Saturday

England full back Ashley Cole thinks that he does not get the praise he deserves from the watching English media and public when he pulls on the national shirt.

Speaking in the Sun, the young Arsenal defender said: “They think I’m a defensive liability and say it. I never get the credit I think I should. I honestly feel that. In fact, I know it. So it’s been hard for me to get the confidence to believe I should be out there.

And Cole believes that it is his style of attacking play that is the root of many of his defensive problems at international level, explaining: “With me, you always have to take the good with the bad. And I don’t think some people understand that. They would prefer a very solid defender who doesn’t have the tendency to go forward. But in this day and age you need to attack as well.”

Meanwhile, ex-England captain Alan Shearer has labelled Michael Owen as “the best forward in English football” in the Daily Mirror. Shearer, who played up front with Owen in the national team between 1998 and 2000 when he retired, went on to add: "He's a great player. He's been on the scene since he was 17 and he's now 23 or 24. He's had his injuries, but you always know he will deliver goals and it's a sign of respect that it's expected of him every season.

“People take him for granted but that's another sign of respect for him. He's up there with Henry and van Nistelrooy for me. He may not get as many mentions as they do, but he's up there without a doubt. He'll always score goals, whatever team he is playing in.”

Sunday

Yesterday’s back pages were dominated by stories about clubs moving to sign players before the transfer window closes on Saturday and it should be of no surprise to hear that Chelsea were once again making the headlines:

Not only does the Sunday Mirror report that the Blues have agreed a deal to bring Roberto Carlos to west London next season, but they also suggest that they will land England international Scott Parker before the week is out having increased their initial offer for the Charlton Athletic midfielder to £9m over the weekend. And if that bid is rejected, then Parker will submit a written transfer request in order to secure his dream move.

Southampton are interested in ex-Nigeria, South Africa and Japan national coach Philippe Troussier as a replacement for the soon-to-be departed Gordon Strachan, alleges the Sunday Mirror.

The Daily Star Sunday claims that Mario Melchiot will depart Stamford Bridge when his contract runs out in the summer, while the same paper also says that Leicester City have lined up Australia international Danny Tiatto as they bid to stave off relegation from the Premiership.

Tottenham Hotspur are thinking over an improved bid of £3m for England international goalkeeper Paul Robinson, according to the People, the Sunday Express reveals that Arsenal front man Nwankwo Kanu is wanted by his former club Ajax, and both Middlesbrough and Everton are after Preston North End’s much-talked about striker Ricardo Fuller, reports the News of the World.

Monday

Every paper this morning says that Manchester United will be making a statement at some point this week regarding the ongoing contract negotiations with long-serving manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson paid a visit to Madrid on Saturday evening to check on the form and fitness of his skipper David Beckham with next month’s friendly with Portugal in mind.
Beckham had another effective game in the centre of midfield as the Spanish champions beat Villarreal 2-1 and after the match claimed that playing alongside Roy Keane at Old Trafford has helped him adjust to his new position.

“It is a different job playing in the middle than on the right wing. You learn from great players and I played with Roy Keane for a long time. To be in the same team as him was a great experience for me.” (Sun)

The Independent suggests that Spurs have had an offer of £5.5m, plus forward Bobby Zamora, for England Under-21 international Jermain Defoe turned down by West Ham United.

Chelsea’s Dutch defender Winston Bogarde is set to join PSV Eindhoven, alleges the Daily Mail, while the Daily Mirror claims that Blues target Scott Parker has told his employers at the Valley that he is ready to move on.

And the Daily Express says that England midfielder Nicky Butt is thinking over a possible transfer window move to join his old United skipper Steve Bruce at Birmingham City.