Saturday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Andrea Pirlo believes his decision to snub Chelsea proves that AC Milan are a team with ambition. "If I thought Milan's aim was a good place in the standings I'd be at Chelsea now," he said. (Reuters)
Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia believes defender Kolo Toure left the Gunners because he was "bored" and fears the same could happen with captain Cesc Fabregas. (Press Association). 
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has already sealed a deal with Bayern Munich to buy Franck Ribery on a five-year contract starting in 2010.(Goal.com) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is closing in on Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin after being priced out of a move for Manchester City's Richard Dunne.(The Sun) 
Liverpool have had a £6m move for defender Michael Turner rejected, with Hull demanding £12m.(Daily Mail) 
Everton and Tottenham are both tracking Inter Milan's Nigerian striker Victor Obinna, who should cost around £3m.(Daily Mail) 
Sunderland are set to make a second attempt to prise Lee Cattermole from Wigan Athletic.(The Times) 
Luca Toni's agent believes the Italian international is close to joining countryman Gianfranco Zola at West Ham.(Independent) 
Manager Roy Hodgson fears for Brede Hangeland's Fulham future after Arsenal admitted an interest in the Norwegian defender.(The Sun) 
Free-agent Mark Viduka is holding out for a two-year, £40,000 a week deal to solve Portsmouth's striker crisis, although Pompey have offered the Australian forward, 33, a one-year, £30,000-a- week contract.(The Sun) 
Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storie has confirmed that the Fratton Park side are monitoring Celtic full-back Lee Naylor, while reiterating the club's desire to hold onto Sylvain Distin, Niko Kranjcar and David James.(The Independent) 
Bordeaux manager Laurent Blanc has questioned Arsene Wenger's desire to sign Marouane Chamakh and says he could have the striker within "48 hours" if he really wanted him.(Daily Mail) 
Everton are monitoring 25-year-old Toulouse right back Albin Ebondo, who is available for around £2m.(Daily Mail )

OTHER GOSSIP

Newcastle defender Steven Taylor has branded the club "a joke", adding the players "haven't got a clue what is going on".(Daily Mail) 
Arsene Wenger has stressed that the looming Champions League qualifier against Celtic will carry a crucial significance for Arsenal from a sporting rather than financial perspective.(Daily Telegraph) 
Michael Owen will miss the cut when Fabio Capello trims his pre-selection squad to a 23-man party for England's friendly match against Holland on Wednesday.(The Times) 
Frank Lampard has described himself as a "Chelsea lifer" and insisted he could play until he is 38. The England midfielder has also revealed he would love to manage the Blues one day.(The Times) 

