Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City are ready to make a move for Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure in January.(The Sun) 
City boss Mark Hughes is also keen to sign Inter Milan full-back Maicon but, if he fails, will turn his attention to Osasuna right-back Cesar Azpilicueta.(The Sun) 
Chelsea target Angel di Maria, the 21-year-old Benfica winger, has admitted he could be tempted by a move to England.(Various) 
Former Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko could be set for a shock return to the Premier League with Birmingham. Ambitious new Blues owner Carson Yeung wants to sign the 33-year-old from Dynamo Kiev in January.(Daily Mirror) 
Sunderland look set to sign Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson, whose contract expires next summer, for £3m in January.(The Sun)  
And Black Cats boss Steve Bruce has abandoned plans to sign a new goalkeeper because he says number one Craig Gordon is proving to be the "real deal". (Daily Telegraph) 
Portsmouth are hoping to re-sign former striker Benjani from Manchester City and midfielder Gary O'Neill from Middlesbrough once their cash crisis eases in January.(Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp will use goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes's mistakes against Arsenal as evidence he should launch a January bid for Portsmouth number one David James.(Daily Express) 
New Hull chairman Adam Pearson is determined to ease the club's crippling financial problems by overseeing a squad clear-out in January. (Various) 
Bolton manager Gary Megson is plotting a £5m double raid on Bristol City for striker Nicky Maynard and midfielder Marvin Elliot. (Daily Star) 
Megson is prepared to let veteran midfielder Gavin McCann leave either on loan or permanently in January.(Daily Star) 
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola will make a January move for Bordeaux's Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh to bolster his attack. (Daily Express) 
Newcastle manager Chris Hughton is lining up a £4m bid to make Sheffield United defender Matt Kilgallon his first signing since taking over on a permanent basis at St James' Park.(The Sun) 
Ipswich are looking to sign Senegal midfielder Ibrahim Faye on a free transfer from French side Troyes AC. (Daily Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres could be forced to undergo surgery on a groin problem and may face two months on the sidelines.(Various) 
Torres' problem is a hernia and it might require surgery is he is over-played, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has been warned. (The Times) 
New Hull chairman Adam Pearson is investigating the club's signing of Jimmy Bullard from Fulham in January amid concern over the medical examination carried out on the midfielder.(The Sun) 
Hull are believed to have spent a staggering £5.5m in agents' fees in the two years Paul Duffen was the club's chairman and chief executive. (Daily Mail) 
Manchester United striker Michael Owen believes playing Champions League football with the Old Trafford club will help him secure a place in England's 2010 World Cup squad.(The Sun) 
Owen's fellow United forward Wayne Rooney will miss Tuesday's Champions League match against CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford following the birth of his first child, Kai. (Daily Mirror) 
United defender Rio Ferdinand is set to miss his side's meeting with Chelsea on Sunday and England;s World Cup warm-up against Brazil on 14 November with a calf problem.(Daily Express) 
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan is set to attend his first Manchester City game next week since completing his £210m takeover of the club in September 2008.(Daily Telegraph) 
Arsenal striker Andrey Arshavin believes his side have the quality to win the Premier League and Champions League this season. (Daily Star)
Former Reading manager Steve Coppell is favourite to become the new manager of Brighton after Russell Slade's sacking. Coppell had a brief stint in charge of the Seagulls in 2002/2003.(The Sun) 
England coach Fabio Capello will unveil a sculpture of England's 1966 World Cup-winning manager Sir Alf Ramsey at Wembley on Friday. (The Sun) 
The Football Association's hopes of convincing Werder Bremen forward Aaron Hunt to play for England are unlikely to succeed after the Werder Bremen forward, who has represented Germany at youth levels but qualifies for England through his mother, pledged his future to Germany.(Various) 
Sheffield Wednesday are the latest club to be affected by a virus and the Championship club have told their players to train on their own. (The Sun) 
Ipswich made a loss of £10.3m in the 12 months to June 2009, bringing their total debt to more than £35m as the effects of Marcus Evans's ownership of the club were realised. (Daily Telegraph) 

