Aston Villa - Blackburn

Villa are doing pretty good at the moment, but have to keep it up since they’re just three points above the relegation line. They have scored and conceded in each of last five competitive games and kept the clean sheet just once in last 17. Bent, Agbonlahor and Ashley Young will be serious attacking threat and every of them have great scoring record against Blackburn. However, there’re some real problems for Houllier. Midfielder Makoun is suspended, while defender duo Cuellar - Collins will also miss the game.

Blackburn are just two points above Villa, lost two of last three and have terrible record on the road (3W-1D-9L). They have lost seven of last eight away games, also in seven conceded two or more goals and nine of ten away went in over. Total of conceded goals on the road is 31 which is the highest number in Premiership (same as Villa). They have their own problems in defence line. Samba had a virus but he’s expected to play. Skipper Nielsen insisted to be in a squad despite the earthquake in his birth town at New Zealand and his focus today could be questionable.

I think over is better choice than home win. Last six games of these teams at Villa Park have produced 28 goals(!), both sides have significant defensive problems and despite big Villa’s attacking potential, I think Blackburn will be able to hurt them and to score at least once. I’m on over.

 Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 1.93 188bet
Stake: 8/10
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Blackpool - Aston Villa

The Seasiders are sinking without a trace. Seven defeats of last eight Premiership games and five in a row. They’re scoring a lot, but are open at the back and have conceded a total of 49 goals (most in the league), 16 in last five games. Every game at Bloomfield Road this season produced three goals or more with both sides scoring. Goalie Rachubka suffered a knee injury in training and will be replaced with Richard Kingson (which shouldn’t be bad, actually).

Villa have been showing some improvement under Houllier with one defeat of last five and started to climb on the table. However as Blackpool have the worst home record in Premier - eleven points of eleven games, Villa are terrible (third worst in league) on the road with 9 of 13. They have kept only one clean sheet in last 16 encounters. Bent and Ashley Young are fit for the game, as well as Agbonlahor.

Blackpool will be attacking minded as always, Villa have to fancy their chances at Bloomfield. I think goals are a logic choice. Asian handicap, with three the stake is back.

Bet: Over 3ah
Odd: 1.91 Pinnacle
Stake: 9/10

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Sunderland - Chelsea

Sunderland perhaps made a great deal selling Bent for 24mill, but on the other hand that left them without too much options in attack. For tonight’s game, Danny Welbeck is sidelined which should mean Asamoah Gyan will be alone in front line (new signing Muntari isn’t available). Without intention to put his qualities in doubt, he’s best as support forward and don’t think he alone is capable to seriously harm Chelsea’s back four. Sunderland have very good home record with just one defeat (Blackpool 0-2) out of 11 games. They stayed undefeated against Gunners (1-1) and Man Utd (0-0). However, against Chelsea they have unreal stats. 3-0 won at Stamford ended a run of 11 consecutive defeats (last five at home).

Chelsea started to show some signs of waking up with two league wins against Blackburn at home 2-0 and Bolton away 4-0. Torres won’t be in a team tonight, but his arrival (as well as capture of David Luiz) should be a real boost and recover of title hopes. On the other hand, failure at the Stadium of Light would end it very fast. Chelsea have the best defensive record (19 goals conceded) with Cech impressing lately, Drogba has returned something of his old shape, Anelka scored 6 goals in last 5 league games against Sunderland and I believe in their good display tonight.

Despite that very good record against Sunderland, Chelsea won four of mentioned five at Stadium of Light by one. Bearing in mind their humiliation in reverse fixture, I think it could be something more.

Bet: Chelsea -0.75
Odd: 1.98 Pinnacle, bet365
Stake: 8/10

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Aston Villa - Man City

Villa are first above the relegation line with same points as Wigan. I think the market is overreacting on Bent’s arrival. First, he (probably) won’t start bagging the goals immediately. Second, I think he’s hardly overpaid and I’m not so sure it is a huge boost to the rest of the squad. The Villans have only one win of last 10 league games, haven’t kept the clean sheet in last 12 and defeated City just twice in 13 league games at Villa Park. Adding on that Gerard Houllier as manager, I wouldn’t be too optimistic. Good news is Ashley Young returns, bad (?) Heskey is suspended.

City are in a great shape with five wins and a draw (at Emirates) in last six Premier games. They also have superb record on the road with 21 points collected (just Arsenal have taken more). Whatever Mancini has been saying, I think Citizens are title contenders and failure in winning any silverware this season would bring an axe for him. Maybe that’s why he named a strong squad against Leicester in Cup game, but as long as Tevez is fit I don’t care too much about their available players. Silva or Johnson on the wing? Who really cares? Both are superb players. Mancini rested Barry, Dzeko, De Jong and Kolo Toure, all are back in contention. City have lost only twice against Villa of last 18 games, in all competitions, both at home and away (12 wins).

I think the price on City is simply too good to be refused. If they want the title they have to win games like this. Both of they away defeats came against mediocre teams (Wolves and Sunderland) and I hope they learnt the lesson.

