Heskey in? Peltier Out? The Leicester City rumour mill.

The Leicester City rumour mill has picked up pace in the last few days, with several players linked with moves in and out of the club.

Without doubt the biggest rumour which has had the fans talking is a possible return of Emile Heskey. The 62 times capped England international was released by Aston Villa at the end of the season and is now a free agent. Speculation has mounted in the past few days that Heskey, 34, has met Pearson to discuss personal terms, with talk of either a pay-as-you-play or a one year deal being put forward.

Another striker which has been reported with a move to the King Power Stadium is Reading striker Simon Church. The 23-year-old has moved down the pecking order at the Berkshire club and with the Royals being promoted to the Premier League, is unlikely to feature much next season. However, Leicester face competition from several other Championship clubs. Bolton, Brighton, Crystal Palace and Watford have all enquired about the Wales international.

Meanwhile, a couple of names are rumoured to be on their way out of the club, including a fans favourite.

Right-back Lee Peltier, has attracted interest from Leeds United. The 25-year-old, signed from Huddersfield Town last summer for £750,000, made 40 appearances for the Foxes last season but manager Nigel Pearson is looking to replace Peltier with Hull right-back Liam Rosenior. Leeds are prepared to offer £500,000 for Peltier, while Pearson will approach his former club for Rosenior who is in the last year of his contract. Peltier has since tweeted "Thanks for all the support from the fans, I have heard nothing so I can't comment, but appreciate all the nice comments, now off on my holidays."

Matt Mills has been linked with a move north of the border to Scottish champions Celtic. Reports in the Daily Record claim the Hoops want to get Mills on a season long loan after initial talks stalled. City wanted £3m for their club captain but Celtic weren't willing to pay as much, instead offering defender Kelvin Wilson as part of any possible deal. However, Pearson rejected that offer, meaning Celtic have come in with a revised offer and willing to pay all of Mills' wages, reportedly between £20,000 and £25,000 per week.

Finally, free agent Nicky Shorey has been linked with a move to Leicester. The 31-year-old left-back was released by West Bromwich Albion at the end of the season, and reports state Shorey has already held talks with Pearson at the King Power Stadium. However, the England international is thought to be weighing up his options before he makes a decision on his future.

Hodgson reign gets off to a win

Norway 0-1 England

Roy Hodgson's reign as England manager started with a win as they overcame Norway 1-0 in Oslo.

Ashley Young's goal, his fourth in as many internationals, was enough as the Three Lions warmed up for Euro 2012, with their first game against France 16 days away.

The only goal of the game came after eight minutes from a fine solo run from Young. The Man United winger ran at Brede Hangeland after receiving a knock down from Andy Carroll before firing left footed across 'keeper Rune Jarstein.

Robert Green, making his first England appearance since his infamous blunder against the USA at the 2010 World Cup, was nearly once again embarrased. Morten Gamst Pedersen whipped in a corner from the left which hit Green's left hand post before bouncing out of play.

However, that was Norway's only chance of the opening 30 minutes. in what was a typically quiet start to an international friendly.

England's lead could have been extended by James Milner on 33 minutes. He was picked out by a good through ball from Young, but after getting into the box, could only fire straight at Jarstein.

Norway had a half chance to equalise as Mohammed Abdellaoui played a one-two with Pedersen, but the Hannover striker fired wide on the turn. The home side were then forced into a substitution as Espen Ruud replaced Tom Hogli five minutes before the break after a heavy challenge from Steven Gerrard. The England captain escaped a caution, but may well have seen a card had it been a competitve game.

Despite a few sloppy passes giving possession away cheaply, manager Hodgson would have been pleased with how the first half of football went under his stewardship.

England's first substitution came at half time as Gareth Barry replaced Gerrard and the Man City midfielder took the armband.

The first chance of the second half fell to England. After Young was brought down on the edge of the area, Leighton Baines curled a shot towards the bottom right hand corner, but Jarstein did enough to keep the ball out.

A minute later England went even closer. Phil Jones made a run from right back and his shot was deflected onto the post by a Norwegian defender before going out of play.

Theo Walcott was introduced ten minutes into the second half replacing Scott Parker, meaning Milner dropped into central midfield alongside Barry.

Norway had a chance on the hour as John Arne Riise got by Theo Walcott before firing one of his trademark shots from a tight angle, but Green got enough behind it to turn it behind from a corner.

The hosts were becoming more of a threat while England looked bereft of ideas and confidence, giving the ball away cheaply.

Hodgson combated this with a double substitution. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was brought on for his England debut, replacing goalscorer Young, while Jordan Henderson, also making his debut, replaced Barry after he picked up a slight knock to his groin. Joleon Lescott was given the captain's armband.

