Chelsea have appointed Roberto Di Matteo their permanent manager on a two-year contract. "We all achieved incredible success last season that made history for this great club," said the 42-year-old. "Our aim is to continue building on that and I'm already looking forward to the squad's return for pre-season." "Roberto's quality was clear for all…

At one point it seemed Manchester United and Manchester City were the only clubs likely to sign Eden Hazard. Chelsea have confirmed the signing of highly-rated Belgian star Eden Hazard from Lille, for a reported 32 million pounds. The 21-year-old will arrive at Stamford Bridge next month after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.…

Poland completed their Euro 2012 preparations in style, beating Andorra 4-0 in an international friendly at the Pepsi Arena on Saturday. Bordeaux midfielder Ludovic Obraniak put the hosts ahead early on, before Robert Lewandowski smashed home a second ten minutes before the break. Jakub Blaszczykowski then slotted home a penalty just a minute later, and…

LFC stars past and present recite a famous Liverpool chant.

Brendan Rodgers walks out the Anfield tunnel for the first time

Over a third of the world's football fans support Manchester United, according to a survey commissioned by the Premier League club. Their study showed that 659 million people claim to follow the Red Devils - that's almost 10 per cent of the world's population. 325 million of those hail from Asia, an area of increasing…

The transfer saga surrounding Eden Hazard is finally over.

After Dave Whelan gave Roberto Martinez permission to speak to Liverpool about their vacant manager's position, the Wigan chairman will request a deadline for the Spaniard's future to be decided. Whelan revealed today that Martinez is in Miami talking to Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group. Brendan Rodgers and Frank de Boer have both distanced themselves…

After Manchester City prised the Premier League title away from their fiercest rivals, they are now plotting to lure one of Alex Ferguson's transfer targets to Eastlands. Athletic Bilbao's Javi Martinez had featured highly on the United manager's wish-list. But with City claiming the crown this year, it could be his sky blue counterpart that…

Salomon Kalou - who's been with the Blues since 2006 and scored 60 goals in 254 appearances - is to be released by the Chelsea. He's joined by Jose Bosingwa in looking for a new club, after the defender was told he was also free to leave. Chelsea have secured Frank Lampard's services for the…

Joey Barton could now appeal after being handed a 12-match ban for attacking various Manchester City players on the final day of the Premier League season. Barton had already been sent off for slapping Carlos Tevez when taking matters into his own hands. The QPR midfielder may also be sold by manager Mark Hughes -…

Lomana LuaLua followed with keen interest as former club Newcastle stormed into contention for Champions League qualification this season.