AND FINALLY

The unusual name given to the newborn son of Wayne Rooney was picked by the Manchester United striker's wife Coleen. Kai, the 68th most popular name for baby boys in the UK, has several different meanings around the world. In Burma it means unbreakable, in Nigeria it can mean love, in Japan it translates as the ocean and in Chinese Mandarin it means victory. In ancient Persian it means Great King and in Scandinavia it can mean keeper of the keys.(The Sun) 

Sunderland striker Darren Bent has been urged to watch his words and avoid any controversy on his Twitter account ahead of Saturday's return to Tottenham.(Daily Mail)

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Thursday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell, who left League Two Notts County last month after only one game with the club, is in talks to join West Brom.(Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas and Manchester City forward Robinho are the two main targets for European champions Barcelona this summer. Fabregas, though, has refused to respond to recent Spanish media rumours about a potential move. (Daily Mail)
Arsenal and Manchester City are ready to do battle for the signature of Barcelona's veteran defender Carles Puyol, according to reports in Spain.(Daily Mail) 
The agent of Inter Milan defender Maicon believes Manchester United have upped their interest in the Brazilian but insists there are no offers on the table. "United's interest in my client is not something new," he said. "They have been following him for a while."(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City manager Mark Hughes will be given the funds to bring at least three new players to Eastlands this January to boost their Premier League title bid.(Daily Mail)
Roman Pavlyuchenko's agent expects to reopen negotiations over the Tottenham Hotspur striker's proposed moved to Zenit St Petersburg this January.(Daily Mail) 
The agent of former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu has put a number of European clubs on alert by admitting his client could leave Serie A club Fiorentina in January.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Icelandic biscuit baron Eggert Magnusson is plotting to return as the new owner of West Ham. The 62-year-old previously held a 5% stake in the club from November 2006 to December 2007 as the figurehead of the consortium largely backed by Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, who relinquished control of the club in June 2009.(The Sun) 
Liverpool co-owner George Gillett is flying to Saudi Arabia next week for talks in a bid to sell his 50% stake in the club to Prince Faisal bin Fahd.(Daily Mirror )
Birmingham chairman David Gold is close to resigning and is set to follow David Sullivan and Karren Brady out of St Andrews following the takeover of the club by Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung. (Daily Mirror) 
Former Manchester United chairman Martin Edwards fears the club could be thrown into financial ruin if current owners the Glazer family decide to leave Old Trafford.(Daily Mail)
The FA will call upon David Beckham and the Royal Family to boost their 2018 World Cup bid after the campaign was attacked by Fifa vice-president Jack Warner on Wednesday.(Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has revealed that regular chats with boss Arsene Wenger have given him confidence to believe he can fulfil his potential.(The Sun) 
Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko, now with Dinamo Kiev has launched an attack on his former boss at Chelsea Jose Mourinho, saying that the now Inter Milan boss rarely spoke to him during his time at Stamford Bridge.(Daily Mirror) 
Everton striker Louis Saha has admitted he almost quit football after being driven to the depths of despair by an injury jinx that wrecked his Manchester United career.(Daily Mail) 
Hull striker Caleb Folan, currently on loan at Middlesbrough, has hit back at Tigers manager Phil Brown, saying comments the latter made about the players attitude in training were "pathetic" and "childish".(Daily Star) 
