Saha: I'm no bottler

By Geoff Sweet

LOUIS SAHA has blasted claims he is a bottler.

The Manchester United striker (above) is accused of pulling out of games even though he was fit.

Ex-Old Trafford star Lou Macari questioned whether Saha's problems are in his mind. But the Frenchman, 29, insisted: "People who talk like that are badly informed. They hear things said and they speculate.

"I had six pieces of cartilage in my knee. Was that psychological?

"It has happened that I train in the week then declare myself unfit for the weekend.

"My knee could hold up for 20 minutes during training but would never have done so with the much higher intensity of a 90-minute match.

"I have never refused to play. Each time I missed a match was because I could not play.

BARNES IS A VILLAIN

By Andy Dunn

ASTON VILLA boss Martin O'Neill is lining up a £5million move for Giles Barnes.

The Derby winger had been earmarked for a January switch to West Ham.

But Upton Park chief Alan Curbishley is having second thoughts.

Barnes, 19, looked set for stardom after a dazzling start to his career.

Despite making just over 50 appearances for Derby, he helped the Rams to the Premier League last term and broke into the England Under-21 side.

But Barnes' progress has been hampered by injuries and former Derby chief Billy Davies expressed doubts about the teenager's attitude.

Some observers believe Barnes' head has been turned by the hype but he represents just the sort of challenge Villa chief O'Neill likes.

New Pride Park manager Paul Jewell would like to keep Barnes but needs to raise funds if he wants to buy during the transfer window.

TOP SECRET

 FULHAM and Reading face a £5million January tug-of-war for Watford's Marlon King.

The Jamaican striker, 27, signed a new deal with the Hornets last summer but is said to be frustrated at playing in the Championship and Watford's long-ball tactics.

Fulham need a striker to replace injured skipper Brian McBride. Reading want to replace Leroy Lita who snubbed a new deal.

NEWCASTLE have set their sights on Norway's £2million-rated centre-back Brede Hangeland.

The Copenhagen star, 26, wants a move and has been watched by a clutch of Premier League clubs.

But boss Sam Allardyce missed out on Norway keeper Rune Jarstein, 23, who snubbed a trial.

LAWRIE SANCHEZ has joined the race to sign £3m-rated Wolves goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey. Fulham boss Sanchez will compete with Everton and Aston Villa for the Wales international. Hennessey, 20, has been in excellent form since signing a new three-year contract with Wolves in August.

WEST HAM are taking a close interest in Reading striker James Henry.

The 18-year-old has been impressive on loan at Bournemouth with three goals in his first five matches.

Henry is rated highly by Reading boss Steve Coppell, but with several strikers ahead of him, his chances at the Madejski appear limited.

KEVIN'S BATTLE

BIRMINGHAM and Fulham will go head-to-head over Wolves' £1.5million-rated right-back Kevin Foley.

Foley, 23, has been in the Republic of Ireland squad and is on the brink of a full debut.

And his form this season has put the Premier League pair on alert.

ARSENE ON PAR

ARSENE WENGER will swoop for Real Madrid rising star Daniel Parejo — despite a £10million price tag.

The midfielder, 18. is considered the best young player at the club.

But Real chiefs will not let the Arsenal boss get him cheap, nailing him to a deal until 2011

UNITED ON MANHUNT

ANGOLAN striker Manucho Goncalves hopes to secure a contract after a trial spell with Manchester United.

Goncalves, top scorer for the last two seasons at his club Petro de Luanda, said: "It's a dream.

"Ronaldo and Nani have appreciated my qualities and I scored in a training match."

United are also eyeing Reading's Nicky Shorey after Gabriele Heinze's move to Real Madrid.

PARDEW IZ AFTER LITA

 ALAN PARDEW plans to offload Charlton flop Izale McLeod — to fund a move for restless Reading ace Leroy Lita.

McLeod, 23, has made just one league start since his £1.1m move to the Valley in August.

Boss Pardew would take £1m from Norwich or Leicester and use the cash to bid for Lita in January.

WARNOCK REWARDED 

STEPHEN WARNOCK looks like being handed a new deal at Blackburn as a reward for his fine form following his £1.5million move from Liverpool.

The defender signed a three-and-a-half year contract when he moved to Ewood Park in January.

Boss Mark Hughes, who thinks Warnock could play for England, said: "There's been talk of a new deal."

ARMAND IS IN DEMAND

WIGAN boss Steve Bruce wants Arsenal star Armand Traore.

Bruce has identified the left-back position as a weakness and would like to take the Frenchman, 18, on loan as he tries to save the Latics from the drop.

Wigan 0 Man Utd 2
Chelsea 1 Bolton 1
Portsmouth 0 Fulham 1
Derby 0 Reading 4
Birmingham 4 B'burn 1
Everton 3 Newcastle 1
West Ham 2 A Villa 2
Tottenham 0 L'pool 2
M'boro 8 Man City 1
Sunderland 0 Arsenal 1
Newcastle 0 Chelsea 2
Liverpool 1 Man City 0
Arsenal 1 Everton 0
Aston Villa 0 Wigan 2
Blackburn 3 Derby 1
Bolton 2 Sunderland 0
Fulham 2 Birmingham 0
Man Utd 4 West Ham 1
M'brough 2 Portsmouth 0
Reading 0 Tottenham 1
Chelsea 3 Liverpool 2
Man Utd 1 Barcelona 0