Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier singled out El-Hadji Diouf and Emile Heskey, claiming they cost the Reds three points in the 2-2 draw with Manchester City.

Houllier said: “When we were 2-1 up we should have killed the game off but El-Hadji Diouf missed a great chance and should have scored.

“Then at the end Emile had a chance to run the ball down the line but he wasn’t practical, then lost the ball and they scored.”

According to The Sun, Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa are battling for Leicester City midfielder Muzzy Izzet.

Blackburn are in the hunt for a midfielder following the season-ending injury suffered by Barry Ferguson, and may see Izzet as the ideal signing.

Villa hope to snap up Izzet in January for £500,000, but now could find themselves in an auction with Blackburn.

Selling the Turkish international will save Leicester £700,000 in wages and probably allow boss Micky Adams to sign two or three players.

Tottenham caretaker manager David Pleat has revealed that Simon Davies could make his return in Saturday’s FA Cup clash against Crystal Palace.

The midfielder has been out of action the last four months with a hip problem, but Pleat said the Welsh international is nearing a complete recovery.

Pleat said: “Simon is progressing well and we’re hoping he’ll return soon – maybe as early as this weekend.”

He also revealed that Darren Anderton is close to a return from a calf problem.

“Darren Anderton may also be fit again and that’s important because we need our experienced midfielders although I’m very happy with the contributions of Rohan Ricketts and John Jackson,” Pleat added.

“Stephen Carr is back from suspension and Stephen Kelly, who made a very satisfactory debut on Sunday, will remain in the squad.”

Fulham have put a £15 million price-tag on Manchester United target Louis Saha.

According to The Independent, United are willing to put £7 million on the table, but Cottagers boss Chris Coleman won’t let the Frenchman leave unless any club are willing to pay £15 million.

If United fail to match the asking price, Fulham are expected to open talks with Saha about an improved, long-term contract.