Ipswich striker Kevin Lisbie, currently on loan at Colchester, says he would find it difficult to play under Town manager Roy Keane again after being told he was surplus to requirements at Portman Road this summer.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Burnley manager Owen Coyle, 43, played 72 minutes as a striker for the club's reserve side on Wednesday after injuries and international calls left them short of players.(The Sun) 
Manchester City have sent club doctor Jamie Butler on a 7,000 mile trip to Argentina to ensure that Pablo Zabaleta, who has a hamstring injury, is not selected by his country for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers with Peru and Uruguay.(Daily Mirror)
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Thursday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Former Chelsea winger Arjen Robben, linked with a return to the Premier League, is being tipped to leave Real Madrid and join European giants Bayern Munich (German media) 
Middlesbrough defender Robert Huth is set to join Stoke for £6m. (Sky Sports news)
Inter Milan have agreed to sign Real Madrid midfielder Wesley Sneijder in a deal worth about 16m Euros. Sneijder had been linked with Manchester United and Aston Villa. (Spanish media) 
Tottenham's have had their loan offer for Le Havre midfielder Kevin Anin rejected by the French club. (L'Equipe)
Everton have been knocked back in their efforts to replace Joleon Lescott with Benfica's Brazilian central defender Luisao. (Portuguese media) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Spartak Moscow have made a £10m offer to re-sign Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.(The Mirror) 
Ipswich manager Roy Keane is to raid his former club for four players with Carlos Edwards, Grant Leadbitter, Daryl Murphy and Nyron Nosworthy set to leave Sunderland.(The Mirror) 
Striker Andriy Shevchenko finally looks set to leave Chelsea after he was left out of their Champions League squad.(The Mirror) 
Chelsea are set to re-ignite their interest in Feyenoord forward Jonathan de Guzman.(The Mirror) 
Aston Villa are closing in on a double swoop for Blackburn defender Stephen Warnock and Manchester City centre-back Richard Dunne.(The Mirror) 
Middlesbrough are set to sign striker Danny Webber who was released by Sheffield United in the summer.(The Mirror) 
Bolton have launched a bid to re-sign midfielder Kevin Nolan from Newcastle United.(The Mirror) 
Sunderland are set to launch a £6m bid for Hull defender Michael Turner. (Daily Mail) 
Brazilian side Internacional have rejected a £14m bid from Tottenham for midfielder Sandro.(The Independent) 
Celtic captain Steve McManus has rejected the opportunity to join Ipswich Town on loan. (The Guardian) 
Notts County director of football Sven Goran Eriksson has failed in his bid to tempt Czech midfielder Pavel Nedved out of retirement.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester United are set to sign Empoli's Italian duo Manuel Pucciarelli and Alberto Masacci. (Daily Telegraph) 
Wigan are ready to make a £1m move for Honduras forward Carlos Costly, who currently plays for Polish side GKS Belchatow. (Daily Telegraph)
Birmingham are set to sign Middlesbrough forward Tuncay for £5m. (Daily Mail) 
Stoke are lining up a £5m bid for young Uruguay midfielder Diego Arismendi.(The Mirror) 
The Potters have also made a renewed offer for Cardiff City midfielder Joe Ledley. (The Times) 
Bolton have had a £6.5m offer for midfielder Achille Emana turned down by Real Betis. (The Times)
Fulham are poised to sign Salzburg striker Marc Janko on a season-long loan. (The Mirror) 
Hull are interested in signing Reading defender Liam Rosenior.(The Mirror) 
Reading manager Brendan Rodgers is hoping Watford striker Tommy Smith will snub interest from Portsmouth and instead join the Royals.(The Sun) 
Greek champions Olympiakos are ready to take Tottenham forward Giovani dos Santos on loan. (Daily Star)
Former England manager Glenn Hoddle believes David Beckham should pursue a move to Chelsea to keep alive his dream of playing at next year's World Cup. (Daily Star) 

