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As the curtains are finally drawn on the long running Cesc Fabregas saga this summer, it appears that one man has emerged with at least some credit.

Pep Guardiola has remained relatively unobtrusive this summer whilst his players and president have persistently tested Arsenal’s resolve and the latest admission that the North London side were right to keep hold of their star man is quite frankly a breath of fresh air.

Guardiola said: “I understand Arsenal and I understand Wenger, I wouldn’t have let him leave either,” which contrasts greatly with the immense pressure his squad trying to exert over a stubborn Arsene Wenger. Perhaps if the Nou Camp boss had a spoke sooner, the mind-numbing transfer saga would have long since run its course.

However, any credit that is lavished upon the Spaniard for this latest twist must be paralleled with that of Arsene Wenger who took a stance which he felt best for his football club and did not move an inch in the face of blatant provocation.

Fabregas himself admitted that he has only remained at Arsenal because the Frenchman “forced” him to do so, but it is with this understanding that I only feel further compelled to feel admiration for the Arsenal chief as it is too often that player power conquests the clubs desire to keep him.

The fact he signed a five-year deal not so long ago acts in accordance with Arsenal’s right to retain his services and it could be argued that Fabregas himself denied himself the move by putting pen to paper on such a long deal which is vindicated even more by Guardiola’s agreement.

There is no doubt that the admission of another top coach that “he would have done same” makes the unremitting chase for Fabregas and the forcing of a Barcelona shirt over his head during Spain’s World Cup celebration seem all the more irrational and only intensifies the lack of respect shown to Arsenal from some of the players and hierarchy at the Nou Camp.

For now, the resilience of Arsenal has prevailed and Guardiola’s latest comments contribute to re-building a reputation that has been slightly tarnished by their seemingly desperate attempts to capture the Gunners skipper.

Wenger concluded that “It is important for football that players do not move away. That nobody can just come in and say ‘we want him and you go.”

Fabregas will undoubtedly be watched with interest next year as he tries to acclimatize himself to the fact his “dream” move will not realised for at least another season and the Arsenal fans will hope his heart is now set on winning their first trophy in years as opposed to a move to the Spanish capital.

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With the PL season nearly upon us, let’s see the WAGS that will be keeping the players on their toes. Click on image to VIEW gallery

Birmingham won a crucial battle against West Ham in their fight against relegation, winning 1-0 at Upton Park on Sunday.

Nikola Zigic headed the winner midway through the second half from a set play, to send Alex McLeish’s side one point clear of the drop zone while also condemning United back to last place on the table.

There were few chances created in the first half, although the in-form Victor Obinna was influential once more for the hosts.

Roger Johnson had the best chance for the visitors on goal, but headed over the bar from six yards out.

West Ham manager Avram Grant was forced to make a late change to his starting line up, replacing the injured James Tomkins with Matthew Upson, but the defender lasted only until half-time.

Sebastian Larsson came on for striker Cameron Jerome early in the second half, and the Swede justified McLeish’s decision when he provided a dipping free-kick which found Zigic at the back post who headed home the winner in the 65th minute.

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West Ham substitute Manuel da Costa missed two gilt-edged chances late on – one with the head, one by foot – firing wide on both occasions.

City move to 16th on the table, with a game in hand on their relegation rivals, while West Ham are bottom, two points from safety.

David Beckham is set to snub a potential move to Paris Saint-Germain, and looks set to renew his deal with LA Galaxy.

The ex-England international’s deal with the MLS side has expired, and Beckham has been linked with a transfer back to Europe in the January transfer window.

With the big-spending Ligue 1 side the frontrunners for Beckham’s signature, reports in France had previously stipulated that a deal to bring the veteran to the Parc des Princes was all but done.

However, sporting director Leonardo has stated that Beckham will not be moving to the French capital.

“It’s over,” Leonardo told L’Equipe.

“It’s a shame. But the welfare of his family in Los Angeles, the wish not to change everything in his life, weighed heavily.”

PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi also confirmed that a deal was close, but would now not happen.

