Barclays and the Premier League have agreed a new three-year deal for Barclays to continue as the global title sponsor of the Barclays Premier League to 2016

Barclays extends sponsorship of the Premier League

Deal extension runs for three seasons until the end of the 2015/16 campaign

Manchester City won the Barclays Premier League in dramatic fashion last season

Barclays and the Premier League have agreed a new three-year deal for Barclays to continue as the global title sponsor of the Barclays Premier League to 2016.

The deal, with a value of £40m a season to the Premier League, will run for three seasons from 2013/14 to the end of the 2015/16 season.

The agreement includes the global title sponsorship of the Premier League and exclusive worldwide marketing rights, UK and international TV programme accreditation, extensive advertising rights, match day tickets and hospitality as well as joint community activity.

Barclays and the Premier League will continue the successful Barclays Asia Trophy tournament and the Barclays Premier League Trophy Tour that will next visit Africa and the USA.

The Barclays Premier League is broadcast for over 185,000 hours a season reaching 212 territories and over 650 million homes with a cumulative global audience of 4.7 billion.

Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs is a boyhood idol of Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey

Ramsey pays Giggs tribute

Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs is a boyhood idol of Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey will fulfil a lifelong ambition by finally lining up alongside Ryan Giggs with Team GB at the 2012 London Olympics this summer.
The 21-year-old never got the chance to play with the Manchester United veteran for Wales, as Giggs retired before Ramsey arrived on the international scene.
However, after Stuart Pearce named both players in his 18-man squad for the Olympic Games - Giggs as one of three overage inclusions in his under-23 team - the pair will be teammates in the collective bid for glory later this month.
"It's fair to say that this could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience," explained Ramsey. "Ryan Giggs retired from international football before I got into the Wales team and he's an absolute icon in Welsh football.
"He's done it all and most players would like to play alongside him, so hopefully I'll get my chance. I can certainly learn from him while I'm with the Great Britain squad."
Ramsey was just a baby when Giggs made his Wales debut in 1991, and grew up watching the 38-year-old excel for club and country. He retired from the national team in 2007 to concentrate on his Old Trafford career, which is set to extend into a 23rd season in 2012-13.
Giggs won 64 caps for his country in total, netting 12 goals, but never represented Wales at a major tournament. The opportunity to lead Team GB out at the London Olympics will be an honour for the most decorated player in English football history.
"Looking at the squad of players we have, I think we have a lot of quality in there," Ramsey added. "I'm sure we can do well, especially with home advantage."
Pearce's side kick-off their campaign against Senegal on July 26 and also face the United Arab Emirates and Uruguay in the group stage.
Team GB Olympic football squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Jack Butland, Jason Steele
Defenders: Ryan Bertrand, Steven Caulker, Craig Dawson, Micah Richards, Neil Taylor, James Tomkins
Midfielders: Joe Allen, Tom Cleverley, Jack Cork, Ryan Giggs, Aaron Ramsey, Danny Rose, Scott Sinclair
Strikers: Craig Bellamy, Marvin Sordell, Daniel Sturridge

Manchester United transfer news: Sir Alex Ferguson wants Sao Paulo starlet Lucas Moura

United reignite interest in £32m Brazilian wonderkid

Manchester United transfer news: Sir Alex Ferguson wants Sao Paulo starlet Lucas Moura

Manchester United are reportedly ready to splash out a whopping £32million or more to land Brazilian midfield starlet Lucas Moura.
The Daily Mail are reporting that Sir Alex Ferguson wants the club to renew their interest in the Sao Paulo youngster and is keen to get a deal done that sees a switch to Old Trafford completed this summer.
The Red Devils reportedly had a meeting with Moura’s father earlier in the year, but came away with the impression that he was set to sign for La Liga champions Real Madrid.
It is also claimed that Chelsea had a £32.4million bid for the 19-year-old turned down and were told he would not be going anywhere until after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Ferguson is reportedly set on revamping his midfield for next season and has already signed Japanese playmaker Shinji Kagawa from German champions Borussia Dortmund.

Messi v Ronaldinho

Lionel Messi v Ronaldinho – which player is your all-time favourite?

