Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp watched Marseille striker Loic Remy score both goals in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Lille, but the French side’s coach Didier Deschamps issued a hands-off warning.
Redknapp is keen to sign the international striker but Marseille are desperate to hang on to the player for their Champions League campaign which resumes next month.
“I knew Redknapp was here,” said Deschamps. “He came to see some players, but he came for nothing. There was no point. ‘Wait and see’ is what I’d tell him if I saw him.
“They have important economic power, but I have important matches to play.”
Romeu praise for Torres
Chelsea’s Oriol Romeu insisted yesterday he was impressed by Spanish team-mate Fernando Torres despite the striker scoring just five goals in almost a year since his record-breaking move from Liverpool.
The 27-year-old’s performance during Saturday’s 1-0 over Sunderland was among his best at Stamford Bridge and Romeu said: “People used to say that if he (Torres) doesn’t score then he is not playing good, but that is not true.
“He is playing good and he helped us to get the goals. Every ball, he fights and he is big player for us.”
Inter table €25m bid for Tevez
Inter president Massimo Moratti has confirmed that his side have made a €25 million bid for Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez.
“There are no secrets in football,” Moratti told Controcampo on Sunday night. “The offer is €25 million. Now it is up to City whether they accept that bid or not.”
Moratti added: “However, I do think that there are a number of other clubs who are interested in him. There are some English sides and also Paris St Germain.”
Spurs still in title race – Parker
Scott Parker said Tottenham are still genuine title contenders despite Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Wolves, warning leaders Manchester City that Spurs will be looking to bounce back in style by grabbing all three points in Sunday’s showdown between the two sides at the Etihad Stadium.
“I think we can still win the title, definitely,” Parker said. “We need to believe that we can win every game.
“We will quickly dust ourselves down from this game and we will go to Man City looking forward to it and hopefully get the three points. It’s a big game and I am sure we will come out on the front foot looking to win.”
Hughes ready for transfer flurry
QPR manager Mark Hughes admits he is planning a series of signings during the January transfer window as he tries to lift his struggling side out of the Premier League relegation zone.
Hughes got a first glimpse of his new team’s problems during their 1-0 defeat at Newcastle on Sunday, as sloppy finishing and careless defending allowed the Magpies to steal the points.
“It’s fair to say we are in the market for good players if they become available and if they are attainable,” he said.
“We would like to think the players we are able to bring in would be the right quality, and I am sure they would be.”
Abate apologises for derby upset
Ignazio Abate has conceded that he was the man responsible for Milan’s 1-0 defeat to city rivals Inter on Sunday.
The right-back’s error allowed the ball through to Diego Milito who was then able to score Inter’s winning goal.
“I had the feeling that I could get to the ball,” the defender told Sky Sport Italia.
“However, the ball squirmed away from me and that was how the goal that decided the game was born.
“I take full responsibility and I apologise to the fans.”
Henry clashes with Arsenal fan
Thierry Henry’s return to Arsenal turned sour on Sunday when he was involved in a heated exchange with a fan following his side’s stunning 3-2 defeat to Swansea.
Henry, who came on as a substitute, took his team-mates over to acknowledge the thousands of travelling fans after the game.
However, he took exception to something that was said from the stands and was seen to engage in an angry exchange with at least one fan.
A club spokesperson confirmed that Henry had said: “No matter what, you should support the team.”
The Sun claim that the fan had shouted at Henry and his team-mates: “Where is the heart and the character and the fight?”