New Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has vowed to slash the squad he has inherited and turn up the heat on Arsenal. (All papers)

In his first press conference after being named as the new man in charge at Stamford Bridge, Mourinho also criticised his predecessor Claudio Ranieri’s record.

The former Porto coach has signed a three-year deal worth a reported £5million.

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Brazilian ace Rivaldo has snubbed Bolton for a mega-bucks move to the Middle East, according to the Qatar FA. (Daily Sport)

Sam Allardyce was certain he could persuade the former AC Milan and Barcelona midfielder to move to the Reebok Stadium.

But it appears Rivaldo has turned his back on Britain to move to the oil-rich country.

Qatar FA technical director Manfred Honer said: "Rivaldo has signed for us. He has been here for three days looking around and finding a place to live."

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Leicester City striker Paul Dickov is set to join Blackburn after rejecting approaches from eight other clubs. (All papers)

Blackburn will pay £100,000 for Dickov after Leicester’s relegation from the Premiership triggered an escape-clause in the Scot’s contract.

Middlesbrough, Everton, Birmingham and Portsmouth were among the clubs believed to be chasing Dickov.

Disappointed Leicester boss Micky Adams said: "We’ve done everything possible to persuade Paul to stay with us."

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Liverpool’s £60million deal to sell 30 per cent of the club to Thailand’s Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is under serious threat, according to the Daily Express.

The paper claims senior Buddhists, politicians and students have accused him of leading the country to destruction.

Kittisak Kitiso, a leading Buddhist monk in Thailand, said Thaksin’s plan to raise money through a state lottery showed his lack of moral sense.

A former govenor of Bangkok points out Thaksin is committed to discouraging gambling and students have also protested against the plan to fund the deal from the lottery.

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The Daily Express report that Mark Viduka will hold talks with Middlesbrough over a £4million transfer next week.

Leeds are desperate to off-load the Australian striker following relegation from the Premiership.

The sale of Viduka would allow new manager Kevin Blackwell to start targeting the players he needs for next season.

Leeds could also sell Dominic Matteo who is reportedly attracting interest from Everton, Manchester City and Fulham.