Footy's rumour mill.. (believe at your own peril)

[yinyang]

Wed trivia

Wednesday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

TRANSFER GOSSIP
AC Milan are planning a £20m summer swoop for Manchester United's Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov.
Full story: The Sun

Liverpool are preparing to ruffle the feathers of city rivals Everton with a move for the Toffees' midfielder Steven Pienaar.
Full story: Daily Mail

Manchester City are planning to swoop for Aston Villa winger Ashley Young, with Craig Bellamy, Martin Petrov and Shaun Wright-Phillips all set to depart Eastlands this summer.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Portsmouth goalkeeper David James will snub a summer move to West Brom in favour of playing what he described as "real football" in the Championship next season. On 10 April the Baggies sealed their promotion to the Premier League, while Pompey were relegated from the top flight.
Full story: The Sun

Striker Eidur Gudjohnsen wants to stay at Tottenham next season. The Icelander is currently on loan from French side Monaco.
Full story: The Sun

Bolton will place a £17m price tag on defender Gary Cahill if he makes it into Fabio Capello's England World Cup squad for this summer's tournament in South Africa.
Full story: The Sun

Birmingham and Blackburn are battling it out with Italian side Roma for Estudiantes striker Mauro Boselli.
Full story: The Sun West Brom, who recently sealed their promotion back to the Premier League, say they will resist any offers for highly-rated midfielder Graham Dorrans this summer.
Full story: Daily Mail

Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega is set to snub a move to the Premier League's elite as he feels he has a better chance of playing by joining a team outside the top four.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Bolton boss Owen Coyle is tracking Stockport's teenage defender Sam Barnes.
Full story: Daily Mirror

OTHER GOSSIP
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Everton boss David Moyes is the man to succeed him at Old Trafford. Apparently, Ferguson is ready to step down as United manager after one more season.
Full story: The Sun

Italian side Juventus are ready to give Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez until the end of the season to decide if he would like to take over as their new manager. They originally set a deadline for the end of this week.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Celtic are considering a move to make Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies their next manager after the former Rangers player intimated he would be interested in returning to Scotland.
Full story: The Times

Former England boss Steve McLaren looks set to reject an offer from West Ham to replace Gianfranco Zola as manager this summer. McLaren is currently managing FC Twente, who are just one win from this season's Dutch title, but has only one year left on his contract.
Full story: Daily Mail

The Hammers have two lists of managerial candidates: one for if they stay up, which McLaren heads, and one for if they are relegated, which is topped by Southampton boss Alan Pardew, who spent three years in the Upton Park hotseat before being sacked in December 2006.
Full story: Daily Express

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has opened talks to extend the contract of manager Chris Hughton, who this season led the club to promotion back to the Premier League after a season in the Championship.
Full story: Daily Mail

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard says the club need to buy four "quality" players if they are to challenge for the Premier League title next season.
Full story: Daily Mail

Chelsea risk losing several of their biggest names for nothing this summer after being instructed by Roman Abramovich to suspend all contract talks until the end of the season. The Russian owner believes the likes of Joe Cole, Michael Ballack and Deco must earn new deals through their performances during the remainder of the season.
Full story: The Times

Portsmouth are expected to announce that their debts total £119m when their accounts for the last financial year are released later on Wednesday.
Full story: The Times

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is unsure whether to risk exacerbating striker Didier Drogba's groin injury by playing him in this weekend's match against Stoke as the title chase nears its climax. The Blues hold a one-point lead over second placed Manchester United with three games to play.
Full story: The Independent

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres rates England's starting XI as the second best in the world and believes they could be ready to go all the way in the World Cup, which begins on 11 June in South Africa. (Press Association)

England goalkeeping legend Peter Shilton says keeper Ben Foster must leave champions Manchester United if he wants to save his international career. "Foster was on a par with [West Ham's Robert] Green a while back but he is not playing first-team football anymore and that is going to count against him," said Shilton.
Full story: Daily Mail

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce has given midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen, whose contract expires this summer, until the end of today to decide if he wants to sign a new deal at Ewood Park.
Full story: Daily Mirror

AND FINALLY
Developers of the official 2010 World Cup video game seem to think England may struggle during the tournament proper, which begins on 11 June in South Africa. Having factored in the high altitude conditions at certain venues, players of the game will discover that the England side have been programmed to feel the energy-sapping effects sooner than some of their virtual opponents.
Full story: Daily Mail

 

[yinyang]

tgif

TGIF -Benitez tapao Torres t Juventus? Moyes says no to MU speculation?:p

Friday's gossip column - rumours and transfers

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/8638878.stm

TRANSFER GOSSIP
Manager Rafael Benitez intends to take striker Fernando Torres with him to Juventus if he opts to leave Liverpool and take charge of the Italian club.
Full story: the Sun

Manchester City are lining up a £50m bid for the Spain international and could offer an incredible £200,000 a week to lure him to Eastlands.
Full story: Guardian

But Benitez says Torres, who is 12 months into a four-year contract at Anfield, is not for sale.
Full story: The Times

Juventus are hoping to lure Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna to the Stadio delle Alpi if the Gunners sign Ajax defender Gregory Van der Wiel.
Full story: Daily Mail

The Italians are also considering using goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and midfielder Felipe Melo to lure Robin van Persie to Turin.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Meanwhile, the Gunners have joined a growing list of Premier League clubs interested in the signature of Everton teenager Jack Rodwell. However, the Merseyside club are set to increase the midfielder's wages to ensure he stays at Goodison Park.
Full story: The Times

Manchester City are keen to tie up a deal for Germany international Mesut Ozil before the 22-year-old Werder Bremen midfielder has the chance to make a name for himself at the World Cup.
Full story: The Independent

Brazil striker Luis Fabiano has hinted Manchester United would be his destination of choice if he leaves Sevilla in the summer.
Full story: Daily Express

Hamburg defender Jerome Boateng is set to join brother Kevin-Prince, the Portsmouth forward, in English football with a move to Manchester City.
Full story: Daily Mail

West Brom are preparing a move for out-of-favour Stoke striker Tuncay, but will face competition from Fenerbahce.
Full story: Daily Star

Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has warned fans it will be difficult to recruit big names to St James' Park in the summer.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Manchester United want to beat local rivals Manchester City to the signing of teenage Nigerian midfielder Ramon Azeez.
Full story: Daily Mail

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart, who has spent this season on loan at Birmingham, is a £10m target for Arsenal.
Full story: Daily Star

Blackburn striker Jason Roberts is seeking to clarify his future at Ewood Park as boss Sam Allardyce targets a move for Lech Poznan striker Robert Lewandowski.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is eyeing a move for Cardiff striker Jay Bothroyd after long-term target Roman Pavlyuchenko rediscovered his form at Tottenham.
Full story: Daily Mail

OTHER GOSSIP
Everton manager David Moyes has rejected speculation that he may be in line to take over from Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson when the Scot retires.
Full story: Daily Record

Tottenham and England winger Aaron Lennon could be set to return from a four-month injury lay-off against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Full story: Daily Mirror

England boss Fabio Capello is desperate to take Tottenham's Ledley King to the World Cup despite the defender's recurrent injury problems.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies will quit the City Ground and take up the reins at Celtic if his Championship side fail to win promotion to the Premier League.
Full story: Daily Mirror

AND FINALLY
France legend Zinedine Zidane will be the star signing in this year's Soccer Aid football match on 6 June at Old Trafford. The former Real Madrid star will be among a group of stars playing for the Rest of the World team against a team of celebrities.
Full story: the Sun

 

[yinyang]

Thurs rumour mill has Rooney hint on move to RM?! And transfer rumours hotting up now

Thursday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/8650534.stm

TRANSFER GOSSIP
Manchester United have made Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric their number one target this summer and are preparing a £25m bid for the Croatian 24-year-old.
Full story: The Sun

