Deadline day deals

All the deadline day deals from around the Barclays Premier League clubs.

The first deal of the day saw Sunderland sell defender Paulo da Silva to Spansih side Real Zaragozafor an undisclosed fee.
It was a slow start to the final day of the transfer window - but with plenty of deals in the pipeline, the excitement was mounting.

Next to go was Liverpool defender Paul Konchesky who joined Nottingham Forest on loan for the rest of the season.

On Loan

Wolves then signed former Bristol City goalkeeper Adriano Basso on a short-term contract until the end of the season.
Sunderland winger Andy Reid moved to Blackpool for an undisclosed fee and Birmingham City brought in former Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins on loan from Rubin Kazan until the end of the season.
Stoke City allowed striker Tuncay Sanli to move to German club Wolfsburg on a three-and-a-half-year contract.
With five hours to the close of the window, there were still some major deals in the offing amid speculation of the British transfer record being broken - possibly twice.
Newcastle United twice rejected major offers from Liverpool for striker Andy Carroll until the striker handed in a transfer request which was reluctantly accepted.
That appeared to clear the way for striker Fernando Torres to move to Chelsea in a possible £50m deal.

Blues take Martins on loan

Birmingham City have completed the signing of Obafemi Martins on loan for the remainder of the season.

The Nigeria international has completed his temporary move from Rubin Kazan after obtaining a work permit.
He becomes City's third signing of the transfer window after winger David Bentley joined on loan from Tottenham Hotspur and central defender Curtis Davies arrived from Aston Villa in a £3.5m deal.

City's acting chairman, Peter Pannu, told the club's official website: "We are thrilled to have secured the three players in this window.
"It represents a comprehensive strengthening and support for our back four in Curtis, rejuvenation of the midfield in Bentley and further strengthening of the attack line in Martins.
"I am certain these new additions will augment and supplement what we already have and create some competition within the team for places which benefits the whole squad."

Been Determined

Blues manager Alex McLeish has been determined to sign a striker with proven Barclays Premier League experience and Martins fits that bill.
During a three-year spell with Newcastle United, he scored 39 goals in 105 appearances for the Magpies.
His form with Newcastle earned him a £9m move to German champions Wolfsburg in August 2009.
After a year in the Bundesliga, where he scored six times in 16 appearances, he was on the move again to link up with Russian Premier Liga champions Rubin Kazan in a deal in the region of 17m euros.
On the international stage, Martins has scored 18 times in 38 matches for Nigeria.
www.bcfc.com

Reid makes Blackpool move

Blackpool have signed midfielder Andy Reid from Barclays Premier League rivals Sunderland.

The 28-year-old Republic of Ireland international has made 70 appearances for the Black Cats since his £4m switch from Charlton Athletic in January 2008.
However, he became surplus to requirements under Steve Bruce and followed Paulo da Silva and David Healy out of the Stadium of Light.

Nine Times

Reid, who joins Blackpool for an undisclosed fee on a contract until the end of the season, started his career with Nottingham Forest in 1999 before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in 2005.
In a loan spell at Sheffield United earlier this season, the midfielder played nine times, scoring two goals.
He has earned 28 senior caps for the Republic, netting three times.

Match previews - Weds 2nd Feb

A look ahead to Wednesday's fixtures in the Barclays Premier League.

Six matches take place on a busy evening in the Barclays Premier League.
Title challengers Manchester City face a tricky test at Birmingham City while Tottenham Hotspur go to Blackburn Rovers.
Liverpool host Stoke City and Newcastle United make the long trip to Fulham. At the foot of the table, West Ham United go to Blackpool while Wolverhampton Wanderers visit Bolton Wanderers.

Birmingham v Man City

Having lost last time out at Aston Villa, Manchester City return to the Second City aiming to get their title challenge back on track.
Birmingham secured a 0-0 draw when the sides met at Eastlands in November and last season's corresponding fixture also finished goalless.
Alex McLeish's men have drawn three of their last four Barclays Premier League matches at St Andrew's while the 1-0 defeat at Villa Park was City's first reverse in seven away fixtures.

Blackburn v Spurs

Blackburn have alternated defeats with victories in their last six matches but are now chasing a third successive home win.
Spurs have lost just one of their last 12 Barclays Premier League outings and have already beaten Rovers this season, winning 4-2 at White Hart Lane.
Tottenham have won the last three meetings between the sides. Last season they came away from Ewood Park with a 2-0 success thanks to a double from Peter Crouch.

Blackpool v West Ham

The Hammers have picked up just one point from a possible nine in the Barclays Premier League.
Blackpool have lost five of their last six matches but came close to beating Manchester United last time out when they led 2-0 with 18 minutes to go before going down 3-2.
The sides drew 0-0 at Upton Park and the Seasiders will be chasing their first league win over West Ham since March 1966.

Bolton v Wolves

Wolves have lost three of their last four while Bolton have taken just one point from a possible 15.
Owen Coyle's side led 3-0 at Molineux in November but had to cling on for a 3-2 win as Mick McCarthy's men staged a stirring recovery.
The Trotters have lost just one of their last seven at the Reebok while Wolves have tasted defeat in nine of their last 10 on the road.

