Today in the Premier League

Today in the Premier League

arsenal

Arsne Wenger has challenged his side to stay together and fight for trophies next season, following a disappointing end to the campaign. "I hope 95 per cent of the team, the core of the team, says 'come on, we have only just lost'," the manager said. "Let's come back and show we are winners."

aston villa

The manager Martin O'Neill has assured supporters that holding on to Gareth Barry is his main priority. "A player of Gareth's undoubted quality and ability would take some replacing," O'Neill admitted. "So keeping him at Aston Villa is as important as anything we do in the transfer market."

birmingham city

Striker James McFadden has dismissed claims that relegation may hinder his international chances. "Hopefully, we get the right result on Sunday, stay up and I won't need to worry," the 24-year- old said. "But I don't think playing in the Championship would affect me in terms of Scotland."

blackburn rovers

The striker Roque Santa Cruz has spoken of his happiness at Ewood Park. "I am settled and happy where I am and I think our team can become stronger," the 23-goal Paraguayan forward said. "Things have been good for me because I am getting support from my manager and supporters."

Bolton Wanderers

The manager Gary Megson has praised Kevin Nolan's efforts this season, and believes he has a future in management. "I'm sure in time he'll fancy going into coaching," Megson said of the midfielder. "But in terms of where he is at the moment, as the captain and a long standing player at Bolton, I couldn't ask any more."

chelsea

Reports in Spain have linked the Stamford Bridge side with a world-record 55m bid for the Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos. El Mundo report that the owner Roman Abramovich has already met with the 22-year-old Spanish international's agent this week, with Real Madrid said to be "reflecting on the offer".

derby county

Manager Paul Jewell will hold face-to-face talks with each member of his squad as he prepares a summer clear-out ahead of next season's return to the Championship. "I'm going to be sitting down with every player before the end of next week," he said. "I want to tell them what my plans for them are."

everton

Manager David Moyes has spoken of his surprise at the Toffees not being awarded a penalty all season. "It's quite an incredible achievement - or non-achievement really," he said. "But I'll always go back to the one we didn't get against Liverpool. If that's not a penalty, then nothing's a penalty."

fulham

Diomansy Kamara has pledged his future to the club, but admits he could be tempted to move if the Cottagers do not remain in the Premier League. "I'm not thinking about leaving," the Senegalese striker said. "But if the team doesn't stay up, I'll see. I am focused on staying in the Premier League."

liverpool

The striker Peter Crouch has requested talks with the manager Rafa Benitez amid speculation over his future at Anfield. "I've only started nine league games," he said. "I'd like to speak to the manager before I commit to anything and know whether I'll be here next season."

manchester city

The manager Sven Goran Eriksson believes goalkeeper Joe Hart is on the brink of an international call-up. "Joe has been outstanding," the former England manager said. "I always said that I believed that he would play for England sooner or later, but I think that could be very soon."

manchester united

The defender Wes Brown believes defence has been instrumental in the Red Devils' tilt at Premier League and Champions League success. "The back-line this year is the most solid I've been a part of," the England international said. "We've helped each other and that's shown in our results."

middlesbrough

George Boateng has praised the input of team-mate Tuncay in his debut season at the Riverside. "He has the heart of a lion and is a very good player," Boateng said of the Turkish international. "To settle in so quickly in a different country is a good sign that there's more to come from him."

newcastle united

The chairman Chris Mort has assured the manager Kevin Keegan that he will be the one who decides who the Magpies buy over the summer. "We have started talking about who we will be bringing in," Mort said of potential St James' Park arrivals. "But Kevin will have the final say."

portsmouth

Defender Sylvain Distin has admitted his worry over Pompey's recent poor form, and believes it could affect preparations for the FA Cup final against Cardiff next week. "If you can't perform in the league, how can we expect to perform in the final?" the Frenchman said. "It is getting dangerous now."

Reading

The chairman John Madejski remains hopeful that the Royals can survive relegation this weekend. "It is not in our hands anymore, but I am confident we can do it on Sunday," Madejski said of their game against Derby. "We just have to wait and see - spirit is high."

sunderland

The goalkeeper Craig Gordon has assured supporters that the players will be looking to finish the season on a positive note by beating Arsenal on Sunday. "We have a great game to look forward to," he said. "It's going to be a full house and we want to sign off with a good performance and a win."