Adel Taarabt wants to leave Queens Park Rangers for money

Adel Taarabt has found life tough in the Premier League

• News: Warnock cools Taarabt storm

Less than a week after storming off following his half-time substitution, Adel Taarabt has revealed he wants to leave Queens Park Rangers for money.

R’s boss Neil Warnock got the best out of the talented but temperamental Moroccan as the club won promotion last season, but the step up in class has seen mixed results from the player.

Taarabt cut little ice against Fulham at the weekend and was hauled off at the break – prompting the player to storm out of the ground. Warnock attempted to play down the move but it would appear the Moroccan is still smarting.

The arrivals of Joey Barton and Shaun Wright-Phillips at Loftus Road have forced Taarabt down the financial pecking order and the 22-year-old is not happy.

“I want to leave QPR during the January transfer window,” Taarabt is quoted as saying in The Sun. “It is for financial reasons.”

Per Mertesacker has no doubts the good times will return for Arsenal

Per Mertesacker has experienced a baptism of fire in England

• News: Mertesacker has sorted defence out – Wenger
• News: Edu leaps to Wenger’s defence
• News: Ramsey happier with Wales than Arsenal
• News: Arsenal can flourish without Champions League – Gazidis
• News: Arteta did not undergo medical before joining Arsenal

Per Mertesacker insists the entire Arsenal squad is “certain that the success will return” and that Arsene Wenger’s hero status is set in stone.

Mertesacker was one of several players to move to the Emirates towards the end of the transfer window but, with a number of the club’s key players having left or currently unavailable through injury, progress has been slow.

The Gunners have taken just seven points from their opening seven games and, after Sunday’s defeat at Tottenham, sit 15th in the table, but Mertesacker has no doubts about the manager or the direction of the club.

“The coach has been the pride of Arsenal for years,” he said in an interview for the German Football Association website. “Arsene Wenger does not sign players about whom he is not totally convinced. He gives this feeling to everyone on a daily basis. This knowledge gives me a lot of security.

“He has a huge reputation there and enjoys complete confidence. For the Arsenal fans, Wenger is a hero and he cannot lose this status. There is no one here who is not certain that the success will return. We have a talented team with a lot of potential lying dormant within us and it’s only a matter of time before that comes to the surface.”

With the sweeping changes to the side, it was always likely that Arsenal would need time to gel, and Mertesacker says he is still struggling to adjust to life in London.

“I’ve only been gone a month from Germany,” he said. “I have not yet properly acclimatised. Sometimes it feels like an extended holiday. Only slowly am I starting to get used to the fact that the centre of my life is now actually in London.

“I have been living in England since the middle of September, but it doesn’t yet feel like home. I don’t have my own house or my own flat. There is a lack of anchor points which I already had in Germany, but that takes time, it’s normal.

“We have many new players, but I feel that we have integrated very quickly. I still have communication problems, but given the circumstances this is inevitable.”

He added: “Arsenal is one of the top teams in the world and the level of the league in general is very high, but it is clear that mistakes happen. They are almost inevitable in a team which has not yet gelled.”

England are cheating with Fabio Capello – Jamie Carragher

Jamie Carragher came out of retirement to play in the 2010 World Cup

• News: Carragher fears he only has two years left at the top
• News: England on the brink of Euro 2012 qualification
• News: Gerrard steps up recovery for United showdown
• News: No fears for Capello over Rooney after father arrest

While he has nothing against Fabio Capello personally, Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher claims that England are cheating by giving the country’s top football job to a foreigner.

Carragher, 33, was called out of international retirement by Capello for the World Cup in the wake of an injury to Rio Ferdinand, but as the players prepared to fly to Montenegro for their final Euro 2012 qualifier, the Liverpool man insisted that having the national side coached by an Italian was ’embarrassing’ for the English game.

”If your manager’s not good enough, that’s your country’s fault. Get a better manager. Do the coaching qualification better,” he told talkSPORT. ”I think it’s a form of cheating at international football and it’s a bit embarrassing. I’ve got nothing against Capello. I went with him to the World Cup and got to know him a little bit. But I just think that’s what international football is.”

Carragher played in the 0-0 draw with Algeria but missed the game with Slovenia and was not selected for the crushing 4-1 exit to Germany and admitted that the Italian failed in South Africa.

”Maybe it’s something in our culture, or because English managers don’t get the chance to win club games at the top,” he added. ”If all the Premier League managers were English then someone would have to win the league, someone would have to win the FA Cup.