OTHER GOSSIP

New Portsmouth owner Sulaiman Al Fahim has vowed to turn the club into a major Premier League force after finally taking control of the south coast outfit.(The Sun) 

AND FINALLY

Furious Celtic players have called for Eduardo to be banned after the Arsenal striker appeared to dive to win a penalty during the Gunners' 3-1 Champions League victory on Wednesday.(Daily Mail)
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Saturday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Carlo Ancelotti insists Andriy Shevchenko has a future at Stamford Bridge, despite the fact that the Ukrainian has played just one game in the last 15 months for Chelsea. (Press Association)
Holland midfielder Wesley Sneijder, who has been linked with Manchester United, Aston Villa and Arsenal during the summer, is resisting pressure from Real Madrid to accept a move away from the Spanish giants. (Reuters) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Everton have given up the fight to keep England defender Joleon Lescott and agreed to sell him to Manchester City for £22m. (Daily Mail) 
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger could still make a last-ditch bid to bring former skipper Patrick Vieira back to the club from Inter Milan before the transfer deadline. (Daily Mirror) 
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is poised to sign Blackburn defender Stephen Warnock for around £8m. (Daily Mirror)
Livorno say that West Ham United’s offer for striker Alessandro Diamanti is considerably short of their £8 million valuation. (Times) 
Fulham are considering a move for Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos and Newcastle defender Stephen Taylor. (Times) 
Everton boss David Moyes is chasing Spartak Moscow winger Vladimir Bystrov (Daily Mail) 
Celtic boss Tony Mowbray does not expect Aiden McGeady to leave Parkhead after the Republic of Ireland Winger was linked to Tottenham. (Press and Journal) 
Gianfranco Zola has set up a meeting with Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh on Monday to try and persuade the Moroccan to join West Ham. (Daily Mirror) 
Bolton boss Gary Megson is weighing up a move for former Valencia striker Miguel Angel Angulo. (Daily Mirror) 
Nottingham Forest are lining up a £1m bid for Charlton's Nicky Baily. (Daily Mirror) 
Defender David Wheater has given a declaration of loyality to Middlesbrough, insisting he could not picture himself playing for anyone else. (Daily Star) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Sir Alex Ferguson has backed misfiring strikers Michael Owen and Dimitar Berbatov to start finding the net for Manchester United. (Sun) 
Manchester City boss Mark Hughes says he is unfazed by other clubs' criticisms of his massive summer spending spree.(The Sun) 
Arsene Wenger has blasted the decision to press Theo Walcott into action for the both the senior and under-21 England teams this summer as "selfish". (Daily Mirror) 
Gianfranco Zola insists he has no intention of quitting West Ham after denying he is under pressure to sell players. (Metro) 
Alex McLeish's job looks to be safe Birmingham City prepare for takeover talks with Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung. (The Scotsman) 

AND FINALLY

Blackburn striker Jason Roberts never takes his Premier League wages for granted after revealing his first pay packet as an unknown non-league player: "That would be £15-a-week with Hayes." (Daily Mirror)
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Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

