Wednesday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Germany captain Michael Ballack insists his international career is not over despite missing the World Cup after injuring his ankle playing for Chelsea in the FA Cup final. "I won't let my international career come to an end because of a foul like this," said the 33-year-old (Press Association).
Tottenham have joined Arsenal in the chase for Dynamo Kiev's Senegalese defender Pape Diakhate.(goal.com) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are prepared to allow Anderson leave Old Trafford in a player-swap-plus-cash deal to land £38m-rated Benfica winger Angel di Maria.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester City have entered the race to sign Bayern Munich's £50m-rated winger Franck Ribery. Barcelona and Real Madrid have dropped out because of the player's personal problems, thus leaving City and Manchester United as the only serious interested parties.(Footylatest.com) 
Ajax have told Manchester United that it will cost £35m to persuade them to sell Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez this summer.(Daily Mirror) 
The potential stumbling block surrounding the return of Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona could involve the transfer fee, with Arsenal not prepared to accept less than £50m.(Footylatest.com) 
Barcelona are ready to spend £70m to thwart Chelsea's interest and bring Liverpool's Spanish international striker Fernando Torres to the Nou Camp.(Daily Express) 
Manchester United are set to table a bid of £20m for Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell, with boss Sir Alex Ferguson hoping his offer will see off Chelsea, who are reported to have tabled a bid of £16m.(Footylatest.com) 
The agent of Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has quashed reports that the 32-year-old Italy star is heading for a Premier League club this summer. (The Sun) 
Liverpool are preparing a double swoop for Manchester City's Stephen Ireland and Chelsea's Joe Cole. The Anfield club are confident they have sufficient funds to finance both fees, and hope to persuade Cole to take a lower wage.(Footylatest.com) 
West Ham have rejected bids from Fulham, Birmingham and Stoke for striker Carlton Cole as none of their offers matched the Hammers' £15m valuation.(Daily Telegraph) 
Beaten League One play-off side Huddersfield are keen on Falkirk midfielder Scott Arfield and Rangers defender Steven Smith.(Daily Record) 
Celtic are interested in signing defender Sol Campbell, who is a free agent after his deal at Arsenal expired, although the Gunners are thought to be keen to keep hold of him. (The Sun) 
Veteran midfielder Nick Barmby, 36, is close to agreeing a one-year contract extension with Hull (The Sun). 
But Jimmy Bullard could be leaving the KC Stadium for a season-long loan at Celtic.(Daily Star) 
Bolton have seen off competition from Blackburn, Wolves and Greek champions Panathinaikos to win the race to sign Ivory Coast striker Aruna Dindane after his loan spell at Portsmouth. (The Sun) 
Hearts are interested in taking Burnley's former Rangers striker Steven Thompson back to Scotland after his contract with the Turf Moor club expired.(Daily Express) 
Newcastle boss Chris Hughton says he expects to have money to spend in the summer but has ruled out making wholesale changes to the squad that won the Championship this season. (Daily Express) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Juventus are set to confirm Luigi del Neri as their new manager after running out of patience with Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez.(Daily Telegraph) 
Owen Hargreaves wants showdown talks with Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to know what he told England boss Fabio Capello about his fitness, after the midfielder was left out of the England World Cup squad.(The Sun) 
Sunderland have passed on the chance to sign striker Benjani on a permanent basis after his loan spell from Manchester City came to an end.(Daily Star) 
Chelsea's Michael Ballack is considering legal action against Portsmouth's Kevin Prince-Boateng over the challenge in the FA Cup final that ruled the Germany captain out of the World Cup.(Daily Express) 
Uefa president Michel Platini says England's 2018 World Cup bid can survive the embarrassment of the Lord Triesman affair.(the Guardian) 
Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies will hold crisis talks with club owner Nigel Doughty on Friday after discussing his potential availability for other jobs in television interviews.(the Guardian) 
Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has been told by England boss Fabio Capello that he has an equal chance of being first choice keeper at the World Cup as David James and Robert Green.(Daily Telegraph) 

