Mancini - Ajax defeat was my fault

Roberto Mancini shouldered the blame after watching his Manchester City side slump to a 3-1 defeat to Ajax, insisting it was his fault that they lost.

 City's Champions League campaign is in major trouble after defeat in Amsterdam left them with one point from three matches.

 Goals from Siem de Jong, Nicklas Moisander and Christian Eriksen overturned Samir Nasri's opener.

 Mancini, either through honesty or an attempt to protect his players, turned all the blame on himself, claiming he did not prepare properly for the match.

 When pressed on the issue, the Italian explained that he sent his men out with the wrong tactics to beat Ajax. "They played better than us," Mancini told us.

 "It's my fault, I didn't prepare the players properly for this game. It's my fault. I prepared them one way but it was different. When you prepare them one way and think it will be like this, instead it is a different game."

 Mancini attempted to change his side's fortunes in the second half by switching from a back four to a back three, but he insists that alteration did not cost City the match.

 "We changed for five minutes but there were always 11 players [on the pitch]," he said. "Before [the change], we conceded two goals, so if someone wants to take this as an excuse, okay, but this is not the problem.

 "We have to be strong. It is very difficult [to qualify now]. One team (Dortmund) has seven points, one (Real Madrid) has six. We need a miracle like last year."

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Manchester United enquired about our stars, claims Galatasaray vice-president

Galatasaray vice-president Ali Durust has claimed Manchester United enquired about the availability of goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and defender Semih Kaya in the aftermath of the club's 1-0 Champions League defeat at Old Trafford.

 Sir Alex Ferguson's charges narrowly won their European opener thanks to an early Michael Carrick goal and despite keeping a clean sheet, the Scot has been rumoured to be searching for a centre-back, having been recently linked to Torino's Angelo Ogbonna.

 However, after seeing the 21-year-old Kaya – a product of the Turkish club's academy - perform against his team and making his interest known, Durust ruled out a potential move.

 He told reporters: "Semih came from our youth academy. He is a valuable member of our squad. "We didn't set an asking price for him.

 He is indispensable at that moment. "Muslera has the same value too. Both of them are in our future plans. We never want to sell them."

 The Uruguayan shot-stopper foiled Nani from the penalty spot and put in an assured display against the Red Devils, later admitting he held the English top-flight in high esteem.

 "The Premier League is my childhood dream," Muslera said. "I would like to make this dream come true in the future. But right now I'm totally focused on Galatasaray's success."

 The 26-year-old goalkeeper was part of Uruguay's memorable run to the World Cup 2010 semi-finals and is entering his second year at Galatasaray after moving from Lazio in 2011.

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Premier League preview: Manchester City v Arsenal

Lukas Podolski will hope he can continue his bright start with Arsenal when they travel to reigning champions Manchester City on Sunday.

 The English Premier League clash pits one of the best attacking sides in the competition (Manchester City) against the best defensive outfit (Arsenal) but it is up the other end where the game could be decided.

 Podolski, who has scored three goals in as many games, could be key for the visitors.

 The 27-year-old German forward scored Arsenal's first league goal of the season in their 2-0 triumph over Liverpool before getting involved in the 6-1 thrashing of Southampton and starting the London club's comeback in their 2-1 Champions League victory against Montpellier on Tuesday.

 Podolski has arguably been Arsenal's buy of the European transfer window and will hope to take advantage of Manchester City's porous defence at Etihad Stadium.

 The reigning champions have already let in six goals in four league games this season and conceded three times in 17 minutes to lose 3-2 to Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.

 Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini reportedly chased central defenders Daniel Agger (Liverpool) and Victor Ruiz (Espanyol) during the latest transfer window in a quest to find a decent partner for captain Vincent Kompany and that failure looks to have cost the club so far.

 Neither Joleon Lescott nor Matija Nastasic seem consistent enough, while Mancini does not appear interested in playing Kolo Toure again.

 With Arsenal having scored 10 goals in their past three games, Arsene Wenger's side are surely excited at the prospect of taking on Manchester City's misfiring defence.

 Wenger must still do without Wojciech Szczesny, Lukasz Fabianski, Marouane Chamakh, Bakari Sagna, Thomas Rosicky, Jack Wilshire and Emmanuel Frimpong against City, as all seven are injured, but Arsenal's manager must be thrilled with how his team is playing.

 Arsenal's new assistant coach Steve Bould has done a great job as defensive coordinator, while Abou Diaby, Mikel Arteta and Santi Cazorla have quickly come together as a formidable midfield trio.

