England

It's end of season poll time. We will invite our readers to vote in a poll that will help us to produce a Premier League Best XI of 2012/13. Today is the turn of the central, holding or defensive midfielders. Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton) French midfielder has been excellent in his first season in the top flight, a real St Mary's cult hero proving that as well as helping the Saints in League One and the Championship the 23 year old can more than cut it in the Premier League. Michael Carrick (Man United) England veteran has been virtually flawless this season, barely putting a foot wrong and being the first name on Sir Alex Ferguson's team-sheet. Scott Parker (Tottenham) Battling White Hart Lane enforcer has had a solid season at the heart of the Spurs midfield. James McCarthy (Aston Villa) Youngster has still impressed despite the Latics failing to avoid the drop. Claudio Yacob (West Brom) Argentine was especially effective in the first half of the season and has gone on to complete a superb first term in English football. Darron Gibson (Everton) Toffees midfielder has proved himself adept at breaking down opposition advances and more than capable of pushing Everton forwards to boot. Mikel Arteta (Arsenal) Spaniard has been used in an unfamiliar holding role this term to make up for the loss of Alex Song and Arteta hasn't been found wanting. Mohamed Diame (West Ham) Hammers midfielder was excellent in the early months of the season, sparking talk of a January exit, has shown a return to form in recent weeks to help West Ham secure a top ten finish. Sandro (Tottenham) Brazilian has had been out injured since late January but his displays up to that point certainly warrant a spot on this list. Ramires (Chelsea) Adaptable Blues midfield has a terrific engine and is equally able to thwart opposition attacks as well as mount his own. Top Ten Premier League Central, Holding Or Defensive Midfielders In 2012/13

Incoming Chelsea boss targets German striker. Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts Jose Mourinho is plotting a £25million bid for Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez if he returns as Chelsea manager this summer, according to the Daily Mail. The Portuguese coach has been confirmed as leaving Real Madrid at the end of the season, and is expected to return to his old club Chelsea after emerging as the club's top target to replace interim manager Rafael Benitez. The 50-year-old has been unhappy at Madrid this season, and has already been making plans for Chelsea's moves in the summer transfer window, reportedly plotting raids on his current club for the likes of Sami Khedira and Xabi Alonso. The Blues are also in desperate need of a new striker, as they look to replace the misfiring Fernando Torres. The likes of Edinson Cavani and Radamel Falcao have previously been linked, while Mourinho is also a fan of Borussia Dortmund frontman Robert Lewandowski. However, Lewandowski looks certain to be joining Bayern Munich, which could free up German international Mario Gomez for a move to Stamford Bridge. The 27-year-old has not been a regular for Bayern this season, despite scoring an incredible 41 goals for the club the season before. He is still known to be a lethal finisher and Mourinho hopes he will be available this summer.

