SPORTS AND GAME, GOSSIPS AND TRANSFERS (Monday)

TRANSFER WINDOW

West Ham United are desperately trying to persuade Martin O'Neill to become their manager after the Northern Irishman was angered by reports on Saturday morning claiming he would be named as Avram Grant's successor later that evening.
Full story: The Guardian

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger wants to bolster his defence with the signing of Roma centre-back Philippe Mexes.
Full story: Caughtoffside.com

Southampton starlet Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has edged closer to a £10m move to Arsenal after Saints manager Nigel Adkins said they would prefer him to go to a club that would nurture him properly.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven and Ajax are targeting Stoke forward Eidur Gudjohnsen.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Barca Go Four Points Clear

Barcelona took the chance to extend their lead at the top of the table to four points after pounding Malaga 4-1 at Camp Nou. The Blaugrana avoided a shock result to put more space between themselves and rivals Real Madrid with goals from Iniesta, Pedro, and a brace from David Villa.

Madrid Suffer Setback

Real Madrid suffered an unexpected setback as they were held 1-1 by basement side Almeria. Ulloa's strike opened the scoring before Granero responded, however los Blancos couldn't find a winner as Ronaldo hit the crossbar in injury time leaving Barca the chance to move further ahead at the top...  

Back On Top

Manchester United reclaimed pole position in the Premier League from their city-rivals Manchester City despite a goalless draw with Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. Nemanja Vidic put in a fantastic performance at the back but Rafael was sent off...

All Square In Liverpool

Liverpool and Everton played out a pulsating and hugely entertaining 2-2 draw in the Premier League. Raul Meireles gave the Reds the lead in the first-half but Sylvain Distin and Jermaine Beckford then put the visitors ahead. However, a Dirk Kuyt penalty rescued the hosts...

Sunderland hold New castle

Sunderland's Asamoah Gyan scored deep into injury-time to deny local rivals Newcastle victory in a scrappy encounter at the Stadium of Light.

Kevin Nolan gave the Magpies the lead in the second half when he back-heeled Shola Ameobi's goal-bound header.

Sunderland then created little, with Ahmed Elmohamady's deflected 20-yard strike a rare effort on goal.

But with time almost up, Gyan equalised when Steve Harper's save from a Phil Bardsley shot hit him and rebounded in.

Lecce Deny Ibra & Milan

Milan failed to extend their lead at the top of the table after being held 1-1 by lowly Lecce. The relegation contenders fought back to earn a draw through Ruben Olivera after Zlatan Ibrahimovic had opened the scoring with a spectacular volley from long

OM Close Ligue 1 Gap

Olympique Marseille are back in the title race after ending a five-match winless streak by defeating Bordeaux 2-1. The champions have reduced the gap to Lille, who sit atop the table, to three points - though Lyon, PSG, and Rennes also remain in front of the Stade Velodrome outfit.