Xavi hails 'world-class' Forster and says keeper wouldn't look out of place at Barca.

Barcelona playmaker Xavi has hailed England goalkeeper Fraser Forster as a 'world-class' talent, and reckons he'd be a perfect fit at the Nou Camp.
The Spanish giants are in the market for a new No 1 after Victor Valdes announced he will end his 11-year stint with the club at the end of the season.
Forster has impressed for Celtic again in the Champions League this term after the Spanish media labelled him 'The Great Wall' following his heroics in his side's 2-1 win over Barcelona last season.

Full stretch: Fraser Forster has proven himself to be a top-class keeper after a string on impressive displays

Scourge of Barca: Forster (right) makes a stunning save to keep out Lionel Messi during last season's win and (below) stops a Neymar shot in this season's narrow defeat

Barcelona were first alerted to Forster's talent in their defeat at Parkhead last term. Spanish newspaper El Mundo hailed his performance as 'La Gran Muralla' (The Great Wall). 

'I think the players all know about the Forster interest - and it is a player we know very well,' said Xavi.
'I can't say that I watch him every week - but when we have played Celtic he has shown that he is a world-class goalkeeper.

'From what I have seen he has everything to succeed at a club like Barcelona - and with his Champions League performances for Celtic I am sure there will be more than one big club interested in him.'
‘It’s going to be impossible to keep Fraser, the way he’s playing,’ Lennon said. ‘Inevitably, I think a huge club will come in and make a huge bid for him.

Fraser Forster and Joe Hart training for England

Key man: Xavi hailed the qualities of Forster, suggesting he is a ready-made replacement for Victor Valdes

On his way out: Long-time No 1 Victor Valdes will leave Barcelona at the end of the season

Chelsea boss Mourinho targets former Liverpool star Alonso in free January swoop.

Jose Mourinho has set his sights on bringing Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso to Chelsea in the summer.
The deep-lying playmaker's contract runs out at the end of June and Mourinho would love to bring his former star to London, hoping to seal a free transfer in January.
Alonso, signed by Real Madrid in 2009 from Liverpool for £30million, has been a mainstay in the side since and the Spanish giants are confident they can get him to sign a new deal.

Target: Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso (left) is wanted by Jose Mourinho at Chelsea

Playmaker: Alonso, formerly of Liverpool, plays deep in midfield and creates chances

Despite being a fans' favourite at Anfield, Alonso is not keen on a return to Merseyside and may opt to rejoin Mourinho, with whom he shares a good relationship.
When Chelsea played Real in a pre-season friendly in America, Mourinho and Alonso were seen chatting to each other and also embracing.
Alonso does have a rivalry with Chelsea star Frank Lampard and blames the England midfielder for breaking his ankle in 2005 with a sliding tackle.

Making plans: Mourinho is interested in bringing his former player to Chelsea on a free

Rivalry: Alonso had a spat with Frank Lampard in 2005 after he blamed the Chelsea midfielder for breaking his leg

Lampard said afterwards: 'I felt very bad and phoned to apologise but he wouldn’t really have it and ever since he has that look in his eye when we meet, and there is always a bit of jostling and shoving.'
Alonso, 31, has picked up several honours over the years. As well as the FA Cup and Champions League he won with Liverpool, he also has a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey and World Cup and European Championship medals.
Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti said of Alonso on Tuesday: 'He is over his injuries, now we need to get him playing. Xabi Alonso is very important for Real Madrid.'
He added: 'Xabi is available (to play against Sevilla on Wednesday) He's training and I think that tomorrow he will be on our bench and I'll try to give him a few minutes.'
Alonso had back surgery and after recovering from the operation he broke his foot, prolonging his time out. He missed the Confederations Cup with Spain and the first 10 weeks of Madrid's season.

