Wilkins says Spurs will struggle to keep Modric away from Chelsea

Wilkins says Spurs will struggle to keep Modric away from Chelsea

Chelsea hero Ray Wilkins can't see Tottenham keeping hold of Luka Modric this summer.

The Croatia midfielder is a target for Chelsea.

Wilkins told talkSPORT: “I don’t think it’ll be too long before Chelsea start dipping into the [transfer] market.

“There will be some big names coming in and there will probably be a few disappearing as well.

“I think it will be extremely difficult for Tottenham to hold on to Modric if you look at the numbers being thrown around.

“Modric is wonderfully talented but football is a job of work and if someone offers more money to go elsewhere, no matter what business or what vocation they have in life, they will leave and go for something better.”

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Emenalo becomes Chelsea’s technical director

Emenalo becomes Chelsea’s technical director

Chelsea have appointed Michael Emenalo as the club’s new technical director.

The Nigerian has been the first team coach at Stamford Bridge since Ray Wilkins’ surprise departure in November but will now move into a new role following the appointment as Andre Villas-Boas and Carlo Ancelotti’s successor.

A statement on Chelsea's official website read: "Michael takes on a vital role that will assist the overall long-term football strategy of the club."

Emenalo will oversee a scouting network and youth development programmes as well as providing support for the new Portuguese tactician.

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Chelsea confirm knee injury to Essien

Chelsea confirm knee injury to Essien

Chelsea today confirmed that midfielder Michael Essien has suffered an injury to his right knee.

The Ghanaian international, who missed most of the 2008/09 season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, suffered the mishap in pre-season training today and the club will monitor him over the next couple of days to assess the extent of the problem.

"Michael Essien suffered an injury to his right knee during training this week,” he told the club’s official website.

"He will undergo tests over the next few days to determine the extent of that injury. Until we have the full results of those tests we will not be commenting further."

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Man Utd signing Young tipped to play centrally

Man Utd signing Young tipped to play centrally

New Manchester Unitedsigning Ashley Young could end up being the striker signing Sir Alex Ferguson has been seeking.

The Independent says Young is generally characterised as a replacement for Ryan Giggs and the player whose arrival gives Luis Nani cause to worry for his future. But that's not how Gérard Houllier saw it at Aston Villa. Houllier discerned as soon as arriving at Villa Park last summer that Young operated better behind the main striker.

Asked about Martin O'Neill's perception that Young could potentially be one of the best left-wings in Europe, Houllier replied: "No. He can play on the wing. Whether he can be one of the best in the world in that position... I think he can be one of the best in another position."

Last month Fabio Capello agreed that Young is best deployed centrally, "not left-wing or right wing".

The growing consensus in football is that Young operates best there.

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Arsenal boss Wenger tells Nasri: You can go - once replacement signed

Arsenal boss Wenger tells Nasri: You can go - once replacement signed

Arsenal boss Arsene Wengerrefuses to sell Samir Nasri until he has his replacement signed up.

The Daily Mail says Manchester Cityand Manchester United are keen on a big-money move for Nasri - who is in the final 12 months of his contract.

But Wenger will not open the Emirates exit door for the 24-year-old until he is sure of landing a player he feels can fill the former Marseille man's boots.

Nasri has rejected a new five-year deal worth £90,000-per-week and is understood to be keen on a move away from the Emirates this summer.

But Wenger is well aware of the gaping hole Nasri would leave in his team and is determined to have a replacement lined-up before sanctioning his departure.

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Man Utd star Nani sorry to see Brown, O’Shea move onto Sunderland

Man Utd star Nani sorry to see Brown, O’Shea move onto Sunderland

Manchester United winger Nani is sorry to see John O'Shea and Wes Brown move onto Sunderland.

He admits the loyal club servants played an important part in helping him settle in Manchester but fears Brown will not have a second thought about tackling him hard when the two meet in the Premier League.

"I think Wes has had a brilliant career in United," Nani told MUTV. "He was a very important player for United and is a fantastic professional and a good friend.

"He helped the young lads a lot and was always ready to play with the team-mates. He's a very friendly player and was very close to me as well. I enjoyed my time I played with him."

When asked whether the defender will kick him next term, he replied: "100 percent! He kicked me of course in training. This is the way he played and why he's been a fantastic player."

Nani is also sad to see O'Shea leave after the Irishman also completed a move to the Stadium of Light on a four-year contract.

"I've enjoyed playing with a lot of players and these two players were very good for me as well because of the experience they've got," he added. "They helped me a lot as well and I do the parties and go out with them and enjoy the life outside the football.

"They are very good people and I hope they do well and keep doing their best atSunderland."

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