Today in the Premier League

Arsenal

The midfielder Cesc Fabregas has admitted he would like to see the Barcelona forward Samuel Eto'o in an Arsenal shirt. "If I was asked which one player I would like to see at Arsenal, it would be Eto'o," the Spaniard said of the Cameroon striker. "I would love to have him on my team."

Aston Villa

Gareth Barry has called on his teammates to maintain their focus at Reading on Sunday if they are to achieve a Champions League position this season. "Fourth spot is up for grabs and three points could take us there," the club captain said. "But it has probably been in our heads too much."

Birmingham City

Sone Aluko said he wants to return to the club following his loan spell at Aberdeen. "The loan has been great, I am getting competitive football," Aluko, who scored in the Dons' 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich last week, said. "I'm contracted to the Blues and my aim is to break into their side."

Blackburn Rovers

Chairman John Williams said the signing of Alex Marrow displays the club's dedication to nuturing British talent. The 17-year-old earned a deal with the club after winning a ball juggling competition. "We cannot afford to miss any opportunity to pick up good young players," Williams said.

Bolton Wanderers

Negotiations with the goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi have broken down. The first-choice Jussi Jaaskelainen will be out of contract this summer, and the Trotters have been trying to tie the Omani stopper to a long-term deal. "We have failed to reach agreement after talks," representative Peter Harrison said. "That is how it stands at the moment."

Chelsea

The Blues reportedly face a battle with CSKA Moscow to secure the services of the highly-rated FC Brno midfielder Lubos Kalouda. The Czech Republic Under-20 international has drawn comparisons with Pavel Nedved. "In football terminology, the ball is on CSKA's side of the pitch," Brno majority shareholder Roman Pros said.

Derby County

The Rams have allowed Gary Teale to join Plymouth on a loan deal for the remainder of the season. "Gary has had limited first-team opportunities here and has lost a bit of confidence," manager Paul Jewell said of the 29-year-old. "But he's a terrific lad and we wish him well."

Everton

The SK Brann manager Mons Ivar Mjelde believes the Toffees are favourites to progress from the Uefa Cup tie between the two sides this week following their 2-0 first leg victory last week. "We need a miracle of a lifetime," the Norwegian said. "To believe in qualifying is pointless."

Fulham

New signing Brede Hangeland believes he will acclimatise to the style of the English game. "It will take some time to adapt to the speed and physicality fully," he said. "Everyone has told me to be prepared for the speed of the game and lots of challenges. Hopefully I will improve in the future."

Liverpool

Former Reds midfielder Ronnie Whelan believes Rafael Benitez is to blame for the club's recent poor performances. "The performances have been abysmal," he said. "After all the money he's spent they're still further behind than last year. You have to look at the manager who picks the team."

Manchester City

Striker Valeri Bojinov has thanked the club's physios for their part in his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury. "The physios made me work very hard every day for the last few months," he said. "I thank them for helping me because I know how important it was to get fit."

Manchester United

Rio Ferdinand said he relishes the constant flow of games. "It's the way I like it, games thick and fast," the defender said ."Sometimes it's hard to recover physically, but the enjoyment factor is there. You're always up for the next test, you don't have time to stew on a defeat or an individual mistake."

Middlesbrough

The striker Mido believes he is nearing full fitness after recently returning from a pelvic injury. "The medical staff have been working with me every day," the Egyptian said. "I only need games now to get match fitness and sharpness. In a couple of games I will be much better."

Newcastle United

The manager Kevin Keegan has yet to decide which of his two goalkeepers he will play against Manchester United this Saturday. First-choice Shay Given had to be substituted during the 4-1 defeat at Aston Villa on 9 February with a groin injury and was replaced by Steve Harper.

Portsmouth

The manager Harry Redknapp has admitted he may be forced to rest striker Nwankwo Kanu from forthcoming league matches and save him for the FA Cup match at Manchester United next month. Jermain Defoe is Cup-tied, David Nugent is injured and Milan Baros has struggled for fitness.

Reading

Work on the expansion of the Madejski Stadium will not be undertaken unless the Royals avoid relegation. "There's no point expanding if we don't maintain our place," the club's chief executive Nigel Howe said. "We are not in a position to make a final decision now."

Sunderland

Roy Keane has praised the recent performances of midfielder Daryl Murphy. "Daryl has been outstanding over the last few weeks," the manager said. "Every club we have played, every manager I have spoken to has spoken very highly about him after, and that's always a good sign."

Tottenham Hotspur

Brazil international Gilberto has spoken of his dream of making his debut for the club against Chelsea in Sunday's Carling Cup final. "I'm going to prepare myself very well and train very hard," the defender said. "I know it is a tough selection for me to play in the final, but we will see."

West Ham United

The striker Craig Bellamy has suffered a further injury setback after it was revealed the striker requires more surgery on his abdominal injury. "The operation will complement the excellent work he has done before," physio George Cooper said. "And that should be the last bit he needs before continuing his strengthening."

Wigan Athletic

Defender Erik Edman could make his debut for the Latics against Derby County on Saturday. The full-back arrived at the JJB last month from Rennes but picked up a calf injury soon after he signed. "Erik was very unfortunate to suffer his injury so soon after he joined," manager Steve Bruce said. "It will be nice to have him available."