Bet: Man City -0.25
Odd: 1.98 Canbet, 188bet
Stake: 8/10

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Sunderland - West Ham

After a sublime performance at Stamford Bridge, Sunderland took only a point from next two games. Draw against Everton at home (2-2) and defeat at Wolves (2-3). They’ve been playing nice to watch football, still without a defeat at home (resisted against Man Utd, Man City and Arsenal) and possess serious attacking power in Bent and Gyan. I was thinking about home win, first. But, here’s the problem. Steve Bruce will be missing both of his first choice centre backs, Michael Turner and Titus Bramble. In a tight game, risk would be bigger. I expect more attacking Sunderland, today. Good thing for Bruce is, another defender John Mensah declared himself fit.

The Hammers defeated Wigan in their make or break game, but shock came after it as they demolished Man Utd in Cup game. They didn’t earn any points on that, but mood in the dressing room is completely different. No reason for a fear at Stadium of Light. They don’t have a single win on the road, but actually like to visit Sunderland’s ground. Six wins there of last eight occasions. Carlton Cole is back with two goals in Cup, with Piquionne should be a real threat to the opposite defence (defence without centre backs). The Hammers have scored in each of their last 15 league games against Sunderland.

In some other moment of the season, I guess Sunderland would be a clear favourite. But today with those injuries and confident West Ham, I think they won’t keep a clean sheet. Whatever aspect of this game I try to analyze, conclusions are the same. Goals, both to score, over.

Bet: Over 2.5
Odd: 2.05 Pinnacle
Stake: 7/10

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Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea will match Manchester City in the battle for Liverpool's £50m-rated striker Fernando Torres. (the Sun) 
And Chelsea will make a £20m move to take Tottenham's Croatia midfielder Luka Modric to Stamford Bridge, allowing Portuguese midfielder Deco and out-of-contract winger Joe Cole to leave. (Daily Star) 
Manchester United hope to sign Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema for £25m and could use defender Nemanja Vidic as a £10m makeweight in a deal for the France star.(the Sun) 
But Manchester United will not break their wage cap for Benzema, whose wage demands are almost £200,000 a week. (the Independent) 
Meanwhile, left-back Patrice Evra could leave Manchester United this summer, with Real Madrid and Inter Milan ready to pay £18m for the 28-year-old France international. (the Sun) 
And Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is planning a summer clear-out, with striker Dimitar Berbatov, midfielder Michael Carrick and midfielder Anderson all likely to be shown the door. (caughtoffside.com) 
Manchester City are weighing up an offer for Sunderland's £20m-rated striker Darren Bent as manager Roberto Mancini looks to shake up his forward line for next season.(caughtoffside.com) 
William Gallas could quit Arsenal on Tuesday if the France defender rejects the club's offer of a new contract. (the Sun) 
Meanwhile, newly promoted German Bundesliga side St Pauli are poised to offer Arsenal defender Sol Campbell a lucrative one-year contract. (Daily Mail) 
Tottenham are considering an £18m bid for Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano as Spurs manager Harry Redknapp targets a world-class forward to boost the club's chances in the Champions League next season.(Daily Mail) 
Tottenham will sign Portsmouth goalkeeper David James on a free transfer this summer.(Daily Mirror) 
Bolton are lining up a £4m bid for Portsmouth defender Nadir Belhadj, 27. (the Sun) 
Blackburn are weighing up a £6.5m move for Bordeaux's Brazil winger Wendel.(Daily Mail) 
Wolves hope to sign Ivory Coast striker Aruna Dindane, 29, for £4m from French side Lens, once he has played in the FA Cup final for Portsmouth, where he is on loan. (Daily Mirror) 
Wolves are also set to pip West Bromwich Albion to the £2m signature of Belgium midfielder Jelle van Damme, who plays for Anderlecht. (Daily Mail) 
Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan is ready to make a move for Rangers' Scotland midfielder Kevin Thomson, 25. (Daily Record) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Juventus are on the brink of ditching their plans to lure Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez and are turning their attention to Sampdoria coach Luigi Del Neri. (Daily Mail) 
A Chinese multi-millionaire internet gaming tycoon from Shanghai has held provisional talks about buying Liverpool, although no offer has yet been tabled by Zhu Jun, founder of The9 Ltd. (the Independent) 
Wolfsburg expect to name former England boss Steve McClaren as their new manager. McClaren led FC Twente to the Dutch title this season. (Daily Mail)
Real Mallorca manager Gregorio Manzano is the surprise new candidate to replace Gianfranco Zola at West Ham. (Daily Mirror) 
Former Arsenal defender Tony Adams has agreed a three-year contract to manage Azerbaijan side Qabala FC. (the Guardian)
Hull chairman Adam Pearson will wait a month before appointing a new manager at the club. Iain Dowie had a contract until the end of the season but would like the job on a permanent basis.(the Guardian) 
Coventry, who sacked manager Chris Coleman last week, will make a move to take Paul Hart from Crystal Palace to replace him.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Chelsea captain John Terry received a single-word text message from former Blues boss Jose Mourinho after winning the Premier League title, it read: "Champagne." (the Guardian)
www.bbc.co.uk