AC Milan want Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham to return to the San Siro in January for a second loan spell, which would keep alive the England player's World Cup hopes.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City are intent on continuing their pursuit of Joleon Lescott with a £22m bid for the Everton defender despite the insistence of Toffees boss David Moyes that the 26-year-old is not for sale.(The Times) 
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has failed in his bid to make Roma midfielder Daniele de Rossi his first big-name signing at Stamford Bridge. (The Sun) 
But Ancelotti could make a surprise £17m move for Sampdoria striker Giampaolo Pazzini(on photo). (Daily Express) 
Bayern Munich have stepped up their pursuit of Chelsea defender Jose Bosingwa and urged the Blues to keep their word over allowing him to join them for about £15m.(Daily Mail) 
Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko will see out the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge after rejecting a move to former club Dynamo Kiev. (Daily Star) 
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has been challenged by Blackburn to treble his bid for Rovers defender Stephen Warnock to £12m or forget the deal.(Daily Mirror) 
O'Neill is also keen to bring Tottenham midfielders David Bentley and Jermaine Jenas to Villa Park. (The Guardian) 
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp could be forced back into the transfer market after learning that centre-back Jonathan Woodgate faces at least two months on the sidelines following surgery on a groin problem.(Daily Mirror)
And Redknapp is set to up his offer for Toulouse midfielder Moussa Sissoko from £12m to £15.5m, although the French club want £25m.(The Sun) 
Wolves are set to sign Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne, who had a loan spell at Molineux last season, on a season-long loan deal. (Daily Mirror) 
West Ham hope to sign Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni and Barcelona front man Eidur Gudjohnsen by the end of the transfer window, initially on a loan basis. (The Guardian) 
The Hammers are interested in Napoli defender Leandro Rinaudo, with boss Gianfranco Zola keen to bring the 6ft 4in centre-back in on loan if he loses Matthew Upson or James Collins. (Daily Mail) 
Defender Lucas Neill could be set for a return to Upton Park after the former West Ham skipper revealed he is considering a contract offer from Zola. (The Sun) 
Derby manager Nigel Clough is ready to sign experienced goalkeeper Jimmy Walker on a free transfer from West Ham. (Daily Mirror) 
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has gone back to his former club Wigan with a £10m offer for midfielder Lee Cattermole. (Daily Mirror )
Blackburn are giving a trial to former Real Madrid right-back Michel Salgado. (The Sun) 
Rovers are leading a three-club chase with Wigan and Birmingham for Rennes winger Olivier Thomert.(The Sun) 
Arsenal are on the trail of 6ft 4in Borussia Dortmund centre-back Neven Subotic, with chief executive Ivan Gazidis ready to make a £12m offer for the 20-year-old Serb who is also attracting interest from Everton.(Daily Mail) 
Fulham are adamant that defender Brede Hangeland will not leave unless Arsenal shatter the club's £12m transfer reocrd, which was paid by Manchester United for Louis Saha. (The Guardian) 
The Cottagers are eyeing a £4m move for Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker. (Daily Star) 
Manchester City winger Martin Petrov would not be surprised if he was sold by the club this summer, with Tottenham keen on the Bulgaria international. (The Sun) 
Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul is being monitored by a host of Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Portsmouth, Wigan, Hull and Sunderland.(Independent) 
Former Liverpool, Chelsea and Middlesbrough midfielder Boudewijn Zenden claims he is in talks with Hull, Blackburn and Portsmouth over a return to the Premier League.(Independent) 
Reading manager Brendan Rodgers is planning a double swoop on his old club Watford for midfielder Jobi McAnuff and striker Tommy Smith. (Daily Mirror) 
Turkish club Besiktas are poised to land Reading midfielder Jem Karacan in a £1m deal.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung is set to revive his bid to buy Birmingham City in a £70m deal. (The Sun) 
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is preparing for a hostile reception when he attends the club's home Championship match against Reading on Saturday. (Daily Mail) 
If Ashley fails to sell Newcastle this week he will stay at St James' Park for another two years and appoint David O'Leary as manager with a brief to make the club viable for another attempted sale in 2011.(Daily Mail) 
Any hope Arsenal's Spanish-born goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has of playing for England if they qualify for the 2010 World Cup finals appears to be over after the coach of the national side Fabio Capello dismissed the idea.(The Sun) 
Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has warned boss Rafael Benitez that Xabi Alonso will be virtually irreplaceable after the midfielder was sold to Real Madrid. (Daily Star)

AND FINALLY

Former Arsenal, West Ham and Celtic striker John Hartson says "I have so much to live for" after winning the first stage of his fight against cancer. (The Sun)
Sunderland midfielder Grant Leadbitter appeared at Gateshead magistrates court on Monday pleading special reasons why he should not be banned for a speeding offence. After being clocked at 112mph, the 23-year-old said he thought he was being followed by a car full of angry Newcastle fans before discovering that it was actually the police.(The Guardian) 
Liverpool stars Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Fernando Torres will have a Masterchef-style cook off to discover who is Anfield's best chef. October's final will be held in Carragher's city centre sports restaurant, with chef Marco Pierre White adding expert comments and post-meal analysis. (The Sun) 
Michela Quattrociocche, the fiancee of new Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani, says she dreams of marrying the Italian international one day, and added: "Ours is a love that gives you cramps in the stomach." (The Sun)
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Saturday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

AC Milan are targeting Real Madrid striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Sevilla's Luis Fabiano.(Reuters)


TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City are ready to make Chelsea defender John Terry the highest paid player in the Premier League by offering the England captain weekly wages of £300,000.(The Sun) 
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are ready to move for fellow Blues defender Ashley Cole who has rejected a new deal at Chelsea.(The Sun) 
Chelsea are preparing a big-money offer for Wolfsburg's goal sensation Edin Dzeko. (Daily Mirror)
Out-of-favour Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko has been offered a deal by Ukrainian side Dynamo Kiev.(The Times) 
Liverpool will insist on taking Real Madrid striker Alvaro Negredo in a swap deal before allowing midfielder Xabi Alonso to move to the Bernebau.(Daily Mirror) 
Liverpool are being put off by Udinese's £18m asking price for Swiss midfielder Gokhan Inler. (Daily Mail) 
Tottenham striker Darren Bent has opened talks with Sunderland and is on the verge of a £10m move to the Stadium of Light.(The Sun) 
Sunderland's £9m keeper Craig Gordon says he is ready to stay at the club and fight for his place after falling out of favour last season.\(The Sun) 
The Black Cats are battling it out with Arsenal for the £12m signature of Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh.(Daily Mail) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he will not stand in striker Emmanuel Adebayor's way if he wants to quit the Gunners.(The Sun) 
Gunners striker Robin van Persie is set to end speculation linking him with a move away from Arsenal by signing a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2014.(The Independent) 
Manchester City striker Felipe Caicedo is wanted by Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon. (The Telegraph) 
Everton defender Joleon Lescott could be forced into handing in a transfer request if he is to get his £15m move to Manchester City. (Daily Mirror)
Everton are ready to end the stand-off between themselves and Cardiff City and move for £5m-rated midfielder Joe Ledley.(The Sun) 
Portsmouth are set to make a £7m bid for Olympiacos's Argentine midfielder Fernando Belluschi. (Daily Mirror)
Blackburn are set to move for veteran 35-year-old Italian striker Christian Vieri. (Daily Mirror) 
Blackburn have also inquired about Paris St Germain's £2.5m-rated left-winger Jerome Rothen. (The Times) 
Bolton are closing in on West Brom defender Paul Robinson and Swansea midfielder Ferrie Bodde. (The Sun) 
New Wigan manager Roberto Martinez says he has no plans to sell star midfielder Lee Cattermole, who is being targeted by Liverpool and Tottenham.(The Sun) 
Newcastle have been told they must sell striker Obafemi Martins and defender Babricio Coloccini to help smooth the sale of the club. (The Times) 
Meanwhile, Birmingham City are considering a loan bid for midfielder Joey Barton.(The Times) 
Defender Lucas Neill is ready for a U-turn and could return to Upton Park and sign a new contract at West Ham. (Daily Mail) 
Birmingham are interested in Middlesbrough striker Jeremie Aliadiere who is available for around £3.5m. (Daily Mail)
Reading are set to launch a £1m bid for Nottingham Forest striker Nathan Tyson. (The Sun) 
Wolves have dismissed speculation linking them with a £1.5m move for Leicester City striker Andrew Keogh. (The Independent) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Malaysian media mogul Ananda Krishman has been revealed as the billionaire who is hoping to buy Newcastle United.(The Sun) 
Argentine striker Carlos Tevez has vowed he will shout in Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's face if he scores against the Red Devils next season. (Daily Mirror) 
Former West Ham striker Tony Cottee has rejoined the club as an ambassador charged with raising the Hammers' profile at home and abroad. (The Independent) 

