Saturday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Former Chelsea and Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has revealed he already is being headhunted after leaving Uzbekistan champions Bunyodkor by mutual consent. "I have enough serious offers from a number of different teams. There are two offers from European clubs, another two from Asia and one from Brazilian club. But I'm not ready to decide this now," he said. (Press Association)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

West Ham have launched an audacious move to bring LA Galaxay midfielder David Beckham back to England while trying to lure former midfielder Joe Cole back from Chelsea.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester City have stepped up their interest in Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and midfielder Yaya Toure but the Spanish side are demanding £60m for the double deal.(Daily Mail) 
Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani has rejected a move to Juventus because he wants to prove his worth at Anfield.(Footylatest.com) 
Manchester United and Arsenal are competing to sign £13m-rated Belgian playmaker Eden Hazard from French side Lille.(caughtoffside.com) 
Arsenal have had a £4.2m bid for Lorient defender Laurent Koscielny rejected. Wenger had identified the 24-year-old as a potential partner for Thomas Vermaelen.(caughtoffside.com) 
Dutch star Arjen Robben has claimed Manchester City target Rafael van der Vaart wants to join him at Bayern Munich.(Daily Mail) 
Jermaine Beckford is poised to join Everton after his Leeds contract was ripped up early.(The Sun) 

OTHER GOSSIP

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan (on photo) believes West Ham can be the Arsenal of London's East End.(Daily Mail) 
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has been handed a measly £5m summer transfer kitty.(Daily Mail)

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AND FINALLY

Hammers striker Benni McCarthy is "nearly as fat as me," says West Ham co-owner David Sullivan. "He's the one West Ham player I want to go to the World Cup because he might come back fitter."(Daily Mail)

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Maybe will be some pick(s), later. Football, no tennis, no rubbish. Stay tuned.

Liverpool 0-0 Fulham

Liverpool's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League took another huge blow as they failed to break down resolute Fulham despite dominating possession.
Alberto Aquilani's early overhead kick was easily collected by Mark Schwarzer. 
And the Australian continued to thwart Liverpool and Aquilani, saving his 20-yard curling effort and watching the Italian's left-footed drive fly wide. 
Schwarzer was again equal to Ryan Babel's fierce strike as Fulham defended deep and frustrated Liverpool. 
This game could have been a dress rehearsal for the Europa League final in Hamburg - if Liverpool and Fulham are able to overcome their respective semi-final opponents.
But if that is the case, the neutral will hope for a far less one-sided affair - as Liverpool attacked relentlessly but lacked the necessary guile to open the scoring. 
Rafael Benitez's Liverpool side will take on Atletico Madrid after overcoming Benfica 4-1 at Anfield to win 5-3 on aggregate, while Fulham won 1-0 at German champions Wolfsburg for a 3-1 aggregate victory and will face Hamburg in their last-four encounter. 
But, there were no signs that Liverpool were feeling the effects of their exertions in the week as they started brightly with chances falling to David Ngog, Maxi Rodriguez and Aquilani. 
The home side had received an attacking blow prior to kick-off when talismanic 22-goal striker Fernando Torres was ruled out with a knee injury.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez:
"I am a little bit disappointed, normally when you control the game and have chances you can score. We know the fourth position is a little bit far away. 
"They were deep, they were well organised and we had to score. We had one or two chances, their keeper was good, but it's not easy to find space when they have players behind the ball. 
"We needed to be patient and it was not easy to find the final pass in the final third. 
"I am disappointed because I feel that we had plenty of possession." 
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson:
"There is no doubt Liverpool dominated the game and we were forced on to the back foot but at the same time we stood our corner very well and fought very hard. 
"We stopped them getting clear-cut chances and it was really when we just lost Daniel Agger for a corner at the end that I was concerned the ball was going to go in the back of the net. 
"On the occasions when they got good strikes in Mark Schwarzer was equal to it. It is another excellent clean sheet. 
"I have got to be very satisfied with what the team has done because Liverpool are a very difficult team to take points off home or away."
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Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea and Tottenham are eyeing up a £13m move for Everton's Steven Pienaar following rumours that the midfielder wants to play Champions League football.(Caughtoffside.com) 
Liverpool are planning an audacious move for Real Madrid striker Raul and want the 32-year-old to partner fellow Spaniard Fernando Torres up front.(Caughtoffside.com) 
Albert Riera's proposed switch from Liverpool to Spartak Moscow has stalled after the 27-year-old winger failed to agree personal terms. (Daily Mail) 
Blackburn are ready to sign striker Aruna Dindane in a £2m deal - and let him play on for Portsmouth to save his FA Cup and World Cup dreams.(Daily Mirror) 
Ghana forward Quincy Owusu-Abeyie has left Portsmouth, where he was on loan from Spartak Moscow, and joined Qatar side Al Saad on a permanent deal.(IM Scouting) 
Chelsea midfielder Deco could be on his way to Fluminese. The Brazilian side are trying to get the 32-year-old midfielder on the cheap but Corinthians and Flamingo are also interested.(Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal are checking out Japanese striker Takayuki Morimoto and may try to prise him away from Serie A side Catania with a £9m bid.(Caughtoffside.com) 
The Gunners have also made a £9m offer for Real Zaragoza 's 20-year-old midfielder Ander Herrera, according to Spanish paper AS. (IM Scouting) 
Bolton manager Owen Coyle wants midfielder Jack Wilshere, 18, to stay for another season following a string of impressive performances since moving on loan from Arsenal in January. (Daily Star) 
Liverpool are lining up a £3m summer bid for 18-year-old Rangers defender Danny Wilson.(Scottish Sun) 
Wigan are strong favourites to land Hamilton's James McArthur after stepping up their interest in the midfielder. (Daily Mail)