AND FINALLY

Rotherham striker Drewe Broughton could need to find a stand-in best man for his summer wedding as first choice, West Ham defender Matthew Upson, could be at the World Cup with England. (The Sun)
Welshman Ryan Giggs says he will be cheering on England at the World Cup but says Spain are overwhelming favourites to win the tournament.(Daily Star)
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Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City are set to make an offer of about £24m for Aston Villa midfielder James Milner. (Daily Mail) 
Manchester United have made further enquiries about Benfica winger Angel di Maria, who is valued at about £38m and is also wanted by Real Madrid. (Daily Mail)
Liverpool are lining up a bid of about £11m for Sampdoria's Italian striker Giampaolo Pazzini as manager Rafael Benitez looks to bring in new attacking options. (caughtoffside.com) 
Benitez is also reportedly interested in bringing talented Sevilla winger Jesus Navas to Anfield.(caughtoffside.com) 
Liverpool and Aston Villa have joined the race for West Ham striker Carlton Cole after it emerged that the Hammers rejected a £10m bid for the striker from Birmingham. (Daily Mirror) 
If the Hammers lose Cole, they will move for Everton striker Yakubu.(Daily Mail) 
Neil Lennon, who was given the role of Celtic caretaker manager until the end of the season, is hoping to secure the job permanently this week - with Crystal Palace's goalscoring midfielder Darren Ambrose his first transfer target.(Daily Mirror) 
Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish has made an £8m bid for Wigan winger Charles N'Zogbia.(Daily Mail) 
Defender Steven Caldwell is preparing to team up with his brother Gary at Wigan after being released by Burnley.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester United are considering a move for Marseille winger Hatem Ben Arfa this summer with Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson known to be an admirer of the 23-year-old French international.(caughtoffside.com) 
West Ham are set to snap up Lyon winger Sydney Govou on a free transfer.(The Sun) 
Bolton will make a sensational £5m bid for Real Madrid's Spain Under-20 internationals Marcos Alonso, a left-back, and Rodrigo Moreno, who is a striker. (Daily Mirror) 
West Brom are trying to pip Fulham to Portsmouth defender Marc Wilson with a £2.5m bid. (Daily Mail)
Leicester are keen on signing Everton striker James Vaughan on a permanent deal for a fee of £1m. (Daily Mail) 
Preston hope to sign Wycombe winger Matt Phillips for £450,000. (Daily Mail)

OTHER GOSSIP

Chelsea's Petr Cech has hailed goalkeeping rival David James as England's number one after the Portsmouth player's performance in Saturday's FA Cup final, which the London club won 1-0.(Daily Mirror) 
Lord Sugar has announced he is ready to to take charge at the crisis-hit Football Association, replacing Lord Triesman, who resigned on Sunday. (The Sun) 
Sheffield United coach Gary Speed has emerged as a managerial candidate for Hull. (Daily Mail)


AND FINALLY

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola hailed Lionel Messi as "the best [player] I've ever seen" after the Argentine forward scored twice in Sunday's win over Real Valladolid, equalling Barca's 34-goal league record and taking his tally to 47 in all competitions this season. (Daily Mail) 
England's stars have agreed to give their World Cup match fees to charity for the first time. (The Sun) 
Chelsea defender John Terry has set his sights on winning the Treble next season but says the Wembley pitch, which will host next year's Champions League final, must be improved.(Daily Mirror)
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Friday's gossip

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United turned down the chance to sign Valencia striker David Villa. With United burdened by debts in excess of £700m, the £40m fee quoted by the Spanish side will have to be lowered if a deal is to be done.(The Guardian)
Manchester City are planning a surprise move for Bayern Munich striker, and Manchester United conqueror, Ivica Olic after the Croatia star impressed boss Roberto Mancini.(Daily Mail)
Mancini made the trip to Anfield on Thursday night to take a look at Benfica left winger Angel di Maria as he considers whether to bid for the Argentina international.(Daily Mirror)
Aston Villa midfielder James Milner is a summer target for Manchester United with Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema also in Sir Alex Ferguson's sights.(Daily Mirror)
Bordeaux striker Maroaune Chamakh's move to Arsenal is all but done, with the Morocco international expected to sign a four-year deal at the Emirates.(Daily Mail)
AC Milan's France midfielder Mathieu Flamini, 25, has quashed speculation linking him with Lyon and Manchester City - saying he wants to remain with the Italian side.(goal.com)
Birmingham midfielder Sebastian Larsson is attracting interest from Newcastle and Sunderland with Tynesiders' boss Chris Hughton weighing up a £2m bid.(The Sun)
But Larsson may be persuaded to stay and try and force his way back into the Birmingham starting line-up with a one-year contract extension on the table at St Andrew's. Defender Liam Ridgewell has been offered another two years.(Daily Mirror)
Tottenham are weighing up a move for Real Madrid midfielder Guti with the 33-year-old former Spain international expected to be available on a free transfer this summer.(Daily Mail)
Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler, 34, will join Sydney FC after the financial collapse of his current club North Queensland Fury.(Daily Mail)
Sporting Lisbon are lining up a move for Chelsea goalkeeper Hilario.(Daily Mail)

