Monday's gossip column


TRANSFER GOSSIP

Portsmouth are ready to make a move for Tottenham forward Giovani dos Santos.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool co-owner George Gillett's talks with a Saudi firm to sell part, or all, of his stake in the club are "on hold" despite his visit to the Middle East last week, an official from the FC investment vehicle has claimed. (Daily Telegraph) 
Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has been ruled out for three weeks after tweaking medial ligaments in his knee during a challenge by Birmingham defender Liam Ridgwell on Saturday. (Daily Star) 
The Swedish Football Association want Notts County director of football Sven-Goran Eriksson to become the new manager of their national team. (Daily Mirror)
Referee Mike Jones is set to be withdrawn from next weekend's Premier League fixture list after allowing Sunderland striker Darren Bent's winner against Liverpool to stand when it deflected in off a beach ball thrown on to the pitch by a supporter.(The Sun) 
Stoke defender Robert Huth looks certain to be charged by the Football Association and may face a three-match ban after appearing to aim a punch at West Ham defender Matthew Upson on Saturday.(The Sun) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he turned down a move to Real Madrid last summer because he wants to win the Champions League with the Gunners.(The Sun) 
Fifa president Sepp Blatter will reiterate that England is the spiritual home of football and deserves to host the 2018 World Cup finals when he takes on a role with the world's oldest club on Monday. Blatter will officially accept the honorary presidency of the Sheffield FC Foundation.(The Times) 
Mike Ashley has spoken publicly for the first time about retaining control of Newcastle United in the event of the club's long-running takeover saga failing to reach fruition.(The Times) 
Ashley has told local businessman Barry Moat to offer £80 within a seven-day deadline if he wants to buy the Championship club. (Daily Star) 

AND FINALLY

Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo is set to become football's first billionaire, earning £16,000 per minute. The former Manchester United star is being offered £1.5m a game by foreign tycoons to show off his skills in a series of friendlies. (Daily Star) 
Cheeky Manchester United fans plan a rendition of the pop classic 99 Red Balloons when they arrive at Anfield for Sunday's Premier League match against Liverpool. (The Sun) 
The inflatable off of which Bent's strike veered into the net was official Liverpool merchandise, part of a beach set recently reduced to £10 in the club shop. (Various)
David Beckham's healthy food range has been kicked into touch by shoppers. Just £633 worth of microwave dishes - picturing the LA Galaxy midfielder and promising low fat pasta, noodles, omelettes and fish sticks - were sold last month. (Daily Star)
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