Tuesday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Former England midfielder Peter Reid has rejected speculation he will quit as coach of Thailand to take charge of League One club Southampton. (Press Association)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Samuel Eto'o wants a £12.5m signing-on fee to join Manchester City. The Barcelona striker has already been offered wages of £250,000 a week by the Eastlands club.(The Sun) 
Or the Cameroon striker is looking for a £15m golden handshake from Barcelona otherwise the move to City is off.(Daily Mirror) 
Chelsea are poised to complete a hat-trick of signings by landing CSKA Moscow forward Yuri Zhirkov, Manchester City forward Daniel Sturridge and Middlesbrough goalkeeper Ross Turnbull. (Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal have been stunned by Andrey Arshavin's revelation that he would be "really happy" to play for Barcelona if he gets the chance. (The Sun) 
Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso will holds talks with manager Rafael Benitez this week over a possible move to Real Madrid.(The Sun) 
Meanwhile, Reds defender Alvaro Arbeloa is set to seal a switch to Real for about £5m. (The Independent) 
Aston Villa are ready to pay £5m for Espanyol forward Luis Garcia, who is also wanted by Porto.(The Sun) 
Villa are also set to bid £5m for Middlesbrough midfielder Tuncay. (Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham have joined the chase for Groningen's Sweden international striker Marcus Berg but they may need to pay £10m to beat Everton to his signature.(Daily Mirror) 
Spurs have told Villarreal they want cash plus Sebastien Eguren and Marcos Senna in exchange for striker Roman Pavlyuchenko. (The Times) 
West Ham are trying to hijack Hull's £3.4m move for Nancy striker Marc-Antoine Fortune. 
Full story: (Daily Mirror) 
Fulham have offered £2.2m for Almeria striker Kalu Uche. (The Sun) 
Birmingham want to sign Tottenham defender Gareth Bale on a season-long loan deal. (Daily Star)
Wolves are set to sign Reading striker Kevin Doyle for a club record fee of £6.5m. (The Sun) 
Huddersfield will pay £1m to sign Bristol Rovers striker Rickie Lambert. (The Sun)
Ipswich boss Roy Keane is close to completing a £1m deal for QPR full-back Damien Delaney. Keane also wants to make a double raid on former club Sunderland to sign defender Nyron Nosworthy and winger Carlos Edwards. (Daily Star) 
Burnley are fighting it out with Cardiff in the race to sign £2.5m-rated Doncaster defender Mat Mills. (Daily Star)

OTHER GOSSIP

Carlos Tevez has accused Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson of blowing the chance to win the Champions League final by dropping him. The Argentine striker, whose United contract expires today, said: "He made a mistake to leave me on the bench."(Daily Mirror) 
Former Aston Villa manager David O'Leary says his successor Martin O'Neill has not helped the club progress.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Usually there is little to be pleased about when you miss your flight but Fabio Capello's failure to catch a plane from South Africa meant he was spared being in attendance for England Under-21s' humiliating 4-0 defeat by Germany in the European Championship final in Sweden on Tuesday. (Daily Mirror)
www.bbc.co.uk

Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City are set to make a £50m double swoop for Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o and Manchester United forward Carlos Tevez. (Daily Star) 
Eto'o will earn a staggering £250,000 a week - £13m a year - if the £25m transfer to City goes through.(The Sun) 
Manchester United are on the verge of completing a £16m deal to sign Wigan winger Luis Antonio Valencia. (Daily Mirror) 
But United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is in danger of missing out on Lyon striker Karim Benzema, who looks set to join Real Madrid in a £28m deal. (Daily Star) 
Liverpool have beaten Barcelona to the signing of 16-year-old Cadiz midfielder Jesus Fernandez.(Daily Mirror) 
Everton are tracking £5m-rated Sweden Under-21 striker Marcus Berg, who plays for Groningen. (Daily Mirror) 
Wolves have put in a £1.5m bid for Monaco's Croatian midfielder Jerko Leko. (Daily Mirror)
The Molineux club are also set to spend £2.5m on Marseilles defender Ronald Zubar. (The Times) 
Portsmouth midfielder Arnold Mvuemba is set to sign for French side Lorient after a three-year spell at Fratton Park. (Daily Mirror)
Birmingham are interested in Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson and will table a £1m bid for him this week. (The Sun) 
Hull defender Sam Ricketts is set to make a £2m switch to Portsmouth after rejecting a new deal with the Tigers. (The Sun)
Blackburn will pay £400,000 to sign French midfielder Steven N'Zonzi from Amiens. (Daily Mirror) 
Reading are bracing themselves for bids for centre-back Andre Bikey, who has a £3m release clause in his contract. (Daily Mirror)
Cardiff are keen to sign Charlton centre-back Mark Hudson in a £700,000 deal. (Daily Mirror) 
Gillingham are ready to bid £150,000 for Dagenham & Redbridge striker Paul Benson. (The Sun)
Brighton are in talks with Motherwell keeper Graeme Smith but face competition for his signature from Aberdeen. (Daily Mirror) 
Motherwell boss Jim Gannon will make Stockport goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams his first transfer target. (The Sun)

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has pleaded with boss Sir Alex Ferguson to be played as a centre-forward and not a winger. (The Times) 
Former Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has claimed Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack and Petr Cech did not accept his methods of training while he was at the Blues. The Brazilian also says he will never again work in English football.(The Sun) 
West Brom will appoint Alan Irvine as their new manager on Monday after his switch from Preston was agreed on Sunday evening. (Daily Mirror) 
Hull manager Phil Brown has insisted his interest in signing Newcastle striker Michael Owen is not a publicity stunt. (The Sun) 

AND FINALLY

Some of the Premier League's top players have travelled abroad to seek the sun - Steven Gerrard is in Ibiza, Robin van Persie has hit the beach in St Tropez and Jermaine Jenas is basking in Italy. Don't they know Britain is set for temperatures of up to 93F this week?
www.bbc.co.uk

USA 2-3 Brazil

Brazil denied the United States a shock victory by coming back from two goals down to win the Confederations Cup.
A Clint Dempsey flick and a Landon Donovan strike on the counter put the US into a surprise 2-0 half-time lead. 
Luis Fabiano pulled one back for Brazil before Kaka was denied an equaliser when his header was wrongly judged not to have crossed the line. 
Luis Fabiano's headed second levelled matters before, five minutes from time, Lucio nodded in a corner to win it. 
After upsetting the odds so spectacularly with their 2-0 semi-final victory over Spain, the US almost tore up the script again, against opponents who had beaten them 3-0 in the group stage of the competition. 
Predictably, favourites Brazil had the lion's share of possession, but the incisive football was played by the American underdogs throughout the first half.

.

USA coach Bob Bradley:

"That defeat really hurt. 
"I'm extremely proud of my players, but it still feels pretty lousy to let this one get away. 
"I hope though that people around the world see we have good team and great players and it is a big step forward." 

Brazil coach Dunga:
"Even after we went 2-0 down the team was still sure of itself. We told them at half-time to play down the wings, keep patient. 
"We did that, we have been together for 29 days and we were determined to win it. 
"It is very difficult to overcome a 2-0 deficit, it is not easy, but if you have committed players who never give up then you have a chance and we came back in the second half. We showed a high level of professionalism." 

USA: Howard, Spector, DeMerit, Onyewu, Bocanegra, Dempsey, Clark (Casey 88), Feilhaber (Bornstein 75), Donovan, Davies, Altidore (Kljestan 75).
Subs Not Used: Guzan, Califf, Wynne, Pearce, Beasley, Adu, Torres, Bradley, Robles. 
Booked: Bocanegra. 
Goals: Dempsey 10, Donovan 27. 

Brazil: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Luisao, Andre Santos (Dani Alves 66), Ramires (Elano 67), Felipe Melo, Silva, Kaka, Luis Fabiano, Robinho.
Subs Not Used: Victor, Juan, Kleber, Miranda, Josue, Julio Baptista, Kleberson, Alexandre Pato, Nilmar, Gomes. 
Booked: Felipe Melo, Andre Santos, Lucio. 
Goals: Luis Fabiano 46, 74, Lucio 84. 