United's Wayne Rooney has been linked with a move to Real Madrid after his representatives requested that the striker recorded two versions of a commercial in Barcelona: one wearing a red kit and the other in a white strip as worn by the Spanish side.
Full story: Daily Mirror

The Red Devils are said to be interested in signing Borussia Dortmund's Serbia centre-back Neven Subotic.
Full story: imscouting.com

Former United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has urged current club Real Madrid to sign Old Trafford left-back Patrice Evra.
Full story: imscouting.com

Italian side Roma are ready to offer Brazil goalkeeper Doni, 30, to Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United in a bid to raise funds.
Full story: Daily Mail

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger's head talent spotter, Steve Rowley, ran the rule over their summer targets at Blackburn - defender Phil Jones, 18, and midfielder Steven N'Zonzi, 21, while scouting Rovers ahead of Arsenal's trip to Ewood Park.
Full story: Daily Mail

The Gunners are leading the chase to sign Roma's £10m-rated centre-back Philippe Mexes.
Full story: caughtoffside.com

Tottenham are battling it out with Arsenal to sign Fulham centre-back Brede Hangeland.
Full story: caughtoffside.com

Liverpool have emerged as favourites to sign Rangers highly-rated 18-year-old defender Danny Wilson.
Full story: imscouting.com

The Reds are also keeping tabs on Rangers' Algeria defender Madjid Bougherra who is valued at £5m.
Full story: Daily Mail

Andrey Arshavin's agent says the forward is committed to Arsenal despite the Russia star recently saying that he would like to join Barcelona.
Full story: Daily Telegraph

Benfica's £25m-rated defender David Luiz has issued a come-and-get-me plea to Premier League suitors Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City.
Full story: goal.com

Manchester City are also tracking Lazio defender Stefan Radu, who is said to worth £8.7m.
Full story: footylatest.com

Birmingham, West Ham and West Brom are interested in Portsmouth keeper David James.
Full story: footylatest.com

Midfielder James Milner's future at Aston Villa will be decided after the World Cup and hinges on whether manager Martin O'Neill stays at the club.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Tottenham are keeping tabs on Bayern Munich midfielder Hamit Altintop who is out of contract this summer.
Full story: Daily Star

West Ham are plotting a cut-price summer move for Portsmouth midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng, while the Hammers are also on the trail of Cardiff winger Peter Whittingham and Burnley winger Chris Eagles.
Full story: Daily Mail

Meanwhile the Hammers, along with Blackburn, have been priced out of the market for former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse. The Panathinaikos striker is currently valued at around £12m.
Full story: Daily Mail

West Ham are also hoping to sign Tottenham's Jamie O'Hara. O'Hara is currently on loan at Portsmouth and the Hammers are prepared to offer either Matthew Upson or James Tomkins to help land the midfielder.
Full story: Daily Telegraph

Newcastle are facing a fight to keep Slovenia youngster Haris Vuckic, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool ready to make bids for the 17-year-old forward.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Reading are ready to cash in on goalkeeper Adam Federici and midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson. Federici is linked with Tottenham and Liverpool, while Sigurdsson is a £2m target for West Brom and Wolves.
Full story: Daily Mail

Derby County will sell striker Rob Hulse, 30, in the summer with Coventry and West Bromwich Albion interested.
Full story: Daily Mirror

County are battling it out with Bristol City for Scunthorpe striker Gary Hooper, who is rated at around £1.5m.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Wolves are set to offer relegated Burnley £3m for defender Andre Bikey. (The Sun)

Southampton are hoping to take advantage of rivals Portsmouth's financial problems by launching a £1m bid for midfielder Hayden Mullins.
Full story: Daily Mail

OTHER GOSSIP
Cristiano Ronaldo says he does not expect to be at Real Madrid for the rest of his playing career. "I spent several years wanting to play in Madrid but I don't see myself here at 40. Football is all about cycles - if you have already won everything with a team you have to change."
Full story: The Sun
England boss Fabio Capello has turned down the chance to take over at Juventus to concentrate on England's World Cup campaign.
Full story: Daily Mail
Juventus are also keen on Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, who fears the Merseyside club are trying to force him out of Anfield.
Full story: the Sun
Benitez has admitted that with his future at Liverpool in doubt and claims no-one has asked him to stay at the club.
Full story: the Times
Former Manchester United striker Andrew Cole has urged Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson to launch a summer bid for Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema.
Full story: Daily Star
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has held clear-the-air talks with his employers and is poised to commit his future to the club.
Full story: Daily Mail
Uefa president Michel Platini believes Bordeaux boss Laurent Blanc should be the next France coach.
Full story: Daily Mirror
England legend Geoff Hurst says Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes should be tempted out of international retirement and go to this summer's World Cup.
Full story: the Sun

AND FINALLY
Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton, 27, has given up alcohol and says he lives "a monk-like existence" in an attempt to avoid trouble and reproduce his best form on the pitch.
Full story: Daily Star
Manchester United fans are being urged to boycott the purchase of season tickets to demonstrate their opposition to the ownership of the club by the Glazer family. The Independent Manchester United Supporters' Association has written to its members asking them not to renew their season tickets this summer.
Full story: the Guardian

 

[yinyang]

Chelskis 50mil for Torres? Evra for RM? And ad nauseam on Benzema to MU? It's all about the moneyed league And old fart Scholey to Africa??

Tuesday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP
Paul Scholes is on the verge of an incredible return to international football, with Fabio Capello ready to name him in England's 30-man World Cup squad.
Full story: Daily Mirror (online)

ENGLAND SQUAD GOSSIP
Chelsea winger Joe Cole is set to be left out of England manager Fabio Capello's preliminary squad of 30 players for this summer's World Cup. Gary Neville, Wes Brown, Joleon Lescott and Scott Parker will also be omitted.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry will miss the World Cup with ankle ligament damage - thereby possibly leaving the door open for Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves.
Full story: the Sun

Hargreaves has only played one minute of first-team football in 18 months because of a knee injury so Capello will use England's training camp in Austria to assess the player's mental and physical fitness.
Full story: Daily Telegraph

However, Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone has forced his way into contention and will also be given the chance to prove himself in Austria.
Full story: the Independent

West Ham's in-form midfielder Scott Parker says it would be "a dream" to be called into the England squad.
Full story: Daily Express

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney went on holiday on Monday, easing concerns about his fitness for the World Cup after he aggravated a groin injury against Stoke on Sunday.
Full story: Daily Star

England boss Capello will name Tottenham defender Ledley King and Liverpool centre-back Jamie Carragher in his 30-man squad, along with Fulham striker Bobby Zamora.
Full story: Daily Star

Capello is also considering taking Tottenham coach Nathan Gardiner to South Africa to work one on one with King and keep the defender fit for the competition.
Full story: Daily Express


TRANSFER GOSSIP
Chelsea will match Manchester City in the battle for Liverpool's £50m-rated striker Fernando Torres.
Full story: the Sun

And Chelsea will make a £20m move to take Tottenham's Croatia midfielder Luka Modric to Stamford Bridge, allowing Portuguese midfielder Deco and out-of-contract winger Joe Cole to leave.
Full story: Daily Star

Manchester United hope to sign Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema for £25m and could use defender Nemanja Vidic as a £10m makeweight in a deal for the France star.
Full story: the Sun

But Manchester United will not break their wage cap for Benzema, whose wage demands are almost £200,000 a week.
Full story: the Independent

Meanwhile, left-back Patrice Evra could leave Manchester United this summer, with Real Madrid and Inter Milan ready to pay £18m for the 28-year-old France international.
Full story: the Sun

And Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is planning a summer clear-out, with striker Dimitar Berbatov, midfielder Michael Carrick and midfielder Anderson all likely to be shown the door.
Full story: caughtoffside.com

Manchester City are weighing up an offer for Sunderland's £20m-rated striker Darren Bent as manager Roberto Mancini looks to shake up his forward line for next season.
Full story: caughtoffside.com

William Gallas could quit Arsenal on Tuesday if the France defender rejects the club's offer of a new contract.
Full story: the Sun

