Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo are to hold contract talks next week, Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon said on Wednesday, adding he is still willing to splash out on the Portuguese star.

Hibernian FC have bolstered their ranks with the signings of 25 year old Englishman Joe Keenan and 21 year old Frenchman Steven Thicot, the club's website reported today. Both players bring versatility to the table for manager Mixu Paatelainen, each with both defensive and midfield experience. "

Edwin van der Sar cannot understand why Cristiano Ronaldo would want to play for any club other than Manchester United.

Liverpool starlet Ryan Babel climbed off the bench to inspire The Netherlands to a 2-0 victory over Cameroon in a pre-Olympic tournament in steamy Hong Kong on Wednesday.

LONDON (SW) - It appears most likely that Chelsea's midfielder Joe Cole will be in line for a new contract at Stamford Bridge.

LONDON (SW) – Defender Anton Ferdinand has been linked with a move from West Ham United to either Sunderland or Tottenham Hotspur with Newcastle United ready to pounce if the deals should hit any snags.

Wayne Bridge is relishing the chance to challenge Ashley Cole for a regular first team place as an attacking full-back under new Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari.

New coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was upbeat after Chelsea completed the Asian leg of their pre-season tour, saying he had seen enough to convince him he has a side that can win the Premier League.

Real Madrid seem to be closer than ever to a deal with Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart. Chairman Ramon Calderon even dares to say that it's now a matter of days.

BIRMINGHAM (SW) – Contrary to earlier reports, Gareth Barry is set to stay at Villa Park.

Trouble looms at Spanish giants Real Madrid as coach Bernd Schuster revealed some of his frustrations during a press conference on Thursday.

English side Arsenal have signed Portuguese midfielder Amaury Bischoff. The youngster will be making his move from Werder Bremen in Germany.

LONDON (SW) – Israeli and Chelsea defender Tal Ben Haim has left Chelsea for Manchester City.

Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry is to stay with the Midlands club after repeated approaches from Premier League rivals Liverpool.

Werder Bremen and Schalke 04 will fight to bring their Olympic players back to Germany after FIFA on Wednesday ruled all clubs must allow eligible players to attend next month´s Beijing Games.

Bayern Munich´s French midfielder Franck Ribery is set to have a second ankle operation on Friday, according to reports here.

Real Madrid´s German coach Bernd Schuster hit out Wednesday at the Spanish club´s managers as he complained that he was being kept in the dark over possible new recruits.

The battle between two troubles UEFA Cup winners, CSKA Moscow and Zenit St Petersburg, ended with a scoreless result on Thursday.

Brazil have been dubbed favorites to win the upcoming Olympic Games, by visitors of FIFA's official website. Argentina come in second.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to announce the signing of England midfielder David Bentley from Premier League rivals Blackburn Rovers after calling a press conference for Thursday.