Fistpumping across town next season?

Manchester United have today confirmed the departure of Carlos Tevez, as the Argentine hit-man has turned down the 5-year deal he so craved mere months ago. As his two-year loan deal ends in a few days, his adviser Kia Joorabchian has declared his clients next destination not only lies in the Premier League, but could very well be in the same town. Manchester City seem to be favorites to add Tevez to their Eastlands revolution but paying and playing the Argentine the way he feels he deserves.

Meanwhile, Joorabchian has also confirmed Chelsea are in the running to land the former West Ham player as the scramble for his signture is sure to intensify.

Liverpool is said to be out of the running as Tevez is said to respect the rivalry between the two clubs with their historic reluctance to share players well-documented. While this may be a noble gesture by the Argentine, it could also be considered a slap to the face to City fans who see their club as direct competiton for their cross town rivals and see United as their biggest rivals. To have Tevez consider City might be seen as a new high for an ambitious club like Manchester City, but for their prideful fans to have their side considered when Liverpool have been ruled out because of their bitter rivalry, could be seen as disrespect to his potential new side.

Whats the problem Andrei?

Andrei Arshavin has been linked with just about every major football club, on every continent, since the end of the Euro 2008 competition. Why?

Well, to be frank it is because of his leading Russian club Zenit St-Petersburg to the UEFA Cup title, and more so, about two or three appearances for Russia in the Euros, following his suspensin of the group stages of the competition.

No one doubts his talents, but the 27-year-old has created a sort of hysteria about himself. Plying his trade only in Russia for Zenit St-Petersburg, one wonders if all the hubbub around the creative midfielder is warrented.

No question of his talents, but at 27 what has kept this shining star from major European football? Many major teams are reluctant to sign the star, one because of his age, and two because of his reported belief that he deserves sky high wages. Why this belief that he deserves so much after proving himself, if you really think about, not proving himself at all at the highest level.

Problems mount up for the Samba star.

After the well-documented walk-out on the club in Tenerife, Robinho seems to have returned to England a wanted man after being arrested and reportedly released on bail. The charge stems from a nightclub sexual assault allegation at a Leeds night club. The former Real Madrid star has denied the charges on his official website, and in light of the timing of these events, some eye brows have been raised in connection with all the dramatic events surrounding the troubled star.

On Robinho's official website (http://www.robinhoofficial.com/) the meeting with police was described as pre-arranged, hinting that Robinho probably knew what was to take place when he jetted off back to South America. This could indicate that the "personal reasons" Robinho cited for leaving might be tied to the charge, as it also could explain Mark Hughes unwillingness to publicly and harshly punish the star, although the gaffar confirmed he would face a monetary punishment. More developments are sure to unfold, stay tuned as the plot thickens.

Can't get a game on Merseyside.

Jermaine Pennant is a hot commodity this transfer window, given his lack of first team opportunities at Anfield. With Portsmouth, Real Madrid, Sevilla, Tottenham, Chelsea and Wigan are all reportedly in for his signature, the pacey winger is surely out of Liverpool in the coming weeks. Portsmouth seem favorites to sign the former Birmingham man, yet it is reported Pennant is not interested in anything more than a loan spell away from the Reds.

Pennant was not named in the squad which lined up against Everton in the Merseyside derby on Monday, which further propels the idea that the wide-man's days are numbered.

Following his heart, and not his pockets.

So its finally over - Kaka stays in Milan after denying he even considered a move to Eastlands, while Manchester City insist Milan are at fault for the deal breaking down or "bottling it" at Garry Cook would say, and Brazilian ace goes missing from Tenerife training to return home to Brazil for his Birthday.

There will certainly be much more to come.

While City might consider it somewhat of a victory they even got this far in negotiations, they will be dissappointed as Kaka was seen as a key figure in the Blues revolution.

The dressing room unrest rumored to affect Kaka's decision not to come to City was somewhat confirmed when it was found that Robinho jumped ship against Hughes and the clubs wishes. Hughes managerial skills will surely come under scrutiny now, and the next big transfer saga involving City might be a managerial one.

Now where exactly did you pull that from?

In a relatively tame January transfer window (so far), there is one name that is surprisingly not popping up on the radar. Carlos Tevez has failed to land a permanent deal at Old Trafford since the arrival of Dimitier Berbatov after an impressive first season with the Red Devils.

With limited playing time this season and the striker adamant on playing somewhere on a long-term deal, it seems the time is ripe for someone to step in.

If United have dragged their feet this far into the campaign without deciding on the Argentine's future, the on-loan striker to me seems up for grabs and should tempt the likes of Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and even Kaka-chasing and cross-town neighbors Manchester City.

