Middlesbrough – Bristol City

‘Boro, as the pre-season, public (bookies as well) top favorite for winning Championship lie at embarrassing 22nd place with just one point more than bottom side (today’s opponent). Fans got what they wanted as Gordon Strachan faced the exit door and his place took the clubs legend and ex skipper Tony Mowbray (also fans’ wish). So they still possess great potential and with new manager syndrome and big support from the crowds, ‘Boro should start collecting points and climbing on the table. Also, Mowbray probably couldn’t wish a better opponent for the start of his era at Riverside. Only doubtful is Julio Arca. Defender Justin Hoyte is still sidelined, while midfielder Thompson has recovered from an injury. ‘Boro lost just twice in last 30 home encounters against City, winning 22.

The Robins are almost in the similar position as Middlesbrough (except they were tipped for play-off, not direct promotion). They’re on the bottom, hardly showing any sign of possible improvements. They made 2 decent results in last two rounds however (both at home), defeating Reading 1-0 and holding on a draw QPR 1-1. But, away record looks terrible as they won just once of six (Scunthorpe 2-0) and conceded 3 times in both of last two. Defense line is far from being tough that characterized the team in previous seasons, while David James is just a shadow from him in past few years. Also, his statement that he was drunk when he accepted to come in Bristol surely didn’t improve the dressing room atmosphere. Midfielders, Cole Skuse and Jamal Campbell-Ryce, are facing a late fitness test while defender Christian Ribeiro is definitely out.

I expect a very positive reaction on the Mowbray’s appointment, from the players and from the fans as well. Squad has great potential and I expect them to start showing it. City won’t relegate, soon will move away from the bottom but I don’t give them too much chances today. They’re simply at the wrong place in the wrong time. 2-0 correct score.

Bet: Middlesbrough -0.75
Odd: 2.08 188bet
Stake: 7/10

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Sunday's World Cup round-up

Graham Taylor is convinced goalkeeper David James' terse responses to questions about Fabio Capello's selection policy were a clear indication that all is not well in the England camp.
Former England boss Taylor said: "I know David very well because we signed him as a young player at Watford many years ago. He is very articulate and he was giving us a message there, make no mistake. That was a message that all is not right."
Although he has vowed not to resign and has stood by some controversial team selections, under-fire Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen is facing media criticism following the Indomitable Lions' early exit from the World Cup. 

After it was suggested to the Frenchman that his tactics were to blame for defeats against Japan and Denmark, Le Guen simply replied: "I will not resign but you have given your opinion and I respect that. Either you trust me or you don't, but that's the way things are."

A top public university in Bangladesh has closed indefinitely after students clashed over whether to cancel classes in order to watch the World Cup. Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology reportedly asked students to leave dormitories to calm the situation, after at least five people were injured in violent disturbances.

One group had demanded an early summer vacation so they could watch football on television without any tension. They asked other students not to attend classes or take tests and locked the university's main gate, prompting clashes with senior students who wanted classes to continue.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes a fear of failure and the absolute necessity to get through the group stage has contributed to the poor performances of top European sides at the World Cup.
Wenger said: "The biggest teams who have the highest level of expectation cannot express that talent yet. One reason is caution, fear of failure, response to huge demands. These teams will just get through, most of them, then you will see them really play." 

Australia forward Harry Kewell is adamant he did not deserve to be sent off for handling the ball on the line during his team's 1-1 draw against Ghana.
Kewell told the Sydney Morning Herald: "Everyone that's seen it is saying: 'Fair enough, it's a penalty'. But was it deliberate? Of course not." And coach Pim Verbeek added: "What is he supposed to do, cut his arm off?"

Television viewing figures suggest the United States public have embraced the World Cup. Twice as many Americans are believed to have watched the first five games of the tournament compared with four years ago.