”They’d have to accumulate these trophies and that’s what it was like in the past. I’ve got nothing against Capello – I went with him to the World Cup and got to know him a little bit there but I just think that’s what international football is.

”I can’t say the World Cup went great under Fabio Capello because it didn’t, but getting a foreign manager is like saying, ‘Well, our keeper’s not good enough so we’re going to go and get Buffon from Italy’, or whoever it may be.”

The defender does, though, concede that Capello is superior to predecessor Steve McClaren. ”Capello’s got an aura about him, a presence,” he said. ”Steve McClaren didn’t have any of that coming into the job. But even if it didn’t go right with him, you can’t say, ‘Oh, it’s all right, we’ll get a foreign manager now’. It’s unfortunate but you have to go with the next best thing.

”Maybe it’s something in our culture, or because English managers don’t get the chance to win club games at the top. Benitez, Houllier, Mourinho – they’ve all got things about them in terms of having won the big trophies. Does that mean English managers don’t get a chance in the Premier League?

”Look at Chelsea, with a 33-year-old manager (Andre Villas-Boas). In years gone by, David Moyes would have got that position, or an up-and-coming manager who’s done a great job. But that doesn’t happen anymore and with the national team it’s about what you’ve achieved, what you’ve got in the locker.”

Anzhi determined to pursue Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez and Santos’ Neymar

Anzhi are determined to try and sign Carlos Tevez

• News: Man City look to hit Tevez for six
• News: Corinthians not planning to return for Tevez
• News: Manchester City unfazed by Tevez translator talk
• News: Van Persie leaves Arsenal future open to speculation
• News: Tevez agent claims interpreter was at fault

Anzhi Makhachkala are hopeful of bringing both Carlos Tevez and Neymar to the club.

Anzhi, who recently installed Andrei Gordeyev and Roberto Carlos as joint caretaker managers, have already made significant signings with Yuri Zhirkov joining from Chelsea and Samuel Eto’o signing from Inter but are intent upon becoming an elite club.

Tevez appears certain to leave Manchester City in January as an investigation into his apparent refusal to face Bayern Munich continues and, with few clubs both willing and able to meet his asking price and wage demands, Anzhi would appear to be well placed.

German Tkachenko, an influential agent, said he intended to pester City until they agreed to the sale – “Abramovich told us to go away ten times before agreeing to sell Zhirkov” – while a source at the club told the Tvoi Den daily: “The conditions for signing Tevez are very good.”

Roberto Carlos has also spoken publicly about the club’s desire to sign Neymar from Santos, as well as less feasible future moves for Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho.

Real Madrid and Barcelona are understood to be leading the race for Neymar, with Chelsea having refused to meet his release clause, but it appears the Brazil starlet may yet consider a move to Anzhi if he fails to sign for either Spanish club.

“I would love to sign Cristiano Ronaldo,” Roberto Carlos told Punto Pelota. “I have spoken to Santos’ Neymar and if Madrid or Barcelona fail to sign him then we will.

“The objective is also to sign Mourinho but not only him. We have tried to speak with various experienced coaches who are well known. We want to make Anzhi like Real Madrid and Barcelona and I say this with intent.”

He added that Eto’o is enjoying his time in Russia. “He has always been a ‘Madridista’. He is happy and not just because of the money, but because of the fans who have been treating him well.”

Anzhi are currently eighth in the table despite making a strong start to the season and dismissed long-serving coach Gadzhi Gadzhiyev at the end of September.

Roman Pavlyuchenko sets sights on Tottenham exit

got on the scoresheet against Shamrock Rovers in the Europa League

• News: Serbia keeper Brkic to raise game for Spurs scouts

Roman Pavlyuchenko has admitted his thoughts are already turning to the winter transfer window and a move away from Tottenham.

The Russian has struggled to make an impact this season, despite the club offloading Peter Crouch, and his lack of playing time is a source of frustration.

He has two and a half months to force his way into Harry Redknapp’s plans, but is seemingly resigned to moving on.

“I do not have much playing practice at Tottenham, although I am in very good physical shape,” he said in The Sun.

“I very much want to play football. That’s why I need to start thinking now about moving clubs in the winter.

“I love Tottenham. The team is like my second family. But if nothing changes I will agree to any loan deal. In fact, to any deal which gives me the chance to play permanently.”

