Chelsea have won the race to sign Germany skipper Michael Ballack, who will earn �121,000-a-week at Stamford Bridge. (Daily Mail)

Man Utd striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has told Sir Alex Ferguson he expects an immediate recall to the first team after being dropped for the Carling Cup final. (The Sun)

But United will now listen to offers of about �10m for their Dutch hitman. (Daily Mirror)

Newcastle have put the FA under pressure to approach Martin O'Neill after offering to make him one of the Premiership's highest-paid bosses. (Daily Mail, Daily Mirror)

The Football Association wants to appoint a new England coach within the next six weeks. (The Guardian)

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan wants boss Paul Jewell to name the length of his next contract. (Independent)

Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson will be given an open chequebook in the summer and told to take on Chelsea in the transfer market. (Daily Express)

Wigan want to sign Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen, who has refused to sign a new deal. (Daily Mirror)

Arsenal's Jose Reyes says he is struggling to learn English - because it is rarely spoken at Highbury. (The Sun)

West Ham are plotting a new bid for Porto's South African striker Benni McCarthy. (Daily Mirror)