Manchester City have stepped up their audacious attempt to sign Barcelona superstar Ronaldinho after the striker's agent and brother, Roberto de Assi, and Israeli 'super agent' Pini Zahavi were entertained by Thai members of the club's board in the 2-0 defeat by Chelsea at Eastlands. (The Guardian, Daily Mail)

However, City will have to compete with Italian giants AC Milan, whose billionaire president Silvio Berlusconi is preparing a bid for the brilliant Brazilian. (Daily Telegraph)

Peter Crouch says his future could be beyond Anfield, despite scoring Liverpool's goal against Arsenal on Saturday, with Manchester City, Portsmouth, Newcastle and Aston Villa leading the chase for the England striker. (Various)

Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin believes the absence of any of the 'big four' Premier League teams in this season's FA Cup final is a "breath of fresh air". (Daily Express)

Fenerbahce midfielder Deivid - scorer of the Turkish side's winner against Chelsea in Istanbul - says Blues owner Roman Abramovich's millions cannot buy Champions League success. (The Sun)

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate plays down his touchline confrontation with rival boss Sir Alex Ferguson in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United at the Riverside Stadium on Sunday, saying he has "complete respect" for the Scot. (The Times)

Misfit Celtic striker Derek Riordan says manager Gordon Strachan is not giving him opportunities to score goals at Parkhead. (Daily Record)

Blackburn and England midfielder David Bentley admits he is obsessed - with DIY. "I've been taking up tiles and knocking down walls, mending the potholes on my drive. I've got a strict DIY 24-hour ban before a match because it tires you out." (Daily Mail)