OTHER GOSSIP

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has said that Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson failed to accept defeat like a gentleman after his side's Champions league quarter-final defeat to the German side.(The Sun)
United right-back Rafael da Silva was left in tears after his dismissal reduced Ferguson's side to 10 men early in the second half.(The Sun)
Defeat against Hull at the weekend could spell the end of Brian Laws' tenure as Burnley manager.(Daily Mail)
Liverpool owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are considering standing aside as co-chairman of the club. British Airways chairman Martin Broughton has been sounded out about the role.(Daily Telegraph)
American billionaire Stan Kroenke could launch a bid to take full control of Arsenal if he decides to sell his shareholding in American football franchise the St Louis Rams.(The Independent)
Striker James Beattie has suffered another snub at Stoke with teenage rookie Louis Moult ahead of him in the pecking order for this weekend's clash with Wolves.(Daily Mail)
Rangers chairman Alastair Johnston says keeping manager Walter Smith at Ibrox next season is a "high priority" but admits he can not guarantee the former Everton and Scotland boss money to spend on new players in the summer.(Daily Record)
Arsenal striker Robin van Persie could make his return from a serious ankle injury in Wednesday's derby against Tottenham.(Daily Mirror)

AND FINALLY

On-loan Celtic striker Robbie Keane's top-of-the-range Range Rover was seized by police after a worker at the garage it was being repaired in took it for an unauthorised late-night spin.(Daily Record)
Ipswich manager Roy Keane says he can feel the presence of legendary Nottingham Forest boss Brian Clough every time he returns to the City Ground.(Daily Mail)
After their loss to Manchester United in the Carling Cup final at Wembley in February, manager Martin O'Neill has demanded Aston Villa change their suits, their hotel and stay in London one night rather than three ahead of the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea.(Daily Mirror)
Notts County striker Luke Rodgers could be lining up alongside Barcelona striker Thierry Henry next season if both complete expected summer moves to Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls.(Daily Mail)
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Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are considering a fresh attempt to lure Benfica's £20m-rated winger Angel di Maria to Old Trafford.(Daily Mail) 
Aston Villa, Sunderland and Blackburn are eyeing up Wolves defensive midfielder and captain Karl Henry, 27.(Daily Mirror) 
Liverpool are offering key Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano a two-year contract extension with a pay rise to keep him out of Barcelona's clutches. (The Sun) 
Blackburn are eager to sign Aruna Dindane - on loan at Portsmouth this season - in £2.5m deal from Lens.(Daily Mirror) 
Barcelona midfielder Alexander Hleb is desperate for a return to the Premier League, with Manchester City and Aston Villa standing by to sign him. (Daily Mirror) 
Michael Owen has dismissed the prospect of leaving Manchester United this summer by insisting he is happy to accept a reduced role at Old Trafford in exchange for silverware. (Daily Telegraph) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson made a personal phone call of support to Ryan Shawcross after the Stoke defender's tackle broke Aaron Ramsey's leg. (Daily Mirror) 
England boss Fabio Capello will turn to Tottenham's injury-plagued defender Ledley King as he attempts to solve his centre-back crisis. King, 29, won his last England cap almost three years ago.(Daily Mail) 
Neil Warnock joined Queens Park Rangers as manager after the club agreed a £400,000 compensation deal with Crystal Palace. Warnock will be paid £15,000 a week at Loftus Road.(Daily Mail) 
Meanwhile, Steve Coppell has turned down the chance of an emotional return to replace Warnock at Selhurst Park, leaving the manager's door open for Paul Hart to take charge.(Daily Mirror) 
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has urged club manager Rafael Benitez to stop fretting about his fitness while he is away on international duty with Spain. (Daily Mirror) 
Liverpool defender Daniel Agger is to undergo treatment - but not surgery - for a bruised bone in his knee which he sustained against Blackburn on Sunday. The centre-back left Anfield on crutches after the match. (The Independent) 
Birmingham defender Liam Ridgewell will escape FA action for a lunge that took out a Wigan player, corner flag and linesman after referee Anthony Taylor cleared him. (The Sun) 
Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart believes he can answer the question at the heart of Fabio Capello's bid to win the World Cup. (Daily Express) 
Craig Bellamy's international future is in doubt after John Toshack, the Wales manager, refused to confirm that the Manchester City striker was part of his plans for the future. (The Guardian) 

AND FINALLY

Crisis-club Portsmouth are offering financial advice to supporters on their website. Pompey, who are in administration and have huge debts, are advertising PFC Financial Services division, which claims to bring everyday financial solutions to fans' families. One supporter said: "It's got to be a sick joke."(Daily Mirror)

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Veendam 0 - 1 FC Eindhoven

0-1 B.v.d. Eede  89.min.

Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Premier League trio Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City are battling it out along with Spanish duo Real Madrid and Barcelona for Benfica winger Angel Di Maria. (imscouting.com) 
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is targeting £3.5m Portsmouth defender Marc Wilson.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester United are leading the race to sign QPR's highly rated 15-year-old midfielder Raheem Sterling. Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham are also interested in the player. (Daily Mirror) 
West Bromwich Albion are tracking Hamilton midfielder James McArthur, with a view to making a £2m summer bid.(Daily Mirror) 
Plymouth have joined the race for highly-rated Barnet winger Albert Adomah.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole is facing a £400,000 fine from the Blues after recent headlines concerning the 29-year-old's private life heaped further embarrassment on the club.(The Times) 
Alternatively, Cole could be transfer listed by Chelsea following an investigation by the club. Owner Roman Abramovich is understood to be furious at the way Cole's alleged behaviour has damaged the reputation of the club.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has ordered Carlos Tevez to return to England after the striker went AWOL in Argentina. Tevez has missed City's last three matches after he was granted compassionate leave by City for family reasons.(Daily Mirror) 
AC Milan manager Leonardo offered to quit following the club's 3-2 home defeat by Manchester United in the Champions League last week.(Daily Mail) 
QPR expect to name Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock as their new manager this week. Former Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has been lined up to replace Warnock at Selhurst Park.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney's younger brother John has landed a week-long trial at Derby.(Daily Mail) 
The Football Association has played down concerns over England's unfinished World Cup base in Rustenburg. England manager Fabio Capello and FA officials have flown over to inspect the £20m hotel and training complex before approving the site for use by the national squad this summer.(The Times) 
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce says that the next four home games will decide if they are to face a relegation scrap at the end of the season. The struggling Black Cats host Fulham, Bolton, Birmingham and Manchester City with a trip to Aston Villa in between.(The Sun) 

AND FINALLY

Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo is distraught about the catastrophic floods that have killed 32 people in his native Madeira and has pledged to help the devastated island.(Daily Mail) 
Hull manager Phil Brown says he was so angry with his side's 3-0 defeat at West Ham he cancelled a scheduled appearance on Sky's Goals on Sunday programme so he could read the riot act to his players.(The Sun)
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Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho is battling it out with former club Chelsea and Manchester United for £15m-rated Benfica winger Angel di Maria. (Daily Mail) 
Chelsea are leading the chase to sign Racing Santander's Spanish midfielder Sergio Canales who is also being tracked by Arsenal and Manchester City. (Daily Mail) 
Liverpool are also monitoring 18-year-old Canales. (Daily Star)
Manchester United could cash in on star striker Wayne Rooney to help ease the club's debts. Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are considering £70m bids for the England international.(The Sun) 
Bayern Munich playmaker Franck Ribery admits that Chelsea or Real Madrid are in a straight fight for his services should he leave the Bundesliga side.(The Sun) 
Arsenal are considering a move for Everton striker Louis Saha whose contract negotiations at the club have broken down. Tottenham and Liverpool are also said to be keen. (Daily Mail) 
Tottenham have had a £5m bid for Benfica forward Javier Saviola turned down by the Portuguese club for "sporting reasons". (Daily Mirror)
Bordeaux's in-demand striker Marouane Chamakh has promised a decision soon on his future. Arsenal and Liverpool are both believed to be keen on signing him on a cut-price deal with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.(Daily Mirror) 
Out-of-favour Birmingham forward Gary McSheffrey could attempt to resurrect his career with a move to Championship side Sheffield United.(The Sun) 
Manchester City have replaced city rivals Manchester United in a partnership agreement with Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon. The deal will give City first option should Sporting sell any of their players. (The Guardian) 
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce insists it will take a "mind-blowing" offer to prise striker Kenwyne Jones away from the Black Cats and doubts if the clubs who want to buy him would prove able - or willing - to meet the necessary price.(The Guardian) 
Bruce has denied making a £5m bid to take Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland to the Stadium of Light.(The Independent) 
Former Wigan striker Amr Zaki, currently at Egyptian side Zamalek, has been offered to Stoke City, Sunderland, and Blackburn Rovers.(The Times) 
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is weighing up a £5m move for Mallorca forward Aritz Aduriz which may see striker Hugo Rodallega leave the DW Stadium.(The Sun) 
Portsmouth could lose Aruna Dindane with parent club Lens set to recall the striker early from his loan spell at Pompey. The French side fear the Premier League outfit lack the funds to make the deal permanent.(The Guardian) 
Birmingham City and Wolves have expressed an interest in Hull midfielder Stephen Hunt who may be offloaded if the cash-strapped club are forced to sell players. (The Times) 
Fulham have agreed a loan deal for Roma's 20-year-old striker Stefano Okaka, although the player has yet to sign off on the temporary switch.(The Independent) 
Wolves are set to offer £1.5m for Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford but Newcastle are still leading the fight to sign the 26-year-old.(Daily Mail) 
But Newcastle boss Chris Hughton has warned Leeds that unless a deal is tied up swiftly for Beckford he will turn his attentions to a loan deal for Aston Villa striker Marlon Harewood.(Daily Mirror) 
New Bolton manager Owen Coyle could offer Beckford the chance to play for his side after expressing interest in the unsettled forward. (The Guardian) 
Arsenal forward Andrey Arshavin doubts whether manager Arsene Wenger will make any signings during the transfer window.(Daily Star) 
Derby striker Luke Varney will become Sheffield Wednesday manager Alan Irvine's first signing at Hillsborough.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Joe Cole's contract talks with Chelsea have stalled over the wage demands of the England international, who is free to leave for nothing at the end of the season.(The Times) 
Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has suggested in an email to a supporter that the summer transfer market will be a "big" one for the Premier League club. "Our debt is very managable (sic) [see Man U] and we never use player sales for debt service," said Hicks. "Our interest on £200m is about £16m. The new stadium will be the game changer. Managing director Christian [Purslow] is working very hard on it. Jan is a poor-quality market. The summer window will be big."(Daily Mirror) 
The Glazer family, which owns Manchester United, has personally borrowed £10m from the club, according to financial results released yesterday.(The Guardian) 
West Ham could have new owners within 24 hours although investment company Intermarket, who made the highest bid for the club, missed a deadline to prove it had the cash to finance a £100m takeover.(The Times) 
Burnley are set to spring a major surprise by naming former Sheffield Wednesday boss Brian Laws as their new manager.(Daily Mail) 
Alternatively, Doncaster manager Sean O'Driscoll could be taking charge at Turf Moor but Burnley will have to pay £1m compensation to get their man. Full story: (The Sun) 