Fulham v Newcastle

Fulham have taken seven points from a possible nine and are chasing a hat-trick of home wins.
The Magpies aim to extend their four-match unbeaten run.
The sides drew 0-0 when they met at Craven Cottage in November.

Liverpool v Stoke

Stoke are due a victory having alternated defeats and wins in their last seven matches.
The Potters are bidding to avoid a third successive defeat on the road but did beat the Merseysiders 2-0 at the Britannia Stadium in November with goals by Ricardo Fuller and Kenwyne Jones.
Liverpool won last season's corresponding fixture 4-0 with goals by Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt, Glen Johnson and David Ngog.

Barclays Premier League fixtures

Birmingham City v Manchester City (Referee: (Kevin Friend)
Blackburn Rovers v Tottenham Hotspur (Andre Marriner)
Blackpool v West Ham United (Stuart Attwell)
Bolton Wanderers v Wolverhampton Wanderers (Peter Walton)
Fulham v Newcastle United (Michael Jones)
Liverpool v Stoke City (Anthony Taylor)

Match previews - Tues 1st Feb

A look ahead to Tuesday's fixtures in the Barclays Premier League.

There are four mouth-watering matches in Tuesday's round of Barclays Premier League fixtures.
Manchester United host Aston Villa while title rivals Arsenal take on Everton at Emirates Stadium and Chelsea go to Sunderland.
There is a big match at the foot of the table as Wigan Athletic visit relegation rivals West Bromwich Albion

Arsenal v Everton

Arsenal have taken 10 points from a possible 12 at Emirates Stadium while Everton are unbeaten in three on the road.
The Gunners won 2-1 at Goodison Park in November with goals from Bacary Sagna and Cesc Fabregas. Tim Cahill grabbed a late consolation for the home side.
The Merseysiders have not beaten Arsene Wenger's men in seven meetings since their 1-0 success in March 2007.

Sunderland v Chelsea

Sunderland have taken 10 points from a possible 12 while the champions are chasing a hat-trick of victories in the Barclays Premier League.
Chelsea will be bidding to avenge their shock 3-0 home defeat by Sunderland, a result which sparked a run of six matches without a win.
The Blues have won their last five visits to the Stadium of Light where the Black Cats have lost just once this season.

Man Utd v Aston Villa

Manchester United have won their last eight matches at Old Trafford where they have not lost in the Barclays Premier League since April when they went down 2-1 to Chelsea.
Aston Villa, who won 1-0 at Old Trafford last season, have been boosted by the signing of Darren Bent and are now chasing a hat-trick of Barclays Premier League victories since his arrival.
When the sides met at Villa Park in November, the home side led 2-0 until nine minutes from time but Sir Alex Ferguson's men mounted a stirring fight-back to salvage a 2-2 draw.

West Brom v Wigan

This fixture could have a major impact on the battle to stay in the Barclays Premier League.
West Brom have lost four of their last six at the Hawthorns while Wigan are bottom of the current form table after taking three points from a possible 18.
The Latics have won just one of their last 10 on the road but did beat the Baggies 1-0 at the DW Stadium in November.

Barclays Premier League fixtures

Arsenal v Everton (Referee: Lee Mason)
Sunderland v Chelsea (Mark Halsey)
Manchester United v Aston Villa (Chris Foy)
West Bromwich Albion v Wigan Athletic (Phil Dowd

Lindegaard sets sights high

Anders Lindegaard has declared his intention to succeed Edwin van der Sar as Manchester United number one.

Lindegaard realised a lifelong dream by making his United debut in Saturday's 2-1 FA Cup win at Southampton.
Having moved to Old Trafford just two months earlier from Aalesund, the 26-year-old looked certain to start behind Van der Sar and Tomasz Kuszczak in the goalkeeping pecking order.
But having been selected ahead of Kuszczak - just 48 hours after Van der Sar announced he would retire at the end of the season - a meteoric rise for Lindegaard suddenly does not appear pie in the sky.
He certainly does not lack confidence, having recently usurped Thomas Sorensen as Denmark number one, and he now wants his United career to follow the same pattern.

He said: "I have a taste for more. Everyone wants to play at this club. I am no different. I dream of playing. I am not here just to sit and pick my nose."

Biggest Clubs

Lindegaard's selection ahead of Kuszczak was especially significant because the latter had started United's previous domestic cup ties this season.
The Pole also recently threatened to quit the club if he was not anointed Van der Sar's successor when the latter quit.
The Dutchman's fitness and the standard of United's upcoming FA Cup opponents may determine whether Lindegaard or Kuszczak will get another opportunity to impress manager Sir Alex Ferguson before the end of the season.
But, for the moment, Lindegaard is simply revelling in having made an appearance for one of the world's biggest clubs.
"It was one of the most enjoyable days of my life so far," he said.
"I have dreamt of representing a club like this since I was four.
"Finally, the dream comes true. Obviously, it is a very big thing.
"All beginnings are difficult and Rome was not built in a day.
"It was nice to come out of the match with a win and a good debut.
"I had a moment with the fans when they hid the ball. It was very nice.
"They have taken very good care of me. I owe them a big vote of thanks for supporting me."

