Keane fans flames in Kaka to LA Galaxy rumours

Robbie Keane has fanned the flames linking Kaka with a move to LA Galaxy, as the MLS club begin their search for a big name to replace the outgoing David Beckham.

The Brazilian playmaker has struggled to find consistent first-team action at Real Madrid, and the MLS Cup finalists would offer a potential outlet should the Real Madrid star seek a transfer.

"If we want to - as a team and an organisation - to push on and be the best that we can, to attract players like Kaka would be brilliant," Robbie Keane has told reporters at a press conference.

Rumours continue to link the 30-year-old away from Santiago Bernabeu. Kaka has largely failed to recapture his AC Milan form which saw him awarded the 2007 Ballon d'Or.

"Someone like Kaka was only voted one of the best players in the world a few years ago," Keane said. "We welcome anyone with his stature and his ability to the Galaxy, but ultimately it's down to the boss."

The 'boss' - AEG president Tim Leiweke - agrees with the Republic of Ireland international. The man who brought Beckham to Los Angeles is now batting his eyelashes at Kaka, and doing so publicly.

Kaka has frequently talked of his admiration of the United States. His brother, Digao, plays for the New York Red Bulls, and the best man at his wedding, Marcelo Saragosa, is at DC United.

"We're well aware of Kaka's interest in MLS, and we in turn have made it very clear to him that he's aware of our interest in him," Leiweke told Sports Illustrated.

"We have a great relationship with Real Madrid, and just as we worked through a player with them six years ago [Beckham], I'm absolutely convinced we could find the right deal this time, too."

Beckham would be a super signing for Monaco, says Ranieri

Claudio Ranieri has admitted that David Beckham would be a fantastic signing for Monaco, but insists he has not yet spoken to the 37-year-old about a possible switch.

The re-emerging French powerhouse have recently been credited with an interest in the former Real Madrid and Manchester United man, who is set to leave LA Galaxy at the end of the MLS season.

And when quizzed about whether the midfielder would pitch up at Stade Louis II at some point during the January transfer window, the Italian coach was enthusiastic about the prospect.

"About Beckham, I read and heard the same thing as you in the media," Ranieri told reporters.

Aguirre replaces Pochettino as Espanyol coach

Javier Aguirre has been named the new coach of Espanyol, taking over from the sacked Mauricio Pochettino.

The Argentine trainer had overseen a disappointing run of results that left the Catalan outfit bottom of La Liga with nine points from 13 games, and was dismissed on Monday.

And the club have wasted no time in appointing the former Mexico boss, who has signed a contract that expires at the season's end.

"Espanyol and Javier Aguirre have sealed a deal for the Mexican to become coach of the Blue and Whites until the end of the season," an official club statement read.

The Mexican, who has previous Liga experience with Osasuna, Atletico Madrid and Zaragoza, will get under way in the Primera Division with a trip to Granada on Sunday.

Thierry Henry to train with Arsenal in December ahead of possible loan return

EXCLUSIVE
By Wayne Veysey Chief Correspondent

Thierry Henry will train with Arsenal next month and could return for a third spell as a player at the club, Goal.com can reveal.

Arsenal's all-time leading goalscorer has been told he can keep in shape at their London Colney training base during the MLS off-season.

Goal.com understands that there is a strong possibility that the informal situation could even extend into a second loan spell at the club where Henry enjoys legendary status.

Arsene Wenger wants to strengthen his squad with a new centre-forward in the window January and, as revealed by Goal.com last month, has made Atletico Madrids Adrian Lopez his top target.

However, if Arsenal cannot clinch a deal for the Spain international, they are considering turning once again to Henry, who has just completed his third season at New York Red Bulls.

The Londoners will lose Gervinho on Africa Cup of Nations duty in January for up to six weeks and doubt surrounds the future of Theo Walcott, even though progress has been made in his contract negotiations with the club.

Although no talks have taken place at this stage between Henry and Arsenal, he is regarded as a possible temporary solution to the clubs centre-forward problem.

The Frenchman, who turned 35 in August, had a fairytale seven-match return to Emirates Stadium at the start of the year, extending his Arsenal scoring record to 228 goals.

The striker returned to London last week after New York Red Bulls were beaten in the MLS play-offs to end their domestic campaign.

He was principally in the capital to spend time with his family but visited London Colney and was also at Emirates Stadium last Saturday to watch Arsenal beat Tottenham 5-2 in the north London derby

The Frenchman now plans to go on holiday before coming back to London in December, where he is se t to make full use of Arsenals training facilities on his return to maintain his fitness.