Slovenia's Robert Koren insists his side will not play for a draw against England on Wednesday, even though a point would be enough to take them through to the last 16 - probably at the expense of Fabio Capello's men.
Koren, whose club future is in doubt now his West Brom contract has expired, said: "We will do everything in our power against England. We will try to win."

www.bbc.co.uk

Thursday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Arsenal are considering a move for West Ham's £6m-rated England goalkeeper Robert Green, 30, after opting not to pursue 37-year-old Fulham stopper Mark Schwarzer.(caughtoffside.com) 
Manchester United are interested in Lyon's £22m-rated Brazilian left winger Michel Bastos, 26. (caughtoffside.com) 


TRANSFER GOSSIP

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been identified as Real Madrid's number one transfer target this summer. (Daily Telegraph) 
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly met with Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Miami, to discuss a potential move to Stamford Bridge. (IMScouting) 
Real Madrid look set to beat Manchester United and Chelsea to the signing of Benfica winger Angel Di Maria. (IMScouting) 
Arsenal and Tottenham are locked in a head-to-head battle for the signature of £9m-rated Manchester City defender Micah Richards. (footylatest) 
Portsmouth and England goalkeeper David James could be in line for a move to Fulham as Arsenal step up their interest in the Cottagers' Mark Schwarzer.(Daily Mail) 
Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland could also be on the move, to Sunderland, as a replacement for Craig Gordon who has failed to convince manager Steve Bruce he is up to the job.(Daily Mail) 
Arsenal have become the latest team to be linked with Chelsea's out-of-contract midfielder Joe Cole, but the player will not decide on his future until after the World Cup.(Daily Mirror) 
James Milner has refused to commit his future to Aston Villa and could be in line for a £30m move to Manchester City.(Daily Express) 
Hamburg's German defender Jerome Boateng has confirmed that he will sign for Manchester City after the World Cup.(Daily Star) 
Manchester City will play a waiting game for Wolfsburg's Bosnia striker Edin Dzeko, but have no intention of breaking his £34m buy-out clause. (Daily Express) 
Another Manchester City target - Inter Milan full-back Maicon - says he has no intention of moving to Eastlands, but instead would like to link up with former Inter boss Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.(IMScouting) 
Birmingham are preparing a £4.5m offer for Newcastle's 21-year-old striker Andy Carroll. (Daily Mail) 
Fulham have agreed a £2m deal with Lyon for French striker Frederic Piquionne, who was at loan at Portsmouth last season.(Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth have turned down a "derisory" £300,000 offer from Rangers for striker Tommy Smith. (Daily Express) 

OTHER GOSSIP

"Sacked" (Daily Mirror), "Rafa Out" (The Sun), "Rafa's £3m Kop Off" (Daily Star), "Rafa is Out" (Daily Mail), "End of Road for Rafa" (Daily Express), "Benitez on the Brink" (Daily Telegraph), "Liverpool offer Benitex £3m to quit" (Guardian), "Benitez set to quit" (The Independent). With the World Cup just over a week away, there is only one story dominating the back pages of Thursday's newspapers.
It is claimed that player power is responsible for Benitez's potential departure from Anfield.(Daily Mirror) 
Liverpool's wish list to replace Benitez is thought to include ex-Manchester City manager Mark Hughes, Fulham's Roy Hodgson and former Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink. (Daily Mail) 
Inter Milan are now thought to be monitoring Benitez's situation and are lining up the Spaniard to replace Jose Mourinho who this week joined Real Madrid. (The Sun) 
Hiddink meanwhile has ruled himself out of the running to be Inter Milan's next coach, after his agent claimed he was the club's number one choice.(the Independent) 
Hull are in talks with former Portsmouth and Crystal Palace manager Paul Hart about becoming their new boss. (Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Captain Rio Ferdinand has revealed striker Wayne Rooney to be England's karaoke king with the Manchester United star set to entertain his team-mates on and off the pitch in South Africa.(Daily Mirror)

www.bbc.co.uk

England to win WC - thoughts and history of failures

I was talking with a friend about the possibility England to win WC. Capello, Rooney, few other players in a great shape are the main public arguments for. Against? Goalie, for sure. This is not a league tournament and if James (he’s the closest for number 1) doesn’t stay focus (as he didn’t before Drogba’s free kick at Wembley) it could be the end. Also, I think the history of England’s failures looks interesting.

My memories (correct me if I’m wrong somewhere) start in Mexico ’86. England were eliminated after “god’s hand” by El Pibe. I think, you must have a real bad luck to exit the tournament after referee allows goal like that on WC. Three refs didn’t notice something that all people in front tv saw. One time in thousand cases, I think.
Italy ’90, Shilton conceded a spectacular fluke after free kick against Germany. Later lost after penalties against them.
USA ’94 did not qualify!
France ’98, “Beckham’s case” and another loss after penalties (Argentina).
Korea and Japan ’02. England were stronger than ever. Again free kick and this time Seaman. Well it wasn’t a fluke, but Ronaldinho’s spectacular goal from 40m average goalie should easily stopped.
Germany ’06, again penalties and again Beckham (launched the ball in the orbit from the spot).
My first thought about ECs is 1996. when England were the host. Then was really expected from them to win. But… Again Germans and again penalties. In extra time they were very close to a golden goal, but missed few sitters. Darren Anderton’s was the worst.