AND FINALLY

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway admits he will have mixed feelings when he leads his new side into battle with former club QPR. "If you met your ex-missus in a pub, would you have feelings for her? Of course you would," he said. (The Sun)
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Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea will go on a £100m spending spree this week and hope to sign AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo, Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery and Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero.(Daily Mail) 
Or Chelsea will be priced out of the market and miss out on the signing of Ribery as well as Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso. (The Telegraph)
Liverpool have been warned by Valencia that their star forward David Villa is "priceless" and will not be joining the Premier League club. (The Sun) 
The Reds, meanwhile, are refusing to budge on their £30m valuation of midfielder Xabi Alonso, who is wanted by Real Madrid. (Daily Star) 
Liverpool have made a last-ditch attempt to keep Alonso, with Reds manager Rafael Benitez insisting he wants the Spaniard to stay at the club. (Daily Mirror)
But Alonso looks destined to leave after Liverpool's managing director Christian Purslow met his Real Madrid counterpart Jose Angel Sanchez in Barcelona to complete negotiations. (The Telegraph) 
Manchester City are expected to make an improved £20m offer for Everton defender Joleon Lescott.(Daily Star) 
Or Manchester City are set to withdraw their interest in Lescott and will instead pursue Chelsea centre-back Alex. (The Times) 
Everton have been offered Toulouse right back Albin Ebondo after missing out on the signing of Kyle Naughton, who has joined Tottenham from Sheffield United. (The Times) 
Tottenham will offer £10m to Chelsea for midfielder Joe Cole. (Daily Mirror) 
But Tottenham look like they will be beaten to the signature of Newcastle United defender Sebastien Bassong by big-spending Manchester City. (Daily Mirror)
Spurs striker Darren Bent is expected to complete a £12m move to Sunderland on Monday. (The Sun) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is hopeful of beating Tottenham to the £750,000 signing of former Gunners midfielder Patrick Vieira from Inter Milan.(Daily Express) 
But Arsenal have had their £5m bid for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh dismissed as "ridiculous" by club president Jean-Louis Triaud. (Daily Mirror) 
The Gunners are expected to sell defender Philippe Senderos, who spent last season on loan at AC Milan, to Everton for £6m. (Daily Mirror)
Tottenham are interested in Toulouse's £12m-rated midfielder Moussa Sissoko. (The Times)
Spurs are also keeping tabs on Brazilian midfielder Sandro, who plays for Internacional. (The Times) 
Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce is hopeful of signing Manchester City striker Benjani and Hajduk Split forward Nikola Kalinic for a combined £11m. (The Sun) 
Birmingham are set to secure the loan signing of Arsenal defender Armand Traore. (The Independent)
The Blues have also been linked with Sporting Gijon midfielder Michel and Aston Villa's Craig Gardner. (The Independent) 
Hull City are not prepared to meet Newcastle United's valuation of £4m for defender Habib Beye.(The Times) 
But Aston Villa are also keen on Beye and could launch a bid for the 31-year-old Senegal player. (The Sun) 
Villa will also battle it out with Inter Milan for Real Madrid's £16m-rated midfielder Wesley Sneijder. (Daily Mail) 
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is also monitoring Portsmouth defensive duo Sylvain Distin and Sol Campbell. (The Independent) 
Hull have made a £3m bid for Stoke midfielder Seyi Olofinjana. (Daily Mirror)
Portsmouth and England keeper David James has pledged his future to the south-coast club, despite interest from Tottenham. (The Sun) 
Leeds have slapped a £8m price tag on star midfielder Fabian Delph, who is wanted by Manchester City and Everton. (The Sun) 
Fulham are watching Kalmar FF midfielder Rasmus Elm and are preparing a £2.5m bid. (The Times) 
But Everton are also keen on the Swedish international midfielder and may outbid Fulham with £3m. (Daily Mirror)
Fulham have inquired about Sampdoria midfielder Daniele Dessena. (The Sun) 
Newcastle midfielder Geremi is keen on move to Turkish side Besiktas. (Daily Mail)
Lyon defender John Mensah has been offered to Sunderland and Portsmouth. (The Times) 
Wolves are preparing a bid for towering Rapid Vienna striker Stefan Maierholer. (Daily Mail)
Ipswich manager Roy Keane will make an improved £1m bid for Watford striker Tamas Priskin. (Daily Mirror) 
Reading are planning a £2m bid for Doncaster centre-back Matt Mills. (Daily Mirror)

OTHER GOSSIP

Burnley manager Owen Coyle has revealed the Premier League new boys have only £16m to spend on new signings and player salaries this season. (Daily Mirror) 
Stoke boss Tony Pulis says the club's unfashionable image is frustrating him in his bid to sign better quality players. (Daily Express)
Hibernian striker Derek Riordan spent a night in the cells after being refused entry to an Edinburgh nightclub. (Scottish Sun) 
Midfielder Scott Brown, returning from injury, is unlikely to play from the start when Celtic visit Dinamo Moscow on Wednesday. (Times)

