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Barcelona's Lionel Messi - Source: Reuters
Lampard tells Ferguson to sign Messi
Chelsea's Frank Lampard believes Manchester United would need to sign Barcelona's Lionel Messi to stand any chance of replacing Cristiano Ronaldo.
Chelsea have picked up maximum points from their opening two games and Lampard said: "How do you replace Ronaldo? You don't, apart from with Messi. He is probably the only player you could do it with."
Meanwhile, Chelsea midfielder Jack Cork is to join Coventry on loan until the new year. (The Daily Mail)
(Cashley) Cole gets Chelsea pay day
Chelsea's Ashley Cole has signed a new four-year contract to make him the world's highest-paid full-back.
The Chelsea and England ace agreed a 120,000 a week deal as the Blues fought off interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was desperate to not lose his star and handed him the 25 million pound contract. (The Sun)
More defensive woes for Reds
There are more defensive woes for an already depleted Liverpool as defender Daniel Agger faces up to two months on the sidelines after being booked in for surgery on his back injury.
The Liverpool centre-back will have an operation in France and has pencilled in Denmark's World Cup qualifiers with Sweden and Hungary in the middle of October for his comeback.
But Reds boss Rafa Benitez is short of cover now after missing out on his main defensive target Matthew Upson.
Benitez realised the extent of his cash restraints when the bank blocked a proposed 17 million pound bid for West Ham centre-back Upson, though he did succeed with a near 2m move for AEK Athens defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos. (The Daily Mail)
Benitez in for Van der Vaart
Liverpool are also reported to be ready to make an offer for Real Madrid defender Rafael van der Vaart.
However, given that the Holland playmaker would cost about 10 million and Benítez has nearly exhausted his budget, there is little chance of a deal. (The Times)
Spurs box clever with French ace
Tottenham have handed French midfielder Kevin Anin a one-week trial at White Hart Lane.
Anin, who used to be a boxer, has just one year left on his contract at Le Havre and is reported to be keen on a move to the Prem. (SkySports)
Redknapp to James' rescue
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is poised to raid former club Portsmouth again and make an offer for David James, as he awaits results of scans to Heurelho Gomes' injury suffered at Hull.
The Brazilian left the KC Stadium with his thigh heavily strapped after he fell awkwardly in his side's emphatic 5-1 win and he was replaced by Carlo Cudicini after just 16 minutes. Now Redknapp is looking to bring want-a-way James in as cover. (The Daily Mail)
Villa in last-gasp Collins bid
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is plotting a last-ditch bid for West Ham defender James Collins.
Wales international Collins pulled out of a 5 million pound move to Stoke earlier this week after failing to agree personal terms.
Now Villa chief O'Neill is set to pinch the 25-year-old to boost his threadbare squad who were beaten by Rapid Vienna in the Europa League on Thursday. (The Sun)
Meanwhile, O'Neill is also reported to be stepping up his bid to bolster his side's defence with Portsmouth's Sylvain Distin and Blackburn's Stephen Warnock top of his shortlist. (Press Association via BBC)
Hammers close in on Chamakh
Meanwhile West Ham boss Zola will be glad of the cash from Villa for Collins.
After chasing Bordeaux's Morocco star Chamakh for weeks and having a 4.5m bid rejected, the Hammers gaffer has until Monday to stump up 7.5m for the star or the deal is off. (Various)
Brown to bid for Nugent
Hull boss Phil Brown will bid 4 million pounds for Portsmouth outcast David Nugent after being snubbed by Alvaro Negredo.
Real Madrid ace Negredo joined Sevilla on Wednesday despite City's 12m offer. (The Daily Star)
AND FINALLY
Lescott gets a makeover
Take a light hearted look at one transfer saga that refuses to go away, as Everton's want-a-way defender Joleon Lescott gets transformed into a squirrel and stars in a movie while Toffees boss David Moyes begs Mark Hughes not to take his man - all whilst dressed in a Dolly Parton style HERE!