Important: Carlo Ancelotti praised Alonso and said that he was still needed at Real Madrid

Hernandez double helps ease Reds into quarter-finals

Sometimes, watching Javier Hernandez play football is like watching a man who has just awoken from a long sleep. To describe the young Mexican as dozy is to give him more credit than he often deserves.
Then there are other occasions - occasions like this - when the Manchester United forward's natural goalscoring instincts spring to the fore to help him sniff and convert chances with something approaching ridiculous ease.
Now in his fourth season at Old Trafford, we don't know much more about him that back when he burst so wonderfully on to the United team sheet in the 2010-11 season.

One up: Hernandez celebrates after scoring from penalty spot in the first half

Slotted home: Hernandez stepped up after Adnan Januzaj had been brought down on 20 minutes

Now 25, Hernandez still doesn't seem to understand the offside rule, still can't be relied upon to perform consistently but still has that priceless knack of scoring important goals.
Here last night he scored two, the first thumped home from the penalty spot in the first half and the second headed in at the Stretford End after Norwich goalkeeper Mark Bunn has palmed his first effort straight up in to the air.
There were other moments to savour, too, namely a header that flew inches over and, best of all, a scooped shot on the turn that rolled only inches wide and, remarkably, came when Hernandez was sitting flat on his backside and facing the wrong way.

Backup man: Hernandez is becoming handy for United in European and domestic competition

Ultimately, his goals were enough to see United through to the next round with a win against a Norwich team simply glad that midfielder Robert Snodgrass left the field awake after a clash of heads in the second half had rendered him unconscious for at least five minutes in the second half.
This competition perhaps doesn't excite David Moyes enough to keep him awake at night. Nevertheless, the United manager knows significant progress in any competition this season will help ease the burden of expectation he feels and, as such, he selected a team that, at least in part, wouldn't have looked out of place in the Barclays Premier League.
His two main centre forwards, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, were not involved at the start but a look at the other end of Moyes' formation found Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic staring back, something that will perhaps have settled the nerves of those United supporters alarmed at the number of times their team have fallen behind this season.
Elsewhere, there were starts for young forwards Wilfried Zaha - his first since the Community Shield in August - and Adnan Januzaj as Moyes placed his attacking faith in some younger players.

Worrying: Robert Snodgrass of Norwich City leaves the field on a stretcher after being down for nine minutes after a clash of heads with Rafael

Cup man: Hernandez scored his second and third goal in just two Capital One Cup appearances this season

Tussle: Zaha was making his first United appearance since the Community Shield in early August

Norwich, it must be said, were somewhat below strength. The team from Norfolk featured just three of the players who had started against Cardiff at Carrow Road at the weekend and it was perhaps no surprise, therefore, to see United take early control of this game.
It was Januzaj who was to win the penalty that allowed Hernandez to give United a 19th minute lead but it was actually Zaha who started the game the brighter.
The young England winger's low cross from the right in the 13th minute allowed Hernandez to turn and hook a falling shot just wide of the near post while another venture to the bye-line a minute or two later saw Norwich defenders hastily clearing their lines from beneath their own crossbar.
United, in truth, had started modestly but were certainly the better team without creating bundles of chances. When they took the lead, they did so with the help of some generous refereeing from Kevin Friend.

Back in the game: United's £15million man performed well on his first Old Trafford appearance

Ashley Young did well to feed the ball in to Januzaj on the left and the young forward's touch was good. How much contact Leroy Fer made before the Belgian fell to earth, though, is debatable. Hernandez didn't care at all, mind, as he drove in the opening goal with his right foot from the spot.
With 70 minutes of the game still to play, it already looked a long way back for Norwich. Chris Hughton's team just couldn't get enough of the ball.
Hernandez headed a free-kick straight at goalkeeper Bunn in the 25th minute before Januzaj picked up possession from some loose Norwich play 30 yards out to curl a shot with his left instep that had Bunn scrambling across goal as it passed inches wide.
Hernandez was close again a minute before the interval as his close range shot cannoned back from a defender's legs and the half ended with Norwich having mustered just one real effort on goal, defender Ryan Bennett's powerful header from a set piece bouncing up and into Anders Lindegaard's arms off the Old Trafford turf.

