The Daily Express claim Arsenal and Manchester United are poised for a £5million January battle for Southampton goalkeeper Antti Niemi.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is reportedly ready to go back to Saints with a bid, having had an offer rejected earlier this year.

But he faces competition from United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who has also targeted a goalkeeper as one of his priorities during the transfer window.

Niemi has become one of the best keepers in the Premiership since joining Saints from Hearts in August 2002.

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Jose Reyes warned Real Madrid and the rest of Europe’s big guns: "We can beat anyone."

The Arsenal star spoke out before tomorrow’s Champions League draw for the knockout phase. The Gunners could face David Beckham’s Real side or even favourites Barcelona.

Spaniard Reyes said: "I’m dreaming about a European final. It doesn’t matter who our opponent is. We can win it." (The Sun)

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Real Betis winger Joaquin has revealed he is tempted by a big-money move to Stamford Bridge.

The Spain star, the subject of a fresh bid thought to be about £30m, said: "The Chelsea offer has given me something to think about.

"My friend Reyes tells me good things about English football when we play for Spain. All the players these days want to play for Chelsea." (Daily Mirror)

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Steve Bruce last night revealed he is running out of patience with Robbie Savage and will not stop him leaving Birmingham.

The City manager is becoming increasingly frustrated at the uncertainty over the future of the Wales midfielder. With Blackburn interested in Savage, Bruce indicated he was ready to listen to offers.

"If we have a player who doesn’t want to play for us any more and is determined to move somewhere else then I won’t force him to stay," he said. "You only want people at the club who really want to be here and Robbie has to decide what he wants." (Daily Mirror)

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Jerome Thomas last night signed a one-year extension deal that will keep him at Charlton until 2007.

The England Under-20 international midfielder has made a big impression since signing from Arsenal for £100,000 in February.

He said: "It’s a great opportunity for me and I’m really pleased. I was givena first-team chance by Alan Curbishley and I have taken it." (The Sun)