EPL Insider: Sir Alex has no say on Moyes' Manchester United future

The Scot has been under pressure for most of the season but only the Glazer family will decide his fate, while City centre-back Martin Demichelis is set for New York

Manchester United boss David Moyes will be unable to count on the support of two of Old Trafford's most powerful figures, Sir Alex Ferguson and Ed Woodward, when the Glazer family make a decision over his future in the summer. 

Despite an encouraging midweek draw against Bayern Munich, Moyes remains far from secure in his role and even senior figures at the club have no idea whether the Glazer family will keep the Scot as manager beyond the end of the season.

THE WRONG ONE?
MOYES'S RECORD AT MAN UTD
GAMES MANAGED GAMES WON GAMES DRAWN GAMES LOST WIN PERCENTAGE	50 27 10 13 54%

Sir Alex Ferguson will have no say in Moyes' future, despite hand-picking his replacement last summer, while executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward will also have little influence on the final decision of United’s American owners.

The former manager and Woodward are both understood to believe that Moyes deserves to be backed by the club having signed a six-year contract when he joined from Everton last year - but both are in the dark as to the Glazers' intentions.

Goal revealed last week that the United board are 'evaluating possibilities' regarding a potential successor for Moyes in the summer.

But the decision will rest solely with the Glazers, who have given no indication of their thoughts on the matter even to the likes of Sir Alex and Woodward - although it is understood they are deeply unhappy with results this season.

The Glazers are ready to spend around £150 million in the summer transfer window to improve the squad - but there are significant questions over whether they will trust Moyes with the money.

Moyes spent £27.5m on Marouane Fellaini, who has been a huge disappointment, while he is yet to get the best out of club-record signing Juan Mata over a prolonged period of time.

There are also concerns with the poor playing style, while Moyes has never won a major trophy during his managerial career.

- By Greg Stobart

DEMICHELIS SET FOR NEW YORK SWANSONG

Martin Demichelis is poised to end his career with Manchester City's sister club in New York.

The 33-year-old has 12 months remaining on his present deal and has been slowly winning over his critics in recent games for the Premier League title chasers.

The Argentine defender has been strongly criticised for some crucial mistakes this season, including against Wigan in the FA Cup and Barcelona in the Champions League, where he was sent off for bringing down Lionel Messi after 53 minutes of the last 16 first leg.

NYCFC boss Jason Kreis is currently spending six months in Manchester ahead of the club's launch at the start of the 2015 MLS season and with Demichelis keen on ending his career in the United States, City feel he could be a good option for the £100m venture.

- By Paul Clennam

REAL MADRID TO REJECT ISCO APPROACHES

Real Madrid are ready to reject any summer moves for Isco despite reports in Spain that he could join Paris Saint-Germain.

	MAN CITY LATEST
17/10	Manchester City are 17/10 with Bet365 to win at Liverpool next Sunday

The 21-year-old has been largely restricted to substitute appearances since moving to the Spanish capital from Malaga last summer.

The Spanish press reported interest from PSG following Madrid's 3-0 Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, while Manchester City continue to be linked.

But the Insider has learned that Madrid realise the potential of their No.23 and will reject any approaches, while the player himself is enjoying life in Madrid and is determined to earn a place in the starting line-up.

In any case, Manchester City have abandoned their interest following last summer's frustrating and ultimately fruitless pursuit.

The Premier League side were put off by the Spain international's representatives, who demanded a hefty fee during negotiations.

City also felt aggrieved that Isco chose Madrid despite giving personal assurances to Manuel Pellegrini that he would join his former boss in Manchester.

Tottenham would demand €120 million for Lloris, says Sherwood

With rumours the France goalkeeper could seek an exit from White Hart Lane to secure Champions League football, the Spurs coach says the club aren't prepared to sell

Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood has slapped a €120 million price tag on Hugo Lloris, insisting the club are not willing to offload the goalkeeper.

The France international moved to White Hart Lane for £11m (€13m) from Lyon in 2012 and still has two years left on his current Spurs deal.

Rumours have been rife the shot-stopper has been eyeing a move away from north London to secure Champions League football, with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly keeping tabs on him, but Sherwood is adamant the club want to hold on to the 27-year-old.

“He is one of the best keepers around,” the Spurs boss said, as quoted by the Daily Mirror. “Of course, people are going to want him. But I’m also sure the club won’t be tempted to get rid of him.

“He is one of the top goalies and unless someone is going to spend £100m (€120m) on him – and keepers do not get bought for that money – I don’t think he will leave.

“It was only that kind of figure that tempted the club to sell Gareth Bale – and he desperately wanted to leave and progress his career at Real Madrid. 

"[Lloris] hasn’t got to play a blinder for France at the World Cup because people already know what he can do. They know he is a fantastic goalie.

