Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp admitted Giovani dos Santos is likely to leave the club this month despite the Mexico international’s fine performance in the FA Cup 3-0 win over Cheltenham.
“He’s got talent but has to work harder in training and get fitter,” said the Spurs manager.
“When he does that he has a chance.
“He’s looking to move to be honest. We had a move last summer, but he didn’t want to go to Italy, he wanted to go to Spain.
“I think he’ll probably move if we get the right offer, but we have to get the right offer.”
Ben Arfa wonder goal wins praise
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew led the praise for a wonder goal from France international Hatem Ben Arfa in their 2-1 home win against Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup third round.
“I’ve not seen a better individual goal,” said Pardew after Ben Arfa went past several Blackburn players in a weaving run before powering a shot past Mark Bunn.
“It’s the greatest goal I’ve ever seen. You can volley into the corner or smash a goal from 40 yards, but to score a goal like that you need to be a special talent.
“It was an unbelievable goal and I’m really pleased for him because he’s had a tough ride here with injuries.”
Fan bailed in ’Pool race row
A 20-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence during Liverpool’s FA Cup clash with Oldham was bailed yesterday.
Oldham player Tom Adeyemi was allegedly abused by fans at Anfield’s Kop end during Friday’s third-round game, which Liverpool won 5-1.
Gordon Taylor, chief executive of the Professional Footballers Association, confirmed he had spoken to Adeyemi and said “we can confirm that he was the victim of racist abuse”.
De Rossi will stay – Enrique
Roma coach Luis Enrique says he is sure emblematic midfielder Daniele De Rossi will stay at the club, just days after the player’s agent said he thought a deal could be reached.
De Rossi, who has played his whole career with Roma, is being tracked by Manchester City’s Italian coach Roberto Mancini but his agent Claudio Pasqualin said on Thursday he thought the 28-year-old would renew his contract.
“I don’t have any doubts that Daniele De Rossi will stay at Roma so I’m not worried about anything,” said the Spaniard.
“He will stay because that’s what he wants. I don’t think there’s any doubt he’ll stay but that’s just my opinion.”
Henry to play against Leeds
Arsene Wenger has confirmed Thierry Henry will make his second ‘debut’ for Arsenal during the FA Cup third-round clash against Leeds, more than 12 years since he made his first appearance for the club.
“It took a little while to get the paperwork done but finally it is done,” Arsenal boss Wenger said.
“He will be involved against Leeds but I haven’t decided yet what I will do.
“He works hard, he is a bit behind physically of course. I think in one or two weeks he will be fine.”
Best moment of my life – Di Canio
Manager Paolo Di Canio branded his Swindon side’s 2-1 victory over Premier League Wigan in the third round of the FA Cup as the “best moment” of his life.
Di Canio dedicated the success to his late father Ignazio – who passed away towards the end of last year.
“As a person I want to live in the moment and this is the best moment of my life and career,” said Di Canio.
“It matters a lot, not only as a manager but also as a man. The game was live in Italy with everybody watching and my dad couldn’t.
“And for this I’m very happy. Even if he couldn’t watch it up there (in heaven) I get some satisfaction. My only sadness is that he couldn’t watch it with my mum and my brothers.”
Inter revive Tevez bid – reports
Inter could overtake Milan in the race for Carlos Tevez by bidding €27m to sign the unsettled Manchester City striker, reports in Italy claimed.
The Rossoneri insisted last weekend that Tevez had accepted their proposal after a meeting in Brazil but they were still waiting for Manchester City’s reply.
It has been reported that City are frustrated at Milan’s refusal to make the buy-out clause mandatory at the end of the season and even then their offer doesn’t exceed €24 million.
Inter are expected to take advantage of the impasse with reports suggesting that director Marco Branca was set to fly back to England today for further negotiations with Manchester City officials.