Meanwhile, newly promoted German Bundesliga side St Pauli are poised to offer Arsenal defender Sol Campbell a lucrative one-year contract.
Full story: Daily Mail

Tottenham are considering an £18m bid for Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano as Spurs manager Harry Redknapp targets a world-class forward to boost the club's chances in the Champions League next season.
Full story: Daily Mail

Tottenham will sign Portsmouth goalkeeper David James on a free transfer this summer.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Bolton are lining up a £4m bid for Portsmouth defender Nadir Belhadj, 27.
Full story: the Sun

Blackburn are weighing up a £6.5m move for Bordeaux's Brazil winger Wendel.
Full story: Daily Mail

Wolves hope to sign Ivory Coast striker Aruna Dindane, 29, for £4m from French side Lens, once he has played in the FA Cup final for Portsmouth, where he is on loan.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Wolves are also set to pip West Bromwich Albion to the £2m signature of Belgium midfielder Jelle van Damme, who plays for Anderlecht.
Full story: Daily Mail

Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan is ready to make a move for Rangers' Scotland midfielder Kevin Thomson, 25. (Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP
Juventus are on the brink of ditching their plans to lure Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez and are turning their attention to Sampdoria coach Luigi Del Neri.
Full story: Daily Mail

A Chinese multi-millionaire internet gaming tycoon from Shanghai has held provisional talks about buying Liverpool, although no offer has yet been tabled by Zhu Jun, founder of The9 Ltd.
Full story: the Independent

Wolfsburg expect to name former England boss Steve McClaren as their new manager. McClaren led FC Twente to the Dutch title this season. (Daily Mail)

Real Mallorca manager Gregorio Manzano is the surprise new candidate to replace Gianfranco Zola at West Ham.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Former Arsenal defender Tony Adams has agreed a three-year contract to manage Azerbaijan side Qabala FC. (the Guardian)

Hull chairman Adam Pearson will wait a month before appointing a new manager at the club. Iain Dowie had a contract until the end of the season but would like the job on a permanent basis.
Full story: the Guardian

Coventry, who sacked manager Chris Coleman last week, will make a move to take Paul Hart from Crystal Palace to replace him.
Full story: Daily Mirror

AND FINALLY
Chelsea captain John Terry received a single-word text message from former Blues boss Jose Mourinho after winning the Premier League title, it read: "Champagne." (the Guardian)

 

[yinyang]

Wed trivia

Wed trivia:p

Wednesday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

BREAKING GOSSIP
0944 BST: A Chinese internet gaming tycoon is in talks to buy Liverpool according to Chinese media reports on Wednesday. (AFP)

0837 BST: Manchester United and Bayern Munich are leading the chase to sign CSKA Moscow's £15m-rated Serbian winger Milos Krasic.
Full story: goal.com

TRANSFER GOSSIP
Bayern Munich are lining up a move for Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov.
Full story: footylatest.com

Manchester United are ready to make a move for Real Madrid's £21m-rated midfielder Lassana Diarra.
Full story: Caughtoffside.com

Tottenham are preparing a £12.7m bid for AC Milan's Dutch striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar.
Full story: footylatest.com

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has set his sights on Lyon's abrasive 26-year-old Lyon midfielder Jeremy Toulalan, who is part of France's World Cup squad.
Full story: Caughtoffside.com

Wenger is also lining up Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta if Arsenal lose captain Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona in the summer.
Full story: Daily Mail

Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure could be heading to Arsenal, with his agent admitting there is a 99% chance the Ivory Coast star will leave the Spanish club this summer.
Full story: imscouting.com

Liverpool are weighing up an £8m swoop for Valencia's 21-year-old Argentine midfielder Ever Banega, who has been likened to former Reds favourite Xabi Alonso.
Full story: Caughtoffside.com

The Anfield side are set to offload £20m signing Alberto Aquilani, who has failed to make an impact. Liverpool are bracing themselves for a huge loss on the midfielder.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Chelsea are the latest club to show an interest in Notts County keeper Kasper Schmeichel, who is also being tracked by Bayern Munich, West Brom and Derby.
Full story: Daily Mail

The Blues are also considering a £14m move for Manchester City's out-of-favour midfielder Stephen Ireland as a replacement for Joe Cole, who has been linked with a move from Stamford Bridge this summer.
Full story: Caughtoffside.com

Chelsea are planning a summer clear-out to raise funds for new signings, with Ricardo Carvalho, Deco, Juliano Belletti and Paulo Ferreira all set to leave the Premier League champions.
Full story: The Times

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp will bring England goalkeeper David James, who he worked with at Portsmouth, to White Hart Lane on a free transfer in the summer.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Sevilla and Aston Villa are monitoring Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun, who could leave Anfield this summer.
Full story: footylatest.com

Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell looks set to spurn the advances of Manchester United and sign a new contract at Goodison Park.
Full story: The Sun

Birmingham are lining up a summer bid for West Ham striker Carlton Cole, while Fulham left-back Paul Konchesky is also wanted by the Midlands club.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Fulham are lining up £2m swoop for Portsmouth striker Frederic Piquionne, who is also a target for Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce.
Full story: Daily Mirror

West Brom have made an approach for Sunderland right-back Phil Bardsley.
Full story: Daily Mail

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is lining up a move for Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik and Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli.
Full story: The Times

Italian club Palermo are keen on £2m-rated Celtic striker Georgios Samaras. (Various)

Barnsley are weighing up a move for Hibernian striker Colin Nish and are also keen on his Easter Road team-mate Derek Riordan. (Sun)

OTHER GOSSIP
Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes had a last-minute change of heart about coming out of international retirement. England manager Fabio Capello was set to name the 35-year-old in his squad for this summer's World Cup but Scholes decided against being included.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Capello spent two months trying to convince Scholes to play at the World Cup and only learned he had failed to change the player's mind on Tuesday morning - hours before the preliminary squad was announced.
Full story: Daily Star

Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves stormed out of Old Trafford after being left out of the side to face Stoke on Sunday. Hargreaves had hoped to force his way into Capello's squad.
Full story: The Sun

Gianfranco Zola will sue West Ham after being sacked as manager on Tuesday without being offered any compensation.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Portsmouth boss Avram Grant and former England and Chelsea manager Glenn Hoddle are among the names on a shortlist to replace Zola at Upton Park.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Martin O'Neill is set to remain at Aston Villa as manager, despite rumours that he is about to quit the club, with Liverpool monitoring his situation.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Notts County manager Steve Cotterill and former Charlton supremo Alan Curbishley have joined Crystal Palace's Paul Hart and axed Celtic manager Tony Mowbray on the shortlist for the vacant Coventry City job.
Full story: Daily Mail

Manchester City are set to offer veteran defender Sylvinho another year at the club but look likely to offload strike trio Jo, Valeri Bojinov and Felipe Caicedo. (The Sun)

Derek Adams, Jimmy Calderwood and Kenny McDowall are among the favourites to succeed Gus MacPherson as manager at St Mirren. (Various)

AND FINALLY
Aston Villa have been revealed as the football club giving fans the best value for money, according to a survey by a leading finance company. (The Sun)

 

[yinyang]

2 weeks before WC, and season's now with usual speculation:p

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/8707681.stm

Thursday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

TRANSFER GOSSIP
Chelsea face a battle to hold on to Ashley Cole, with the left-back worn down by speculation in England surrounding his private life and Real Madrid, Barcelona, AC Milan, Roma and Bayern Munich all interested in signing him.
Full story: the Sun
Arsenal are interested in Lorient's £8m-rated centre-back Laurent Koscielny, 24, who is eligible to play for Poland and France.
Full story: Daily Mail
Spain striker Fernando Torres has sparked a new round of speculation over his future by refusing to rule out a summer move from Liverpool.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Arsenal have risked alienating Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas after refusing to discuss their skipper's transfer with Barcelona.
Full story: The Guardian
But Fabregas is hoping to secure a £40m move to Barcelona by toeing the line at Arsenal and refusing to be drawn into further discussion about a move.
Full story: Daily Express
Chelsea's out-of-contract midfielder Joe Cole has been told he must lower his £5m-a-year pay demands if he wants to join Tottenham. (Daily Star)

