MOURINHO TO NAME NEW CAPTIAN

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho is all set to strip Iker Casillas off his captain's armband for the new season.

According to Spanish publication Marca, the Portuguese would rather prefer his captain to be an outfield player instead of a goalkeeper, with communication on the pitch being the key factor.

Thus Madrid could have a new captain at the start of the new season, with defender Sergio Ramos and midfielder Xabi Alonso favourites to take over the armband.

It would be a brave and ambitious move for Mourinho as Casillas is considered a cult hero at the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, the 'Special One' is not one to be affected by off field sentiments and is known to make unpopular decisions for the good of the team.

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HITZLSPERGER KEEN ON VILLA RETURN

Sources close to Thomas Hitzlsperger insist the Germany international is keen to go back to Aston Villa where his career blossomed in the Premier League.

Hitzlsperger had indicated when he left Villa that he would "one day like to return to the club" and that remains the case now his spell at West Ham has ended.

A source close to Hitzlsperger told : "Thomas wants to go back to Villa. He enjoyed some great times there."

Fulham, Blackburn and Stoke are also interested in signing the 29-year-old, who has won more than 50 full caps for his country.

Hitzlsperger joined Aston Villa from Bayern Munich's academy and became a firm fans' favourite during his five years at the club.

He was nicknamed 'Der Hammer' by Villa supporters because of his blazing shooting power which yielded several spectacular goals.

Villa report back for pre-season training on Friday and new manager Alex McLeish is looking to reinforce his squad as soon as possible.

Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given and Wigan winger Charles N'Zogbia are amongst his potential targets.

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CHELSEA KEEN ON REAL MADRID'S PEPE

Chelsea are looking to take advantage of delayed contract negotiations between Real Madrid's Pepe and the club's management.

The 28-year-old is said to be annoyed with the lack of progress in talks over an improved contract at Madrid.

Los Blancos are actually willing to offer him a £4million a year contract while the Blues are reportedly ready to tempt him with a yearly £5million deal.

New manager Andre Villas-Boas is looking to secure his first major signing as he begins to shape a new-look Chelsea side.

The 6'2 defender was transferred from Porto in 2007 for £30million.He is one of Madrid's most exceptional performer last season as he formed a formidable partnership with fellow Portuguese international and former Chelsea player Ricardo Carvalho and has conceded a meager 43 goals in 59 games.

Central defense is an area of concern for the London based outfit, as their first choice pairing of Alex and John Terry struggled for form last season.

Pepe can also operate as a defensive midfielder is rated at £22million.

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WIGAN SIGN AL-HABSI

Bolton Wanderers reached have an agreement with Wigan Athletic for the sale of goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi.

The Oman goalkeeper enjoyed an outstanding year on loan at the DW Stadium last term but Latics manager Roberto Martinez had taken his time trying to sort out a permanent deal and the fee is said to be around £4million .

It represents a good move for all parties, given Al Habsi has little chance of ousting Jaaskelainen at the Reebok Stadium.

"We could easily have kept him but I have to be fair to Ali," said manager Owen Coyle.

"It is good business. We will wish him well.

"He did well at Wigan last year and they have tried to secure his services."

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