 Mancini will be sweating on the fitness of French midfielder Samir Nasri, who injured his hamstring in Madrid, while full-back Micah Richards remains on City's injury list.

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Di Matteo calm over Abramovich visit

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo says Roman Abramovich visited Blues training after his side's disappointing draw with Juventus.

 Chelsea, who are preparing to face Stoke in the Premier League on Saturday, let a two goal lead slip against Juventus as they began their UEFA Champions League title defence with a 2-2 draw.

 Owner Abramovich spoke to the players at the club's training ground at Cobham on Thursday but it is nothing new to the Italian coach.

 "Yeah he (Abramovich) actually comes quite often to be honest," Di Matteo said.

 "He likes to be involved and he comes down whenever he can. He's followed us a lot this season on the pre-season tour in the States as well. So he's always around when he can be.

 "At a big club you are always under pressure and have to win games and in the right manner as well.

 That's part of being at a big club and the same applies to us." Teenage sensation Oscar marked his Champions League debut with two goals against Juventus, but Di Matteo says the Brazilian is still acclimatising to the Premier League and will face another test against Stoke on Saturday.

 "It's going to be a more physical game because the Premier League in general is more like that," said the former Chelsea midfielder. "But I'm pretty sure he's ready for that, he's an intelligent man and player and will find a way to get around it."

 The Italian also condemned the behaviour of the Twitter users who aimed racist remarks at Nigerian international midfielder John Obi Mikel.

 Mikel was at fault for Juventus' second goal and has subsequently closed his Twitter account. "Well his (John Obi Mikel) intention was to close the account anyway so it was a good reason to close it," he said.

 "I think in general you know social media Twitter because it's anonymous; it's a dangerous vehicle to express yourself. "So if someone has to express an opinion he should put his face to it."

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Mancini denies Balotelli bust-up

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has rebuffed reports he has had a falling out with striker Mario Balotelli.

 The 21-year-old was omitted for the dramatic 3-2 Champions League defeat against Real Madrid at Bernabeu on Tuesday night, sparking rumours of another bust-up with the manager.

 But Mancini denied those suggestions, claiming it was simply a case of rotation and that the Italy international will be fit to play against Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.

 "This story is totally false," Mancini told reporters on Friday.

 "Mario went in the stand only because we started to play with Carlos Tevez in attack and we couldn't have three strikers on the bench. "There has been no argument, and no row. Absolutely not."

 Meanwhile, the 47-year-old confirmed that Samir Nasri is a major doubt to face his former club, after the France midfielder was taken off during Tuesday's game with a hamstring problem.

 The France international's injury isn't as serious as first feared, but the Blues' boss admits a comeback on Sunday is very unlikely.

 "I do not think he will be ready for Sunday," Mancini said. "We will try but it is difficult. "I hope he will be OK for next week."

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Chicharito sets team goal at United

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez said he would swap all his goals for another Premier League title.

 'Chicharito' has struck 32 times in all competitions in his first two seasons at Old Trafford, but claims that he does not set personal targets and focuses solely on helping the team win matches in whatever way he can.

 The Mexico international added that he does not want to be seen as a player who had played badly if he has failed to score – instead hoping people recognise his all-round contribution. "I've never had a goal target," Hernandez told Inside United magazine.

 "I don't want to be obsessed with scoring goals, I don't want to be only that player who only scores goals, and if I score goals I've played well and if I didn't score goals I played badly.

 "It's more about doing my best for the team - if the goals come then great, but if someone else scores instead of me then it's still great for the United fans and for the club.

 "You can never play one man against 11, and one player can never score all the goals by himself. If the goals are coming then good, but as I've always said, I would swap every one of my goals for a title with Manchester United."

 United lost their grip on the title in dramatic fashion last season, as rivals Manchester City scored twice in the dying minutes of the campaign to beat QPR and claim their first Premier League crown.

 Hernandez admitted that the tables had been turned on a club that has, over the years, come back from a couple of seemingly impossible positions themselves, most notably in the 1999 and 2008 Champions League finals. "It was difficult to believe, really," Hernandez said.

 "For so many years that type of game was a fable of Manchester United, with goals in the last minute (to win big games), and sometimes it is part of life to experience the bad moments like this one. "It was a very strange day because in the space of one minute we thought that the title was going to be ours, and then City scored twice, and that's it.