Liverpool and Tottenham are battling to sign Croatia goalkeeper Marijan Antolovic, 21, who plays for Cibalia.
Full story: the Sun
West Ham have had a bid of £5m turned down for Everton striker Yakubu, with Toffees boss David Moyes wanting closer to the £11.25m he paid Middlesbrough for the Nigerian.
Full story: Daily Mail
Everton are being linked with a move for Marseille's France winger Hatem Ben Afra, 23, who has a price tag of £10m.
Full story: the Sun
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish will offer Wigan £8m for French midfielder Charles N'Zogbia.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce's hopes of signing Spain midfielder Guti from Real Madrid look doomed after the player said he wants to stay in Spain.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Newcastle are set to launch a £3.5m bid for Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha, 23, and the Magpies are also favourites to land out-of-contract Rangers striker Kris Boyd, 26, on a free transfer.
Full story: the Sun
Cardiff are preparing a shock move to try to take striker Craig Bellamy back to his hometown from Manchester City in a £7m deal.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan is hoping to pip his former club Celtic to the £2.5m signing of Scunthorpe striker Gary Hooper, 22. (Daily Mail)

Newly promoted Leeds are ready to rival Burnley for Derby striker Rob Hulse in a £1.5m deal.
Full story: Daily Mail
Rangers boss Walter Smith has told Liverpool they will need to offer at least £5m for defender Danny Wilson, 18. Smith has also rejected Middlesbrough's advances for midfielder Kevin Thompson but will allow Algeria defender Madjid Bougherra to leave. (Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP
Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has identified England manager Fabio Capello as the "ideal candidate" to replace their Real Madrid-bound coach Jose Mourinho and will offer the Italian a £9m-a-year contract.
Full story: The Guardian
Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole's chances of going to the World Cup are hanging in the balance after he was not guaranteed a starting place against Japan on Sunday - England final warm-up game before this summer's tournament.
Full story: The Times
Former MK Dons boss Paul Ince has emerged as a contender to succeed Avram Grant at Portsmouth after talks with the club's administrator.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Phil Brown, who was put on gardening leave in March, has agreed an £800,000 compensation deal with Hull City - ending all hope of him making a shock return as manager.
Full story: Daily Mail
Meanwhile, Egypt striker Mido plans to see out the last year of his contract at Middlesbrough, which will cost the club £1.3m.
Full story: the Sun

AND FINALLY
Argentina coach Diego Maradona has promised to run naked in the centre of Buenos Aires if his team win the World Cup in South Africa. (The Times)

 

[jw5]

In that case, I really hope Argentina don't win.

 

[Ramseth]

Argentina coach Diego Maradona has promised to run naked in the centre of Buenos Aires if his team win the World Cup in South Africa. (The Times)

Think FIFA should have dope tests for managers too.

 

[jw5]

Think FIFA should have dope tests for managers too.

You don't need dope tests for dopes.

 

[yinyang]

Mon rumour mill

Footy's slave trade very much alive..:p

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/8713256.stm

Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP
Manchester City want to offload Brazilian striker Jo as part of the package to sign David Silva from Valencia.
Full story: News of the World

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is set to have talks with Tottenham striker Robbie Keane about a permanent move.
Full story: News of the World

Everton defender John Heitinga is set to become the next Toffees star to attract the interest of big-spending Manchester City with the Dutch World Cup squad member saying that he has the door open for a big club.
Full story: Mail on Sunday

But City striker Emmanuel Adebayor could be headed for the exit at Eastlands with AC Milan keen to sign him.
Full story: Mail on Sunday

Manchester United and Chelsea would have to pay £25m to land Athletico Madrid's teenage goalkeeping sensation David de Gea.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

Everton and Sunderland are chasing Paris St Germain midfielder Stephane Sessegnon.
Full story: News of the World

The Toffees are also targeting Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam.
Full story: News of the World

Chelsea face a fight to keep their Double-winning team together this week as former manager Jose Mourinho intensifies his efforts to recruit Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole for Real Madrid.
Full story: Mail on Sunday

Real Madrid will raise the possibility of a player-exchange, with Brazil superstar Kaka, who worked with Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti at AC Milan, and Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain in the frame.
Full story: Mail on Sunday

New Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has told Chelsea they can have Brazil forward Kaka if midfielder Frank Lampard goes the other way.
Full story: News of the World

Barcelona will step up their £50m pursuit of Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas if they can offload midfielder Yaya Toure.
Full story: News of the World

But Mourinho is threatening to spark a debate in Spain by naming Fabregas as one of his transfer targets for Real.
Full story: Sunday Express

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is ready to tempt Newcastle with a £5m bid to land defender Steven Taylor, despite strong interest from Premier League champions Chelsea as well as Aston Villa and Everton.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

Wenger also wants young Crewe midfielder Nick Powell.
Full story: News of the World

But Wenger could miss out on Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega with Martin O'Neill ready to battle to bring him to Villa Park.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

And Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer has played down speculation linking him with a move to the Gunners. (The Observer)

Sunderland are on the brink of the £4m double signing of Estudiantes right-back Marcos Angeleri and Sint-Truidense keeper Simon Mignolet.
Full story: News of the World

Everton are considering a move for young Danish striker Nicki Bille Neilsen, who plays for FC Nordsjaelland.
Full story: News of the World

The Goodison Park club are also on the verge of signing striker Jermaine Beckford, whose deal at Leeds has finished.
Full story: Independent on Sunday

Manchester City keeper Shay Given has urged midfielder James Milner to quit Aston Villa and join him at Eastlands.
Full story: News of the World

Middlesbrough are competing with Wigan, Wolves and Leeds for the signature of Scunthorpe forward Gary Hooper. (News of the World)

Celtic could exploit a Uefa loophole to sign Cardiff midfielder Joe Ledley for nothing. (News of the World)

West Ham striker Carlton Cole is desperate to stay at the club, despite co-owner David Sullivan declaring that every player bar Scott Parker is for sale.
Full story: News of the World

QPR are close to signing Bristol City full-back Bradley Orr for £500,000. (News of the World)

Celtic are trying to land Derby's Irish midfielder Paul Green in a £1.5m deal.
Full story: News of the World

Rangers striker Kris Boyd is edging closer to joining Turkish side Keyserispor after holding talks with their manager, Shota Arveladze.
Full story: Sunday Mail

OTHER GOSSIP
England coach Fabio Capello has refused to commit to the job beyond the World Cup amid speculation he could quit after the tournament to become boss of Inter Milan or Italy.
Full story: News of the World

Capello wants reassurances about his future as England coach - and will walk away if he does not get them quickly.
Full story: Sunday Express

Jose Mourinho will have a clause in his new Real Madrid contract to allow an escape route back to the Premier League in two years' time.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

Mourinho is convinced he will succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager.
Full story: News of the World

Manchester United striker Michael Owen is having secret training sessions to prove his fitness to boss Ferguson.
Full story: News of the World

Balram Chainrai, the Portsmouth owner who put the club into administration earlier this year, will "reluctantly" take control of the Fratton Park side again and attempt to remarket the club if no other buyer is found.
Full story: The Observer

AND FINALLY
Sir Alex Ferguson will ask Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville to stay at Manchester United as coaches once their playing days are over.
Full story: Mail on Sunday

 

[yinyang]

tues grapevine..

