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[King of Camelot]

ANDY CARROLL has vowed to fight for his Anfield future — despite the latest rumours Liverpool want to offload him.

The Reds say they have not offered Carroll to Manchester City in exchange for Carlos Tevez.

Yet City sources insist that is just what the Anfield club did. Carroll said: "I love it here. I have never regretted the move.

"Everyone at the club has been great with me and I'm enjoying it.

"I think I'm just getting into my stride now. I've just got to keep on going and then it will come."

SunSport, though, has even been informed City jokingly asked for Steven Gerrard as well if Liverpool wanted a deal.

The Reds have claimed the story is untrue.

Even so, we understand a conversation did take place between the two clubs, though a move is unlikely to go through with just two days left in the transfer window.

It was the latest suggestion that Carroll's nightmare 12 months on Merseyside could be coming to an end, following reports of a cut-price return to Newcastle.

But the giant Geordie, a £35million buy last January, still believes he can become a Kop hero and had a hand in both goals in Saturday's FA Cup win over Manchester United.

Kenny Dalglish and Alex Ferguson have hailed both sets of fans for not letting animosity over the Luis Suarez-Patrice Evra race row disrupt the spectacle.

Evra was, as expected, booed every time he touched the ball.

Yet Dalglish insisted: "Both sets of fans were magnificent adverts for their club and can be proud of that. We got a wee bit of banter but that's brilliant. You don't want to take that away.

"The players were great too, with none of them trying to do anything other than play football."

Fergie added: "The players showed great respect for each other. There wasn't a bad tackle."

thesun.co.uk

[King of Camelot]

IT'S so convenient, it almost makes sense.

Jose Mourinho to Arsenal, Arsene Wenger to Real Madrid.

And that is despite Arsenal's 3-2 victory over Aston Villa yesterday, which, as all Gooners know, doesn't mean a great deal in the long term.

Mentioning the possibility the other day of Wenger's time at the Emirates perhaps coming to an end, the ugly mug at the top of this column received various communications along the lines of there not being anyone out there capable of filling the great man's boots.

My own musings on how Brendan Rodgers and Paul Lambert might be worthy of consideration were greeted, in some quarters, with huge amusement by fans doubting the duo's credentials (and my sanity).

They had obviously forgotten that George Graham arrived from Millwall and the old Second Division.

And Double-winning Bertie Mee from the physio's room.

They can't argue with Mourinho's pedigree, further enhanced by Madrid now being SEVEN points clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga.

The way it's going, Mourinho could well become the first manager to win titles in England, Italy and Spain.

And yet it's increasingly likely he will leave the Spanish capital at the end of the season.

Some of his players have had enough of him, while Madrid fans have become disenchanted with some of his tactics — basically, his inability to confront Barcelona with any master plan other than to kick them to pieces.

In most other games, though, they have been outstanding — as 70 goals in their 20 matches to date suggests.

It is said that only a Champions League triumph can save Mourinho.

But even that wasn't enough to spare Jupp Heynckes, who left the club immediately after winning the European Cup in 1998.

His crime? Finishing fourth in the league.

Even Fabio Capello got the heave-ho for playing negative football as Madrid won the title in 2007.

Should Mourinho go, there could be no better replacement than Wenger, who has twice rebuffed the Spaniards' approach.

It would also be just what the Frenchman needs — an invigorating challenge after becoming a little jaded at Arsenal.

Madrid would be a tremendous opportunity to rekindle his unique coaching talents — and the icing on the cake of a long and illustrious career.

As a master of boardroom politics and a hugely respected figure in the world of football, Wenger would also smooth the troubled waters at the Bernabeu.

The only sticking point would be whether the staid, conservative Arsenal hierarchy are brave enough to employ Mourinho.

A headstrong, domineering character, he would also want assurances that he had money to spend.

Which is exactly what the side needs and what Arsenal fans have long demanded.

More important, though, is Mourinho's uncanny knack of winning trophies — a former quality of Wenger's that, sadly, is no longer apparent.

All round, the Portuguese man of war would not so much shake the club out of its lethargy as plant a bomb underneath it.

Should Mourinho leave Madrid, there will be an enormous scramble for his services, with Manchester City also interested should Roberto Mancini contrive to blow the title.

Yet the greatest threat to Arsenal could come from rivals Tottenham if Harry Redknapp goes on to succeed Capello as England boss.

Certainly, there are players at White Hart Lane, like Gareth Bale and Luka Modric, who Mourinho would love to manage.

It was always assumed he would follow Alex Ferguson in at Old Trafford.

But with the veteran Scot suggesting that he will continue in charge of Manchester United for a few more years yet, that door would appear to have closed.

So Mourinho for Arsenal.

