Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Manchester United are set to beat Barcelona to the services of French midfielder Franck Ribery from Bayern Munich this summer. (News of the World) 
After missing out on Kaka, Manchester City are eyeing up another big-money transfer with Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o top of their list. (Mail on Sunday) 
Chelsea are keen on taking on Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson with £5m of Roman Abramovich's cash set to be released. (News of the World) 
Despite Newcastle's relegation battle worsening with defeat against Chelsea, striker Michael Owen has pledged his future to the club. (News of the World) 
Barcelona want to improve their funds by encouraging Manchester City to step up their interest in French forward Thierry Henry. (Sunday Times) 
Julien Faubert looks likely to return to West Ham this summer after being left out of Real Madrid's squad, despite injuries to two other wingers. (News of the World) 
Hull are planning a raid for Manchester City stars Darius Vassell and Tel Ben Haim. (News of the World) 

 OTHER GOSSIP 

Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson has said reports about a training ground bust-up between himself and striker Wayne Rooney are "absolute nonsense". (Observer) 
Liverpool are negotiating a £450m takeover with American owners set to sell all or a majority of their investment to the 49th richest man in the world - Kuwait's Nasser Al Kharafi. (Sunday Express) 
Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is being sounded out as a replacement for Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia. (News of the World) 
Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez will lower his wage demands in a bid to keep his permanent move to Old Trafford on track. (News of the World) 
Ryan Giggs could be paid the ultimate tribute when he hangs up his boots with his club considering retiring their no.11 shirt. (News of the World)  

AND FINALLY 

Fabio Capello is worried about his England players this summer. "It may be difficult to keep them focused if they go on holiday." (Various)
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