Monday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain, 22, has been tipped to leave Real Madrid with Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United all interested.(imscouting.com) 
Barcelona believe an offer of £40-50m will be enough to tempt Arsenal into selling captain Cesc Fabregas after the World Cup. The other tactic Barcelona may employ is an offer of £25m plus midfielder Yaya Toure.(imscouting.com) 
Former England coach, Steve McClaren, who recently led FC Twente to the Dutch Eredivisie title, will take over at German Bundesliga side Wolfsburg next season. (imscouting.com) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is ready to quit Anfield and join Manchester City in a £40m move.(Daily Mirror) 
Liverpool expect to sign Rangers defender Danny Wilson, 18, in the next 48 hours for £2.5m. (Daily Mail)
Athletic Blibao midfielder Javi Martinez is being tracked by Chelsea and Real Madrid but the Spanish side will not sell for less than £15m. (Daily Mirror)
Birmingham plan to end Ben Foster's Manchester United misery with a £6m move for the goalkeeper.(Daily Mail) 
Arsenal are ready to take England winger Shaun Wright-Phillips from Manchester City for £5m.(the Sun) 
Everton are targeting £3m-rated 1860 Munich striker Peniel Mlapa and are also weighing up a deal for midfielder Aleksandar Ignjovski.(Daily Mail) 
Wolves, Fulham and Birmingham are checking out 17-year-old Shrewsbury forward Tom Bradshaw. (the Sun)
Leeds boss Simon Grayson will make a bid for Sheffield United forward Jamie Ward this week, with the offer likely to be worth about £400,000.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

England manager Fabio Capello has sent e-mails to 45 players, including Fulham striker Bobby Zamora, advising them they are under consideration for this summer's World Cup, while Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is set to be named in Capello's 30-man squad on Tuesday. (Daily Telegraph)
Sunderland striker Darren Bent and Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves are also on Fabio Capello's e-mail list of players being considered for a World Cup place. (the Times) 
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson wants Uefa to consider postponing Wednesday's Europa League final against Atletico Madrid in Hamburg if volcanic ash causes more travel chaos. (the Sun) 
Arsenal defender William Gallas has rejected a new two-year deal at the Emirates because the offer does not include a pay rise.(Daily Mirror) 
Former Portsmouth boss Tony Adams is being lined up to manage Azerbaijan side Gabala FC in a £1m-per year deal. (Daily Star)
Ian Dowie's nine-game spell as Hull manager ended on Sunday but the former Crystal Palace boss wants to stay on at the KC Stadium.(the Sun) 
Middlesbrough manager Gordon Strachan plans to make Celtic's caretaker manager Neil Lennon his number two if the Northern Irishman fails to get the Celtic job full time. (the Sun)
Burnley want Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington to take over from Brian Laws after the Clarets were relegated to the Championship. (the Sun) 
Newcastle boss Chris Hughton has been warned there is no money to spend as the club prepares for life back in the Premier League.(Daily Mail) 
Aston Villa right-back Luke Young, 30, and centre-back Curtis Davies, 25, will meet club officials this week to discuss their futures at Villa Park.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Match of the Day presenter and Leicester City fan Gary Lineker could end up cooking dinner on Sunday after making a bet with wife Danielle Bux that the Foxes will beat her beloved Cardiff in the Championship play-offs - the Welsh side are 1-0 up after the first leg.(the Sun)
www.bbc.co.uk

decent profit

Everton 2-0 Bolton

The simplest of Mikel Arteta free-kicks and a late Steven Pienaar strike handed Everton a seventh successive home league win as 10-man Bolton crumbled.
Bolton's Kevin Davies came closest in an uneventful first half but Tim Howard bravely saved after a flowing move. 
The game turned with the 70th-minute dismissal of Gretar Rafn Steinsson, who bundled over Yakubu as the last man. 
Arteta looped the resulting free-kick home and Leon Osman hit the post before Pienaar's powerful, decisive second. 
With both teams in good form, neither manager saw fit to make changes to their starting line-up, but Everton boss David Moyes soon found his hand forced.
Everton manager David Moyes:
"We had the best of the play and we controlled most of the ball in the first half without being able to create in the final third. 
"We needed a good Tim Howard save in the first half but we needed to be patient and we got our reward in the end. 
"It was a great pass by Steven Pienaar to get Yakubu away - scoring the goal as well was a double whammy for Bolton, and it was a great free-kick. 
"In the last few games, Mikel Arteta has been getting back to his best. He's nursing a couple of minor strains but he's so keen to keep going." 
Bolton manager Owen Coyle:
"Yakubu took a great touch across Gretar Rafn Steinsson and invited Steinsson to come onto him. If there's a collision there's not a lot of contact, but Mr Wiley deemed it a red card. 
"To rub salt into the wound, because I believe it was a contentious decision, Mikel Arteta was allowed to take the free-kick four yards closer than he should have been. 
"I don't agree with the decision and with then allowing Arteta to bring the ball forward to the arc, with the quality he's got. 
"We carried on the fight, accepting that Everton had chances, but I'm disappointed to leave with nothing. I felt we offered an awful lot to the game."
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Sunderland 3 - 1 Birmingham