One thing for certain would be guaranteed.

The Gunners wouldn't get bullied at the back any more.

Ashes to crashes again

THERE was nothing more miserable than watching our girly cricketers collapse in Abu Dhabi.

So much for being the world's No 1 team. But then we have been here before.

There's something about an Ashes win that puts a misplaced swagger in our stride.

It was the same in 2005 when we went totally OTT with even an open-top bus trip.

We then lost the next series 2-0 in Pakistan and, a year later, endured the humiliation of a 5-0 whitewash Down Under.

And so we come to last year's 3-1 Ashes win. Out came the bunting — and players strutting round like the Cock o' the North.

A few months later we somehow lost to Ireland and Bangladesh in the World Cup.

Yes, there was then the 4-0 obliteration of India and our ascent to the top — except the Aussies have just shown how far India have fallen.

We then celebrated our No 1 status by suffering a 5-0 one-day thrashing by the very same Indians where, in the final match, we contrived to lose 10 wickets for just 47 runs.

And now skittled for 72 in the desert.

Noses back to the grindstone, boys.

thesun.co.uk

[King of Camelot]

ARSENE WENGER is ready to make a shock bid for Watford's Adrian Mariappa.

Despite initially insisting he would not make any transfer window signings, Arsenal's boss is now ready to reinforce his inconsistent defence.

Newcastle have been haggling over a price for 25-year-old Mariappa, who can play either at right-back or centre-back.

Toon chief Alan Pardew has offered £1.5million so far.

While Watford are demanding £4million, they will accept just over £2m.

Wenger had Mariappa watched in Watford's home FA Cup defeat by Tottenham last Friday.

He has decided to act after becoming increasingly concerned by the inconsistent performances of some of his defenders — Johan Djourou in particular.

Mariappa would be seen only as a squad player but he would create more competition.

thesun.co.uk

[King of Camelot]

RAMIRES could be out for four weeks after picking up a freak knee injury.

The Chelsea midfielder was due to have an MRI scan yesterday to check on medial ligament damage.

Ramires hurt himself as he blocked a Clint Hill shot.

The Brazilian said: "The ball hit my foot with force and twisted my knee.

"When I fell on the floor I was already feeling a lot of pain and thought it was something really serious.

"Doctors looked at it and said the medial ligament in my knee was stretched."

thesun.co.uk

[King of Camelot]

ROMAN PAVLYUCHENKO'S Spurs career looks over after a training ground bust-up.

The Russian striker, 30, clashed with assistant boss Kevin Bond over his lack of first-team opportunities.

He even hurled abuse at boss Harry Redknapp — who was not even at Sunday's session.

His outburst is sure to be the final straw for Redknapp, who has long had his differences with the striker signed from Spartak Moscow for £13.8million in 2008.

Pavlyuchenko, who came on as a 92nd-minute sub in Friday's 1-0 FA Cup triumph at Watford, has yet to start a Premier League game this season after extending his contract last summer.

Now, even at this late stage in the transfer window, Lokomotiv Moscow are expected to re-enter the race to sign him having recently had a £6.5m bid rejected.

They seem ready to increase that offer to £8m for a player who has scored 42 times in 114 appearances, 43 of them from the bench.

QPR were also previously interested before Tottenham's original asking price of £10m scared them off.

thesun.co.uk

[King of Camelot]

MARK HUGHES last night made a cheeky offer to his old club Manchester City: Loan me Carlos Tevez and we'll help you win the title!

The QPR boss says he would jump at the chance of taking the Argie star he signed when he was in charge of City.

And Hughes reckons City could boost their title bid by letting the striker join his struggling Rangers so he can play against the Etihad club's title rivals.

Hughes, whose agent Kia Joorabchian is also Tevez's advisor, said: "It's a great thought. You would argue it's like the situation with Emmanuel Adebayor at Spurs.

"If he did come, he would be playing against other top teams and could possibly help Man City win the League."

Tevez has been frozen out at City after falling out with Hughes' successor Roberto Mancini.

QPR have been snubbed in their bid to land Wigan winger Victor Moses, 21.

Mark Hughes was keen on snapping up the young flier with Scottish giants Rangers also interested.

thesun.co.uk

[King of Camelot]

CHELSEA have completed the signing of Genk midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.

De Bruyne, 20, has signed a 5½-year deal and will remain with the Belgian champions on loan until the end of the season.

The left-sided player faced the Blues twice earlier this season during the Champions League group stage.

He said: "It's a little bit of a dream come true.

"I've worked very hard and am still very young but have already played a lot of games.

"To come to a team like Chelsea is a dream but now it's a reality and I have to work hard to achieve the level that's necessary.

