.

For Adams, this is the ultimate baptism of fire.

Selecting a ‘more progressive’ manager at this time of the season could well pay dividends if a reinvigorated Canaries can pull off a shock or two.

However, if Norwich’s new boss decides to be too forward thinking, the fans may wish they had the more conservative style of Hughton still in charge to save their blushes – and their place in the Premier League

We covered news from Portugal on Monday about Liverpool being in attendance as Sporting Lisbon beat Porto on Sunday. They were on the official scouting list and we said it would inevitably lead to links with various players as media outlets tried to work out who the Premier League club had an eye on.

It didn't take long! On Tuesday Portuguese newspaper A Bola have an article claiming the Liverpool target was 23 year old Marcos Roja. The central defender is an experienced Argentina international despite his young age and should he stay clear of injury then he's almost a certainty to be on the plane to Brazil in the summer for the World Cup.

A Bola reckon Liverpool were very impressed with the player and that a summer move could be on. Liverpool's 'spy' apparently paid special attention to Rojo during the scouting trip.

A note of caution with these stories is that they regularly happen after scouts are spotted and different media outlets often claim clubs were looking at different targets. It's predictable, that's why we were able to predict it. 

However, Liverpool were clearly watching someone, so why not Rojo? His would be a new name connected to the club and an exciting one at that. He has a contract until June 2016 and if he impresses at the World Cup this summer, he's bound to be a wanted man. Sporting are a selling club so would be willing to listen to good offers. 

Tips @ 1 / 3+

Goalscoring Stats between: Spartak Moskva and Anzhi Makhachkala
In the last 15 home games, have Spartak Moskva on average scored 1.87 goals.
While they have on average let in 1.6 goals on their home field.

In Anzhi Makhachkala latest 15 away games, have they scored an average of 0.73 goals. While they have let in 1.53 goals on average.

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Spartak Moskva home form
12-03-14 Spartak Moskva 0 - 1 Tosno Pokal Rusland
28-02-14 Spartak Moskva 3 - 2 Strømsgodset Træningskampe International
24-02-14 Spartak Moskva 0 - 2 DjurgÃ¥rden Træningskampe International
13-02-14 Spartak Moskva 0 - 5 FC København Træningskampe International
11-02-14 Spartak Moskva 2 - 1 FC Midtjylland Træningskampe International

Spartak Moskva overall form
12-03-14 Spartak Moskva 0 - 1 Tosno Pokal Rusland
08-03-14 Terek Grozny 1 - 0 Spartak Moskva Premier League Rusland
28-02-14 Spartak Moskva 3 - 2 Strømsgodset Træningskampe International
24-02-14 Spartak Moskva 0 - 2 DjurgÃ¥rden Træningskampe International
13-02-14 Spartak Moskva 0 - 5 FC København Træningskampe International

Anzhi Makhachkala away form
13-03-14 AZ Alkmaar 1 - 0 Anzhi Makhachkala Europa League Slutspil International
27-02-14 Genk 0 - 2 Anzhi Makhachkala Europa League Slutspil International
29-01-14 FC Vaslui 1 - 2 Anzhi Makhachkala Træningskampe International
12-12-13 Tottenham 4 - 1 Anzhi Makhachkala Europa League Gruppe K International
10-11-13 Amkar 1 - 0 Anzhi Makhachkala Premier League Rusland

Anzhi Makhachkala overall form
13-03-14 AZ Alkmaar 1 - 0 Anzhi Makhachkala Europa League Slutspil International
09-03-14 Anzhi Makhachkala 1 - 0 Rubin Kazan Premier League Rusland
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Villa Park was bathed in bright sunshine on Sunday morning.

Partly because of the unseasonably warm weather, but mainly because Villa’s very seasonal knack of beating the Premier League’s elite left the claret and blue faithful basking in the warm afterglow of humbling the leaders.

As if chastening champions-elect Chelsea, getting the ground rocking and banishing their relegation worries wasn’t enjoyable enough for the vibrant Villans, mocking Jose Mourinho, the Portuguese pantomime villain, simply added to the entertainment.

It was a Special One...

It was fun, it was great, great fun.

It was what Villa Park was intended for and guaranteed Villa fans will spend the week with a Fabian Delph-style spring in their step.

Rather than Chelsea going nine points clear at the top, Villa have gone nine points clear of the bottom three, up to 34 points and tenth place with nine games remaining.

In a season when the safety mark could be as low as 37 points, another home victory over Stoke this Sunday could virtually secure their Premier League status and then the progress-based push for mid-table respectability could begin in earnest.

Having achieved their first back-to-back home league wins in 70 matches and ended an unwanted top-flight record in the process, don’t bet against the claret and blues making it three against the Potters next weekend.

We’ll leave the Chelsea controversy until later, as that is when most of it occurred, and instead concentrate on Villa’s best, most complete 90-minute win of a topsy-turvy campaign. Even better than Arsenal and Man City.

Never mind that Chelsea finished with nine players and no manager, Villa deserved this victory, even before their numerical advantage.

Delph ensured they got it – and in some style.

He doesn’t score ordinary goals, this lad, only extraordinary ones. Some players, having strained every sinew, would have lacked the energy or inclination to drive forward in the 82nd minute, or having done that, would then have taken a breather rather than continued their run.

Not Delph. After sweeping the ball out wide left to Marc Albrighton, the Yorkshire terrier burst into the box to reach the substitute’s cutback and, without breaking stride, direct a sublime back-heel finish past Petr Cech.

It was such an impudent, improvised piece of skill that it would have put Chelsea’s Brazilian players to shame, had they not already been putting themselves to shame.