“We didn’t reach an agreement – he’s a great player, I met him and it’s bad luck we didn’t reach an agreement.

“We weren’t far, but there are family issues and I think that was the reason. It was very difficult to move the family,” he concluded.

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By Gareth McKnight

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Manchester United is not a place you associate with slavery but this week Tomasz Kuszczak accused Sir Alex Ferguson of just that. Having realised his foolish ways the stopper has tried to deny reports that he said that but it is unlikely to have helped his chances of getting a game.

At FFC this week there’s been plenty of talk about the mindlessness of the keeper, the coincidence of last weekend’s celebratory fixture and why Paul Pogba should think twice before jumping ship.

We also have a selection of the best United blogs from across the web.

Caption Competition: Oooh…suits you Rio!

Too good to be on the periphery at Old Trafford

United starlet should accept the grass isn’t always greener

The contrasting fortunes of Fergie and Terry

The more I read, the more I like Michael Owen

Aysal confirms interest in Manchester United ace

“Manchester United is a dream club for me”

United outburst makes you question Tomasz’s ambitions

 Best of WEB

Forget Midfield, This Is The Real Priority For United In January- Red Flag Flying High

How to lose fans and alienate your manager – United Rant

Sir Alex Ferguson’s Greatest Masterstroke As A Manager – The United Religion

VIDEO: BBC’s tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson – The Busby Way

Phil Jones – a man for all positions – SEA

£6M Is For Nothing & Sir Alex Knows It: Barca Youth Star Old Trafford Bound? – Transfer Tavern

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Click on Miss Yespica below to see her in all her glory

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According to sources at the club, Liverpool Director or Football Damien Comolli is set to have a busy summer as the club look to overhaul the playing squad. Despite spending over £50 million in the January transfer window, new owners the Fenway Sports Group look set to open the chequebook again to fund numerous acquisitions. But, following a resurgence since the reappointment of Kenny Dalglish as manager and the emergence of some bright young talent such as Jay Spearing, is a complete overhaul exactly what the Merseyside club need?

Admittedly Liverpool is a club still in transition after the departure of Rafa Benitez and ill-fated reign of Roy Hodgson. Despite a superb recovery to sixth in the table and the recent acquisitions of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez, there are still many squad members still to prove their worth. The likes of Milan Jovanovic, Paul Konchesky and Christian Poulsen have failed to make any real impact whilst many fans would be glad to see the back of Sotirios Kyrgiakos and David N’gog. Worryingly for fans, iconic academy products Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard are both the wrong side of 30 and there will soon come a day when they fail to play week-in week-out. But, the club must be careful to avoid a repeat of the constantly revolving door and poor signings that appeared under Rafa Benitez.

Following a turbulent year and a change in ownership, the club must first look for some stability. For example, the club are yet to confirm the long-term future of Kenny Dalglish with his current deal expiring at the end of the season. And, whilst Damien Comolli looks to be directing current player recruitment, if it is Dalglish who will manage the club next season then surely he should have a great deal input into transfer dealings.

But Dalglish has done well to transform the current squad into one challenging for European football. The likes of Spearing, Martin Kelly and Jonjo Shelvey have successfully broken into the first team, whilst the new strike partnership of Carroll and Suarez have only been at the club for a short period of time and will come good with time. Alberto Aquilani and Emiliano Insua could still return from their loan periods. But, with new owners keen to make their mark on the club and with a new record kit deal worth a reported £25 million a year, expect signings this summer.

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But what will it take for the club to return to the top four of the Premier League? The most recent club to break the mould were Tottenham who did so through some shrewd transfer dealings and exciting attacking football under Harry Redknapp. Manchester City’s recent charge has come off the back of heavy investment from owner Sheikh Mansour.

Whilst buoyed by the finances of Fenway, the club can by no means compete with the likes of Manchester City or Chelsea in the transfer market. And, with a squad beginning to gel under Dalglish, this could be a good thing. Don’t forget that Comolli is the man often credited with the signings of Gareth Bale, Tom Huddleston and Luka Modric at Tottenham and who will surely look to sign future stars.

