Villas-Boas reiterates Abramovich support

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has insisted he has the backing of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich ahead of tonight's Champions League clash at Napoli.

Captain John Terry has been ruled out, while Didier Drogba is expected to lead the line with Fernando Torres failing to find the net in his last 20 games.

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he plans to retire in "two or three years" - with the Manchester United manager hoping to end his career on a "winning note".

Elsewhere, Andy Carroll has said he finally believes he is showing his best form at Anfield, more than a year after his £35m deadline day move from Newcastle.

TRANSFER NEWS

Arsenal scouts were sent to watch Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud during his side's 2-2 draw with Paris Saint-Germain last night. (Metro)

Liverpool have joined the race to sign highly rated Mateo Kovacic - who is being targeted by Tottenham, Manchester City and Barcelona. (Nueuvo Football)

And finally, West Ham chairman David Gold has revealed that Demba Ba does indeed have a £7m exit clause in his Newcastle contract. (Westhamtillidie.com)