The Blues did not look short of midfield cover as Joe Cole warmed the bench in their 2-0 win at MSK Zilina in a Champions League qualifier, but Real Madrid's Claude Makelele will be joining the squad if the press are to be believed.

"Roman Abramovich agreed a �9m deal for Real Madrid's French midfielder Claude Makelele, 24 hours after Patrick Vieira decided to stay at Arsenal," according to the Independent, with the story also in the Daily Mirror.

"The Chelsea owner's search for a midfield enforcer had been a tough one, with Vieira his target until the Frenchman agreed a new contract at Highbury.

"But within hours Chelsea had thrashed out a package with Vieira's French international colleague, who will make around �50,000 a week at Stamford Bridge."

THE HEADLINES Independent: Chelsea agree �9m deal for Makelele Daily Telegraph: Omen can point the way for England The Times: Ferguson seeks youthful elixir to prolong United's dominance The Sun: Farce: 'Obscene' Djemba should face charge says Wenger The Guardian: New Chelsea reap first dividend Daily Express: We're in the money [Chelsea's Champions League success] Daily Mirror: Mak my day Daily Mail: Looking Gud - Chelsea millionaires pass first big test Daily Star: I'd love a big Mak

Damien Duff is the man who receives most plaudits after Wednesday night's game, handed the Man of the Match award by the Daily Mirror and Daily Mail.

"Damien Duff stole the show, teasing and tormenting until he was taken off in the 70th minute," says the Daily Express in agreement. "He will only get better and better."

The Guardian, meanwhile says that all five of Claudio Ranieri's new signings who started the match - Glen Johnson, Wayne Bridge, Geremi, Seba Veron and Duff - are worth the money on that performance.

Lest we forget, Newcastle were also in action in the Champions League.

And while Nobby Solano scored the crucial winning goal at Partizan Belgrade, Jonathan Woodgate was the driving force according to the Guardian.

"Ever since the demise of Bobby Moncur some three decades ago, the greatest deficiency in Newcastle has been their lack of authority in the centre of defence.

"When Sir Bobby Robson paid Leeds United �9m for Jonathan Woodgate in January, some thought the fee inflated.

"But Woodgate made it seem like a bargain last night with an individual performance that will burn itself into Geordie folklore," the paper's correspondent purrs.

"With Sven-Goran Eriksson here, it is impossible to imagine that Woodgate will not be back in the England squad announced this weekend," he adds.

Luis Figo gives Manchester United the thumbs up on new signing Cristiano Ronaldo in the Daily Mirror.

Figo, who has a bit of experience of making fools out of English backlines, says: "He is good enough to embarrass English defenders and I think he will have too much skill for a lot of them.

"He can do whatever he wants as a footballer.

"There are some things he does with the ball that make me touch my head and wonder how he did it."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is also in wonderment - this time at a decision to cite Sol Campbell for kicking out at Eric Djemba-Djemba in the Community Shield.

"It is farcical Sol has been cited," says Wenger in the Sun.

"It seems to me we are living in farci-land.

"What about the challenge by Djemba-Djemba? It was obscene. Why is no action being taken about that?

"Sol was not able to train on Tuesday because of that challenge. It was right at the top of his hip."

Campbell will perhaps be grateful that Djemba-Djemba did not catch him in an adjacent area that is slightly more sensitive.

But such an injury would apparently be less of a problem for Wolves fans than any others in the Premiership.

According to a survey in The Times, 40% of Wolves fans would rather watch their team than make love with their partner.

Bolton trail behind in second place on 18%, while the lucky ladies of Southampton will be happy to know that Saints fans come bottom on just 2%.