AND FINALLY

Chelsea captain John Terry says his leadership qualities were evident even when he was coming through the ranks at Stamford Bridge. As a youngster he shouted at former Blue Gianfranco Zola for giving the ball away in a reserve match, earning the praise of Italian manager Gianluca Vialli.(The Independent) 
Despite postponing their Premier League clash with Tottenham at the weekend because of icy conditions around Anfield, Liverpool were still encouraging fans to take tours of the stadium throughout the cold weather. (Daily Mail)
AC Milan and LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham has revealed his latest tattoo. The 34-year-old has an image of Jesus Christ sitting on the cross inked into his side.(Daily Mirror) 
West Ham's league game with Wolves on Sunday was postponed because of an incorrect weather forecast for more snow.(Daily Mail)

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Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola insists the club will not be forced to sell striker Carlton Cole in January, despite interest in the £20m-rated player from Manchester United and Liverpool.(The Sun) 
Chelsea have dropped out of the running to sign Benfica's Ángel Di María after balking at the £36m asking price, leaving the way open for the Argentine winger to join Manchester City next summer.(Daily Telegraph) 
Birmingham's £4m bid for Standard Liege's Serbian striker Milan Jovanovic has collapsed, leaving Manchester United, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Everton to battle it out for his signature.(Daily Mirror) 
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is willing to listen to offers for defender Anton Ferdinand and Spurs are believed to be preparing a £6m bid. (Various) 
Manchester City have moved a step closer to signing QPR's Raheem Sterling after the young forward notified Rangers of his desire to leave.(Daily Mirror) 
Nottingham Forest are planning a £3m move for Tottenham defender Gareth Bale.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Los Angeles Galaxy and England midfielder David Beckham is struggling to be fit for his New Year move to AC Milan after needing three cortisone injections in his right ankle before Sunday's MLS Cup Final defeat to Real Salt Lake.(The Sun) 
Beckham is ready to move into club ownership after expressing his wish to buy a Major League Soccer team. He has the right to invest in a future franchise as part of his deal to join Galaxy in 2007.(Daily Mirror)
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Babel says he will leave the club in January if he is not given more opportunities in the first team by manager Rafael Benitez. "I have tried to talk to the manager but it isn't of any use," admitted Babel."(The Sun) 
Real Madrid forward Kaka has revealed that he turned down a move to Chelsea in the summer in order to complete his dream move to the Bernabeu. (Daily Mail) 
Bolton manager Gary Megson has rounded on some of his players, accusing them of trying to destabilise the club. The Trotters are currently in the Premier League relegation zone following three successive defeats. (Various)
Tottenham defender Jonathan Woodgate has admitted he has no chance of representing England at next year's World Cup in South Africa because of his persistent injury woes.(Daily Mirror) 
Ipswich have dismissed speculation that their manager Roy Keane is on the brink of being sacked. A club spokesman said: "The story in a national newspaper that our manager is about to leave is complete and utter nonsense.(Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal midfielder Alex Song has agreed to sign a new contract that will keep him at the Emirates until 2015.(The Sun) 

