Showing posts with label Bayern Munich. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bayern Munich. Show all posts

Man Utd 3-2 Bayern Munich (agg 4-4)

Arjen Robben's spectacular late strike wrecked Manchester United's hopes of reaching a third successive Champions League final as he sent Bayern Munich through on away goals at Old Trafford.
The former Chelsea star rifled in a magnificent volley from Franck Ribery's corner with 16 minutes left to stun United after they looked to be cruising into the semi-finals as they went 3-0 up before the interval to establish a two-goal aggregate lead. 
Robben capped a dismal week for United that has seen them lose the Premier League leadership and crash out of the Champions League - also ending English interest in the tournament after Arsenal's exit against Barcelona. 
Wayne Rooney was in Sir Alex Ferguson's starting line-up as he completed a remarkable recovery from the ankle ligament injury he sustained in Bayern's 2-1 win against United in the Allianz Arena eight days ago. 
And he was quickly a thorn in Bayern's side, setting up Darron Gibson's opener after just three minutes. United looked on course for the last four when Nani turned in Antonio Valencia's cross four minutes later to put them ahead in the tie.
Bayern were being run ragged and Nani capped United's complete supremacy when he scored his second and their third as half-time approached - but the whole mood and shape of the tie was turned when Ivica Olic took advantage of poor defending to bundle home a crucial goal before the interval. 
Louis van Gaal's side suddenly discovered hope, and a measure of composure, their cause being helped when Rafael was sent off after 50 minutes following his second yellow card for a foul on Ribery. 
Ferguson responded by replacing Rooney, who had been limping heavily earlier, with John O'Shea, but the momentum had swung dramatically to Bayern and Robben's wonder goal capped a period of pressure. 
United had no Rooney to call on for the finale and they did not have the inspiration to mount a trademark late surge as the Premier League's last representative went out of a tournament in which they have exerted so much influence in recent seasons. 
Ferguson must now gather his team for a final assault on a fourth successive title, but there is no doubt they have taken three heavy blows as they attempt to add more silverware to the Carling Cup won against Aston Villa. 
And he will also hope Rooney has not sustained further damage to his ankle in this lost cause.
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Champions League 7.4.

Man Utd - Bayern

Yes it was two flukes in Munich, but it happens when the team is under a heavy pressure. Bayern's win was clear and deserved for me. Both Utd's right-backs had a nightmare night. First Neville, handed the ball and Germans scored (I actually counted on his experience, but he reacted like an amateur). Evra's reaction before second goal was sensational, in my opinion. He repeated the same vs. Chelsea. Tonight will face recovered Robben. So, why we should expect tougher defense line tonight?

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On the other hand, no chance I'll ever bet against United at Old Trafford at any price. German's defense is not much better (if it is even better). Sir Alex stated they'll play for 1-0 win. Sure they will. He also stated Rooney and Rio are absolutely fit, before Bolton. I think Utd's biggest chance is opening 15 minutes when Bayern will be under highest pressure. One scored goal then could give a big advantage to the hosts.

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Can not bet on result after second half in Germany. And one man is not the team (as Vidic said), but Rooney is not an ordinary man and Berbatov really annoys me. Despite not so good odds, over 2.5 in this game is best bet for me. And won't suggest anyone to follow me, but have some feeling we could see extra time tonight. Gamble on Man Utd to win after penalty shoot out at 26.00!

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Bordeaux - Lyon

Actually I was about to back Lyon with DNB counting on their experience (same word again) playing at this level of competition. But, two facts discouraged me in that intention. First, two goals difference for Lyon wasn't fully deserved. Second, visitors will miss three very important players Lisandro Lopez, Jean II Makoun and Sidney Govou (Bafetimbi Gomis is fit). Since I'm really not an expert for French football (or its fan) and despite I can see another high scoring game, I'm giving up from this one. No bet!