A friend asked me, why they lose tragically every time, what could be the reason. I guess Geoff Hurst’s second goal in ’66 did not cross the line : ), who knows.

.

Best odd for England to win WC 2010 is 7.50.

Anyway, wish them luck unless they face Serbia in some round.

Bet for today. If Paynter starts for Swindon, take both to score. Otherwise, no bet. So wait the teams confirmation, bbc make it 45 mins before the kick off.

.

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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)
www.bbc.co.uk

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

Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is ready to offload Emmanuel Adebayor, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Wayne Bridge and Stephen Ireland and will make a £50m bid for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.(The Sun) 
Real Madrid are preparing to launch a £20m move for Manchester United's France defender Patrice Evra, with Arsenal's Gael Clichy, Chelsea's Ashley Cole and Fiorentina's Juan Manuel Vargas the other left-backs on the Spanish side's summer shortlist. (Daily Mail) 
Barcelona are ready to make a summer bid for Newcastle defender Steven Taylor, who is valued at about £8m.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City could make a move for Bayern Munich's 32-year-old striker Luca Toni, who is currently on loan at Italian side Roma.(imscouting.com) 
Argentina striker Carlos Tevez is on the verge of demanding a transfer from Manchester City, with Liverpool ready to pay £18m.(footylatest.com) 
Birmingham will make a £5m bid for Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster if Manchester City's Joe Hart does not return to them on loan next season. (The Sun) 
West Brom have put a £12m price tag on sought-after midfielder Graham Dorrans. West Ham have had a £4m bid rejected, while Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton are also interested in the Scotland international.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City and Aston Villa are competing to sign PSV Eindhoven's Bulgarian international right-back Stanislav Manolev, 24, for £5m.(Daily Mail) 
Sunderland are prepared to spend £5m to make defender Alan Hutton's loan switch from Tottenham a permanent one.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United have made a move for Estudiantes striker Mauro Boselli, whose arrival will be made possible by the sale of Bulgarian forward Dimitar Berbatov in the summer.(footylatest.com) 
Everton have emerged as favourites to beat Fulham to the signature of Wigan defender Paul Scharner, with the Austrian likely to be part of a clear-out at the DW Stadium this summer. (Daily Mail) 
Wigan's clear-out will also include defender Mario Melchiot and midfielders Jason Koumas and Olivier Kapo.(Daily Mirror) 
Stoke are also planning a squad revamp as manager Tony Pulis tries to restore dressing-room harmony at the club. As many as 10 players, including James Beattie, Tuncay, Liam Lawrence and Dave Kitson, could be moving on.(The Guardian) 
Tottenham, Blackburn and Birmingham have all been placed on alert after Notts County agreed to release goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel on a free transfer at the end of the season. (The Sun) 
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy is considering a loan bid for Tottenham striker Robbie Keane, who is having a temporary spell at Celtic. However, Spurs would prefer a permanent £8m deal.(Daily Mail) 
McCarthy also wants Hull winger Stephen Hunt for £3m as well as Tigers centre-half Kamil Zayatte.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola's spell at Upton Park is almost certainly over after co-owner David Sullivan said the Italian "might resign at the end of the season".(Daily Telegraph) 
Manchester United have lined up two replacements in case manager Sir Alex Ferguson decides to retire this summer.(The Sun) 
Liverpool will not stand in the way of manager Rafael Benitez if he wishes to join Italian side Juventus in the summer.(The Independent) 
Portsmouth fear that goalkeeper David James will make his final appearance for Pompey in the FA Cup final against Chelsea on 15 May as the cash-strapped club cannot afford to offer him a new deal.(Daily Mirror) 
Uefa president Michel Platini says tighter financial regulation would have prevented the money problems at Portsmouth and said: "I'm not in favour of the big liberalism of what has happened to the English clubs."(The Times) 
Portsmouth are ready to go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport as they attempt to play in the Europa League next season.(Daily Telegraph) 
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, who has missed the last two matches with a groin strain, says he is fit to return for Sunday's trip to Sunderland.(The Sun) 
The agent representing Blackburn midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen says the Norwegian international wants to stay at the club.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City youngster Alex Nimely, 19, will become the latest academy graduate to pledge his future to the club when he signs a new four-year contract.(Daily Mail) 
Crystal Palace midfielder Neil Danns has apologised to the club's fans after being sent off for a headbutt during the 1-1 draw with West Brom on Monday. He will now miss the relegation showdown with Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday. (Daily Express) 

