The pacesetters in the major European leagues all had setbacks last weekend: in Serie A, Milan's lead was cut to three points after they drew at Genoa and Napoli beat Cesena. Inter are now third after two wins in four days: Samuel Eto'o and Wesley Sneijder scored in both games. The Nerazzuri overtook Lazio, who could only manage a [.

Rather than a desperate desire to leave in a hurry, Jose Mourinho's dramatic ‘come and get me' plea to English Premier League clubs earlier this week shows indicates his frustration with the ‘idea' of Real Madrid. Mourinho's biggest problem is that his side are currently four - yes, only four - points behind one of the best Barcelona teams ever.

Two interesting career moves this week: Darren Bent's £24m ($38m) transfer from Sunderland to Aston Villa and Eric Cantona's appointment as director of soccer for a potential MLS franchise that's currently trading heavily on past reputation rather than present performance. Despite his views to the contrary, Bent's decision makes sense from a financial point of view.

Two interesting career moves this week: Darren Bent's £24m ($38m) transfer from Sunderland to Aston Villa and Eric Cantona's appointment as director of soccer for a potential MLS franchise that's currently trading heavily on past reputation rather than present performance. Despite his views to the contrary, Bent's decision makes sense from a financial point of view.

There are four games in the Premier League this weekend that will have a direct impact at both ends of the table. Second placed Manchester City are the only side in the top three that has a 'traditional' Saturday afternoon kick off (3pm GMT) - Roberto Mancini's side face Wolverhampton Wanderers knowing that a win would send them to [.