 "When you win you learn to keep working hard in order to keep doing the things you did to win the title. And when you lose, you need to learn from the mistakes you made. "It's not like one, two or three people are guilty of making mistakes - it's a team game and every player wants to do their best to help the team to win trophies.

 I think we all learned a lot from last season and we're confident we can come back this season."

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Barcelona eyeing shock swoop for Arsenal midfielder

Barcelona are plotting a shock £11.7million swoop for Arsenal midfielder Alex Song, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.

 Having sanctioned the departure of Seydou Keita earlier this summer, the Catalan giants are desperate to sign a new defensive midfielder before the start of next season.

 Javi Martinez had been the club's top target but they are thought to be close to giving up their pursuit of the Spain international due to Athletic Bilbao’s refusal to lower their asking price.

 And new Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova has turned his attention to cheaper alternatives, with Song now on his radar.

 Senior Barcelona officials believe Song, who racked up 11 Premier League assists last season, will fit in perfectly at the Camp Nou given his creative streak and ability to operate in defence and midfield.

 However, having seen Cesc Fabregas lured from north London to Catalonia last summer, Arsene Wenger will be desperate to keep Song, and the Frenchman will be looking to extend the 24-year-old’s contract at the Emirates Stadium beyond the summer of 2014.

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Hazard brothers eager for time together

Eden Hazard is hoping to play alongside his brother Thorgen sooner rather than later at Stamford Bridge.

 The 19-year-old has immediately linked up with the Blues’ under-21 side following his move from French Ligue 2 side Lens, while the senior side regain their fitness on a pre-season tour of the United States.

 There are plenty of similarities in the way the two have established themselves as professional footballers, but the 32 million pounds signing claims their playing styles are anything but alike.

 "My brother is not the same as me because he is not someone who dribbles a lot," he told the official Chelsea website.

 "He is more someone who has a passing game in midfield. He can play on the wings also but his best position is in central midfield, a number 10.

 "Despite both of us having been at Tubize, we have never played in the same team, so I hope I can play soon alongside my brother in the national team and also for Chelsea."

 The pair have seemingly always been destined for professional football, with their father a former player and their mother playing at the highest domestic level in Belgium, so feedback on their performances has never been an issue.

 "I had my father as a coach for one year and he also followed me after that but not as a coach, more as a fan," the 21-year-old continued. "It was really after the game that he was talking, saying what was good about my game and what wasn't."

 And the duo may not be the only members of the Hazard clan on the world footballing scene in the near future, with younger brothers Kylian and Ethan already setting out on the same career path.

 "One plays in the youth team at Lille and the other plays in Belgium, but he is still very young, he is enjoying football for the first time so we shall see," Eden said.

 As for sibling rivalry between the four, Eden jokes it will eventually come down to silverware to determine who really was the best player out of the four. “We will see at the end of our careers. We will see who has won the most trophies," he said.

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BARCELONA are eyeing a shock raid for Yohan Cabaye

The Spanish giants are weighing up whether to make an £8million bid for Newcastle’s Cabaye, 26, or French midfield team-mate Yann M’Vila, 22.

 However sources at the Catalan club say they are leaning more towards Cabaye, who only joined the Magpies last summer on a five-year deal for £4.3m from Lille.

 Toon boss Alan Pardew would be reluctant to lose Cabaye but fears Barca’s interest will leave him unsettled.

 NEWCASTLE are set to miss out on Twente’s Luuk de Jong, who will join Borussia Monchengladbach.

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Messi ignores Ronaldo jibe

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has chosen to ignore the comments made by Real Madrid ace Cristiano Ronaldo about him during Euro 2012.

 After being taunted by Denmark fans chanting Messi's name during Portugal's match against Morten Olsen's team, Ronaldo lashed out by slating the Argentine's failure to claim silverware with the Albiceleste at Copa America in 2011.

 "I have nothing to say with regards to Cristiano Ronaldo's comments," Messi told reporters.

 Questioned about a potential transfer to Real Madrid, Messi reiterated his desire to retire at Barcelona, where he has played since 2000.

 "I do not think about joining Madrid," the 24-year-old added. "Barcelona are my home and I would be delighted to play there until I retire.

 "I hope that is what happens." Messi went on to comment on the managerial changes at Camp Nou, with Tito Vilanova taking the reins after Pep Guardiola decided to step down as coach to take a year out of the game. "We are very happy that Tito is Guardiola's replacement," he affirmed.

 "He is someone we know, he works the same way that Guardiola did.

 "We are obviously sad that Pep has left us, because we did not expect it, but with Tito the way we work will not suffer any changes."

