Brian Clough saluted Arsenal after they broke Nottingham Forest’s 42-game unbeaten league record with a 3-0 win against Blackburn last night.

Clough, manager of the Forest side 26 years ago, said: "This team ranks with the greatest club sides of all time. What they have done is absolutely magnificent.

"There is a tinge of sadness because nobody likes to see themselves overtaken in the record books.

"But sadness will soon be replaced with sheer pleasure that it has taken such a brilliant and beautiful team to beat us." (The Sun)

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Manchester United last night entered the race to sign Everton and England striker Wayne Rooney. (All papers)

Sir Alex Ferguson and his United board made a £20m move after Newcastle made a similar bid for Rooney on Monday.

Ferguson confirmed the offer, adding: "He’s a fabulous player, he showed that at Euro 2004.

"He’s not the finished article yet but we’ve got experience of bringing young players to the club and bringing them on."

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Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez claims the signings of Spaniards Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia will win back the fans following the club’s dismal Champions League showing.

Benitez knows some supporters will be questioning his Anfield revolution after Liverpool lost 1-0 at home to Austrian minnows Graz AK on Tuesday to scrape into the Champions League.

After unveiling Alonso and Garcia, Benitez said: "I was not happy on Tuesday.

"We didn’t play well and the fans are probably not sure about the team. But these two players will change the supporters’ minds." (Daily Mirror)

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Real Madrid have shot down claims that Spurs are chasing Luis Figo.

The Spanish giants insist the Portuguese midfield star is not for sale – and that they plan to keep him at the Bernabeu until 2006.

A statement said: "No one from Spurs has approached this club to negotiate the signing of Figo.

"And at no moment have we considered dispensing with his services because he is one of our most important players." (The Sun)

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Lyon are ready to take Nicolas Anelka back to France, according to the Daily Star.

The Manchester City striker has been linked with Juventus and Lyon’s French league rivals Monaco.

But Lyon are reportedly preparing a firm bid that would include the offer of two players as part of the deal.

And City boss Kevin Keegan might be tempted as he desperately wants to sign a new striker and a defender.