OTHER GOSSIP

Chelsea's director of football Frank Arnesen would like to bring in former Dutch and Ajax coach Marco van Basten, 45, as a possible replacement for under-fire boss Carlo Ancelotti. Van Basten has been out of the game for a year since since resigning as Ajax coach in May 2009. (IM Scouting) 
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is not leaving Villa Park and instead has held a crunch meeting with his players in which he demanded a vast improvement after their 7-1 defeat at Chelsea on Saturday.(Daily Mirror) 
Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell is set to sign a new four-and-a-half-year deal with the Toffees, earning him £25,000 a week. The news will disappoint Manchester United and Chelsea, who have had their eyes on the 19-year-old.(Daily Mirror) 
Blackburn midfielder Martin Olsson will not be charged with improper conduct, despite admitting that he dived to win his side a penalty against Burnley on Sunday.(Daily Mail) 
West Ham's joint-chairman David Sullivan is in Dubai seeking new investment in the club. (The Sun) 
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has offered to help Cowdenbeath, with the cash-strapped Fife club's future uncertain.(Scotsman) 

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AND FINALLY

Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani has had a ticking-off - not from boss Rafael Benitez but his English teacher. The Italian, who joined the Merseyside club from Roma eight months ago, said: "I'm not having regular lessons at the moment. At first I did but it has been difficult more recently and my English teacher is angry about this."(The Sun)

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Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery admits Chelsea are "very interested" in him and expects his future to be decided before the end of March. (Daily Mail) 
Wigan are weighing up a move for Egypt's right-back Ahmed Al-Muhammadi after he impressed against England last week.(Daily Mail) 
Aston Villa are the latest club to monitor Cardiff City full-back Adam Matthews, with Tottenham, Manchester United and Arsenal also interested in the 18-year-old.(Daily Mail) 
Rochdale can look forward to a predicted £1m windfall from the sale of centre-half Craig Dawson, who is being tracked by Tottenham and Fulham.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Chelsea captain John Terry's celebration of his goal against Stoke, in which he rolled up his shirt sleeve and pointed to his captain's armband, dominates the back pages. Selections include: "Terry Up In Arms" (Daily Star), "Barmy Army" (Daily Mirror) and "Listen To The Band" (The Sun).
Manchester United defender Wes Brown fears his World Cup dream is over after breaking a bone in his left foot.(Daily Mail) 
Manager Rafael Benitez has assured Alberto Aquilani that he is not the "forgotten man of Liverpool", despite having to sacrifice the Italian midfielder's adjustment to English football in the race for a critical place in next season's Champions League.(The Guardian) 
AC Milan midfielder David Beckham believes the Italian club can cause a surprise at Old Trafford on Wednesday and knock Manchester United out of the Champions League, despite losing the first leg 3-2 in the San Siro. (Daily Mail) 
The battle for control of Manchester United is expected to intensify this week with the appointment of official banking advisers to the Red Knights, the group of City financiers who are trying to seize control of the club.(The Guardian) 
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp believes all Premier League managers will eventually be foreign.(Daily Telegraph) 
The Football Association may withhold the £600,000 prize money and television income that Portsmouth have earned by reaching the FA Cup semi-finals, then divert it to pay off some of the £3m in transfer fees Pompey owe to other clubs.(The Times) 
That, however, may be the least of Portsmouth's problems. The FA may dump the club out of the entire Cup competition as a result of their debts.(Daily Express) 
Wigan's Victor Moses may opt to join Nigeria's World Cup squad after being overlooked by Stuart Pearce for the England Under-21 team.(Daily Mirror) 
West Ham's new owners will offer goalkeeper Robert Green an improved contract in a bid to keep the England player at Upton Park.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Fabio Capello's love of golf is one of the reasons the Italian wants to stay on as England coach for the next two years. The former AC Milan boss has become addicted to the sport since arriving in the country and now plays a couple of times a week.(Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal midfielder Theo Walcott has explained that his goal celebration against Burnley, which involved pointing to an imaginary watch on his wrist, was an attempt to dodge a fine for missing the team bus. "I was late for the bus the night before, so that's why I was pointing to a watch," he said. "I probably will get a fine but I'll take it. I shouldn't be late but I just got caught in traffic. Maybe it will be forgotten about now!"(The Sun)