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Arsene Wenger is Confident that Robin Van Persie Will Stay

Arsene Wenger is 'certain' Robin Van Persie will stay at Arsenal. 

 The Dutchman has only one year left to run on his current deal at the Gunners and has yet to agree a new contract at the Emirates.

 Van Persie has been targeted by both Juventus and Manchester City, with rumours suggesting a fee of around £30million should be enough to force Arsenal's hand.

 But speaking to Corriere Dello Sport, Wenger claimed those reports are wide of the mark and that the 28-year-old will stay in north London.

 "I am certain that Robin will remain with us," he said.

 "If you want to know why I am so certain Robin will remain with us, it is because there is no reason in this world why a great player like Van Persie should go and play for you, in Italy and in your competition. "Your football (Serie A) is at an inferior level to the Premier League."

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Kagawa to fly into Manchester for United medical

The Red Devils have agreed a deal to sign the Japanese playmaker from Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund this summer, which could eventually be worth over £17 million. 

 If the 23-year-old passes health checks this week, then the club must wait on a work permit application prior to completing his signing.

 A player has to have played in at least 75 per cent of his country's competitive matches in the last two years - something which Kagawa has not done.

 However, if he is accepted as an ‘exceptional talent’ it should ensure he eventually gets the paperwork required to move to Old Trafford.

 After a medical on Friday, the Dortmund player will leave Manchester at the weekend, by which time it is hoped he will have successfully proved his fitness to the Premier League giants and moved a step closer to securing his future.

 Speaking to the press last week, first team coach Rene Meulensteen hailed the qualities of Kagawa, who the club hope will help them keep pace with champions Manchester City and a revitalised Chelsea side in the race for the title next season.

 "I rate Kagawa very highly," he said. "He gets behind the opposition in the midfield which means that he can help in possession or be direct in moving forward.

 "He can play the ball quick, one touch or two touch and can create chances and score goals.

 "He has got the complete package of what you could want from attacking midfielder.

 In two seasons with Dortmund, Kagawa has won the Bundesliga title twice and one German Cup, having made 71 appearances and contributing 29 goals and 15 assists.

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Euro eight do battle in quarters

With the conclusion of an exciting group stage which saw both co-hosts fall by the wayside, an intriguing quarter-final line-up has emerged.

 One match a day from Thursday through to Sunday will see the remaining eight teams whittled down to a final four.

 First up on Thursday, Group A winners the Czech Republic take on Portugal.

 Taking place in Warsaw's national stadium, Portugal will be hoping to continue the momentum gained from a hard-fought victory over the Netherlands.

 Cristiano Ronaldo announced his arrival at the tournament with a fantastic display to knock out the World Cup finalists of 2010 and Portugal's hopes will again rest on his shoulders.

 Standing in his way will be Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, who was back to his best against Poland in the final group game.

 The second semi-final in Gdansk will see the much-fancied Germans take on Greece. Germany looked in ominously good form as they secured maximum points from the group stage, but will have to be wary of an obstinate Greek team who shocked Russia to scrape through to the last eight.

 Mario Gomez will hope to continue his scoring streak as he bids for the Golden Boot, he currently has three goals after the three group games.

 Saturday's quarter-final in Donetsk sees tournament favourites Spain take on France.

 France have so far failed to fire in the tournament and were soundly beaten by Sweden in their final group game.

 However a fixture against fierce rivals Spain is sure to motivate Laurent Blanc's team, in what should prove to be an exciting match-up. The final last eight tie sees England take on Italy in Kiev on Sunday.

 Roy Hodgson's team have ridden their luck in winning Group D but will now fancy their chances against Italy with Wayne Rooney back in the team.

 Italy, a more attacking team than in years gone by will look to the enigmatic Mario Balotelli to produce the goods, in a bid to reach the last four.

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De Rossi: Gerrard is my idol, ahead clash

Daniele De Rossi has revealed Italy's Euro 2012 contest against England will give him the opportunity to face his idol, Steven Gerrard.

 Italy will tackle England on Sunday in their quarter-final after finishing second in Group C following a 2-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland.

 And De Rossi thinks Roy Hodgson's men will pose Italy a great threat, hailing the quality of the England captain in particular.

 "Gerrard has always been my idol, he has been playing at a high level for years," De Rossi told reporters.

 "England are very strong, they have an Italian approach, with a good defence. We would rather face Ukraine, but it is okay.