Att: 62,000 
Ref: Martin Hansson (Sweden).
www.bbc.co.uk

Spain 3-2 South Africa (aet)

Spain secured victory over hosts South Africa in the Confederations Cup third-place play-off courtesy of a Xabi Alonso extra-time free-kick.
South African substitute Katlego Mphela opened the scoring in the second half, lashing in a Siphiwe Tshabalala cross. 

Two goals in two minutes from Daniel Guiza seemed to have won it for Spain until Mphela crashed home an injury-time free-kick to force extra-time. 
But Alonso curled in a set-piece in the second period of extra-time to win it. 
For much of normal time this game was a typically drab third-place play-off, with European Champions Spain - whose 35-match unbeaten run came to a shock end against the United States in the semi-final - particularly lethargic. 
The closest either side came to a goal in the first half was a Matthew Booth snap shot that fizzed past the post for the home side. 
Spain were brighter in the second half, with Albert Riera forcing a smart save from Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.
However, it was the home side who took the lead when Tshabalala was released wide left and his cross was firstly controlled by Mphela before being crashed into the roof of the net by the striker. 
It looked like being the only goal of the game until Guiza's late show. 
The substitute striker turned in a Santi Cazorla cross with his right foot into the bottom left-hand corner in the 88th minute. 
Barely a minute later he had put Spain into the lead, when what appeared to have been a cross beat Khune, clipped the far upright and went in. 
It appeared as though this would be enough to win the match for Spain, but with the final kick of the match, three minutes into injury-time, Mphela lashed in a spectacular 25-yard free-kick to extend matters by a further 30 minutes. 
In an understandably nervy extra-time, Liverpool midfielder Alonso had the final say, with a smart, curling free-kick that beat attackers and defenders alike to find the far right corner of the net. 

Spain: Casillas, Arbeloa, Albiol, Pique, Capdevila, Santi Cazorla, Alonso, Riera, Busquets (Llorente 81), Villa (Silva 57), Torres (Guiza 57).
Subs Not Used: Diego Lopez, Marchena, Puyol, Pablo, Xavi, Fabregas, Sergio Ramos, Mata, Reina. 
Booked: Busquets, Pique, Albiol, Llorente. 
Goals: Guiza 88, 89, Alonso 107. 

South Africa: Khune, Gaxa, Booth, Mokoena, Masilela, Pienaar (Mphela 64), Dikgacoi, Sibaya, Modise (Van Heerden 69), Parker, Tshabalala (Mhlongo 84).
Subs Not Used: Fernandez, Davids, Mdledle, Fanteni, Moon, Khumalo, Mashego, Gould, Baloyi. 
Booked: Pienaar, Mphela, Masilela. 
Goals: Mphela 73, 90. 

Att: 21,500 
Ref: Matthew Breeze (Austrailia).
www.bbc.co.uk

USA - Brazil Confederations Cup 2009 - Final

USA came on this competition as clear outsiders. Two first games (Italy 1-3 and Brazil 0-3) just confirmed the dark predictions. But in the third game against Egypt (who had defeated Azzurri and lost narrowly to Brazil), Americans played a perfect game. Bob Bradley changed defensive 5-4-1 formation into 4-4-2. It resulted with three goals, by Davies, Michael Bradley and Dempsey, for a convincing 3-0 win. Brazil beat Italy by the same scoreline and USA became the first team in Confederations Cup history who qualify from the group stage with three points and a negative goal difference. Then they shocked Spain making the greatest win in their history. Although defending the entire game, USA used two big mistakes in opposite’s defence and brake Spain’s 15 games winning streak. Now, they’re just one step far from the trophy, but need one more miracle. Bob Bradley has to make one change, midfielder Michael Bradley is suspended after became the third American to be sent off during this tournament.

The defending champions are contesting their fourth Confederations Cup final. After a debatable start on the bench of national team, Carlos Dunga has instilled a level of discipline and tactic that, so far, give the tremendous effect. World Cup 2010 qualification is almost secured and in this Confederations Cup campaign they have looked extremely comfortable. They’re unbeaten in 15 games (eleven wins and four draws), seven wins in a row and kept 11 clean sheets during those 15 games. After the first chaotic game, against the Pharaons (4-3 win), Dunga consolidated the squad and they noticed three victories. Two convincing 3-0 wins (USA and Italy) and had some problems only in the semi-final (1-0 at the end). South Africa were defending the whole game and Brazil, although dominating, didn’t have the clue. Till two minutes before the end when Danny Alves scored from a free-kick and booked the ticket for the final. Dunga has no injury concerns, but several players looked tired in the semi-final after six games in 20 days. Mentioned Alves will probably substitute Maicon.

Bob Bradley will back 5-4-1 formation (attacking would be a suicidal mission) and will face Brazil with tough defence. Dunga’s lads are exhausted and they’ll have hard job to score. I don’t expect an open game and think the winner will be solved in the second half. My bet is a draw at the halftime. Bet365 offers 2.63, Bwin 2.40.

.

Available free bets, bonus offers and promotions:
"William Hill Exlusive £100 freebet, All Countries!!!" 1. Click here to open your account, Sign up("Join now") using promo code F100, 2. When you place your first bet, we will give you a free bet of the same value up to a max of £50, 3. As you place more bets you can earn up to another £50 in free bets. (Moneybookers available for this offer, You can choose Euro as a currency.)

Confederations Cup - Third place

Spain - South Africa

Game for the third place. After shocking defeat against USA, Spain will try to save their pride. Vincente Del Bosque has a difficult task to shake the lads. Probably will put some players with lower minutes rate on this competition, into first eleven, but there is no doubt they’ll go for a win.

The hosts come into this game after defeat from Brazil 0-1. Team played over the expectations, defending all the game, successfully stopping attacks from one of the best squads on the world. Bafana Bafana needed just two more minutes to resist, but Danny Alves scored from free-kick, putting the things on the right place and sent Brazil to final. However, players got the confidence, will be more motivated than opponent and the most important without a pressure.

Bookmakers favor Spain, but strange things have already happened in third place games in past Confederations Cups, Australia defeated Brazil (2001.), Turkey beat Colombia (2003.). I can’t see any reason for calculation from both sides and go for goals, rather than winner. Pinnacle offers 2.05. Over.

.

Few words about final, later.

.

Available free bets, bonus offers and promotions:
"William Hill Exlusive £100 freebet, All Countries!!!" 1. Click here to open your account, Sign up("Join now") using promo code F100, 2. When you place your first bet, we will give you a free bet of the same value up to a max of £50, 3. As you place more bets you can earn up to another £50 in free bets. (Moneybookers available for this offer, You can choose Euro as a currency.)

Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Arsenal are poised to hijack Manchester United's £25m bid to sign 21-year-old striker Karim Benzema from Lyon.(News of the World) 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will intensify negotiations to for £45m Atletico Madrid playmaker Sergio Aguero and complete the £14m signing of Wigan striker Luis Antonio Valencia. (Sunday Mail) 
Manchester City have completed a £25m swoop for Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o, 28, and they are expected to announce that they have also signed Carlos Tevez. (News of the World) 
Chelsea will make a new £50m offer for AC Milan's Brazilian striker Pato after their initial £45m bid for the 19-year-old was rejected. 
Meanwhile, Blues striker Didier Drogba, midfielder Michael Essien and defender Ashley Cole are to be offered new £125,000-a-week deals, but Joe Cole and Jose Bosingwa could be on their way out of Stamford Bridge. (News of the World) 
Chelsea are also set to test Bayern Munich's resolve with a £50m bid for French winger Franck Ribery.(Sunday Express )
Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant is agonising over a switch across Stanley Park to join Everton. (News of the World) 
Xabi Alonso's future at Anfield depends on Real Madrid's bid to sign David Villa from Valencia. If Real fail to purchase the striker, they will meet Liverpool's £25m asking price for Alonso. (News of the World)
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has urged manager Rafael Benitez to try and sign one of his Spanish international team-mates David Villa, David Silva or Juan Mata, who all play for Valencia. (News of the World) 
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley expects to receive two bids for the club this week which could determine Alan Shearer's long-term future at St James' Park.(Sunday Mirror) 
Aston Villa are ready to make a £5m swoop for German international Tim Borowski, 29, who plays in midfield for Bayern Munich.(News of the World) 
Stoke are ready to smash their transfer record and spend £6m on Newcastle's Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins. But they are likely to face competition from Everton, Aston Villa and Tottenham.(News of the World) 
West Ham want to bring Anton Ferdinand back to Upton Park from Sunderland in a cut-price deal. New Black Cats boss Steve Bruce does not want the 24-year-old, who moved to Wearside last summer, and Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola will make a £2m bid.(News of the World) 
Meanwhile, Bruce is ready to make a £5m bid for Rangers 24-year-old midfielder Steven Davis.(News of the World) 
Southampton could this week be forced to sell former England Under-21 midfielder Andrew Surman just to meet the club's wage bill. (The Sun)
QPR are expected to head a queue of clubs willing to pay a cut-price £400,000 for the 22-year-old who has made 133 appearances for the Saints.(Sunday Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Newcastle face a £750,000 wage bill for strikers Michael Owen and Mark Viduka, even though the pair may not play for the club again.
Both players' deals expire on Tuesday, but they have a clause in their contracts that means they will be paid for another month if they do not sign for clubs in July.(News of the World) 

AND FINALLY

Brazil and Real Madrid playmaker Kaka has delivered a stinging blow to Manchester City by revealing that they were not a big enough club to tempt him to the Premier League. (News of the World)
www.bbc.co.uk

Saturday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Steve Bruce wants to make Tottenham striker Darren Bent, 25, his first signing at Sunderland, but is being put off by the £18m price tag that Spurs have put on him. (Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United have been told by Karim Benzema's agent that it is only a matter of time before the £35m-rated striker leaves French club Lyon. (Daily Mirror) 
But Benzema has said in the past that he would prefer to play in Spain and the Premier League champions will face a battle with Real Madrid for his signature. (Daily Mail)
Hull manager Phil Brown has admitted Brazilian striker Geovanni could be sold if another club is willing to put in a big money offer. (Daily Star) 
Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce wants to sign Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy from Spanish side Real Madrid. (The Independent) 
Fulham are eyeing up a £5m bid for Middlesbrough's 27-year-old striker Tuncay Sanli. (Daily Express) 
The Cottagers are also keen to sign Marseille midfielder Bolo Zenden, 32, who is available on a free transfer. (The Sun)
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is considering a shock move to sign Portsmouth centre-back Sol Campbell, 34, on a free transfer.(The Sun) 
Wolves are set to sell Republic of Ireland midfielder Stephen Gleeson, 20, to League One side MK Dons for an undisclosed fee. (Daily Star)
Reading striker Kevin Doyle will decide next week on a £6.5m move to Fulham, Bolton, Sunderland or Wolves. (Daily Star) 
Birmingham believe midfielder Lee Bowyer, 32, will complete a permanent move from West Ham next week. (Various)
The Blues are also tracking 24-year-old midfielder Ferne Snoyl, who is out of contract at Dutch side RKC Waalwijk. (The Times) 
Arsenal's hopes of signing Fiorentina midfielder Felipe Melo, 25, look to have ended after the Brazilian's agent said he was happy in Italy. (Independent)
Queens Park Rangers are trying to talk veteran Turkish midfielder Tugay, 38, out of retirement. (Daily Mirror) 
Burnley have made a club record £2.75m bid for Hibernian striker Steven Fletcher. (Daily Mirror)
Everton are closer to a £6m deal for Rennes midfielder Stephane Mbia. (Daily Mail) 
Italian side Fiorentina are vying with Spanish club Atletico Madrid for Everton's Steven Pienaar.(Daily Mail)
Tottenham have bid £6m for Inter Milan's Nigeria striker Victor Obinna, while Atletico Madrid want to sell Maxi Rodriguez to Spurs.(Daily Mail) 
Birmingham have failed in a bid to sign midfielder Patrick Vieira, 33, from Inter Milan. Full story: (Daily Mail) 
Blackburn are weighing up a move for £10m-rated striker Andre-Pierre Gignac, 23, from Toulouse, who was top scorer in France last season. Full story: (Daily Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Tottenham could be dragged into a legal fight over Jermain Defoe's £7.5m move from Spurs to Portsmouth in January 2008.(The Sun) 
Carlos Tevez, who is set to sign for Manchester City next week, claims he was forced to leave Manchester United after the Old Trafford club signed Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham.(The Sun) 
Liverpool left-back Fabio Aurelio looks set to miss the start of the season after damaging his knee playing football with his children. The 29-year-old is facing the prospect of surgery and several months on the sidelines, so the Reds are hanging on to Andrea Dossena despite interest from Juventus.(Daily Express) 
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has denied claims that he has offered Everton defender Phil Neville a coaching role at the Riverside. (Daily Express) 
Former Crystal Palace boss Alan Smith is set to return to the game as Gareth Southgate's number two at Boro.(The Sun) 

AND FINALLY

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is raging after being forced to sign Ecuador centre-back Giovanny Espinoza, 32, on Wednesday. (The Sun)
ww.bbc.co.uk

U21 Championship

England U21 3-3 Sweden U21 5-4 on penalties

England Under-21s set up a European Championship final against Germany with a 5-4 penalty shoot-out win over Sweden despite losing a 3-0 half-time lead.

Martin Cranie's strike, a Nedum Onuoha shot and a Mattias Bjarsmyr own goal put England in control at the break. 
A revitalised Sweden forced extra-time after Ola Toivonen's free-kick and two Marcus Berg goals levelled the score. 
Frazier Campbell saw red, but England held on to set up a final with Germany, who beat Italy 1-0 in their semi-final. 
England had fallen at the semi-final stage of this 31-year-old tournament five times, including a 13-12 penalty defeat to the Netherlands two years ago. 
But they were able to put that long-running hoodoo to bed after Guillermo Molin's miss from the penalty spot sealed their win.

.

Italy U21 0-1 Germany U21

The Italians dominated the second semi-final in Helsingborg but Beck scored the all-important goal three minutes after half-time when he ran in from the right wing and unleashed a shot which swerved beyond the keeper's grasp. 
Manuel Neuer had been the main reason Italy were not ahead at half-time after making a number of crucial saves. 
The German goalkeeper beat out a shot from Sebastian Giovinco which was going high into the net before knocking a header on to his defender on the line who then cleared. 
Marco Motta hit the crossbar before well-placed defender Mesut Ozil cleared off the line from the near post as Italy dominated with forward Mario Balotelli influential, but the interval arrived goalless. 
The game was then turned on its head in the 48th minute when Beck shocked the Italians with his fantastic strike. 
Balotelli almost equalised minutes later when his powerful free-kick flashed wide and the same player had another effort pushed out by Neuer. 
Marco Andreolli put a header inches wide and Neuer produced an improvised save when he kicked Balotelli's powerful shot away with his right foot.
www.bbc.co.uk www.teamtalk.com

U21 Championship

England U21 - Sweden U21

English youngsters came to Sweden with intention to win the championship. They defeated Finland 2-1 and Spain 2-0. In last game played (expected) draw that was enough for the first place. Considering names, England is a favorite today. Pearce has a headache caused by Agbonlahor and Walcott which appearance is in doubt. Odds are rapidly decreasing (?) and from 2.20 came to 1.85.

Before the start, Sweden was outsider. They don't have well-known names in the team, the most of them play in domain competition. But, played excellent against Belarus and especially Serbia. Attacking style of play brought the results and some anonymous players (Marcus Berg) already took attention of some big European clubs. As English have advantage in established players, Swedish have a home ground. They're hosts which also means a little help from "men in black" (penalty-kick vs Serbia). 