Lashed Home

Playing behind a makeshift back four, Lindegaard was denied a clean sheet when Richard Chaplow lashed home on the stroke of half-time.
But he could at least enjoy being part of yet another Manchester United comeback.
"You dream of a clean sheet but not all dreams come true," he said.
"I was always confident we could come back. The best thing about playing for Manchester United is that we always win.
"You could say the match looked very much like the last one against Blackpool. We didn't do well in the first half. We didn't have many chances and they were 1-0 up at half-time.
"But we still managed to change the picture in the second half, luckily for us. It is a very nice win.

Campbell dreaming of England

DJ Campbell is setting his sights on an England call-up after finding his feet in the Barclays Premier League.

The striker, who helped Blackpool into the top flight last term as a loanee before completing a permanent switch over the summer, has netted eight times already this season.
That return is considerably better than established international stars such as Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch.

Campbell hopes his exploits will be given the recognition they deserve and believes a call-up from Fabio Capello could be a possibility if he continues to shine.

Fairytale Run

"I do think of England. It's a dream of mine," the 29-year-old, who was playing non-league football six years ago, said.
"It can be a funny game and I could end up getting a cap. I could be another Les Ferdinand or Ian Wright, who both played in non-league football too.
"I've met Cyrille Regis a couple of times as well. He started off in non-league and did it.
"I'd love to think that I'm now proving to kids who have had knock-backs and are playing non-league football that it can be done. People think it can't happen in this day and age, but it can."
Campbell is just one of many Seasiders currently living the dream, with Ian Holloway's troops having enjoyed a fairytale run through their debut Barclays Premier League campaign.
"I know we're the underdogs but I'd like to think we're not such massive underdogs any more," said Campbell, who has notched against Liverpool and Manchester United of late.
"People said we'd do well to get 10 points. To prove them wrong is a great achievement, although we know we still have a lot of hard work to do. But I'd like to think we've made people take us seriously.

Abidal: Title race not over

Barcelona defender Eric Abidal has played down's his side's seven-point advantage at the top of the Primera Division, insisting there is still a long way to go in the title race.
While leaders Barça equalled a La Liga record of 15 successive victories with a 3-0 triumph over Hercules this weekend, Real slumped to only their second league loss of the campaign after going down 1-0 at lowly Osasuna to slip further off the pace.
Barça also look certain to have the better head-to-head record against Real should the pair finish level on points after beating Jose Mourinho's men 5-0 at the Camp Nou.
It could have been a decisive weekend in the title fight, but Abidal is not getting carried away. He said: "Seven points is a very small difference because a defeat can arrive when you least expect it.

There are 17 games left and those are a lot of points, we'll see where we are and where they are in another ten or 11 games.

Eric Abidal, Barcelona defender

"If we lose two games then they will be back right behind us again and we know they aren't going to drop many more points. There are 17 games left and those are a lot of points, we'll see where we are and where they are in another ten or 11 games. We have to continue the way we have been doing and not slip up."
The France full-back also knows an upset like the one Real suffered in Pamplona can happen at any time. Barça were victims of arguably the biggest shock this season when they were beaten 2-0 at the Camp Nou by promoted Hercules earlier in the campaign.
"Real Madrid's loss in Pamplona must serve as a warning to us," Abidal said. "When the other teams play against Madrid or Barça they try to give everything to win, because a victory for them is very important."
Midfielder Andres Iniesta is in doubt for the club's Spanish Cup clash with Almeria on Wednesday after he sprained his back during a weekend league match, the club said today.
The 26-year-old Spanish international picked up the injury during the win over Hercules after a tackle from defender David Cortes. He was treated with ice packs on the bench after he came off the pitch.
"He will be kept under observation to determine his availability for Wednesday's game against Almeria," the club said in a statement.

Montero loaned to Levante

Villarreal have agreed to loan young forward Jefferson Montero to fellow Primera Division side Levante until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old Ecuador international, who joined the Yellow Submarine from Independiente de Jose Toran in 2009, has made nine appearances for high-flying Villarreal this season.

In announcing the deal, Villarreal said on their website: "Jeff is one of the promising youngsters that the Submarine have and he will look to continue growing with Levante until the end of the season."

Promoted Levante are third-from-bottom in the Primera Division, two points adrift of Racing Santander and safety

Aguero signs new contract

Sergio Aguero has ended speculation linking him with a move to Tottenham Hotspur after signing a contract extension with Atletico Madrid.
Reports last night suggested that Tottenham had lodged a club record £38.5million bid for the 22-year-old hitman.

I'm staying here because I want to. Ever since I arrived at this club as a 17-year-old I have always felt like it was my home.

Sergio Aguero, Atletico Madrid forward

But the Argentina forward agreed a two-and-a-half-year extension to his existing deal earlier this month and formally signed the contract at a presentation in Madrid today.
The new deal is thought to reduce the buy-out clause in the player's contract but Aguero himself insists he will not be leaving the Vicente Calderon.
"I'm staying here because I want to," Aguero told Atletico's official website. "Ever since I arrived at this club as a 17-year-old I have always felt like it was my home and the club has treated me well," Aguero added.

Da Silva heads for Zaragoza

Sunderland have confirmed that defender Paulo Da Silva has completed his move to Spanish side Real Zaragoza for an undisclosed fee.

The Paraguay international, an integral part of their 2010 FIFA World Cup™ campaign in South Africa last summer, moved to the Stadium of Light from Mexican club Toluca in the summer of 2009 and made 20 appearances during his first season on Wearside.