AND FINALLY

Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun has revealed that his recent injuries were treated by Serbian healer Marijana Kovacevic with human placenta. Benayoun's team-mate Glen Johnson, Arsenal's Robin van Persie and Chelsea's Frank Lampard have all recently been treated with what was believed to be horse placenta.(The Sun) 
Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe says that watching Spurs coach Clive Allen in action during his playing days on YouTube helped him claim his five-goal haul during the 9-1 win over Wigan on Sunday.(Daily Mirror)
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Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United and Chelsea are fighting it out to sign Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell (on photo) who is valued at £20m.(News of the World) 
United are also lining up a £15m January bid for Bayern Munich right-back Philipp Lahm.(Sunday Mirror) 
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez hopes to raise £15m from the sale of defender Andrea Dossena and forward Ryan Babel - and wants to splash some of the cash on Hamburg striker Eljero Elia.(Sunday Mirror) 
Liverpool are also keen on Arsenal striker Eduardo and are poised to make a £10m bid for Croatian.(News of the World) 
Reds midfielder Javier Mascherano looks set for a £30m move to Barcelona after his advisors agreed the player's personal terms with the Spanish club. (Sunday Express)
Arsenal are preparing a £5m bid for Hoffenheim's Brazilian midfielder Maicosuel. (News of the World) 
The Gunners are also keen on Cardiff City full-back Adam Matthews and are planning a £5m swoop for the 17-year-old. (Sunday Express)
Manchester City have agreed a £36m deal to sign Benfica midfielder Angel di Maria in January. (News of the World) 
City meanwhile will make a £20m January bid for Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic.(Sunday Mirror) 
Manchester United and City are both keen on Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko who is rated at £20m. (Mail on Sunday) 
Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea are all battling it out to sign 16-year-old striker Connor Wickham from Ipswich in January.(Mail on Sunday) 
Tottenham are set to renew their interest in Sevilla winger Diego Capel. (News of the World) 
Chelsea will have to match Atletico Madrid forward Sergio Aguero's huge £6.5m a year wages to land the striker.(News of the World) 
The Blues are also leading the chase to sign Anderlecht striker Romelu Lukaku who has already attracted interest from AC Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United. (News of the World) 
Birmingham are lining up a £7m bid for Celtic winger Aiden McGeady. (News of the World) 
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is set to raid his old club Swansea City for £2m-rated defender Ashley Williams. (News of the World) 
Portsmouth have set their sights on a January double swoop for Nice striker Loic Remy and Marseille winger Hatem Ben Arfa. (News of the World) 
Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson has been told he cannot leave the club in January despite interest from Sunderland, Spurs, Chelsea and Everton. (News of the World) 
Former England striker Darius Vassell who currently plays for Turkish side Ankaragucu is hoping to secure a January switch to Bolton.(News of the World) 
Sunderland will go after Newcastle left-back Jose Enrique if they fail to sign Wigan defender Maynor Figueroa in January. (Sunday Express) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Former Manchester United defender and current Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc is being lined up to replace current Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.(Sunday Mirror) 
But former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who is currently in charge at Inter Milan, is confident that Ferguson will recommend him for the job as he is keen for a return to English football.(Sunday Times) 
Arsenal striker Robin van Persie could be out for the rest of the season after suffering a serious ankle injury in Holland's friendly match against Italy. (Mail on Sunday) 
West Ham are set to formally announce the retirement of striker Dean Ashton. (Sunday Mirror) 
The Hammers could demand up to £5m in compensation after losing the services of 26-year-old Ashton. (Sunday Express)
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley will put the Championship club back up for sale if they get promoted to the Premier League at the end of the season.(News of the World) 

AND FINALLY

The infamous beach ball that diverted Sunderland striker Darren Bent's shot past Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina and into the goal earlier in the season has been sold at auction for £411.77.(News of the World)

Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City have been told by Benfica that star forward Angel Di Maria will cost them £36m after they made him their top target to replace Brazilian Robinho, who has been linked with Barcelona. (Daily Mail) 
Liverpool have placed a £14m price tag on midfielder Lucas Leiva after a couple of top European sides inquired about his availability. (Daily Mirror) 
Fulham are planning a January swoop for Palermo's Brazilian keeper Rubinho who is rated at around £3m. (The Sun) 
Blackburn are considering a £4m bid for AZ Alkmaar's Swedish midfielder Rasmus Elm. (Daily Mirror) 
Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in Gillingham striker Simeon Williamson and are preparing a £1.5m bid. (Daily Mirror) 
West Brom are set to launch a £2.5m raid on Championship rivals Leicester for striker Matty Fryatt. (Daily Mirror) 
Birmingham are tracking Sevilla striker Arouna Kone and Real Betis midfielder Achille Emana. (Daily Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

The Football Association could face a £900,000 compensation bill from Chelsea after midfielder Frank Lampard suffered a thigh injury while on board a "cramped economy jet".(The Sun) 
Manchester United have sent Rio Ferdinand to a see a specialist about his back issues and has been placed on a new course of treatment to spare the defender a significant lay-off.(The Guardian) 
Peterborough want Brentford boss Andy Scott to replace former manager Darren Ferguson at the Championship club.(The Sun) 
Manchester City forward Robinho is set to anger his club manager Mark Hughes by playing for his national side Brazil against England, despite being out of action with an ankle injury since August.(The Sun) 
Liverpool's Fabio Aurelio has been forced to pull out of Brazil's squad to face England and is the Premier League club's latest injury worry. Steven Gerrard, Fernado Torres, Glen Johnson, Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera are among the other injured first-teamers.(The Guardian) 