Mikel Arteta did not undergo medical before joining Arsenal from Everton

Arsenal were happy to sign Mikel Arteta without him completing a medical

• News: Ramsey happier with Wales than Arsenal
• News: Arsenal can flourish without Champions League – Gazidis
• News: Mertesacker has no doubts the good times will return

Mikel Arteta has revealed that he did not undergo a medical before completing his move from Everton to Arsenal on transfer deadline day.

The Spanish midfielder made the switch from Merseyside to north London in the final hours of the summer transfer window in August, as Arsene Wenger suddenly scrambled to find midfield replacements for the departed pair of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.

Arsenal have had a difficult time with injuries in recent seasons – with defender Thomas Vermaelen one of a number of players to spend longer than expected stretches on the sidelines – but Arteta has revealed that time was so short on deadline day that both parties were happy to forgo the medical assessments that are usually a compulsory part of any transfer.

“It was very stressful. At 6pm, they said everything had broken down. Then, at 8.30pm, everything started again,” Arteta recalled. “But there wasn’t time to have a medical. I went to the offices of the club [Everton] and from there I told Arsenal to trust me and that if some medical problem was found it would be my responsibility.”

The 29-year-old does not have an exemplary health record, having missed nearly 12 months of action after suffering knee ligament damage in February 2009.

Fortunately, he has had no problems since moving to Emirates Stadium but has nevertheless endured something of a baptism of fire, with the club suffering notable defeats to Blackburn and Tottenham as they have remained entrenched in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

However, Arteta remains convinced that the players at the club can turn things around after the international break.

“It’s obvious that the club is having a phase of one or two months of difficulties and there have been a lot of people disappointed,” he said. “But we’ll come out of this. We’ll compete for everything. It’s down to us to give the fans reasons to get back to being excited.”

David Beckham could snub Tottenham for Paris St Germain

David Beckham has some tough decisions to make

• News: Redknapp will still ‘love’ to sign Gary Cahill
• News: Serbia keeper Brkic to raise game for Spurs scouts
• News: PSG fly out to offer Beckham lucrative deal
• News: PSG join race to sign Beckham
• News: Redknapp eyes Beckham swoop
• News: Spurs & QPR yet to bid for Beckham
• Profile:David Beckham

David Beckham has said that family will come first when deciding his next career move, despite being flattered by interest from Paris St Germain – leaving a possible switch to Tottenham in serious doubt.

Beckham, 36, has a contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy that expires after the current Major League Season in November and PSG, who have been active in the transfer market following their takeover by the Qatar Investment Authority, have made no secret of their desire to lure the former England captain to the Parc des Princes. Harry Redknapp has long been an admirer of the former England skipper but Spurs, who have not made an offer for the midfielder, could be set to miss out on his signature even if he decides to leave the United States.

Beckham has worked previously with PSG sporting director Leonardo during his two loan spells at AC Milan and has been keeping a close eye on happenings in the French capital.

He told Sports.fr: ”I had a good relationship with him when I was in Milan the first time and also when he was manager the second time. He’s a great sporting director and a wonderful person. I’m flattered that he wants me to come join him and the team in Paris, but I’m a Galaxy player, I live in Los Angeles, I am happy there and I play for them.

”There are great things happening in France at several clubs, but it’s an exciting time for PSG… Leonardo joining them, the money the club has, so it’s an interesting club.”

Beckham and pop star wife Victoria recently had their fourth child and the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder is adamant his family’s considerations will be paramount in deciding where to go next, with clubs from Brazil and the Middle East also reportedly interested.

”This [the family] is the number one priority, family comes first and where they are happy is where I stay, it’s that simple,” he added. ”My children go to school in LA and have done for five years. They are at the age where stability is important, so we’ll see. I always said I will wait until the end of the season, see how I feel physically and then decide.

”There is no urgency on my part obviously. It is important that I focus on the rest of the season. We should make the play-offs, we still have two matches to go and I will focus on the season and worry about the rest later.”

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher fears he has less than two years left at the top

Jamie Carragher applauds the fans

• News: Preparations for United ‘not ideal’ – Liverpool
• News: Rooney is the complete forward – Vucinic
• News: Carragher’s England cheat claim
• News: Gerrard steps up recovery for United showdown

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has admitted that he believes his time at the highest level will probably be over within two years.

Carragher, who has spent his entire career at the club, has made 676 appearances for the Reds since making his debut in a League Cup match against Middlesbrough in 1997.

The 33-year-old has continued to be a fixture in manager Kenny Dalglish’s teams this season, but has attracted some criticism for a couple of errors as time begins to catch up with him.