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Bayern Munich 2-1 Man Utd

Ivica Olic grabbed an injury-time winner as Bayern Munich drew first blood in their Champions League quarter-final with Manchester United.
United had taken the lead after just 66 seconds when Wayne Rooney volleyed in six yards out from Nani's free-kick. 
But Franck Ribery's deflected free-kick set up a dramatic finale, rounded off by Olic's cool run and finish after a defensive error by Patrice Evra. 
United's misery was made complete when Rooney limped off with an ankle injury. 
And the England striker's injury could yet prove to be the major story of the night, with the 24-year-old apparently in severe pain after turning over on his ankle in the build-up to Bayern's winner. 
Either way, it was a poor night for United, who failed to build on Rooney's opener, allowing Bayern to take control of a tie now nicely poised ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford on 7 April.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side will comfort themselves in the knowledge that they have that away goal, but should Rooney be missing in a week's time it is clear United have plenty of work to do to combat a Bayern side who are likely to be buoyed by the return of key winger Arjen Robben after a calf problem.And while United must wait and see if he is fit to start the second leg or, indeed, Sunday's Premier League match with Chelsea, England coach Fabio Capello will also undoubtedly be interested in news on the severity of the frontman's injury.

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Saturday's gossip column


TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are lining up a move for Barcelona's Samuel Eto’o to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo’s impending departure. (The Times) 
Man United will also try to tie up a deal for Wigan winger Antonio Valencia once they have completed the £80m transaction with Real Madrid for Ronaldo. (The Guardian) 
Bayern Munich have slapped an incredible £90m price-tag on France winger Franck Ribery, who Sir Alex Ferguson sees as a potential replacement for Ronaldo at Old Trafford.(The Sun) 
United could also face the prospect of losing Carlos Tevez following the exit of Ronaldo after Robinho urged the Argentine to quit Old Trafford and join him at rivals Manchester City. (The Sun) 
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez will step up his efforts to buy Glen Johnson this weekend.(Daily Mail) 
New Sunderland boss Steve Bruce are planning a shock £15m raid on Tottenham for striker Robbie Keane.(Daily Mirror) 
European Champions Barcelona have offered striker Samuel Eto'o to Liverpool in exchange for midfielder Javier Mascherano.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Carlo Ancelotti wants to bring legendary AC Milan and Italy fullback Paolo Maldini to join his coaching staff at Chelsea.(Daily Star) 

AND FINALLY

Fifa president Sebb Blater believes Real Madrid-bound Cristiano Ronaldo is football's "Picasso" and is worth his £80m price tag. (The Sun)
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Schalke 04 - Stuttgart

It seems I took Your attention. The biggest attendance on blog, since establishment. If You made some decent income in recent days and feel grateful, be free to make some donation for blog development. He he. Or, simply click some links on the page. Seriously, thanks to all who find my corner as an interesting place. Also, be free to post comments. Although, I'm experienced bettor, I'm absolute beginner in this blog stuff, posting, web design and such things. Will really appreciate any opinion, good or bad. Won't tolerate only abusive tones, everything else will be published.

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Cheers,

Dule

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Schalke had very good run of results with four straight wins (last one was in Munich, against Bayern 1-0), with no goal conceded. But, first came totally unexpected home defeat against Bayer 04, 1-2. After that, they traveled in M'gladbach to face relegation contender. Cautious performance through the entire game was punished in the last seconds. 1-0 for the hosts and Schalke’s hopes about Uefa Cup sank. 7th place with six points less from 5th Dortmund. Theoretically, it is reachable, but I think the players’ minds will be on summer vacation, more than on Europe chase. Three more games and their terrible season will be finished. It is expected that Mike Bueskins will set defense oriented tactic to face motivated visitors, with Kuranyi in front and Farfan and Sanchez on the sides. Marcelo Bordon (partial muscle tear) and the persistently unlucky Christian Pander, who injured a knee in the last-minute loss at Mönchengladbach, will both miss this one, with Pander out for the rest of the season. Only good fact for a home side is tradition. Their home record against Stuttgart is at any rate better than against any other side in the Bundesliga - 25 wins in 38 games and they haven’t lost at home for eleven years!