"I signed now and now I will go back for six months on loan to play some games and gain more experience."

A statement from Genk added: "The transfer of De Bruyne to Chelsea has been completed. His signature was confirmed last night.

"De Bruyne and his agent will return back today from London, along with general director Dirk Degraen.

"Genk will hold a press conference with director Jacob Gunther and Degraen in which they will clarify the transfer policy.

"Afterwards, De Bruyne will also give an explanation about his transfer to the English club."

Meanwhile, AC Milan have signed Austrian striker Philipp Prosenik from Chelsea.

Prosenik, 18, has joined the Rossoneri on a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee.

thesun.co.uk

[King of Camelot]

ALEX FERGUSON has torn into BBC pundit Alan Hansen for claiming Manchester United had not played well for 18 months.

And the Old Trafford chief has politely reminded the former Liverpool defender of his much ridiculed prediction at the start of the 1995/95 season that "you can't win anything with kids".

The duo have always had a frosty relationship dating back to 1986, when Ferguson left the stylish centre-back out of his Scotland World Cup squad.

But it is Hansen's latest critique of United that has got his fellow Scotman's back up this time.

Speaking in his programme notes ahead of tonight's Premier League clash with Stoke, Ferguson said: "I noticed Hansen was at it again, saying we had not played well for one-and-a-half years.

"I reckon that comment goes alongside his claim a few years ago that you don't win anything with youngsters.

"And you know how he ended up with egg on his face after dismissing the Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Gary Neville crop of kids so foolishly.

"Maybe he was just trying to rattle us on the eve of going to play his old club at Anfield in the cup at the weekend.

"I don't know how some of the critics come to their conclusions.

"Yes, we have had our bad days, losing to Manchester City and then folding against Blackburn before crashing out of the FA Cup.

"Forget the fact that we had 14 players out with injury for the Blackburn fixture and that we were missing a few at Liverpool — we won't use injuries as a crutch, we will simply concentrate on getting our message across out on the pitch.

"I have every confidence that we will give a good account of ourselves — even perhaps play well enough to convince pundit Hansen."

thesun.co.uk

[King of Camelot]

KENNY DALGLISH has told Manchester City to put up or shut up.

Liverpool have denied City claims that the Merseysiders wanted to swap Andy Carroll for Carlos Tevez.

Dalglish refuses to comment on the speculation while £35million striker Carroll himself is determined to prove he can become a Kop hero.

Yet manager Dalglish took a swipe at City. He said: "We're not going to get involved in justifying what people are saying. Get them to justify it, not us.

"We're not talking about any specific incident, but if you are going to do business in any way shape or form, you don't need to disclose it until it's done.

"As (chairman) Tom Werner said, there's no point letting the facts get in the way of a good story, when he was talking about Stewart Downing being bought from a clip off YouTube. Do us a favour."

Dalglish says there will not be any transfers involving Liverpool before the window shuts tonight.

Dalglish, preparing for tonight's trip to Wolves, added: "Nothing is happening and we don't anticipate it to.

"Last year was a bit manic but there'll be nothing this time."

Carroll's future has been in the spotlight twice now in his 12 months at Anfield after also being linked with a return to Newcastle.

But Dalglish does not think it will affect the Geordie's confidence.

He insisted: "We don't have any problems with any of the players because they are all going nowhere.

"Andy has said he is very happy here and doesn't regret coming.

"That's the best reference you can get, but for some reason the focus always seems to be on the big fella."

LIVERPOOL LIKELY LINE-UP: Reina; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique; Henderson, Spearing, Adam, Downing; Bellamy, Carroll.

thesun.co.uk

[King of Camelot]

FLOP David De Gea faces Stoke tonight after Anders Lindegaard suffered a horror training injury.

Danish keeper Lindegaard was in line for a Manchester United recall after De Gea's shaky show in the defeat at Liverpool.

But Lindegaard was left screaming in agony after injuring an ankle in training and United's medical team fear he has damaged ligaments.

It is the last news boss Alex Ferguson needed after crashing out of the FA Cup to their big rivals.

And 21-year-old De Gea was again under fire for his display at Anfield.

The Spaniard failed to deal with a corner for Liverpool's opener in the 2-1 loss, dropped a simple cross and knocked one clearance straight to Stewart Downing.

Fergie's selection of De Gea at Anfield had raised eyebrows after 27-year-old Lindegaard appeared to have stolen a march in the battle to be United's first-choice keeper.

He had played in all but the Boxing Day loss to Blackburn in United's last six games and was set to get a recall against Stoke.

But now Fergie will be forced to stick with De Gea for the arrival of Tony Pulis' heavy artillery at Old Trafford.

United are also set to be without Wayne Rooney again after he missed Saturday's defeat with a damaged ankle.

