Morientes to fight Marseille cause

Fernando Morientes insists he is fully committed to Marseille despite a lack of first-team opportunities this season.

The striker has made just eight appearances for the French outfit, scoring once, since joining the Ligue 1 club from Valencia on a free transfer in the summer.

As a result there have been rumours that the 33-year-old is seeking a return to his homeland during the January transfer window, but the former Liverpool forward denies that is the case.

"I am realistic, and things have not turned out as I would have hoped," he told L'Equipe.

"But as I will agree to put on that jersey every day, I take responsibility and I will devote myself 100% to this club."

Race hots up for SuazoCounted out, RSL never stopped

Ronaldo backs Real to shine

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo says his side will be the best team of 2010 and called on the Spanish outfit to win all the trophies on offer.

Madrid's bitter rivals Barcelona claimed no fewer than six pieces of silverware during 2009, leaving Ronaldo's men to look on at the Catalan club enviously.

But the forward says Real can be the team to beat in the coming year, and called on his team-mates to seize the opportunity of winning the UEFA Champions League in their own backyard.

The 2010 final in May will be staged at the Bernabeu and the Ј80m man is all too aware that success on home soil is in the script.

He told Real Madrid's official website : "Real Madrid will be the best team in 2010. We need to have the drive and motivation to win everything that comes our way.

"Fans and players dream about winning the Champions League. This year's final is at the Santiago Bernabeu and it's a great opportunity for us.

Greatest experience

"Winning the Champions League was the greatest experience of my career and we don't want to let this opportunity slip through our fingers."

But he warned that winning in Europe should not deter his colleagues from winning honours on the domestic front, and that too much emphasis on triumphing in the continent's premier club competition could unnerve the players.

He did however reiterate his belief that Real have the tools to claim both domestic and European crowns.

The Galacticos have a favourable tie against Lyon in the first knockout match of the Champions League and trail reigning champions Barcelona by two points in the Primera Division - leaving them well placed to launch a silverware assault on two fronts.

"All this club talks about is Champions League, Champions League, Champions League, but we shouldn't because it puts a lot of pressure on the players," he explained.

"It is better to continue doing what we are doing, which is winning games. Good things will happen, but the players don't need any added pressure.

"Madrid needs to be focus on winning the Champions League and La Liga, but it depends on other factors like luck and the draw.

"But I think we are going to win."

a.top_betting_link_1 {background-image: url('/Images/skysports/fixturecal/icons/fix-bet.gif');background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:0% 50%;padding-left:18px;}Champions League Specials. Click here to bet.

Counted out, RSL never stoppedPellegrini - We missed Ronaldo

Sinama-Pongolle set for Sporting

Atletico Madrid forward Florent Sinama-Pongolle believes Sporting will prove a 'good destination' as the two clubs are close to agreeing a transfer.

With the January transfer window only a matter of days away, the former Liverpool and Blackburn player is reportedly set to undergo a medical in Portugal on Monday.

Atletico boss Quique Sanchez Flores is said to have agreed to sell because Sinama-Pongolle does not feature in his plans and the deal is understood to be worth €5million (Ј4.5m).

Sporting are thought to have offered a three-year deal and the French attacker feels that the move would be beneficial.

He told Spanish media: "Sporting is a big club and I think that is a good destination for me."

Sporting sign Sinama-PongolleUS bid committee states its case

Sporting rule out Michel sale

Sporting Gijon have no plans to sell highly-rated midfielder Michel during the January transfer window.

The 24-year-old has been strongly linked with a New Year switch, with in-form Premier League outfit Birmingham City reported to be interested.

Michel has spent his entire career to date with Sporting, having graduated out of their academy ranks.

Since making his first-team breakthrough in 2005 he has gone on to make over 100 senior appearances for the club.

He is regarded as an integral part of Sporting's plans for the future and the Primera Liga side are understandably reluctant to sell.

They accept that a big-money approach could force their hand, but for now they insist there are no plans to part with any of their key men.

"We are a modest club and our ambition is to remain competitive in the Primera Liga," said club president Manuel Vega Arango.

"If we damage the squad with the sale of important players, that could have a negative impact on our future in the top flight."

Blues in fresh Michel linkFive big questions for the Colorado Rapids

Sporting sign Sinama-Pongolle

Florent Sinama Pongolle has completed his move to Sporting Lisbon from Atletico Madrid, according to the Primera Division club.

The 25-year-old striker passed a medical on Monday with the Portuguese giants and penned a deal which will see him remain at the Estadio Jose Alvalade until 2013.

"Atletico Madrid and Sporting Lisbon have reached an agreement for the transfer of Florent Sinama-Pongolle to the Portuguese club," read a statement on Atletico's official website .

"Atletico Madrid express their thanks to Sinama Pongolle for the professionalism shown while defending the red and white shirt and wish him well in this new personal and professional adventure."

Sinama Pongolle has spent 18 months with the Spanish side after an eye-catching two seasons with Recreativo but failed to meet the grade at the Vicente Calderon, scoring just five times in 37 appearances.

Reports suggest Sporting have paid around seven million Euros (Ј6.3 million) for the former Liverpool and Blackburn striker, who signalled his interest to secure a switch to Lisbon on Sunday.

Atletico reject Aguero bidMarosevic looks to break out in 2010

Dossena linked with Atletico

Andrea Dossena is holding talks over a possible switch to Atletico Madrid, skysports.com understands.

The Liverpool full-back has been the subject of constant speculation and seems certain to leave Anfield during the January transfer window.

Dossena has failed to live up to his Ј7million price tag since joining the Reds from Udinese 18 months ago and a return to his native Italy had been touted as the most likely scenario.

However, one of Dossena's agents, Federico Pastorello, has labelled a move to Serie A club Napoli as 'impossible'.

Pastorello admitted the Reds defender could move to Spain instead, with Atletico understood to be the club involved.

"A move to Napoli is impossible," he told TuttoNapoli.net . "The negotiations for a possible move for Dossena to Napoli are over.

"If I was to make a prediction I would say that Andrea will not return to Italy.

"We are in negotiations with several foreign clubs, with a very important Spanish club who are not in European competition - the deal is even at an advanced stage."

Atletico are currently 15th in La Liga and they have shipped 27 goals in just 15 league games so far this season.

The 28-year-old Italy international is keen to move away from Anfield as he looks to secure his place in the Azzurri squad for the 2010 World Cup.

a.top_betting_link_1 {background-image: url('/Images/skysports/fixturecal/icons/fix-bet.gif');background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:0% 50%;padding-left:18px;}Transfer Specials. Click here to bet.

Counted out, RSL never stoppedAtletico reject Aguero bid

Cuellar rejects Real rumours

Aston Villa defender Carlos Cuellar has rejected rumours linking him with a move to Real Madrid.

Reports in Spain have suggested Real are targeting a move for Cuellar after losing Pepe to long-term injury.

Cuellar, who is enjoying his best form for Villa this season, is flattered to be linked with Real but insists he is staying at Villa Park.

"It's a great honour to be linked with teams of that stature," Cuellar told the Birmingham Mail .

"Although it's not true, that they mention you is important. I'm staying at Aston Villa. Nothing could happen. This is the path that I have chosen. I was not forced to do anything.

"My dream was to play in a foreign league. Where better to do that than the Premier League?"

a.top_betting_link_1 {background-image: url('/Images/skysports/fixturecal/icons/fix-bet.gif');background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:0% 50%;padding-left:18px;}Arsenal v Aston Villa To Score in 90mins: Cuellar, C. 12/1

Five big questions for Real Salt LakePennant happy in Spain