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Stuttgart is in great run with no defeat from last seven games, six win and a draw. In the last round, they smashed the league leaders Wolfsburg at home ground 4-1, with all four goals by Mario Gomez! This guy obviously has a problem. First he can’t score for a dozen games (for the national team, usually), then against the title contender writes a history and hits four times. Hope, he’ll keep it up, however. Stuttgart is 4th with four points less from Champions League spot (Hertha made an (un)expected win against FC Cologne on the road, previous night), but just five points from the first place! They’re focused and fully motivated. Boss Markus Babbel made a statement that their aim is and will remain to stay ahead of all those sides they're ahead of at the moment. It is true, Stuttgart can finish from first till sixth place, but I see Babbel’s talk just as a way of relaxing players before the decisive battles. After this game, they’ll host Cottbus. With six points, they’ll probable have a chance to win a title at the last round in Munchen against Bayern. Some problems with missing players, Ricardo Osorio, Serdar Tasci and Yildiray Bastür, all injured or in post-operative recovery. Matthieu Delpierre returns from suspension. Additional problem is six players have four yellow cards and if they get the fifth, will miss one of the last two games.

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Will be very hard for home side to find any motive tonight. Will play just for fans and will try to avoid defeat. Definitelly, would be satisfied with 0-0. Visitors have their chance to conquer the country and with a performance, even little worse than against Wolfsburg, they can win this and ruin the tradition. Odds are very high and I go for away side with a small bet. 888sport offers 2.75. Away win.

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Monday's gossip column


TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is lining up a summer bid to bring Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari back to the Premier League - with Jermaine Jenas heading in the opposite direction. Redknapp's summer targets also include Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones, Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing and Charlton wonderkid Jonjo Shelvey. (Daily Mirror) 
Liverpool are ready to sell midfielder Lucas Leiva for about £6m and the Brazilian is willing to leave. (Daily Mirror) 
Sunderland are weighing up whether to make a £2.5m offer for Rangers midfielder Steve Davis. (Daily Mail) 
Manchester City want a £1m loan fee for number two goalkeeper Joe Hart, with Birmingham ready to pay it. (Daily Mirror)
Birmingham are chasing 19-year-old Plymouth winger Ashley Barnes, who is out of contract at the end of the season. (Daily Mirror) 
Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies will launch a £2.5m bid for QPR striker Dexter Blackstock and goalkeeper Lee Camp. Davies will also ask to take Tottenham defender Chris Gunter again on a long-term loan. (The Sun) 
Derby boss Nigel Clough will look to offload a number of costly flops this summer, including goalkeeper Roy Carroll and striker Emanuel Villa. (Daily Mirror) 
Swansea want Queen of the South striker Stephen Dobbie and former Hearts winger Saulius Mikoliunas. (Daily Mirror)
Falkirk striker Steve Lovell is considering a summer move to Dundee United after passing a medical at Tannadice. (Daily Express) 
Leeds will fight it out with Leicester for the signature of Southampton goalkeeper Kelvin Davis - if the Elland Road outfit win promotion to the Championship. Davis is out of contract in the summer. (Daily Mail)
Oldham have released veteran goalkeeper Mark Crossley but the 39-year-old has already recieved an offer from an unnamed club. (Daily Mail) 
 
OTHER GOSSIP 

Bayern Munich will battle with Sunderland to appoint former Barcelona boss Louis van Gaal as boss this summer. (Daily Mail) 
Aston Villa midfielder James Milner insisted Newcastle would not be in relegation trouble if they had kept Sam Allardyce as manager. (Daily Express)
Southampton legend Matthew Le Tissier is involved in one of the consortia aiming to buy the relegated club. (Various) 
 
AND FINALLY 

Hull midfielder Kevin Kilbane says his home life has been wrecked by the Tigers' battle to beat the drop. (The Sun) 
Scottish Premier League chiefs will hold crisis talks on Thursday to discuss Setanta's appeal to renegotiate their £125m four-year deal. (Daily Record)
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Tuesday's gossip column


TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Manchester City have held talks with Barcelona about signing Samuel Eto'o for a fee of about £40m. The Cameroon international striker has stalled on a new four-year deal at the Camp Nou and Barca could run the risk of losing him for nothing with 14 months left on his current deal. (Various)
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez admits he may have to sell some of his current squad to fund his summer transfer kitty. The Spaniard is eyeing Valencia duo David Silva and Raul Albiol, as well as Aston Villa's Gareth Barry. (Various)
Middlesbrough's record £12m signing Afonso Alves will join Benfica in the summer, even if the Teesiders escape relegation. (Various) 
Tottenham midfielder Didier Zokora says he is ready to quit the club after losing his first-team place. Team-mates David Bentley, Tom Huddlestone, Gareth Bale and Jermaine Jenas also face uncertain futures at White Hart Lane. (Daily Mirror)
Tottenham and Manchester City are among a number of clubs heading the list for Blackburn's Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz. (Guardian) 
AC Milan owner Silvio Burlusconi says he is unsure whether Carlo Ancelotti will be at the San Siro next season, fuelling speculation the Rossoneri coach will join Chelsea in the summer. (Daily Star)
Former Tottenham manager Martin Jol, now in charge of German side Hamburg, is favourite to succeed Jurgen Klinsmann, who was sacked as Bayern Munich manager on Tuesday. (The Times) 
Klinsmann's availability could interest Manchester City should the club decide to sack current manager Mark Hughes. (Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United winger Nani faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford following his second-half substitution in the 5-2 victory over Tottenham. The Portugal international has yet to complete 90 minutes in six Premier League starts this season. (Independent) 
Manchester City defender Richard Dunne has outlined his commitment to stay at Eastlands, despite interest from Sunderland. (Daily Star) 
Birmingham City and Newcastle are set to fight it out over £4m Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra. (The Sun) 
 
OTHER GOSSIP 

Barcelona striker Thierry Henry insists the Catalan giants are not just about Lionel Messi. ""Players like Xavi and Andres Iniesta are both unique and brilliant players." (Daily Star) 
Barcelona midfielder Xavi says Barca are a better side than the one beaten by Manchester United in last year's Champions League semi-final. (The Sun)
Chelsea right-back Jose Boswinga believes he can contain Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. (Daily Star) 
Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor says Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic is the toughest defender he has played against. (The Sun)
Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas could face a possible Football Association rap for criticising referee Howard Webb following his penalty decision in Spurs' 5-2 defeat by Manchester United. (Various) 
Sunderland striker David Healy could make his full Sunderland debut against Everton on Saturday, nine months after former boss Roy Keane signed him from Fulham for £1.5m. (Daily Star)
Celtic's title bid has been handed a boost with news that captain Stephen McManus and striker Georgios Samaras will be fit for Saturday's lunchtime kick-off at Pittodrie against Aberdeen. (Daily Record) 
Livingston chairman Angelo Massone has been ordered to attend a meeting with SFL chiefs to explain the escalating crisis at the club. (Daily Record) 
Hampden chief David Kells has leapt to the defence of the Hampden pitch following recent criticism, saying he will not be tearing up the national stadium's turf. (Daily Record)  
Celtic midfielder Marc Crosas has hit out at the standard of Scottish football, saying he feels derby experiences to date have been disappointing. (The Herald) 
Full story Falkirk have asked for a 50-50 ticket split for the Scottish Cup final at Hampden with Rangers in May. (The Herald) 
Celtic could join the English Premier League within ten years, according to the club's majority shareholder Dermot Desmond. (The Star) 

AND FINALLY 

Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor has compared AC Milan to bootylicious singer Beyonce after he admitted nearly quitting the Emirates for the San Siro. "It's like a boy being told Beyonce is looking for them," said the Togo international. (The Sun)
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Thursday's gossip column


TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o claims he has turned down a £35m move to Manchester City. Inter Milan also want the Cameroon star but he says he wants a new deal at the Nou Camp. (Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham are keen on signing Lokomotiv Moscow goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic, who is currently on loan at Grasshoppers Zurich, as back-up for Heurelho Gomes. (The Sun) 
Arsenal, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are tracking CSKA Moscow's Czech Republic international striker Tomas Necid, 19, who is available for £3m. (Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is set to swoop for teenage Brazilian centre-back Jose Rodolfo Pires Ribeiro Dodo from Corinthians. The 17-year-old could end up costing United £5m. (Daily Mirror) 
Ferguson is also watching 16-year-old Real Valladolid centre-back Victor Mongil, after being told the defender is one for the future. (Daily Mirror) 
Derby County defender Claude Davis hopes to turn his loan spell at Crystal Palace into a permanent move. (Daily Express) 
Hearts midfielder Bruno Aguiar, who is wanted by Rangers and Celtic, says he has not decided where he will be playing next season. (Daily Record) 
Hibernian boss Mixu Paatelainen fears striker Steven Fletcher and defender Rob Jones could both leave Easter Road in the summer. Nottingham Forest have been linked with a £1m move for Jones and Celtic are long-term admirers of Fletcher. (Daily Record) 
Aberdeen duo Scott Severin and Lee Mair are set to leave Pittodrie at the end of the season because the Dons cannot afford to offer them new contracts. Burnley want midfielder Severin and St Mirren have approached defender Mair. (Daily Record) 

OTHER GOSSIP 

Roy Keane wants the vacant Ipswich Town job and could be in charge of the Tractor Boys in time for their trip to Cardiff City on Saturday. (The Sun) 
Ipswich representatives made an approach to Keane last week - when Jim Magilton was still in charge at Portman Road - and held further talks with the former Sunderland boss on Monday. (The Sun) 
Magilton, who had been in charge of Ipswich for almost three years, was sacked over the phone on Wednesday. (Daily Mail) 
Keane could be unveiled as Ipswich boss on Thursday. (The Guardian) 
Part of the terms of Keane's appointment will see the former Manchester United midfielder relocate from Cheshire to East Anglia. Keane did not move house when he was in charge at Sunderland. (Various) 
Aston Villa defender Martin Laursen is expected to announce his retirement by the end of the week. The Dane has been warned that attempting to play on through his persistent knee problems could cause him problems in later life. (Daily Express) 
Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz fears his knee injury will cost him a big-money move away from Ewood Park this summer. (Daily Mirror) 
Newcastle United manager Alan Shearer will not drop Michael Owen despite the striker having failed to score in his last eight appearances for the Magpies. (The Sun) 
Shearer is using a therapist to give his players one-to-one talks in an attempt to boost their confidence ahead of Monday's crucial clash with fellow strugglers Portsmouth. (Daily Mirror) 
Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins has postponed groin surgery until the summer so he can help the Magpies in their battle against the drop. (The Guardian) 
Arsenal forward Andrey Arshavin says he wants to stay with the Gunners for the rest of his career. (The Sun) 
Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia will recover from his ankle injury in time to face Manchester United in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday. (Daily Mirror) 
Liverpool's American owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr, have pledged to work together to raise the funds they need to refinance the club's loans and retain control of the Reds. (The Times) 
Former Chelsea boss Avram Grant has been offered the chance of taking over as manager of the Czech Republic. (Daily Star) 
AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti, who is Chelsea's top target to be their next boss, has been learning English all season. England midfielder David Beckham, on loan at the San Siro from LA Galaxy, said: "Every time I try to fix his English, he insists on making errors and we end up laughing". (The Sun) 
Inter Milan could terminate Adriano's contract on Thursday. The Brazil striker said earlier this month that he is taking a leave of absence because he has "lost the joy of playing". (The Independent) 
Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce will hand a new one-year deal to veteran goalkeeper Mike Pollitt, 37, but will allow Antoine Sibierski to leave the JJB Stadium this summer. (Daily Mirror) 
Watford boss Brendan Rogers says club-record signing Nathan Ellington, who cost the Hornets £3.25m from Wigan in August 2007, has no future at Vicarage Road. (Daily Star) 
Derby County boss Nigel Clough is set to release more than 10 players at the end of the season as he looks to overhaul his squad at Pride Park. (Daily Mirror) 
Hearts hope to upgrade Tynecastle so it is suitable to host European ties if they qualify for next season's Europa League. The Jambos have been forced to play at Murrayfield since 2003 because their own stadium and pitch does not currently meet Uefa requirements. (Daily Record) 

