A look at what is making the back-page headlines in today's national newspapers:
THE GUARDIAN
The weather did its best on a filthy night in Leeds but West Yorkshire could not quite manage to rain on a second London parade in the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup. Mario Balotelli is determined to build a long-term future at Manchester City after he decided at the 11th hour to avert a Premier League tribunal he had brought against them.
DAILY STAR
Andy Carroll wants to return to Newcastle after being told his Liverpool career is over. Also: Chelsea cruised into the last four of the Capital One Cup with an Elland Road stroll last night.
DAILY MIRROR
Mario Balotelli has backed down in his row with Manchester City in a bid to save his career. Also: Raheem Sterling last night pledged his long-term future to Liverpool after agreeing a new five-year deal.
THE SUN
Chelsea hit five to reach the Capital One Cup semis... in spite of their jet-lag. Also: Raheem Sterling will give Liverpool a major boost by signing a new deal.
DAILY MAIL
Chelsea interim boss Rafa Benitez is on the Wembley trail after a five-star comeback booked a semi-final place in the Capital One Cup. Also: Samir Nasri faces a struggle to play any part in Manchester City's festive programme after injuring his groin.
DAILY EXPRESS
Chelsea fought back to crush Leeds United 5-1 last night and reach the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup. Also: Mario Balotelli has backed down in his battle with Manchester City because he wants to save his career at the Etihad.
THE TIMES
Chelsea cast aside their jet lag last night to come from behind and beat Leeds United 5-1 to reach the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup. Also: Raheem Sterling has committed his future to Liverpool by signing a new long-term contract.
THE INDEPENDENT
Manchester City's Mario Balotelli has backed down from his decision to challenge a £340,000 club fine. Also: England midfielder Jack Wilshere was one of five Arsenal players to agree new long-term contracts with the club yesterday.
DAILY TELEGRAPH
Perhaps the Stamford Bridge trophy cabinet is not in danger of gathering cobwebs after all, as Chelsea overcame jet lag and the prospect of further turbulence against one of their oldest and most bitter rivals. Also: Mario Balotelli has attempted to save his Manchester City career by belatedly accepting a club fine.
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