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Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is planning a summer raid on Manchester United to sign defender Rio Ferdinand, who has recently endured a torrid few months for club and country.(Daily Mail) 
Former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor says that current Gunners captain Cesc Fabregas will be the next star to quit the Emirates if the club underachieve again this season.(Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal could also lose Fabregas' fellow Spanish midfielder Fran Merida, with Atletico Madrid set to step up their interest in the player.(The Sun) 
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is keen on signing Torino's Italy Under-21 international defender Angelo Ogbonna.(The Sun) 
Birmingham want to sign Seville striker Arouna Kone on loan.(The Sun) 
Alternatively, City are planning a move for Salzburg striker Marc Janko.(Daily Mirror) 
Wolves striker Chris Iwelumo has turned down the chance to join Middlesbrough.(Daily Mirror) 
Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan has other targets in mind though, namely Manchester United striker Federico Macheda, who the Scot wants on loan.(Daily Mail) 
Swansea are tracking Sheffield United's Welsh international winger David Cotterill.(Daily Mirror) 
Derby boss Nigel Clough is planning a £500,000 swoop for Plymouth striker Jamie Mackie.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is wanted by Real Madrid as replacement for current boss Manuel Pellegrini.(Daily Mail) 
Hull manager Phil Brown has been given only two games to save his job as the club look to consolidate in the wake of the departure of Paul Duffen as chairman.(The Sun)
Alternatively, Brown has just one game to avoid the sack, meaning he must get a positive result at Burnley on Saturday.(Independent) 
However, if former Hull owner Adam Pearson returns to the club, Brown will be axed as manager regardless of whether he turns their fortunes around.(Daily Mail) 
Another manager who is battling to save his job is Reading boss Brendan Rodgers, who has two games to save himself from the axe.(Daily Mail) 
Notts County executive chairman Peter Trembling says the club backed away from appointing former Inter coach Roberto Mancini as boss at Meadow Lane because of the media interest it would generate.(Guardian) 
Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has denied suggestions that his poor form this season is because of continual transfer speculation linking him with a move to European champions Barcelona.(The Sun) 
Liverpool's players have backed Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani, who has recovered from a broken ankle, to be the club's trump card after he finally made his debut in the Carling Cup tie with Arsenal on Wednesday.(Daily Mirror) 
Striker Marlon King will miss out on £2.7m in wages after his sacking by Wigan in the aftermath of his 18-month jail sentence for sexual assault.(Daily Mirror) 
LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham will miss England's friendly with Brazil in Doha on 14 November if Galaxy win their MLS play-off next week as they would next play again on the 12th. This will wreck his chances of breaking Peter Shilton's 125-cap record at the World Cup in South Africa next year.(The Sun) 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has slammed international friendlies as money-making ventures for FA delegates, who fancy a "nice sunny trip".(The Sun) 
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has phoned Sir Alex Ferguson, Sam Allardyce, Steve Bruce and Rafa Benitez to help defuse the row over comments attributed to him suggesting that the Manchester United, Blackburn and Sunderland boss were ganging up on Liverpool manager Benitez.(The Sun) 
Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy says that he will quit international football with Wales if City qualify for the Champions League.(Daily Mirror) 
Former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell's attempts to release his registration from Notts County have hit a snag as the club want him to agree to five-year gagging agreement preventing him talking about his time at Meadow Lane.(The Sun) 
Arsenal striker Jay Simpson is aiming to be a hit in the Premier League next season, whether it be with the Gunners or at QPR, with whom he is currently on loan.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Sheffield United player-coach Gary Speed says the only training he is now doing is for the London Marathon. The former Newcastle midfielder, who has been recovering from a serious back injury suffered last November, is running the event for the Bobby Robson Foundation.(Daily Mirror) 
Former Manchester City defender Danny Mills will compete in April's Brighton Marathon in a wheelchair to help raise money for the Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus and football charity the National Association of Disabled Supporters. (The Sun) 
Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri says he was so hungry to make his mark on his return to Arsenal's in the Carling Cup match with Liverpool on Wednesday he "wanted to eat the pitch". The Frenchman has been out for three months with a broken leg.(The Sun) 
Portsmouth boss Paul Hart says he loves being kept in the dark over issues at Fratton Park as it makes his day more interesting. Hart admitted he had not been consulted over the appointment of Avram Grant as director of football in October and Pompey despite a transfer embargo being in place at the club since 15 October, Hart only found out about it on Tuesday.(The Sun)