AND FINALLY

Manchester United's new strips for next season have been photographed - with the look reminiscent of what the club used to wear in the 1980s.(The Sun)
www.bbc.co.uk

Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

AC Milan are planning a £20m summer swoop for Manchester United's Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov.(The Sun) 
Liverpool are preparing to ruffle the feathers of city rivals Everton with a move for the Toffees' midfielder Steven Pienaar.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester City are planning to swoop for Aston Villa winger Ashley Young, with Craig Bellamy, Martin Petrov and Shaun Wright-Phillips all set to depart Eastlands this summer.(Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth goalkeeper David James will snub a summer move to West Brom in favour of playing what he described as "real football" in the Championship next season. On 10 April the Baggies sealed their promotion to the Premier League, while Pompey were relegated from the top flight.(The Sun) 
Striker Eidur Gudjohnsen wants to stay at Tottenham next season. The Icelander is currently on loan from French side Monaco. (The Sun) 
Bolton will place a £17m price tag on defender Gary Cahill if he makes it into Fabio Capello's England World Cup squad for this summer's tournament in South Africa.(The Sun) 
Birmingham and Blackburn are battling it out with Italian side Roma for Estudiantes striker Mauro Boselli. (The Sun) 
West Brom, who recently sealed their promotion back to the Premier League, say they will resist any offers for highly-rated midfielder Graham Dorrans this summer.(Daily Mail) 
Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega is set to snub a move to the Premier League's elite as he feels he has a better chance of playing by joining a team outside the top four. (Daily Mirror) 
Bolton boss Owen Coyle is tracking Stockport's teenage defender Sam Barnes.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Everton boss David Moyes is the man to succeed him at Old Trafford. Apparently, Ferguson is ready to step down as United manager after one more season. (The Sun) 
Italian side Juventus are ready to give Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez until the end of the season to decide if he would like to take over as their new manager. They originally set a deadline for the end of this week.(Daily Mirror) 
Celtic are considering a move to make Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies their next manager after the former Rangers player intimated he would be interested in returning to Scotland.(The Times) 
Former England boss Steve McLaren looks set to reject an offer from West Ham to replace Gianfranco Zola as manager this summer. McLaren is currently managing FC Twente, who are just one win from this season's Dutch title, but has only one year left on his contract.(Daily Mail) 
The Hammers have two lists of managerial candidates: one for if they stay up, which McLaren heads, and one for if they are relegated, which is topped by Southampton boss Alan Pardew, who spent three years in the Upton Park hotseat before being sacked in December 2006.(Daily Express) 
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has opened talks to extend the contract of manager Chris Hughton, who this season led the club to promotion back to the Premier League after a season in the Championship.(Daily Mail) 
Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard says the club need to buy four "quality" players if they are to challenge for the Premier League title next season.(Daily Mail) 
Chelsea risk losing several of their biggest names for nothing this summer after being instructed by Roman Abramovich to suspend all contract talks until the end of the season. The Russian owner believes the likes of Joe Cole, Michael Ballack and Deco must earn new deals through their performances during the remainder of the season.(The Times) 
Portsmouth are expected to announce that their debts total £119m when their accounts for the last financial year are released later on Wednesday.(The Times) 
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is unsure whether to risk exacerbating striker Didier Drogba's groin injury by playing him in this weekend's match against Stoke as the title chase nears its climax. The Blues hold a one-point lead over second placed Manchester United with three games to play.(The Independent) 
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres rates England's starting XI as the second best in the world and believes they could be ready to go all the way in the World Cup, which begins on 11 June in South Africa. (Press Association)
England goalkeeping legend Peter Shilton says keeper Ben Foster must leave champions Manchester United if he wants to save his international career. "Foster was on a par with [West Ham's Robert] Green a while back but he is not playing first-team football anymore and that is going to count against him," said Shilton. (Daily Mail) 
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce has given midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen, whose contract expires this summer, until the end of today to decide if he wants to sign a new deal at Ewood Park.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Developers of the official 2010 World Cup video game seem to think England may struggle during the tournament proper, which begins on 11 June in South Africa. Having factored in the high altitude conditions at certain venues, players of the game will discover that the England side have been programmed to feel the energy-sapping effects sooner than some of their virtual opponents.(Daily Mail)
www.bbc.co.uk