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Fans have called out for exciting talents such as Alexis Sanchez and defensive reinforcements in the mould of Gary Cahill, whilst a midfield enforcer in the mould of Javier Mascherano is still to be signed. And, with money clearly available and owners willing to invest, there will be signings this summer. But, Liverpool must be careful to invest the money wisely in order to improve rather than necessarily overhaul the much improved squad that has emerged under Dalglish.

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Listen to the third episode of our brand new podcast – The Football FanCast. – Featuring Razor Ruddock, Gary O’Reilly and singer/songwriter Alistair Griffin, who performs a live version of his cult tribute to Mark Viduka, with Razor on backing vocals!

Luigi Delneri has played down talk of a Champions League place, insisting Juventus are focusing on their Serie A clash with Fiorentina.The Turin club are six points from Lazio in fourth on the league table, but have hit form in the run home to the end of the season.

Victory over Fiorentina would be Juventus’ fourth league win in succession, and Delneri stated that extending his side’s positive run was his main focus – not a Champions League spot.

“All the games have hidden dangers, so it will be a complicated and difficult match with Fiorentina,” he said.

“It’s going to be an important game and our recent wins have allowed us to remain in the hunt for an objective right to the end.”

“If you don’t set targets week by week, then you won’t achieve them. I don’t believe you can think long-term, so focusing only on Fiorentina must be our plan right now.”

Juventus are missing defender Giorgio Chiellini, midfielder Momo Sissoko and strike duo Vincenzo Iaquinta and Fabio Quagliarella, though Gianluigi Buffon is back after illness and should replace Marco Storari in goal.

“I understand Marco Storari wanted to make his mark during Buffon’s absence and has worked hard in training,” Delneri said.

“I understand him, but I make the decisions.”

Continuing our look into the foreign wags that put the Premier League ones to shame…

Bernardo Corradi, as Man City fans will testify, is a pretty unremarkable footballer who is currently available on a free transfer; however the term unremarkable certainly cannot be said of the experienced striker’s other half, the beautiful Elena Santarelli.

Miss Santarelli is a model and TV personality in her native Italy and I’m sure you’ll agree by flicking through the gallery that she more that puts the Premier League WAGs firmly in the shade.

While Mr Corradi currently does little but training on his own to maintain his fitness in hope of a move these days, I’m certain Bernardo must take a lot of comfort knowing the little lady he has waiting at home for him.

Click on Miss Santarelli below to see her in all her glory

Newcastle United are back where many would believe they deserve to be, in the top-flight of English football…the Premier League.

The Magpies immediately bounced back into the Premier League after suffering relegation in the 2008/09 season by winning the Championship title last year.

Chris Hughton has done a remarkable job since officially becoming the Newcastle manager in October 2009. The Magpie boss faces his toughest task yet, tying to strengthen his squad before the new season kicks-off and to cement their rightful place in the Premier League once again. However, it has already been announced that Hughton will have minimal transfer funds to work with this summer.

So, taking this into consideration, will the Newcastle boss have to sell one or two of his big names in order to accommodate for other areas that supposedly needs reinforcing?

Undoubtedly, Houghton will be acting as somewhat a vulture in the market this summer, in the sense that he will be picking off any potential deals and bargains he can get his hands on. Free transfers signings and acquiring players on loan will probably be Newcastle’s best bet when the window re-opens, of course this can change with a big name being sold for a reasonable price.

If Newcastle wish to have transfer funds available this summer, then they will have to sell one of their senior players in order to gain some. Defender Steven Taylor and re-born striker Andy Carroll are reported to be the main two Newcastle players linked with moves away from St. James Park. The two players have been inspirational figures in the squad and their contribution no doubt helped the Toon and its army back into the big time. Whilst Taylor was keeping strikers at bay, Carroll was smashing them in; can Newcastle really afford to let them go…especially now they are back in the Premier League? Well, Hughton has stated that their have been no bids for any of his players as of yet. Speaking to the Newcastle chronicle earlier this week, the magpie manager said:

“I can categorically say that we have not had one bid or any interest in any of our first team players and we wouldn’t welcome any either.”