AND FINALLY

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has suffered his first injury before the new season has even begun. Rooney suffered cuts and bruises to his head after slipping on the deck of his luxury yacht in St Tropez. (Daily Mirror)
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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)
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Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Barcelona are preparing a £50m bid for Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas but could face competition from Chelsea and Real Madrid. (Daily Star)
Real Madrid have signed AC Milan's Brazilian playmaker Kaka for a world record fee of £62m. (The Sun) 
Chelsea had come into the bidding for Kaka but failed with a late bid for the AC Milan forward.(The Times) 
However, Kaka's signature may not yet be completed and Chelsea could yet land the AC Milan forward if they improve on Real's offer. (Daily Star) 
If Chelsea do miss out on Kaka then they will prepare a £45m deal for AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato. (The Times) 
Chelsea will also look to sign Manchester City's highly rated 19-year-old striker Daniel Sturridge who is out of contract at Eastlands.(The Times) 
The Blues have also told striker Andriy Shevchenko, who is on loan at AC Milan, that he is needed back at Stamford Bridge next season. (Daily Star) 
Argentine striker Carlos Tevez is to reject the chance of staying at Manchester United, despite the Premier League champions looking set to meet the £32m asking price.(The Sun) 
Manchester City appear to be the favourites to land Tevez, with the 25-year-old's representative Kia Joorabchian claiming his client feels "humiliated" by United. (The Guardian) 
City will also target Barcelona forward Samuel Eto'o, Everton defender Joleon Lescott and Arsenal centre-back Kolo Toure. (Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City boss Mark Hughes will also prepare a £15m bid for Didier Drogba, if the Chelsea striker turns down the offer of a new contract. (Daily Express) 
Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun is ready to commit his long-term future to the club, having said in January he was ready to leave if he continued playing a bit part at the club. (The Sun)
However, Benaayoun could yet turn his back on Anfield, with Manchester City, West Ham, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal believed to be interested in the Israeli. (Daily Mail) 
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has pleaded with the club to bring Newcastle striker Michael Owen back to Anfield. (Daily Express)
However, Merseyside rivals Everton are weighing up a move for the former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker. (The Times) 
But Owen would have to take a 50% pay cut if he joined the losing FA Cup finalists. (Daily Telegraph)
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has launched a £15m bid to sign Valencia forward David Silva. (Daily Mirror) 
But the Anfield boss faces a fight to hang on to midfielder Javier Mascherano, who is wanted by Real Madrid. (Daily Mirror)
Despite appearing to have won the race to sign Kaka, Real Madrid will still go after Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo and will pay £75m for the Portugal star. (The Sun) 
Steve Bruce will sign Tottenham striker Darren Bent for £10m once he is confirmed as Sunderland manager. (Daily Mirror)
Bruce will be given £50m to spend on new players at the Stadium of Light.(The Times) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is tracking St Etienne midfielder Blaise Matuidi, who is valued at about £5m. (Daily Mirror)
Bolton are preparing a £6m bid for Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone and are also keen on Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin.(The Sun) 
Manchester United reserve goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak is attracting interest from Russian club Zenit St Petersburg. (Daily Mail)
Bolton hope to beat Blackburn to the signature of Portsmouth midfielder Sean Davis.(Daily Mail) 
Portsmouth striker John Utaka is being tracked by French clubs Rennes and Bordeaux. (Daily Star)
 
OTHER GOSSIP

Former Portsmouth manager Tony Adams has claimed that Celtic are lining him up to become their new boss following Gordon Strachan's departure. (The Independent) 
However, Celtic officials have reacted with astonishment to claims by Adams that he'll become their new boss. (Daily Record) 
Wim Jansen has firmly denied recommending Tony Adams for the post of Celtic manager, as the former England captain claimed. (Various)
In-demand Swansea manager Roberto Martinez is set to chose Wigan over Celtic. (Scottish Sun) 
Steve Bruce will insist that his assistants at Wigan, Eric Black and Nigel Spink, are offered contracts at the Stadium of Light, before he agrees to become Sunderland manager.(Daily Express) 
Swansea will ask for £3m compensation if manager Roberto Martinez leaves the club. Celtic and Wigan are reportedly interested in the Spaniard. (Daily Mirror) 
Port Vale look set to name Micky Adams as their new manager. (Daily Mirror)
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba looks set to commit his future to the Blues and sign a new three-year contract at Chelsea. (Daily Mirror) 
Anxious SPL clubs will hold crisis talks about their TV deal with Setanta, with growing fears the plug will be pulled on their £31m-a-year deal. (Daily Record)


AND FINALLY

Former Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry has written an open letter to the club's supporters apologising for his departure to Manchester City. (Daily Mirror)
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Saturday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP 

