Rio Ferdinand has revealed all communication with old friend Frank Lampard has ceased in the build-up to Manchester United’s Premier League showdown with Chelsea.
The former West Ham team-mates have remained in regular contact throughout their careers, having maintained the bond first forged at Upton Park during their respective international careers.
However, when trophies are being prepared to get handed out, contact stops.
“At this time of the season, me and Frank don’t really talk,” said Ferdinand.
“During the season we will send each other the odd text here and there but when it comes to the business end, there is not really any dialogue.”
Mario Balotelli admits shortcomings
Mario Balotelli has admitted there are times when he does not even listen to his own parents.
The Man. City striker is well known for his short fuse but has calmed down recently and could be in line for an FA Cup final starting spot if Carlos Tevez misses out.
Attending a charity function with team-mate Patrick Vieira in midweek, Balotelli claimed he does take advice... sometimes.
“If you tell me things one or two times, I understand because I am not stupid,” he said.
“Patrick is one of the people I listen to most but I don’t even listen to my parents sometimes.”
Aston Villa start Downing talks
Aston Villa have opened initial talks with representatives of winger Stewart Downing regarding a new contract. Downing still has two years remaining of the deal he signed when moving from Middlesbrough for a then club-record £12 million in 2009.
But Villa caretaker boss Gary McAllister is aware of the need to ensure Downing remains at the club, particularly with a major doubt hanging over the future of Ashley Young.
McAllister said: “Stewart has got two years left and we are getting into that area where it’s coming into our vision. It’s in progress. We are starting to make contact with his agent.
“We have to keep good players here.”
UEFA back Blatter for FIFA re-election
UEFA threw their support behind Sepp Blatter to be re-elected as FIFA president.
All members of UEFA’s executive committee have signed a letter backing Blatter and urging “all UEFA member associations to do likewise”.
The move is a strong indication UEFA president Michel Platini aims to stand in 2015 when Blatter has said he will step down if re-elected.
Scotland, Wales and N. Ireland are all also expected to support Blatter in next month’s election.
Although the home associations are yet to make decisions, sources say the FA of Wales and Scottish FA are both set to back Blatter rather than Mohamed Bin Hammam.
Inter and Milan tussle for Hulk
Inter have reportedly entered negotiations with Porto to sign forward Hulk in summer but city rivals Milan are also interested in the Brazilian thus sparking a possible transfer market derby.
Milan chief Adriano Galliani said last week that his club was interested in Hulk.
However, Porto closed the door on this option, as they are still smarting from the shock collapse of Aly Cissokho’s move to the Rossoneri a few years ago.
Porto, instead, would be willing to talk to Inter, reports said.
Hulk is one of the main reasons why Porto have reached the Europa League final and is wanted by numerous top clubs in the continent, earning him a €40m price-tag.
Beckham set to face Real Madrid
David Beckham will have the chance to play against his former club, Real Madrid, for the first time since joining the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007 at a friendly in July.
Beckham and the Galaxy will face Real on July 16 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
An injury that ended Beckham’s World Cup dreams also kept him from playing last year in Real Madrid’s 3-2 victory over the Galaxy.
Real Madrid defeated the Galaxy 2-0 in 2005, two years before former England captain Beckham signed his five-year deal to join Los Angeles after his Real Madrid deal expired.
W. Bremen suspend bad-boy Arnautovic
Austria striker Marko Arnautovic has been suspended by his Bundesliga club Werder Bremen for disciplinary reasons.
The 22-year-old, signed by Bremen for six million euros in July, has been dropped without the club specifying his offence and his team still not sure of their Bundesliga survival.
According to Bild, Arnautovic was out night-clubbing on Thursday. The former Inter and FC Twente striker has scored just two league goals in 24 appearances this season and has already fallen foul of club bosses.
Arnautovic was warned back in August to improve his attitude, just a month after joining the north German side, because of a lack of effort in training and in matches.