Tues grapevine... Benitex shortlisted for Inter Milan? Torres too?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/8714931.stm

Tuesday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

BREAKING GOSSIP
1037 BST: Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport has suggested that Inter Milan will make a move for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres if their own forward Diego Milito is lured to Real Madrid by Jose Mourinho.
Full story: imscouting.com

1035 BST: Belgium Under-21 goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has agreed to join Sunderland, according to his agent. "It is now up to the clubs to find an agreement as quickly as possible," Nico Vaesen told the Journal. (Press Association)

TRANSFER GOSSIP
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has dismissed speculation linking striker Emmanuel Adebayor with a summer move from Eastlands.
Full story: mcfc.co.uk

Spanish giants Barcelona remain confident of signing Arsenal captain and midfielder Cesc Fabregas this summer. "We are working on it," said Barca president Joan Laporta, whose club are believed to be willing to offer £30m for the player, with the Gunners reportedly holding out for more than double that amount.
Full story: The Sun

Arsenal are reportedly interested in Bordeaux midfielder Yoann Gourcuff as a replacement for Fabregas should the Spaniard leave the Emirates. However, the Gunners would face competition for the Frenchman's signature from Lyon.
Full story: imscouting.com

Manchester United are ready to make an audacious swoop to sign Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta, who is struggling to make progress with the Merseyside club over an extension to his contract, which has two years still to run.
Full story: The Daily Mirror

Manager Tony Pulis is set to smash Stoke's transfer record with a £12m offer for West Ham striker Carlton Cole.
Full story: The Daily Mirror

West Brom expect to complete the signing of the Spanish centre-back Pablo Ibanez on a free transfer from Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
Full story: The Daily Mail

The Baggies are also set to bank about £3m from midfielder Jonathan Greening completing his move to Fulham, where he spent last season on loan.
Full story: The Daily Mail

Liverpool hope to deter Chelsea from making a move for winger Yossi Benayoun by demanding £10m for the Israeli.
Full story: The Daily Mail

Arsenal and Tottenham are leading the chase to sign Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole when he becomes a free agent this summer.
Full story: The Daily Mail

Newly promoted Blackpool hope to pip neighbours Preston to the loan signing of Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck and hope the prospect of Premier League football will help lure the 19-year-old.
Full story: The Daily Mail

Birmingham have abandoned efforts to sign Wigan winger Charles N'Zogbia but Blues are interested in Celtic's Aiden McGeady and Hull's Stephen Hunt, who is also a £3m target for Wolves, West Ham and West Brom.
Full story: The Daily Mail

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is chasing Colombian namesake striker Jackson Martinez, who he hopes to team up with fellow countryman Hugo Rodallega at the DW Stadium.
Full story: The Daily Mirror

Portsmouth defender Nadir Belhadj could reject the chance to join West Ham in favour of a lucrative move to Qatar, with Al-Sadd interested in signing the Algeria international.
Full story: The Daily Mail

Leeds are hoping to hijack Wigan's £800,000 move for Hamilton midfielder James McArthur by tabling a £1m plus add-ons bid of their own.
Full story: The Daily Mail

But Wigan have moved ahead of Sunderland in the race to sign Estudiantes striker Mauro Boselli by increasing their bid beyond the £6m offered by the Black Cats for the Argentina international.
Full story: The Daily Mail

Southampton boss Alan Pardew is lining up a double swoop for midfielders Brian Stock of Doncaster and Bristol Rovers' Chris Lines.
Full story: The Daily Mirror

OTHER GOSSIP
Aston Villa full-back Stephen Warnock could be a shock inclusion in England's final 23-man squad for the World Cup at the expense of Everton left-back Leighton Baines.
Full story: The Daily Mail

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is wanted by ambitious Dubai club Al-Ahli as they spearhead grand plans to overhaul football in the Middle East.
Full story: The Daily Mail

Inter Milan have made the first move in an attempt to convince Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez to switch to the San Siro to replace Jose Mourinho, who was yesterday unveiled as Real Madrid boss.
Full story: The Sun

Notts County are lining up Bradford boss Peter Taylor to succeed Steve Cotterill at Meadow Lane.
Full story: The Daily Mirror

AND FINALLY
Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra believes his Algeria side have the full backing of Scotland when they face England in the group stages of the World Cup this summer. "Everywhere I go in Glasgow people stop me and tell me to beat England," said Bougherra.

 

[yinyang]

Wed's rumour mill

Plan B for Inter Milan with prospect in Roy Hodgson (perennial euro based coach until late)?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/8717041.stm

Wednesday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

TRANSFER GOSSIP
Inter Milan right-back Maicon is top of Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini's summer wish list, according to the Brazilian's agent.
Full story: skysports.com

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, City's bid for Maicon could be rivalled by Real Madrid, whose new boss Jose Mourinho is also chasing Manchester United's Wayne Rooney and Inter Milan's Diego Milito.
Full story: imscouting.com

City have reportedly made a 35m Euro bid for Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic , although the offer doesn't appear to be high enough to land the Swede.
Full story: imscouting.com

City are also closing in on a £36m deal for Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko, despite the German club's announcement that the Bosnian was set to stay after clubs failed to meet Monday's midnight deadline for his £34m buy-out clause.
Full story: Daily Mail

Aston Villa will make a £5m move for Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha.
Full story: Daily Mirror

But Villa have warned City that if they want to prise midfielder James Milner away from Villa Park it will cost them £30m.
Full story: Daily Mail

Tottenham will rebuff any move by AC Milan to sign full-back Gareth Bale. The Italians have made enquiries about the Wales international over the past year.
Full story: Daily Mail

Chelsea's Slovakian World Cup winger Miroslav Stoch is ready to sign for Turkish giants Galatasaray in a surprise £2.5m deal.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Arsenal are preparing to let young midfielder Francis Coquelin, 19, join Lorient on a season-long loan to help improve their chances of landing the French side's 24-year-old defender Laurent Koscielny.
Full story: Daily Mail

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is apparently considering a move for Palermo's impressive young centre back Simon Kjaer this summer.
Full story: caughtoffside.com

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is apparently considering a move for Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz and could offer midfielder Yossi Benayoun in part-exchange.
Full story: Daily Mail

Fulham are in talks to sign former Liverpool left-back Fabio Aurelio on a free transfer. The Brazilian recently failed to agree terms with Liverpool on a pay-as-you- play deal.
Full story: Daily Mail

Blackburn are back on the trail of Lech Poznan's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski after his proposed £6m move to Borussia Dortmund hit a hitch.
Full story: Daily Mail

Celtic have won the race to sign Hull's Jimmy Bullard after the midfielder agreed to join the Scottish giants on a 12-month loan deal.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Midfielder Darren Ambrose's protracted move to London rivals QPR was in doubt last night after his club Crystal Palace were saved from the brink of closure. Ambrose has already undergone a medical and agreed personal terms with Rangers but Palace's prospective new owners CPFC 2010 may refuse to sell.
Full story: Daily Mail

Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies is lining up a £2m bid for Cardiff midfielder Peter Whittingham.
Full story: Daily Mirror

QPR have offered to almost double Paddy Kenny's wages in a bid to lure the keeper from Sheffield United to Loftus Road.
Full story: Daily Mirror

West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo is making a £1.2m bid to sign keeper Boaz Myhill from cash-strapped Hull.
Full story: Daily Mirror

OTHER GOSSIP
Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has started to make plans for a rejection from England boss Fabio Capello by moving to discuss the managerial vacancy at the San Siro with Fulham boss Roy Hodgson, who has had two previous spells at the San Siro.
Full story: Daily Mail

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has revealed his anger and frustration after being told by the Anfield board there will be no money to spend in the summer.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Benitez's future at Liverpool will be decided at a third round of talks with his Liverpool employers next week, with the club eager to tie the Spaniard to the club in the face of interest in his services from Inter Milan.
Full story: The Sun

Former Arsenal and Manchester City striker Paul Dickov will be handed the manager's job at Oldham after impressing in an interview. Dickov, 37, who spent the second half of this season with Leeds, has never managed before.
Full story: Daily Mail

Striker Robbie Blake has turned down Burnley's 'final offer' of a one-year contract because he feels he is worth a longer deal with the Clarets.
Full story: Daily Mirror