“Even if he was terrible for France, I don’t think it would make a difference as to how people view him. Everyone can recognise it.

“He has never said to me or anyone else at the club that he wants to leave. And he does not perform like he wants to leave. 

"He gives everything all the time and that is why he is a favourite of the players and fans.”

The Spurs boss is also confident striker Emmanuel Adebayor will commit his future to the club, despite the Londoners’ priority of adding further firepower up front in the summer.

Sherwood has already hinted at a move for Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, but believes Adebayor’s resurgent form since he took charge of the club should encourage the Togo international to stay put.

“Adebayor is a pleasure to work with and is a good role model for younger players,” the coach added. “He trains excellently, conducts himself well and I’ve never had a problem with him.

“He has married his talent with a top attitude and has been reaping the rewards since I got here.

“I’m sure he wants to be part of the future here. I don’t think he wants to keep moving clubs.

“His family is settled in London and he just wants to help us win as many games as possible.”

Inter target move for Manchester City midfielder Javi Garcia

The Nerazzurri are also mulling over making a bid for Chelsea's John Obi Mikel as they look to overhaul their squad for the 2014-15 Serie A season

By Fabrizio Romano

Inter are considering a summer move for Manchester City midfielder Javi Garcia, Goal understands.

The 27-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium this season, with Manuel Pellegrini preferring to start Fernandinho and Yaya Toure in the two holding midfield slots in his starting XI.

Inter see the former Benfica star, who has started just two league games since January 18, as a primary transfer target as they strive to get themselves back in the Serie A title picture following a period of change at the club.

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel is also viewed as a realistic target as owner Erick Thohir looks to make further progress in the transfer market having already secured the free-transfer signing of Nemanja Vidic from Manchester United.

Inter are, however, more confident of acquiring Garcia, who, despite still being considered an important member of the first-team squad by Pellegrini, could be allowed to leave for the right price.

Garcia's position at City is further weakened by the fact that the Premier League title contenders remain keen on luring Porto midfielder Fernando to the Etihad Stadium, which would further limit the Spaniard's chances of obtaining regular first-team action.

Walter Mazzarri's Inter could also face competition from Serie A rivals Napoli for the one-time Real Madrid man, while City will be reluctant to do business for less than the £16 million fee they paid to sign him from Benfica back in 2012.

The Nerazzurri's pursuit of Garcia further demonstrates their strategy to target players from the Premier League, with the likes of Bacary Sagna and Patrice Evra having been linked with a move to the Italian giants.

Edin Dzeko is another at the top of the club's wanted list, with Goal reporting back in March that City will allow him to leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of the 2013-14 campaign.

Ronaldo can't stand losing - Varane

The Real Madrid defender claims it is fun to tease the Portugal star in the dressing room about defeats and says he has learned to impose himself at the club

Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane says team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo "can't stand it" when he loses. 

The Portugal star has been in sensational form this season for los Blancos, firing 45 goals in all competitions as Carlo Ancelotti's side chase a possible treble.

Ronaldo has spoken in the past of how he would become upset as a youngster should his side suffer defeat, while he was famously moved to tears following the Euro 2004 final loss to Greece, and Varane admits that even today his team-mates will tease him over any kind of set-back.

"Ronaldo is a bon vivant, he is friendly, he always has something to help you progress," Varane, 20, toldCanal Plus. "He wants to be the best around. It infuriates him when he loses, he cannot stand it.

"It's true that sometimes, in the dressing room, it's fun to lose just to make him mad!"

Varane, who joined the Spanish giants in 2011, says players such as Ronaldo have helped him to improve at the Santiago Bernabeu - although he feels it is vital he has taken strides to impose himself upon the team.

"It happens naturally," he said of the ease at which he integrated into the side. "You have to be humble and learn from the players around you.

"They have the experience, they know the very highest level, they have international calibre. You have to respect them, but not too much. You have to impose yourself."

Xavi hits out at 'unjust' Barcelona transfer ban

The midfielder thinks Fifa has been unfair with their sanctions and claims Sergio Busquets doesn't deserve to be criticised by his own team-mates

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has hit out at Fifa for its "disproportionate and unjust" transfer ban.

Football's governing body slapped the Blaugrana with a suspension from activity in the next two transfer windows after identifying irregularities in the signings of 10 young players over recent seasons.

Xavi believes the punishment is excessive, but is confident that Barca's academy can provide enough talent to offset any lack of signings in the coming 14 months should their appeal be unsuccessful.

"It's disproportionate and unjust. We'll try to oppose it," he told a press conference on Monday.

"La Masia does a more than adequate job, it's part of our philosophy. Barca spends many years working properly with youngsters, we look after them.

