From the back pages, January 10: Blues to break bank for Pep Guardiola

Roman Abramovich will make Pep Guardiola a ‘take it or leave it’ £18 million-a-year deal to become Chelsea’s next manager in the summer. (The Express)

Angry Chelsea fans are planning a boycott of matches unless Rafa Benitez is sacked claimed the chair of the Chelsea Supporters’ Group, Trizia Fiorellino. Supporters were furious after Chelsea’s defeat to Swansea and the likelihood that Frank Lampard will leave the club in the summer. (The Daily Mail)

Manchester City are confident a deal CAN still be struck with AC Milan to offload Mario Balotelli. Milan president Silvio Berlusconi branded ­Balotelli a “rotten apple” this week, in an outburst which looked to scupper any potential deal. But City officials believe the Italian giants actually remain keen on the striker, once of their San Siro neighbours Inter, and that an agreement can still be reached during the current transfer window. (Mirror)

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Andre Villas-Boas reckons managing Spurs is a walk in the park compared to bossing Chelsea. The Tottenham chief insisted: “It’s a different type of environment.” (The Sun)

Liverpool’s Brendan Rodgers avoiding pitfalls that cost Roy Hodgson job two years ago. (The Telegraph)

Newcastle United have been rocked by the request of their captain, Fabricio Coloccini, to leave the club during the January transfer window. The 30-year-old told club officials today that he wanted to return home to Argentina. (The Independent)