Get up: Norwich City's Nathan Redmond (left) and Manchester United's Phil Jones battle for the ball

Causing havoc: Adnan Januzaj of Manchester United in action with Leroy Fer

Perhaps aware that teams have enjoyed some success against United early in second halves of games this season, Norwich looked a little more confident after the teams re-emerged.
Fer headed over from a free-kick rather harshly awarded against Zaha in the 49th minute before Johan Elmander nudged a first time effort across goal and inches wide after Nathan Redmond had got away from Fabio down the left.
That was as good as it got for Norwich, though, as, soon after, United broke clinically down their left-hand side to score again and effectively seal the game.
Hernandez led the break before feeding Alexander Buttner and when the left back spotted the Mexican dashing in to the penalty area he found his forehead with a perfect cross and the goal was finally scored at the second attempt after Bunn could only push the first effort in to the air.

No way: Bradley Johnson argues with referee Kevin Friend after he awards the penalty

Brought down: Alexander Buttner is fouled by Steven Whittaker of Norwich City

Shortly after there was a worrying incident concerning Snodgrass. The former Leeds player came close to scoring with a header saved by Lindegaard but stayed down for some time after landing awkwardly.
Replays showed that Snodgrass was actually unconscious before he hit the floor after a clash of heads and that the quick reaction of Lindegaard helped him, the United goalkeeper turning him in to the recovery position before medics could arrive.
Snodgrass eventually left on a stretcher and the game threatened to fizzle out before Phil Jones scored with a volley from 12 yards three minutes from time.
With 11 minutes added because of the injury to Snodgrass, there was still time for young defender Fabio to come and score the fourth after he was clear by Rooney, another substitute.

Running riot: Phil Jones celebrates scoring United's third late on

Azpilicueta and Mata continue Mourinho's hoodoo over Wenger.

At the final whistle there was a touching moment when Mesut Ozil ran towards Jose Mourinho and handed him his jersey.
Last night, Chelsea's manager had the shirts off Arsenal's back. There is nothing for Mourinho to be afraid of here, nothing to suggest the Gunners have his side’s staying power.
The 'psychological influence' that Arsene Wenger spoke of ahead of this Capital One Cup tie was stripped away with a swing of Juan Mata's right boot in the 65th minute.

Easily done: Juan Mata netted Chelsea's second goal of the game with a beautiful strike

First blood: Cesar Azpilicueta wheels away after opening the scoring for Chelsea from an incisive counter

Huddle up: Azpilicueta is congratulated by his Chelsea team-mates after scoring in the first half

In it goes: Lukasz Fanianski (left) is unable to get off his line quick enough to close down the Spaniard

Chelsea are through to the quarter-final of this competition and yet it feels like something so much bigger took place in English football.
Arsenal have lost to two proper teams under the lights at the Emirates inside a week. First Dortmund, now Chelsea. Not good enough.
Wenger will only breathe easily if the Barclays Premier League leaders recover to beat Liverpool in Saturday's teatime kick-off.
They made a dog's dinner of this, frustrating their fans by allowing Mourinho's team to dictate the tempo and pace of the game in their own backyard.
Champions don't allow that to happen. Wannabe champions do.
Chelsea kept Arsenal at arm's length, easing their way through to the quarter-final with Cesar Azpilicueta's first for the club and Mata's beauty.
Wenger had never beaten Mourinho in eight attempts before last night. It will be agony for Arsenal to do it, but the Frenchman must now add another.
Chelsea's back-up keeper Mark Schwarzer barely had a save to make, an  observer as blue shirts swarmed all over Arsenal.
They fell behind after a dreadful defensive mistake by Carl Jenkinson allowed Azpilicueta to nip in and beat Lukasz Fabianski with a cool finish.