AND FINALLY

Los Angeles Galaxy and England midfielder David Beckham is to star alongside governor of California and former actor Arnold Schwarzenegger in a television advertisement to promote tourism in the American state.(The Sun) 
Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo's new mansion in Spain will cost £8m and boasts 36 rooms. (The Sun)
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Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are about to tell Valencia to name their price for midfielder David Silva.(News of the World) 
And United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will enquire about Silva and striker David Villa when Valencia arrive at Old Trafford for Wednesday's friendly.(The People) 
Manchester United are also preparing a £35m offer for Atletico Madrid's striker Sergio Aguero.(Sunday Express) 
Everton defender Joleon Lescott is set to hand in a transfer request to force through his £22m move to Manchester City.(News of the World) 
Sunderland are preparing a double transfer swoop for Tottenham's David Bentley and Michael Dawson.(The People) 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to call off the propsosed £7m deal for Gremio midfielder Douglas Costa because of concerns about the 18-year-old's private life.(News of the World) 
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has been told to spend an extra £1m if he wants to land Spurs striker Darren Bent. The Black Cats have already offered £14m.(The People) 
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is resigned to losing midfielder Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid. (Sunday Express) 
After missing out on former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira, Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp could try and bid for Bayern Munich skipper Mark van Bommel.(News of the World) 
Chelsea midfielder Deco says he has turned down an offer from Inter Milan to see out his contract at Stamford Bridge. (Sunday Mirror) 
Chelsea could renew their interest in Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart if the Spanish giants reduce the Dutchman's price.(The People) 
And the Blues are set to complete the signing of AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo early next week, if striker Claudio Pizarro moves in the opposite direction.(Mail on Sunday) 
Aston Villa will make a £5m bid for Blackburn left-back Stephen Warnock next week.(News of the World) 
Arsenal are closing in on 23-year-old PSV midfielder Ibrahim Afellay, who is valued at £7m.(The People) 
Blackburn want to sign Manchester City striker Benjani, after missing out on Tottenham's Peter Crouch and Kamel Ghilas of Celta Vigo.(News of the World) 
Portsmouth, though, are also in the hunt for Benjani as they desperately try and find a replacement for Crouch.(The People) 
Fulham and Wolves are battling it out for Southampton's England under-21 midfielder Adam Lallana.(News of the World) 
Aston Villa and Blackburn are among the teams chasing Newcastle defender Habib Beye.(The People) 
Everton are in pole position to land Valencia right-back Miguel.(News of the World) 
Fulham want to sign Arsenal striker Carlos Vela on loan should the Gunners make a serious offer for centre-half Brede Hangeland. (The People) 
Bolton boss Gary Megson wants to sign Hoffenheim full-back Andreas Beck but could face competition from Fiorentina.(News of the World) 
Middlesbrough have beaten Sheffield United to the signing of Reading striker Leroy Lita on a free transfer.(The People) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester City's summer spending spree has seen their annual wage bill has doubled in two years to £100m a year.(News of the World) 
However, their dealings in the transfer market and their pursuit of Everton defender Joleon Lescott has angered Toffees boss David Moyes. "It is about showing respect - and we are not being shown that," he says.(Sunday Mirror) 
Alan Shearer seems to have given up hope of becoming Newcastle manager on a permanent basis. The former England and Magpies striker has gone on his holidays to Portugal and has no plans to return before the new season starts. (Sunday Mirror) 
And Shearer has confirmed to the BBC that he will be with them on the Match Of The Day sofa, rather than the dug-out, when Newcastle begin their Championship campaign.(Mail on Sunday) 
A South African diamond billionaire is the latest potential buyer linked with Newcastle. The diamond prospector, who was discovered by former chairman Sir John Hall, has expressed an interest in meeting the asking price. (Sunday Express) 
Inter Milan midfielder Patrick Vieira will make a shock return to Arsenal this week, and has been lined up by the club's hierarchy as a long-term successor to manager Arsene Wenger.(The People) 
Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole is to sign a new contract within the next two weeks which will keep him at the club until 2014 and give him earnings of more than £100,000-a-week.(Sunday Mirror)
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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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Thursday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery says he wants to leave the German club to join Karim Benzema at Real Madrid.L'Equipe ((in French))