But Rio Ferdinand, on the bench at Anfield, will be back in action.

Winger Nani is also close to a return after suffering a badly-bruised foot and could feature in Sunday's trip to Chelsea.

Phil Jones, who injured an ankle in the league win over Arsenal, is also nearing a comeback.

thesun.co.uk

[King of Camelot]

QPR have signed Lazio striker Djibril Cisse for a fee in the region of £4.2million.

Cisse, 30, has agreed a 2½-year deal and has been registered in time to make his debut at Aston Villa tomorrow, subject to international clearance being received one hour before kick-off.

QPR boss Mark Hughes said: "I rate Djibril very, very highly.

"I've watched him for many years and always been impressed by what he brings to the table.

"He's a huge threat to oppositions' defences. He's got great pace, power and movement and that's something we will hopefully benefit from."

Hughes added: "His goal record is there for everyone to see. He's scored goals wherever he's played.

"He was desperate to come here once we showed our interest in him and we can't wait to get the best out of him."

Cisse, who will wear the No23 shirt, only joined Lazio in the summer after a successful spell in Greece with Panathinaikos.

The Arles-born striker struggled for form in Italy, although he believes he can make an impact in London as part of Sparky's new-look side.

He said: "QPR have a hugely ambitious project.

"When I talked to the manager, he spoke highly of the club and where he wants to take it over the next few years.

"He wanted to sign me at Manchester City and now I am finally here with him at QPR.

"He wants to achieve big things here — that was all I needed to hear from him."

Cisse, who previously enjoyed spells with Liverpool and Sunderland, added: "I have unfinished business here in England.

"The English league is the best in the world. It is the league that suits me the most.

"I'm really happy to be here and I can't wait to repay the club's confidence in me, to get back to where I want to be as a player.

"I will always give 100 per cent and I can't wait to start playing games."

thesun.co.uk

[King of Camelot]

WAYNE BRIDGE has joined Sunderland on loan from Manchester City for the rest of the season.

Left-back Bridge, 31, was signed in time to go straight into the squad for tomorrow night's Premier League clash with Norwich.

Black Cats boss Martin O'Neill said: "I'm hoping that with Wayne's undoubted experience and ability he can be a big help to the team until the end of the season.

"I'm very pleased to have him here and with the number of injuries we've sustained recently I'm sure he'll be a great help to us."

Bridge added: "I'm delighted to make the move. I have met the manager and the lads and everyone seems great.

"I'm just excited to start playing football and playing a few games. The club is on the up — the manager has come in and done very well.

"Just coming in and speaking to him, everything has been positive. I have trained with the lads and they are a great bunch who are feeling really positive.

"Hopefully I can help the club progress even more."

thesun.co.uk

[King of Camelot]

BLACKBURN now have two Olssons on their books after manager Steve Kean completed the signing of Martin's twin brother Marcus.

Centre-back Martin joined Rovers on transfer deadline day in 2006 — and now winger Marcus has followed suit.

The club confirmed the 23-year-old has moved to Ewood Park on a free transfer from Swedish side Halmstad on 2½-year deal through to the summer of 2014.

Marcus, who can also play up front, is now awaiting international clearance on the deal from the Swedish FA and FIFA.

The Olsson brothers both started their careers at local side Hogaborgs BK and had a trial with Blackburn at the end of 2005.

However, while Martin signed a contract under then manager Mark Hughes, Marcus returned to Sweden and signed for Halmstad in 2008, scoring 17 goals in 139 appearances.

Olsson is Kean's second capture of the transfer window following the recent loan signing of Bordeaux striker Anthony Modeste.

thesun.co.uk

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[King of Camelot]

Ridgewell leaves Brum for Baggies

LIAM RIDGEWELL has joined West Brom on a two-and-a-½-year deal from Birmingham for a reported £2million.

The 27-year-old passed a medical at the Baggies training ground this afternoon after agreeing personal terms.

Ridgewell signed too late to be eligible for tomorrow evening's game at Fulham but will come into contention to make his debut in Saturday's home encounter with Swansea.

West Brom become Ridgewell's third Midlands club after starting his career at Aston Villa.

Baggies boss Roy Hodgson said: "Liam is a very experienced defender and has the added benefit of being left-sided.

"We do not have many of those defenders at the club.

"He can also play in two positions and he is used to playing in teams under pressure to get results to stay in the league.

"We hope we won't be one of those teams under pressure but, if we are, it is good to have someone of that experience.

"Liam was a transfer target last summer and since the start of this January but negotiations have been long and arduous which is often the case."

Ridgewell submitted a transfer request during the summer and made it clear his desire to leave Birmingham had not altered.

thesun.co.uk