Friend or foe? Arsene Wenger (left) and Jose Mourinho (right) greeted one another warmly before kick-off

Close call: Mark Schwarzer (right) stands firm as Arsenal's Ryo Miyaichi (left) lifts the ball over him

It sent Chelsea's travelling fans into raptures, and they taunted Arsenal with one of their favourite songs: 'Where's your European Cup'?

The answer is nowhere, of course. After this they will not even be able to add the Capital One Cup. The agony goes on.
It sparked reminders of Mourinho, then at Real Madrid, demanding to know why Wenger was still in a job after failing to land 'a single little trophy since 2005'.
The Capital One Cup is fourth on Mourinho's list of priorities, but he has a real affinity with a trophy he first won with Chelsea in 2005.
They are looking good, full of self-assurance and more than a hint of that familiar Chelsea swagger as they settle down for the season.

No cigar: Mesut Ozil (centre), Aaron Ramsey (right) and Laurent Koscielny look dejected after going two down

Toe to toe: Tomas Rosicky (right) tries to nick the ball away from Blues midfielder John Mikel Obi (left)

Back in the game: Nicklas Bendtner (right) was given the nod ahead of in-form striker Olivier Giroud

Tussle: Samuel Eto'o (right) tries to wrestle the ball from Arsenal centre back Thomas Vermaelen (left)

When Azpilicueta scored in the 25th minute, after a terrible defensive header by Jenkinson, they looked as they could score whenever they fancied it. It was too easy.
Essien and Samuel Eto'o engineered it, breaking at speed in the centre of the pitch when an Arsenal corner broke down.
Aaron Ramsey challenged Essien and when the ball spun into the air it forced Jenkinson into a catastrophic attempt to head the ball back to Fabianski. It didn't reach him.
Azpilicueta took his chance, steering his effort beyond the Arsenal keeper and rolling it inside Fabianski's far post.
That was his first for Chelsea and he celebrated with a swan-dive in front of the home fans. Nothing went Arsenal's way.
Bendtner's touch let him down, making life too easy for Essien and John Mikel Obi to sweep up in front of the Chelsea's back four.
He was booed off when he was substituted, but he alone is not to blame for this performance.
Santi Cazorla's passes were a fraction too long and Tomas Rosicky was having the same problem when he was in possession. They needed precision.
That was Arsenal's trouble every time they played the final ball. It was nearly there, but nearly is not good enough against a team with Chelsea's pedigree.

Touch of class: Juan Mata was handed a start. Here is the playmaker's heat map

Point to prove: Mata scored with a sweet finish to punish Arsenal

Warm welcome: Mourinho gives Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson a pat on the back during the game

The fact that it's the fourth round of the League Cup is irrelevant. There is never any let-up against Chelsea. Against Mourinho. Against their fans, who were baiting Arsenal supporters from the stands.
The game had its moments of genuine high-quality. Mata's elegant backheel 10 minutes into the first half made fools of Cazorla and Ramsey.
Cazorla exacted revenge on Chelsea's creator, twisting like an eel and scurrying away with the ball when Arsenal were in trouble on the edge of their own area.

Not again: Fabianski picks the ball out of the net for the second time in the evening

Acrobatics: Santi Cazorla leaps to take the ball down as Arsenal battled to get back into the game

But this was not the performance of potential champions. Far from it.

The moment Chelsea sensed danger in the second half, they moved into a different gear and accelerated out of sight.
They scored again when Ryan Bertrand's throw-in was flicked on by Eto'o and into the path of the onrushing figure of Mata.

Big appeal: Eto'o hits the deck after being pursued by Laurent Koscielny during the second half

It was not a simple finish, but he made it look easy. He took a touch with his left foot and hammered it beyond Fabianski with his right. It was a peach.
Wenger had sent for Ozil, who worked with Mourinho during his spell at Real Madrid, from the bench to bring them back into it.