But the 30-year-old has found opportunities harder to come by this term, enjoying just three first-team outings, and will now switch to the Primera Division with 15th-placed Zaragoza.

A statement on the Sunderland website said: "Paraguayan defender Paulo Da Silva has joined Spanish side Real Zaragoza.

"Real have paid an undisclosed fee for the 30-year-old, who impressed for his country at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa."

Barcelona continue to rewrite history books

Pep Guardiola's Barcelona side made more history at the weekend when they equalled the record number of successive league wins held by arch rivals Real Madrid.

A Lionel Messi brace and a Pedro Rodriguez strike sealed Saturday's 3-0 win at Hercules - their 15th victory which drew them level with a 50-year-old record held by the great Real Madrid team, captained by Alfredo di Stefano, of the 1960/61 season.

"It's an immense honour to share this record with a team such as (Alfredo) Di Stefano's Madrid," Guardiola said. "It's stood for half a century and that just shows what a tough thing it is to achieve.

"There was an especially happy atmosphere amongst the players. This has always been a tricky ground for us and we came into the game after a lot of matches recently, but despite all that, the players have again given a great lesson. They knew the importance of winning here and the chance of equalling the record gave us an extra incentive."

Barcelona, who hold a seven-point lead over Real Madrid at the league summit after Madrid's 1-0 loss at Osasuna, can beat the record with victory at home to Atletico Madrid next weekend. "It was an important game (against Hercules), like all the others, but it was an especially important win for us," said goalkeeper Victor Valdes. "It's a proud honour to equal this number of wins on the trot. It's important for us and let's hope we continue the run."

Relentless Blaugrana
It has been an incredible season from the champions who have won 19 out of their 21 league matches so far and set a league record 52 points at the halfway stage. In the previous campaign Barcelona finished on 99 points to record the highest ever points tally and in 2009 the club became the first Spanish team to win a league, Kings Cup and UEFA Champions League treble.

Barcelona are going strong in all competitions this season and their next match is on Wednesday at Almeria in the second leg of the Kings Cup semi-final where they hold a 5-0 lead from the first leg. "We wanted to compete in the same way we had in the first half of the season and it looks as if we are doing that," Guardiola said.

"Now we have to see if we can ensure the qualification to the Cup final and then go into the (Champions League) tie against Arsenal, which I have the feeling might define our season."

Barcelona travel to North London on 16 February for the first leg of their last 16 Champions League tie with the return leg at Camp Nou on 8 March. FIFA Ballon d'Or winner Messi scored all four goals in the 4-1 second leg win over Arsenal in last season's Champions League quarter-final and is in fine form with the brace against Hercules taking his league total to 21.

"Messi is a competitive animal. He's just 23 and he's scored 164 times - if he carries on like this, he's going to smash all the records," Guardiola added.

Johnson out for three months

Manchester City winger Adam Johnson will be ruled out for three months with an ankle injury.

Johnson suffered ligament damage in a freak incident during training on Thursday and scans have confirmed manager Roberto Mancini's worst fears.
"We have lost Adam Johnson for three months," said Mancini. "This will be a very big problem because he is an important player.

The injury is like the one Aleksandar Kolarov had earlier this season. We do not have another player like Adam."

Transfer Request

The injury will rule Johnson out for the bulk of the rest of the season, with Mancini joking that the winger will return "for the final".
It will also cause Fabio Capello a headache because the former Middlesbrough player will be absent from England's friendly with Denmark in Copenhagen next month and more importantly, the Euro 2012 qualifier with Wales in Cardiff on 26th March.
And, for Shaun Wright-Phillips, it might mean that he has to remain at Eastlands rather than get the move he wants, having handed in a transfer request ahead of Monday's deadline.
"I can understand his position," said Mancini. "We haven't had any offers for Wright-Phillips at this moment but it is difficult for Shaun to join another team now. We still have another 24 hours, so anything can happen but it probably affects it."

Wolves land O'Hara

Wolverhampton Wanderers have signed Tottenham Hotspur's Jamie O'Hara on loan for the rest of the season.

O'Hara was in the stands to watch Wolves' FA Cup tie against Stoke City after undergoing a medical and the completion of his temporary switch to Molineux was announced shortly after the match.
The 24-year-old midfielder had a spell on loan at Portsmouth last season but has not featured at first-team level at White Hart Lane this season because of a back injury.

His Services

The former England Under-21 international featured in two full-scale practice matches with Spurs and was eager to go out on loan again in order to regain full match-sharpness.
West Ham United were also interested in signing O'Hara but Mick McCarthy has won the battle to secure his services.

FA Cup fifth round draw - Sun 30th Jan

The draw for the fifth round of the FA Cup has thrown up some interesting ties.

Manchester United and non-league Crawley Town will meet at Old Trafford in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
The draw paired the Barclays Premier League leaders with the Blue Square Premier side, who have knocked out Football League sides Swindon Town, Derby County and Torquay United on their way to the last 16.
Leyton Orient were also given a glamorous tie - the League One side will face Arsenal at Brisbane Road.
Holders Chelsea will face Reading for a place in the quarter-finals - if Carlo Ancelotti's team win their replay against Everton on 19th February.
League One Notts County and Manchester City must replay after a 1-1 draw at Meadow Lane - with Aston Villa awaiting the winners.
London will meet the north-west in two ties, with either Fulham or Tottenham Hotspur taking on Bolton Wanderers or Wigan Athletic and West Ham United and Burnley squaring up at Upton Park.
Stoke City will have home advantage against League One Brighton & Hove Albion, while Birmingham City and Sheffield Wednesday will meet in the other tie.