Now, Tevez has voiced that he would like to remain at Old Trafford, however he cannot be happy to be so low on the striking pecking order. Time will tell if this hot transfer property attracts new suitors.

Hugging goodbye?

Chelsea sit second in the Premier League table. Not too bad at this point in the season and given Big Phil Scolari's first season in the Premier League. Yet it seems all is still not well, especially after the 3-0 humiliation at Old Trafford last weekend. With rumors of a dressing room split, players wanting out, and Big Phil's inability to win big games, rumors have surfaced that the Chelsea board (Abromovich) want him out.

Scolari has hit back in his own way by axeing a player that has seemed to cause more harm than good over the last year, as Didier Drogba will miss Chelsea's trip to Southend in the FA Cup as he has been axed by Scolari and told he can leave the club if he is not happy.

If this revelation is true is anyone's guess, yet with Anelka leading the Premier League in scoring and the pair seemingly unable or the manager unwilling to play together, it could be lights out for Drogs at Chelsea.

However, it is more Chelsea style to get rid of the manager in times like these than a player, is it not?

With reports rife that City's executive chairman Garry Cook is in Milan negotiating a deal (not quite a deal, more a coup or a bid worth more than some football clubs), it seems Manchester City may not be that far from landing their next big-name signing.

With €100 million euros reported to be on the table, and a cool £250,000 a week in wages to be offered, money will not be a concern for Kaka, yet his agent proclaims the Brazilian is not in it for the money.

Cases can be made for both sides of this argument of whether Kaka will sign or not, given Robinho's recruiting methods and the draw of the City revolution (although it still looks like the same old City) versus whether or not this is another case of the Arab's money-weilding gone array.

League leaders and favorites are finally starting to take shape around the football world, but that doesn't mean there is not some room for surprises!

In the Premier League, Chelsea have taken the top spot off Liverpool as Robbie Keane finally opened his EPL account with the Reds. The Irishman has finally began chipping away at his £20 million pricetag.

Arsenal have proved doubters wrong while denting Manchester United's title challenge significantly. Seems like Berba and Rooney may not be a match made in heaven, but at least Rafeal looks like a gem!

Manchester City are on a three game skid, while in a game marred by questionable cards and sending off's, Tottenham moved clear of the relegation zone. Mark Hughes will be in hot water when he goes to meet his new owners for the first time, yet with a rumored £100 million plus to spend, who knows what the Welshman can do.

Abroad, Real Madrid got back on the high road with a sintilating performance from Hinguain. The Argentine tore apart Malaga for four goals. Maybe Madrid don't need a striker after all. Around La Liga, Barcelona saw off Valladolid by convincing 6-0 margin. Eto'o's four goals in 45 minutes will go a long way to shut up his critics. So will his league leading 13 goals in La Liga. Valencia have also seen off Getafe. Shaping up to be a good season in Spain.

Italian league leaders AC Milan heading into their tie will be dissappointed to leave Lecce with only a point after fighting ahead with a Ronaldinho strike. The injury time equalizer will set the Rossonari behind last years champs Inter Milan as Julio Cruz put the Inter by Udinese at the San Siro. With so many teams playing well in the Serie A, it should be a tight one again this year. Here is hoping Roma can get their domestic form in order!

Stay tuned to the Fanatic for more gossip this week!

In Manchester City's endless circus, it now seems that another super-star name has been linked with the struggling mega-rich club. Now Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero seems destined for the City of Manchester Stadium, with Mark Hughes ready to put the player at the top of his wishlist when he travels to Dubai to meet with the new owners.

Along with the likes of Buffon, Casillas, Torres, Gerrard, Essien, Ronaldo, Kaka, etc, etc, Manchester City's list of potential targets just keeps going and going.

Who would have thought that losing to Bolton could bring about so much good news?

The list:

Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal, Togo), Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid, Argentina), Andrei Arshavin (Zenit St Petersburg, Russia), Michael Ballack (Chelsea, Germany), Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus, Italy), Iker Casillas (Real Madrid, Spain), Deco (Chelsea, Portugal), Didier Drogba (Chelsea, Ivory Coast), Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona, Cameroon), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal, Spain), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool, England), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter Milan, Sweden), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona, Spain), Kaka (AC Milan, Brazil), Frank Lampard (Chelsea, England), Lionel Messi (Barcelona, Argentina), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich, France), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United, Portugal), John Terry (Chelsea, England), Fernando Torres (Liverpool, Spain), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid, Holland), David Villa (Valencia, Spain) and Xavi (Barcelona, Spain).

Vastly similar to the Balon list, but a little more refined and predictable.

Most would have to say it comes down to only a few when you look at form over the last year, or so: Ronaldo, Messi, Torres, Fabregas, Aguero, Gerrard, Xavi, Villa, Lampard and Casillas. To me, the rest have some injury or inconsistency to keep them out of serious contention, but you might not agree!