Occasionally a character emerges in the archives which one has to follow through ... one such is Harvey Leach, an irascible dwarf comedian of the early Victorian period, best remembered as the 'Gnome Fly:ADELPHI THEATREA curious performance was attempted last night at this theatre. Mr. Yates, in his constant search after novelty, has availed himself of the services of a Milanese dwarf, and as the little man's personal merits are not much ibn his favour, he has presented him successively in the shape of a baboon and a bluebottle fly. Signor HERVIO NANO acquits himself to admiration in both characters, and it is a question whether his mischievous tricks ni the form of the ape, or his agile flight in the personification of the fly, are most amusing. The audience were equally delighted with both, and every chattering of the brute and flutter of the insect brought down thunders of applause. For the purpose of making the doctrine of the transmigration of souls on which the piece turns well understood by the gallery, Signor HERVIO first appears in his proper shape as Alnain, the King of the Gnomes. He then for the purposes of serving his friend, the son of the Grand Mogul, shoots his soul into the body of the King's baboon, and in that disguise performs every trick that a baboon can be guilty of, with a fidelity to nature that shows how closely man and the monkey are allied. Though he looks and acts becomingly in the character he is compelled to abandon it, because the Queen of the Peris counteracts his plans, and causes the Princess, whom he wishes to disenchant, to be locked up in a dreadful tower. He transfuses his spirit into the body of a fly, and buzzes about in the best bluebottle fashion. He flies on invisible wires from the stage to the lofty turret where the Princess is encased, delivers her from the enchantment, and then to prove that he is no impostor, runs up the side pillars of the stage, crosses the ceiling feet up, and descends at the other side. The Queen of the Peris cannot withstand such devotion - the lovers are united and the fly reassumes human shape. The performances are, in fact, very extraordinary. MAZURIER himself could not play the ape with more agility, and as to the fly, the personifcation was so perfect that if it were summer the flies themselves might mistake him for one of their companions. The Morning Post, Thursday, February 01, 1838FRACAS AT THE THEATRE ROYAL, BIRMINGHJAMLast night the theatre was in a state of considerable excitement, in consequence of Hervio Nano (better known as Harvey Leach), the dwarf, not appearing to sustain the character he was announced for in the bills of the day, in a new piece called the Demon Dwarf. Mr. Simpson, the stage manager, explained to the audiecne the cuase of Mr. Leech's refusal to perform, stating that he claimed unjustly 10l. which had been deducted from the receipts of the previous Saturday, as Mr. Yates' share of extra supernumeraries, &c, Leach being engaged by Yates to perform. Mr. Hooper (of the Theatre Royal, Drury-lane, who is also engaged by Mr. Yates) stepped forward, corroborated the stage-manager's explanation, and censured Mr. Leach for his conduct. The Demon Dwarf, however, declared that he would not stir until he got the 10l. and used sundry "demoniacal" expressions, such as liar, &c., jumped on the edge of the lower box circle and addressed the gallery with much emphasis. This procured him considerable applause, which was followed out by the gods, upwards of 1000 in number, tearing up the benches and hurling them into the pit (first having given notice to the pittites who scrambled into the boxes). The work of devastation then began in real earnest. Chandeliers, forms, &c. were a complete wreck; fortunately no person was injured. After some resistance the little man was taken into custody, and now remains in durance vile till responsible bail is given for his liberation.The Standard, Thursday, October 04, 1838GUILDHALLHarvey Leach, the 'Gnome

Ligue 1 big spenders to mount mammoth bid for Bernabeu attacker. Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts French source L'Equipe claim that PSG are set to make a mammoth offer for Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo. The Parc des Princes side are ready to meet the £100m price-tag placed on the 28 year old Portuguese international and will offer personal terms that are sure to get Ronaldo's attention. The big spending Ligue 1 title holders are ready to hand the former Man United man a deal worth £15m a year AFTER tax, a huge increase on his current salary, an offer that may well be considered by the La Liga star. Ronaldo has two years to run on his current contract and ongoing negotiations to extend his deal have thus far failed to agree terms. Real Madrid are keen to tie Ronaldo down to a new deal but if they fail to do so they could well consider offers of this magnitude. Cristiano Ronaldo have proven a major success in Spain, scoring 201 goals in 199 appearances during his four seasons at the club. However Real Madrid have had a poor season, securing no silverware, and much may depend on who the club brings in to replace Jose Mourinho as manager. PSG currently face a fight to keep hold of boss Carlo Ancelotti after he revealed his wish to leave the French side to join Real Madrid.