Sunderland claimed their second win in three games with a hard-fought victory over a spirited Birmingham.
The Black Cats were ahead as early as the fifth minute courtesy of a neat finish from Darren Bent from six yards. 
The England striker made it 2-0 just six minutes later, finishing well after being fed in by Steed Malbranque. 
Birmingham rallied well and on the hour Cameron Jerome ran clear to pull a goal back, but late on Fraizer Campbell's sliding finish sealed the home victory. 
Having finally claimed their first win of 2010 with a 4-0 thrashing of Bolton on 9 March, Sunderland have, by the admission of manager Steve Bruce, begun to play with a greater freedom and style than at any other time during his tenure. 
One of the chief individual beneficiaries of this has been striker Bent, who has recaptured his goalscoring touch in spectacular fashion to reinvigorate Sunderland's season and boost his chances of making Fabio Capello's squad for the World Cup this summer.
www.bbc.co.uk

Sunderland - Birmingham

Sunderland made a furious start of the season announcing maybe even a battle for Europe (!), but then dropped in the crisis. Lack of results and noticed points was caused mainly with crisis of their best scorers Bent and Jones (and disaster shape on the road, of course). Recently those duo has woken up, Sunderland defeated Bolton 4-0 (three times Bent) and drew vs. Man City 1-1 (Jones) and in both games they played very well. At the same time, defense look stronger than usual (with goalie Gordon in a sensational shape), while forced midfield duo Meyler - Kieran Richardson brought more creativity than first option Cana – Cattermole had. Mentioned Cana is suspended, Cattermole is doubtful. Sunderland have lost only one of their last seven league games and see their uptrend in the finish of the season that could be ended few places upper.

 

Alex McLeish has been doing a great job in Birmingham. With limited resources and a team without big names, they hold (in my opinion) very high 8^th place. Fanatical spirit, tough defending and fast passing are their main characteristics. The biggest problem for McLeish is a small number of players in the squad which limits rotation options and has brought some fatigue. Also, defense is consisted from the players in late football years which don’t help as well. Their advantage today will be tradition, Blues usually like to play with today’s opponent. Defender Stuart Parnaby should be on the bench after recovering from an ankle injury, while midfielder Teemu Tainio is ineligible (loaned from Sunderland). Birmingham have kept 10 clean sheets this season, but have managed only one in their last nine league games.

 

I’ve been thinking a lot about this game. Sunderland  attack will have advantage against Brum’s defense, that’s for sure. Midfield looks fine for me, but my concern was a defense line. However, following their improvement (Gordon’s particularly) and foreseen uptrend in the finish, I think we’ll see a narrow home win. 888sports offer 2.25. 

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Thursday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has re-stressed his loyalty to the club in the face of renewed speculation linking him with a move to Spain. "I will repeat for the 100th time: my contract with Manchester is until the summer of 2012 and I want to stay at Old Trafford until the last day," Vidic told Belgrade daily Vecernje Novosti. (Agence France-Presse)

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TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are ready to make a summer move for England midfielder Joe Cole if he cannot resolve his contract dispute at Chelsea.(Daily Express) 
Birmingham claim they have reached an agreement with Manchester City for goalkeeper Joe Hart to remain on loan at St Andrew's next season.(The Sun) 
Bayern Munich look set to beat Chelsea to the signature of CSKA Moscow's Serbian winger Milos Krasic.(Daily Mail) 
Chelsea have been told that defender Neven Subotic will cost them "a lot of money" by the Serbian's club Borussia Dortmund. (The Sun) 
Spanish newspaper AS has reported that Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano - a target for both Chelsea and Manchester City - will cost 30m euros, in line with a release clause in his contract.(imscouting.com) 
Antonio Caliendo, the agent of Inter Milan's Brazilian full-back Maicon has opened the door to a summer move to Manchester City, saying: "(City boss Roberto) Mancini has always expressed his desire to have Maicon." (Daily Mail) 
Manchester United defender John O'Shea is a summer target for Spanish champions Barcelona, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.(imscouting.com) 
Crisis club Portsmouth will ask the Premier League to let them sell some of their players now - despite the transfer window having closed - in a bid to pay their bills. Pompey are understood to have debts of around £60m and last week survived a winding-up order by providing the High Court with a detailed statement of their finances. (Daily Mirror) 
Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar has dismissed rumours that he is set to quit the club, saying that Merseyside feels like home.(The Sun) 
Newcastle will attempt to hijack West Brom's bid to sign Wigan midfielder Jason Koumas, who has been told he can leave the DW Stadium.(The Sun)

Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones has hinted that he would jump at the chance to join Liverpool this summer.(The Sun) 

Arsenal are set to lose 18-year-old striker Gilles Sunu to Bordeaux for a pittance this summer. The player is unsettled at the Emirates and out of contract at the end of the season.(Daily Mirror) 
Brighton boss Gus Poyet has opened talks with QPR to bring striker Rowan Vine to the Withdean Stadium on an extended loan.(The Sun) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Midfielder David Beckham, currently on loan at AC Milan from Los Angeles Galaxy, has backed Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney to fire England to World Cup glory this summer. Rooney scored twice in the San Siro on Tuesday as United secured a 3-2 Champions League last-16 first-leg lead over Milan.(The Sun) 
Notts County's new owner Ray Trew may put the club into administration in the next 48 hours after discovering the full extent of the financial problems at Meadow Lane.(Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko has launched a stunning verbal attack on Harry Redknapp and accused the Spurs boss of "making fun of me". The Russian has struggled to nail down first-team football under Redknapp and added that he does not think he has a future at White Hart Lane.(The Sun) 
Alan Curbishley could take over as QPR manager now he has settled his financial dispute with former club West Ham.(Daily Mail) 
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is discussing a new contract after guiding the club to eighth in the Premier League.(Birmingham Mail) 
However, McLeish will not sign a new deal unless he is given full control of transfers by owner Carson Yeung.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Sunderland striker Darren Bent has stopped using social networking site Twitter as it distracts him from playing.(The Sun)
www.bbc.co.uk

Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Everton will battle it out with Arsenal to sign Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh for £7m in the summer.(The Sun) 
New Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has given the club's chief executive Garry Cook a list of players he wants to sign, with Juventus left-back Giorgio Chiellini one of his targets. (Daily Mirror) 
Mancini is also keen on Inter Milan right-back Maicon. (Daily Telegraph)
Tottenham are set to move for Portsmouth full-back Nadir Belhadj in January, with Blackburn and Everton also interested in the Algeria defender. (Daily Mail) 
Blackburn have offered a four-year deal to United States midfielder Stuart Holden, who plays for Major League Soccer outfit Houston Dynamo. (The Sun)
Chelsea, Real Madrid and AC Milan are monitoring 16-year-old Anderlecht striker Romelo Lukaku. (Daily Mail) 
Birmingham City want to turn Joe Hart's loan switch from Manchester City into a permanent move and are also close to agreeing a £2.5m deal for Sporting Gijon midfielder Michel.(Daily Mirror) 
West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans is wanted by Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Everton, Stoke City and Sunderland but the Baggies say the 22-year-old midfielder is not for sale.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Roberto Mancini's first job as Manchester City manager will be to hold showdown talks with £32.5m Brazilian forward Robinho, who the Italian sees as the key to City's future.(The Sun) 
Mancini faces a battle to win over a number of disillusioned City players who are outraged by the sacking of former boss Mark Hughes.(Daily Mirror) 
City delayed sacking Mark Hughes for three weeks to give Mancini an easy start as manager, after the Italian verbally agreed to take charge at Eastlands on 2 December.(Daily Mail) 
Hughes had 18 months left on his contract and will receive a maximum pay-out of £3m following his departure from City, but the final figure he receives will depend on how quickly he finds a new job.(The Guardian) 
Mancini took the Eastlands job knowing he was not the club's first choice. City's chief executive Garry Cook flew to Amsterdam at the start of December to offer the post to Guus Hiddink.(Daily Telegraph) 
Former England midfielder David Platt, a close friend of Mancini, is set to join the Italian's coaching team at Eastlands.(The Independent) 
Alan Curbishley could return as West Ham boss if David Sullivan's takeover of the Upton Park club goes through.(Daily Express) 
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce says he will have to sell players before he can strengthen his squad in the January transfer window.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Sunderland striker Darren Bent is terrified of spiders and will consider hypnotherapy to combat his arachnophobia, with the possibility that he may be part of England's squad for the 2010 World Cup in spider-infested South Africa. (The Sun)

www.bbc.co.uk

Tottenham 2-0 Sunderland

Sunderland were left to rue a host of missed chances and wasted possession as Tottenham returned to winning ways with a smash-and-grab victory.
Robbie Keane put Spurs ahead when he bundled in Peter Crouch's knock-down and Tom Huddlestone wrapped up victory with a fierce 20-yarder on 70 minutes. 
But, goals aside, Sunderland dominated, with Andy Reid striking the post and Heurelho Gomes making crucial saves. 
The most vital came from Darren Bent's penalty after his foul on the striker. 
After league defeats to Stoke and rivals Arsenal, the three points were most welcome for a Tottenham side with ambitions of breaking into the top four. 
But on another day the Londoners could have been put to the sword by a vibrant Sunderland side, who will wonder how they failed to get anything out of a match they controlled for long periods.
Few will feel the pain more than Bent, whose return to Tottenham - a club at which he spent two years, so often on the sidelines - dominated much of the pre-match talk. 
The 25-year-old could barely have hoped to have come into the game on better form having bagged eight goals in 11 appearances this season, but his impression of White Hart Lane will hardly have been enhanced by a miserable afternoon. 
First he had to watch on as Keane, one of the main reasons he missed out on first-team football at Spurs at the back end of last season, grabbed the opener.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp:
"We got away with it a bit today. We couldn't get going and Sunderland looked very, very good.
"Our keeper was fantastic and we've clawed out a result - sometimes football works like that. A couple of weeks ago we battered Stoke and lost. 
"As for their penalty - Gomes says he's tried to get out of the way of the player and got kicked in the chest. I haven't seen it yet but, even if it was a penalty, I don't think he should've got a red card - Bent was going away from goal and sometimes we're too quick to send players off. 
"I'd honestly say that even if it was my player who'd got brought down." 