The former France international capped an excellent season for New York Red Bulls, which yielded 15 goals in 29 games, by being one of the three players nominated for the MLS most valuable player of the year award. Graham Zusi of Sporting Kansas City and the San Jose Earthquakes striker Chris Wondolowski are the other nominees.

Speaking in the summer about the possibility of another stint at Arsenal, Henry said: I would like to go back to England with Arsenal for sure.

I wasn't planning to go back to play last season. It was only because Gervinho and (Marouane) Chamakh went to the African Nations Cup.

I was there to train and they asked me if I wanted to play. Who knows what might happen in the future? I've not yet spoken to Arsene about it so I don't know what capacity I could go back in.

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Kaizer Chiefs deny talks to sign David Beckham

Kaizer Chiefs have denied that they have been approached about signing former England international David Beckham.

The South African club were linked with a move for the 37-year-old on Wednesday, but team manager Bobby Motaung says there is no truth to the rumours.

"We know nothing about David Beckham coming to Kaizer Chiefs, we have had no contact with any of his representatives and we have not spoken about this at all within the club," Motaung told reporters.

Beckham announced that he would be leaving MLS side LA Galaxy at the end of this year, but said he would not be hanging up his boots.

This has led to plenty of speculation about where he would move next, with clubs in Brazil, China, Qatar, Australia, South Africa and across Europe all mentioned as possibilities.

"I still feel that I have something left in me as a player," Beckham said on Wednesday. "I still feel like I have one more challenge in me as a player. Even a t 37 years old, I still can play at a high level. Where that will be yet, I havent decided.

"There are options, and Im very lucky at my age to have options. People have talked about my retirement, people have mentioned will I retire, and I actually dont feel Im ready to retire yet."

New York Red Bulls chief Roxburgh may block Henry's Arsenal return

New York Red Bulls sporting director Andy Roxburgh has cast doubt on whether Thierry Henry will return to Arsenal for a third spell by admitting that the club may block any such deal.

The 35-year-old has been training at the Gunners' London Colney base since the conclusion of the MLS season, and Arsene Wenger has refused to rule out a similar move to that enjoyed by club and player last winter.

However, Roxburgh, who recently replaced former England assistant manager Hans Backe at New York, has revealed his wariness of any deal due to the risk of burnout.

"In general terms, I wouldnt say it would be something we would favour," Roxburgh told reporters.

"I think the length of the season we have here, when they get the break over the Christmas, New Years period, they need to regenerate themselves.

"Id say in general we wouldnt be too positive about it."

Roxburgh revealed that no offer is currentl y on the table for Henry to play elsewhere, and he remained dismissive of any deal going through at all.

He added: "Right now, no-one has requested for anyone to go on loan.

"It depends on the individual, it depends on the circumstances.

"You cannot say never on that one. But its unlikely, at the moment, that would happen."

Allardyce keen on luring Beckham to West Ham

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has confirmed his interest in bringing David Beckham to the club in the January transfer window.

The former Manchester United winger confirmed in a press conference on Monday his intention to quit LA Galaxy after the MLS Cup final game on December 1.

And, since the announcement, speculation has linked Beckham with a host of clubs from Asia and Europe, but Allardyce is keen to hand Beckham a return to the Premier League with West Ham but only if his fitness is up to competing to Englands top flight.

Yes, I would like to see a fit David Beckham at West Ham," he told The Sun.

But he would need to come and do a fitness test like any other player.

Concerns over the 37-year-old's fitness, however, are not shared by the player himself, who believes he has the fitness and desire to still be competitive at the highest level.

The former Engl and captain told reporters: "I still feel like I have one more challenge in me as a player, even at 37 years old. I feel that I still can play at a high level. Where that'll be yet, I haven't decided.

"I have some exciting opportunities on the table."

Ravel Morrison pondering international future with Jamaica

West Ham United youngster Ravel Morrison has admitted he is thinking about declaring himself available for selection for the Jamaican national football team instead of England.

Born in Wythenshaw, the 19-year-old has had a fairly turbulent career to date, getting into several legal problems while contracted to Manchester United, despite being rated among the club's finest youth products since Paul Scholes and was eventually offloaded to the Hammers in January.

The England youth international is currently on loan at Birmingham City in the Championship and has impressed in his nine league appearances so far this season, and although he is highly-rated by many in English football, he could be set to pick an international career with Jamaica over the Three Lions.