 The 28-year-old has played as a centre-back in two games at the tournament following the fitness problems that have plagued the team's defenders.

 Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has not yet made a decision on where the Roma midfielder will be used against England. "Prandelli trusts me, he showed that by deploying me as a defender," De Rossi said.

 "He makes me play in different positions, which is something that I like. "I do not know where I will play against England.

 Mario Balotelli could be handed a start on Sunday following his goal against Ireland, and De Rossi believes the Manchester City striker can play a big role in the match.

 "We hope we will do well. The important thing is that we cause England some problems, it is the same if it is Balotelli to do it or someone else," De Rossi said.

 "What matters is to score goals, and Mario can score them. He looks fine to me, but at his age it is normal that he should start to take responsibility and be treated like the others. He is becoming a man now.

 "At his age I went to the World Cup in 2006 and elbowed someone (Brian McBride). It made me grow up."

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Drogba hails Di Matteo as Chelsea's most memorable manager after Champions League win

Didier Drogba has hailed Roberto Di Matteo as his most memorable manager at Chelsea after the Italian guided the Blues to Champions League glory in the striker's last game with the club The striker has not renewed his deal at Stamford Bridge and is reportedly closing in on a move to Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua where he would join ex-Blues team-mate Nicolas Anelka. 

 The Ivorian has recalled his time at the club during a promotional visit to India, and revealed that of all his managers at Chelsea it is Di Matteo's achievement that will be remembered most. "I think we have had so many managers and all of them brought something special to Chelsea.

 All of them, I think, were part of our success," he said. "When [Jose] Mourinho came, he built up the spirit that we kept all these years.

 When Carlo Ancelotti came, he also brought another way of playing and thinking. So, it’s difficult to choose one. "The most remembered would be Roberto Di Matteo for winning the Champions League.

 The club was waiting for that." Di Matteo signed a two-year permanent deal at Stamford Bridge recently after winning the FA Cup and European Cup after his taking over from Andre Villas-Boas, and Drogba admitted the win against Bayern Munich, in particular, was an unforgettable experience.

 "Playing in the final was amazing. 

You have to be there at the Allianz Arena to feel the atmosphere," said the Ivory Coast international as he recalled the win. "It was like a dream, you know. 

The scenario was like an Alfred Hitchcock movie. "There was lots of disappointment and sadness when we conceded a goal.

 A few minutes later, we equalised and then it went to the penalties.

 "It was like a lottery but when I had the chance to score from the penalty, I went through a gamut of emotions from the time I started walking to the penalty spot.

 "Many things came to my head but I tried to stay calm and score for my friend Petr Cech, who had been amazing that day, saving three penalties.

" The Blues endured criticism for their defensive approach on their way to the final against Benfica and then Barcelona, but the 34-year-old insisted this would not detract from the team’s achievements. "There is more than one way to win in football. Barcelona and Manchester United have their own playing style and we, in Chelsea, have our own.

 Of course, we have to please our fans," he responded. "The beauty about football is that you can always improve. "The Champions League win was important for Chelsea because people have been saying that Chelsea will try but nothing much will happen.

 We had been trying for eight years and reached the final before. This time we managed to win it."

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Mega rich chiness club confirm Yakubu interest

Blackburn Rovers striker Yakubu could be on the move to wealthy Chinese club Guangzhou Fuli, according to reports.

 Yakubu was one of the few bright spots in a dismal Blackburn campaign, scoring 17 goals in the Premier League as Rovers, suffering a torrid time both on and off the pitch, slumped to relegation.

 The Nigerian has indicated that he could leave the Ewood Park club after their drop into the Championship.

 Reports in the Far East say he is Guangzhou's main target and could hold talks with the club as soon as the weekend.

 Guangzhou are reported to be prepared to offer the 29-year-old, who was a target for QPR earlier in the season, a contract worth €6 million a year.

 "Yakubu is our first choice, and everything is going well now," Guangzhou's deputy director Lu Yi told Jinghua Times:"We hope he will be in Guangzhou this weekend.

 The Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is also expected to move to the Far East, where he is tipped to be reunited with his former Stamford Bridge team-mate Nicolas Anelka at Shanghai Shenhua.

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Barca eye Vermaelen: Arsenal man one of three Prem stars on their hit-list

New Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova will turn his attentions to raiding the Premier League if he fails to land Athletic Bilbao defender Javi Martinez.

 The Spanish giants have Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen, Chelsea's David Luiz, who they were linked with earliert this summer, and Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany and on their hit-list if they fail to get Martinez.