Carragher admits he can see the end of his career on the horizon – but is determined to play on until he is no longer wanted by the coaching staff.

When asked when his time in the Liverpool team might come to an end, Carragher said: “Ask Kenny. He picks the team. It will be up to the coaching staff I suppose.

“You want to try to get as much out of your career and play as long as possible. The time will come in the next 12, 18 months, maybe two years.

“That won’t be down to myself. It will be down to the people around me, the staff, the manager. They will decide.”

Carragher has been tipped as a future Liverpool manager once his playing days come to an end, and he admits that a move into the dugout is one he intends to pursue.

“Do I want to go in to coaching or management? Yes, I think so,” he said. “I’ve taken my first steps to coaching and the [UEFA] B licence.

“We all love the game, you want to stay involved in the game.”

Carragher also reiterated his views on England, after courting controversy on Thursday for suggesting the national team have ‘cheated’ by appointing a foreign manager.

“It’s nothing against Capello or anybody who comes in in the future,” Carragher added. “It’s nothing against foreign players or coaches. I just think that’s what international football should be about.

“For me we shouldn’t have a foreign member of staff. The best doctor in the country should be the England doctor, the best bus driver etc. That’s what international football is.

“If we’re not up to it in certain areas we have to improve.”

Robin van Persie leaves Arsenal future open to speculation amidst Manchester City reports

Robin van Persie has been one of the rare shining lights in a poor start to the season by Arsenal

• News: Van Persie underlines commitment to Arsenal
• News: Van Persie fuels exit talk
• News: Anzhi determined to pursue Tevez and Neymar
• News: Arsenal can flourish without Champions League – Gazidis
• News: Wilshere quashes talk of City move
• News: Wright admits Van Persie concern
• News: Wenger dismisses Van Persie-to-Man City talk
• Profile:Robin van Persie

Robin van Persie has done little to quell fears over his Arsenal future whilst on international duty with Netherlands, refusing to confirm his long-term commitment to the north London club.

Van Persie has cut a beleaguered figure as Arsenal captain this season, helping the Gunners to just two Premier League wins in seven matches. Arsene Wenger’s side are currently hovering 15th in the table, and former striker Ian Wright recently cast doubts over the future of Van Persie, who has less than two years to run on his current contract.

“I would not blame Robin van Persie if he left now,” Wright told Sky Sports News. “Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal board have had enough time, with what has happened to players in previous years when they have run their contracts down.

“If they have not got themselves in a position where they can offer Robin van Persie something to make him stay, or Arsene Wenger to give him an incentive to make him stay with regard to the players they are going to buy and where the club is going…

“He is like anyone else, he wants success, to win stuff and play in finals and unfortunately at the minute that is not happening. For me that would be a real gutter if he left.”

Van Persie faced questions over his future ahead of Netherlands’ Euro 2012 qualifier with Moldova, where he was asked if he would follow Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri by leaving Arsenal.

“I do not know [what I will do], I cannot predict the future,” Van Persie responded in the Times. “Everybody makes his own history and only afterwards can you see how that went.”

Pressed on whether he would be tempted to join the growing number of former Arsenal players to join Manchester City, as Nasri did during the summer, Van Persie was equally evasive. Gael Clichy and Kolo Toure have both been tempted by City’s millions, and Van Persie confessed things change rapidly in football.

“I do not know,” the striker said of a move to City. “For one thing, as an indication, when I came to Arsenal we immediately beat City. But in recent years much has happened in England.

“Nevertheless, I think the Premier League is still the best league in the world, it gives me everything I want.”

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney’s dad denies allegations

Wayne Rooney’s father

• News: Rooney’s father arrested as part of betting probe

Wayne Rooney’s father has “vigorously” denied allegations that he was involved in a football betting scam and was “co-operating fully” with the police investigation.

Wayne Rooney Snr, 48, was bailed pending further inquiries on Thursday night after being held earlier in the day when police swooped at his home in West Derby, Liverpool.

Eight other people, including the Manchester United star’s uncle, Richie, 54, and Liverpool-born Motherwell midfielder Steve Jennings, 26, were also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud. Merseyside Police said all have been bailed until January next year.

Merseyside Police said the arrests were the culmination of a joint operation with the Gambling Commission into “suspicious betting activity”.

Tonight Anthony Barnfather, partner at Pannone solicitors who are representing Mr Rooney Snr, said in a statement: “Mr Rooney vigorously denies all of these allegations. We are co-operating fully with the investigation. No further comment will be made at this time.”