Speaking on his Twitter account, Morrison said: "Should I go play for Jamaica hmmm...

"Thinking time. In two minds."

Thus far, Morrison has played at every level for England until Under-18 and was one of the stars of Manchester United's 2011 FA Youth Cup triumph alongside Juventus star Paul Pogba.

He has played once for West Ham since signing 10 months ago, but scored his first senior goal for the Blues last weekend against Hull City.

Ancelotti denies PSG move for Beckham

PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti has denied speculation the club are poised to complete a move to bring David Beckham to the club.

The ex-England international revealed he will seek a fresh away after playing his final game for LA Galaxy on December 1 in the MLS Cup Final against Houston Dynamo, and had been strongly linked with a move to the mega-rich Ligue 1 outfit.

However, former AC Milan and Chelsea coach Ancelotti told reporters he has no plans to sign the 37-year-old, stating: "We did not offer, good luck to him."

Bekham started his career at Manchester United where he enjoyed a rich spell of success before moving to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

He later moved to MLS side LA Galaxy and spent joined Serie A giants AC Milan on loan.

PSG have slumped to two recent domestic defeats but the 53-year-old is hoping they can bounce back by reaching the last-16 in the Champions League.

He added: "We're going throu gh a difficult period after two home losses. The players know that I'm not happy.

"The important thing is to get our heads up as soon as possible and tomorrow we have the opportunity to qualify for the last 16, which would be a very good thing. A point would be enough for us to get to the last 16, but we're going to play to win."

Ancelotti also revealed he is set to tinker with the sides tactics and is expecting his players to put in an improved performance when they face Dynamo Kiev.

He continued: "Certain things will change, particularly in the tactics department. The players have to take their responsibility and I have confidence in them.

"We have done good things not that long ago, and there's no reason why that won't continue."

"I speak to my players regularly, and I'm expecting a reaction against Kiev. I think that we will have a good match. Everyone has to take their responsibilities. I will take mine and the play ers have to do the same."

Beckham to play final game for LA Galaxy in MLS Cup final

The MLS Cup final on December 1 will be David Beckham's final match for LA Galaxy, the club have confirmed.

The match, in which the former England captain's side will host Houston Dynamo at the Home Depot Center in a repeat of last year's final, will bring to an end a five-year spell in the American game - though Beckham stressed that he intends to remain connected with the sport in USA.

"I've had an incredibly special time playing for the LA Galaxy, however, I wanted to experience one last challenge before the end of my playing career," the midfielder said in a statement on the club's official website.

"I don't see this as the end of my relationship with the league as my ambition is to be part of the ownership structure in the future."

The Football Federation Australia (FFA) claimed on Friday that Beckham's representatives had been in contact over a switch to the A-League, though a spokesman for the player denied the links.

The former Manchester United star's arrival from Real Madrid in 2007 prompted MLS to create the Designated Player rule to allow Galaxy to spend extra money on the signing, with a view to developing the profile of football in the country.

"In my time here I have seen the popularity of the game grow every year," Beckham remarked. "I've been fortunate to win trophies but more important to me has been the fantastic reception I've had from fans in LA and across the States.

"Soccer's potential has no limits in this wonderful country and I want to always be part of growing it."

League commissioner Don Garber said of the news: "There is no doubt that MLS is far more popular and important here and abroad than it was when he arrived.

"David has achieved great things on and off the field during his time with the Galaxy and he will always be an important part of our history. We look forward to his continued involvement with the LA Galaxy and the league."

Tim Cahill keen on Everton loan return

New York Red Bulls midfielder Tim Cahill has expressed his desire to return to Everton on loan in the January transfer window.

MLS players have often used the North American close season to join European clubs on loan in recent years, with LA Galaxy star Landon Donovan enjoying two spells at Goodison Park.

And now Cahill has pitched the idea of making a short-term comeback at the club with whom he spent eight years in the Premier League.

"I know I have a lot more to offer," Cahill said in an interview with Sky Sports. "The main thing is that I get to enjoy to MLS but I also get the chance of joining back up in the Premier League and playing in the best league in the world.

"There is no shadow of a doubt, I am eager to come back. Hopefully something can be done [with Everton]. It would be nice but it is not down to me. I have to respect that sometimes the ship has sailed."

Cahill was delighted to see the T offees emerge once more as contenders for Champions League qualification, with David Moyes' team currently sitting fifth in the table.

The Australian admitted that the match he most missed taking part in is the Merseyside derby.

"I am so happy for Everton and nobody more than the chairman and manager whose rewards are starting to show," he enthused.