Thursday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Cesc Fabregas' dad says his son would talk to Barcelona about a move but only at the end of the season.(The Daily Mirror) 
Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero will have Premier League chairmen drooling after admitting a move could be on the cards. The 21-year-old Argentine says: "I have enormous affection for Atletico but you cannot say I'll be here for ever."(The Sun) 
Roberto Mancini is planning a £6 million bid to bring 22-year-old West Bromwich Albion midfielder Graham Dorrans to Eastlands.(The Daily Mirror)
The Manchester City boss is also interested in Fiorentina central defender Alessandro Gamberini.(Daily Mail) 
Blackburn Rovers could be in the running for South Korea midfielder Ku Ja Cheol as Sam Allardyce looks to bolster his midfield options.(The Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth and England keeper David James could lead the exodus of the club's top players if the cash-strapped side goes bust. (The Daily Mirror) 
West Brom are considering a loan move for midfielder Jason Koumas. The 30-year-old Welshman is currently with Wigan. (Birmingham Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Former Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is first choice to replace West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola should the Italian leave the east London club.(The Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth's bid to avoid going bust could see them beg the Premier League for an advance on the parachute payments they would get if relegated.(The Daily Mirror) 
QPR are eyeing German Lothar Matthaus as their next boss. Mick Harford is contracted until the end of the season but has yet to pick up a win in five games since replacing Paul Hart last month as the club's tenth manager since Flavio Briatore took over as chairman in 2007.(The Daily Mirror)
Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson is considering his options concerning a possible takeover at Crystal Palace. "We are always happy to have a look but I think the chances are less likely than likely," he said.(The Daily Mail)
Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho has given a verbal swipe at his former club Chelsea claiming that nothing had changed since his departure, adding: "Even the warm-up is the warm-up they did in our time."(Daily Star) 

AND FINALLY

England boss Fabio Capello says the Premier League's teams, supporters and stadiums are superior to those in Italy.
Adding that he wants to face the Italians in a World Cup final, Capello said: "Two things are important in the Anglo-Saxon world: respect for referees from players and coaches and the sporting behaviour of players."(The Guardian)
www.bbc.co.uk

Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Egypt striker Mohamed Zidan, who plays for Borussia Dortmund, is being chased by Manchester United, Arsenal and Barcelona - according to his dad.(The Sun) 
Manchester City are likely to make a fresh move for Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago in the summer, City boss Roberto Mancini has confirmed.(The Guardian) 
And City also want to bring Lazio striker Mauro Zarate back to England to replace Robinho - the Argentine previously had a spell at Birmingham.(Goal.com) 
Manchester United are resigned to losing Nemanja Vidic in the summer, with AC Milan ready to rival Real Madrid's £20m attempt to prise him away. (Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to sign Brazilian wonderkid Wellington Silva after his trial with the Londoners. (Daily Mirror) 
The Gunners boss has also apparently stepped up the chase for £14m France striker Loic Remy, dubbed the 'new Thierry Henry'. (The Sun) 
Liverpool's attempt to sign Standard Liege forward Milan Jovanovic could be under threat after his agent claimed other clubs are interested. (Various)
Lokomotiv Moscow have joined city rivals Dinamo in the pursuit of Liverpool's Yossi Benayoun, despite Reds manager Rafa Benitez being reluctant to sell. (Daily Mail) 
Tottenham are interested in Ghana goalkeeper George Owu, who has been offered a trial following his release by Egyptian club Al Masry.(Daily Mail) 
Veteran striker Paul Dickov is wanted by Leeds and Derby after being released by Leicester.(Daily Mirror) 
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is trying to sign 17-year-old Bolivian star Gabriel Alvarez from Callejas for next season.(Daily Mirror) 
QPR have offered former Fulham defender Moritz Volz, who is a free agent, a contract until the end of the season. (The Sun) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Portsmouth goalkeeper David James is to take a pay cut as he does not want to inflict any more financial pressure on the cash-strapped club.(The Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City have offered first-team regulars at Eastlands a bonus of £1m each to take the club into the Champions League and win the FA Cup. (Daily Express) 
Aston Villa have banned youth defender Nathan Baker from this month's League Cup final after the 18-year-old was caught selling his ticket allocation for the game on social networking site Facebook. (Various)
Villa defender Nicky Shorey, who is on loan at Fulham, could be in trouble with Fifa after playing for his third club this season, breaking the world governing body's rule of only being allowed to play for two clubs in a season.(The Daily Mail) 
Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks is looking into selling his company's NHL ice hockey team the Dallas Stars.(The Guardian) 
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has emerged as potential target for Espanyol as the Barcelona club's hierarchy is losing confidence in coach Mauricio Pochettino.(Daily Mail)
Premier League clubs are set to pocket £1bn thanks to a TV deal which the league's chief executive Richard Scudamore is ready to announce as he publishes the figures for the worldwide rights to screen top Premier League matches. (The Sun) 

