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Friday 24th May 2013

Headline news...

- Hughes a contender for Stoke job
Mark Hughes is the leading contender to succeed Tony Pulis as Stoke manager. Pulis left after seven years in charge on Tuesday, and former QPR, Fulham and Blackburn manager Hughes is seen as a "good fit".

- City want five trophies in five years
Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano wants the club to win five trophies in the next five years. Soriano is overseeing the search for a new manager, following the departure of Roberto Mancini. He said: "I would say I want to win five trophies in the next five years. That may mean we win no trophies one year and two in another, but on average I want one trophy or title a year."

- Pardew's job is safe
Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias says Alan Pardew's position as manager was never under threat, despite the club's difficult end to the season. Llambias said: "There has been a great deal of speculation in recent weeks but our desire is to bring long-term stability to this club. Everyone connected with the club was disappointed to finish where we did last season, particularly on the back of such a fantastic year prior to that. Our discussions on Wednesday were very constructive and we pinpointed a number of factors that contributed to a season that fell below expectations."

- Europa League winners could earn Champions League place
UEFA are set to announce on Friday whether the Europa League winners will be rewarded with a Champions League qualifying spot from 2016. They are also expected to announce it will raise the maximum number of Champions League qualifiers per country from four to five, if the winners of the Europa League from 2015-16 do not finish in their domestic league's qualifying places for the Champions League. They are keen to avoid a repeat of the scenario that saw Spurs miss out on the Champions League last season despite finishing fourth in the Premier League.

- Ferdinand signs new United deal
Rio Ferdinand has signed a one-year contract extension at Manchester United. The deal has been approved by incoming manager David Moyes. Ferdinand said: "I am delighted. It has been an incredible journey and I am glad it will continue."

- Stoke reject Nzonzi request
Stoke have rejected a transfer request from French midfielder Steven Nzonzi. Peter Coates, the Stoke chairman, said: "I can confirm that we have received a written transfer request from Steven Nzonzi. He is our player and has three years remaining on his contract."

- Bramble expecting Sunderland exit
Titus Bramble is expecting to leave Sunderland when his contract expires this summer. He tweeted: "The north east is a special place to play and will always be close to my heart. I've had a great three years and would like to thank every #SAFC fan for the support they have shown. I wish the club and my team-mates all the best for the future."