Real Madrid captain Raul has not been tempted by a lucrative approach from English Premier League side Manchester City and says he wants to finish his career at Real. "Manchester City have made contact through my agent Gines Carvajal," he said. "But I've not really considered it because I would be mad to leave here. I'm only interested in finishing my career with Real."
(Spanish: Marca) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Chelsea have offered Germany midfielder Michael Ballack, 32, a one-year contract extension, with wages of £121,000 a week.(Times) 
Barcelona's former Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen looks set for a Premier League return after becoming tired of being a substitute for the Champions League finalists. (Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists he will stick with his young stars and resist splashing out on big-money signings this summer.(The Sun) 
But according to the Times, Wenger did hint that he will look to sign experienced players in the summer to bolster his young squad.(Times) 
Chelsea are prepared to pay up the final year of striker Andriy Shevchenko's contract, denying him a return to Stamford Bridge. (Daily Mail) 
Argentina and Genoa striker Diego Milito's agent has flown to London for transfer talks. Everton, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City are all said to be interested.(Daily Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP 

Newcastle are ready to offer temporary boss Alan Shearer a new four-year contract to stay as manager at St James' Park. (Daily Telepgraph) 
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce has admitted he lined up Peter Crouch as a possible replacement for Roque Santa Cruz back in January.(Sun) 
Chelsea's interim manager Guus Hiddink has defended striker Didier Drogba after a wave of criticism for his behaviour against Barcelona. (Daily Telegraph) 
And Drogba is to escape any internal club discipline for his post-match abuse of referee Tom Henning Ovrebo following Chelsea's Champions League elimination to Barcelona in midweek.(Guardian) 
Uefa's match delegate has strongly condemned Drogba in his formal report on the aftermath of the club's Champions League semi-final tie with Barcelona .(Independent) 
Tony Adams has revealed he is still hoping to return to Premier League management having taken stock following his dismissal from Portsmouth.(Times) 
Manchester City defender Richard Dunne has accused Cristiano Ronaldo of conning referees with his diving antics .(Times) 

AND FINALLY 

Arsene Wenger has claimed Nicklas Bendtner was NOT drunk after being pictured staggering out of a nightclub with his trousers falling down following Arsenal’s midweek Euro exit. (The Sun)
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Saturday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Manchester United have held talks with Kaka's representatives over a sensational summer move for the Brazilian AC Milan star. (Sun)
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted for the first time that Argentine striker Carlos Tevez could leave Old Trafford in the summer. (Various)
Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko will return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season because AC Milan will not pay the £9m fee to turn his loan deal permanent. (Sun) 
The Blues are willing to listen to offers for striker Nicolas Anelka at the end of the season and hope to recoup most of the £15m they spent to sign him from Bolton. (Times)
Meanwhile, Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne has emerged as a shock target for Real Madrid.
Middlesbrough will sell Stewart Downing in the summer, with Liverpool the favourites to beat off competition from Totenham to land the £10m-rated England winger. (Daily Mail)
Fulham defenders Brede Hangeland and Aaron Hughes could leave the club in the summer after rejecting improved contract offers. (Sun) 
Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o has warned off potential suitors by insisting he has no intention of leaving "the best club in the world". (Daily Mail)
Tottenham are preparing a £1m bid for Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson. (Sun) 
 
OTHER GOSSIP 

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes was involved in a training-ground bust-up with defender Micah Richards on Friday. (Various) 
Hughes has opened the door for Jo to resurrect his City career after admitting Everton have yet to make a move to complete a permanent transfer for the on-loan striker. (Daily Telegraph)
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will be offered a new six-year contract this summer that would give the 23-year-old parity with defender Rio Ferdinand and forward Cristiano Ronaldo on £125,000 per week. (Sun) 
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola and his assistant Steve Clarke will sign new four-year deals next week - Zola has agreed a £1.6m- a-year contract, while Clarke will become the Premier League's highest paid number two with a £1m wage packet. (Sun)
Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia admits he could face the sack even if he keeps the Wearside club in the Premier League. (Various) 
 
AND FINALLY 

One of the first things Nemanja Vidic discovered when he arrived in England three years ago was fish and chips and the Manchester United defender says he intends to celebrate by eating some more if his side brings home any silverware this season. (Sun)
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