what the papers say

Love is in the air

Much-touted CSKA striker Vagner Love plays it fast & loose over his desire to play in England. Insert your own 'Brazilian blend' headlines here....

The Mirror

"Tottenham target Vagner Love wants move to Manchester City"

Manchester City and Tottenham are battling to secure the signature of CSKA Moscow striker Vagner Love when the transfer window reopens in January.

Love, 24, is regarded as one of the hottest properties in European football and was strongly linked with a £12million move to Everton during the summer. The Brazilian is keen to move to the Premier League and is willing to hold talks over his future.

Love helped CSKA win back-to-back titles, scored in their UEFA Cup Final win over Sporting Lisbon in 2005 and averages a goal every two games in his career.

He is desperate to leave Russia after trouble off the field.

His family have had to employ bodyguards because of kidnap threats. CSKA Moscow are insisting that he stays until the end of the Russian season in November, but will then review his future with Manchester City and Tottenham leading the chase to clinch his signature.

Love said: "I will have to speak with CSKA and review my options. If there is something clear I will consider it, because an offer from England is always attractive.

"My friend and former team-mate Jo is playing for Manchester City and they have a lot of good forwards. The Tottenham situation is different. I know they have a bad position in the table."