Heskey snubs Capello

Heskey, who retired from international football after this summer's World Cup, was involved in talks with Capello last week according to the News of the World.

But despite being tempted by the offer to return, the Aston Villa striker, who scored just seven goals in 62 appearances for his country, has turned it down fearing a backlash should he return for just one game before going back into international retirement.

Capello also continues to be worried about the multi-millionaire lifestyles of his players, according to the News of the World.

During the Italian's time in charge, Wayne Rooney, John Terry, Ashley Cole and Steven Gerrard have all been embroiled in off-field controversy.

"These are young men, young men with a lot of money," Capello said. "Some players suffer a lot with the money. I only have my players for a short time and I always try to help.

"Having money can be a problem. Often it depends on the people they have around them - their choice of friends."

And as Wayne Rooney continues to struggle with his form in the wake of revelations that he had an affair with a prostitute, the News of the World has revealed that his contract extension with Manchester United has been put on hold.

Rooney had agreed in principle to a new five-year deal worth £150,000 a week before the World Cup but while United insist there are no problems, no announcement has been made about the deal.

But the 24-year-old, who has scored just one goal this season, a penalty against West Ham, has admitted that he is struggling saying: "I'm only a human being, I hurt as well.

"But I need to get through this and get back to playing football the way I know I can. I'm sure everything will settle down after that."

Also at Old Trafford, the Sunday Mirror reports that Alex Ferguson is lining up a New Year swoop for Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given.

Given has played just one game for City this season and has become increasingly frustrated at his demotion to Joe Hart's understudy.

In a further blow to Roberto Mancini at Eastlants, Emmanuel Adebayor seems to be eyeing up a move to Juventus.

The Togolese striker, who has grown increasingly unhappy at Eastlands and has reportedly been involved in a series of rows with Mancini, has admitted that he has been talking to team-mate Patrick Vieira about a move to Juve.

"I would like to play in Italy and I can see myself in black and white stripes," the 26-year-old said.

"I talked it over with Patrick Vieira, who holds excellent memories of the season he spent in Turin. I had already been in talks for a move to Juve during Fabio Capello's time at the club - but nothing ever came of it.

"I am not annoyed with Roberto Mancini and we have an honest rapport but we can't go on like this indefinitely. Therefore, if Juve want me ..."

The News of the World reports that Roy Hodgson is at breaking point with his Liverpool squad, apparently telling friends that they are six players short of being able to challenge for the Premier League title.

Liverpool head into their clash with Bolton in the bottom three for the first time in 26 years and as Hodgson struggles to turn things around, he is also concerned that any new owners at Anfield will want their own manager in place.