"The biggest thing I miss is the derby. There are two great teams in one city and when I watch the derby it gives me goosebumps."

Russia 2-2 USA: Capello's men denied by Diskerud

Mikkel Diskerud's stoppage-time equaliser rescued a 2-2 draw for a makeshift USA side as they fought back twice against Russia.

Roman Shirokov looked to have secured the victory for the home side when he converted a penalty with seven minutes from time, but Fabio Capello's side could not hold on to extend their four-game winning run.

Fyodor Smolov had earlier marked his maiden appearance for the national team with a goal but Michael Bradley equalised with a stunning volley.

Jurgen Klinsmann's team had goalkeeper Tim Howard to thank as the veteran made a number of crucial saves to keep his side in the game.

Russia forced a number of early corners and were rewarded for their dominance when the visitors gave the ball away midway inside their own half from a free kick and debutant Smolov took advantage to slot past Howard, though the winger suffered an injury in the process of scoring and was substituted soon af ter.

Capello's side were showing the form that has seen them pick up maximum points from their 2014 World Cup qualifying matches, and Maksim Grigorjev saw his shot well blocked by Geoff Cameron after neat interplay with Aleksandr Kerzhakov.

USA were struggling to have any time on the ball, but they almost equalised against the run of play as defender Clarence Goodsen shot straight at Vladimir Gabulov from the edge of the area after Danny Williams' touch.

Smolov's replacement Grigorjev was a constant threat for the home side and he almost doubled their lead with a first-time shot that was well held by Howard, following Williams' poor touch on the edge of his own box.

Roma's Bradley was attempting to pull the strings for Klinsmann's outfit and he created a chance for Herculez Gomez, but the latter's flicked header was punched away by Gabulov, though the goalkeeper didn't know much about it.

The visitors continued to grow i nto the game as half-time approached and the returning Jozy Altidore threatened for the first time with a powerful shot from distance that flew just over the bar.

Molde winger Joshua Gatt was lively on his debut, and he almost marked his first cap with a goal at the start of the second period as Jermaine Jones broke from midfield and the youngster curled a shot straight at Gabulov, who caught the effort well.

That didn't deter the Sbornaya and they almost doubled their lead as Aleksandr Kokorin forced Howard into a smart save low to his right with a powerful effort from just outside the penalty area.

With Kerzhakov substituted at the break, Kokorin was playing much more centrally, and he broke through the USA defence well and looked to have won a penalty after being tripped by Howard, but replays showed that Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli was right to book the attacker for a dive.

Alan Dzagoev was the man who repl aced Kerzhakov and his trickery created another opportunity for Kokorin, but he fired over from distance after coming under pressure from the opposition's defenders.

Dzagoev was a constant threat after his introduction, and he was again involved in the final third as he headed fellow substitute Renat Yanbayev's cross straight at Howard after getting in front of his marker.

Kokorin continued his quest for a goal as he brought the ball onto his favoured right foot around 25 yards from goal but his weak shot was simple for Howard to deal with.

Defender Yanbayev looked to get forward at every opportunity, and after exchanging passes with Denis Glushakov, his shot was parried by Howard, with the Everton goalkeeper having to recover quickly to tip over Dzagoev's dipping effort from the rebound.

Despite being on the back foot for much of the game, Altidore had a glorious opportunity to equalise but he failed to control Fabian Johnson's th rough ball when one-on-one with Gabulov.

With 20 minutes remaining of the match Klinsmann's team began to push for an equaliser and they almost got it as Bradley met Sacha Kljestan's knock down with a diving header, but he could only direct it over the crossbar.

It didn't take Bradley long to be involved again, though, and he made no mistake this time as he met Juan Agudelo's header with a sweet volley from 20 yards that cannoned in off the post.

The United States now looked more likely to grab a winning goal and Jones almost provided the crucial strike but he could only fire over from Altidore's low cross across the edge of the area.

The home side then delivered a sucker punch as the visitors' defence were caught out by a quick free kick and Goodsen brought down Artem Dzuba inside the six-yard box, allowing Shirokov to send Howard the wrong way from the spot.

Real Madrid youngster Denis Cheryshev almost made the game safe as he found space inside the box but was denied by Howard's legs. Then, with the game deep into added on time, substitute Diskerud latched onto a weak defensive header and saw his scuffed effort bobble past the despairing Gabulov.

Chivas USA rejected chance to land Chicharito before Manchester United switch

The owner of Mexican side Chivas Guadalajara has revealed that Chicharito could have moved to the MLS with Chivas USA before joining Manchester United.