TRANSFER GOSSIP

New Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has delayed his arrival in London as he attempts to lure striker Alexandre Pato from his former club AC Milan.(The Sun)
Barcelona are preparing to make a £25m bid for Liverpool's Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano.(Daily Mirror)
The proposed deal to take Ricardo Carvalho and Deco from Chelsea to Inter Milan could collapse over the London club's insistence that they want £12m for the duo.(Daily Telegraph)
Forward Carlos Tevez will be unveiled as a Manchester City player on Monday next week, after agreeing terms of about £120,000 a week.(Daily Mirro)
Former Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira has been offered £100,000 a week by Birmingham as they try to sign the Frenchman from Inter Milan.(The Sun)
Chelsea are closing in on the signing of AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo. (Daily Express) 
And the Blues are refusing to give up in their chase of Bayern Munish winger Franck Ribery.(Daily Mail)
Manchester City manager Mark Hughes is facing the prospect of being priced out of signing Everton defender Joleon Lescott. Everton value the centre half at £20m, which is £5m more than Hughes is willing to pay.(Daily Star)
Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey could be set for a £4m move to Everton after turning down the offer of a new contract at Craven Cottage.(The Sun)
New Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is keen to sort out a quick deal for Honduras midfielder Hendry Thomas as Sunderland are also interested. (Daily Mirror) 
Aston Villa are ready to launch a bid of £3.5m plus midfielder Barry Bannan for Wigan defender Titus Bramble. (Daily Star)
And Villa boss Martin O'Neill is exploring the possibility of signing Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing - even though the winger will be out until October with a foot injury.(Daily Mail)
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is lining up a bid for Reading midfielder Stephen Hunt, and is also close to completing the signing of Chile forward Humberto Suazo.(The Sun)
Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce will not be making a bid for Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton. (Daily Star) 
Burnley are interested in Hamilton midfielder James McCarthy, according to the Scottish club.(The Scotsman)
Birmingham want Arsenal left-back Armand Traore on a season-long loan.(The Sun)


OTHER GOSSIP

Arsenal defender William Gallas says he will not sign a new contract with the Gunners and will walk away from the Emirates for free when his deal expires next summer if he is not allowed to leave this year. Inter Milan are interested in the 31-year-old.(Daily Mirror)
Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole is on the brink of signing a new four-year deal with the club, which is thought to be in the region of £120,000 a week.(The Times)
Broadcast giants Sky and ESPN have teamed up to force the SPL into agreeing a cut-price bail-out television deal worth less than the previous Setanta contract. (Daily Record)
Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis has called for the Premier League to consider a salary cap as a way of encouraging greater competition.(The Guardian)


AND FINALLY

Newcastle's players returned to work on Wednesday as the club prepares for life in the Championship.
Striker Obafemi Martins turned up late with midfielder Joey Barton back at the club for the first time since he was told to stay away from the training ground by caretaker boss Alan Shearer. Martins is apparently now on £65,000 a week, after earning a £5,000 a week pay rise under the terms of his contract.(The Sun)
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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).
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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)
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Thursday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Valencia striker David Villa has told his club he wants to move to Real Madrid and nowhere else. (Sky Sports) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o is edging closer to a Manchester City move with wage demands of £192,000 a week, after tax, being weighed up by the Premier League club.(Daily Mail) 
The chase for Franck Ribery has found the green light again following the latest words by Bayern Munich president Franz Beckenbauer.
With Manchester United, Chelsea and Barcelona waiting in the wings, chairman of the German club Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said a few days ago the French midfielder would not be sold, but Beckenbauer has revealed: "If he really wants to leave, we will deal with the issue."(Daily Star) 
Man United are considering a move for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie who is yet to sign a new contract. With one year remaining on his current deal, the Dutch star is desperate to win more silverware and said money was not everything.(The Sun) 
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has confirmed he made an enquiry about taking on former Ranger captain Barry Ferguson. (Daily Record) 
Javier Mascherano's future at Liverpool hangs in the balance with news the midfielder's agent has held talks with Barcelona.(The Sun) 
Man United and Arsenal target Lyon forward Karim Benzema looks set to stay with the French club for at least another year after committing his immediate future to the French outfit before going on holiday. (Daily Express) 
Tottenham have been talking to Real Madrid about a proposal to subsidise Arjen Robben's wages in return for the Dutch winger moving to White Hart Lane.(The Independent) 
Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker is being used as bait with manager Martin O'Neill eyeing up Tottenham's Tom Huddlestone.(Daily Mirror) 
Sporting Lisbon are set to make a second offer for Man City's Felipe Caicedo after Mark Hughes' club rejected their initial bid of £5m for the striker. (Daily Mirror)
Meanwhile, Man City have denied Brazilian superstar Robinho will join Barcelona on a loan deal. Chief executive Garry Cook said: "The story is completely without foundation." (The Times) 
AC Milan playmaker Andrea Pirlo fancies a move to Chelsea. The 30-year-old said: "Perhaps it's possible that I could join (Blues boss Carlo) Ancelotti. Maybe it's time for a new chapter in my career." (Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Chelsea are ready to appeal over the Uefa four-match ban dished out to striker Didier Drogba for his behaviour in last season's Champions League semi-final with Barcelona. (Daily Mirror) 
Gunners star Emanuel Eboue is set to reject a transfer to Italy and fight for his place. (Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth centre-back Sol Campbell is mulling over an offered 50% wage cut to stay at Fratton Park, with Basel and Fenerbahce also attracting interest in the former England star.(The Times) 