Former Lille forward could head back to France this summer. Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts Arsenal forward Gervinho is being linked with a return to Ligue 1 with Lyon this summer, according to French newspaper L'Equipe. The 25-year-old has failed to settle since joining Arsenal, looking short of quality and out of depth in the Premier League, and has previously been linked with a £12million move to Turkish giants Galatasaray. However, latest reports from France suggest Lyon will make a bid of around £10million to lure him back to the French league this summer, and Arsenal may well be tempted to sell the Ivorian after a failed two seasons in England. Gervinho has scored only 10 goals in 57 appearances for the Gunners, and they are being linked with a number of improvements on their striking options in the transfer window this summer. £10million would be a decent fee for a squad player, and Arsenal may use the money towards bringing in players like Stevan Jovetic and Loic Remy, who have been linked with the club in recent months. The likes of Marouane Chamakh, Andrey Arshavin and Sebastien Squillaci are also expected to leave the Emirates Stadium before next season, as Arsene Wenger looks to clear out his under-performers.

Napoli officials have met with City to discuss Cavani deal. Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts Napoli chief Aurelio De Laurentiis has revealed that the club have spoken with Manchester City about their interest in star player Edinson Cavani, according to Sky Sports. De Laurentiis was said to be in London discussing an approach for Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez, though he denies this and says he was there to work on a film as part of his role as a film producer. However, he apparently instructed his sporting director Riccardo Bigon to meet with City to discuss the possible transfer of Cavani to the Etihad Stadium. Napoli are prepared to sell their in-demand striker, who is also wanted by Chelsea and Real Madrid, but they want City's Edin Dzeko in return for the Uruguayan hit man. "I did not go to London for Benitez," he said. "Yesterday [Monday] I was in London with Chiavelli and Bigon and for a simple reason: I have to prepare for the release of the film on Steve Jobs. "Though, I told Bigon: 'Go to City and have a moment to negotiate Dzeko and what they are willing to do for Cavani'." Cavani is a prime target for City this summer, after scoring 38 goals in all competitions this season, and they want him to fire them back to Premier League glory next year.

Canaries get ready for a squad overhaul this summer. Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts Norwich City boss has released ten players who have all been in and around the first team this season as they look to rebuild this summer in an attempt to avoid another relegation battle, talkSPORT reports. The most high profile of those names is striker Simeon Jackson. The 26-year-old Jamaican born Canadian international joined the club whilst they were in League One and has been along on the wild ride up to the top flight. However, he never managed to get a proper run in the side and in his three years in Norfolk he managed to make just under 100 appearances, scoring 17 goals. It is thought, though, that the pacy forward shouldn't have a problem finding a new club. Joining him through the exit are Korey Smith, Marc Tierney and former Coventry City defender Elliot Ward. Former academy graduate Chris Martin is set to join Derby County after spending the second part of the season on loan with The Rams, scoring twice in 13 outings whilst youngsters Tom Adeyemi, George Francomb, Lee Camp, Ramil Sheriff and Scott Olumide Durojaiye will all need to find new clubs. "I'd like to personally thank every single one of these lads, their attitude this season has been first class. They are all top individuals and we wish them all the very best," Hughton said.