AND FINALLY 

Former England international midfielder Paul Gascoigne has signed up for a celebrity version of BBC1 comedy obstacle course gameshow 'Total Wipeout'. (The Sun)
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Wednesday's gossip column


TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Liverpool are monitoring Lazio star Mauro Zarate with a view to a summer swoop for the striker. (The Sun) 
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is targeting Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones. (Daily Mirror) 
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is ready to bid for Swansea's 24-goal goal machine Jason Scotland. (Daily Mirror) 
Championship promotion candidates Birmingham want Portsmouth goalkeeper Jamie Ashdown, who has rejected a fresh contract at Fratton Park. (Daily Mirror) 
Aston Villa are unlikely to pay the £15m Standard Liege want for their midfielder Steven Defour. (Daily Star) 
Dundee United manager Craig Levein is keeping tabs on Huddersfied striker Danny Cadamarteri. (Various) 
Celtic are preparing a double swoop on Swansea, with defender Angel Rangel joining midfielder Jordi Gomez on the Glasgow giant's wanted list. (Scottish Sun) 

OTHER GOSSIP 

Portsmouth insist executive chairman Peter Storrie was not paid £2m last year, despite evidence contained in the club's financial results. (Daily Telegraph) 
Southampton may sell their St Mary's home to the local council and lease it back at a reduced rate. (The Sun) 
Wolves will ignore its salary cap of £10,000 a week to keep stars like Wayne Hennessey and Karl Henry. (Daily Mirror) 
Clyde have moved closer to closure after North Lanarkshire Council threw out a rescue plan. (Daily Record) 
Creditors of Liverpool owner Tom Hicks say Hicks Sports Group is in default on debts of £351m. (Wall Street Journal) 
Bayern Munich coach Jurgen Klinsmann is unlikely to be sacked after following up the win in the Bundesliga with a 1-1 draw against Barcelona. (The Times) 
 
AND FINALLY 

Weekly football classes in Edinburgh for pre-school children as young as 18 months are so popular there is now a lengthy waiting list for applicants.
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Friday's gossip column


TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Chelsea are willing to pay £40m for 27-year-old Valencia striker David Villa. (Various) 
Cash-strapped Valencia will actually demand £45m for the Spanish international. (Daily Express) 
Chelsea are also keen on Tottenham forward Roman Pavlychenko, with manager Gus Hiddink criticising Spurs boss Harry Redknapp's treatment of the player. (The Sun) 
Manchester United will offer Fraizer Campbell - currently loaned out to Spurs - a new long term contract in the summer. (Daily Mirror) 
Fulham are lining up a bid to land England Under-21 star Adam Lallana from Southampton. (Daily Star) 
Chelsea are preparing a £10m swoop for Paris St Germain midfielder Stephane Sessegnon. (The Sun)  
Fulham will continue their quest to sign Spurs duo Gareth Bale and Tom Huddlestone at the end of the season. (The Times) 
Manchester United are closing in on 18-year-old Brazilian star Douglas Costa from Gremio. (The Sun) 
 
OTHER GOSSIP 

Ahead of their clash with Liverpool, Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce has laid into Reds boss Rafa Benitez by saying he loves "whingeing and moaning". (Various) 
Bayern Munich, fresh from a 4-0 drubbing by Barcelona in the Champions League, want Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger to replace Jurgen Klinsmann as manager and are willing to pay the Frenchman £5m a year. (Daily Mail) 
SFA chief Gordon Smith has made a U-turn in the row over Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor's Scotland future. A day after saying they could return, Smith has now written off their hopes of playing for Scotland again. (Daily Record) 
Spurs manager Harry Redknapp reckons his midfielder Tom Huddlestone could be as good as Glenn Hoddle. (The Guardian, Daily Mirror) 
Former Newcastle striker Les Ferdinand reckons the club's temporary boss Alan Shearer will not leave St James' Park if he fails to prevent relegation from the Premier League. (The Sun) 

AND FINALLY 

Shearer has been grabbing advice from Newcastle's former bosses such as Kenny Dalglish, Sir Bobby Robson and Kevin Keegan. Their message to him was: "Welcome to the madhouse". (Various)
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