AND FINALLY

Following Ronaldo's agreed record-breaking move from Manchester United, agent Jorge Mendes is locked in talks with Real Madrid over bonus payments based on sponsorship and other commercial deals. The Spanish club have also been asked to smash their image rights pay structure.(Daily Mail)
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Thursday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Newly-promoted Burnley's operational director Brendan Flood insists the club will not pay large sums for players, whilst he also refused to rule out the sale of the club's top stars.(Sky Sports) 
Real Madrid striker Alvaro Negredo has revealed that if he is forced to leave the Bernabeu then Liverpool would be an attractive destination.(Sky Sports) 
Former Manchester United full-back Arthur Albiston believes Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid could lead to fellow forward Carlos Tevez remaining at Old Trafford next season.(Daily Star) 
French club Lyon have declared an interest in signing former Arsenal midfielder and captain Patrick Vieira from Inter Milan. (Press Association)
Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo - who seems certain to join Real Madrid after United accepted an £80m bid - had reportedly secured a deal with Real that guaranteed the Spanish club would pay him £20m in compensation if a deal to bring him to the Bernabeu did not go through by 30 June. (Press Association) 
AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo has received Italy coach Marcello Lippi's blessing to move to Chelsea this summer.(Daily Star) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Real Madrid claim they are already in negotiations with Manchester United to buy Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo, with the Spanish club's general director Jorge Valdano saying: "I can't answer about him, I can only talk about players who are on their way here not those we are in negotiations over."( Daily Star) 
The Spanish media are reporting details of a 'leaked' contract for 24-year-old Ronaldo, which involved a transfer fee of £80m and a six-year contract with a salary of £9.5m, including an inbuilt 25% rise every year.(Daily Mirror) 
Sporting Lisbon have initiated talks with Manchester United about re-signing winger Nani on an extended loan spell or arranging a player-plus-cash exchange involving their captain, the attacking midfielder Joao Moutinho.(The Guardian) 
Chelsea's summer transfer plans have been dealt a blow by Bayern Munich placing a £65m asking price on midfielder Franck Ribery.(The Times) 
Blues striker Didier Drogba has ruled out an £18m transfer to Manchester City this summer after sources revealed he wishes to remain at Stamford Bridge.(The Sun) 
AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf has turned his back on a summer move to Chelsea after insisting: "I have a contract with Milan."(Daily Star) 
In addition, the Stamford Bridge club have turned their attention to AZ Alkmaar striker Moussa Dembele after a £12m deal for FC Twente striker Marko Arnautovic broke down after his medical revealed a foot fracture.(Daily Mail) 
West Ham have joined Chelsea in the race to sign Manchester City's 19-year-old striker Daniel Sturridge, who is out of contract this summer.(Daily Mail) 
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is ready to launch a massive Spurs clear-out with up to 14 players facing the chop, including winger David Bentley and strikers Darren Bent and Roman Pavlyuchenko, who cost the London club £47.8m between them. (The Sun) 
The chairman of the White Hart Lane club, Daniel Levy, has placed a £12m asking price on 24-year-old Bentley, who is interesting Aston Villa. (Daily Express) 
Spurs will battle it out with Sunderland and Stoke to sign centre-back Richard Dunne from Manchester City.(Daily Mail) 
Also, Spurs' Brazilian striker Giovani dos Santos is set to join Spanish club Espanyol on a year-long loan with a view to a permanent £5m switch. (Daily Star) 
Newcastle are also preparing for a huge clear-out, with high-earning stars such as midfielders Kevin Nolan, Alan Smith, Jonas Gutierrez, Joey Barton and Geremi peddled to clubs at home and abroad.(Daily Mirror) 
Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure could move to England this summer, but his agent claims he will not be joining Arsenal because he has received better offers from other clubs.(Independent) 
The Gunners are preparing a £4m bid for Feyenoord's 16-year-old Dutch striker Luc Castaignos.(The Sun) 
Manchester City target, Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o, is set to leave Barcelona for Inter Milan with Zlatan Ibrahimovic moving to the Nou Camp. (Daily Mail) 
Everton are set to complete the signing of 23-year-old Cameroon midfielder Stephane Mbia for £8m from Rennes.(The Sun)
Birmingham are also closing in on a £3.5m deal for Coventry defender Scott Dann.(Daily Mirror) 
Blackburn striker Matt Derbyshire's proposed permanent move to Greek side Olympiakos is on hold until the future of fellow Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz is resolved.(The Sun) 
Wigan are also on the lookout for a new keeper with Derby County shot-stopper Roy Carroll top of prospective new Latics manager Roberto Martinez's list.(Daily Mail) 
Fulham are the new favourites to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Gary O'Neil in a £5m deal.(Daily Mirror) 
Stoke and Wigan are both chasing wantaway Middlesbrough striker Jeremie Aliadiere.(Daily Mirror) 
Another Middlesbrough player set to move this summer is Turkish international forward Tuncay, who has admitted his desire to quit the club. (Daily Star)