AND FINALLY

French left-back Patrice Evra says Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson "dances up and down like a child" when United win.(The Sun) 
Five Portsmouth fans will walk into the Premier League's luxurious offices in London on Friday looking for answers as to why their club has become football's financial basket case.(The Times) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger cancelled a day off for his Arsenal players ahead of this weekend's match against Chelsea because he was so angry after Sunday's 3-1 defeat by Manchester United.(Daily Mirror) 
Newcastle's new signing Leon Best has turned down the chance to take the club's famous No9 shirt because the £2m buy from Coventry City says he has not earned it yet. (Daily Mail)
www.bbc.co.uk

Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Big-spending Manchester City are set to make a transfer deadline day £20m offer for Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago. (Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City look set to beat Inter Milan to the £7m signing of Parma midfielder McDonald Mariga.(The Sun)
Manchester City are also likely to submit a fresh £6m bid for Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson.(Daily Mail) 
But Manchester United, Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea and Wolves have also expressed an interest in 22-year-old Johnson. (The Times) 
Fulham are keen to seal a loan deal for Aston Villa defender Nicky Shorey.(Sky Sports)
Stoke City are to renew their interest in keeper David James after failing to complete a £3m deal for his Portsmouth team-mate Asmir Begovic. (Daily Mirror) 
Or Tottenham are keen on Pompey's James after Stoke hijacked their attempts to sign keeper Begovic.(Daily Mail)
Spurs striker Roman Pavlyuchenko has pleaded with the London club to sell him to ambitious Birmingham City. (Daily Mirror) 
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish will turn to FC Red Bull Salzburg striker Marc Janko after moves for Pavlyuchenko and Portsmouth's Aruna Dindane stalled.(Daily Mail) 
Tottenham and Scotland defender Alan Hutton will sign for Sunderland as Black Cats manager Steve Bruce seeks a breakthrough in solving his right-back problems. (Daily Mirror) 
Ipswich manager Roy Keane is set to raid former club Sunderland for striker Daryl Murphy.(Daily Mail) 
West Ham and Tottenham are in talks over striker Robbie Keane.(Daily Mirror) 
The Hammers are also interested in Frederic Piquionne, who is on loan at Portsmouth, and Daniele Cacia, of Reggina.(The Times) 
Stoke striker James Beattie is considering a £3m switch to Sunderland after the Black Cats gave up on Robbie Keane and Manchester City forward Benjani. (Daily Mail) 
Stoke boss Tony Pulis wants to bring winger Jermaine Pennant back to England from Real Zaragoza. (The Sun) 
Leeds are to launch a bid for Blackburn striker Jason Roberts, possibly opening the door for forward Jermaine Beckford to leave Elland Road.(The Sun) 
Wolves are to offer £5m to Hull for midfielder Stephen Hunt and are keen to take Everton striker James Vaughan on loan. (Daily Mail) 
Blackburn themselves are to make a late loan move for Ivory Coast striker Dindane, who is currently on loan at Portsmouth from Lens.(Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth are hoping to seal a loan deal for Sunderland's central defender Nyron Nosworthy.(The Sun) 
Hull trio, winger Peter Halmosi, utility player Kevin Kilbane and midfielder Bryan Hughes are all set to leave the KC Stadium on Monday. (Daily Mail) 
High-flying championship side Nottingham Forest have tabled a £2m bid for Swansea midfielder Darren Pratley.(Daily Mirror) 
Rangers boss Water Smith wants to sign Bolton's Nigerian centre-half Danny Shittu on a free transfer. (Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge will have talks with England this week about his international future following the allegations about his national side's captain John Terry over the weekend. (Daily Mirror) 
Chelsea defender John Terry is on the verge of quitting his position as England captain following the weekend revelations about his private life. (Daily Star) 