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P.S.:Football weekend is in front. Analyzes will follow, first tonight.

Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Arsenal are preparing a £2m bid for Osasuna full-back Cesar Azpilicueta (on photo).(The Sun)
Valencia forward David Silva, who is reportedly being tracked by Manchester United, has no intention of leaving the Spanish club this season. (Daily Mirror) 
West Ham will step up their efforts to sign Bayern Munich and Italy striker Luca Toni.(Daily Mirror) 
Fulham are tracking Benfica right-back Maxi Pereira, with the Uruguayan set to be out of contract next summer.(Daily Mirror) 
Blackburn are interested in Benfica winger Fabio Coentrao. Rovers have twice sent scouts to look at the winger this season. (Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Newcastle could be forced into administration if Kevin Keegan wins his £25m compensation claim against owner Mike Ashley.(Daily Star) 
Hull manager Phil Brown could have just a month to save his job.(Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth boss Paul Hart has shrugged off suggestions that he could be in line for the sack.(Daily Star) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has backed defender Sol Campbell for a return to the Premier League after he walked out on Notts County on Wednesday.(The Sun) 
Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor says he will not tone down his goal celebrations despite facing a Football Association charge of improper conduct for the way he reacted to scoring against old club Arsenal.(Daily Star) 
Everton are demanding Blackburn striker El Hadji Diouf apologises for accusing the club's fans of throwing bananas at him.(The Sun) 
Liverpool are targeting their trip to Sunderland on 17 October as the game in which injured £20m midfielder Alberto Aquilani will make his debut for the club.(Daily Telegraph) 
A team of "cyberpolice" from New Scotland Yard have helped to save tens of thousands of football fans from being duped into buying bogus tickets for the 2010 World Cup.(The Times) 
Russell King, a senior representative of Qadbak, the offshore company that owns Notts County, has had £1.9m of his assets frozen by the courts in Jersey over an unpaid debt. (Daily Telegraph) 

AND FINALLY

Former Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he still watches his old team-mates on television and has backed compatriot Nani to fill the void left by his Old Trafford exit.(Daily Mirror) 
England players will be given a "two strikes and you're out" disciplinary code in the lead up to the World Cup.(Daily Mirror)
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Genoa - Roma

Last season hosts finished at the fifth place, even had a chance for Champions League, at the end had the same number of points as Fiorentina, but worse mutual score. This was achieved after a strong season which saw the team defeating the giants like Juventus, Roma and Milan, and winning both derbies against Sampdoria, with Diego Milito finishing among the top scorers of Serie A. Mentioned Milito and excellent Thiago Motta have been sold to Internazionale. Chairman Enrico Preziosi was more than generous during the transfer market and club signed the replacements. Striker Sergio Floccari came from Atalanta for 12 mill. euros. Also, two Argentinian strikers Crespo (from Inter) and Rodrigo Palacios (ex Boca) joined the club. Ambitions are the same and attacking line hasn’t lost the quality, but the biggest problem again will be defence. Genoa conceded too many goals last season. One reason is 3-4-3 formation, but also defence was the weakest line. Only new defender is Serbian U-21 international Nenad Tomovic (ex Crvena Zvezda). At their home Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Genoa don’t respect anyone and will try to start the season with three points which would boost the players’ confidence.

After another disappointing season where Roma finished one place below tonight’s hosts, “Giallorossi” come into new one with almost the same players. Club didn’t reach Champions League which caused a limited resources for new signings. Only worth of mentioning are Nicolas Burdisso who came on loan from Internazionale and winger Stefano Guberti (ex Ascoli). They even sold excellent Alberto Aquilani to Liverpool to balance the books. Fans expected one new striker, but so far no big news about that. The main target this season will be the spot for Champions League, but the capabilities of this team are under the question mark. They force attacking style of play, all their friendlies and European encounters (against Gent and Kosice) were high scoring games. Prince of Roma, Francesco Totti plays in great shape, despite the years, while young French Jérémy Menez finally started to repay 10 mill. that have been spent on him last year. There’re also two more excellent attackers, Mirko Vucinic and Júlio Baptista. But, as Genoa, Roma lack in defence line which will be even weaker tonight for Philippe Mexès and first goalkeeper Doni. Also, Luciano Spalletti can not count on Vucinic and Perotta. Defeat in the first round is unacceptable and visitors will go for all three points.