Norway's momentum diminished, struggling to find a way through England's defence as the game ticked towards the end. Adam Johnson replaced Stewart Downing and Martin Kelly was also brought on for his full England debut, replacing Phil Jones at right back.

England didn't create many chances in the second half, but more importantly they didn't concede many either. Although it wasn't the most exciting of performances, Hodgson will be pleased to start off with a win and will know a lot more about his players than he did two hours before.


Norway: Jarstein, Hogli, Demidov, Hangeland, Riise, Tettey, Elyounoussi, Henriksen, Pedersen, Braaten, Abdellaoui. Subs: Pettersen, Madsen, Ruud, Grindheim, Huseklepp, Jenssen, Berisha.

England: Green, Jones, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Milner, Gerrard, Parker, Downing, Young, Carroll. Subs: Hart, Kelly, Henderson, Barry, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, Defoe, Adam Johnson.

Pearson looking for young talent in transfer market

Young, hungry and ambitious. The three buzzwords Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson has used to describe his three new signings when talking to the press in the past week.

Richie De Laet and Matt James were signed from Manchester United for a reported £1m each, while striker Jamie Vardy was bought from Fleetwood for at least the same amount. Although early in the summer, Pearson's actions in the transfer market suggest that gone are the days of big names on high wages being signed, instead signing players who are excited to play on a regular basis.

This time last year, Leicester City fans were licking their lips as the likes of Michael Owen, David Beckham and Owen Hargreaves were linked with moves to Sven-Goran Eriksson's big spenders. Although those transfers never materialised, some big names on big wages did join the King Power Stadium twelve months ago.

Ghanaian right back John Pantsil, Swiss international Gelson Fernandes and Man City midfielder Michael Johnson were three of the bigger names to sign (although the latter two were on loan). Notably, all three were shown the exit when Nigel Pearson was reappointed. Although Pearson didn't have much time to bring in the players he wanted in the January transfer window, the signings he did make were a sign of things to come.

Wes Morgan was signed from Nottingham Forest to bolster up a leaky defence, while two more Man United youth products Danny Drinkwater and Ben Marshall were snapped up after both had had impressive loan spells at Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday respectively. All three had an impressive end to the season at Leicester, especially Marshall who has qucikly become a fans favourite.

Pearson appears to be building a squad of players with the desire to play football week in, week out instead of buying big names on high wages which Sven did last summer. De Laet has been on loan at several Football League clubs but hasn't played regularly, while James has only played 28 games of league football in his career. Vardy, meanwhile, hasn't played at Football League level but caught Pearson's eye after scoring 31 goals in 36 appearances for the Conference champions.

Norwich City are a fine example of how far young and hungry players can take you. Many pundits were writing off Norwich as they prepared for life back in the Premier League. Manager Paul Lambert hadn't made any big name signings, instead opting for players with barely any top flight experience from the lower leagues. But he easily guided the club to safety, surprising many teams and pundits along the way.

Also worth noting are the six players released by the club this week, many of whom were on high wages. Darius Vassell was the most high profile of the players released, while Steve Howard and Matt Oakley were also reportedly on big wages plus all three are on the wrong side of 30.

Alan Hansen famously once said 'you can't win anything with kids', but with the experience of Sean St.Ledger, Morgan, and Richie Wellens and the exciting younger players Pearson is looking for, hopefully that is a recipe for success.

Leicester release six players

Leicester City have released six players, with England international Darius Vassell being the most high profile player on the exit list.

Vassell, 31, had an injury hit 2011/12 season with the Foxes after being signed by Sven-Goran Eriksson in November 2010. He made 44 appearances for the club, mostly as a substitute, scoring six times. Bulgarian international defender Aleksander Tunchev, 30, has also been released along with goalkeeper Chris Weale, midfielder Matt Oakley and strikers Steve Howard and Elliott Chamberlain.

Tunchev was bought by current manager Nigel Pearson during his first spell at the club from CSKA Sofia in July 2008, but much like Vassell, his time at the King Power Stadium has been curtailed by injuries, playing 34 games in four seasons.

Howard, 36 and Oakley, 34, were signed from Derby County by Ian Holloway in January 2008. Both were unable to prevent Leicester from being relegated to League One, but the duo played a key role in the club winning the division at the first time of asking. Howard formed a formidable partnership with Matty Fryatt and was named Player of the Season while Oakley captained the side throughout the campaign. Howard made 147 appearances, scoring 28 goals while Oakley made 137 appearances, scoring ten times.

Weale, 30, signed from Bristol City in May 2009 and became City's number one for the club's return in the Championship. However, the signing of Kasper Schmeichel last season saw Weale drop down the pecking order and he was loaned out to Northampton Town. The 'keeper made 75 appearances for Leicester.

