Ronaldinho impressing Rijkaard

Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard has warned that Ronaldinho is nearing his best ahead of the Nou Camp clash with Rangers.

The Brazilian, who has twice been voted FIFA’s world player of the year, has suffered a dip in form but scored twice in Sunday’s win over Real Betis. The 27-year-old struck with two free-kicks in the 3-0 victory, convincing Rijkaard he is improving by the game. The Dutch coach said: ‘He is improving little by little and we could see that he is a fundamental player for us by the way that he brings such happiness to the team.

Ronaldinho dismisses Chelsea link

Brazil and Barcelona playmaker Ronaldinho has rejected suggestions that he could be set to join Chelsea. He has two-and-a-half years left on his deal but has been linked to the Blues since Jose Mourinho’s managerial exit.

Ronaldinho’s brother and agent Roberto de Assis is also thought to have held a meeting with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich during the summer.

But Ronaldinho, 27, told newspaper El Mundo: “Not Chelsea or Milan. I want to stay at Barcelona, that is my wish.”

Ronaldinho has missed the last three Barca games through injury but he is back in their squad for Tuesday’s Champions League match with Stuttgart, while Chelsea face Valencia on Wednesday.

Defoe happy to stay at Tottenham

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has no intention of leaving despite reports of a bust-up with manager Martin Jol at the weekend, BBC Sport understands. Reports claimed Defoe has refused to sign a new five-year deal as he is eyeing a move away from the club.

The 24-year-old England forward was left out of the squad for the north London derby defeat to Arsenal.

But Defoe has decided to remain at White Hart Lane and fight for a place in Jol’s struggling side.

The player’s contract runs out at the end of next season and Spurs want him to commit himself to a long-term deal and avoid the prospect of seeing his value drop next summer.

Reports claimed the under-fire Jol has told the player he will be forced to play with the reserves if he fails to sign his new contract.

Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal

Emmanuel Adebayor scored twice as Arsenal came from behind to beat north London rivals Tottenham. Gareth Bale curled in a 15th minute free-kick to put Spurs ahead before Paul Robinson twice denied Adebayor.

Abou Diaby hit the bar as Arsenal pushed on, then Dimitar Berbatov was thwarted by a last-ditch Kolo Toure tackle and Adebayor blazed over.

Arsenal equalised when Adebayor nodded in before Cesc Fabregas’ drive put them ahead and Adebayor volleyed a third.

Real Madrid still interested in Ballack swoop

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack remains a transfer target for Real Madrid, according to coach Bernd Schuster.

The Bernabeu boss has admitted that he did attempt to lure the Germany captain away from London in the summer, but financial difficulties blocked the move.

But now Ballack has been left out of Chelsea’s squad for the Champions League group stage, Schuster is prepared to try again in his bid to lure the 30-year-old with the guarantee of regular first-team football.

Spurs clarify King situation

Tottenham Hotspur have stressed that Ledley King is “making good progress” in his comeback from knee surgery.

 The Spurs skipper, 26, went under the knife in June after aggravating the injury on international duty and there were suggestions he may return later than expected.

“Ledley has suffered no setback, he has no pain or swelling in his knee and is building up his fitness,” Wayne Diesel, Head of Medical Services at the Club, told Spurs’ official website. “I am satisfied that he is on course with his rehab and is making steady progress. We have always said that we would not look to rush him back as that would be counter-productive, so this will not be dictated by timeframes but by goal-specific stages in his rehab.”

The player added: “Far from suffering any setback, I am in fact really pleased with the way things are going. No player enjoys watching from the sidelines and my sole focus is on getting fit and back in the squad.”

Tottenham have earned just four points from their opening five Barclays Premier League games.

source:premierleague

Fulham 3-3 Tottenham

Diomansy Kamara scored a dramatic late overhead kick to snatch an unlikely point against a wasteful Tottenham. Younes Kaboul poked home after Antti Niemi had flapped at Gareth Bale’s corner and Dimitar Berbatov smashed in Robbie Keane’s sublime flick.

Fulham pulled one back through a Clint Dempsey header but Bale extended the lead with a fine solo run and finish.

Alexey Smertin’s deflected shot off Ricardo Rocha clawed Fulham within reach before Kamara’s late leveller.

It was the most unlikely of points for Fulham who had been completely outplayed throughout.

Jenas to stay at Spurs until 2012

Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas has signed a new five-year contract that will keep him at the club until 2012. Jenas, who cost £7m when he signed from Newcastle in 2005, enjoyed a good campaign last year, scoring eight goals despite two months out through injury.

The 24-year-old told the club website: “Spurs have the calibre of squad that any player would want to be part of.

“The spirit in the squad is terrific, the club is ambitious and undoubtedly moving forward.”

Terry excited by Ronaldinho rumours

Chelsea captain John Terry admits the possibility of Ronaldinho going to Stamford Bridge is ‘exciting’ but believes the Barcelona forward would need to improve his defensive work ethic to succeed.

Rumours this week suggested Chelsea’s billionaire owner Roman Abramovich held two meetings with Ronaldinho’s brother and adviser in a bid to persuade the Barcelona star to join the Blues in the Barclays Premier League.

Barca have dismissed those claims and with Friday’s transfer deadline looming any deal would need to be done quickly.

England defender Terry is positive about the prospect - however distant - but was also cautious.

‘It was exciting seeing the link with him and it would be a great acquisition to get a player of that ability in,’ Terry said.

Barca ‘convinced’ of keeping Ronaldinho

Barcelona sporting director Txiki Begiristain remains ‘totally convinced’ Ronaldinho will not leave for Chelsea or any other club as rumours persist they are keen to sign Blues target Daniel Alves from Sevilla.

Begiristain shrugged off rumours Chelsea’s billionaire owner Roman Abramovich held two meetings with Ronaldinho’s brother and adviser in a bid to persuade the Barcelona star to join the Blues in the Barclays Premier League.

Begiristain insisted yesterday Ronaldinho, who has three years left on his current contract, is staying at the Nou Camp, while Barca have said nothing about rumours of a move for right-sided full-back Alves.

Begiristain told Catalunya Radio: ‘We do not want to sell him.

‘Ronaldinho is our player and I am totally convinced that he will remain at the club.