This will be surely the derby game in Italy. Both teams have the highest ambitions, great attacking force and wouldn’t be satisfied with just one point tonight. But also, both have problems in defence and despite I fancy Roma and think they won’t loose at least, see many goals and go for over. 2.08 at 188bet.

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Tottenham Hot. - Liverpool

After few years of big spending, this transfer period is passing quietly for Spurs. Only big (maybe soundable is more appropriate word) signing is Peter Crouch who came from Portsmouth and defender Sébastien Bassong came from Newcastle. But, it definitely doesn’t affect on ambitions for the forthcoming season, as the team looks more than competitive. Nobody is satisfied with Euro League as the ultimate limit and Spurs will be another club (beside Man.City and A.Villa) who will try to separate “big four” of English football and reach Champions League. Harry Redknapp will have more than decent trio in attack, mentioned Crouch, his team mate from Portsmouth Jermain Defoe and Robbie Keane who will have additional motive to prove himself against ex boss. Midfield seems as the weakest link, team beside Lennon, Modric and Palacios needs on more top quality player. But for the season opening, Redknapp’s biggest problems are with the defence line. Jonathan Woodgate is recovering from groin surgery and won’t appear, his fellow center-back Michael Dawson is out with an achilles injury, while excellent side-back Gareth Bale will be also sidelined with the knee injury. Beside them, Jermaine Jenas is in doubt for the match. Tottenham have six successive home league win from last season and they’re unbeaten in last 11 top flight games at White Hart Lane. First game will give some answers and maybe even can predict the season for home side, another year spent in mediocrity or something more. 

Last season ended as another disappointment for the Reds. Second place on the table with four points less than Man.Utd. didn’t satisfy anybody at Anfield and all are announcing another chase for the trophy, pointing – this time won’t be excuses. But, it is a big question is the team better than in the previous season, or even worse. Club signed right-back Glen Johnson and excellent Italian Alberto Aquilani who came from AS Roma. But, big loss (bigger than anybody in club admits) is Xabi Alonso who signed for Real Madrid. And in the midfield are the first signs of trouble. Aquilani won’t play before September as he recovers from an ankle problem, while Steven Gerrard is doubtful with a groin injury. So, center duo will be Mascherano and probably Lucas Leiva. But, real Rafa’s headache starts in defence. He already stated they need some defenders, but for Spurs game problem will be even bigger because the injuries. Daniel Agger (back), Fabio Aurelio (knee) will be sidelined, while Jamie Carragher (ankle) and Martin Skrtel (hamstring) are also injured, but Benitez will probably risk with them and they should feature. As Spurs, Liverpool also have excellent run of results with ten wins and a draw from last eleven games in Premier. The Reds suffered only two league defeats last season, the first a 2-1 reverse at Spurs that lifted Harry Redknapp's side off the bottom of the table. This time will be even harder, at White Hart Lane Tottenham are unbeaten in the Premier League since last November. However, anything less than three points would be a big hit to Liverpool’s title credentials.

Tottenham have high ambitions, will face one of the best clubs which already defeated and surely won’t lack in confidence. But, will lack in defence line. I’m not sure are they capable to win, but it seems they believe in it and will attack the visitors. And visitors like to be attacked. But same is for Liverpool, beside quality and ambitions there’s a lack in defence. All in all, goals should be a nice bet. Pinnacle offer 2.06. Over.