I think England is closer to final, but both sides have some problems with defence lines and I choose goals. Bwin offers 2.20. Over.

.

Italy U21 - Germany U21

Italy youth are (as always) one of the main candidates for trophy. They have again talented squad, with Pierluigi Casiraghi in charge. Defence line is traditionally tough, while in attack play three, already big names, Balotelli, Acquafresca and Giovinco. They have some problems in midfield with the ball transition and that resulted in less goal opportunities. The only dilemma for Casiraghi is to return Balotelli in squad (served one game suspension), or to start the match with very good Abate, again.

Germany displayed very good performances in the first two games, winning four points, with clean sheet both times. Against England, they took a point for the second place in the group. They're typical German squad, strong, team is well balanced, ready for war all 90 minutes. European press announcing this game as a battle of two defences and expect small number of goals.

I give little advantage to Italy, think they can play tactically on higher level and have killer trio in attack. I rate the chance as 60:40. For me, enough for a bet. Pinnacle offers 2.57. Italy to win. Correct score 1-0.

.

Available free bets, bonus offers and promotions:
"William Hill Exlusive £100 freebet, All Countries!!!" 1. Click here to open your account, Sign up("Join now") using promo code F100, 2. When you place your first bet, we will give you a free bet of the same value up to a max of £50, 3. As you place more bets you can earn up to another £50 in free bets. (Moneybookers available for this offer, You can choose Euro as a currency.)

Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are a step closer to a £30m deal for Lyon striker Karim Benzema after the French side made a £15m move for Porto forward Lisandro Lopez.(Daily Star) 
Sir Alex Ferguson has offered Manchester United's Portuguese winger Nani to Wigan as bait in his bid to sign Ecuador winger Antonio Valencia. (Daily Mirror) 
Brazilian club Gremio have rejected a request from Manchester United to take midfielder Douglas Costa on a three-week trial because they want a straight cash bid.(The Times) 
Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor will become a target for Italian side AC Milan, if they miss out on Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko. (The Guardian) 
Manchester City are favourites to secure the signature of Argentine striker Carlos Tevez. 
Full story: (The Sun) 
Inter Milan's Brazilian right-back Maicon is also a £10m target for City manager Mark Hughes. (Daily Express) 
Chelsea are closing in on a £4m deal for Charlton's 17-year-old forward Jonjo Shelvey, who is also being tracked by Newcastle, Tottenham and West Ham. (Daily Express) 
FA Cup winners Chelsea are also set to make a move for goalkeeper Ross Turnbull who has rejected a new contract at Middlesbrough. (Daily Express) 
Liverpool will offload winger Sebastian Leto to Greek club Panathinaikos for £3m with defender Alvaro Arbeloa set to join Real Madrid in the next few days.(Telegraph) 
Stoke boss Tony Pulis is ready to pay £5m for Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins.(Daily Star) 
Blackburn are likely to be priced out of their bid to land Portsmouth's Peter Crouch because of the striker's £70,000-a- week wages.(The Sun) 
Sam Allardyce will bid £4m to bring Hibernian striker Steven Fletcher to Blackburn.(Daily Express) 
Tottenham are interested in Wigan's 21-year-old midfielder Lee Cattermole. (Daily Mail) 
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is tracking Aston Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell and Middlesbrough's Gary O'Neil. (Daily Mirror) 
Hodgson may also look at bringing Villerreal's American forward Jozy Altidore to Craven Cottage. (Telegraph) 
Gary Megson is ready to splash £8.5m on Swansea midfielder Ferrie Bodde and Reading striker Kevin Doyle. (Daily Mirror) 
Burnley boss Owen Coyle is closing in on Newcastle defender David Edgar. The full-back has had a medical at Turf Moor, along with Derby ace Tyrone Mears. (The Sun) 
Hull City are interested in Celtic striker Scott McDonald as well as the Glasgow club's own transfer target Marc Antoine Fortune. (Daily Record) 
Marc Antoine Fortune's agent Michael Manuello says the striker will make a straight choice between Celtic and Hull despite interest from Wolves and Fulham. (Daily Record)
Celtic have agreed a £3.8m fee with Nancy for Marc Antoine Fortune and are interested in departing Iraklis winger Fernando Marques and Real Sociedad left-back Xabi Castillo. (Daily Express) 
Departing Celtic defender Bobo Balde says Birmingham and Burnley have shown an interest in his services. (The Sun)
Sampdoria could make a £1m bid for Celtic midfielder Massimo Donati next week. (Various) 
Hearts have told Coventry they must pay £4m if they want England Under-21 winger Andrew Driver. (The Sun)
New Blackpool manager Ian Holloway will continue the club's pursuit of Rangers midfielder Charlie Adam. (Daily Record) 
Barnsley manager Simon Davey has urged Charlie Adam to leave Rangers and join his club. (Daily Mail)
Wolves have been told they will need to pay £3m for Doncaster defender Matthew Mills. (The Guardian) 
Sheffield United defender Matt Kilgallon is a £4m target for Wigan, Wolves and Birmingham. (The Sun)
Cardiff are eyeing a £1m move for Millwall defender Zak Whitbread. (The Sun) 
Cardiff boss Dave Jones wants £400,000-rated Motherwell captain Paul Quinn, 23. (Daily Star)
And the Bluebirds are also after Motherwell striker David Clarkson, although they face competition for the the 23-year-old from Bristol City, who have tabled a bid in the region of £600,000.(Bristol Evening Post) 
David Clarkson will decide in the next 48 hours whether to make an £800,000 move to Bristol City after Motherwell accepted the offer. (The Sun)
Middlesbrough have agreed a fee with Colchester for 24-year-old winger Mark Yeates. (Daily Star) 
Former Reading striker Leroy Lita has opened talks with Crystal Palace. (Daily Star)

OTHER GOSSIP

Gareth Southgate wants former England team-mate Phil Neville to join him at Middlesbrough. The Boro boss has offered Everton skipper Neville, 32, the chance to join his backroom staff. (The Sun) 
Preston North End manager Alan Irvine has emerged as the leading contender to succeed Tony Mowbray at West Bromwich Albion. (The Guardian) 
St Johnstone's Derek McInnes is expected to sign a contract extension despite being heavily linked with the manager's job at West Brom. (Daily Record)

AND FINALLY

Manchester United fans want their new rugby league-style kit scrapped before it goes on sale next month. The shirt has a 'V' across the front and has been accused of looking "too American". (The Sun)
www.bbc.co.uk

You have to love our game!

USA defeated Spain? Before that eliminated Italy and Egypt. I'm not a lover of conspiracy theories, but this reminds me on the Blater's theory how football is actually invited in China (story announced before WC in South Korea)! Yes, sure. After game popularisation in Asia, it seems North America is next. Big market, big potential, dollars have a nice smell... And what is the better advertising than the big achieve of national team? I won't be even surprised if USA beat Brazil in final! Or, maybe South Africa?! I feel sick about that. Won't even watch last two games.

If You have Your own opinion about this issue, use the chat box.

.

Beside mentioned competition, poor offer for today. You have to be an artist to find a good bet. I've been thinking about Hafnarfjardar in Iceland league, but 1.65 (at Expekt) definitely doesn't worth of bet. Semi-final games at U21 Championship are tomorrow. I wait the team news, but currently fancy Italy. 

.

Available free bets, bonus offers and promotions:
"William Hill Exlusive £100 freebet, All Countries!!!" 1. Click here to open your account, Sign up("Join now") using promo code F100, 2. When you place your first bet, we will give you a free bet of the same value up to a max of £50, 3. As you place more bets you can earn up to another £50 in free bets. (Moneybookers available for this offer, You can choose Euro as a currency.)