Victor Valdes rates Brazilian legend Ronaldinho as ‘the biggest talent’ he has ever seen in the Barcelona dressing room.
The 30-year-old Spanish international made the comments to Terra TV, and come as a surprise to many, with Argentine legend Lionel Messi currently in the Blaugrana side.
Regarded as the greatest of all-time, Messi has lit up La Liga during eight-years as a professional, breaking the clubs goalscoring record last season.
However, Valdes believes that Ronaldinho changed Barca’s history when he arrived back in 2003, and holds the key to their recent revival as world football’s dominant force.
"I have always said that 'Rony' changed the club's history when he played at Barça. He was the leader of that team which changed [our] history,” Valdes told the television station.
"We had not won any title for many years. He arrived and powered Barcelona to become a club known worldwide. And that alone is a reason to thank him.
"I would say he is the biggest talent I have seen in the dressing room. He was always doing new things.''
Xavi and Andres Iniesta could also make legitimate claims to being two of the greatest players in Barcelona history, although few could argue with the roles Ronaldinho and Messi have played in making the Catalan giants one of the most successful clubs in recent times.
And, to help you make your decision over which player is the best, GMF have put two of the best YouTube videos dedicated to each individual together. Have your say below…

Seedorf & Forlan open door to Brazil

Clarence Seedorf and Diego Forlan both boost Brazilian league

Clarence Seedorf completed a rare footballing move over the weekend, swapping Serie ‘A’ life in Milan for Brazilian football with Botafogo.
It’s a path rarely trodden by European footballers, let alone a player who has won the Champions League four times, represented his country on 87 occasions and spent two decades at the highest level.
The first thought is that this must be a move motivated by money, but realistically Brazil can’t compete with the likes of China and Russia when it comes to mega-deals and huge contracts.
That said, Ronaldinho and Neymar won’t be playing for pittance, whilst Diego Forlan’s move to Internacional again suggests that there is cash floating around for top players in South America.
Whilst Seedorf is one of the first, the Dutchman does not believe he’ll be the last to make the switch, potentially opening the door for other players to follow.
"I might have opened the door for European players to consider coming to Brazil to play," said Seedorf in his first press conference.
"The level of Brazilian football is excellent, which is proven by the fact Brazilian players who go to Europe adapt very quickly. They obviously have a different mentality, a different game style, a different rhythm."
Another example of the improving league in Brazil is the fact that their top players are no longer leaving so quickly for European shores. Where Ronaldo and Ronaldinho had to move away to improve, the likes of Neymar, Lucas Moura and Ganso are all staying put to enhance their game.
That encourages a higher calibre of player to the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, and with the lure of the Copa Libertadores – the South American Champions League – top professionals now seem eager to test themselves on a different stage.
Forlan’s move is a real coup for the league, with the 33-year-old Uruguayan striker still an extremely hot property in world football, and a player wanted by numerous clubs before opting for the Beira-Rio.
It remains to be seen what type of long-term impact both he and Seedorf can have on the league in Brazil though, and the hope will be that more follow in their trailblazing footsteps.

Robin van Persie looks like leaving Arsenal – GMF pick five strikers who could/should replace him

Five possible Van Persie replacements

Robin van Persie looks like leaving Arsenal – GMF pick five strikers who could/should replace him

It looks like Arsenal will have to face the prospect of playing next season without Robin van Persie in their squad, but who should they get to replace him?
The Gunners captain last week released a statement saying he would not be signing an extension to his current contract, which has just 12 months left to run.
While it is not absolutely certain Van Persie will depart the Emirates Stadium this summer, it is by far the most likely outcome due to the tone of the statement he published on his official website.
It will be difficult to replace a player who scored 37 goals for the club last season, but replace him they must.
GMF have identified a number of possible transfer targets that have been linked with Arsene Wenger’ side in the past, or players who would be suitable replacements for the free-scoring Dutchman.
Here are the top five from a list drawn up…
Fernando Llorente, Athletic Bilbao
The Spain international was mentioned as a possible Arsenal target a few weeks ago, but Van Persie’s future was seen as pivotal in whether initial admiration would become genuine interest.
Llorente is a tall powerful front man and was thought of as a typical big centre-forward for some time, but this changed when Marcelo Bielsa took over at Athletic. The Chilean’s system of play showed him to be a more mobile and technically gifted striker than previously assumed.
Robert Lewandoski, Borussia Dortmund
The Poland international was impressive in spells at Euro 2012, but his true class was shown in his double-winning season with Borussia Dortmund last term. The 23-year-old front man was the club’s top scorer with 30 goals and is adept at playing the lone role in attack, though his movement and technique are not equal to Van Persie.
Lewandowski is a pure goalscorer, however, and is constantly trying to exploit gaps in defences and losing his marker. His style suits the pace of the Premier League and would be a very good signing by Wenger.
Loic Remy, Marseille
The France international was heavily linked with a switch to Arsenal’s bitter rivals Tottenham, but the sacking of Harry Redknapp has meant the talk of a
move to White Hart Lane has quietened. The Gunners have now been included in those credited with an interest and Remy would be a suitable replacement for their top scorer.
Fast and athletic, Remy has the physical capacity to occupy defenders across the back line and would fit well into role that Van Persie occupied last season. Though he is quicker than the Dutchman, with more of a mind to take defenders on. He scored 22 goals for Marseille last season, but did spend some time out due to injuries.
Edin Dzeko, Manchester City
The Bosnian striker has not been the success he was predicted to be since he made the move from Wolfsburg in the German Bundesliga to the Etihad Stadium. Now reports of a City deal for Van Persie have claimed the Premier League champions are willing to let Dzeko go the other way.
Arsenal fans may not be too happy getting a player who has been deemed a flop, but his sizeable salary is more likely to nip any deal in the bud. Dzeko has obviously not settled in too well with the Citizens, but his success in Germany has proved he is a very talented striker when the situation is right for him. Often isolated when playing up front for City, Dzeko is more comfortable when the forward play is going through him and he can bring runners form deep into the game, much in the same way Van Persie was doing.
Olivier Giroud, Arsenal
Wenger’s latest French signing joined the club stating that he would not be a replacement for Van Persie, but would be playing alongside him. This now looks increasingly unlikely and the assertions that the Ligue 1 top scorer was not a replacement can be called into question.
Giroud is very much a centre-forward designed to play in a lone role and Wenger has been praised the level of his interchange play. Utilising the 25-year-old after Van Persie’s departure could well signal a change in the way Arsenal play, going for a more traditional attacking focal point and getting more direct runners to support him. Whether or not Giroud was signed as replacement, that is what he is going to be if Arsenal do not resolve the situation quickly and want to avoid a repeat of last summer.