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Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Everton have bid £8m for Newcastle central defender Steven Taylor in a move which could pave the way for Joleon Lescott to leave Goodison Park for Manchester City.(The Daily Star) 
Franck Ribery is believed to be keen to leave Bayern Munich which could encourage Chelsea and Manchester United to increase their efforts to sign the French winger. (Times) 
Aston Villa have moved to bolster their defence by putting in a £5m bid for Manchester City centre-back Richard Dunne. (Daily Express)
Damien Duff could be another player to leave Newcastle as Wolves and Fulham battle it out for the left-sided midfielder. (Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United scouts were casting their eye over Argentine striker Sergio Aguero in his country's 3-2 win over Russia on Wednesday.(The Sun) 
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce has told chairman John Williams to provide the funds to sign former Real Madrid defender Michel Salgado.(Daily Mirror) 
Sunderland are planning a triple swoop for Pompey keeper David James and defender Sylvain Distin as well as Lucas Neill, who is out of contract at West Ham. (Daily Mirror)
Bolton boss Gary Megson says the club took out an £8m escape clause in the contract of Gary Cahill when the defender recently signed a new contract. (Daily Mail) 
Middlesbrough striker Tuncay Sanli is set to join Fenerbahce on loan. (Daily Mirror)
But Wolves and Everton are interested in the Turkey striker as well and could get him for about £6m. (Independent) 
Cardiff, Derby, QPR and Sheffield United are all chasing Gillingham striker Simeon Jackson. (Daily Mirror)

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres says the Reds will have no excuses if they do not win the Premier League this season.(The Sun) 
Liverpool's new £20m signing Alberto Aquilani may be sidelined with an ankle problem but he insists he is not injury prone. (Daily Star) 
Blackburn midfielder David Dunn (on photo) says the Ewood Park side are planning to "kick lumps" out of Manchester City's stars when the two sides meet in the Premier League on Saturday. (The Sun) 
Fiorentina may make an official complaint to Uefa over Manchester United signing Italy Under-16 captain Michele Fornasier. (Independent) 
Birmingham owners David Gold and David Sullivan may try to buy West Ham if they sell Birmingham to Carson Yeung.(The Sun) 
The Magpies could also have a manager in place by next Monday as Joe Kinnear is set to return to take charge of the Championship club.(Daily Express) 

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AND FINALLY

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is famed for his classic "I didn't see it" phrase when it comes to questions about his players committing fouls but the Frenchman says he has sometimes lied to protect his players. (Times)
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Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Liverpool are expected to use some of the £30m they gained from the sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid to make an £18m offer for Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani.(The Independent) 
Standard Liege midfielder Steven Defour is also linked with a move to Anfield and his agent Paul Stefani says he would not turn down a move to Liverpool. (The Independent) 
Italian side AC Milan are preparing a £31m bid for Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas.(The Sun) 
Darren Bent's transfer to Sunderland has still not been completed, despite the Tottenham striker passing a medical on Monday. (Daily Star) 
Sunderland, meanwhile, are set to sign Lyon defender John Mensah on a season-long loan deal. (The Sun) 
The Black Cats are also keeping tabs on Tottenham centre-back Michael Dawson.(The Sun) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has failed with a £5.5m bid for Sevilla centre-back Federico Fazio. (The Sun) 
Wenger says he will wait to sign Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh on a free transfer next season, rather than improve his £6m offer for the striker this summer. (Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham hope to sign Blackburn defender Christopher Samba for £10m to help ease their defensive crisis.(The Sun) 
Manchester United will use their friendly with Valencia to run the rule over midfielder David Silva and forward David Villa. (Daily Star) 
Stoke City want to take injury-prone Everton striker James Vaughan on loan. (Daily Mail) 
Hull are set to sign Villarreal striker Jozy Altidore and have agreed a £3m deal for Stoke midfielder Seyi Olofinjana. (Daily Mail) 
Burnley are in talks with Independiente winger Fernando Guerrero. (Daily Mail)
South African midfielder Kagiso Dikgacoi claims he has secured a move to Fulham from Golden Arrows after impressing on trial at Craven Cottage.(The Independent) 
Southampton are interested in signing former Birmingham defender Radhi Jaidi. (Daily Mirror) 
Ipswich are set to sign Watford striker Tamas Priskin in a £1.2m deal. (Daily Mirror)
Bristol City have told striker Lee Trundle that he is surplus to requirements at Ashton Gate. (Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has agreed a new three-year contract at the club worth over £100,000 a week. (The Sun) 
Newcastle defender Sebastien Bassong has been fined two weeks wages for refusing to travel to play in a friendly at Dundee United, adding to speculation he may be about to leave for Tottenham.(Daily Mail) 
Crystal Palace have been banned from signing players due to a dispute over unpaid bonuses and signing-on fees from last season.(Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has written off Liverpool's title chances, claiming he has more chance of achieving a hole in one in golf. (The Sun) 
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham is being considered for a goodwill ambassador's role at former club Manchester United when he hangs up his boots.(The Sun) 
Meanwhile, Beckham and his wife Victoria are in negotiations to buy a £10m luxury home in Chelsea, sparking rumours of a move to the west London club. (The Sun) 
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is being haunted by a vacuum cleaner that keeps turning itself on. (Daily Star) 
Northampton's players will turn out for free on the opening day of the season with their wages being split between the club's eight nominated charities. (Daily Star)
It has been revealed that Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez suffered his recent heel problem after slipping in the shower. Tevez is in danger of missing the start of the season. (The Guardian)
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Saturday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is to use the £30m generated from the sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid to make a bid for Spain striker David Villa.(The Sun) 
And Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani could be signed for £15m if, as expected, Alonso completes his move to Spain. (Daily Mail) 
Everton have made a bid for Arsenal centre-half Philippe Senderos, hinting that they have agreed a deal with Manchester City to sell Joleon Lescott.(Daily Mirror) 
City have made a £22m take-it-or-leave-it offer to Everton for Lescott, and will go for Newcastle's Sebastien Bassong or Alex of Chelsea if the answer is no.(Daily Mail) 
Everton are so keen to keep Lescott at Goodison Park that even a bid approaching £30m would be turned down.(The Independent) 
AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo is preparing to demand a transfer so that he can force a switch to Chelsea, who have had a bid of £14m plus Claudio Pizarro rejected.(The Sun) 
Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano is set to stay at Anfield after Barcelona, who were interested in the Argentine, ruled out any more big-name signings this summer following the capture of Zlatan Ibrahimovich.(Daily Star) 
Portsmouth have not given up hope of signing Hajduk Split striker Nikola Kalinic despite talks breaking down this week when Pompey insisted on paying the fee over six years. The 21-year-old is now talking to Porto.(The Sun) 
However Blackburn are trying to hijack Porto's attempts to sign Kalinic, and are rushing through a £6m offer.(Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hinted that midfielder Patrick Vieira could make a shock return to the club.(Various) 
And Wenger is ready to splash the cash following the sales of Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure to Manchester City, with Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh (£6m), St Etienne midfielder Blaise Matuidi (£6m) and Roma forward Mirko Vucinic on the list of targets. (Daily Mirror)
West Ham will find out next week if they will be able to sign former Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen, who is now at Barcelona.(The Sun) 
Manchester United is preparing a £3.5m offer for Bursaspor striker Sercan Yildirm.(Daily Star) 
Hull are hoping to complete a deal for Newcastle full-back Habib Beye next week.(Daily Mail) 
Portsmouth are close to signing Australian striker Mark Viduka from Newcastle. (The Times)
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is in talks with Sporting Gijon about a £2m deal for midfielder Michel. (Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester City's Brazalian star Robinho has revealed how he tried to persuade manager Mark Hughes not to sell compatriot Elano to Galatasaray.(Daily Mirror) 
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has fallen out with Bordeaux boss Laurent Blanc after the Frenchman claimed that the Black Cats are not a big enough club for striker Marouane Chamakh.(Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY

Not content with splashing the cash on the Premier League's great and good this summer, Manchester City are also spending lavishly elsewhere. Apparently, £2m was spent on setting up the club website.(Daily Mail)
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Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Tottenham striker Darren Bent has seemingly launched a scathing attack on his chairman Daniel Levy with the help of social network site Twitter. (Various)
It appears the 25-year-old has become a little frustrated with his desired move to Sunderland currently stuttering. 
"This is the longest day in the world because I can't wait to get started," a tweet purportedly posted by Bent is reported to have read. 
"Why can't anything be simple. It's so frustrating hanging round."(The Times) 
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is holding out for £30m following Xabi Alonso's transfer request, with Real Madrid having already offered £24m.(The Guardian) 
Manchester United will launch a £35m bid for Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery in two weeks.(The Sun) 
Mark Hughes is set to offer £22m for Joleon Lescott, with Everton so far unwilling to release their defender to Manchester City. (Daily Express) 
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is targeting Roma midfielder Daniele de Rossi, with the Italian star valued at around £30m.(The Independent) 
It looks like a busy time for the Gunners with St Etienne's defensive midfielder Blaise Matuidi being lined up for a move, while midfield legend Patrick Vieira is set to return and be his mentor.(Daily Mail) 
Liverpool are keen on signing Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani.(The Independent) 
Having signed Southampton striker Stern John, Crystal Palace are closing in on the signing of Derby defender Claude Davis. (Daily Star)
Portsmouth are close to signing Australian striker Mark Viduka on a one-year deal after they failed to get Croatia's Nikola Kalinic.(Daily Mail) 
Ipswich boss Roy Keane may splash out £1m for Watford's Hungarian forward Tamas Priskin. (Daily Mail)
QPR have signed Italian striker Alessandro Pellicori on a three-year deal after a successful trial. (Sky Sports) 
West Brom have offered £1.5m for Real Betis winger David Odonkor. (The Sun)

