Cheik Tiote signs new extended deal at Newcastle

Newcastle midfielder Cheik Tiote has signed a new contract that runs until the end of the 2016/17 season.

The six-and-a-half-year deal follows his arrival from FC Twente on a free transfer in August.

Maradona rates Real Madrid coach Mourinho ahead of Guardiola

Diego Maradona rates Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho ahead of Barcelona's Pep Guardiola.

Despite his ties to Barca, Maradona says Mourinho is the better coach.

He said: “If I were a president, I would hire Mourinho first, certainly because of his experience.

Ferguson: English clubs could rule in Europe

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson would not be surprised if English clubs dominated the Champions League again this season.

After supplying three semi-finalists for three successive seasons, the Premier League endured a miserable time last term, when all four representatives bowed out before the last four stage, but ahead of their clash with Marseille in the Stade Velodrome, the Red Devils chief is optimistic about the chances of English glory on May 28.

"I am not sure you could call it domination at the moment because we are only just into the last 16," said Ferguson.

Ronaldo: Real are Favourites

CRISTIANO RONALDO thinks Real Madrid are the favourites for this season's Champions League.

The Spanish giants have splashed the cash in recent years with £80million going on Ronaldo alone. But they have been knocked out at the last-16 stage for the previous SIX campaigns.

Transfer News: Manchester United target Rodwell and Modric; Chelsea eye Neymar

Sir Alex Ferguson is intent on strengthening his squad this summer with two of the Premier League's most highly-rated midfielders in his sights.

The Manchester United boss is hopeful of signing Everton youngster Jack Rodwell, who could cost up to £20 million. The England U21 star can play in midfield and central defence and has been widely tipped as a star of the future.

Fergie is also eyeing a move for the more experienced Luka Modric, who has been superb in Tottenham's astounding rise to the Champions League.

AC Milan coach Tassotti: Tottenham are now favourites

AC Milan coach Mauro Tassotti says Tottenham deserved their victory last night.

Tassotti offered no excuses for the 1-0 Champions League first-leg defeat.

"In the first-half we entered the field a bit timid," Tassotti told acmilan.com , "we had some problems and created little. But there were some great opportunities on both sides.

Software Secure Mail

This software is designed for top teams, and it should be used for the coaching staff communicate reliably and in a completely safe way with the players.

Nowadays with the widespread use of electronic tools of communication, we all use email as a way to transmit an idea or a message.

Can Arsenal really beat Barcelona?

Arsenal will be looking for sweet revenge tonight as they take on the one team in the world that plays football just that little bit prettier than they do. The Gunners have matured and have surprised many this season, but have they improved enough to beat the Spanish champions Barcelona?

History tells us that the great Catalan club are beatable, but also that clubs must adjust their tactics and play to their best to be in with a chance of winning. Football.co.uk's Jamie Clarke ponders some of the ways in which Arsene Wenger might approach tonight's clash at the Emirates.

Real Madrid top football rich list for sixth year

Real Madrid have topped the league table of the world's 20 richest football clubs for the sixth straight year, according to Deloitte.

Its Football Money League, based on season 2009-10, also said the combined revenues of the 20 clubs had passed 4bn euros (£3.8bn) for the first time.

Drogba gone in the summer

DIDIER DROGBA has been a mean, moody but magnificent focal point of the Chelsea attack for the last seven years.

His contribution to their final emergence as a real European powerhouse has been as great as any player at Stamford Bridge.

He may have cost £24million but stats of 141 goals in 239 starts mark him down as real VFM.

Yes, he has always operated on a short emotional fuse - never more than when he was sent off in the Champions League final in Moscow - but that's the price you pay for someone who is undoubtedly the real deal.

Capello welcomes selection headache

Fabio Capello cannot wait to stride into a selection minefield next month.

After introducing half a dozen youngsters into his squad for the November defeat to France, even more possibilities have opened up thanks to Wednesday night's win in Denmark. Although Jack Wilshere and Andy Carroll remain the most likely newcomers to force their way into Capello's plans on a regular basis, options are starting to emerge in many areas.

"I hope it will be difficult for me," he said. "It means there are new possibilities. It means we are really strong.

Steve McClaren dismissed by German club Wolfsburg

Former England coach Steve McClaren has been sacked by German side Wolfsburg.

McClaren took over at the Bundesliga outfit in May after steering FC Twente to the Dutch title last season.

But he has struggled at Wolfsburg and has left with the club in 12th place and one point from the relegation zone after Saturday's defeat at Hannover 96.

Torres backs Chelsea attack to click

Fernando Torres is in no doubt Chelsea's dream attack can all fit together and drive the Blues on to a successful end to the season.

The £50million striker's much-hyped first appearance in a Chelsea shirt failed to live up to expectations at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, where Torres was eventually replaced after 65 minutes as the Reds went on to win 1-0 through Raul Meireles.