TOUCHLINES

ROMAN ABRAMOVICH has set his sights on bringing former manager Jose Mourinho back to Chelsea, according to reports in Spain. Spanish daily Sport claims the Russian billionaire is desperate to bring the Portuguese back to Stamford Bridge, despite their acrimonious split in 2007, and willing to hand him complete control over all footballing matters at the club.

ARSENE WENGER is “very optimistic” Samir Nasri will extend his contract with Arsenal – and sees no reason why all the current squad cannot fulfil their desire for success at Emirates Stadium.

MANCHESTER UNITED have opened talks with Sporting Lisbon for £10m-rated goalkeeper Rui Patricio. Sir Alex Ferguson is in the market for a new No 1 after 40-year-old Edwin van der Sar refused to perform a U-turn on his summer retirement plans.

England playmaker Joe Cole will be dumped by Liverpool after only a season with the Anfield club.

SPANISH club Espanyol are keen to sign Aston Villa defender Carlos Cuellar, who has made only 12 Premier League appearances this season.

LIVERPOOL are reportedly planning a move to sign Arsenal leftback Gael Clichy.

BIRMINGHAM midfielder Sebastian Larsson is a target for local rivals Newcastle and Sunderland.

MANCHESTER UNITED forward Wayne Rooney is the latest footballer to join social networking site twitter. The England star already has nearly 150,00 followers.

MANCHESTER CITY striker Mario Balotelli has notched up nearly £10,000 in parking fines and had his car impounded 27 times since moving to the north west.