The Red Devils striker, born and raised in Guadalajara, was offered to the team's sister club in the MLS, Chivas USA. But Jorge Vergara, owner of the Latin American team, has revealed that his Californian counterpart declined the offer, opening the door to Chicharito's move to Manchester.

"We had the idea to support Chivas USA by offering Chicharito," Vergara told reporters.

"But Preki [Chivas USA head coach until 2009] and the past administration said he wasn't any good. I think they made a mistake a little bit."

Vergara later confirmed that the deal would have been a one-year loan, though it would have scuppered any attempts from United to sign the player.

But Chivas USA's loss has been Sir Alex Ferguson's gain, and the Little Pea has enjoyed rich goal scoring f orm since moving to Old Trafford.

The 24-year old came off the bench to inspire the Red Devils to victory against Aston Villa at the weekend and grabbed a winning goal against Chelsea earlier in the season.

FFA claims contact with Beckham camp over A-League move

Football Federation Australia (FFA) has confirmed that the wheels are in motion for LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham to make a temporary switch to the A-League.

The former England captain is reportedly looking to keep up his fitness levels during the MLS off-season, and the governing body believes that the speculation proves that the competition is growing in stature.

"The approach from David Beckham's people is another sign of how much the Hyundai A-League has grown in stature on a global basis," an FFA spokesman said in a statement.

"Beckham is superstar on the world stage and he would be another massive signing for the Hyundai A-League after the arrivals of Alessandro Del Piero, Emile Heskey and Shinji Ono. But this approach remains at a very preliminary stage."

Meanwhile, Perth Glory's chief executive Paul Kelly released a statement declaring his side's interest in the veteran superstar.

"We are always happy to speak to players of the calibre of David Beckham, who would be great for the Hyundai A-League as illustrated by the effect of Alessandro Del Piero, Emile Heskey and Shinji Ono," he said.

"At the end of the day, its the coach, Ian Ferguson who makes these decisions and we as a club, have a process that we follow when recruiting players.

"But we would be mad not to consider David Beckham seriously."

Melbourne Victory, however, will not be entering the market for the veteran, but coachAnge Postecoglou stressed that he would be happy to see the veteran play in Australia.

"That's great if he is [interested in coming to the A-League. Would we be interested? No," he told reporters.

Beckham has 'absolutely no plans' to leave LA Galaxy and move to Australia

David Beckham's camp have denied reports that the midfielder is set to leave LA Galaxy and move to Australia after Football Federation Australia (FFA) claimed the 37-year-old was interested in a temporary switch to the A-League.

A spokesman for the FFA hinted that the former Manchester United man was set to follow the likes of Alessandro Del Piero and Emile Heskey by moving to Australian in a statement saying: "The approach from David Beckham's people is another sign of how much the Hyundai A-League has grown in stature on a global basis.

"Beckham is a superstar on the world stage and he would be another massive signing for the Hyundai A-League after the arrivals of Alessandro Del Piero, Emile Heskey and Shinji Ono. But this approach remains at a very preliminary stage."

However, a spokeman for Beckham has denied the claim, saying the player is hap py in Los Angeles and is not planning on moving.

"David is completely focused on the MLS play offs and winning another Championship with the Galaxy," a spokesman told Sky Sports.

"Always enormous interest from clubs across world in signing David.. absolutely no plans to play in Australia."

Beckham laughs off rumours of move to Australia

LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham has dismissed suggestions that he is set to join an A-League team.

Football Federation Australia recently claimed that Beckham's management approached them about a 10-game loan during the MLS off-season.

However, a spokesman for the former England captain has denied those reports on television, and Beckham himself has also claimed they are false.

"No. Definitely not true," he told reporters at the Home Depot Center after a Galaxy training session on Friday.

"Bruce [Arena] told me that this morning the first I'd heard about it. Like I said that's the first I'd heard of that, this morning."

Arena, who was present at the press conference, jokingly added: "We've booked his tickets already."

LA Galaxy take on the Seattle Sounders in the second leg of the Western Conference final on Sunday.

Hernandez dismisses 'super sub' tag after inspiring Manchester United comeback

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has played down his role in Saturday's 3-2 win over Aston Villa, despite netting twice as a second-half substitute.

An Andreas Weimann double gave the Villans a 2-0 lead but the Mexican striker, who came on in place of Ashley Young at half-time, inspired a comeback win.

