Italy's big guns look to cherry-pick Balotelli

 

The January transfer window is open, and it appears the clamour for Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has started in Italy.

Napoli are the latest club to express an interest in the Italy international, with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis dreaming of partnering the forward with Edinson Cavani, who has also welcomed a move for the 22-year-old.

Inter, meanwhile, claim to have first refusal for their former striker, and will exercise the right to bid if Manchester City choose to sell.

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi may have described Balotelli as a "rotten apple," recently, but there is no shortage of suitors aiming to cherry-pick the Italy international.
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Chelsea boo-boys call for Torres to get the chop

 

Chelsea's Capital One Cup defeat to Swansea brought misery for the fans and also for striker Fernando Torres, who once again failed to score before being substituted.

The Spain international has endured a terrible time in west London since his £50 million move from Liverpool, and was jeered on Wednesday night at Stamford Bridge by his own fans.

To make matters worse, the supporters also called for new signing Demba Ba, who looked a real threat in his brief cameo and could be set to ensure Torres gets the chop from Chelsea's team.

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Sturridge stuck in Liverpool time warp

 

After swapping European champions Chelsea for Liverpool, striker Daniel Sturridge has wasted no time in revealing his delight at joining the Reds.

Despite the fact the Merseysiders have failed to win a league title for over 20 years and finished a lowly eighth last season, Sturridge is convinced he has made the right decision.

"It is the biggest club I have ever played for," he told the club's official website. "In the Premier League, there is no bigger club than Liverpool."
 

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Berlusconi: Balotelli is a rotten apple

 

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has rubbished rumours that the club could sign Mario Balotelli, describing the Manchester City forward as a "rotten apple".

It was thought Balotelli could have been brought in to replace the already-departured Pato and Robinho, who was expected to leave the club in the current window, but the 76-year-old has officially ruled it out.

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Cristiano Ronaldo remains in Messi's shadow after Ballon d'Or defeat

 

Lionel Messi made history on Monday night, securing his fourth Ballon d'Or - more than any player has ever managed.

The Argentine's brilliance saw him deservedly crowned the best player in the world, but spare a thought for Cristiano Ronaldo, who was once again pipped to the post by the Barcelona man.

Leading Real Madrid to the Liga title over the Blaugrana was not enough for the Portugal captain, who couldn't even grab more attention with his suit than Messi at the glitzy ceremony in Zurich.

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You're free to go - Mourinho forced to concede defeat in Casillas bench row

 

Jose Mourinho's battle with Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas took another twist on Sunday night, when the Portuguese boss was forced to call upon the Spanish goalkeeper to replace Antonio Adan after his red card in the 4-3 win over Real Sociedad.

In the build-up to kick-off, the Santiago Bernabeu crowd cheered the shot-stopper's name as it was read out on the tannoy, which was in stark contrast to the greeting that welcomed the manager, who was roundly booed by his own fans.

After being pegged back twice, a Cristiano Ronaldo double ensured victory for the Liga champions, yet for Mourinho, he was forced to concede a notable defeat as Casillas returned to the fold..

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Super Van Persie rescues Manchester United in the nick of time

 

Robin van Persie scores when he wants. What started as a defiant chant by Arsenal fans last season has now been adopted by gleeful Manchester United supporters but, no matter who is doing the singing, they appear to be right.

The Dutchman has continued the blistering form which enabled him to light up north London last season, and on Saturday he notched his 20th goal of the season for United with a last-minute equaliser against West Ham.

Sam Allardyce's men thought they had booked their passage into the FA Cup fourth round courtesy of two James Collins headers but, at the death, substitute Van Persie sensationally took a brilliant lofted pass from Ryan Giggs in his stride before rifling the ball low into the net with his supposedly weaker right foot.

The two sides will now have to do battle again to see whose FA Cup dream will stay alive, and only a fool would bet against Van Persie making the difference again.
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A helping hand

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Pato back to Brazil

 

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Sam Allardyce picks up Raggedy-Ann dolls Joe Cole & Marouane Chamakh

 

Limp and hung out to dry, Joe Cole and Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh had become two of the footballing wilderness' most high-profile members in the last six months.

Fortunately, West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has always been a man to appreciate the quality of vintage goods, and was quick to sign the duo on Friday in the early days of the January transfer window.

Snapped off the shelf and handed a second chance at Upton Park, 31-year-old Cole will be hoping for a happy return to east London, while the Moroccan's six-month loan spell is a perfect chance to show his worth to his parent club in the north of the capital...
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