Jose - The Special One

There has, for at least ten years now (probably longer) been something of a gravitational pull towards the Premier League of the very best and most special talents. There has been the odd exception that has bypassed England and found glory in Spain and/or Italy, possibly because of climate or culture; but we have been telling ourselves for sometime that overall we have the best league in the world. I feel the same, I think the Premier League is the best, and probably most supported league in the world.

As time goes on, it feels more and more likely that the very top players will at some point play in our league. Where as Zidane did not, Ronaldo has and Kaka quite possibly will at some point. Some players have been billed as world beaters, but faced with a Premier League Season been revealed as anything but.

Part of the progression has been that we have attracted superstars with the prospects of cash and trophys. When these superstars were eventually bettered, or perhaps passed their peak the Premiership' elite clubs have managed to largely replace and often supersede their outgoing talents. But the progression has always been forwards. When players like Thierry Henry and Ruud van Nistelroy left these shores, it could be spun that the leagues top billing had gone, but instead we have the seen Ronaldo turn into a goal scoring machine, we have Rooney who plays with his heart on his sleeve, we have the predatorial Fernando Torres, and the lethal Didier Drogba, to name but a few.

Superstar's may have left but the talent pool has continued to get better and better.

There is though, one small exception to this. When Jose Mourinho left Chelsea, and English Football, he took a little piece of English Football with him. The league lost one of the best and brightest managers in the World. He is, in fact one of only four managers to have won the Premier League. The Premier Leagues loss has been Serie A's gain. I want to see young English managers get a chance in the league, but I want them pitted against the best the world has to offer, and Jose is one of the best.

I hope that Jose does well with Inter Milan in Italy (though I hope Manchester United get past Inter Milan in the Champions League) but I hope also that come the end of the Season he is able to find employment back in the Premier League.

Here, because I know you have missed him too, is a little reminder.

Jose - I Want Premier League Return

The Sunday Express is reporting, here, that The Special One has told friends he wants to quit Italian football at the end of this season and move back to the Premier League.

The report even suggests that Jose has said he is "not a fan of Italian football."

Inter Milan look likely to secure a fourth consecutive Serie A Championship, but the Italian media have not warmed to Jose in the same way UK media outlets did.

It is thought that Newcastle and Man City might express an interest later in the Season if it is a real possibility to land Jose. Chelsea will also need a new manager in the summer. Roman Abramovich and Jose Mourinho have repaired their relationship since he left in September 2007, so it is not beyond the realms of possibility that Jose might be back in the dugout at Stamford Bridge by August.

Chelsea Beat Spurs To Quaresma

Chelsea have signed Ricardo Quaresma on a loan deal until the end of the season.

Quaresma had been linked strongly with Spurs, with Jermaine Jenas and David Bentley thought to be on Jose's shopping list.

Quaresma has not played much this season under Mourinho and has been omitted from Inter's Champions League Squad for the rest of the campaign. Quaresma will fill in for Joe Cole who is out with a long term injury.

Barnes To Fulham On Loan

Fulham have secured the services of promising youngster Giles Barnes on loan until the end the season. Fulham will look to make the deal permanent in the summer.

Giles Barnes has showed tremendous promise for Derby, and will be happy to have the opportunity to show off his talents in the Premier League. Barnes recently got two goals at Old Trafford, after coming off the bench in the League Cup Semi Final, Second Leg.

Derby fans posted the below tribute on to you tube. If Fulham fans don't know much about Barnes, this should whet their appetites.

Fulham have also been today linked with a move for Inter Milans Olivier Dacourt. Dacourt has only played 15 minutes under Jose Mourinho and is expected to be allowed to move on loan.

Vidic Handed One Match Ban

Nemanja Vidic has been handed a one-game Champions League Ban following his red card in Decembers Club World Cup Final. The suspension is accompanied by a 5,000 CHF fine.

Vidic will miss the away leg against Inter Milan on 24th February, however he will return for the home game on 11th March.

United will be happy that the ban was not lengthier as the red card was after an elbow to the face of LDU Striker Claudio Bieler just minutes into the second half.