Agent claims ‘illness’ is to blame…

Fran Merida’s laser-guided finish in the Carling Cup against Liverpool last week propelled him into public eye alongside Carlos Vela, Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey, as part of Arsenal’s jealousy-inducing line up of future stars.

However, things aren’t all good in the hood. The 19-year-old Spaniard is out of contract at the end of season and doesn’t look particularly fussed about tying up a deal any time soon. Even worse, he’s jonesing for a move to Atletico Madrid - which wouldn’t be so bad if 1) Atleti weren’t 18th in La Liga (one win from nine); and 2) he wasn’t born in Barcelona.

You’ve probably already seen Fran Merida’s cracker, and feel free to step this way and dribble at Valeri Bojinov’s brilliant goal for Parma last night.

But thespoiler’s favourite came in the Asian Champions League.Saudi side Al-Ittihad beat Nagoya Grampus Eight 6-2 in the first leg of their semi-final. and were already two ahead in the second leg, before Keita Sugimoto scored this wonder goal. It was however, to prove a mere consolation, and Ittihad will now meet Korean side Pohang Steelers in the final.