AND FINALLY

Derby County midfielder Robbie Savage suffered embarrassment after turning up at an airport where his side were due to fly to Amsterdam for a friendly with his wife's passport.(Daily Mirror)

Everton 0-2 Benfica

Javier Saviola and Oscar Cardozo scored as Benfica deservedly defeated Everton in the Europa League.
Saviola opened the scoring with a low finish early in the second half before Cardozo finished in the bottom corner. 
Cardozo appeared to be in an offside position but Benfica's attacking play was superb and earlier he hit the post and Tim Howard superbly denied Saviola. 
An unmarked Sylvain Distin had a chance for Everton from six yards late in the game but was denied by Julio Cesar. 
Benfica were full value for their victory, with Cardoza, Saviola and Angel Di Maria interchanging passes with great skill and understanding. 
The introduction of Argentine Pablo Aimar after the break only served to illustrate the difference in options between the visiting team and injury-hit Everton. 
David Moyes's team - who were thrashed 5-0 at Benfica two weeks ago - have not won in any competition since they defeated BATE on 1 October.   
But they remain second in their Europa League group and qualification remains in their own hands with two games left to play.

Everton manager David Moyes:
"We have tough games coming up and we knew the group was never going to be easy and it will prove that way, I am sure.
"I think Benfica are a good side and it was a tough game but it was tighter than the last one (where Benfica won 5-0). 
"We became a little open in the second half, maybe trying to score, and we got done on the counter for the first goal. We still had four defenders back though, and the goals weren't like the goals in Benfica. 
"One ricocheted off our player and fell to them, so I didn't think the goals were beautiful; they were poor defensive moments for us."

Thursday's gossip

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are planning a £12m January swoop for Benfica's Argentine winger Angel Di Maria, who impressed in the Europa League against Everton last month. (Daily Mirror)  
Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are weighing up a January move for CSKA Moscow winger Milos Krasic. (Daily Mail)
German side Hertha Berlin are trying to sign former England defender Sol Campbell, 35, on an 18-month contract. (Daily Mail)
Arsenal's teenage Spanish striker Fran Merida hopes to sign a new contract with the Gunners despite interest from Atletico Madrid and a host of other La Liga clubs.(The Sun)
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce hopes to strike a cut-price £4m deal for Nacional Madeira midfielder Ruben Micael. (Daily Mirror)
Hong Kong striker Chan Siu-ki is set to begin a trial spell with Tottenham. Chan has scored 22 goals in 27 appearances for his club, Hong Kong champions South China. (Daily Mail)
Bolton are ready to launch a £4m bid for Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll, who Wanderers boss Gary Megson sees as a long-term replacement for Kevin Davies. (The Sun)
Notts County have joined Ipswich and Coventry in the race to sign Sheffield Wednesday defender Richard Wood, who is out of contract at the end of the season. (Daily Star)
Norwich and Bournemouth are competing for the signature of Cambridge United striker Chris Holroyd. (Daily Star)
Notts County have handed a trial to 31-year-old former Porto, Deportivo La Coruna and Juventus defender Jorge Andrade. (Daily Mail)

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez insists he does not fear for his job despite the Reds' hopes of progressing in the Champions League looking unlikely following Wednesday's draw with Lyon. (The Sun)
Newcastle United's revenue was halved from £100m to £50m following their relegation from the Premier League last season.(Daily Mirror)
The Magpies will not receive a penny in extra sponsorship before the end of the season as a result of renaming their stadium. (The Times)
Manchester United's Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher hopes a pain-killing injection will allow him to delay an ankle operation until the end of the season. (The Sun)
But Fletcher's United team-mate Rio Ferdinand is out for up to six weeks after finally admitting defeat in his battle with a long-standing back injury. (The Sun)
Ferdinand could still face Chelsea on Sunday but, if he does miss out, the defender will not be considered for England's friendly with Brazil on 14 November.(Daily Mail)
Manchester United defender Patrice Evra admits he has a miserable record against Chelsea, saying "every time I play them something bad happens" and is determined to triumph in Sunday's Premier League showdown at Stamford Bridge. (Daily Mirror)
West Ham striker Carlton Cole and Aston Villa front-man Emile Heskey are both doubtful for England's game with Brazil after picking up injuries in the Hammers' 2-1 win over Villa on Wednesday - and their absence could mean a recall for Manchester United's Michael Owen. (Daily Mail)
Chelsea defender Jose Bosingwa is facing a knee operation which could keep him out for up to a month. (Daily Express)
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce believes key midfielder Lee Cattermole can return from a medial ligament injury a month sooner than expected - and could be back in action by Christmas. (Daily Star)
Hull City owner Russell Bartlett has been forced to pay his own money into the club to fund the Tigers' day-to-day trading. The Tigers, who have an annual wage bill of £38m, are struggling to meet their financial commitments.The Guardian)
Portsmouth have described the tax evasion charge facing their chief executive Peter Storrie as "a joke" and have vowed to fight it. (Daily Mirror)
Former Notts County defender Sol Campbell has hit back at claims that he walked out on the Magpies halfway through a training session, saying he had a hamstring injury when he left the League Two club in September. (The Sun)

