The Premier League fixture computer has not been very kind to the returning ‘Special One’ Jose Mourinho at Chelsea although the Europa League Champions do kick off their season at home on the 17th August to newly promoted Hull City. Following that, the London club face some daunting away trips in late August and September.

Mourinho’s second fixture following his homecoming sees him lock horns with Manchester United’s new manager David Moyes. The new Chelsea manager will be hoping to put one over early on his fellow 50 year old in what could turn out to be the marquee rivalry in the Premier League over the next decade. Chelsea have some exciting away trips lined up in September as they travel to Roberto Martinez’s Everton on the 14th September whilst they also travel to White Hart lane towards the end of the month on the 28th to face a Spurs side which could see the Master take on his former student Andre Villas-Boas (provided he doesn't leave for PSG).

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Thiago demands Barca exit as Man United snoop around

Manchester United’s attempts to sign a midfielder from Barcelona could finally reap some reward after Thiago Alcantara asked the Spanish champions for a transfer this summer, the Metro reports. United were keen to sign Thiago’s teammate Cesc Fabregas but the former Gunner turned down a move back to England. The Premier League champions have now turned their attention to Spanish Under-21 international Thiago, who shone for his country in the title winning campaign at Under-21 European Championships. New manager David Moyes is reportedly lining up a £15million bid for the 22-year old with Bayern Munich also credited with interest.

Barcelona want Mata after reports suggest fall-out with Mourinho

Jose Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge was never going to be without any controversies and the first reported fight between a player and the Portuguese is being eyed with great interest in Barcelona. According to the Mirror, the La Liga champions are ready to table a £30million bid for Juan Mata after reported emerged that the Spaniard was not on good terms with Mourinho. The ‘Happy One’ allegedly turned down a pay-rise for Mata, which the 25-year old was due after a stellar campaign last season and Barcelona are eager to take advantage of any rifts with the Chelsea squad. Chelsea’s Player of the Season last year, Mata joined the Blues 2 years ago from Valencia and still has 3 years left on his contract.

Manchester United are on high alert after the Red Devils' target Thiago Alcantara has told FC Barcelona that he wants a move away from the Catalan club. The La Masia product has struggled to break into the first team and now may be looking for a club where he can play regular first team football.

Spanish paper Sport reported that the Italian born midfielder had a heart to heart conversation with team coach Tito Vilanova and at the end of it wasn’t convinced about his future at the Camp Nou. Given the presence of regular Spanish internationals like Xavi, Iniesta and Fabregas in the team, Thiago’s future at the club does look bleak unless one of the aforementioned trio suffers an injury or extended run of bad form.

Kevin Strootman’s agent Chiel Dekker has claimed that the Dutch midfielder will be comfortable playing in the Premier League. The 23 year old who has been linked extensively with Manchester United has been vocal about his desires to play in England and is largely expected to leave PSV Eindhoven this summer.

"He is focussed on England because that would suit his style," Dekker said. “He has the physique, the character and the fitness for it. I am certainly not afraid he could handle that level," added Strootman’s chief agent.

Claudio Marchisio has been linked to Manchester United for quite some time now. The Italian international who is currently in Brazil for the Confederations Cup was brazen in admitting his pride on being linked with the Premier League champions. However, Juventus director Beppe Marotta has been quick to quash out any rumours of the move and went to emphasise that Marchisio was very important for Juventus.

"Juventus have never thought about selling Marchisio. Not now, not ever. In September 2012 the club extended his contract until June 30, 2016, adjusting his salary too. I think this is the clearest demonstration of how important Marchisio is for Juventus. We would only look at this again if a stratospheric offer, one not in line with the market, was made. But, up to this point in time, that has not happened,” said Marotta.

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Liverpool want transfer request from Suarez

Liverpool have made a move in the standoff between the club and its best player, Luis Suarez, according to the Daily Mail who report that the Reds will demand a transfer request from the Uruguayan if he intends to realize his dream of playing for Real Madrid. Liverpool want £50m for their star striker and sources claim that they are very realistic with their hopes of having him back at Anfield.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan jetting to Liverpool for medical

The Liverpool fans don’t need to be unduly concerned though as the Reds have moved swiftly to cast a net around Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan who is set to undergo a medical at the club today, reports the Mirror. The goal-scoring midfielder is set to be Brendan Rodgers’ big summer buy, with a fee in the region of £23m being accepted by Shakhtar.

Arsenal inch closer to finalising Nani deal

It could be destination Arsenal for out of favour Man United winger Luis Nani. The London club have emerged as the surprise frontrunners after Galatasaray were ‘priced out’ of a move for the Portuguese winger according to reports in the Metro.  Nani has had a tough couple of years at Old Trafford, hardly seeing any first team action in United’s title winning season. He is expected to fall further down the pecking order with the arrival of Wilfred Zaha. With just a year left on his contract, an exit from United seems very much on the cards. (read more)

United and Chelsea set to slug it out for Dutch prodigy Marco Van Ginkel

David Moyes and Jose Mourinho are fighting it out to acquire the services of Dutch youth prodigy Marco Van Ginkel. The Daily Express reported today that United chief scout Jim Lawlor watched the 20-year-old Vitesse Arnhem midfielder in action for Holland in the European Under 21s championship. While Chelsea are learned to have first option on the midfielder, United will be looking to price them out of a move. (read more)