The Sports Matrix: Tuesday 31 January 2012 - The Independent

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has insisted that clubs be allowed to carry out their business in private, after details of an exploratory phone call to Manchester City, regarding a potential swap of strikers Andy Carroll and Carlos Tevez, were leaked over the weekend. "If you are going to do business in any way, shape or form, you don't disclose it until it's done," the Scot, who is believed to retain an interest in a loan move for Tevez (above), said.

"We're not going to get involved in justifying what people are saying. Get them to justify it, not us." City's determination to get rid of Argentine striker Tevez before tonight's transfer deadline has intensified after the forward last night lodged an appeal against disciplinary measures inflicted upon him by the club. Resultant procedures dealing with the appeal would be likely to last at least two months, which City are keen to avoid disrupting their title bid.

City travel to Everton tonight looking to maintain their three-point lead at the top of the table, against a David Moyes-managed side that have come out on top in seven of the last nine meetings between the sides. MORE

Villas-Boas to give Cahill first start

Gary Cahill is set to make his Chelsea debut tonight against Swansea, as Andre Villas-Boas is resting John Terry. Cahill joined Chelsea from Bolton Wanderers over two weeks ago but has had to wait for a start, but should partner David Luiz. MORE

Ferguson: I enjoy Stoke challenge

Sir Alex Ferguson is relishing tonight's game agaisnt Stoke City at Old Trafford. "Tony Pulis's team will be 100 per cent committed and they always get stuck in. To be honest, I always enjoy it too. It is important to keep on City's coat-tails." MORE

Ivorians march on as Sudan celebrate

Ivory Coast maintained their 100 per cent record, beating Angola 2-0 to top Group B after strikes from Emmanuel Eboué and Wilfried Bony. Sudan also reached the last eight, beating Burkina Faso 2-1 for their first competition win in 42 years.

Redknapp on £4.2m at Portsmouth

Harry Redknapp's contract at Portsmouth was worth £4.2m annually, a court was told by his former chairman, Milan Mandaric. The details were disclosed at Southwark Crown Court, where the pair face two counts of cheating the revenue. MORE

Armitage dropped following arrest

Delon Armitage has been dropped from the England Saxons squad after being arrested on suspicion of assault last weekend. "It's extremely disappointing," caretaker coach Stuart Lancaster said. "I've spoken to Delon and he's disappointed too." MORE

Captain Robshaw: I feel privileged

Chris Robshaw has spoken of the honour he feels at being named England's captain for the first two Six Nations matches. "I'm pretty relaxed at the moment," the 25-year-old said. "I feel so honoured, so privileged. The players have been brilliant." MORE

Panesar: Blame me for Pakistan loss

Despite taking seven wickets in his first Test since 2009, Monty Panesar says he is to blame for England's second Test defeat to Pakistan. "I should have taken wickets at a quicker rate," he said. "33 overs with one [first innings] wicket cost the match." MORE

Djokovic sets sights on clean sweep

Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic believes he can complete a clean sweep of the Slams in 2012. "It is possible," he said. "Tennis nowadays is much more competitive and more physical, and that makes that challenge difficult. But everything is possible." MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

Consider the possibility of Jose Mourinho swapping jobs with Arsène Wenger. No one can question the fact that Arsenal need impetus, and Mourinho would be guaranteed to bring back a level of competitive integrity. MORE