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Liverpool striker Fernando Torres' return to full fitness is ahead of schedule but the club's medical staff do not expect him to reach his physical peak for another month.

Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has revealed that despite earning a reputation as a goalscoring centre-half in his first season with the Gunners, he much prefers his side keeping a clean sheet.

Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Martin O'Neill as Aston Villa manager after being interviewed by the club's owner Randy Lerner.

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has pleaded with fans attending his testimonial not to direct abuse towards former team-mate Michael Owen, who will be playing in the charity match on Saturday.

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has called for a review of the loan system which allows English clubs to borrow only two players from within the UK, but unlimited number from abroad - an imbalance he described as "madness".

Wales boss John Toshack has claimed Tottenham rejected a "big-money bid" for Gareth Bale this summer and revealed there is still interest in the player.

Portugal boss Carlos Queiroz believes new Liverpool signing Raul Meireles will prove a success in the Premier League.

Robbie Keane insists he had no problem with the constant speculation about his future prior to the close of the transfer window on Tuesday.

Rafael van der Vaart maintains he was no "failure" at Real Madrid - but will not take a place in the Tottenham team for granted.

Jamie Carragher admits it will be "very difficult" for Liverpool to challenge for the Premier League title this season.

Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has been interviewed for the vacant post at Aston Villa, as the club continue to search for a replacement for Martin O'Neill.

West Ham United midfielder Kieron Dyer has been banned from driving for six months after he was caught speeding.

Wigan's new striker Franco Di Santo admits limited opportunities at Chelsea forced him to leave Stamford Bridge in the search for regular football.

Lazio have revealed they could yet sign Manchester City misfit Roque Santa Cruz in the January transfer window, and insisted Mauro Zarate will be going nowhere.

Ghana international Richard Kingson says he is determined to prove himself in the Premier League after signing for Blackpool.

Bolton winger Martin Petrov has hit out at his former club Manchester City, claiming there is no trust at Eastlands and that a collection of highly-paid stars are failing to gel into a team.

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor has claimed that new Premier League rules instructing clubs to name a 25-man squad do "not go far enough."

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish has insisted that talk of his side qualifying for Europe next season is fanciful.

Rio Ferdinand is available for first-team selection at Manchester United after making a successful comeback for the reserves.

Bolton have released Nigeria international Danny Shittu from his contract.

Blackpool have confirmed that they have received Premier League approval for the signing of Australia international David Carney.

The Premier League has confirmed that Blackburn Rovers defender Lars Jacobsen has been permitted to join West Ham on a free transfer.

Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge is targeting his side's Premier League encounter with Blackburn on September for his return from a foot injury picked up in pre-season.

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand will make his long-awaited comeback in a reserve team game against Oldham Athletic on Wednesday night.

Wigan midfielder Tom Cleverley insists he is ready to make his mark in the Premier League, and believes his loan move to the Latics provides him with a platform to prove he is capable of making it into parent club Manchester United's first-team.

Sandro, the Brazilian new signing at Tottenham who angered Harry Redknapp by not turning up for the start of the new season, has finally arrived north London.

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres insists the club needs new owners in order to compete for the Premier League title.

Birmingham City new signing Alexander Hleb has revealed that he turned down offers from Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur to join Alex McLeish's side.

Former Ajax, Benfica and Valencia boss Ronald Koeman is interested in taking over at Aston Villa after claiming the club contacted his agent last week.

Reports in Spain claim that Tottenham Hotspur have beaten the transfer deadline to sign Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart in a late transfer.