Thursday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Another player not interested in going to Stamford Bridge is Milan's Andrea Pirlo. Despite Milan president Silvio Berlusconi hinting he could leave, the player's agent says "We are not worried by Berlusconi's comment. He is a Milan player, he is under contract and he honours contracts." (Press Association) 
Chelsea seem set to miss out on Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery, who is only interested in going to Real Madrid, and also AC Milan's Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato, who says he is part of Milan and the club decides his life.(The Times) 
Liverpool's Alvaro Arbeloa says he is "filled with pride" to be linked to Real Madrid and "it would be a lie" to assume he will be at Anfield next season.(Daily Telegraph) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Wigan say they have received "acceptable" bids of £14m to £18m from Manchester United and Real Madrid for winger Antonio Valencia. (Daily Mail) 
United are also interested in signing Atletico Madrid's Argentine striker Sergio Aguero, who scored 17 goals in La Liga last season and is valued at £45m.(The Independent) 
Midfielder Cesc Fabregas has dropped his biggest hint yet that he could leave Arsenal, calling the club "impotent" because of their failure to challenge for the title and suggesting he would like to join Real Madrid. (The Sun) 
Inter Milan sporting director Marco Branca flew into London on Wednesday for talks with Chelsea about a £10m double bid for Ricardo Carvalho and Deco.(The Sun) 
Blackburn could move for Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch to replace Roque Santa Cruz, who has joined Manchester City.(Daily Star) 
Middlesbrough have paved the way for winger Stewart Downing to join Tottenham by signing Mark Yeates from Colchester (Daily Express).
Turkish club Besiktas want Portsmouth midfielder John Utaka and Greek top-flight newcomers Atromitos are interested in Pompey's veteran defender Sol Campbell (Daily Mirror). 
Sunderland want to sign Newcastle striker Peter Lovenkrands on a free transfer (The Sun).
Former Liverpool and Sunderland striker Djibril Cisse is to have a medical with Greek side Panathinaikos (Daily Star). 
Liverpool have received an offer from Malaga for their unwanted goalkeeper, Charles Itandje, who was fined for misbehaving during the Hillsborough memorial service (The Guardian).
Stoke have added Newcastle striker Alan Smith to their list of summer transfer targets (Daily Telegraph). 
Tottenham midfielder Adel Taarabt is to join Malaga on loan with a view to a permanent £2.5m transfer (Daily Mirror).
Ipswich are targeting former Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune, who is currently without a club (The Independent). 

OTHER GOSSIP

Peter Reid is in line to be the new Southampton manager if a rival group beats Matthew Le Tissier's takeover consortium to buy the club.(Daily Star) 
Arsenal defender Keiran Gibbs is expected to sign a lucrative new five-year deal when he returns from England duty at the European Under-21 championships.(Daily Star) 
Real Madrid will reportedly insert a buy-out clause of £1bn in winger Cristiano Ronaldo's contract when he completes his move from Manchester United (Daily Telegraph).

AND FINALLY

England Under-21 winger Theo Walcott says he played so badly against Finland in the European Under-21 Championship that even his parents booed him when he was substituted. (Various)
A six-year-old boy asked the Celtic club shop to put the name of new goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska on the back of his shirt - but staff had not heard of him (Daily Record).
www.bbc.co.uk

Spain 0-2 USA

The United States caused one of the biggest upsets in world football by beating European champions Spain in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup.
Jozy Altidore broke the deadlock on 27 minutes when he turned Joan Capdevila and beat Iker Casillas from 15 yards. 
Fulham's Clint Dempsey then doubled the lead on 74 minutes when he converted Landon Donovan's pass from close range. 
The defeat in South Africa ended Spain's world record of 15 straight wins and their 35-match unbeaten run. 
"It's exciting, a great team effort. To beat an amazing team like Spain and make the final, it's big," said US coach Bob Bradley. 
"We played as hard as we could and that's what it took. Every guy contributed, so it's a very good feeling."
US captain Carlos Bocanegra added: "I think it just shows that we can compete with the best. Now we need to do it on a consistent basis." 
The US opened the tournament with a 3-1 loss to world champions Italy before being outclassed 3-0 by Brazil but they advanced to the last four by beating Egypt 3-0. 
"It goes to show what hard work and commitment to each other can bring," stated US goalkeeper Tim Howard, who made crucial saves to deny David Villa and Fernando Torres. "Football is a funny thing." 
Victory meant the US advanced to their first Fifa final, although the achievement was slightly soured by the dismissal of Michael Bradley. 
The midfielder, son of the US coach, will now miss Sunday's showdown against either defending champions Brazil or hosts South Africa.

.

Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Capdevila, Pique, Puyol, Xavi, Fabregas (Santi Cazorla 68), Alonso, Riera (Mata 78), Torres, Villa.

Subs Not Used: Diego Lopez, Albiol, Arbeloa, Marchena, Pablo, Busquets, Silva, Llorente, Guiza, Reina. 
Booked: Capdevila, Pique. 

USA: Howard, DeMerit, Spector, Bocanegra, Onyewu, Clark, Dempsey (Bornstein 88), Davies (Feilhaber 69), Donovan, Bradley, Altidore (Casey 84).
Subs Not Used: Guzan, Pearce, Califf, Wynne, Beasley, Kljestan, Adu, Torres, Robles. 
Sent Off: Bradley (87). 
Booked: Donovan, Altidore. 
Goals: Altidore 27, Dempsey 74. 

Att: 40,000 
Ref: Jorge Larrionda (Uruguay).
www.bbc.co.uk

Spain - USA

After the winning of EURO 2008, Spain continued with trashing their opponents. They finished an impressive group stage in the 2009 Confederations Cup by defeating hosts South Africa 2-0 on Saturday night. The victory has given Spain a world record of 15 consecutive international wins. And not just that, by avoiding defeat in tonight’s match, they would also set a new all-time record for unbeaten matches – they are currently level with Brazil on 35. First place in the group with eight goals scored and zero conceded, while strikers Fernando Torres and David Villa both have 3 goals apiece. Vincente Del Bosque has probably the best team in Spanish history. Attacking duo Torres-Villa is certainly the best on the world. Midfield, even without Senna and Iniesta looks masterful, while defence conceded just two goals from last 16 games and a clean sheet has been kept in a remarkable 25 of mentioned 35 fixtures (over 70%)! Considering their current shape, they’re big favorites in this semi-final.

After the first two displays, situation looked hopeless for USA. Two defeats, from Italy and Brazil, with six goals conceded and two red cards deserved. They needed a wonder to pass the group stage. But, in the third game, lads humiliated confused Pharaons (who btw. played defensive in the second-half, trying to keep the minimal defeat!) and with the favor from Brazil who defeated Italy, booked a ticket to semi-finals. Players confidence raised, they’ll undoubtedly put up a good fight in this encounter, but Spain isn’t Egypt. On the other half of the pitch will be (probably) the best eleven on the world. Semi-final is a big success for the Bob Bradley’s squad, but it seems they came till the end of the road. They already beat the odds once, but this time, anything except the convincing defeat is hard to imagine. USA’s main hope will be the underestimation from Spanish side.

It is unnecessary to be said who is closer to final. Spain is much better side and it’s hard to expect USA can repeat the performance from Egypt game. I think we’ll watch an open game and choose bet on goals, rather than Spanish win. Pinnacle offers 1.85. Over.

.

Available free bets, bonus offers and promotions:
"William Hill Exlusive £100 freebet, All Countries!!!" 1. Click here to open your account, Sign up("Join now") using promo code F100, 2. When you place your first bet, we will give you a free bet of the same value up to a max of £50, 3. As you place more bets you can earn up to another £50 in free bets. (Moneybookers available for this offer, You can choose Euro as a currency.)

