Pompey Warn Reds Off Midfielder
Portsmouth have told Manchester United to forget about signing Portuguese star Manuel Fernandes. The Old Trafford club have been linked with a January transfer window move for the £7million-rated midfield star, who is on loan from Benfica. But Pompey chairman Peter Storrie insists they have first option on Fernandes, 20, as part of their agreement with the Portuguese giants. He said: "The option of signing Manuel is with us. No club can come in and take him. If he is fully fit and playing regular Premier League football, he will sign for us. We’d be absolute idiots not to sign him. He’s one of the best talents to come out of Portugal."
Tony Little, The Sun
Croatia boss Slaven Bilic blames Wayne Rooney's lack of form on the English Football Association, saying: “He is a great talent but it seems that he’s either injured or being punished by the English FA."
Meanwhile, Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt may miss his side's trip to Old Trafford a week on Sunday after picking up an ankle injury with Holland. The Sun speculates that he will be replaced by Robbie Fowler.