Klaas Jan Huntelaar has stated his preference for playing in England in the future, thus temporarily ending the rumours of a possible move to Real Madrid...

While Real Madrid are linked with just about every player worth anything during some point in their careers, Klaas Jan Huntelaar is one name who has been consistently linked with Los Blancos, possibly more than anyone else, with the obvious exception of one Cristiano Ronaldo. It came as a shock to some, therefore, when the Dutchman insisted that he had no desire to move to the Spanish capital in the years to come. Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Huntelaar said, "It would be great to play in England. The atmosphere in the stadiums is incredible. I am currently very happy at Ajax, but I definitely have the desire to play in England in the future." There was much speculation that Huntelaar, who scored 33 goals in 34 games last season, had been the subject of a bid from Real Madrid in the summer, but this was frankly denied. "I knew there was in interest in me," Huntelaar claimed, "but there was never a concrete offer." While it is clear that the Premiership is Huntelaar's preferred eventual destination, there have been many players in the past who claimed not to be interested in Real Madrid, only to be seduced when a contract was floated their way. It would be foolish to rule this one out just yet.

Manchester United have joined Real Madrid in the chase to sign Brazilian starlet Douglas Costa from Grêmio at the end of the current season.

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that he is interested in the 18-year-old attacking midfielder and indicated that he is ready to weigh up making a move for the player.

Madrid have been watching Costa for over a year, according to Marca, but have yet to make anything official because they are keen for him to continue developing at his current club.

With United now joining the chase though, that could move the situation along and Ferguson will certainly be keen not to miss out.

"He is a player that we like and does seem to be very interesting," the Spanish paper quotes the Scottish manager as saying.

Costa has been compared to Ronaldinho and Robinho by pundits in Brazil thanks to his speed, creativity and mental strength and will no doubt attract more suitors if his departure looks set to happen.

Ferguson would be keen to win the race over Madrid after the Spanish club's unsettling move quest for Cristiano Ronaldo last summer angered him.

Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid are amongst the major European clubs eyeing the signing of France starlet Karim Benzema, according to the player’s agent.

The Lyon striker has followed up from an outstanding performance in Ligue 1 last season to start the current campaign strongly after what was a disappointing Euro 2008 tournament for him and his nation.

And according to his agent, Benzema is being chased by three of the world’s biggest clubs, with many French football analysts predicting this season will be the 20-year-old’s last in France.

United already have an array of attacking talent at their disposal with the likes of Dimitar Berbatov, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez plying their trade at Old Trafford.

However, the future of Tevez has came under severe scrutiny in recent weeks with the Argentinean still not secured on a permanent contract, with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson having reportedly eyed Benzema as an option last summer.

And Benzema’s agent has said there are also other top clubs eyeing his client’s signature.

“Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United are not the only clubs following Karim because all the big European clubs are,” Djaziri said to France-Football.

“Our contacts with the clubs are constant and our contacts did not start last year but since Karim is 16! But we are transparent with Lyon on every point and they are aware of everything happening.”

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar has bid a final farewell to international football with the Netherlands and he insisted that he will not be making any more comebacks.

With the Dutch short on reliable goalkeeping personnel before the World Cup qualification matches against Iceland and Norway, Oranje manager Bert van Marwijk asked van der Sar to consider filling the breach and donning the gloves for two final times before retiring.

The 38 year-old walked away from international football after the Dutch side's Euro 2008 elimination but was happy to provide a sturdy option for van Marwijk in Group Nine. After wracking up a 130th cap and a clean sheet, the Red Devils stopper is content to say goodbye.

He told the press: "I'm happy with this farewell. I knew this would be the last time, so I wanted to finish on a better note than when we lost to Russia at Euro 2008. That has been achieved."

It could have been different for the ex-Fulham man during his international send-off however; a late challenge by him sent a Norwegian attacker sprawling to the turf, and van der Sar admits he was lucky not to concede a spot-kick.

He continued: "The referee could have given Norway a penalty, I hit the Norwegian player with my knee."

Nine points from nine sees the Dutch steaming towards South Africa alreaday, but van der Sar does not anticipate dusting off the gloves for the 2010 showpiece.

Asked whether he would be tempted back for the finals, he said: "Yes - as a tourist."

Kings Road billionaires Chelsea are keen to swoop for Inter striker Mario Balotelli, according to the Daily Mirror...

Following much hype and speculation regarding interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid, Chelsea have now jumped on the Balotelli bandwagon and they are ready to make old coach Jose Mourinho a mega offer for the Italian hit-man.

Fireworks are likely to start exploding between the English and Italian clubs, given the relationship 'Special One' and the Blues, who sacked him last year.

The Daily Mirror claims the West London club are keen on the Italian under-21 international following his outstanding performances. Balotelli fired the Azzurrini to a 3-1 win over Israel on Wednesday night and he is quickly becoming one of the hottest properties in football.

However, the striker is not finding much space at San Siro, fuelling speculation over his future as well as posing new questions on whether he would be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are looking at Balotelli as an interim replacement for the injured Didier Drogba, but reports in Italy suggest the striker isn't keen on moving to the Premier League as it may ruin his chances of making a step up to Marcello Lippi's senior Azzurri squad.

A January bid for the player is expected and Inter may be tempted to part company with the rising star if they recieve a good offer from Chelsea supremo Roman Abramovic.

However, there is still the question regarding Mourinho, the coach is likely to shackle his player and scoff at his old club when he hears of their plans.