AND FINALLY
Manchester United chief executive David Gill admits he does not think the 'Green and Gold' protests, conducted by Red Devils supporters unhappy with the club's American owners the Glazers, are going to be abandoned. "There were some comments last week that I was belittling the protest," said Gill. "That could not be further from the truth. We understand it and it will be there."
Full story: Daily Mail

 

[yinyang]

thurs trivia

Steve G for Real Madrid?? Money speaks VOLUMES

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/8719237.stm

Thursday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

BREAKING GOSSIP
0910 BST: Arsenal are considering a move for West Ham's £6m-rated England goalkeeper Robert Green, 30, after opting not to pursue 37-year-old Fulham stopper Mark Schwarzer.
Full story: caughtoffside.com

0905 BST: Manchester United are interested in Lyon's £22m-rated Brazilian left winger Michel Bastos, 26.
Full story: caughtoffside.com

TRANSFER GOSSIP
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been identified as Real Madrid's number one transfer target this summer.
Full story: Daily Telegraph

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly met with Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Miami, to discuss a potential move to Stamford Bridge.
Full story: IMScouting

Real Madrid look set to beat Manchester United and Chelsea to the signing of Benfica winger Angel Di Maria.
Full story: IMScouting

Arsenal and Tottenham are locked in a head-to-head battle for the signature of £9m-rated Manchester City defender Micah Richards.
Full story: footylatest

Portsmouth and England goalkeeper David James could be in line for a move to Fulham as Arsenal step up their interest in the Cottagers' Mark Schwarzer.
Full story: Daily Mail

Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland could also be on the move, to Sunderland, as a replacement for Craig Gordon who has failed to convince manager Steve Bruce he is up to the job.
Full story: Daily Mail

Arsenal have become the latest team to be linked with Chelsea's out-of-contract midfielder Joe Cole, but the player will not decide on his future until after the World Cup.
Full story: Daily Mirror

James Milner has refused to commit his future to Aston Villa and could be in line for a £30m move to Manchester City.
Full story: Daily Express

Hamburg's German defender Jerome Boateng has confirmed that he will sign for Manchester City after the World Cup.
Full story: Daily Star

Manchester City will play a waiting game for Wolfsburg's Bosnia striker Edin Dzeko, but have no intention of breaking his £34m buy-out clause.
Full story: Daily Express

Another Manchester City target - Inter Milan full-back Maicon - says he has no intention of moving to Eastlands, but instead would like to link up with former Inter boss Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.
Full story: IMScouting

Birmingham are preparing a £4.5m offer for Newcastle's 21-year-old striker Andy Carroll.
Full story: Daily Mail

Fulham have agreed a £2m deal with Lyon for French striker Frederic Piquionne, who was at loan at Portsmouth last season.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Portsmouth have turned down a "derisory" £300,000 offer from Rangers for striker Tommy Smith.
Full story: Daily Express

OTHER GOSSIP
"Sacked" (Daily Mirror), "Rafa Out" (The Sun), "Rafa's £3m Kop Off" (Daily Star), "Rafa is Out" (Daily Mail), "End of Road for Rafa" (Daily Express), "Benitez on the Brink" (Daily Telegraph), "Liverpool offer Benitex £3m to quit" (Guardian), "Benitez set to quit" (The Independent). With the World Cup just over a week away, there is only one story dominating the back pages of Thursday's newspapers.

It is claimed that player power is responsible for Benitez's potential departure from Anfield.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Liverpool's wish list to replace Benitez is thought to include ex-Manchester City manager Mark Hughes, Fulham's Roy Hodgson and former Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink.
Full story: Daily Mail

Inter Milan are now thought to be monitoring Benitez's situation and are lining up the Spaniard to replace Jose Mourinho who this week joined Real Madrid.
Full story: The Sun

Hiddink meanwhile has ruled himself out of the running to be Inter Milan's next coach, after his agent claimed he was the club's number one choice.
Full story: the Independent

Hull are in talks with former Portsmouth and Crystal Palace manager Paul Hart about becoming their new boss.
Full story: Daily Mirror

AND FINALLY
Captain Rio Ferdinand has revealed striker Wayne Rooney to be England's karaoke king with the Manchester United star set to entertain his team-mates on and off the pitch in South Africa.
Full story: Daily Mirror

 

[yinyang]

Roy Hodgson to Pool? Torres to Chelskis? Season of guesses and bets

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/8724351.stm

Sunday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

TRANSFER GOSSIP
Manchester City are prepared to make Liverpool striker Fernando Torres the world's richest footballer by offering him £200,000-a-week to join them. But the Spaniard is set to reject the move and join Chelsea in a £50m transfer. (Sunday Express)

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to listen to offers for striker Dimitar Berbatov, with Juventus and AC Milan thought to be prepared to pay £18m for the Bulgarian.
Full story: caughtoffside.com

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger could move for CSKA Moscow's £16m-rated Serbia international midfielder Milos Krasic.
Full story: caughtoffside.com

Fulham will allow goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer to move to Arsenal in a £3m move and have already begun the search for a replacement.
Full story: News of the World

England and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole will snub Manchester City's overtures and instead move to the Blues' London rivals Arsenal after the World Cup.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp wants to bring AC Milan's Dutch striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar to White Hart Lane this summer, and is also considering a move for Everton's South African midfielder Steven Pienaar.
Full story: Mail on Sunday
Redknapp also wants Bolton defender Gary Cahill and is ready to offer full-back Alan Hutton in a cash-plus-player deal.
Full story: Mail on Sunday

Netherlands international winger Eljero Elia is another on Redknapp's radar, with Spurs set to bid £12m for the Hamburg man.
Full story: caughtoffside.com

And Spurs are considering making a bid for West Ham midfielder Scott Parker, with Jamie O'Hara moving the other way to be re-united with Avram Grant.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

Yet another target for Spurs is Udinese's 19-year-old Ghana international centre-back Jonathan Mensah but they face competition for him from Aston Villa.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

One player who could be heading for the exit at White Hart Lane is Jermaine Jenas, with Stoke ready to make a £7m offer.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

Chelsea are considering a move for Newcastle striker Andy Carroll.
Full story: caughtoffside.com

West Ham are preparing a new bid for Everton striker _Aiyegbeni Yakubu - they have made an offer of £4m but the Toffees want £6m.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta is set to reject offers from Manchester United and Arsenal to sign a new deal to stay at Goodison Park.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano is keen to join Inter Milan, particularly if ex-Reds boss Rafael Benitez is confirmed as their new manager.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

Steven Gerrard is another being linked with a move away from Anfield, but Liverpool expect their skipper to reject a move to Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

Manchester City will make a final take-it-or-leave-it bid of £25m for Aston Villa midfielder James Milner.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

Sunderland are looking at signing Aston Villa's Luke Young to ease their shortage of right-backs.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

OTHER GOSSIP
Liverpool will make a formal approach to Fulham to speak to manager Roy Hodgson about the possibility of him succeeding Rafael Benitez in the Anfield hotseat.
Full story: News of the World

Or, sensationally, Liverpool want to poach David Moyes from bitter rivals Everton.
Full story: Sunday Express

England manager Fabio Capello has told crocked captain Rio Ferdinand he can stay with the squad at the World Cup finals in South Africa after the Manchester United defender was ruled out of the tournament on Friday with knee ligament damage.
Full story: News of the World

New Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho will have only £45m to spend on transfers, unless the Spanish giants can raise extra funds through player sales.
Full story: News of the World

AND FINALLY
England fans nervous about losing any more key players to injury following Rio Ferdiand's enforced withdrawal will not be pleased to hear that Monday's warm-up opposition Platinum Stars do not plan on treating the game like a low-key friendly. "Our guys want to make their mark on England," said a club source.
Full story: News of the World

 

[yinyang]

After WC distractions... seems Torres leaving scousers? And more human trade now? Alamak, that swede Ericsson still got long life in EPL ..possibly at Fulham next?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/8787151.stm

