Today in the Premier League

James Mariner
Wednesday 07 May 2008 00:00 BST
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Arsenal

Manager Arsène Wenger has challenged the top scorer Emmanuel Adebayor to improve his goal total next season. "Emmanuel took his tally to 30 for the season with a hat-trick at Derby [last week]," Wenger said. "But there is some room for him to improve. That makes me very positive."

Aston Villa

Martin O'Neill has confirmed that Patrik Berger will leave the club in the summer, following remarks the Czech midfielder made urging Gareth Barry to join Liverpool. "I was disappointed Patrik would make such an inappropriate comment," O'Neill said. "He won't play any part from here on in."

Birmingham City

The managing director Karren Brady has echoed the statements of Blues chairman David Gold by confirming the safety of manager Alex McLeish, regardless of the club being relegated. "One thing I'll make clear now," Brady said. "There is no way we are going to sack Alex."

Blackburn Rovers

The manager Mark Hughes has expressed his surprise at Roque Santa Cruz's debut Premier League season. "I knew I was getting a technically gifted player," Hughes said after the Paraguayan forward won the Rovers Player of the Year award. "But I didn't realise what a good player he is."

Bolton Wanderers

The Saint Etienne striker Bafetimbi Gomis has been linked with a move to the Reebok Stadium. Manager Gary Megson made an unsuccessful attempt to sign the French forward in January and may return with a renewed bid for the 22-year-old, whose style of play has evoked comparisons with Didier Drogba and Emmanuel Adebayor.

Chelsea

Serie A side AC Milan have admitted their interest in Blues striker Diddier Drogba but admit the striker could remain at Stamford Bridge. "Drogba is a very interesting player that many clubs would want to have," Milan sporting director Ariedo Braida said. "But he is under contract at Chelsea and I believe he will remain at Chelsea next season."

Derby County

The Rams have been linked with a summer move for the Watford midfielder Jordan Stewart. Manager Paul Jewell attempted to sign the versatile 26-year-old during the January transfer window and could make another move as the player's contract nears its expiration at the end of the season.

Everton

Toffees midfielder Phil Jagielka said the players are determined to end the season on a high and achieve European qualification by beating Newcastle on Sunday. "We've been in the driving seat for most of the season," the 25-year-old said. "It would be nice for us and the fans to finish in style."

Fulham

The goalkeeper Kasey Keller has admitted he could leave Craven Cottage at the end of the season. "I won't play a whole lot longer, so if I have to move I'll do it," the 38-year-old American said. "Whether that is staying at Fulham or going somewhere else. I won't necessarily stay in England."

Liverpool

The goalkeeper José Reina has backed team-mate Fernando Torres to improve on his debut season. "As a player you are always learning and looking to get better and that will be Fernando's goal next season," Reina said. "He has adapted better than anyone expected."

Manchester City

The Porto centre-back Bruno Alves has been linked with a summer move to the Eastlands. "Anything could happen after Euro 2008," the Portguese international's agent and father, Washington Alves, said. "A number of clubs have asked about his contract situation."

Manchester United

The midfielder Ryan Giggs has warned his team-mates Wigan will not present an easy challenge when United head to the JJB on Sunday. "It's going to be a tough game," the 34-year-old Wales international said. "Wigan have some decent players. We've got to be professional and do our job."

Middlesbrough

The manager Gareth Southgate has insisted the club wants to keep midfielder Gary O'Neil, despite the 24-year-old having difficulty settling in the area. "There has been a little problem off the field," Southgate said. "He certainly won't walk out the door without a fight from our end."

Newcastle United

Emre will not feature in the club's final game, at Everton on Sunday, to ensure his fitness for Turkey's Euro 2008 campaign. "We will let Emre join Turkey as we don't want him to get injured," manager Kevin Keegan said. "That would not be fair, he's just got fit again after two bad injuries."

Portsmouth

Harry Redknapp has echoed Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan's comments on the difficulties of breaking into the 'top four'. "I agree with Kevin," Redknapp said. "I don't see any way anyone can break into the top four. Liverpool spent £28m on Fernando Torres – who can compete with that?"

Reading

The Royals manager Steve Coppell has warned his players to forget last weekend's defeat to Tottenham and concentrate on the final game against Derby on Sunday. "It's in the past," Coppell said. "It does nobody any good to dwell on it. We've got to get our focus on Derby."

Sunderland

Manager Roy Keane admits he intends to make "big changes" to his Black Cats squad in the summer as he prepares for next season. "Seven or eight [players], at least," Keane said when asked about possible new arrivals. "I need to get the right people in – whether I can remains to be seen."

Tottenham Hotspur

The chairman Daniel Levy has confirmed that the board is still considering whether or not to move the club away from their White Hart Lane home. "A project of this nature and importance cannot be hurried," Levy said. "We continue to review and keep our options open."

West Ham United

Dean Ashton is struggling for fitness ahead of the Hammers' final game of the season against Aston Villa on Sunday. "He's tweaked his groin when he scored," assistant manager Mervyn Day said of Ashton's goal at Manchester United last weekend. "With another game next Sunday we thought we'd protect him a little bit."

Wigan Athletic

The manager Steve Bruce remains keen to bring another striker to the JJB this summer, with Egyptian Amr Zaki a reported target. "The most important thing is to get a striker who can make a difference," Bruce said. "Our top scorer this season is Marcus Bent with seven goals, so that really is an area we really need to improve on next season."

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