Inter Milan 3-1 Barcelona
JOSE MOURINHO’S Inter Milan came from behind to leave Euro kings Barcelona on the ropes.

Defending champs Barca looked like they were in for an easy ride when Pedro’s strike capped a breezy opening spell.

But Mourinho’s men were having none of it and roared back with goals from maicon , Wesley Sneijder, Pedro and Diego Milito.

All eyes were on little wizard Leo Messi, but Inter shackled the Argie ace to grab the upper hand in this semi-final.

And Mourinho will be hoping for more of the same in the return leg at the Nou Camp next week.

Milner talk irks O'Neill
Villa boss insists in-form winger is staying in the Midlands

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has admitted his irritation at rumours which have surfaced regarding Manchester City's purported interest in James Milner.

The in-form England winger, primarily employed in a more central position for Villa, is currently enjoying his most consistent season to date and a number of eye-catching displays have led to talk of a £24million summer switch to Eastlands.

City's neighbours Manchester United have also been mooted as strong suitors but O'Neill is adamant his player is going nowhere.

On the contrary, the Ulsterman insists he plans to open contract talks with him at the end of the season.

Commenting on the Milner rumours, O'Neill said: "It is irksome at this stage of the season.

"It doesn't do anyone any favours particularly because the player has had a fantastic time and is enjoying his football immensely here.

"He has had a really brilliant time, particularly since moving into the middle of midfield and I am delighted for him.

"James is still under contract with us and it's a case of dampening fires that weren't there in the first place.

"We want the best players to stay here at Aston Villa so we can keep the momentum going.

"But I have kind of accepted it now.

"If it is not James it will be Ashley Young and if it is not Ashley it might be Richard Dunne and then someone else the following week."
No contact

O'Neill also denied he knew of any contact from City about the prospect of Milner moving to Manchester in the summer.

"It has got ridiculous now and I can categorically say that I have not heard anything from Manchester City," he said.

"I spoke to my chief executive late yesterday evening and he never mentioned it so I assume they have not been in touch with him either.

"You almost get the impression that stories are put in there to kind of upset you at this stage of the season.

"It was interesting to hear Arsene Wenger talking about Barcelona and having to rebuff stories about someone who was under contract at Arsenal.

"They are having to get Barcelona to make statements about them not coming after a player."

source: skysports.com

Agent - Berbatov staying put
Bulgarian's representative denies recent speculation

Dimitar Berbatov's agent insists that the Bulgarian star is happy at Manchester United.

Reports are rife that Sir Alex Ferguson is looking to sell the striker, who he paid over £30million for less than two years ago.

Bayern Munich and more recently AC Milan have been linked with bids.

But Berbatov's agent Emil Dantchev insists that he has not even talked with Ferguson about his client's future.

"The situation is clear, the future of Dimitar will still be at Manchester, he is happy there," he told Calciomercato.

"A difficult relationship with Ferguson? I cannot and don't want to comment on these speculations from the press.

"I can only say that I have not scheduled any meeting with Ferguson, because there is no need."

He denied the speculation about Milan, adding: "I have read the article on Milan, I can just say that it is a market rumour and it is not real."

Over the weekend Berbatov himself insisted he wanted to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his place.

source: skysports.com

Pienaar wants future resolved
Clubs chase Everton star

Steven Pienaar wants his future resolving before the World Cup finals, skysports.com understands.

Everton midfielder Pienaar is currently being tracked by a host of clubs with Tottenham linked with a bid over the weekend.

However, it is also believed that Manchester United and Liverpool are both monitoring the South African's situation at Goodison Park.

Pienaar has just over 12 months left on his current deal and Everton are anxious for him to sign an extension.

"I think Steven would like to know what he is doing next season before the World Cup," his agent Ivan Mudia said.

"I don't think playing in the World Cup will have much bearing on his future."

Everton boss David Moyes is hoping he can persuade Pienaar to sign a new deal, but if he is unable to do so, then the Toffees would be left with the dilemma of whether to sell this summer or allow him to leave for nothing in 12 months' time.

source: skysports.com

Stories of Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement are cropping up again. I guess its inevitable and will happen sooner rather than later.

Quote:Goal.com - Dennis Irwin believes Sir Alex will retire without warning - Click here

ESPN & Star Sports - Fergie out, Mourinho in at United? - Click here

World track sport - Manchester United To Find Alex Ferguson’s Replacement - Click here