Hodgson expects Torres to stay; Chelsea step up chase for England’s most sought-after youngster

Hodgson expects Torres to stay

Roy Hodgson is adamant Fernando Torres will remain at Anfield after the Spaniard’s brace saw the Reds beat Chelsea to record their fourth successive victory.

The boss says he is confident Torres will stay as long as Liverpool start realizing their potential.

“We speak all the time, and it is clear he wants the club to do well,” said the Liverpool manager.

“He wants to see we’re moving in the right direction. We were all in a situation wondering what the future would be when we were in the throes of a takeover but, like myself, he can see a positive future here.

“I don’t have any fears for the future, as far as he’s concerned, as long as we can get back close to the top of the table, where Liverpool belong.”

Liverpool really made a statement with the resounding victory over Chelsea but if they are to have any chance to keeping hold of Torres and other star players, the Reds will have to at least clinch the Champions League place.

[Source: Daily Mail]

Chelsea step up chase for England’s most sought-after youngster

Impressive performances of Blackburn youngster Phil Jones have caught the attention of Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti, who is ready to make a bid for the player dubbed the ‘new John Terry’.

The 18-year-old is playing as a centre-back for England Under-21 side, but Sam Allardyce uses him as a holding midfielder, with his versatility seen as a big bonus.

Ancelotti has recently ruled out January signings but he could jump at the opportunity to sign one of the most sought-after players in England before other top 4 sides make their move.

The youngster who already has 18 Premiership appearances to his name would cost Chelsea around £10 million, which is not too much to pay for the player of such potential, but the Blues face a stiff competition from Manchester United and Manchester City.

For the time being, Rovers may not be willing to sell as they see Jones as a very important player in their fight for survival but there is no doubt a hefty offer would make them change their minds.

[Daily Mirror]

Gary Neville set to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Sir Alex Ferguson is set to offer Gary Neville the chance to coach United reserves with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer likely to quit.

Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, who is currently in charge of United reserves, is widely tipped to take over at Molde, and Fergie has lined up Gary Neville as his successor.

Neville has already taken his coaching badges and is seen as a potential member of Fergie’s backroom staff, so this will be the perfect opportunity for him to show his worth.

The timing is hardly right for the United defender as he is yet to hang up his boots, meaning that Neville would start as a part-time coach and would only be offered a full-time job when he ends his playing career.

With both Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes also doing their coaching badges, Neville’s expected appointment may come as a surprise to some, but Sir Alex Ferguson probably expect the pair to continue playing for at least another season, while Neville no longer features in his first team plans.

[Source: The People]

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