Spain dominates the list, but interestingly enough Chelsea rules the roost as far as clubs go, but the Blues boast no Spanish players. Interesting....

Cesc and Ade have to be eating their words now. Their Spurs taunting surely did not go unnoticed. What a comeback, probably one of the best in history.

Now that Uncle Harry has been in the hotseat he has managed one win and an Arsenal draw, better than Spurs had done in eight. Looks like the managerial switch paid off.

After Modric's performance, I can't see Juventus luring him from under Harry's nose, but weirder things have happened.

So, six goals in six games. I think the verdict is in for now, good move for Robinho.

While things can still go south for the samba boy, for now it seems he's finally playing the football that makes him happy. While City may still be transitioning, Robinho is surely going to be an ace in Mark Hughes sleeve as he looks to create a team capable of breaking into the top four.

Now for the Citizens, who's next to come in?

Well, the nominee's have been announced and look like this:

Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal), Togo.
Sergio Agüero (Atletico Madrid), Argentine.
Andreï Archavine (Zénith Saint-Pétersbourg), Russia.
Michael Ballack (Chelsea), Germany.
Karim Benzema (Lyon), France.
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus Turin), Italy.
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Spain.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Portugal.
Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Ivory Coast.
Samuel Eto'o (FC Barcelone), Cameroon.
Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Spain.
Fernando Torres (Liverpool FC), Spain.
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool FC), England.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter Milan), Sweden.
Kaka (Milan AC), Brazil.
Frank Lampard (Chelsea), England.
Lionel Messi (FC Barcelone), Argentina.
Pepe (Real Madrid), Portugal.
Franck Ribéry (Bayern Munich), France.
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), England.
Marcos Senna (Villarreal), Spain.
Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Spain.
Luca Toni (Bayern Munich), Italy.
Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United), Netherlands.
Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburg SV puis Real Madrid), Netherlands.
Ruud van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid), Netherlands.
Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United), Serbia.
David Villa (Valence CF), Spain.
Xavi (FC Barcelone), Spain.
Youri Zhirkov (CSKA Moscou), Russia.

First and foremost, the left-outs. Henry, Ronaldinho, not a surprise. World class, but as of late have been rubbish. The likes of Sheva can be added to that list, as his struggles have been well documented. Also, past winner Fabio Cannavaro is absent from the list most likely a victim of the list reduction from 50 to 30.

World class names without a chance: Ballack, Pepe, Senna, Vidic, Zhirkov.

Best shots: Messi, Ronaldo, Torres, Casillas, Xavi.

Messi - Probably the dark horse favorite behind Ronaldo. Undeniable talent and youth at one of the world's biggest club. Their new number 10 and talisman with Ronaldinho's departure. He's Barca's highest paid player for a reason, but is that enough to lift the trophy after Barca listed no trophies last season?

Ronaldo - The bookies favorite. 40 plus goals in all competitions last season. European Club champion. English champion. Pretty much sums it up. Over the years will surely be battling with Messi for best player in the world. Mouth watering if a move to Madrid materializes. El Clasico will be phenomenal.

Torres - Lit up the Premier League with underachieveing Liverpool. Will look to lead them to a domestic title, but his form has been undeniable. If he stays healthy he will be a nominee year after year.

Casillas - Takes the keeper position to a whole new level. Casillas or Buffon is everyone's first choice for a goalkeeper. Yet, it might prove tough to outshine the skilled wingers on the list.

Xavi - All around player. Golden ball winner from the summers Euro Championship. Truely the complete midfielder.

So, anyone's guess who the committee will select, but the bookies have to have Messi and Ronaldo as the favorites. What do you think?

England really can't win, even if they win 5-1 against Borat's beloved Kazahstan. After a first half display reminiscent of the McClaren era, the introduction of Shaun Wright-Phillips and a reshuffling of the midfield found the Three Lions coming to life. However, even with blasting the visitor's for 5, the crowd could not resist booing Chelsea man Ashley Cole who's flub cost his side the clean sheet.

An honour usually bestowed upon another Chelsea man, Frank Lampard, the boo boys of the English support seem to always find their way into the headlines. Post game write-ups and commentary was less about the football, Rooney's hair, or Heskey's inability to finish (Emile over Defoe? It took Jermaine two minutes to get on the scoresheet!), and more about the boos that reigned down over Cole after his flub.

Now with stand-in captain Rio Ferdinand calling the crowed boos 'immature' and the FA labeling the booers 'crazy,' the problem seems to affect a wide range of individuals. If England can't get respect for winning 5-1, then what can they get respect for? Perhaps only a trophy will do, but they have to qualify first.