 Barca want to sign one top-quality defender this summer, and so far Martinez - who can operate in central defence or midfield - is proving to be too expensive.

 The news will cause despair among Arsenal fans, who are already dreading the sale of captain Robin van Persie this summer.

 Meanwhile, Vermaelen's clubmate Carlos Vela is desperate to join Real Sociedad permanently - but claims the Gunners are driving a hard bargain. 

 The Mexican forward, 23, spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad and would like to join them, but Arsenal are playing hardball over a fee.

 Vela's agent, Eduardo Hernandez, said: "He is very happy at Sociedad, he wants to stay there, but Arsenal are a complicated club to deal with."

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MANCHESTER UNITED will move to sign Porto winger if Nani’s contract talks break down

The Red Devils are becoming increasingly frustrated by Nani’s failure to commit his future to the club, even though his current deal does not expire until the summer of 2014.

 United have offered him a substantial pay rise taking his weekly wages to £130,000 a week. 

 But the deposed Premier League champions have already made contingency plans by lining up £20m-rated Colombian star Rodriguez.

 The 20-year-old livewire winger has impressed United’s scouts with his progress since signing from Argentinian side Club Atletico Banfield two years ago.

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Floyd Mayweather knocks Tiger Woods off the top of Forbes list

Floyd Mayweather has overtaken Tiger Woods at the top of Forbes magazine's list of the 100 highest-paid sports personalities over the past year.

 Boxer Mayweather, currently serving a three-month jail sentence for domestic assault, made $85m (£54.25m) - a figure bolstered by promoting his own fights.

 Golfing legend Woods dropped to third having received $59.4m (£37.92m) with boxer Manny Pacquiao rising to second on earnings of $62m (£39.57m).

 David Beckham is eighth on the list. He is the highest paid footballer with earnings of $46m (£29.36m).

 Surprisingly, Olympic champion and world record-holding sprinter Usain Bolt, who is the most high-profile star of London 2012, was only 63rd with $20.3m (£12.96m) - just a quarter of Mayweather's earnings.

 He also brought in less than half of golfer Phil Mickelson's $47.8m (£30.51m).

 Woods had topped the Forbes list since 2001 but saw a drop in his earnings of $16m (£10.21m) from the previous year and was down by half from his peak in 2009.

 He has suffered a tail off in endorsements since then as a result of being embroiled in a s*x scandal. Miami Heat star LeBron James ranks fourth at $53m (£33.84m), the highest of 13 basketball players and on the list.

 Swiss tennis star Roger Federer was fifth at $52.7m (£33.64m).

 Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo earned $42.5m (£27.10m) and can lay claim to the top annual salary of any athlete in any league at $20m (£12.75m).

 Only two women made it on to the list - Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova was 26th at $27.9m (£17.79m), thanks in great measure to huge global endorsement totals, as well as $5.9m (£3.76m) in prize money over the past year.

 China's 2011 French Open champion Li Na was 81st overall at $18.4m (£11.72m), after becoming the first Asian-born player to win a Grand Slam singles crown. Forbes list of highest paid sports stars 

  1 Floyd Mayweather $85m (£54.25m) 

  2 Manny Pacquiao $62m (£39.57m)

  3 Tiger Woods $59.4m (£37.92m)

  4 LeBron James $53m (£33.84m) 

  5 Roger Federer $52.7m (£33.64

  6 Kobe Bryant $52.3m (£33.38m) 

  7 Phil Mickelson $47.8m (£30.51m)

  8 David Beckham $46m (£29.36m)

  9 Cristiano Ronaldo $42.5m (£27.10m)

 10 Peyton Manning $42.4m (£27.06m)

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My future is in Porto's hands, says Chelsea target Hulk

The Brazil international has been linked with a move for Stamford Bridge ever since Andre Villas-Boas moved to Chelsea from the Estadio do Dragao last summer, and reports have built up pace since the end of the Premier League campaign.

 Reports of a £38 million bid submitted by the Stamford Bridge has been speculated widely, but, as far, no move as materialised and Hulk has revealed that he is happy to stay at Porto.

 "I leave everything in the hands of Porto,” Hulk told O Jogo.

 “I am under contract and I have been happy at Porto for four years, where I have achieved everything.

 "I'll have the club in my heart no matter what happens this summer or in any other summer.

 Chelsea have already delved significantly into the transfer market following the impending arrivals of Eden Hazard, Marko Marin and Kevin De Bruyne.

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