SPORTS AND GAME, GOSSIPS AND TRANSFERS (Wednesday)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Real Madrid defender Pepe is stalling on a new deal in Spain as he is aware Chelsea are interested in him.
Full story: talkSPORT

Zoltan Gera is ready to leave Fulham on a free transfer in the summer, with Newcastle, Stoke and Birmingham all interested in the 31-year-old Hungarian midfielder.
Full story: Daily Mail

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool tried and failed to get a gentleman's agreement that Fernando Torres would not play against them on Sunday included in the Spaniard's £50m move to Chelsea.
Full story: Guardian

Manchester City's Mario Balotelli could be fit for the derby with Manchester United on 12 February, having overcome the knee injury that has kept him out since Christmas.
Full story: Daily Mail

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew admits his team are "vulnerable" after the sale of Andy Carroll to Liverpool.
Full story: Daily Mirror

The Premier League says there is no likelihood of the transfer window being scrapped, despite criticism by the League Managers' Association.
Full story: Daily Telegraph

Wolves striker Steven Fletcher may have played his last game for Scotland after snubbing a call-up to the squad in a text message to manager Craig Levein.
Full story: Daily Mail

AND FINALLY

Fernando Torres's father Jose says he sympathises with disillusioned Liverpool fans following his son's move to Chelsea.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Former Liverpool midfielder Ryan Babel, who was punished for unflattering comments on twitter about referee Howard Webb, used the service to say thank you to Liverpool fans after his move to Hoffenheim.
Full story: Daily Mail

Rooney Returns, Man U go clear 

Premier League leaders Manchester United brought down Aston Villa in a clash of two sides who had very different winter transfer window campaigns. Wayne Rooney was the hero with a goal at either end of the first-half, also providing an assist for Vidic in the 3-1 triumph.

Gunners Keep Up The Chase

Arsenal's Premier League title chase remains intact after they fought back for three points against Everton. The Gunners went behind after Saha's controversial finish, but Andrey Arshavin and Laurent Koscielny goals in quick succession turned the match around. 2-1 in favour of the hosts.

 Blues Earn Black Cats Revenge

Sunderland embarrassed Chelsea at Stamford Bridge earlier this season, but the Blues got their revenge with a 4-2 win over the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light. It was 2-2 at half-time before goals from John Terry and Nicolas Anelka turned the thrilling tie in Chelsea's favour...

No Way Through

Milan were searching for the victory that would increase the gap between themselves and the chasing pack, but Lazio were solid in defence to hold the firepower of the Rossoneri to a goalless draw at the San Siro. They could turn out to be crucial points dropped for the hosts...

Torres Deal Shocks UEFA

UEFA have reacted to Chelsea's capture of Fernando Torres as they feel the Stamford Bridge club will struggle to maintain themselves within financial fair play regulations. Michel Platini has stated that teams taking liberties with the rules could face being banned from European football.

The Winners And Losers Of The European Transfer Window

We have analysed the big four leagues of England, Italy, Spain and Germany - now we offer our verdict on the movers, shakers, tops and flops from Europe as a whole. How do you say?

POLLS: WHICH ONE WAS THE BEST BUY (ACCORDING TO POLLS)

Which Player Transfer Was The Best Of The January Window? How do you say?

Antonio Cassano to Milan	13.89%
Luis Suarez to Liverpool	17.3%
Fernando Torres to Chelsea	38.51%
Edin Dzeko to Manchester City	3.55%
Ibrahim Afellay to Barcelona	6.75%
Ryan Babel to Hoffenheim	0.5%
Giampaolo Pazzini to Inter	9.43%
Simao Sabrosa to Besiktas	0.46%
David Luiz to Chelsea	3.26%
Andy Carroll to Liverpool	6.35%

Biggest Club Spenders (Net)

 

1. Chelsea (-€83.5m)
2. Manchester City (-€33m)
3. Inter (€-31m)

 

Most Expensive Signings

1. Fernando Torres (Liverpool to Chelsea - €58.5m)
2. Andy Carroll (Newcastle to Liverpool - €41m)
3. Edin Dzeko (Wolfsburg to Manchester City - €37m)

Best Signing


1) Antonio Cassano (Sampdoria to Milan - €1.7m)
2) Luis Suarez (Ajax to Liverpool - €26.5m)
3) Fernando Torres (Liverpool to Chelsea - €58.5m)
Worst Signing


1) Luca Toni (Genoa to Juventus - Free)
2) Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich to Malaga - €3.1m)
3) Wayne Bridge (Manchester City to West Ham - Loan)

Best Loan Signing

1) Yuto Nagatomo (Cesena to Inter)
2) Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach to Aston Villa)
3) Alessandro Matri (Cagliari to Juventus)

Worst Transfer Window

1) Sampdoria
2) Ajax
3) Espanyol

Best Transfer Window

1) Milan
2) Chelsea
3) Barcelona