Premier League's Chief Executive says he does not want 2011/12 season to end

Scudamore hails 'greatest' Premier League season

Premier League's Chief Executive says he does not want 2011/12 season to end

Scudamore says the 2011/12 Barclays Premier League season has been 'compelling'

It has been a season of twists and turns, ups and downs, dazzling goals and remarkable turnarounds. And like most fans, Premier League Chief Executive Richard Scudamore does not want it to end.

For the first time in the history of the competition, the title, the relegation places and UEFA Champions League qualification will all be settled on the final day of the season.

"There have been so many compelling stories"
- Richard Scudamore

It is no wonder an expert panel picked the 2011/12 season as the best in the competition's history.

"I've never known a season like this," Scudamore said of the thrilling Barclays Premier League campaign.

"There's never been a day with so much riding on it.

"There have been so many compelling stories, it's been so exciting. I don't think we ever want it to end - although I'm sure the players would welcome a rest!"

Manchester City host Queens Park Rangers knowing a win will almost certainly put their name on the famous trophy for the first time.

Tension

But if City slip up, 12-time champions Manchester United are only trailing on goal difference as they travel to Sunderland.

QPR need a point to ensure they prolong their Premier League stay for more than one season, with Bolton Wanderers needing a win at Stoke City to have a chance of escaping the drop.

Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are all eyeing third place, knowing fourth might not be enough to make it into the UEFA Champions League.

"Every single weekend there was always a big story, a big match or a high-scoring match"
- Richard Scudamore

And in what Scudamore describes as "a rather fantastic twist," Chelsea could qualify for the UEFA Champions League by winning the final against Bayern Munich on May 19th - meaning the fourth-place Premier League would enter the UEFA Europa League.

It is a fittingly unpredictable end to a season which has featured so many unlikely twists.

"The underlying memory of the season is how every single weekend there was always a big story, a big match or a high-scoring match," Scudamore said.

"We all pride ourselves on being pundits and being able to forecast. This year, you got to the end of each weekend and you thought 'how has that happened?'

"There were so many turnaround matches: Everton's 4-4 draw against Manchester United that could ultimately be the game that decides the title, and then Arsenal's game against Tottenham at the Emirates. 2-0 up after 20 minutes, and then it ends up 5-2..."

And Scudamore said that whatever happens on Sunday, it will be the perfect end to a memorable season.

"It's going down to the wire and it'll be great."

The final day: What is up for grabs? >

Scudamore hails 'greatest' Premier League season

Premier League's Chief Executive says he does not want 2011/12 season to end

Scudamore says the 2011/12 Barclays Premier League season has been 'compelling'

It has been a season of twists and turns, ups and downs, dazzling goals and remarkable turnarounds. And like most fans, Premier League Chief Executive Richard Scudamore does not want it to end.

For the first time in the history of the competition, the title, the relegation places and UEFA Champions League qualification will all be settled on the final day of the season.

"There have been so many compelling stories"
- Richard Scudamore

It is no wonder an expert panel picked the 2011/12 season as the best in the competition's history.

"I've never known a season like this," Scudamore said of the thrilling Barclays Premier League campaign.

"There's never been a day with so much riding on it.

"There have been so many compelling stories, it's been so exciting. I don't think we ever want it to end - although I'm sure the players would welcome a rest!"

Manchester City host Queens Park Rangers knowing a win will almost certainly put their name on the famous trophy for the first time.

Tension

But if City slip up, 12-time champions Manchester United are only trailing on goal difference as they travel to Sunderland.