Full Draw

Fulham or Tottenham v Bolton or Wigan
Man Utd v Crawley
Everton or Chelsea v Reading
Leyton Orient v Arsenal
Birmingham City v Sheff Wed
Stoke City v Brighton
Notts County or Man City v Aston Villa
West Ham v Burnley
The fifth round will be played on the weekend of 19th/20th February.

FA Cup review - Sun 30th Jan

A review of Barclays Premier League sides in FA Cup fourth round action.

Cesc Fabregas came off the bench to net another late penalty as 10-man Arsenal laboured into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 2-1 win over League One Huddersfield Town at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners, who made sweeping changes from the midweek Carling Cup semi-final win over Ipswich Town, took the lead when Nicklas Bendtner's angled shot deflected in off Terriers skipper Peter Clarke on 22 minutes before then losing Samir Nasri with a hamstring problem, and saw Sebastien Squillaci sent off for blocking Jack Hunt's surging run.
Alan Lee headed a deserved equaliser for the Terriers, but Fabregas won it from the spot after Jamie McCombe was adjudged to have pushed Bendtner over.

Penalty Spot

Robert Huth's late goal earned Stoke City a first FA Cup triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the fourth-round derby tie at Molineux.
The former Chelsea defender headed home a Matthew Etherington free-kick with 10 minutes remaining.
But Wolves spurned a golden chance to earn a replay when Thomas Sorensen saved a last-minute penalty from Nenad Milijas.
Victor Obinna scored a hat-trick as West Ham United put their Carling Cup semi-final misery behind them and marched into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest.
Forest hit back from conceding an early goal to Obinna by going in front with efforts from Dele Adebola and David McGoldrick.
However Obinna put the home side level at the break and completed his treble from the penalty spot early in the second half.
Edin Dzeko's first Manchester City goal saved the Blues' blushes as Notts County forced an FA Cup fourth-round replay after this 1-1 draw.
It looked like the world's oldest Football League club were about to send England's most expensive team tumbling out of the competition when Neal Bishop put them ahead on the hour.
But 10 minutes from time, Dzeko turned home a low Micah Richards cross to earn Roberto Mancini's men a second attempt to progress.
Fulham cruised into the last 16 of the FA Cup with a surprise 4-0 win over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage.
Danny Murphy scored from the spot 11 minutes in before he added a second penalty three minutes later after Michael Dawson was sent off for tugging back Moussa Dembele in the box.
Brede Hangeland stabbed home to make it 3-0 before Dembele rifled home a blistering strike just before half-time to seal the impressive win and set up a fifth round tie at home to either Bolton or Wigan.

Mourinho downbeat after shock loss

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho could not fault his players for their efforts but admits Sunday's 1-0 defeat to struggling Osasuna has left them in a "much more difficult situation" with regards their pursuit of Primera Division leaders Barcelona.
A second-half strike from Javier Camunas earned 17th-place Osasuna the spoils in a hard-fought came at the Reyno de Navarra stadium and consigned Madrid to only a second league defeat of the season. The defeat means Mourinho's men are now seven points adrift of in-form Barcelona - who have won 15 successive matches in La Liga - at the top of the table, and was a major blow to the capital club's hopes of winning a first league title since 2008.
Mourinho said after the game: "My players have done their jobs with dignity and I have nothing to reproach them for, they fought to the end. We lost three points that we didn't deserve to lose. Osasuna are a tough team and the crowd was fantastic. I don't think many teams win here. We had opportunities to score in both halves, but we haven't done it. And if the opponents score first it is very difficult. Congratulations to Osasuna."

My players have done their jobs with dignity and I have nothing to reproach them for, they fought to the end.

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho

The Portuguese added: "This is our second defeat in La Liga and we are in a much more difficult situation with respect to first place. I always tell my teams that I don't like to gift games to the opposition, by not playing, not fighting or because we were relaxed... that wasn't the case. We lost against a team who gave it everything, and who had a week to prepare for the match."
Madrid, who were held to a 1-1 draw by then-bottom club Almeria in their previous away game, do not have long to dwell on their defeat as they have an important match on Wednesday when they host Sevilla in the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final. Madrid lead 1-0 from last week's first leg as they look to win the cup for the first time since 1993.
Mourinho said: "Tomorrow is another day. We will be thinking about the game on Wednesday."

Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, who started tonight's match on the bench as he was struggling with illness, added: "With this defeat the distance to Barcelona has grown, but there's a long way to go and we need to continue fighting until the end.
"We know that it won't be easy, but we need to look ahead and continue with the good work we have been doing. We cannot give up. We need to look ahead and think first about the cup game against Sevilla and then the next league game (at home to Real Sociedad)."

Murphy signs new Fulham deal

Fulham captain Danny Murphy has signed a new contract that will keep him at the club until the end of next season.

Murphy joined the Cottagers from Tottenham Hotspur in 2007 and when his new deal expires he will have been with Fulham for five years.

