Abramovich has nothing better to do with his fortune...

Chelski owner Roman Abramovich is denying that he has offered Russian footballers a bonus for beating England -- color me skeptical since he spends money like its burning and is known to fund his homeland's national team:

The two nations meet in a crucial Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday.

And reports claimed the Russian players would receive £40,000 if they were to defeat Steve McClaren's men.

But a Chelsea statement said: "Roman Abramovich has never offered, proposed or promised any bonuses to the Russian team to beat England."

The billionaire Chelsea owner has close links with football back in his homeland and is reported to bankroll the salary of coach Guus Hiddink.

But the Chelsea statement added: "The financial backing Mr Abramovich gives to Russian football, via his National Academy of Football foundation, is for the development of the game as a whole and is not focused on specific matches.

"Mr Abramovich supports grass-roots football initiatives through such efforts as building football pitches, helping to organise youth sports academies and providing training for coaches."

Chelsea are likely to have four of their players lining up against the Russians, with Ashley Cole, John Terry, Joe Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips probable starters.

Quick hits:
Everton skipper Tim Cahill is getting ready to return to the pitch.

Everton boss David Moye is already preparing to lose players to the African Cup.

Fernando Torres is enjoying his time with Liverpool thus far.

Arsenal doesn't need dirty Russian money.

The Argentine Bulldog can't wait to pair with Wayne Rooney.

Sheffield Utd to sue West Ham for relegation...

After a failed bid for a retroactive points deduction, West Ham avoided relegation at the expense of the Blades. Sheffield strongly believe that Tevez affair was directly responsible for their relegation and have announced today that they plan to sue West Ham for 50 million Euros:

Sheffield United have announced they plan to sue West Ham for the cost of their relegation from the Premier League.

The Blades failed last month in their high court bid to force new Premier League disciplinary action against West Ham over the Carlos Tevez affair; they had hoped to pave the way for a retrospective points deduction that would send West Ham down while keeping United in the top flight. Once that avenue of attack was cut off, they revealed they would consider suing West Ham for compensation of between £30m and £50m.

"After consideration and discussion with our legal advisers Sheffield United are today initiating legal proceedings against West Ham United as we seek substantial compensation for our relegation from the Premier League," said Toby Craig, a member of the club's legal team.

"This action is distinct from the arbitration proceedings between the club and the Premier League during the close season," he continued. "We have always said that we will do everything in our power to secure justice for Sheffield United and restore the integrity of English football which has been tarnished by this affair. Once proceedings have been issued we will await a response from West Ham before making any further statements."

United were relegated to the Championship after finishing three points behind the Hammers, whose only penalty for including banned clauses in the contracts of Tevez and Javier Mascherano - and then deliberately concealing them from the Premier League authorities - was a £5.5m fine. By maintaining their Premier League status this season, West Ham secured a share of the television rights money worth in excess of £30m.

True Sheffield got robbed last year but if they can get promoted as Derby can attest they stand to make twice that television rights money and will be better suited for success next season. Of course adding $30M from West Ham's coffers surely wouldn't hurt that effort as well.

Tevez debut set for Wednesay...

With Rooney out indefinitely after fracturing his foot against Reading, all eyes will fall on Carlos Tevez during Manu U's match against Pompey:

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said Carlos Tevez is likely to make his debut for the club in Wednesday's league game at Portsmouth.

The 23-year-old completed his move to United last Friday and may even start the game as a result of the recent injury to fellow forward Wayne Rooney.

"He trained very hard at the weekend and will be doing light training until the day of the game," said Ferguson.

"We will now be getting Carlos ready for Wednesday's match."

Whether your a Red Devil supporter or not it should be interesting to see how the brilliant young Argentine striker will fare in his debut for Fergie's side.

Tevez deal finally done...

United supporters can breath easier as the Tevez transfer is finally complete:

A mere 35 days after it was announced that he had agreed personal terms with Manchester United, Carlos Tevez finally completed his transfer to Old Trafford today. United officially confirmed this afternoon that Tevez has joined on a two-year loan.

Though he has been training with United throughout this week, he is extremely unlikely to be involved in United's opening game of the season, against Reading on Sunday. United are instead aiming to give him his debut in next weekend's derby with Manchester City.

After adding Tevez to a line-up that already featured phenom's Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, Man U seem to be the odds on favorites now to top the tables.