Wednesday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has dismissed speculation linking him to a move to Manchester United. The 28-year-old told AS: "There is nothing at all from Manchester (United) or any other club."(The Sun)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is interested in signing Atletico Madrid's £45m-rated striker Sergio Aguero after giving up on Valencia forward David Villa. (Daily Star) 
Arsenal have offered Emmanuel Adebayor to AC Milan and Inter Milan as the Gunners are eager to offload the striker but will not sell him to Premier League rivals Chelsea. (Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City will make a £15m bid for Everton centre-back Joleon Lescott in the next 48 hours.(Daily Mirror) 
City's Brazilian forward Robinho has urged the club to buy Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o.(The Sun) 
Michael Essien's agent claims the midfielder could leave Chelsea this summer if the likes of "Real Madrid, Barcelona or some other club" make an offer.(The Sun) 
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce has put Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch top of his wish list as a replacement for striker Roque Santa Cruz. (Daily Mirror) 
Aston Villa are set to bid £1m for German goalkeeper Gerhard Tremmel from Energie Cottbus.(Daily Mirror) 
Celtic want to sign £5m-rated Fulham striker Diomansay Kamara. (Daily Mirror) 
The Scottish giants are also close to signing Swindon forward Simon Cox for £2.5m. (Daily Star)
Greek club Larissa are keen on signing Celtic striker Jan Vennegor of Hesselink. (Scottish Sun) 
Hearts are weighing up a move for out-of-contract Finnish striker Shefki Kuqi, who was last at Crystal Palace. (Daily Mail)
Bolton boss Gary Megson is set to pull out of a move for West Brom left-back Paul Robinson as the £1m asking price is twice the amount he wants to pay. (Various) 
Reading face a double bid from Sunderland for winger Stephen Hunt and striker Kevin Doyle.(Daily Mirror) 
Sunderland are also closing in on Tottenham striker Darren Bent - but they will need to match the Londoners' £10m valuation. (Daily Star) 
Nottingham Forest have made a final bid of £2.5m for Doncaster defender Matt Mills. (Daily Star)
Former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira is in talks over a move from Inter Milan to Paris St Germain. (The Sun) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez says the £18.5m the club has paid to sign right-back Glen Johnson from Portsmouth is over the odds.(The Sun) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger refused to include striker Nicklas Bendtner as part of the deal that brought Ajax defender Thomas Vermaelen to the Emirates Stadium. (The Sun) 
Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes has pleaded with manager Harry Rednapp not to sell him. (Various)
Burnley midfielder Graham Alexander is set to sign a new one-year deal with the club and at 37 he will be the oldest player in the Premier League. (Various) 
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce will hold talks with defender Nyron Nosworthy, who fears he is on his way out of the club with no offer of a new deal. (Various)
Stockport County do not have a kit to play in next season after having to auction off their strip to repay debts to manufacturers Diadora. (The Sun) 
Former Sunderland managers Malcolm Crosby and Ricky Sbragia are interested in forming a double act at Motherwell. (Daily Mail)
But Motherwell chairman wants the new manager to make club skipper Stephen Craigan his assistant. (Daily Express)
www.bbc.co.uk

Belarus U21 1-2 Italy U21

Italy came from behind to beat Belarus 2-1 in Helsingborg to ensure they finished top of Group A at the European U21 Championships.
Robert Acquafresca, who has been on loan at Cagliari for the past two seasons but who is owned by Internazionale, scored both goals for the Italians to cancel out Sergei Kislyak's opener.
The victory means that Italy avoid England in the semi-finals and will instead play Group B runners-up Germany.
Pierluigi Casiraghi's team were full value for the win but were given a real fright in the 44th minute when completely against the run of play Kislyak cleverly guided in a fine low cross from the impressive Igor Shitov.
However, Italy managed to hit back for the penalty spot before half-time when Mikhail Afanasiev was deemed to have handled in the box.
Acqufresca calmly dispatched the penalty to ensure the sides would be level at the break.
The second-half was exciting fare. With Sweden comfortably beating Serbia in the other group match Italy knew they had to win to top the group.
Similarly, Belarus knew it would be them, and not the Italians, who would play in the semi-finals if they could find a goal as they would have toppled Italy on the head-to-head rule.
Italy always looked the more likely to score though and Juventus prospect Sebastian Giovinco started to exert more influence on proceedings as the match went on.
He was denied twice in the same movement by first Belarus' goalkeeper Pavel Chesnovski and then by a great flying challenge from Shitov when it looked like the pint-sized Italian was going to nod home after Chesnovski initial save saw the ball pop up.
However, 14 minutes from the end Italy did get the key winning goal and it was a superb pass from Giovinco which cut open the Belarus defence.
That allowed lively substitute Antonio Candreva to roll the ball across to Acquafresca and the powerful striker was then allowed to quite literally walk the ball in for his third goal of the tournament.
One blow for the Italians though was a second yellow card for midfielder Claudio Marchisio who will now miss the semi-final but they will have star striker Mario Balotelli back for that match against the Germans.
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com

Belarus U21 - Italy U21

Calculation is simple. Belarus need a win against Italy and to hope there is a winner in the Sweden - Serbia fixture. Otherwise, Belarus should win with at least three goals difference. But, considering past two games, such epilogue isn’t very probable. Belarus came to Championship after they eliminated Turkey and made some good performances in friendlies, later (Germany away, 1-1). So, audience expected more. They started a game against Sweden very well, but defence line made some terrible mistakes and game ended with five goals on their balance. Against Serbia, it was a new team. With fighting attitude they kept the net and got one point that gives them a chance for semi-finals. It doesn’t sound real, but players were saying it was just because their coach was on the bench (wasn’t against Sweden). They have nothing to loose, have a chance to progress and I’m sure they’ll attack Italians (or try to attack, at least). And will have a coach on the bench.

Before the Championship started, Italy was declared as one of the main candidates for trophy. They didn’t prove such predictions only in the second half against Serbia. Azzurri had a drop in the performance, Serbs made two very good goal opportunities, but goalless draw at the end. In the second game, they were inferior about 23 minutes at the start. Then Mario Balotelli scored for a lead. Little later, the same player make big stupidity in his own manner and got a red card (will be substituted by Ignacio Abate). Italy won the game and now need a one point to qualify for semi-finals. But, must win for the first place. So, a win will lead them on Germany, a point on England and a defeat would mean a ticket to home. Maybe, it is nothing, but from the last 17 games Italy has just one defeat, against Germany. Motive for avoiding, or revenge? However, Casiraghi announced the best eleven will play (excluding mentioned Balotelli), they’re much better team and have no reason to play with the fate.

Italians are masters of calculations, but the example of their older mates (Confederations Cup) can only teach them what happened in case of exaggeration. Italy is much better, I don’t doubt in their serious approach and they should win this easily. But, the odds are miserable and Belarus must attack. So, I choose goals instead. Betfair offers 2.12, Pinnacle 2.02. Over.
.
Available free bets, bonus offers and promotions:
"William Hill Exlusive £100 freebet, All Countries!!!" 1. Click here to open your account, Sign up("Join now") using promo code F100, 2. When you place your first bet, we will give you a free bet of the same value up to a max of £50, 3. As you place more bets you can earn up to another £50 in free bets. (Moneybookers available for this offer, You can choose Euro as a currency.)

Tuesday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo says he wants to follow coach Carlo Ancelotti from the San Siro to Chelsea, and Milan chairman Silvio Berlusconi has hinted they could let him go (Daily Mirror). 
Real Madrid's former Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze says he would be open to the idea of playing in England again if Madrid let him go (Sky Sports).