He struck just eight minutes after the Austrian's second before forcing the ball in off Ron Vlaar and then completing the turnaround with a headed finish three minutes from time.

But the forward has insisted he never expects to come on and make such a significant impact.

"To be honest, in my mind I never think that Im doing it to change the game or something like that," he told ESPN.

The only thing in my mind is to do my best, to do the things the gaffer told me to do and help all my team-mates with the effort to comeback because we were down 2-0 and thankfully we won.

The 24-year-old also hopes to be awarded his side's second goal and subsequently a hat-trick, despite the heavy deflection off Vlaar.

Of course [I will claim it], the Mexican said. "I think that I hit the target and then the defender touched the ball, but I dont know thats the decision of the referees.

Hernandez went on to express delight with his third goal in particular, given it sealed the three points for the visitors.

Sure, its really special. A wonderful cross from Robin van Persie, and thankfully I can get away from my defender and I head the ball and thankfully it goes in," he added.

The most important thing is the three points, it doesnt matter who scored the goals, whos the man of the match, the most important thing is that Manchester United are top of the league and we came back from 2-0 down and its a good result.

'When you score a hat trick you pick yourself' - Sir Alex Ferguson on Chicharito

Sir Alex Ferguson haspromised Javier Hernandez a starting berth against Norwich following his outstanding performance during Saturday's 3-2 win over Aston Villa.

The Mexican striker came from the bench at half-time to score twice and create a third as the Red Devils overcame a two-goal deficit to seal victory.

And Sir Alex cited a summer break as the main reason for the 24-year-old's recent run of good form, before admitting he will struggle to leave him out of the first team.

"He's fresh this season, he's had a good summer break, it's made a difference to him," he told reporters.

"When he came to us two years ago, that's what we were seeing more of today.

"And obviously, when you score a hat-trick you pick yourself, and I think he'll be playing next week."

The Scot also listed the attributes which he believes make the striker so effective, saying: "He does his natural thing - he's fantastic in the pena lty box, his movement, his quickness and being in space; it's got him three goals today."

Sir Alex went on to reveal that Hernandez's chances of starting against the Canaries may have been boosted by a potential injury to Wayne Rooney.

"He got an ankle knock and its got some ice on it at the moment. Well see what its like tomorrow, he continued.

Beckham hails 'exceptional' Suarez goal

Former Manchester United winger David Beckham has hailed Luis Suarez's exceptional goal against Newcastle, claiming that the Uruguay international is capable of providing world-class performances in every match.

Suarez neatly controlled a 50-yard pass on his shoulder before rounding the Magpies keeper Tim Krul and slotting the ball into an open net.

And the LA Galaxy midfielder expressed his delight at the level of skill on display from the Uruguayan.

"It was exceptional, to score a goal like that. The way he brought the ball down, everything about it was amazing. It was amazing to watch it," he told reporters.

Beckham went on the admit that, while the goal was a stroke of genius, he was not surprised by it due to the quality that Suarez possesses.

"I'm a Manchester United fan, and I don't like to say that about Liverpool players, but all jokes aside his first touch was incredible, his second touch was even better and it was an amazing finish," he continued.

"He's a great player, he's capable of doing those things week in and week out."

West Ham Olympic Stadium hopes rocked by NFL

West Ham's hopes of moving to the vacant Olympic Stadium have been dealt another blow, after representatives from the NFL expressed an interest in taking up a tenancy.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson opened talks with American Football bosses when St Louis Rams and New England Patriots visited the capital for their annual fixture at Wembley Stadium last weekend.

A spokesman said: "Given the ever-growing popularity of gridiron this side of the Atlantic the mayor and his team have held a number of meetings with senior executives in the last few days to explore further opportunities for NFL in London.

The talks were exploratory and we are at an early stage but the signs are encouraging.

The news marks the latest setback for the Hammers' hopes of acquiring the stadium, after the Treasury refused to hand over 337million in Olympic contingency underspend to help install retractable seating.

Other interested parties includ e League One club Leyton Orient, a football college and a consortium hoping to stage a Formula One grand prix in the Olympic Park.

However, the NFL's proposition remains one of the frontrunners, as the stadium would only be required 10 times a year as opposed to over 20 for domestic football.

"Sundays game at Wembley, in front of more than 80,000 fans, further cements Londons reputation as the natural home of American football outside of the US," the spokesman added.

"Only last week the Mayor, in conjunction with the NFL, announced an expansion from one to two regular-season matches in London from 2013. That means in total an additional 44 million in revenue for the capital from next year."