The former Liverpool midfielder scored the goal that kept Fulham in the Barclays Premier League in 2008 and was made club captain the following season, leading the side to the Europa League final last year.

Impressive Start

"I'm delighted to have signed a contract extension," he told the club's official website.
"As a club we've achieved great things during my time at Fulham so far, not least our highest-ever league finish and reaching the Europa League final, and it is a great source of pride for me, as club captain, to have played a role in some truly historic moments for Fulham Football Club.
"We've made great progress, on and off the pitch over the past few years, and with the chairman's continued support, I believe we've got many more great years ahead of us.
"On Sunday we've got a massive game against Spurs in the FA Cup and as a team we will give our all to earn a place in the fifth round. I'm sure it's going to be a great atmosphere at the Cottage and hopefully we can continue our impressive start to 2011."
www.fulhamfc.com

Sessegnon and Muntari join Black Cats

Sunderland have secured the signings of Stephane Sessegnon and Sulley Muntari.

Midfielder Sessegnon joins the Black Cats in a €7m (around £6m) switch after seeking a move away from Paris Saint-Germain.
The Benin international, who could make his debut against Chelsea on Tuesday, made a total of 76 appearances for PSG, scoring eight goals.
Black Cats manager Steve Bruce says he is thrilled to welcome the versatile midfielder, who can play in a variety of attacking roles, to the Barclays Premier League club. Bruce told the club's official website: "Stephane can play on the left, on the right, through the middle - he's lightning quick and he's a match-winner.
"I think he'll be a big hit with the supporters. I predict he'll turn into a crowd favourite.
"Stephane's a little powerhouse with a small centre of gravity, some great dribbling skills and a good shot.
"His ability to slot in across attacking positions makes him a great addition to what is a young and hungry squad."


Sessegnon is looking forward to linking up with Asamoah Gyan in attack, who he faced in France when the striker was playing for Rennes.

Given Pleasure

The playmaker expects Ghana ace Gyan, who starred at the 2010 World Cup, and Lyon loanee John Mensah, to help him find his feet on Wearside.
"I'm very happy to join Asamoah, who I know from France," said Sessegnon. "I think it's good to come into a club where I know he is here.
"He has given pleasure to his country during the World Cup and to know Asamoah is here will make it easier for me to adapt.
"I also know John Mensah from his time in France and the two of them will help me."
Muntari, who left Portsmouth for Inter in a 16 Euros move in July 2008, has joined from Inter Milan on loan until the end of the season.

Bruce said: "Sulley is a fabulous acquisition for the club.
"When the opportunity arises to bring in a player of his ability - even in the short term you have to take it, and I'm delighted that we have been able to.
"His adaptability is a great asset. He did extremely well at Portsmouth so he knows the Barclays Premier League well and you have to be some player to move to Inter Milan for the fee that he did. He's a great addition."
Muntari, meanwhile, has vowed to do all he can to fire Sunderland into Europe.
He told the club's official website: "I love the pace, and passion the fans have across the nation.
"The people are passionate about the game and that makes it exciting. You see young kids at the stadiums watching the game.
"The English game makes me relaxed and happy so I can bring my skills out.
"I will just try to do my best to help Sunderland go further because they are doing well. I hope I can help the club go to Europe."

Very Happy

Muntari spoke to international team-mates Mensah and Gyan before committing himself to the club, but was delighted with what he found when he arrived on Wearside.
He said: "It feels great to be at Sunderland and to be back in English football.
"I'm very happy and from what I have seen here, it's going to be great.
"I spoke to the head coach first and also Asamoah and John - they told me everything about the club.
"It is not strange to me. Everything here is amazing. The facilities and atmosphere are excellent. I'm very pleased to be here.
"Last season was good for me, winning some trophies with Inter. We made history - but now I'm here with Sunderland and doing well for the club is the uppermost thing in my mind."

FA Cup review - Sat 29th Jan

A review of Barclays Premier League sides in FA Cup fourth round action.

FA Cup holders Chelsea earned a 1-1 draw and a fourth-round replay with Everton after substitute Salomon Kalou came to their rescue at Goodison Park.
Louis Saha had headed the Toffees in front just after the hour mark, but Kalou's precise finish 15 minutes from time earned Chelsea a replay in a hard-fought encounter.
Everton were rewarded for a good spell of pressure when Saha got behind John Terry and rose highest to powerfully head home a Leighton Baines corner in the 62nd minute.
The visitors hung in there though and Seamus Coleman was denied from close range by a combination of Terry and Michael Essien before Chelsea were level.
Sub Kalou picked the ball up on the edge of the box and fired a low angled shot just inside Tim Howard's far post.

Star Restored

In another all-Barclays Premier League early match, Robert Pires' first goal for Aston Villa helped them continue their recent dominance over Blackburn Rovers in cup competitions with a 3-1 win at Villa Park.
The former Arsenal star restored Villa's lead after Ciaran Clark's opener had been cancelled out by Rovers substitute Nikola Kalinic.
Nathan Delfouneso further increased Villa's lead, and even the red card after 62 minutes for defender Nathan Baker for a challenge on Junior Hoilett failed to halt their progress.
Forgotten men Stuart Parnaby and Kevin Phillips were the heroes as Birmingham City carved out another cup day to remember by coming from two down to beat local rivals Coventry City 3-2 and reach the fifth round of the FA Cup.


