Monday's gossip column


TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United will target Russia and CSKA Moscow goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev as they look to bring in a replacement for veteran Edwin van der Sar. (The Sun) 
Portsmouth could sign former Wigan striker Henri Camara, who is currently without a club, in time to face Bolton on Saturday following talks with the Senegal international. (Daily Mirror) 
Former Brazil left-back Roberto Carlos is available on a free transfer from Turkish club Fenerbahce and would consider a move to Notts County. (Daily Mirror) 
Newcastle have put the loan move for Aston Villa striker Marlon Harewood on hold as he recovers from a foot injury suffered during pre-season. (Daily Mirror) 
Australia defender Lucas Neill has agreed to join Atletico Madrid after turning down a new deal to stay at West Ham. (Daily Mail) 
West Brom are keen to bring striker Diomansy Kamara back to the Hawthorns by signing him on loan from Fulham. (Daily Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic has defended his striker Eduardo over the Arsenal forward's alleged dive against Celtic and says England captain John Terry's comments on the matter have an air of double standards. "I think we all agree that Eduardo was a dive," Terry said last week. "Do England players have an extra responsibility to stay on their feet? I think we all have a responsibility, not just the England players." (The Sun) 
Bilic also claims England coach Fabio Capello has eroded the 'Englishness' which typifies the national side. (The Guardian) 
England striker Emile Heskey says he would not complain if England manager Fabio Capello gave rival forward Jermain Defoe the nod ahead of him for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Croatia. (Daily Star) 
Steven Gerrard captained England when they missed out on a place at Euro 2008 after a 3-2 defeat by Croatia in November 2007 and he says he is out to avenge that loss when the two countries meet again on Wednesday. (Daily Express) 
Newcastle's prospective new owner Barry Moat will have a second round of talks in 24 hours with the club's owner Mike Ashley about buying the Tyneside outfit. (Daily Telegraph)
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has been told Carson Yeung's takeover of the club will not put his position under threat. (The Independent) 

AND FINALLY

Argentina legend and national team boss Diego Maradona is facing the wrath of his critics after the 3-1 home defeat by Brazil left his side precariously placed in their attempts to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. (The Guardian)
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