Messi, Xavi & Ronaldo up for Uefa award

Barcelona duo Lionel Messi and Xavi will fight Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo for the Uefa Best Player in Europe award after the list of nominees was announced.

The inaugural award will take place in August and the final trio have been announced after a jury of 53 sports journalists representing each of the Uefa member associations scaled down the list which included Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, and Barcelona's Andres Iniesta.

A deciding vote to determine which player will win the award takes place on August 25.

Ronaldo hat-trick propels Real Madrid win

Cristiano Ronaldo scored three goals in a devastating nine minute second-half spell on Wednesday to propel Spanish giants Real Madrid to a 3-0 victory over Mexico's Chivas Guadalajara.

Ronaldo, a former world footballer of the year, was thwarted by Chivas keeper Luis Michel in the first half of the friendly.

Michel stopped one of the Portuguese star's signature free kicks in the 6th minute and shortly afterwards denied a Ronaldo headed attempt off a corner.

Then as half-time approached Ronaldo fought off a defender to reach a through ball from Mezut Ozil, only to find Michel had rushed out to close the angle.

David Beckham: "I'll prove I'm still the Real deal"

Becks and his LA Galaxy team-mates are gearing up for the World Football Challenge in the States, which also features Premier League champions Manchester United.

And the England international is looking forward to proving he can still cut it among the best players in the world.

Beckham, who starred for Madrid from 2003 to 2007, said: "I spent four amazing years at Real Madrid.

"To go from a club like Manchester United to Real Madrid, it really doesn't get much better than that in football.

"I've got many friends still there. To be facing Real Madrid for the first time since I left is emotional.

"You get attached to the club, you get attached to the people.

Beckham to face United

David Beckham is set to play against former club Manchester United after being named in the Major League Soccer All-Star squad to face the Red Devils later this month.

Beckham, whose wife Victoria has just given birth to their fourth child Harper Seven, returned to Old Trafford in May to take part in Gary Neville's testimonial and will rub shoulders with some of his old United colleagues again on July 27 at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey.

Also included in the MLS squad are Beckham's Los Angeles Galaxy team-mate and one-time Everton loanee Landon Donovan, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and ex-Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez, both of whom currently play for New York Red Bulls.

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Nani happy at 'world's best club'

Manchester United winger Nani has dismissed talk of a move to Barcelona by insisting that he is currently playing for the best club in the world.

There has been growing speculation about Nani's future at Old Trafford following the arrival of Ashley Young, but the Portugal international has already stressed his determination to fight for his place.

More recent reports had claimed Barca could make a move for Nani, but the Portugal international insists there is no question that he could move on.

Real Madrid join Raphael Varane hunt

Real Madrid are considering making a move for Lens defender Raphael Varane, who has been linked with a €10.5 million move to Manchester United.

L'Equipe reports that the Spanish giants will use Zinedine Zidane's French connections to lure the 18-year-old to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Champions start at West Brom

Manchester United will start their defence of their Barclays Premier League title with a trip to West Brom.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men are at The Hawthorns on August 13, with their next two games at Old Trafford against Tottenham and Arsenal. The champions round off the campaign on May 13 with a match at Sunderland.

Young eyes Champions League

Ashley Young has set his sights on starring in the Champions League one day.

With Wayne Rooney suspended and Liverpool duo Steven Gerrard and Andy Carroll both missing through injury, Young looks certain to start England's Euro 2012 qualifier with Switzerland at Wembley on Saturday.

It would represent another high spot in an excellent year for Young, which has not gone unnoticed away from Villa Park. "I have never doubted my ability. There will always be people who do and everybody is entitled to their opinion. But my opinion is that I can play in the biggest and best competitions," said Young.

Fab set to snub Utd for Real move

MANCHESTER UNITED look set to miss out to Real Madrid in the race to sign £26million-rated Benfica star Fabio Coentrao.

The left-sided Portugal international has been linked with the Red Devils, Real and Barcelona but admits his preferred destination would be the Bernabeu.

Messi plays down final heroics

Lionel Messi played down his magical Champions League final performance after helping Barcelona cement their status as the greatest team of their era against Manchester United at Wembley.

Messi continued his march towards the pantheon of all-time greats with a mesmeric display on the biggest club stage of them all as Barca romped to a 3-1 victory that gave them their fourth European Cup and third in six years. The Argentina star scored a stunning solo goal and was named man of the match.

Carlo Ancelotti: I'm staying in England

The Italian was sacked as Chelsea boss on the final day of the season after two years in charge at Stamford Bridge.

He has since been linked with Roma, but cooled talk of a return to Italy. The 51-year-old said: "I have not had contact with the club, I still have to resolve my contract with Chelsea.

Manchester United will sign Atletico Madrid's David De Gea

Spanish goalkeeper set to arrive at Old Trafford to replace Edwin van der Sar, who will retire after Saturday's Champions League final against Barcelona.

Edwin van der Sar will retire after his side’s Champions League final against Barcelona on Saturday and Ferguson, who was speaking after Gary Neville’s testimonial, revealed the 20-year-old is on his way to replace the Dutchman.

Ferguson wins League Manager's award

Sir Alex Ferguson was on Monday night named Manager of the Year by his fellow league managers.

Ferguson was also named the Barclays Premier League manager of the year following Manchester United's title triumph, and picked up a special merit award for having passed 2,000 matches as manager.

Friday Transfer - The Truth, The Rumour and The Downright Improbable

Ronaldo to leave Real for £150 million

Following a reported fallout with The Special One, Real are supposedly ready to listen to offers of around £150 million for their world record signing and club season record goalscorer. When you throw in a wage demand of anything north of £250,000 per week, then there is only one, even remotely, possibly destination. New FA Cup holders, Manchester City, have dismissed any and all speculation that discussions between the two clubs has taken place. However with Carlos Tevez again expressing a desire to leave maybe a player plus cash deal could be on the cards. In the crazy worlds of City, Ronaldo and Real anything is possible!

Starlet Wickham all set to earn his Spurs

Spurs are close to the capture of striker Connor Wickham with Ipswich weighing up a bid of £15million.

The talented striker, who turns 18 today, is aware of the offer and has told friends he expects to leave Portman Road for north London at the end of the season.

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.

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.

Manchester United want Kagawa; Cahill close to Arsenal move

Despite still being unbeaten in the Premier League this season, Manchester United have failed to deliver the stylish football their fans have become accustomed to over the years.

It therefore comes as no surprise that Sir Alex Ferguson is looking to freshen up his squad, with a move for Borussia Dortmund's highly-rated playmaker Shinji Kagawa reportedly on the cards.

The 21-year-old Japanese star is valed at around £20 million by the German club and would be keen to test himself in England's top-flight.