Youth team product Chamberlain, 20, never made a first team appearance for City.

Premier League Preview: The Final Day

 

Never in Premier League history has so much been riding on the last 90 minutes of a season. The 2011/12 season culminates on Sunday with three major issues still waiting to be resolved: Who will qualify for next season's Champions League? Who will be relegated? And more importantly, who will win the title?

Race for the title

Current Standings      Last day fixtures

1. Man City +63 86      Manchester City v QPR
2. Man Utd +55 86       Sunderland v Manchester United

The equation is simple. Manchester City have to beat Queens Park Rangers at the Etihad Stadium and they will win their first title in 44 years. City's home record this season has been phenomenal, winning 18 out of 19 home games and drawing the other. On paper then, a home banker. Not at all. QPR are scrapping for their lives at the other end of the table and need three points to guarantee safety. There are a few other sub-plots to consider as well. R's manager Mark Hughes is returning back to the club where he was sacked in a "very unethical way" according to Sir Alex Ferguson and will be eager to prove a point to the City owners. What better way than to spoil their party? Add to that QPR trio Shaun Wright-Phillips, Nedum Onuoha and Joey Barton returning to the club where they made their name, and Anton Ferdinand hoping to do his brother Rio a favour and City's chickens shouldn't be counted.

If City do slip up, then neighbours Manchester United can steal the title. If there is one thing we all know about Man United it's that they don't know when they are beaten. The current champions are away to an out of form Sunderland and will be favourites to win the game, if not the title. But the Black Cats' manager Martin O'Neill will also want to make sure the season doesn't fizzle out after a fantastic turnaround in fortunes since his appointment. Sunderland haven't won a league game since a 3-1 win at home to QPR on the 24 March seven games ago, but on their day can beat anyone in the league. Just ask Man City, who they beat 1-0 on New Year's Day and are the only team to come away from the Etihad with a point and should have arguably got all three.

Fight for fourth

Current Standings             Last Day Fixtures

3. Arsenal +24 67                Everton v Newcastle
4. Tottenham +23 66           Tottenham v Fulham
---------------------------         West Brom v Arsenal
5. Newcastle +7 65

This is far more complicated, with three clubs fighting out for two spots and Champions League qualification. Arsenal are currently in pole position and travel to the Hawthorns on the final day to face West Bromwich Albion. Arsenal's North London rivals Tottenham are the current occupants of the final Champions League place and welcome Fulham to White Hart Lane. This season's surprise package Newcastle are still in with a chance of Champions League football, but must win at an in form Everton and hope either Spurs or Arsenal lose.

The Hawthorns is sure to have a carnival atmosphere on Sunday as the Baggies say goodbye to new England manager Roy Hodgson. With this in mind, the home side will be determined to end the season with a win and in turn secure a top half finish. For Arsenal to finish third they must simply win. However, if they do lose, they will have to hope Spurs lose and Newcastle fail to win. A draw will be good enough to finish at least fourth.

On paper, Spurs have the easier fixture on the last day with a home game against Fulham. Their form however, isn't the best. They have won just three of their 12 league games since the end of February, while Fulham have won five of their last seven and can finish as high as seventh. But a more encouraging stat for Spurs is that Fulham have only won four away games this season and scored only 12 goals, the second lowest in the division. For Spurs to finish third they have to win and hope Arsenal fail to beat West Brom. A draw will be good enough providing Newcastle fail to win and Arsenal lose by two or more goals.

Newcastle visit Everton on Sunday needing to win due to their inferior goal difference compared to the two North London clubs. It won't be easy though, as they face an Everton side who are unbeaten in their last eight games. Indeed both clubs have had successful seasons, with Everton looking set to finish above Merseyside rivals Liverpool for the first time since 2004/05. But it's the Toon who have taken the most plaudits this season. Many expected them to struggle at the start of the season after selling key players, but the form of their two strikers Demba Ba and Papis Cisse has seen them in a scenario where they are guaranteed at least Europa League football. Newcastle have to win at Everton and hope either Spurs fail to win or Arsenal lose or both to finish a remarkable season in the top four.

To add to the confusion, whoever finishes the season in fourth place are not sure of Champions League football. If Chelsea beat Bayern Munich in the final of the Champions League, then it will be they who qualify for the competition next season and the team who finishes fourth will drop into the Europa League. If Chelsea lose, then the team who finishes fourth will play in the Champions League, entering the competition in the playoff stage.

Relegation dog fight

Current standings                 Last Day Fixtures

17. QPR -22 37                       Manchester City v QPR
------------------------                Stoke City v Bolton
18. Bolton -31 35

Blackburn Rovers and Wolves have already been relegated into the Championship, but who will join them? It will be either last season's winners of the Championship, Queens Park Rangers or Premier League stalwarts Bolton, who have been in England's top division since 2001.