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are talking to Brazilian club Gremio about a deal for their 18-year-old midfielder Douglas Costa - dubbed the new Cristiano Ronaldo.(The Times) 
Newcastle defender Steven Taylor has hinted he could leave if Alan Shearer does not get the manager's job at St James' Park.(Daily Telegraph) 
Atletico Madrid, Sunderland and Sevilla are all chasing Tottenham midfielder Didier Zokora. (The Sun)
West Ham, Aston Villa, Everton and Fulham are all in the running to sign former Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen after Barcelona confirmed he can leave for the right price (Daily Mirror).
Wolves are ready to break their club's transfer record with a £6.5m move for Reading forward Kevin Doyle(Daily Mail) 
Highly rated Sheffield United youngster Kyle Naughton could be sold to bring in money for several new signings, with Aston Villa and Everton keen on the £5m-rated defender.(Daily Mail) 
Argentine striker Carlos Tevez's next transfer after he leaves Manchester United will be heavily scrutinised by the Premier League to ensure there is no third-party ownership involved.(The Guardian) 
Chelsea are having talks with CSKA Moscow about £15m-rated left-back Yuri Zhirkov. (The Times) 
They are also interested in Inter Milan right-back Maicon after missing out on Glen Johnson, who joined Liverpool. (The Sun) 
Hull, Wolves and Portsmouth are all challenging Celtic for the signature of Nancy striker Marc-Antoine Fortune, who played under new Celtic boss Tony Mowbray on loan at West Brom last season. (Daily Record)
Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo is targeting moves for Aberdeen striker Lee Miller and out-of-contract Motherwell midfielder Stephen Hughes. (Daily Star)
Venezuela midfielder Juan Arango claims Celtic are among the clubs chasing his £3m signature from Mallorca. (Scottish Sun) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool may need to treble Javier Mascherano's wages to keep the midfielder at the club after signing defender Glen Johnson from Portsmouth. Mascherano is believed to be unhappy because he is paid less than most of his team-mates.(Daily Mirror) 
England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce says he is "inept" compared to England senior boss Fabio Capello and may need more club management experience before furthering his international coaching career. (The Times) 
Titus Bramble is poised to be named Wigan's new captain, taking over from Mario Melchiot (The Sun).
Matthew Le Tissier's consortium bidding to buy Southampton have been told they cannot appeal against the club's 10-point penalty for going into administration (The Sun). 
Motherwell are widening their managerial search to include former Sunderland boss Malcolm Crosby and ex-Stockport gaffer Jim Gannon. (Daily Star)
However, former Northern Ireland and Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez is leading the race to take over at Fir Park. (Scottish Sun) 
Celtic midfielder Scott Brown needs ankle surgery and is a doubt for the club's Champions League qualifying campaign. (Scottish Sun)
Uefa have delayed Celtic's planned tie up with Hungarian side Upjest, stalling Parkhead reserve coach Willie McStay's takeover as manager in Budapest. (Scottish Sun) 

AND FINALLY

Newcastle have unveiled a new yellow striped two-tone away kit for next season.(The Sun) 
Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole had his late grandmother's wedding ring resized for him to wear when he got married at the weekend. (The Sun)
www.bbc.co.uk

Monday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Nicklas Bendtner's father says the striker is fully committed to Arsenal, amid suggestions the Denmark international is wanted by Italian giants Roma. (Setanta) 
Andriy Shevchenko wants to honour his contract with Chelsea and will report for pre-season training with the Blues on 9 July. The Ukraine forward, who spent last season on loan at AC Milan, has one year left on his deal with the Stamford Bridge side. (The Sun)
AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi has said the Serie A club is open to offers for Andrea Pirlo, amid speculation the Italy midfielder could join former Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea(Daily Star)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United have been urged by former Chelsea and France defender Marcel Desailly to pay whatever it takes to sign Bayern Munich playmaker Franck Ribery - even if it costs £150m. (Daily Star)
Argentine striker Carlos Tevez agreed to join Manchester City from bitter rivals Manchester United two weeks ago - and he will complete a £25.5m move in the next few days.(Daily Mirror) 
However, Chelsea could scupper the deal if the Stamford Bridge outfit match the £130,000-a-week salary that City are offering Tevez. (Daily Mail) 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will start to rebuild his strike force with a £30m move for Lyon striker Karim Benzema.  (Daily Mirror) 
United's bid for the 21-year-old Benzema could even be as high as £35m. (Daily Mail) 
Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz will complete his £15m move to Manchester City in the next 48 hours - provided he passes medical tests on his knee. (The Sun) 
Hull manager Phil Brown wants to hijack Quinton Fortune's move to Ipswich. The former Manchester United winger is a free agent after being released by Belgian club Tubize. (Daily Star) 
However, Brown could miss out on Manchester United striker Frazier Campbell, who is stalling on a £6m move, despite the fee being agreed two weeks ago. (Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City are ready to sell Swiss midfielder Gelson Fernandes to Lens - and are hoping to claw back £2.5m from the deal. (Daily Mirror) 
Former Celtic midfielder Paul Hartley is wanted by Sheffield United. (Daily Mirror) 
But the Blades face a fight to keep defender Matthew Kilgallon at the club, with Wigan and Middlesbrough both interested. (Daily Mirror) 
Burnley are ready to move for Nigeria centre-back Rabiu Afolabi, who is a free agent after leaving French side Sochaux. (Daily Mirror) 
Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand insists he has no intention of leaving the club, despite interest from Fulham. (Daily Mirror) 
Blackburn are closing in on Paris St Germain midfielder Jerome Rothen.(Daily Mirror) 
Fulham have been linked with former Spain and Liverpool striker Fernando Morientes, who does not currently have a club. (The Independent) 
Liverpool's first-team coach Mauricio Pellegrino has refused to rule out the possibility of midfielder Javier Mascherano leaving the club - with Barcelona interested in the Argentine international. (Various). 
Bolton will strongly resist any offers for striker Kevin Davies, who is thought to be wanted by Blackburn. (Guardian)
Birmingham have not given up in their pursuit of defender Roger Johnson, despite Cardiff refusing to lower their £5m valuation of the player. (Guardian) 
Celtic face competition from Hull, Fulham, Portsmouth and Wolves for Nancy striker Marc-Antoine Fortune. (Scottish Sun)
Herman Hreidarsson looks set to reject a possible Old Firm switch in favour of staying at Portsmouth. (Daily Express) 
Bristol City could sell Michael McIndoe to Sheffield United for £750,000 and replace him with Manchester United winger Lee Martin. (Bristol Evening Post) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool co-owner George Gillett has pulled off a deal in the United States, selling his stake in NHL side Montreal Canadiens for a £178m profit, that should help him to ease the Reds' financial worries. (The Guardian) 
Claims have emerged in the Middle East that an Arab sheik has bought a 60% stake in a top English club. Portsmouth and Newcastle are among the leading clubs for sale. (The Sun) 
Broadcasters Setanta are clinging on to a slim hope that they can raise the £3m owed to the Scottish Premier League and keep themselves in business. (Daily Record)
However, the SPL are ready to pull the plug on Setanta and secure a new television deal with either Sky or ESPN. (Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY

Reading fan Charles McLeod could be the world's most devoted supporter after racking up an incredible 120,000 miles last season to watch his side 17 times - travelling from his hometown of Toronto, Canada. (Daily Mirror)
David Beckham is hoping to stretch his playing career until he is 40 by incorporating an hour-long Pilates routine into his daily training. The exercises were part of the England midfielder's regime while on loan at AC Milan from Los Angeles Galaxy. He has signed up for classes in the United States when he returns in July with his wife Victoria. (The Sun)
www.bbc.co.uk

Egypt 0-3 USA

The USA produced a barnstorming display to thump Egypt and surprisingly reach the Confederations Cup semi-finals.
With Brazil 3-0 winners against Italy in the other Group B game, the USA, who had lost their opening two games, went through at Egypt and Italy's expense. 
Egypt goalkeeper Essam Al Hadari's spilled Jozy Altidore's cross and Charlie Davies pounced for the opener. 
After the break the USA upped the tempo and after Michael Bradley sidefooted in Clint Dempsey headed home the third. 
Dempsey's goal ensured the USA qualified under the most unlikely circumstances and will now play European champions Spain in the first semi-final in Bloemfontein on Wednesday with South Africa up against Brazil in Johannesburg on Thursday.

Egypt were missing striker Mohamed Zidan with a hamstring injury and his replacement Ahmed Abdel-Ghani was guilty of missing several first half chances in the early exchanges. 
But the USA also had several attacks before finally going ahead, with Egypt up to that point thankful to Al Hadari for keeping them in the game.

