Today in the Premier League

Arsenal

Reports in the Spanish media said the Gunners sent scouts to watch Elche goalkeeper Wilfredo Caballero against Real Sociedad last weekend. The 26-year-old said his performance against Sociedad was "one of the best in my career". Gunners loanee Fran Merida also featured in the match.

Aston Villa

Marlon Harewood said he is determined to help Villa reach the Uefa Cup following a previous European experience with West Ham in 2006. "I've had that one experience," the 28-year-old said. "And it ended so quickly." Harewood's winner at Reading on Sunday helped Villa retain sixth position.

Birmingham City

The midfielder James McFadden said he has no problem taking penalties for the Blues following his last minute spot-kick against Arsenal on Saturday. "I would step up again on the last day if we got a late penalty to keep us up," the 24-year-old Scotland international said.

Blackburn Rovers

The club are continuing contract discussions with the striker Benni McCarthy. The South African's current deal has two years to run. "We spoke to his agent this week, so hopefully something will be resolved," The Rovers manager Mark Hughes said. "There isn't really a timescale on it."

Bolton Wanderers

The club have asked supporters to share their experiences of the "aggresive nature of policing" meted out to Trotters fans during the Uefa Cup match at Atletico Madrid last week. European governing body Uefa is currently examining the issue. The match ended goalless, a result which saw Bolton progress 1-0 on aggregate.

Chelsea

John Terry said the players understand Avram Grant's selection policy after the Blues manager was criticised for his line-up against Spurs on Sunday. "The manager keeps it all very close to his chest," Terry said. "None of us knew until Sunday, and that is how it has been every game. There was no change or excuse, that is the way it has to be."

Derby County

The defender Alan Stubbs admitted manager Paul Jewell had good reason to berate the players for their display in the 2-0 defeat at Wigan Athletic last weekend. "Sometimes the truth hurts but it's up to us to give the boss a response," the 36-year-old said. "And he doesn't think he's getting it."

Everton

Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund claim the Toffees intend to complete the permanent signing of Steven Pienaar. The midfielder joined the club on loan last summer. "There are signals Everton will make use of their option to sign him," Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said.

Fulham

Brian McBride admits the club's forwards need to take more of the chances that come their way if they are to retain their Premier League place. "As soon as we start taking our chances things will change for us," the American striker said. "It's up to us as the guys getting into those positions."

Liverpool

Spain international Fernando Torres said his impressive goal tally will count for nothing if the club fail to win silverware this season. "Maybe people will look at it as successful for me," the 21-goal striker said. "But I'll only consider the season a success if we win something."

Manchester City

The manager Sven Goran Eriksson believes the club's fringe players benefit from loan moves. "Playing games is good for them," the Swede said after allowing Shaleum Logan to join Stockport for a month. "Good for us and hopefully good for the club where they go."

Manchester United

Ben Foster expects to return from a knee injury soon after being out for eight months. "All is going well," he said of his recovery. "I've been training for the last two months and started full time training six weeks ago. It's been good, no niggles or pain, so I'm looking to play a reserve game soon."

Middlesbrough

The Football Association will meet today to decide whether to uphold Jérémie Aliadière's red card against Liverpool on Saturday. The forward was dismissed for striking Yossi Benayoun during the 3-2 defeat and the Riverside club yesterday lodged an appeal with the FA.

Newcastle United

Former Magpies striker Alan Shearer believes the club have enough quality to avoid relegation. "I don't think they'll have any chance of going down," he said. "I know the run of results suggest they're going to get involved in a scrap but I feel they're a much better team than those around them."

Portsmouth

Striker Jermain Defoe is happy to continue taking penalties for the club after a successful spot-kick against Sunderland. Benjani, Niko Krancjar and Kanu have all missed penalties this season and Defoe missed one for previous club Spurs. "It's a case of relaxing and picking your spot," he said.

Reading

Ivar Ingimarsson admits confidence at the club is low following an eighth consecutive loss against Aston Villa on Sunday but believes an upturn in fortunes is not far away. "We are not dead and buried yet," he said. "I believe if we can get one win, we can get the second straight away."

Sunderland

Andy Reid believes a change in approach may help improve the club's away form following a 10th consecutive away defeat at Portsmouth on Saturday. "You might change your formation and tactically do different things away from home," he said. "But we still have to strive for the same outcome."

Tottenham Hotspur

Jonathan Woodgate hailed the club's mental and physical strength following Sunday's Carling Cup final victory over Chelsea. "We have a great team spirit, that's what gets you through games sometimes," he said. "The work ethic and hard work we put into training has paid off."

West Ham United

Nolberto Solano believes the club's European aspirations will be tested against Chelsea this weekend. The Hammers currently sit in 10th position, seven points off a Uefa Cup position. "Qualifying is still on and hopefully we can get another result against Chelsea," the Peruvian said. "We will try to win."

Wigan Athletic

Emile Heskey has visited a chiropractor in an attempt to cure a pelvic problem he has carried since his time at Leicester. "I was being twisted and cracked," the 30-year-old said. "He was lining me up properly because my body was a bit out of sync. I'm still not quite there fitness-wise, but on Saturday [against Derby] I felt a lot better."

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