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce:
"Sometimes in football you have a day like today - since the beach ball incident at Liverpool we've run out of luck and we've been out of luck again today.
"The best opportunities and possession were ours, but we've not taken them and come away with nothing. 
"The turning point today was the second-half penalty incident. Darren Bent was through on goal, it's a goal-scoring opportunity, and by the letter of the law their keeper should be sent off. 
"Instead it's just a yellow card and he's had the chance to save the penalty. If we're playing 10 men who knows? Still, I'm delighted with the way we played - we completely bossed the game - that's football sometimes."

www.bbc.co.uk

Tottenham Hot. - Sunderland

Tottenham have noticed two straight defeats in Premier League (fringe players beat Everton in Cup). And while first one was the result of more than a bad luck (Spurs had 22 attempts on goal, but lost vs. Stoke 0-1), second one came from London’s big derby vs. Arsenal (0-3 on the road). Absence of key striker Jermaine Defoe who has been their main goal scorer this season with 6 goals so far was a main reason for not scoring. He served his suspension and will lead the attack. Second important player for goal scoring, Aaron Lennon has an ankle injury and his appearance still hasn’t been confirmed. The key is Spurs will shine against lesser sides, but will struggle against the big 4. Their shape is much better at White Hart Lane than on the road. Harry Redknapp was furious after Arsenal capitulation and demands response. Two side-backs, Bassong and Corluka are as Lennon in doubt (I guess one of them will surely play), but Spurs are well covered and don’t think it will have significant impact.

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During the transfer market, Sunderland again spent a lot. Squad looks more than competitive so far. But, problems begin when they left their Stadium of Light. Only one win and one draw with four defeats. In last four games they lost three times and all three times against the clubs from bottom half of the table (Stoke City 0-1, Burnley 1-3 and Birmingham City 1-2). Also, big problem for today’s game is missing of three very important players. Key midfielder Lee Cattermole is injured and won’t play. His fellow midfielder Lorik Cana is suspended, just like striker Kenwyne Jones. Defender John Mensah remains out with a persistent calf problem while another midfielder Zenden is also not fit enough to travel to London. McCartney (defender), Campbell (forward), and Bardsley (defender) all having knocks.  The biggest threat to the opponents will be Darren Bent who left Spurs during the summer. He made a statement today accusing Redknapp he didn’t want him in the club. Manager Steve Bruce will set 4-5-1 formation with Bent alone in front.

In my opinion, this game has a big weight for Redknapp and Spurs. After two consecutive defeats, one more failure could make a serious trouble. Defoe is back, midfield should have a full domination and I see at least two goals scored for Spurs. My only worry is angry and fully motivated Bent. Counting on his possible individual effort, I’ll go on -1 handicap, instead -1.5.

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Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Portsmouth are ready to make a move for Tottenham forward Giovani dos Santos.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool co-owner George Gillett's talks with a Saudi firm to sell part, or all, of his stake in the club are "on hold" despite his visit to the Middle East last week, an official from the FC investment vehicle has claimed. (Daily Telegraph) 
Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has been ruled out for three weeks after tweaking medial ligaments in his knee during a challenge by Birmingham defender Liam Ridgwell on Saturday. (Daily Star) 
The Swedish Football Association want Notts County director of football Sven-Goran Eriksson to become the new manager of their national team. (Daily Mirror)
Referee Mike Jones is set to be withdrawn from next weekend's Premier League fixture list after allowing Sunderland striker Darren Bent's winner against Liverpool to stand when it deflected in off a beach ball thrown on to the pitch by a supporter.(The Sun) 
Stoke defender Robert Huth looks certain to be charged by the Football Association and may face a three-match ban after appearing to aim a punch at West Ham defender Matthew Upson on Saturday.(The Sun) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he turned down a move to Real Madrid last summer because he wants to win the Champions League with the Gunners.(The Sun) 
Fifa president Sepp Blatter will reiterate that England is the spiritual home of football and deserves to host the 2018 World Cup finals when he takes on a role with the world's oldest club on Monday. Blatter will officially accept the honorary presidency of the Sheffield FC Foundation.(The Times) 
Mike Ashley has spoken publicly for the first time about retaining control of Newcastle United in the event of the club's long-running takeover saga failing to reach fruition.(The Times) 
Ashley has told local businessman Barry Moat to offer £80 within a seven-day deadline if he wants to buy the Championship club. (Daily Star) 

AND FINALLY

Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo is set to become football's first billionaire, earning £16,000 per minute. The former Manchester United star is being offered £1.5m a game by foreign tycoons to show off his skills in a series of friendlies. (Daily Star) 
Cheeky Manchester United fans plan a rendition of the pop classic 99 Red Balloons when they arrive at Anfield for Sunday's Premier League match against Liverpool. (The Sun) 
The inflatable off of which Bent's strike veered into the net was official Liverpool merchandise, part of a beach set recently reduced to £10 in the club shop. (Various)
David Beckham's healthy food range has been kicked into touch by shoppers. Just £633 worth of microwave dishes - picturing the LA Galaxy midfielder and promising low fat pasta, noodles, omelettes and fish sticks - were sold last month. (Daily Star)
www.bbc.co.uk

Saturday

Stoke 1 - 0 Sunderland

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Dave Kitson's strike just before half-time earned Stoke victory against Sunderland at the Britannia Stadium.
The former Reading player guided his effort past Craig Gordon after a scramble in the area. 
Stoke had the best of the chances, with Liam Lawrence twice having his goalbound shots blocked - first by goalkeeper Gordon then Phil Bardsley. 
Sunderland striker Darren Bent went close with a 20-yard shot and Bardsley forced a save from Thomas Sorensen. 
The match was a fairly tepid affair until the last 10 minutes of the first half. 
The efforts worthy of a mention were that of Kitson's, a snapshot over the bar from eight yards, and Bent's angled shot at the other end which was bravely blocked by Ryan Shawcross.
Apart from those half-chances, Sunderland had dealt relatively well with Rory Delap's long throw-ins while Shawcross and Abdoulaye Faye had nullified the double threat of Bent and Kenwyne Jones. 
But with the interval approaching, clear chances increased in frequency.
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Sheff Utd 2 - 2 West Brom