Monday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

TRANSFER GOSSIP
Fernando Torres is on the verge of leaving Liverpool after his agent indicated the striker is bound for another Premier League club, with Chelsea at the front of the queue to sign the Spaniard.
Full story: Daily Mail

However, Bayern Munich and Germany striker Thomas Mueller is now Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti's number one summer transfer target. The 20-year-old has scored four goals at the World Cup to help his country into the semi-finals.
Full story: caughtoffside.com

Chelsea are set to snap up Portuguese attacking midfielder Raul Meireles for £15m. The Porto star, who impressed during the World Cup, is seen as the first stage in Ancelotti's midfield rebuilding programme after the departures of Michael Ballack and Joe Cole.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has his heart set on playing for Barcelona next season, according to his Spain team-mate Gerard Pique.
Full story: Daily Mail

Arsenal have been approached about a deal for Sporting Braga's Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo, 27, who has a £3.4m buy-out clause in his contract.
Full Story: Daily Mail

Manchester City have been alarmed by Wolfsburg's £50m demands for Bosnia striker Edin Dzeko, leading the Eastlands outfit to inquire about a number of other forwards, including Inter Milan's Mauro Balotelli, Palermo's Edinson Cavani, Mirko Vucinic of Roma and Real Madrid's Karim Benzema.
Full Story: Daily Mail

Meanwhile, Manchester City have taken a £1.25m loss on Valeri Bojinov after selling the striker for £4.5m to Parma. The Bulgarian signed for £5.75m from Juventus in 2007 but immediately suffered a serious knee injury.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Bolton are closing in on Real Madrid left-back Marcos Alonso after he rejected Benfica. Real striker Rodrigo Moreno is also Bolton-bound in a combined £5m deal.
Full story: the Sun

West Ham are ready to pip Espanyol for Mexico winger Pablo Barrera in a £3m deal and are also keen on signing Aston Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell.
Full Story: Daily Mail

West Ham boss Avram Grant is also set to beat Fulham and West Brom to the signature of Lyon's Ivory Coast striker Frederic Piquionne, 31, who played for Grant while on loan at Portsmouth last season.
Full Story: the Sun

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has offered Cardiff £2m, plus winger Michael Tonge in his bid to sign midfielder Joe Ledley, 23.
Full Story: the Sun

However, Celtic are also in talks with Joe Ledley about a move from Cardiff to Scotland, with the midfielder likely to make a decision on his future this week.
Full Story: Daily Record

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is hoping to sign German full-back Lenny Sowah, 17, from Portsmouth.
Full Story: Daily Mail

Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro will join new Al Ahli coach David O'Leary in Dubai after signing a two-year deal with the club.
Full Story: Daily Mail

OTHER GOSSIP
Fulham are planning to make a formal approach to the agent of former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson to find out whether the Swede, who coached Ivory Coast at the World Cup, would be interested in replacing Roy Hodgson at Craven Cottage. (Daily Star)

However, former Fulham midfielder Lee Clark, currently the manager at Huddersfield, is the favourite for the Craven Cottage post as he heads a shortlist of three, which also includes Mark Hughes and Alan Curbishley.
Full Story: Daily Mirror
Former Shrewsbury boss Paul Simpson is in contention to take over as coach of the Libya national side. (Daily Mail)

AND FINALLY
Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe says the simple excuse for England's poor showing at the World Cup was that boss Fabio Capello was "unlucky".
Full story: the Sun

 

[jw5]

Another rumour is that Man Utd are planning to bid 15 Million pounds for Gary Cahill of Bolton.
That's good news if true.
Rio is very unreliable and Vidic could be leaving.

 

[yinyang]

friday's grapevine

From fri's grapevine:p

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/8802832.stm

Friday's gossip column - transfers and gossip

TRANSFER GOSSIP
Chelsea are set to open the bidding for Liverpool's Fernando Torres with a cut-price £30m offer for the Spain striker.
Full story: Daily Star

Inter Milan's Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder says he will turn down a £29m move to Manchester United to remain with the European champions.
Full story: Daily Mail

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson may now turn his attentions to Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil who is valued at around £25m by his club Werder Bremen.
Full story: Daily Express

Manchester City are lining up a £20m bid for Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.
Full story: the Sun

Man City meanwhile have turned down a £16.7m offer for Brazilian international forward Robinho from Turkish club Besiktas as the Eastlands side want more for their record £32.5m signing.
Full story: Daily Mail

City are also eyeing a shock swoop for former Arsenal keeper Richard Wright, who is a free agent after being released by Ipswich.
Full story: the Sun

Barcelona have admitted they will need to sell striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic in order to fund a move for Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas.
Full story: Daily Star

Chelsea are in danger of missing out on Holland defender Gregory van der Wiel with Bayern Munich set to land the £14m-rated Ajax star.
Full story: the Sun

Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant could be on his way to Italian side Napoli from Real Zaragoza.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Aston Villa have told Manchester City they may accept a player in part-exchange for their England midfielder James Milner.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Stoke midfielder Amdy Faye could be on his way to Leicester, while Blackpool are eyeing a move for goalkeeper Andy Lonergan from former Championship rivals Preston.
Full story: Daily Mail

West Ham have had an improved £5.5m offer for West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans turned down.
Full story: Daily Mail

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is set to renew his interest in Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar.
Full story: the Sun

Midfielder Joe Ledley has completed a medical at Celtic and will finalise a move to the Glasgow club within the next 48 hours. The Welsh international, who is leaving Cardiff City, has agreed a four-year deal worth £25,000 a week.
Full story: Daily Record

OTHER GOSSIP
Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish wants the club to finalise his new contract after his assistant Roy Aitken quit to join David O'Leary in Dubai.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Meanwhile, Birmingham are in talks to bring Sunderland's chief scout Ricky Sbragia to St Andrew's as joint assistant manager and first-team coach.
Full story: the Guardian

Swansea are set to offer former Fulham and Coventry boss Chris Coleman the chance to replace Paulo Sousa, who joined Leicester on Wednesday.
Full story: Daily Mail

AND FINALLY
West Ham face an anxious wait to find out whether Mexico winger Pablo Barrera, a £3.5m signing from Pumas, will be granted a work permit.
Full story: Daily Mirror
And West Ham boss Avram Grant has made it a priority to keep 31-year-old defender Matthew Upson at Upton Park.
Full story: Daily Mail

 

[yinyang]

Martin Jol u turn to EPL, to Fulham next? Rooney's $$$ bumped up +30% to 130k weekly?:p

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/8827066.stm

Friday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

TRANSFER GOSSIP
Manchester City will take their summer spending to £75m after Lazio accepted their £17m bid for left-back Aleksander Kolarov.
Full story: Daily Mail

But Manchester United could be in danger of losing Kolarov's Serbia team-mate Nemanja Vidic, with the centre-back believed to be the subject of serious interest from Real Madrid.
Full story: Daily Mail

Shakhtar Donetsk are considering a £20m bid for out-of-favour Manchester City winger Robinho.
Full story: Daily Mail

North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham are set to lock horns in an £8m battle over 17-year-old Ipswich striker Connor Wickham.
Full story: Daily Mail

Sevilla's Brazil international striker Luis Fabiano has welcomed talk of a summer move to Tottenham.
Full story: the Sun

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has hinted the club may be ready to sell forward Mario Balotelli if a club makes the right offer.
Full story: Independent

AC Milan are offering their Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to Tottenham and Aston Villa as they try to raise money to scupper Manchester City's bid for Wolfsburg's Edin Dzeko.
Full story: Daily Mail

Villa are weighing up an £8m bid for Dinamo Zagreb striker Mario Mandzukic.
Full story: the Sun

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is hoping to bolster his attacking options with the acquisition of AZ Alkmaar striker Moussa Dembele.
Full story: Daily Mail

West Ham will complete a £1m deal for Lyon striker Frederic Piquionne on a three-year contract worth £40,000 a week. The Hammers also hope to land Nice forward Loic Remy on Friday after failing with an initial £11.5m bid.
Full story: the Sun

