The Screamer ... It's the talk of football

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley has warned Anton Ferdinand to shun the 'pop-star' lifestyle and put football first.

The former England Under 21 defender was last month acquitted on assault charges relating to an incident outside an Ilford nightclub in October last year and Curbishley said: 'I think the penny dropped that football needed to be his priority. Everyone knew the consequences if the verdict went against him. I think he's hoping now to have a clean slate. I hope that football does become his priority because he has got so much ability that it could take him wherever he wants to go.

'One of the lessons is not to get into a situation before it arises.'

Ferdinand is set to face Blackburn at Ewood Park tomorrow.

Drogba fuming over Chelsea delay

Didier Drogba is angry with Chelsea because he feels he needs a knee operation to be ready for African Nations Cup duty, according to sources close to the striker.

Chelsea want him to carry on playing but the Ivory Coast star fears doing so will prevent his participation in next month's tournament.

Boss Avram Grant said: 'If he can play, then OK. If he cannot and needs surgery, we will do it.'

Carsley vows to fight for Everton future

Lee Carsley is determined to carry on playing for Everton as long as he can despite interest from Wigan and Sheffield United.

The 33-year-old Republic of Ireland midfielder appeared to be leaving Merseyside in the summer until he signed a new one-year contract. But his immediate aim is to help Everton extend their unbeaten run to 10 games against Fulham today. He said: 'It's going well now. I feel fit enough.'

Fergie still keen on £15m Anelka

Manchester United are stepping up their interest in Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka.

Sportsmail exclusively revealed that Chelsea had made the first move for the France striker but United are keen on a £15million deal.

Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, missed training at United this week after being left stranded in Portugal.

The United winger returned home on Tuesday for a private function after scoring twice in Monday's 2-0 win over Fulham. But he failed to show for training on Wednesday after fog forced his flight to be cancelled.

You'll pay if you target Torres, warns Rafa

Rafa Benitez will not worry if Reading target Fernando Torres at the Madejski Stadium today because he believes it will give other Liverpool players more opportunities to punish them.

Spain striker Torres knocked Reading out of the Carling Cup with a hat-trick in December, but boss Benitez points out he has another 10 men who have contributed to this season's haul of 51 goals.

He said: 'Opponents can't just concentrate on Torres because we have other players who are scoring goals now.'