OTHER GOSSIP

Alan Shearer has met Freddy Shepherd to discuss his future as potential manager of Newcastle should the former chairman at St James' Park succeed in buying the club back from Mike Ashley. (The Guardian) 
West Brom are facing a player revolt if boss Tony Mowbray quits the club to take the vacant managerial post at Celtic, with several players ready to consider their future if the 45-year-old departs. (Daily Mirror) 
Alex Ferguson appears to have failed in a personal attempt to persuade striker Carlos Tevez that his future remains at ­Manchester United after he telephoned the 25-year-old to speak to him directly.(Various)
The Argentine, who spent the last two seasons at Old Trafford and is available to sign permanently for a fee believed to be around £25m, is disillusioned with United after a lack of first-team starts and the club's initial reluctance to make his loan move permanent and is considering his options.(The Guardian) 
The proposed takeover of Portsmouth by Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim may yet fall through should issues arise from the ongoing process of due diligence - but Al Fahim has denied the bid is a publicity stunt.(The Guardian) 
Former Newcastle executive director Dennis Wise has applied for the vacant managerial post at Watford, but he faces competition for the role from former Chelsea team-mate Gus Poyet.(The Sun) 
Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford has warned the League One club he could run down his contract and leave Elland Road for nothing next summer.(Daily Mirror) 
Former Bulgaria international Hristo Stoichkov has denied media reports claiming he has been named as the new coach of Iranian Pro League team Abu Moslem. (Reuters) 
Celtic and West Brom are still at war over Tony Mowbray as the Baggies prepare to line up Alan Irvine as his replacement. (The Sun) 
Former Celtic captain Paul Lambert has played down reports linking him to the manager's job at Motherwell, should Mark McGhee make the switch to Aberdeen. (Daily Record) 

