The landscape of English football has changed. Instead of looking to the technical area for the genius of Sir Alex Ferguson, the combustible Roberto Mancini or the last man standing at Chelsea, we have a new dug-out cast. Today's fixtures make the new season feel that bit closer. And the top three will all be venturing into new territory; familiar rivalries, with different leaders. Chelsea ha...Full Story »

HE'S BACK ... Jose Mourinho starts his Chelsea second coming at home to Hull PREMIER LEAGUE champions Manchester United kick off their 2013-14 campaign at League Cup winners Swansea. New United boss David Moyes will travel to Wales on August 17. Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea visit Old Trafford the following weekend in a mouth-watering fixture. The Special One’s side take on newly-promo...Full Story »

Sunderland owner Ellis Short has been caught wearing a controversial badge which was less than complimentary to rivals Newcastle. The Texas businessman was pictured with the label bearing the letters 'FTM', which are commonly used by Sunderland fans to represent the phrase 'F*** the Mags'. He was showing Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of Tanzania, the club's facilities at the weekend after i...Full Story »

Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand believes any player would be foolish to turn down an opportunity to be part of the club. New Manchester United manager David Moyes has yet to make his first signing, but the rumour mills have linked the Premier League champions to Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski and Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas. Ferdinand told The Sun that the path to success was a prove...Full Story »

Liverpool have made a £5million bid for Porto forward Christian Atsu and hope to sign him plus Sevilla’s Luis Alberto. Ghana’s Atsu, 21, plays on the left or behind the striker. Alberto, 20, is a similar player. Anfield-bound? Liverpool have made a £5m bid for Porto forward Christian Atsu Liverpool have been told to increase their £5m offer for the Spain Under 21 fo...Full Story »

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew will not be forced out by the arrival of Joe Kinnear as director of football at St James’ Park. Kinnear’s appointment was confirmed by the club yesterday as the 66-year-old met Pardew for lunch in the North East. Despite some provocative statements from Kinnear over the past 48 hours, Pardew is adamant that he will not quit when only last year he signed...Full Story »

Álvaro Arbeloa talked to Spanish radio station 'Cadena COPE' about José Mourinho and the Casillas saga. After infamously defending the Portuguese coach in a recent interview, the full-back isn't changing his tune. "When I said what I did about Mou, it's because that's how I felt, not because I'm thinking about leaving Real Madrid. Often you could be forgiven for thinking that praisi...Full Story »

Andre Villas-Boas has reportedly turned down the opportunity to manage Paris Saint-Germain in favour of staying at Tottenham. The French champions were keen for the Portuguese to succeed Carlo Ancelotti, who is heading to Real Madrid, but now look set to appoint Fabio Capello instead. It is understood Villas-Boas was offered a three-year contract by Qatari-backed PSG after discussions with his...Full Story »

MANCHESTER UNITED have emerged as favourites to sign Barcelona’s Spanish wonderkid Thiago Alcantara. New Red Devils boss David Moyes has been a long-term admirer of the midfielder, 22, yet knew he was out of reach of former club Everton. But the Premier League champions have also tracked Thiago for the past three years. And they could now prove an irresistible draw for a player who has ...Full Story »

Aston Villa are seeking a transfer fee in excess of £8m for Darren Bent. The Birmingham club accept they will have to take a loss on the England international who has cost them almost three times that amount since arriving at Villa Park in January 2011. That figure is certain to scupper any interest Newcastle United had in the forward - particularly as the Magpies were hoping to reach an ...Full Story »