But Liverpool may yet enter the race for Remy with a late £12m bid.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is close to sealing a 12-month loan deal for Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck.
Full story: Daily Star

Bruce will have to pay £10m if he wants to sign midfielder Stephen Ireland from Manchester City. (Daily Mirror)

OTHER GOSSIP
Former Tottenham boss Martin Jol, currently in charge at Ajax, has emerged as a late contender to take over at Fulham. Full story: Daily Mirror

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will be offered an extra £30,000 a week at Old Trafford as part of a five-year contract, taking his weekly salary to £130,000.
Full story: Daily Mail

Ex-United forward Eric Cantona says he is "sure England will not qualify" for Euro 2012 or the 2014 World Cup because there are not enough English players competing in the Premier League.
Full story: the Sun

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has revealed that many of his new players are "disenchanted" following a disappointing 2009-10 season.
Full story: Daily Star

AND FINALLY
Joe Hart has cut short his holiday in a bid to become first-choice goalkeeper for Manchester City and England next season.
Full story: Daily Mail

The ball used in the World Cup final between the Netherlands and Spain has sparked a bidding frenzy on eBay. By Thursday night the price had soared from £99 to £52,100, with the auction ending at 1700 BST on Friday. (the Sun)

 

[yinyang]

Becks to West Ham? Hughes to Fulham?

Thursday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

TRANSFER GOSSIP
Midfielder David Beckham has promised to give West Ham a decision soon on whether he will end his career at Upton Park. The 35-year-old former England captain, who plays for Los Angeles Galaxy in the United States, was born in east London.
Full story: the Sun

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson wants Aston Villa's Bulgarian midfielder Stiliyan Petrov, 30, to replace Javier Mascherano at Anfield and is ready to offer £7m. It was revealed earlier this week that Mascherano wants to leave the Reds.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Luke Young's £2.5m move to Liverpool is in doubt as the 31-year-old defender wants a pay-off from Aston Villa as he would have to take a drop in wages.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay says manager Carlo Ancelotti will be given money to rebuild the side and that striker Didier Drogba will not be leaving.
Full story: Daily Mirror

The Stamford Bridge outfit want to wrap up the £17m signing of Benfica midfielder Ramires in time for their pre-season tour of Germany, which starts on Saturday.
Full story: Daily Star

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho wants to take 32-year-old Chelsea centre-back Ricardo Carvalho to Spain. Mourinho signed the Portuguese defender in 2004 during his spell as manager of the Blues.
Full story: IM Scouting

Meanwhile, Mourinho has ruled Real Madrid out of the running to sign Benfica defender David Luiz, making Manchester City favourites to sign the 23-year-old Brazilian.
Full story: IM Scouting

Italian club Lazio are on the verge of signing Manchester City's 25-year-old left-back Javier Garrido for £2.5m.
Full story: IM Scouting

Arsenal are close to signing Italian goalkeeper Federico Marchetti from Cagliari. The 27-year-old, who played at the World Cup in South Africa, is valued at around £5m.
Full story: IM Scouting

Wigan are preparing a club record £7m bid for Chile's World Cup striker Humberto Suazo. Birmingham and Sunderland are also eyeing a swoop for the 29-year-old, who plays for Monterrey.
Full story: the Sun

Blackburn are ready to sell Australian midfielder Vince Grella to Turkish giants Galatasaray at the second attempt, with the clubs seeking to negotiate a deal of about £2m.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Mark Hughes wants to make Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy his first signing with the £15m transfer kitty he will be handed when he is officially named Fulham manager.
Full story: Goal.com

Tottenham are looking to tempt Manchester City with a £4m bid for Bellamy.
Full story: Daily Mail

Danish goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard, who plays for Norwegian side Aalesunds, is being lined up by Manchester United as Edwin van der Sar's successor.
Full story: Daily Mail

Manchester United are leading the chase for Ghana midfielder Anthony Annan. Chelsea and Arsenal are also interested in the 24-year-old, who plays for Rosenborg.
Full story: the Sun

Besiktas are looking at Aston Villa striker John Carew to add firepower to their Turkish title assault.
Full story: Daily Mail

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has ruled out a permanent move for Chelsea's Michael Mancienne, who was on loan at Molineux last season.
Full story: Daily Mail

West Ham have offered midfielder Scott Parker £20m to stay but he wants to leave to play European football.
Full story: Daily Mail

Avram Grant wants free agent Laurent Bonnart to become his latest West Ham recruit. The defender had been at Marseille.
Full story: Daily Mail

Premier League new boys Blackpool are in talks with transfer-listed Ipswich striker Jon Stead, 27, who has rejected a move to Bristol City.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Bristol City manager Steve Coppell has made an audacious bid to lure England goalkeeper David James, 39, to Ashton Gate. James has been offered a 12-month contract with the Championship club.
Full story: Daily Mirror

OTHER GOSSIP
Former Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is set to be confirmed as the new Fulham boss this week.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Portsmouth face the prospect of paying out more than £500,000 in wages at the end of the week to players no longer at the club. David James will pick up about £140,000 - if he does not sign for anyone else before Saturday night.
Full story: Daily Express

Tottenham's teenage midfielder John Bostock believes his progress is being damaged by foreign players in the English game. The 18-year-old, who was on loan at Brentford last season, wants another loan move as he has only made three substitute appearances for Spurs in two years. (Various)

AND FINALLY
England goalkeeper Robert Green's first save in his first pre-season appearance for West Ham in the 2-0 friendly win at MK Dons was greeted with ironic cheers on Wednesday night. Green's fumble in the World Cup allowed the United States to draw 1-1 with England in South Africa. (Various)

 

[yinyang]

Jan's transfer window coming up, so ripe for more trivia:p

Chelski's boss in a spot? MU's Berbi to go, for spanish duo?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/9214381.stm

Monday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

TRANSFER GOSSIP
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is exploring the possibility of bringing in France striker Karim Benzema on loan from Real Madrid in the January transfer window.
Full story: Daily Mail

Redknapp also looks likely to renew his interest in West Ham midfielder Scott Parker who he bid for in the summer.
Full story: the Sun

Lille's Ivory Coast winger Gervinho has been linked again with a move to Tottenham.
Full story: imscouting

Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson has told friends he expects to join European champions Inter Milan in January. Full story: goal.com

Manchester United are set to sell striker Dimitar Berbatov, in order to fund a move for Athletic Bilbao duo, forward Fernando Llorente and midfielder Javi Martinez.
Full story: caughtoffside

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier is ready to make a £1.2m move for Middlesbrough central defender David Wheater.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Chelsea are leading the race to sign Roma defender Philippe Mexes, as the club look for cover for injured captain John Terry.
Full story: caughtoffside

Seattle Sounders' Congolese striker Steve Zakuani has agreed to train with Everton and he may be allowed to gain Premier League experience during the Major League Soccer close season.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Blackpool can activate a £250,000 clause to sign on-loan striker Luke Varney from Derby County permanently in January.
Full story: Daily Mail

Wigan winger Charles N'Zogbia is considering his future at the club with Marseille interested in the French international.
Full story: Daily Star

Stoke City boss Tony Pulis is reportedly interested in Uruguay's World Cup defender Mauricio Victorino who currently plays for Univ de Chile.
Full story: imscouting

OTHER GOSSIP
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has _challenged the Spurs board to spend big in January and turn his squad into title winners.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti admits he is not in total control of team affairs at Stamford Bridge. "I have just technical direction. Full stop," he stated.Full story: Daily Mirror

And the former AC Milan manager is believed to be considering his position at Chelsea.
Full story: Daily Express

Bolton will offer striker Johan Elmander a new one-year deal this week in order to sort out the Swede's future.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has forgiven striker Wayne Rooney for the way he dealt with his contract negotiations last month.
Full story: Daily Mail

AND FINALLY
One of the first acts of Blackburn's new Indian owners has been to announce plans to rip up 120 years of history by renaming Ewood Park.
Full story: Daily Express