Real love: Ozil and Mourinho (left) were together in Madrid

Respect: Mourinho held Ozil's shirt after watching his former player on the losing side

There was not nearly enough time. Respect to Ramsey for running his legs off. He was deep in the red zone when Arsenal went down to 10 men against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
Wenger called in a favour last night, starting him in the centre of midfield in an attempt to muzzle Essien and Mikel. He's almost out of juice.
Even Ozil, for all his obvious skill and craft, couldn't find a way to prevent Chelsea powering on.
After this, you can put your shirt on Mourinho's team.

Time out: Wenger's high-flying Arsenal were brought back down to earth

Battle won: Mourinho waves to Chelsea's travelling fans as he leaves the pitch with Ozil's shirt

You're wrong! Zidane takes aim at Ferguson over 'very strange' Gerrard criticism.

France legend Zinedine Zidane has rubbished Sir Alex Ferguson's 'very strange' criticism of Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.
Ferguson said in his new autobiography that Gerrard has never been 'a top, top player'.
But The Mirror reports that Zidane, who is now assistant manager and sporting director at Real Madrid, insists that Ferguson is wrong and that Gerrard was once the world's best midfielder.

Having his say: Real Madrid assistant manager Zidane (left) does not agree with Ferguson's Gerrard claim

Zidane said: ''Alex Ferguson is obviously one of the most successful coaches the game has ever had. But I did find his comments about Steven Gerrard very strange. To say he is not a top player is wrong.'
'For two or three years, Steven Gerrard was the best midfield player in the world.
'Even now he is playing at a high level for ­Liverpool and England.

Target: Gerrard (right) was described by Ferguson as never being a 'top, top player'

'Gerrard has been loyal to Liverpool throughout his career – which is great for them – but if he had wanted to leave four or five years ago then every top club in Europe would have tried to sign him.
'And they would have probably had to break the transfer record to do it.'

Busy man: Ferguson was at Old Trafford to watch Manchester United play Stoke on Saturday

What happened when Tottenham star Townsend clattered into Sportsmail photographer Graham Chadwick?

Football photographers are used to getting close to the action but Sportsmail's Graham Chadwick perhaps got a little closer than he bargained for on Sunday!
Taking snaps as the action unfolded during Tottenham's 1-0 win over Hull City, our snapper was clattered into by Andros Townsend after the Spurs winger fell over an advertising hoarding and into the photographer's pit below.
Running at an incredible pace, Townsend's momentum forced him into a full somersault and as he landed his boot clipped the head of the Sportsmail photographer.

That's got to hurt! Andros Townsend landed in the photgrapher's pit after falling over the advertising hoardings

Dazed: Townsend received oxygen and had to be treated for five minutes before returning to the field

Helping hand: After receiving oxygen, Townsend's injured wrist was later tended to by several Spurs medics

Hurt: Sportsmail photographer Graham Chadwick's head was pouring with blood shortly after the collision

Treated: Townsend, still looking slightly lost, is helped back towards the pitch by Tottenham medical staff

How did he continue? At one point Townsend was barely able to stand but managed to complete the match

Townsend was clearly in a lot of pain after his fall and had to receive oxygen on the sidelines.
After five minutes of treatment, the young Spurs star finally returned to the field on 88 minutes, sporting a bandage on his injured wrist.
Meanwhile, Graham Chadwick also received attention from the Tottenham medical staff as they tended to his injured his head.
The North London club eventually took all three points against Steve Bruce's men as striker Roberto Soldado netted his third penalty of the campaign so far.

Sore: Townsend still looked in some pain after returning to the field with his wrist bandaged in the 88th minute

Close to the action: Hull defender Paul McShane challenges Soldado right in front of Sportsmail's snapper

Spot-kick: Roberto Soldado scored his third penalty of the season to give Spurs all three points on Sunday