Manchester United manager David Moyes has told talkSPORT the club is "working hard behind the scenes" to bring in the "best players in the world". - Blog: Fergie's shadow looms large for Moyes United are expected to lodge an increased offer for Everton full-back Leighton Baines, while they remain interested in Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara. And Moyes has stressed that, despite the lack of arrivals so far, the Red Devils are actively seeking reinforcements. "Don't be kidded by the lack of activity," the Scot told talkSPORT. "Take it from me, we are working hard behind the scenes to try and improve the squad. "The big thing is that Manchester United will always be in for the best players in the world. We are also very
Football Update
Russia take a chance on injured keeper Todua
The injured Elvira Todua has been named in Russia's 23-strong squad for UEFA Women's EURO 2013.Todua suffered a shoulder injury on 22 June as Russia claimed a 1-0 friendly victory over Ukraine despite being down to ten players for over half the game. Coach Sergei Lavrentiev has nevertheless included his first-choice goalkeeper in the party that kick-off their campaign in Sweden against Italy on 12 July.Todua is one of 11 survivors of the squad that returned for Finland four years ago after losing all three of their group games. It means there is no place for WFC Rossiyanka defender Nadezhda Koltakova and uncapped FK Kuzbass Kemerovo defender Ksenia Kovalenko, who were shorn from an initial squad of 25.Russia continued preparations
Henrikh Mkhitaryan to bide time
Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is keeping his cards close to his chest as speculation continues over an impending move to Liverpool. GettyImagesHenrikh Mkhitaryan joined Shakhtar Donetsk from Metalurh Donetsk in 2010 • Horncastle on Mkhitaryan Mkhitaryan, 24, has been linked with a transfer to Liverpool throughout this month ahead of the reopening of the international transfer window is thought to be close to completing a £20 million switch. But it believed to be a slow moving deal with complications over the player's ownership. The Armenia international is happy to honour his contract with Shakhtar, and last week the Ukrainian club insisted that Liverpool had made no approach for a player who scored 25 goals last season - but they did not rule out a
Pele calls for end to protests in Brazil
Brazil legend Pele has urged protesters in his homeland to leave the streets and focus on football. GettyImagesBrazilian protesters demonstrate outside the Arena Castelao in Fortaleza • Duarte: Issues unmasked Demonstrations continued across Brazil on Thursday with protesters notably blocking the main access road to the Arena Castelao, in Fortaleza. The protest was the latest of a wave in recent days that has marred the ongoing Confederations Cup, and has been organised by groups demanding better public services and complaining about the local government. "Let's forget all this commotion happening in Brazil, all these protests, and let's remember how the Brazilian squad is our country and our blood," Pele told O Globo. The former Santos player's appeal, however, was soon derided on social media, with many claiming
Abidal says farewell to Barcelona
Barcelona news By Dermot Corrigan, Spain Correspondent Eric Abidal is to leave Barcelona this summer as the club have not offered him a new contract and he still feels he can contribute as a player at the top level. GettyImagesAbidal, sitting with his daughters, takes part in Barcelona's title celebrations - Abidal eyes France return Abidal, 33, returned from a liver transplant operation in early April, having previously undergone treatment for a tumour first discovered in early 2011. He has made four senior appearances since getting a medical all-clear to resume playing, but the club have decided against renewing his deal, which ends in June. The defender told reporters at the Camp Nou on Thursday morning that there were no health reasons preventing him from continuing
Palace hope to extend Wilfried Zaha loan
Crystal Palace are likely to speak to Manchester United with regard to Wilfried Zaha spending next season on loan at Selhurst Park. - Lomas: Palace glad all over - Holloway wants Phillips 'at 60' Zaha helped Palace secure promotion to the Premier League, with the forward capping a fine season by winning the penalty that secured the Eagles a 1-0 win over Watford in the Championship play-off final. That victory at Wembley is believed to be the 20-year-old's last game for Palace, having signed for United in January. He was loaned back to the London club as part of the deal, but the Premier League new boys have not given up hope of keeping him next season. "They might want him to gain experience playing
Barca chief revels in Mourinho exit
1963: Born January 26. Father Felix Mourinho was a former Portugal goalkeeper. 1992: After middle-ranking jobs at Estrela Amadora and Vitoria Setubal, works as Bobby Robson's translator at Sporting Lisbon.<<p> 1993: Moves to Porto with Robson. 1996: Joins Barca as Robson's assistant coach. 1997: Stays on under new coach Louis van Gaal. 2000: Lasts nine games as coach of Benfica before resigning due to problems in the boardroom. 2001: Appointed coach of Uniao de Leiria. 2002: Joins Porto. 2003: In first full season, Porto win the treble of domestic league, cup and UEFA Cup. 2004:May - Porto win the league and Champions League, with 3-0 win vs Monaco.June 2 - Appointed Chelsea manager. 2005:February 27 - Wins Carling Cup with final defeat of Liverpool.April - Chelsea seal Premier League