Four of the leading English clubs have put into writing their demand for UEFA’s full financial fair play rules to be brought in to the Premier League.
A letter from Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool to league chief executive Richard Scudamore calls for full spending controls without wealthy owners being allowed to cover clubs’ losses.
Manchester City and Chelsea are opposing any spending controls being brought in but it is likely the 20 clubs will agree on a compromise at their meeting next month, which will allow a fixed amount of losses to be covered by owners.
Rangers proposals
Former champions Rangers set out their vision yesterday for a reform of Scottish club soccer after threatening last week to try to find a European league to play in.
Rangers, now in the fourth tier, proposed delaying any changes to the Scottish structure until 2014/15. The Glasgow club also recommended splitting the game into three leagues of 14 clubs rather than the proposed 12-12-18 format that could take effect from next season.
Chief Executive Charles Green said: “I am fully aware of the unique challenges a club the size of Rangers face in Scotland. That is why we must explore all options long-term, including playing outside Scotland,” Green said.
Allofs admits to overspending
Wolfsburg director of sport Klaus Allofs admits the club need to look into reducing players’ wages following criticism in the German media.
The Bundesliga side have come under fire after reports that midfielder Diego earned more than the chairman of the club’s main backer, Volkswagen AG.
Wolfsburg have the largest squad in the top flight with 35 players, and Allofs is aware they need to tighten their finances.
“It’s certainly the case that one or two players were offered a bit too much in the past,” said Allofs, who joined the club in October.
“Our job is to do certain things better.”
Vilanova rules out Villa transfer
Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has reiterated that striker David Villa will not be leaving the Catalan club.
The Spain striker has been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp after finding first-team opportunities limited this season, with Arsenal one of the clubs believed to be interested in the 31-year-old.
However, Barca have consistently dismissed suggestions Villa could be sold during the January transfer window and Vilanova repeated that stance yesterday.
He told reporters: “David is not going to leave. We are very happy with him.”
Lukaku wants to stay at West Brom
On-loan striker Romelu Lukaku is ready to open talks with West Brom about extending his stay at The Hawthorns for another season.
The prolific Belgian will definitely be at West Brom until the summer after parent club Chelsea opted not recall him.
The 19-year-old cost Chelsea £18m when he moved from Anderlecht in 2011.
But Lukaku sees the chance of regular football at West Brom as more beneficial to his career.
“At this time I’m just looking at my own (situation) and West Brom,” Lukaku said.
“The next two years will be good for me at West Brom. They will help me build up for a great career, that is for sure.”
Ferguson gives Vidic the nod
Alex Ferguson has settled the great Manchester United goal debate in favour of skipper Nemanja Vidic.
Confusion reigned after Man. United’s 2-1 win over Liverpool, with most United players believing Patrice Evra had notched his fifth of the season with a powerful header.
But TV replays showed Evra’s header struck Vidic on the head, slightly changing course and flying past Pepe Reina.
Ferguson believes Vidic should be credited with his first goal of the campaign.
“It is going to the Dubious Goals Panel,” said Ferguson.
“It was a great header but I think it is good for us that Nemanja Vidic has become our 18th player to get a goal this year... I will give it to Vidic.”
Lampard may stay says keeper Cech
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech believes there could be a twist to come in the saga of whether Frank Lampard stays at the club beyond the summer.
It has appeared the long-serving midfielder is on his way out with Chelsea unwilling to offer him a new contract.
Lampard has been heavily linked with the Los Angeles Galaxy, but Cech thinks he will have a case to ask for an extension to his expiring deal if he gives performances such as the one that helped Chelsea to a 4-0 win at Stoke on Saturday.
Cech said: “There are still six months to go so we will see whether he stays or not.
“I’m not a director but if he keeps playing like that he will keep asking about the extension.”