David Beckham paid tribute to Paul Scholes following his former Manchester United team-mate’s shock decision to quit international football.

Beckham said: "I played with Paul since I was 15 and he’s one of his country’s best-ever players. I respect him as a person and player and wish him all the best."

Scholes will now be free to concentrate on trying to safeguard his United future, with only two years remaining on his deal at Old Trafford.

He said: "This is a decision I have not taken lightly. I have been considering retiring from international football for a while now." (The Sun)

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The Sun report that Patrick Vieira’s £5.5million home is up for sale - claiming it is the clearest sign yet that the Arsenal star is off to Real Madrid.

Vieira is Real’s top transfer target, though the Spanish giants have just 48 hours left until the deadline for registering players for the Champions League qualifying round.

They have allegedly had an £18million bid rebuffed by the Gunners board, but a £20million-plus offer could see the deal go through.

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Newcastle United have put the controversy over the future of Sir Bobby Robson behind them by signing one of the hottest properties in French football, report the Daily Express.

Days after it was confirmed that Robson will not be manager at St James’ Park beyond next season, the Magpies captured 18-year-old Charles N’Zogbia from Le Havre, beating off competition from a number of other European clubs.

The left-sided midfielder has been training on Tyneside for the last few weeks, but Newcastle have kept his presence quiet and finally managed to push through a deal which will see them pay compensation to the French Second Division club.

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Graeme Souness is hoping to snap up Liverpool pair Steve Finnan and Anthony Le Tallec on loan, according to The Sun.

The Blackburn boss wants them on season-long loans to boost his side after being told Rovers’ coffers are empty.

Finnan looks set to be one of the first casualties of new boss Rafael Benitez’s Anfield revolution following the £2million signing of Josemi.

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Portsmouth have made a £2million-plus bid for West Ham midfielder Michael Carrick.

Pompey chairman Milan Mandaric said: "Carrick is a highly-rated young player and we are not afraid to pay good money and break our transfer record for such talent.

"Our bid should leave nobody in any doubt about what direction this club is heading in." (The Sun)