QPR need a point to ensure they prolong their Premier League stay for more than one season, with Bolton Wanderers needing a win at Stoke City to have a chance of escaping the drop.

Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are all eyeing third place, knowing fourth might not be enough to make it into the UEFA Champions League.

"Every single weekend there was always a big story, a big match or a high-scoring match"
- Richard Scudamore

And in what Scudamore describes as "a rather fantastic twist," Chelsea could qualify for the UEFA Champions League by winning the final against Bayern Munich on May 19th - meaning the fourth-place Premier League would enter the UEFA Europa League.

It is a fittingly unpredictable end to a season which has featured so many unlikely twists.

"The underlying memory of the season is how every single weekend there was always a big story, a big match or a high-scoring match," Scudamore said.

"We all pride ourselves on being pundits and being able to forecast. This year, you got to the end of each weekend and you thought 'how has that happened?'

"There were so many turnaround matches: Everton's 4-4 draw against Manchester United that could ultimately be the game that decides the title, and then Arsenal's game against Tottenham at the Emirates. 2-0 up after 20 minutes, and then it ends up 5-2..."

And Scudamore said that whatever happens on Sunday, it will be the perfect end to a memorable season.

"It's going down to the wire and it'll be great."

The final day: What is up for grabs? >

Deane reflects on first-ever Premier League goal

Deane reflects on first-ever Premier League goal

To help celebrate 20,000th goal, ex-Sheffield United striker remembers where it all began

Brian Deane in action for Sheffield United in the first season of the Premier League

History can venerate the most unlikely of individuals, prolonging their names well beyond their final years for future generations to preserve their groundbreaking achievements.

Marc Albrighton earned himself a place in history by scoring the 20,000th Barclays Premier League goal  - and he takes his place in football history alongside Brian Deane, the scorer of the first-ever goal nearly 20 years ago.

On Saturday 15 August, 1992, at about 3.05pm, the striker put Sheffield United 1-0 up against Manchester United with an instinctive header at Bramall Lane. The goal, Deane admits, would not be found in the top-five stylish finishes of his career, but its gravitas transcends any form of beauty.

"Whatever happens, that will be the one moment fans all over the world will remember me for"
- Brian Deane

"Whatever happens, wherever I am, that will be the one moment fans all over the world will remember me for," Deane told premierleague.com ahead of Albrighton becoming the 20,000th goalscorer.

"It was a fantastic feeling and even to this day people remind me of it - and it's now a classic quiz question too."

It all started when Blades goalkeeper Simon Tracey cleared a back-pass - then only recently outlawed by FIFA - deep into Manchester United territory, with United defender Gary Pallister heading the ball out for a throw-in.

"We had a throw-in at the Kop End (at Bramall Lane), Carl Bradshaw took a long throw aiming for Alan Cork at the near post," remembered Deane, who also played for Leeds, Middlesbrough and Leicester City during his 12 seasons in the League.

"He flicked a header on and I managed to get myself between Steve Bruce and Pallister to nod the ball past Peter Schmeichel.

"They were no mugs those three, all great players. That made it extra special because that goal was against one of the top teams in the country and in Europe."

With the home support in raptures, Deane's attention quickly switched to the other eight fixtures around the country to find out whether anyone had surpassed his early marker.

"I got word that David Hirst had scored for Sheffield Wednesday early on, but then the news filtered through that I had scored before him," said Deane, who added a second goal to help the Blades to a 2-1 home win against United, the inaugural Premier League champions.

"I knew I was going to be close because of the time I scored the goal but to realise I was the first ever to score in the new Premier League, well, it took a while to sink in."

"To realise I was the first ever to score in the new Premier League, well, it took a while to sink in"
- Brian Deane

The competition has evolved every season since its inception, becoming the most-watched football league in the world because of its open, attacking style.

The 2011/12 season has seen a glut of goals, averaging 2.96 per match, a factor which Deane attributes to world-class creative players like David Silva and Luka Modric rather than a drop in quality defending.

"When the likes of myself, Les Ferdinand, Alan Shearer and Ian Wright were playing, there were some great defenders around like Tony Adams, Martin Keown and Dave Watson as well as Bruce and Pallister, who were all at the peak of their powers," he said.

"Defending back in those days was an art. But now people want to see goals and teams are looking to win rather than closing results out. It makes for a better spectacle and more chances.

"The product itself has evolved again to be the best in the world."

However, the Yorkshireman is confident he would still have scored with regularity if he was able to play in the current Barclays Premier League competition.

"In that first season in 1992/93 I scored 15 goals, all different types of goals, so I don't think I would have a problem," added Deane, who scored 71 goals during his time in the Premier League.

"With the type of science involved in training at the moment, I would have evolved with the developments. I don't think the quality is too different, but the one huge change in that time has been the attitude to training."