The Toon have already shown an interest in Slavia Sofia’s keeper Rais M’Bohli and reportedly failed in a £1 million bid for Bolton’s Jllyod Samuel.

The club and their fans may feel that they need a few new additions added for this season’s campaign in order to stay clear of the relegation places. Their current squad look adequate for the Premier League, with several players having experience in the top-flight, Alan Smith, Shola Ameobi and Kevin Nolan are to name just a few. Maybe one or two new signings would be ideal for squad depth, but if it means selling a star player, then maybe it’s not worth the risk for Hughton and Newcastle United to take.

A majority of the Toon fans may feel that some areas of the team do need strengthening before the season gets underway, but with no financial backing this summer fans may have to deal with what they have already. Would they like to see a good player come in whilst one of their best moves on? Very doubtful, however, this will be up to Hughton to decide within the next month or so. Even if nothing does transpire in the market this summer, many (along with me) feel that Newcastle United will be as safe as houses by the end of May next year…and hopefully, a long time after that as well.

Follow me on Twitter – http://twitter.com/TMer4kl1

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Click image below to see a gallery of the German babes at the World Cup:

Real Madrid director general Jorge Valdano has left the club after repeatedly butting heads with coach Jose Mourinho.Club president Florentino Perez announced Valdano’s departure on Wednesday, saying he wanted to give Mourinho more authority in line with the role of a manager in English football.

Valdano said he was sad to leave his post, but is convinced Mourinho’s staying on will be good for the club.

“I have always respected Real Madrid. I’ve never turned the club into a battlefield,” Valdano said.

“I always put my position as director general before who I am, and I have always avoided fighting that battle.”

“I have great respect and love for this club, and all my efforts were aimed at living up to the greatness of this team.”

“I believe Jose Mourinho staying on is good for a club that’s been unstable in the past. It needs to settle for a reasonable period of time. He’s done a good job, I believe he is a good coach and I find it normal that he stays on.”

“It is always painful to leave people and places you love. The public had to know about this and I wished to say goodbye.”

Perez said giving Mourinho more power was the way forward after a season that yielded just one trophy, the Copa del Rey.

“The experience of the season just ended has shown the need for new organisation at the club, giving autonomy to our coach,” Perez said.

“This is the first step in our reorganisation process which we will develop in the coming weeks.”

“I will not hide how painful the departure of Jorge Valdano is. We have come a long way together but my feelings cannot be a reason for not fulfilling what I believe is my obligation. Jorge, I appreciate all your hard work and dedication.”

But Perez denied the Portuguese coach had pressed for Valdano to be relieved of his duties.

“Mourinho did not make any demands. He asked for more autonomy in line with how English clubs are organised,” Perez said.

Boss Roy Hodgson admitted that his Liverpool side had not deserved to leave the DW Stadium with three points, having been held to a 1-1 draw by Wigan Athletic.

Steven Gerrard set up Fernando Torres for an early opener, but the Latics hit back to equalise seven minutes into the second half through Hugo Rodallega.

Hodgson said:"We didn't deserve to win the game. I thought we looked tired, our passing was not anywhere near where we expect it to be.

"We had a bright start and bright finish, but I think we can be more than happy with a point.

"The goal was a wonderful piece of play from two outstanding players, a marvellous pass and a wonderful finish which put us on the front foot.

"But we didn't capitalise on that. We had a spell where we were pretty much in control, but from the start of the second half we invited Wigan on to us all the time by consistently giving the ball away.

"As a result they took advantage and scored an equalising goal. We did a little better towards the end and we were unlucky with Steven's shot which hit the underside of the crossbar.

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"But it would have been harsh on Wigan had we won it and they can probably feel the 1-1 result flatters us more than them.

"We always knew this was going to be a tough test, they are not a bad team at all."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email