"We're not isolated from what happens, but we try to stay calm in the dressing room. What happens outside helps to unite us."

Xavi also took a swipe at recent criticism of Sergio Busquets following the midfielder's controversial confrontation with Pepe during the Clasico last month.

Busquets was accused of stamping on the Real Madrid defender, with Spain team-mate Iker Casillas claiming he would give the midfielder "a slap" for his behaviour, and Xavi believes such remarks are unfair.

"We have no doubts over Busquet's action. They're being very unfair to him, even his team-mates in the national team.

"We don't have to defend him, the pictures defend him. It's obvious he doesn't stamp on Pepe."

Barcelona face Atletico Madrid on Wednesday in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie and Xavi has called on his side to "destroy" Diego Simeone's outfit.

"It's a final, a match of heads or tails," he added. "It's very difficult to create chances against Atletico. We have to win the game and that benefits us.

"In front of us are a team we have to destroy. We must try to take the lead and see how they react. We have to be protagonists, to dominate the ball to go on the attack."

When things go badly, he blames the players' - Cruyff slams Mourinho attitude

The Netherlands icon claims the Chelsea boss will quickly lose the support of the dressing room as he is simply concerned with short-term results

Former Barcelona and Netherlands star Johan Cruyff has hit out at Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho for his attitude towards his own players.

The Blues boss has repeatedly stated his side cannot be considered among the Premier League title challengers this season - despite sitting second in the table - and branded his players' defending as "ridiculous" following the 3-1 Champions League quarter-final first-leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Cruyff has slammed the Portuguese for his focus on short-term results at the expense of squad harmony and claims he will quickly lose the support of the dressing room at Stamford Bridge - just as he did at Real Madrid.

"PSG have a strong team with some great players. Chelsea have some great players as well, but Mourinho seems to disagree," he told De Telegraaf.

"It's always the same with him. When things are going well, it's the result of his good work, but the players are to blame when things are going badly. He already lost the dressing room at Real Madrid because of that and I can see the same happen at Chelsea.

"The problem with Mourinho is that he only cares about results. The result is more important than his players. He always thinks short-term and that's simply not my thing."

Chelsea take on PSG in the second leg of their Champions League tie at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

Mike Ashley of Sports Direct buys 11% of House of Fraser

The owner of Sanpower, Yuan Yafei, second from right, with House Of Fraser's chairman, Don McCarthy, second left, celebrating the takeover earlier in the week. Photograph: HAP/Quirky China News/REX

Mike Ashley, owner of Sports Direct, tried to undermine the Chinese takeover of House of Fraser by buying an 11% stake in the department store.

The Newcastle United owner bought the shares from Sir Tom Hunter, an entrepreneur, a week ago, according to the Sunday Times (£), before trying to derail the sale of the business to Sanpower, a Nanjing-based conglomerate, by buying out other investors.

Ashley's attempted coup did not succeed but means that Sanpower, which has agreed terms on a deal valuing the chain at more than £450m, is denied full ownership and is instead taking 89% of the business.

Ashley is understood to have been stalking the 165-year-old department store for 18 months and reports last week of the Chinese business closing in on a deal were said to have infuriated him.

He is said to have long-held ambitions to buy House of Fraser and use it to sell Sports Direct's fashion brands.

But it was believed that investors had doubts about accepting a "low ball" offer from Ashley and turned their noses up at the idea of his involvement as they hoped to take House of Fraser further upmarket.

It is the businessman's latest dramatic foray into the world of household name retailers, after taking an option to buy a 6.6% option in struggling Debenhams in January.

Days ago, the Sports Direct founder suffered a setback when the FTSE 100 group scrapped plans to pay him a shares windfall potentially worth more than £70m after investors failed to back the award.

The sale of 89% of House of Fraser to Sanpower – which has more than 100 businesses in mainland China – ends separate plans to float the chain on the London Stock Exchange this summer.

The department store, which generates sales of £1.2bn a year and employs 7,300 people as well as 12,000 concession staff at 61 stores, has been searching for new investors over the last year. France's Galeries Lafayette was talking exclusively to House of Fraser until the end of January.

House of Fraser, which began as a drapery store in Glasgow, listed on the stock market in 1948 and remained a public company until it was bought by Mohamed Al Fayed in 1985.

It was listed again in 1994 before being bought in 2006 by a group of investors led by Jon Asgeir Johannesson's Baugur Group for £350m.

Sanpower is run by Yuan Yafei, whose empire includes finance, property, media, transport and IT interests and employs 30,000 people with assets worth nearly £5bn.

Reports suggest the business may inject £70m to £80m into House of Fraser to finance a store revamp and website improvements. It may also take the department store into China.

House of Fraser and Sports Direct declined to comment. A spokesman for Hunter's West Coast Capital investment vehicle could not be reached