MIDDLESBROUGH want to sign SWANSEA defender Alan Tate to bolster their defence ahead of next season.

BRIGHTON striker star Glenn Murray is all set for a summer move away from the League One champions - with DERBY COUNTY leading the race.

Craig Bellamy could turn his loan stay at CARDIFF CITY into a permanent one and will take a massive pay cut in order to leave MANCHESTER CITY for his hometown club.

DAGENHAM and REDBRIDGE striker Bas Savage has stunned his team-mates by having a Spiderman haircut.

ASTON VILLA manager Gerard Houllier has likened striker Darren Bent to Robbie Fowler, who the Frenchman managed during his time at Liverpool.

MANCHESTER CITY midfielder Patrick Vieira is relishing the opportunity to win a fifth FA Cup medal. The Frenchman triumphed four times in the competition during a nine-year spell with Arsenal.

MANCHESTER UNITED are edging closer to sealing a deal to sign Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Douglas Costa after the player's agent confirmed his client's interest in a possible move to Old Trafford.

CHELSEA are lining up former Netherlands and Ajax boss Marco van Basten as Carlo Ancelotti's replacement, with Turkey manager Guus Hiddink - who was caretaker coach at Stamford Bridge for three months in 2009 - taking on the role of director of football.

TOTTENHAM midfielder Gareth Bale, who has been voted player of the year by the Professional Footballers' Association, has stressed the importance of Spurs following up their run in this year's Champions League by finishing fourth in the Premier League again this season.

Jose Mourinho's relationship with the Spanish media has soured further as REAL MADRID prepare for the next Clásico confrontation. Mourinho was unhappy with reporters for refusing to talk to his assistant Aitor Karanka, who the Portuguese put up to deliver the pre-match briefing before Saturday's 1-1 draw with Barcelona.

MANCHESTER UNITED are edging closer to sealing a deal to sign Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Douglas Costa.