Egypt: El Hadari, Fathi (Said Ahmed 57), Said, Gomaa, Farag, El Mohamady, Shawky, Abd Rabou, Abdel-Ghani (Abu Greisha 62), Aboutreika, Eid (Hassan 50). 
Subs Not Used: El Sayed, Fathallah, Khairy, Zidan, Homos, Tawfik, Moawad, Raouf, Sobhy. 
Booked: El Mohamady. 

USA: Guzan, Spector, Onyewu, DeMerit, Bornstein, Dempsey, Bradley, Clark, Donovan, Davies (Casey 82), Altidore (Feilhaber 69). 
Subs Not Used: Howard, Bocanegra, Pearce, Beasley, Wynne, Califf, Kljestan, Adu, Torres, Robles. 
Booked: Spector, Bradley. 
Goals: Davies 22, Bradley 63, Dempsey 71. 

Att: 23,000 
Ref: Michael Hester (New Zealand).
www.bbc.co.uk

Egypt - USA

This is the last game in the group. The propositions say Egyptians are definitely through if they better Italy's result. Should the Azzurri win, the Egyptians can overtake them if they beat the USA by a bigger margin. Before the start of competition, Egypt was rated as a third selection in the group, but after two games played they deserve a title of biggest surprise. In the first game, they were equal against World Champions-Brazil, loosing the game in the last moments (from controversial penalty kick). Players’ confidence raised rapidly and that was more than obvious in the second game, where Pharaons made a historic victory over Italy. They played tactically perfect and score from the only good opportunity. But, while the lads were beating Italy, five of the players were the victims of burglary, with thieves breaking into their hotel rooms in Johannesburg. That has done little to dampen the Pharaohs' spirits, with the squad confident they can record a convincing win against the USA. Bad news is Egypt could be without striker Mohamed Zidan after he picked up a hamstring injury in the win against Italy. The Pharaohs are short of experienced strikers, with Amr Zaki injured before the tournament began and Mido out of favour with coach Hassan Shehata.

Oposite from Egypt, before the start of Confederations Cup USA was declared as the group outsider. And in the first two games they proved that status. The only good thing was the first half in the opening game against Italy. They scored, even with a player less and were equal on the pitch. But, till the game end conceded three times. Second game didn’t bring anything good. Another three hits, from Brazil (with mixed starting eleven) this time, and another red card. The USA squad records an obvious improvement in last couple of years, but it seems they’re still far from the best world teams. Even at competition such as Confederations Cup. The players are certainly disappointed with two convincing defeats and the question is will they be able to recover mentally for the Pharaons. However, USA is not without the chance for progress. They have to win by at least three goals and Italy to lose. Ricardo Clark is back after a ban but Sacha Klejstan is suspended. Watford's Jay DeMerit may again deputise for Carlos Bocanegra if the former Fulham defender fails to recover from a hamstring problem.

After two excellent games, Egyptians proved their confidence wasn’t uncovered. Win over Italy and Brazil game put them in the position of big favorites against USA and missings in attacking lines won’t change it too much. Americans are discouraged after two defeats and six goals conceded. In the last game will play “for the fans” and I can’t see any different epilogue, than Egypt’s victory.Pinnacle offers 1.81. Home win and little gamble on x-1, again.

.

Available free bets, bonus offers and promotions:
"William Hill Exlusive £100 freebet, All Countries!!!" 1. Click here to open your account, Sign up("Join now") using promo code F100, 2. When you place your first bet, we will give you a free bet of the same value up to a max of £50, 3. As you place more bets you can earn up to another £50 in free bets. (Moneybookers available for this offer, You can choose Euro as a currency.)

serie B

Livorno 3 - 0 Brescia

1 - 0 F. Tavano  50. min.
2 - 0 A. Diamanti  60. min.
3 - 0 M. Bergvold 74. min.

Sunday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Bolton will reject any offer made for striker Kevin Davies with Blackburn being linked with their influential captain. (Press Association)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea will test the depth of Liverpool's financial problems and their resolve to keep Fernando Torres by bidding £50m for the Spanish international striker. (News of the World) 
But Torres says Liverpool will challenge Chelsea and Manchester United, despite not having the same financial clout as their rivals. He also wants to stay at Liverpool and get close to the legendary status of Kenny Dalglish and Robbie Fowler. (Mail on Sunday)
Chelsea and Manchester United have been linked with Valencia striker David Villa but Torres has told them to forget about signing him as believes his international strike partner will go to either Barcelona or Real Madrid. (Sunday Telegraph)
The Blues also want another Reds player as they are ready to fight it out with Real Madrid for midfielder Xabi Alonso.(Sunday Mirror) 
Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano is now a target for Real Madrid as well as Barcelona. (Sunday Times) 
Chelsea's failure to land a major signing so far this summer is the reason they have joined Manchester City in the race to sign Carlos Tevez. (Independent)
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will use some of the £80m from Cristiano Ronaldo's proposed move to Real Madrid by bringing in Lyon striker Karim Benzema for £25m. (News of the World)
The Old Trafford side could face another battle to keep hold of one of their prize assets as Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho is keen on taking promising 17-year-old striker Federico Macheda back to his native Italy. (People)
Ferguson has hit a stumbling block in his pursuit of Wigan's right-sided midfielder Antonio Valencia with united offering £12m but the Latics wanting £18m. (People)
Hull are keen to sign Newcastle striker Michael Owen in a deal which would see him get a basic salary plus extras for playing and scoring goals. (News of the World)
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is keen to bring striker Lomana LuaLua back to the Premier League after his stint with Qatar side Al-Arabi. (News of the World)
Aston Villa are eyeing up a move for £7m-rated Atletico Madrid midfielder Jurado but appear to have missed out to Fiorentina in their attempts to sign Royston Drenthe from Real Madrid. (News of the World)
Villa boss Martin O'Neill is ready to battle it out with Everton for the services of Sheffield United right-back Kyle Naughton. (Observer)

OTHER GOSSIP

Cristiano Ronaldo says his impending move to Real Madrid is not for the money but for the "dream" of wearing their white shirt and to become "one of the greatest (players) of all time". (News of the World) 
Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos insists their will be no ill-feeling from his prospective team-mates towards Ronaldo because of his reported £175,000-a-week wages. (Sunday Mirror)
Manchester United will reward the loyalty shown by centre-back Nemanja Vidic by giving him a £1m-a-year pay rise, putting him alongside Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov. (News of the World)
Manchester City manager Mark Hughes and his players will share a £10m bonus if they qualify for the Champions League next season. (News of the World)

AND FINALLY

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is not happy with the weakness of sterling against the Euro. "Of course we think about it," he said. "We are not stupid. When you see your contract down by 30% you cannot be happy." (Sunday Telegraph)
www.bbc.co.uk

Saturday view

Good day, yesterday. Sligo with bunch of youngsters didn't have a chance, though goalie Brush made another fantastic display. On the other hand, we (Serbs) proved again it is impossible to win without attackers. 

.

I couldn't find any pointer for today. Iraq is a favorite vs New Zealand, but odd 1.40 for their win doesn't represent the risk. They put two solid displays, but we don't know how it looks when they have to attack. I don't dare to predict anything here.

Livorno and Brescia will play the re-match for serie a. Livorno is a slight favorite, but mainly because the weird propositions. In case of another draw, extra-time will be played and in case draw stayed, won't be the penalty-kicks, Livorno will win 'cause better league position. Really don't understand. However, gamble bet (and the only for today) on X-1 ht/ft. Just because the type of the game.

.

One full analyze tomorrow. The Pharaons against USA.

.

Available free bets, bonus offers and promotions:
"William Hill Exlusive £100 freebet, All Countries!!!" 1. Click here to open your account, Sign up("Join now") using promo code F100, 2. When you place your first bet, we will give you a free bet of the same value up to a max of £50, 3. As you place more bets you can earn up to another £50 in free bets. (Moneybookers available for this offer, You can choose Euro as a currency.)