OTHER GOSSIP

Everton skipper Phil Neville has criticised Manchester City's chase of defender Joleon Lescott, with Mark Hughes about to table a third offer. 
"There are ways and means of doing things, and Everton do it the right way," Neville says.(Liverpool Echo) 
Ipswich boss Roy Keane has taken his players for a two-day pre-season mission on an army boot camp in Colchester.
"It was hard work and the players are tired but I think they enjoyed it and their attitude was spot on," Keane says. (Daily Telegraph) 

AND FINALLY

Man City boss Mark Hughes is refusing to get embroiled in any mind games with Sir Alex Ferguson. The United manager was recently unhappy with the Carlos Tevez poster erected in the city centre with the message: 'Welcome to Manchester'. 
"It was just a bit of fun. I didn't get too het up but Sir Alex did," Hughes says.(The Guardian)
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Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea and Manchester City are in the hunt for Liverpool's Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso after his proposed £35m move to Real Madrid stalled.(Daily Mail) 
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will move for Roma's Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani - if Alonso moves to Real Madrid. (Daily Mirror)
Tottenham and Fulham want Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch after his £12m move to Sunderland fell through. (Daily Telegraph)

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce will now turn his attention to Tottenham forward Darren Bent.(Daily Telegraph) 
Another option for Bruce may be Bordeaux's Morocco international forward Marouane Chamakh. (The Guardian) 
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti anticipates Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko, who was on loan at AC Milan last season, will leave the club before the start of the 2009-2010 campaign, with Dynamo Kiev and Fenerbache interested. (The Guardian) 
The line of suitors eyeing a move for former England captain David Beckham is growing, with Chelsea, Tottenham and Fulham all ready to offer the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder a deal. (Daily Mail) 
Tottenham have tabled a £17m bid for Real Madrid's 23-year-old Spanish striker Alvaro Negredo.(Daily Mirror) 
And Spurs are weighing up a move for Manchester City winger Martin Petrov, 30, and could prize him away from Eastlands for £5m.(Daily Mail)
And Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp will beat Everton to the signature of Sheffield United defender Kyle Naughton. (The Guardian) 
South African midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi is hoping to earn a deal at Fulham where he has been on a trial. The 24-year-old plays in his homeland for Golden Arrows. (The Guardian)
Fulham are set to make a £9m offer for Hull City defender Michael Turner, which includes striker Bobby Zamora going in the other direction. (Daily Mirror) 
Burnley boss Owen Coyle is tracking £500,000-rated Norwich midfielder Darel Russell. (Daily Mail)
Wolves are considering a move for Celtic defender Stephen McManus. (Daily Mail) 
Egypt striker Mido has returned to Middlesbrough after being fined for missing the start of pre-season training but the 26-year-old will be sold as soon as possible. (Daily Mail)
Middlesbrough are in talks with striker Leroy Lita, who was released by Reading at the end of last season. (Daily Mirror) 
Sheffield United are set to sign Manchester City striker Ched Evans for £1.5m, rising to £3m on appearances. (Daily Mail) 
However, Ipswich boss Roy Keane hopes to hijack the deal for Evans and take the striker to Suffolk. (Daily Star) 
Reading want Tottenham midfielder Adel Taarabt on a season-long loan deal. (Daily Mirror)
Cardiff boss Dave Jones wants to offload midfielder Paul Parry, 28, with Doncaster interested in a £500,000 deal. (Daily Mirror) 
Ipswich manager Roy Keane wants defender Danny Simpson from Manchester United and midfielder Dean Whitehead from Sunderland in a £2m deal. (Daily Mirror)
Celtic boss Tony Mowbray is keen to sign left-back Marek Cech from West Bromwich Albion. (The Guardian) 
Aberdeen boss Mark McGhee wants 21-year-old defender Reda Johnson on loan. The Benin international plays for French third division side Amiens. (Daily Record) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has revealed "irreplaceable" striker Didier Drogba, 31, will sign a new three-year deal at Stamford Bridge. (Daily Telegraph)
Former England manager Glenn Hoddle was on Notts County's shortlist to become director of football at Meadow Lane before the club opted to recruit Sven Goran-Eriksson. (Daily Mail) 
Eriksson is considering taking former Nottingham Forest boss David Platt to Notts County as part of his revolution. (The Sun)

AND FINALLY

Despite having the advantage of being the fastest man in the world over 100m and 200m Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt says he is not particularly good at football: "I used to play but I'm no striker, I'm more of a defender or midfielder. I can't score goals." (Daily Star)
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