The Blues were on a high after booking their place in the Carling Cup final in midweek but they were brought back down to earth as Marlon King and Richard Wood put the visitors two up with 26 minutes gone.
David Bentley reduced the deficit before half-time with a stunning strike from 25 yards for his first Birmingham goal and, after a sustained spell of pressure, two goals in six minutes from Parnaby and Phillips midway through the second half completed the turnaround.

League Form

Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez saw his side shrug off their poor league form and force a replay against Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium.
Martinez made eight changes to the team that lost at Aston Villa and his largely young side did him proud in a 0-0 draw.
In fact, veteran goalkeeper Mike Pollitt had a quiet afternoon as Bolton struggled to test the opposition defence.

Javier Hernandez's smart finish helped Manchester United avoid an upset against Southampton at St Mary's.
The home side bossed the first half and deservedly broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, with Richard Chaplow smashing the League One side ahead.
While Southampton dominated possession, United's introduction of Nani and Ryan Giggs 13 minutes into the second half swung the tie.
The pair gave Sir Alex Ferguson's side the width they craved and helped the visitors come from behind to secure victory with two goals in 10 minutes.
Michael Owen equalised with his first goal since September, before Hernandez ghosted in to wrap up the tie with a quarter of an hour remaining.

Reds turn down Torres transfer request

Liverpool have rejected a transfer request from Fernando Torres.

The Anfield club have told the Spain striker they expect him to honour his long-term contract.
Speculation had been rife about the 26-year-old's future after the club turned down a £35m bid from Chelsea on Thursday.
Torres handed in his request just hours after the Reds agreed a deal with Ajax for their Uruguay forward Luis Suarez.
It was rejected and the player was reminded of his previous pledge to the club.
"Fernando Torres tonight submitted a written transfer request, which has been rejected by Liverpool," said a club statement on Friday evening.
"Fernando is under long-term contract and the club expect him to honour the commitment he made to Liverpool FC and its supporters when he signed the agreement."

No Desire

Barely had news of the Suarez deal, worth up to £22.8m for the Dutch club, filtered out then speculation began to increase about Torres.
It had been hoped the capture of the Uruguayan would provide the necessary evidence that owners Fenway Sports Group were serious about investing in the squad and convince star names like Torres and goalkeeper Jose Reina that they could have a successful future at Anfield.
However, it appears the 26-year-old's mind had already been made up to ask to leave in the wake of Chelsea's bid even though he has a contract until the end of 2013.
The Stamford Bridge side have tried to sign Torres before and last summer it seemed they were preparing to make another offer when the player returned from South Africa as a World Cup winner.
Torres put an end to the speculation when he spoke publicly of his feelings for the club on 3rd August, saying: "My commitment and loyalty to the club and to the fans is the same as it was on my first day when I signed.
"I am looking forward to the challenge ahead."
It is those comments which the club have now turned back on the player, insisting they have no desire to allow him to leave.

Barça seven clear, Depor stop Sevilla

Lionel Messi scored two late goals as Barcelona beat ten-man Hercules 3-0 tonight to preserve their 100 per cent away record in the Primera Division and move seven points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table.

Pedro gave Barça the lead two minutes before the interval, but the win was still in doubt until Messi's late intervention, with the Argentina forward bagging two goals - after Javier Farinos had been sent off - in the last three minutes to give the Catalans a comfortable victory. The win erased memories of Barça's surprise home defeat at the hands of the promoted side earlier on in the campaign and put them seven clear of Real, who visit Osasuna tomorrow.

Laure's late equaliser secured a dramatic 3-3 draw for Deportivo La Coruna after ten-man Sevilla had battled from two goals down to lead at the Riazor. Lassad Nouioui's superb strike lit up an otherwise dull first half and his second goal, soon after the 58th-minute dismissal of Sevilla goalkeeper Andres Palop, looked to have put the hosts on course to end their three-game losing run.

However, that sparked the visitors into life and two goals from Alvaro Negredo and one from Julien Escude turned the game on its head in a stunning second half. And there was still time for Laure to have the final word, shooting across substitute goalkeeper Javi Varas to salvage a point for Depor despite offside protestations from the visitors.

Sporting Gijon secured their first Primera Division away win of the season in emphatic fashion as they thrashed Real Mallorca 4-0 at the Iberostar Stadium to continue their recent revival. The Asturians had won their last two league games to climb out of the relegation zone, but had failed to win any of their away matches prior to this one. That changed with goals from Diego Castro, Roberto Canella, Andre Castro and Nacho Novo.

Levante climbed off the foot of the standings by ending a run of five successive league defeats with a 2-0 victory over Getafe. Two goals at the start of the second half set Levante on their way to only a fifth league win of the campaign, with Valmiro Valdo scoring in the 47th minute and Felipe Caicedo doubling their lead seven minutes later.

Both teams ended the match with ten men, Getafe's Manu del Moral and Xisco Nadal of Levante handed their marching orders following an incident between the two with 12 minutes to go, but it did not affect the home side as they held on for three precious points.