The R's are currently favourites to stay up after their recent home form. Five consecutive wins at Loftus Road against Liverpool, Arsenal, Swansea, Tottenham and Stoke has seen them go into the last day with a chance of survival which seemed unlikely a couple of months ago. As already mentioned, if they are to stay up in their first season back in the Premier League they will have to take a point at the Etihad Stadium, which seems unlikely. Their best chance of staying up will come at the Britannia Stadium, as Stoke take on Bolton.

It's been a turbulent season for Wanderers. They have struggled near the bottom of the Premier League from almost the outset, but it was the collapse of midfielder Fabrice Muamba in an FA Cup tie at Tottenham which put it all into reality. Muamba's remarkable recovery in hospital coincided with Bolton becoming galvanised on the pitch as results picked up at a crucial stage of the season. Due to their inferior goal difference, Bolton need all three points at Stoke to have a chance of staying up, but we all know that is easier said than done for any team that goes to the Britannia Stadium. A win for the Potters would equal their best points tally in the Premier League, some going for a team that will play its 56th match of a gruelling season. They've only lost four times at home in the league this season, but there is some hope for Bolton. Last season, Wigan needed a win on the last day at the Britannia to stay up. They did

FA Cup final preview

Chelsea v Liverpool
FA Cup Final - Wembley
Saturday 5 May. Kick off: 17:15

Match Preview:

Chelsea and Liverpool meet at Wembley on Saturday looking to bounce back in the best possible fashion from surprising midweek defeats.

Chelsea's form in recent weeks has been nothing short of outstanding. After sacking Andre Villas-Boas and replacing him with assistant Roberto Di Matteo the Blues haven't looked back. 15 games under Di Matteo has yielded only two defeats at Manchester City and Wednesday night's 2-0 defeat at home to Newcastle. But there form prior to Papis Cisse's two wonder goals had seen everyone stand up and take note of Di Matteo's credentials. A 5-1 crushing of Tottenham in the FA Cup semi final was followed by a ground out 1-0 win at home to Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League semi final. After a goalless draw at Arsenal, the Blues put in what must be the performance of the season, drawing 2-2 in the Nou Camp to knock out Messi and co and reach the final in Munich. The week was rounded off with a superb 6-1 win against rivals QPR, with much maligned striker Fernando Torres bagging a hat-trick.

Meanwhile, the Reds have already lifted silverware at Wembley this season, beating Cardiff City on penalties in the Carling Cup final, but have underperformed in the league under manager Kenny Dalglish since that epic match in February. They have lost seven of their 12 league games including home defeats to Wigan, West Brom and most recently Fulham and face the realistic possibility of finishing the season outside the top seven. However there is no doubt that Liverpool have enjoyed their best success of the season in the cups, knocking out Chelsea and then Man City over two legs in the Carling Cup and Man United and a resurgent Everton in the FA Cup to reach two Wembley finales. To win two trophies out of the three that they have entered must be deemed as a success on Merseyside, despite a below par league standing.

Form: (Last 5 games)

Chelsea: WDXWL

Liverpool: WWLWL

Stats:

Chelsea:

• This will be Chelsea's fourth FA Cup final in the past six seasons. The Blues won the previous three.
• Hold a 5-4 head-to-head lead over Liverpool in the FA Cup
• Caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo won the FA Cup twice as a player with Chelsea in 1997 and 2000.

Liverpool:

• Have won their last four matches versus Chelsea in all competitions.
• On the three previous occasions Liverpool beat Everton in an FA Cup semi-final, the Reds have gone on to lose the final.
• Looking to become the first club to win the FA Cup/League Cup double twice, having done it in 2001.

Team news:

Chelsea: Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Juan Mata are amongst those expected to be recalled after being on the bench for Wednesday night's league defeat against Newcastle.
Either Didier Drogba or Fernando Torres will start as a lone striker. Defenders David Luiz and Gary Cahill are both doubts with hamstring injuries.

Liverpool: Kenny Dalglish is also expected to make changes having made nine for the league defeat against Fulham on Tuesday. Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard and Jose Enrique are all set to start.
Midfielders Lucas Leiva and Charlie Adam are Liverpool's only injury concerns.

Likely line-ups:

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole, Ramires, Mikel, Lampard, Mata, Sturridge, Drogba.

Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique, Henderson, Gerrard, Kuyt, Bellamy, Downing, Suarez.

Odds: (Skybet) Chelsea (11/8) Draw (9/4) Liverpool (2/1)
Steven Gerrard to score first: 10/1