Saturday

The Daily Express covers the story that we broke here on TheFA.com - that Sven-Göran Eriksson has informed Celtic midfielder Alan Thompson that he could still force his way into the England manager’s plans for Euro 2004 this summer.

Recently-departed Chelsea chairman Ken Bates has been asked to contribute to the Bolton Wanderers match day programme, suggests the Daily Mirror.

Former Dutch skipper Johan Cruyff tells Sir Alex Ferguson in the Sun that the Manchester United manager has become too dependent on his compatriot Ruud van Nistelrooy. Meanwhile, the champions are hoping to raise the capacity at Old Trafford to 75,000, claims the Daily Star.

Sunday

The Sunday Express alleges that England international Michael Owen is set to open talks on an extension to his current contract with Liverpool, which expires in the summer of 2005, before adding that the striker has yet to make up his mind on whether to sign ornot.

Ex-Newcastle United coach Ruud Gullit has labelled former England skipper Alan Shearer, who he managed at St James’ Park, as the "most overrated player I’ve ever seen," in the News of the World.

The Sunday Mirror reveals that new Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez, whose side take on the Three Lions during qualification for the 2008 World Cup, is inquiring over the international eligibility of Millwall striker Danny Dichio.

Jacques Santini, who will be in charge of France when they face England in the European Championships this June, has told of his desire to coach in the Premiership, according to the Mail on Sunday.

And, the People reports how fellow French manager Arsène Wenger purchased an autographed shirt of England midfield player Steven Gerrard in a charity auction for his office.

Monday

According to his assistant Ray Wilkins, Millwall’s player-manager Dennis Wise is "disgusted with himself" for allowing Kevin Muscat to "overrule" him and take yesterday’s second-half penalty in the Lions’ FA Cup Sixth Round with Tranmere Rovers that ended in a goalless draw.

As a result, Millwall will have to try again to reach the last-four for the first time in 67 years after John Achterberg saved the spot-kick. (Sun)

The Mirror says that Glenn Hoddle and Howard Wilkinson, both former England managers, are on the short list to take over the coaching reigns of South Africa in time for the 2006 World Cup finals that are due to be hosted by the country.

Tales from the Tabs

The Sun suggests that Spurs are interested in Hertha Berlin keeper Gabor Kiraly, although the Hungarian is currently on the sidelines having injured his calf celebrating a goal while on the bench.

New Nottingham Forest coach Joe Kinnear is hoping to use his friendship with Arsène Wenger to persuade the Arsenal manager to loan him England Under-21 international David Bentley until the summer, alleges the Daily Mirror.

The Daily Express claims that Emmanuel Petit is preparing to leave Chelsea at the end of this campaign, while the News of the World says that the Blues are preparing a double swoop for Luís Figo and England defender Rio Ferdinand in the summer. Meanwhile, the same paper claims that Three Lions front man Alan Smith is wanted by Newcastle, with the club willing to splash out £8m to secure the Leeds players’ services.

David Moyes will move for Chelsea’s unsettled England international Joe Cole, who the People reveals he hopes to take on loan next season, while the same paper reports that highly-rated Spain international winger Joaquín Sánchez could be the man to replace Cole at Stamford Bridge.

And, the Mail on Sunday suggests that the Blues are also looking to strengthen at the back for next season, with Roma’s Argentinian international Walter Samuel due to arrive for £15m.

However, according to the Sunday Express, Rio Ferdinand is actually the man Claudio Ranieri has targeted as a defensive reinforcement, with Damien Duff moving to Old Trafford as part of a swap deal.

Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira has pledged his long-term future to the Gunners, claiming that the club can match all of his ambitions, says the Sunday Telegraph.

Both the Daily Mail and the Sun report that it would set Chelsea back £140m to prize England captain David Beckham away from Real Madrid - the cost of his buy-out clause - while the Sun also claims that on-loan keeper Maik Taylor is set to seal a permanent £1.4m switch to Birmingham from Fulham in the summer and that Manchester United are interested in buying Porto right-back Paulo Ferreria for £6m.