Football news

Sebastien Bassong has challenged his Tottenham team-mates to prove they are good enough to earn a place in next year’s Champions League by extending their unbeaten run well into the new year.

Bassong came off the bench to help Spurs obtain a 2-0 victory over former club Newcastle on Tuesday.

“Starting 2011 with a win is really important for us and we need to keep going like that,” Bassong said.

“We’ve had good results against Chelsea, Villa and Newcastle and if we want to be in the top four at the end of the season we have all said we must carry on winning.

“The next game will be really important. Fulham will come here for a difficult London derby.”

Warnock keen to keep Walker

QPR boss Neil Warnock plans to keep Kyle Walker for the rest of the season after the on-loan Tottenham defender helped his side move seven points clear at the top of the Championship.

Warnock’s team beat Coventry 2-0 on Tuesday thanks to a second half own goal from Coventry goalkeeper Keiren Westwood off a shot by Walker.

“I’ve spoken to Harry (Redknapp) and they’re very happy that Kyle’s playing games,” Warnock said.

“There’s very much a chance that we’ll be able to keep him for the rest of the season.”

Kean dismisses unrest rumours

Steve Kean saw clear signs he has the backing of the players and the fans as he enjoyed his first win as Blackburn manager, a 3-1 away success against West Brom.

Kean, placed in charge after the sacking of Sam Allardyce, also had his name chanted by the visiting supporters and then revealed he has cleared the air with unsettled defender Christopher Samba who was stripped of the captaincy.

“I never felt there was a rebellion or that anyone didn’t want to play,” said Kean.

“I think for Chris, what was said was if another club came in for him then he would look at it. He might have been misquoted.

“He assured me he never said he wanted to leave. He didn’t put in a written or verbal transfer request and I am very encouraged.”

Hughes praise for Fulham players

Fulham boss Mark Hughes paid tribute to the focus of his players after they hauled themselves out of the Premier League relegation zone with victory at Stoke on Tuesday.

“There was real intensity to our focus before and during the game,” Hughes said.

“We came here with frustration – that was the thing we were all feeling in terms of where we were sat in the league, but that helped our focus and I thought we were immense.

“Everybody on the field of play was exceptional – big performances from every part of the team, and that is what you need.

“Maybe that has been lacking in away games, that intensity that you need and resolute mindset.”

City offer €35m for Dzeko – report

Manchester City have offered €35 million for Wolfsburg’s Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko, Bild reported yesterday.

In what Bild said would be a record price for a Bundesliga player, the English club would pay the Germans €30 million for the 24-year-old plus five million euros more if City reach the Champions League.

The transfer could be finalised in time for Man. City’s crunch away clash at Arsenal on January 5, Bild added, without identifying a source.

Earlier this month, Dzeko, who is Wolfsburg’s captain, refused to shake coach Steve McClaren’s hand when he was substituted after missing a crucial penalty in the 77th minute of a goalless draw with Werder Bremen.

Smith unfazed by Ljungberg talk

Rangers manager Walter Smith claims he has no fears about Celtic recruiting Freddie Ljungberg ahead of this weekend’s Old Firm derby.

The former Arsenal star, 33, is training with the Parkhead club this week with a view to earning a deal.

“The games worry you, that’s the thing, that’s the aspect we would be looking at more than anything else,” Smith said.

“I don’t think either club can look at a situation where, if they sign a particular player, that’s a problem. Ljungberg is a talented player, there is no doubt about that.

“But my concern would be about Celtic’s team overall as much as any individual.”

Roma poised to offload Baptista

Roma are prepared to transfer Julio Baptista to Malaga but have no intention of parting with David Pizarro.

The Giallorossi had planned to sell Baptista in the summer but he reportedly turned down a series of moves.

According to reports from Italy, Baptista has agreed to join Spanish side Malaga for €2m.

However, Roma have issued a statement to dismiss reports about Pizarro’s possible switch to Genoa.

“With regards to the stories reported recently around David Pizarro, Roma reiterate once again that the Chilean midfielder is off the market and plays no part in any transfer negotiations.”