Goals from Jon Ansotegui and Raul Tamudo earned Real Sociedad the spoils in a 2-0 win over lowly Almeria in tough conditions at a rain-drenched Anoeta. Ansotegui opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time and then, with growing pools of water on the pitch making life difficult for both teams, Tamudo sealed the win with Sociedad's second 12 minutes from full-time. The victory means promoted Sociedad, who had lost five of their previous six games, are now 11 points clear of 18th-placed Almeria and the relegation zone.

A late strike from Florent Sinama-Pongolle saw Real Zaragoza complete a memorable comeback to win 2-1 at Malaga, securing their third straight Primera Division win to continue their recent revival under Mexican coach Javier Aguirre. Duda put Malaga ahead after 15 minutes, but Nicolas Bertolo equalised before Sinama-Pongolle's winner.

Late Messi brace bags Barça victory

Lionel Messi scored two late goals as Barcelona beat ten-man Hercules tonight to preserve their 100 per cent away record in the Primera Division and move seven points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table.

Pedro gave Barça the lead two minutes before the interval, but the win was still in doubt until Messi's late intervention, with the Argentina forward bagging two goals - after Javier Farinos had been sent off - in the last three minutes to give the Catalans a comfortable victory in the end.

The win erased memories of Barça's surprise home defeat at the hands of the promoted side earlier on in the campaign and leaves them seven clear of Real, who visit Osasuna tomorrow. Coach Pep Guardiola named an extra-strong line-up, with only captain Carles Puyol missing from his best XI.

The Catalans peppered the home side's goal in glacier-like conditions, quickly finding Hercules' soft centre in the early exchanges. Messi was looking fresh and saw an early effort saved by Juan Calatayud before dragging a crisp shot just wide moments later.

Pedro also missed two great chances for Barça before the half-hour mark, although David Trezeguet almost gave the home side the lead in between, when he fired wide with only Victor Valdes to beat.

David Villa and Dani Alves came close later in the half, but Pedro finally broke the deadlock two minutes before the break, when he raced onto Xavi's pass and beat Calatayud with a neat finish at the near post. Villa then flashed a shot just wide after the break and Xavi came close with a curled effort moments later.

At the other end, Nelson Haedo Valdez - who scored both Hercules goals in the Alicante-based side's 2-0 victory at the Camp Nou at the beginning of the season - tested Barça goalkeeper Valdes with a drive from the edge of the box. But the Catalans remained in control and looked the most likely to score as the game wore on.

Xavi had an effort well saved by Calatayud and Pedro saw an effort ruled out later on, but the end of the game was all about Messi. The Argentina forward twice shot wide when he looked certain to score and saw another shot saved by Calatayud, but he was - as usual - to have the last laugh, scoring twice in the last three minutes.

By that time, though, Hercules were down to ten men following the dismissal of midfielder Farinos. Farinos, one of the stars of the great Valencia side that reached consecutive UEFA Champions League finals at the turn of the century, had been sidelined for nine months and was making his comeback. But it lasted just 16 minutes as he was dismissed for a second bookable offence with five minutes left.

Messi missed a great chance to make it 2-0 shortly afterwards, but finally got his name on the scoresheet moments later, when he fired a shot just inside the post after making space for himself on the edge of the box.

And the 23-year-old made it 3-0 with a minute left, when he poked home Alves' low cross from close-range.Barça move seven clear for now, while Hercules - following a third straight defeat - are just four points clear of the drop zone.

Mourinho happy to have Adebayor

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho today welcomed the arrival of Emmanuel Adebayor and immediately included the loan signing in his squad for tomorrow's Primera Division clash with Osasuna.

Real swooped for Manchester City forward Adebayor this week after Mourinho was left with just Karim Benzema as his only recognised striker following the loss of Gonzalo Higuain, who underwent back surgery earlier this month and could be absent for up to four months.
Adebayor, who has initially joined from City until the end of the season, has not played since the start of December after enduring a frustrating time at Eastlands, where he fell out of favour under coach Roberto Mancini.
However, the 26-year-old, who took part in his first training session for the Spanish giants today, could be in line for his Real debut tomorrow after being included in a 21-man travelling squad to Pamplona.

I've always wanted to have three strikers and, although we now don't have Higuain, who we await with open arms, it is good to have Benzema and Adebayor.

Jose Mourinho on the signing of Emmanuel Adebayor

Mourinho said of the new arrival: "I'm very happy. He's a player I like a lot, with a lot of experience and he will do well here. I've always wanted to have three strikers and, although we now don't have Higuain, who we await with open arms, it is good to have Benzema and Adebayor."
Mourinho is also confident Adebayor will have no trouble fitting in at Real, or playing alongside France international Benzema. "Benzema and Adebayor are different but complement each other," said the former Chelsea and Inter Milan coach.
"He won't have any problems in this group. The players are easy, honest, good friends. In this dressing room, any player who comes in is made to feel welcomed and when they leave they are missed.
"His problems [at Man City] are those of a player who didn't play, because he wasn't an option. He had left Arsenal for a lot of money and it seemed as though he would be a key player.
"Then Mark Hughes went and Roberto [Mancini] arrived, with other ideas. They bought other strikers and to me [Adebayor's] frustration seems normal. Here is an option, here he is loved. He has the responsibility and the pride of playing at Real Madrid. He hasn't played since December, but he wasn't injured and he has trained every day. He is fit to play."