AND FINALLY

Cardiff City have been warned not to stay overnight in Swansea ahead of Saturday's South Wales derby. Bluebirds boss Dave Jones said: "The police have advised us to stay out of the Swansea area in case fans set off fire alarms to try to wake us up." (The Sun)
Derby defender Jay McEveley has revealed how he cheated death two weeks ago when his heart stopped for two minutes during a routine operation to repair a fractured cheekbone. (Daily Star)
Burnley defnder Tyrone Mears, who faces his first club Manchester City on Saturday, could have been a rugby league star and signed a contract with Warrington Wolves before switching his attention to football. (The Sun)
Celtic boss Tony Mowbray has dismissed statistics showing his side are the most shot-shy team in the Europa League with just 13 shots in their three matches so far. Mowbray said: "My first reaction is to say I'm not interested in what Uefa's computer shows up." (Daily Record)
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Thursday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Former West Ham defender Lucas Neill is set to undergo a medical at Everton today. (Sky Sports)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Valencia's Spanish forward David Silva has admitted he is interested in a move to Manchester United.(Daily Mirror) 
Hull striker Caleb Folan is set to join Middlesbrough on a three-month loan deal.(The Sun) 
Aston Villa are hoping to beat Chelsea and Manchester City in the race to sign Feyenoord's £5million-rated Netherlands Under-21 midfielder Jonathan De Guzman.(Daily Mail) 
Bolton defender Danny Shittu has turned down a loan move to Sheffield United because he does not want to step down from the Premier League.(Daily Mirror) 
Liverpool target Angel Di Maria has had his buy-out clause increased to £40m by Portuguese club Benfica as they brace themselves for a bid from the Premier League side.(Daily Mirror) 
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has blocked Diomany Kamara's move to Newcastle United because he needs him for his squad.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United and Burnley are likely to need a tribunal to thrash out compensation for defender Richard Eckersley, who joined the Clarets from United in the summer.(The Sun) 
Everton are giving a trial to Colo Colo's 18-year-old Chilean striker Nicolas Millan, who has been compared to Cristiano Ronaldo.(Daily Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced he can persuade midfielder Paul Scholes to put his retirement plans on hold in favour of one more year at Old Trafford.(Daily Mirror) 
Fabio Capello has revealed that his current job as coach of England will be his last in football and he never wants to manage the national side of his native Italy.(The Sun) 
QPR owner Flavio Briatore faces being kicked out of the Loftus Road club following his departure from Formula 1 team Renault. Should F1 bosses decree that Briatore is no longer a "fit and proper person" to operate within their sport, he would have to relinquish his control of QPR as Football League rules state any shareholder or director must be removed if they are banned by a recognised sport's governing body.(The Sun) 
Chelsea sporting director Frank Arnesen fears he could be the next high profile departure from Stamford Bridge following the exit of chief executive Peter Kenyon.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson will not discipline striker Wayne Rooney for his enraged reaction to being substituted during the Champions League victory over Besiktas on Tuesday.(The Sun) 
Liverpool's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are ready to put up to 25% of the club up for sale to raise £100m that can be used to build a new stadium.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has joked that he will join United's fans in booing former teammate Carlos Tevez if he lines up for Manchester City in the derby between the sides on Sunday.(The Sun) 
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has promised that investment in the club's new £30m training complex will not harm Harry Redknapp's team-building programme.(Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth have put Ivory Coast striker Aruna Dindane on a special fitness programme in a bid to get him fit for the club's battle to get off the bottom of the Premier League.(Daily Mirror) 
Karren Brady has turned down an offer from prospective Birmingham City owner Carson Yeung to remain as chief executive of the Blues.(The Sun) 
Manchester City have confirmed they will not appeal the violent conduct charge against Emmanuel Adebayor for his stamp on Arsenal's Robin Van Persie in City's 4-2 win on Saturday.(The Sun) 
Ipswich boss Roy Keane has told defenders Gareth McAuley, who has been stripped of the captaincy, and Ben Thatcher that they have no future with the club.(Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY

England manager Fabio Capello joked that his wife may have taken a shine to David Beckham after having photos taken with the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder.(The Sun) 
Capello has also revealed that had he not pursued a career in football he would have chosen a career as an airline pilot.(Daily Star)
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