In no particular order, the best games of the 2012/13 Premier League season. Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts 10. Manchester City 2-3 Manchester United This thrilling Manchester derby on the 9th of December was when the title really started to sway in United's direction. Wayne Rooney scored two first half goals to give his side a shock 2-0 lead at the home of the champions. City then looked to be making their comeback, scoring through Yaya  Toure on the hour mark, and then through Pablo Zabaleta late on in the 86th minute. With the game heading for a draw, Roberto Mancini witnessed a painful moment as his main transfer target of the summer, Robin van Persie, scored a stoppage time winner for United from a free kick. Samir Nasri earned much-deserved wrath after moving out of the way of the Dutchman's shot, allowing it to creep in. Sir Alex Ferguson's side had been beaten easily there just a few months earlier, but this special victory put his side six points clear at the top of the table and highlighted the cracks that were starting to appear in the City team. Man City 2 - 3 man united hoofoot.com highlights & Goals by Hoofoot fh 9. Arsenal 5-2 Tottenham Once again, these two sides produced a classic in the North London derby. Like last season, Tottenham scored first at the Emirates Stadium, with former Gunner Emmanuel Adebayor capitalising on some poor Arsenal defending to put the visitors in front. However, the match was soon turned on its head as Adebayor went from hero to villain. Shortly after giving his side the lead, the Togolese striker got himself deservedly sent off for a reckless challenge on Santi Cazorla, and Arsenal soon took total control. Per Mertesacker got forward to equalise with his first Arsenal goal - a fantastic header, and then the floodgates opened. Arsenal found themselves 3-1 up and in control before half time, with further goals from Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud. Arsenal continued to dominate in the second half, going 4-1 up on the hour mark with Cazorla finishing a fine flowing move. A fine individual effort from Gareth Bale made it 4-2 and surprisingly nervy for the Gunners, as their defensive frailties were exposed. Spurs missed some good chances to make it a real contest, and eventually Theo Walcott put the game to bed in the final minute to make it 5-2, the same score as last season, and an equally breathtaking game. Arsenal 5-2 Tottenham all goals and highlights 17.11.12 by Georgi Amsiss 8. Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea This game owes everything to the very best and very worst of Luis Suarez. Before the game, interim Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez was given a warm reception by his old fans at Anfield. With Chelsea chasing a Champions League place, they scored a crucial first through Oscar, who headed home a corner in the 26th minute. The visitors led at the break, but seven minutes into the second half is when the game started to spark into life. Suarez played an exceptional first-time ball to Daniel Sturridge, who slotted home an equaliser against the side he left in January. Just five minutes later, Suarez's stupidity in his own box led to Chelsea getting a penalty after his needless hand ball. Eden Hazard coolly converted the spot kick and the Blues were in front again. Shortly afterwards, Suarez was again the centre of attention as he bizarrely bit Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic when the two were wrestling for the ball in the penalty area. Chelsea were furious as the referee seemed to miss the incident, and Suarez was very fortunate to avoid a red card. He then inflicted more misery on the visitors, as he stayed on to head home an equaliser for Liverpool in the very last attack of the game. Incredible drama at Anfield, albeit for the wrong reasons at times. Liverpool Vs Chelsea 2-2 EPL 2013 (21.04) by GET FOOTBALLIZED 7. Manchester United 4-3 Newcastle Newcastle are often on the wrong end of Premier League classics, and this is another perfect example. Alan Par

Chelsea midfielder believes Mourinho made him one of the best in the world. Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has heaped praise on Jose Mourinho on talkSPORT for the effect the Portuguese coach had on his career. The Real Madrid manager spent four years at Stamford Bridge between 2004 and 2007, helping the Blues to two Premier League titles win, and helping their rise to domestic and European domination. Mourinho is widely expected to return to the club as manager this season after a difficult spell in Spain, and Lampard believes his old boss is the best manager in the world, and is grateful to him for helping him develop into the player he is today. "I have had really good managers at times but it's the ones that get the best out of you," said the 34-year-old. "Mourinho brought my confidence to a level that it had never been. "Tactically, he's very astute and, as a team, he sets you up brilliantly. What he does is get the best out of players, and gets this togetherness I'd never known until he came to the club and I haven't seen it again since then. "He's brilliant with his team, he's brilliant with individuals and I think he's brilliant with the press. Now I know he creates a storm here and there but he does protect his players."Lampard recently agreed a new one-year extension to his Chelsea contract, after looking for much of the season like he might leave the club. However, Mourinho is said to be keen on keeping the former West Ham man around if he returns to the club in the summer.

One of London's less well-known museums, the Motor Museum also takes an unusual approach. Rather than the vintage vehicles which form the core of most collections, its attention is firmly on custom machines. Like the Sewing Machine Museum, it's one person's collection: the owner, Elo, worked in fashion before turning all his attention to his hundreds of cars. There are some other vehicles, too - a small collection of tractors, including a customised one, and even a bicycle. Two caveats - admission isn't cheap (although it costs much less when bought online); and the museum is actually in Hayes, Middlesex, around the corner from the station.