West Brom went top of the Championship despite a late penalty from David Cotterill salvaging a point for Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
Roman Bednar gave the Baggies the lead after the break with a glancing header. 
Ched Evans quickly levelled with another fine header before Bednar turned Matthew Kilgallon and fired home in style to restore the advantage. 
But Shaun Cummings brought down Darius Henderson in the dying moments, allowing Cotterill to steal a point.
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Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

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

OTHER GOSSIP

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

AND FINALLY

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

Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Defender Joleon Lescott will write to Everton chairman Bill Kenwright and ask to join big-spending Manchester City. (Daily Mirror)
However, Lescott has been told that despite his desire to leave Goodison Park he will not be allowed to move to Eastlands. (Daily Star) 
Manchester City will call a halt to their pursuit of Lescott if they cannot get him to Eastlands by the end of the week. (The Sun) 
With Xabi Alonso's departure to Real Madrid imminent, Liverpool will replace the midfielder with Roma's Alberto Aquilani. (Daily Mirror) 
The Reds have agreed a deal in principle with Roma and will splash out £20m on the Italian 25-year-old. (The Sun) 
Arsenal are on the verge of signing Chelsea's Ivory Coast forward Salomon Kalou for £8m. (The Sun) 
Chelsea have moved closer to the £8m signing of AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who could arrive in time for Sunday's Community Shield clash with Manchester United. (Daily Mirror)
The Blues, meanwhile, have dismissed speculation linking midfielder Joe Cole with a move to London rivals Tottenham. (The Independent) 
Having completed a medical on Monday, Tottenham striker Darren Bent is expected to finally seal his £12m transfer to Sunderland on Tuesday. (Daily Express) 
Bent's departure will pave the way for Spurs to step up their pursuit of Real Madrid striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. (Daily Express) 
Everton are preparing a £12m bid for Standard Liege midfielder Steven Defour. (Daily Mirror)
However, Defour is also on Liverpool's wish list as they look to bolster their midfield options. (Daily Mail) 
West Ham are confident they can persuade right-back Lucas Neill to remain at the club.(The Independent) 
Bolton are looking to sign Valencia midfielder Miguel Angel Angulo on a free transfer. (The Sun) 
Hull will turn their attentions to Tottenham full-back Pascal Chimbonda, if their bid for Newcastle defender Habib Beye fails.(The Sun) 
Newcastle defender Sebastien Bassong is ready to hand in a transfer request in order to get a move to Tottenham or Manchester City. (Daily Mirror) 
Hull will battle it out with Fulham for Villarreal striker Jozy Altidore. (Daily Star)
Nottingham Forest have launched a £2m bid for Bolton defender Danny Shittu. (Daily Star) 
Striker Amr Zaki could join Portsmouth on a season-long loan from Egyptian side El Zamalek.(The Independent) 
Hamilton Accies are close to deals for Leicester midfielder James Wesolowski and Spanish defender Luis Rubiales. (Various) 
Frozen-out Rangers forward Alan Gow is a target for Plymouth. (Daily Star)

OTHER GOSSIP

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is set to commit himself to the Blues by signing a new three-year contract. (Daily Express)
Tottenham defender Jonathan Woodgate may need another hernia operation, ruling him out of the first month of the 2009/10 Premier League season. (Daily Mail) 
Inter Milan midfielder Patrick Viera, who is wanted by both Arsenal and Tottenham, has been told he will need to resolve his future if he is to win back his place in the French national side.(Daily Mail) 
Portsmouth have warned they may have to sell more players to survive their financial troubles. (The Sun) 
Veteran winger Ryan Giggs has revealed how training ground bust-ups are a regular occurrence at Manchester United, but help combat fatigue and keep the squad competitive.(Daily Mirror)

AND FINALLY

Former Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo's legs have been insured for £90m by his new club Real Madrid.(The Sun) 
Meanwhile, Ronaldo's old house in Alderley Edge, Cheshire has been snapped up by new Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor for £5.5m. The former Arsenal striker beat off competition from team-mates Kolo Toure, Gareth Barry, Carlos Tevez as well as Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia. (The Sun) 
Derby County midfielder Robbie Savage has revealed he has a sleepwalking problem that once resulted in him dragging a team-mate out of bed, having imagined a train was going to hit the building.(Daily Star) 
Russia fans have been told to drink whisky on their trip to Wales for September's World Cup qualifier to avoid catching swine flu. (Daily Express)
www.bbc.co.uk

Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

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

OTHER GOSSIP

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

AND FINALLY

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

Thursday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger wants Patrick Viera to return to the Gunners - four years after the 33-year-old Inter Milan midfielder left for Juventus. And Wenger is willing to match Tottenham's offer, which is believed to be a one-year deal with big bonuses.(Various) 
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is keen to add more English players to his squad and is preparing a £12m bid for Wigan midfielder Lee Cattermole (on photo) and will offer Hull £5.5m for defender Michael Turner.(Daily Mail) 
However, any deal for Cattermole and Turner is dependent on the sale of Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid but the clubs are close to a £30m deal for the 27-year-old.(Daily Mail) 
Liverpool have given Real 48 hours to complete Alonso's signing with the Spanish giants set to make an improved bid of between £28m and £30m.(The Times) 
Aston Villa are monitoring forward Robbie Keane's situation at Tottenham after the arrival of fellow striker Peter Crouch. (Daily Mail) 
West Ham and England defender Matthew Upson is also a target for Villa and they are poised to make a £12m bid for the 28-year-old. (Daily Mirror) 
Villa manager Martin O'Neill wants to pair Upson with Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin and is ready to offer £4.5m for the 30-year-old. (Daily Mirror)
Tottenham striker Darren Bent is attracting interest from Aston Villa, but Sunderland remain favourites to sign the 25-year-old for about £15m. (The Independent) 
Inter Milan could revive their interest in Chelsea midfielder Deco, with Barcelona winger Alexander Hleb - who was due to arrive at the San Siro on loan - set to sign for his former club Stuttgart. (Daily Mail) 
Middlesbrough defender Robert Huth could be set for a return to the Premier League with Fulham prepared to pay £2m for the 24-year-old. (Daily Mirror) 
Newcastle have accepted a £9m bid from Wolfsburg for 24-year-old striker Obafemi Martins. (The Times) 
Everton are interested in signing 18-year-old Stockport defender Josh Thompson. (The Sun) 
Portsmouth had hoped to sign Croatian striker Nikola Kalinic but the 21-year-old's club Hadjuk Split are not happy with the £5.5m fee being spread over three years.(Various) 
Celtic are interested in signing Sheffield United defender Matthew Kilgallon for £2m. (Daily Mirror) 
Sheffield United want goalkeeper Nicky Weaver to replace Paddy Kenny, who faces a two-year ban after failing a drugs test. (The Sun) 
QPR, Leicester and Crystal Palace are all vying to sign 24-year-old striker Leroy Lita who is available on a free transfer after leaving Reading. (Daily Express) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Kevin Keegan could be in line for yet another return to Newcastle as manager - if a Dubai tycoon succeeds with a £100m takeover of the club.(The Sun) 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he failed to get the best out of Dimitar Berbatov last season and has warned their Premier League rivals that there is more to come from the Bulgarian striker. (Daily Express) 
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard says winning the Premier League title is more important than the Champions League for the west London club. (Daily Star) 
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill believe the Midlands club need to sign five new players before the start of the season. (Daily Star) 
Chelsea have moved to secure midfielder Joe Cole and defender Ashley Cole on long-term contracts, while strikers Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka are also set to sign new deals. (Daily Mirror)

AND FINALLY

Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy has revealed the club have turned to the Pilates fitness system in their preparations for the new season.(The Sun)
www.bbc.co.uk

Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Liverpool will reluctantly sell midfielder Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid in the next few days. Although manager Rafael Benitez wanted £35m for the 27-year-old, the fee is likely to be under £30m.(Daily Express) 
Everton defender Joleon Lescott is ready to tell manager David Moyes that he wants to join big-spending Manchester City.(Daily Mirror) 
Middlesbrough have received a £9m offer for Turkish striker Tuncay. Aston Villa, Everton and Tottenham are also interested in the 27-year-old.(Daily Mail) 
Stoke have joined the list of clubs chasing Tottenham striker Darren Bent.(The Sun) 
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has made a cash-plus-player deal offer for Hull centre-half Michael Turner. Pascal Chimbonda has been offered to Hull manager Phil Brown. (Daily Mirror) 
AC Milan and Inter Milan are both interested in Manchester City midfielder Elano.(The Sun) 
Portsmouth are talking to winger Stephen Hunt over a £3.5m transfer after Reading dropped their asking price.(Daily Mail) 
Bolton defender Nicky Hunt has been told he can leave the Reebok Stadium following the arrival of Sam Ricketts. (Daily Mirror) 
Chelsea are lining up a swap deal with AC Milan in order to land midfielder Andrea Pirlo. As part of the package, striker Claudio Pizarro and defender Michael Mancienne would head to Italy.(Daily Star) 
Utility player Emmanuel Eboue is set to become the latest player to leave Arsenal by signing a five-year deal with Fiorentina. (Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth want to take Wigan forward Amr Zaki on loan. (Daily Mirror)
Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce has made a £1.7m bid for Celta Vigo's Algerian striker Kamel Ghilas.(The Sun) 
And Allardyce has been given the all-clear by Chelsea to sign striker Franco Di Santo on loan. (Daily Mirror)
West Bromwich Albion are interested in Wigan forward Marlon King. (Daily Mirror) 

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OTHER GOSSIP

It looks like Alan Shearer will not be Newcastle manager for the new season as BBC presenter Gary Lineker says the former Magpies and England striker will once again be joining him on Match Of The Day.(The Sun) 
Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has suffered another setback in his recovery from knee surgery and could be out until Christmas. (Daily Mirror)
www.bbc.co.uk