AND FINALLY

While 58,000 England fans defied the tube strike and made it to Wembley for last night's game with Andorra, the visitors could not boast a single away supporter in the stadium, unless you count the 11 mascots from the principality. (Daily Mail)
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Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to throw Manchester United into turmoil and demand a move out of Old Trafford. The 24-year-old forward is a £50m target for Real Madrid. (The Sun) 
Although Ronaldo will go on holiday before making a decision on his United future. (Daily Telegraph) 
However the prospect of Ronaldo joining Real Madrid may have receded with the Spanish side opting for the £40m signature of Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery. (Independent) 
In fact, Real Madrid will reject Ronaldo this summer as club president elect Florentino Perez has targeted Milan forward Kaka and Ribery instead.(Daily Express) 
Ribery was Chelsea boss-in-waiting Carlo Ancelotti's first-choice summer signing but the Blues have lost out to Real Madrid. Ancelotti may look to CSKA Moscow's Russian left-back Yuri Zhirkov. (The Times) 
Chelsea have been told they will need to put up £20m for AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo. Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti is keen to take the 30-year-old to Stamford Bridge when he is named Chelsea boss next week. (Daily Telegraph) 
If Manchester United do not complete the permanent signing of Argentine striker Carlos Tevez this summer they will turn their attentions to Lyon striker Karim Benzema and Wigan's Antonio Valencia. (Daily Express) 
Manchester City and Liverpool are among five clubs who are willing to meet the £25m price tag for Tevez.(The Times) 
Tevez said a tearful goodbye to his Manchester United team-mates before leaving Rome alone after the Champions League final. (The Sun) 
Paul Scholes must decide if the Champions League final is to be his final game for Manchester United. Stoke want the 34-year-old midfielder as a player-coach. (Daily Mail) 
Sir Alex Ferguson may ditch Nani and Ji-Sung Park as the Manchester United boss reshapes his squad while Polish goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak will also leave this summer. (Daily Mirror)
Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry is holding out for a summer move to Arsenal. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is considering a £12m bid for the 28-year-old. (Daily Star) 
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson will try to bolster his defence by moving for AC Milan defender Digao, the younger brother of Brazilian forward Kaka. The 23-year-old has been on loan at Standard Liege. (Daily Mirror)
Bolton are lining up a £6m bid for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Miguel Veloso. (Daily Mail) 
Portsmouth defender Djimi Traore hopes to make his loan move to Birmingham permanent. (Daily Star)
Stoke boss Tony Pulis has lined up a £2m bid for 20-year-old Manchester City striker Ched Evans. (Daily Express) 
Portuguese defender Nuno Valente will leave Everton this summer but the 34-year-old will play on for another year elsewhere.(The Times) 
Greek side Panathinaikos have bid £1.5m for Sunderland keeper Marton Fulop. (Daily Star) 
Birmingham will step up their pursuit of Middelsbrough's David Wheater, 22, after the £6m-rated defender successfully came through a knee operation. (Daily Star)
Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins is being linked with an £8m move to Italian side Fiorentina. (Independent) 
The Magpies have warned the clubs chasing defender Sebastien Bassong that they will not take anything less than £15m for him. (The Sun) 
Sheffield United have rejected a £2m bid from Aston Villa for defender Kyle Naughton. The Blades have put a £6m price tag on the full-back. (Daily Express) 
Leeds have joined West Brom, Celtic and Leicester in the battle for Swindon striker Simon Cox. (Daily Star)

OTHER GOSSIP

Former England and Mexico boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is favourite to become the new Portsmouth manager.(The Times) 
Alan Shearer is expected to discover today if he will become the permanent manager of Newcastle United.(The Times) 
Wigan manager Steve Bruce will be named Sunderland boss in the next 48 hours. (Guardian) 
The Premier League will test out its strengthened fit-and-proper-persons rules on Portsmouth's new owner Sulaiman Al Fahim. (Guardian) 
Croatia coach Slaven Bilic wants to be considered for the vacant managerial post at Sunderland. (Daily Star)

AND FINALLY 

Everton's Marouane Fellaini believes his lucky hairstyle will help the Toffees defeat Chelsea in the FA Cup final.
The 21-year-old, who cost Everton £15m from Standard Liege last summer, has scored nine goals this season and he's hoping that his Afro-style hair will inspire him to add to that tally on Saturday at Wembley. (Daily Mail)
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