AND FINALLY

Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies has accused Derby counterpart Nigel Clough of a "cowardly" assault during the stoppage time melee between the two clubs on Saturday. (The Independent)
www.bbc.co.uk

Thursday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Liverpool will take Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones on loan, with a view to a permanent transfer in the summer. This would enable both clubs to carry the impact of the transfer on their balance sheets into the next tax year, which begins in April.(Daily Mirror) 
West Ham are set to make Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy the first signing of the David Gold/David Sullivan era after lodging a £1.2m bid.(Daily Star) 
Chelsea and Manchester City have both made offers to 18-year-old Spanish midfielder Sergio Canales, who is out of contract and free to leave current club Racing Santander this summer.(www.imscouting.com) 
Manchester City remain hopeful of signing Rubin Kazan left-back Cristian Ansaldi.(Daily Mail) 
Celtic have intimated they are willing to sell winger Aiden McGeady to Birmingham but only if the Midlands club stump up £11m.(Daily Mirror) 
Stoke have made a £2m bid for Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.(Daily Star) 
However, West Ham have also made enquiries about former Manchester United striker Van Nistelrooy.(www.imscouting.com) 
Bayern Munich midfielder Arjen Robben has advised teammate Franck Ribery not to join Real Madrid. Robben spent two years with Madrid before joining Bayern last summer.(www.imscouting.com) 
Portsmouth goalkeeper David James' on-off move to Stoke is back on. The clubs have re-opened negotiations after the transfer collapsed on 15 January because the Potters were not prepared to pay the proportion of James's salary that Pompey wanted from them.(Daily Mirror) 
Alternatively, Stoke boss Tony Pulis is keen to sign Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Lee Grant for £2m.(Daily Star) 
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has made a move to sign out-of-favour Stoke striker James Beattie.(Daily Mirror)
Everton boss David Moyes is ready to sell striker James Vaughan in the January transfer window.(Daily Mirror) 
Moyes has resurrected a move to sign Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos on loan, six months after they pulled out of a deal to sign the Swiss international.(The Times) 
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Babel is set to perform a u-turn and agree to a £9m move to Birmingham after initially rejecting a move to St Andrews.(The Sun) 
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is eyeing a £1.75m swoop for Sheffield United centre-back Matthew Kilgallon.(The Sun) 
Bolton boss Owen Coyle wants to snap up Jamie O'Hara from Tottenham - but the move will require Fifa's permission as the move would mean the midfielder playing for his third club of the season, which is not allowed.(Daily Mirror) 
Derby boss Nigel Clough is in talks with Arsenal to sign French striker Gilles Sunu on loan for the rest of the season.(Daily Mirror) 
Derby are ready to snap up Millwall's highly-rated left winger Dave Martin in a £150,000 swoop.(Daily Mirror) 
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is ready to make a £4m swoop for Mallorca's highly-rated striker Aritz Aduriz to boost his attack.(Daily Mirror) 
Hull are considering offering a lifeline to out-of-favour Sunderland striker David Healy.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester City forward Robinho insists he has not fallen out with manager Roberto Mancini and has vowed to prove his worth at the club. The Brazilian was taken off during the 2-0 defeat at Everton on Saturday after having come on as a substitute.(Daily Mirror) 
The agent of Russian national team manager Guus Hiddink says that a number of clubs, including Liverpool, have sounded him out about the availability of his client.(The Sun) 
Portsmouth manager Avram Grant says the Premier League are going against the spirit of football by refusing to lift the transfer embargo imposed on the south-coast outfit because they have outstanding debts to other English clubs.(The Sun) 
Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta hopes to make his comeback from a cruciate ligament injury in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool on 6 February. The Spaniard has been sidelined for a year.(The Sun) 
Manchester United defender John O'Shea's season appears to be over because of complications to the leg injury he sustained playing for the Republic of Ireland in France two months ago.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor is set to return for the Carling Cup semi-final second leg at Manchester United next week, after being given compassionate leave since he was caught up in the gun attack on the Togo team bus at the Africa Cup of Nations. (The Sun) 
Striker Daniel Cousin says he wants to quit Hull because he cannot stand manager Phil Brown. "The gaffer and I don't have a good relationship. It's difficult to stay. I want to leave," said Cousin.(The Sun) 

AND FINALLY

Manchester City's Carlos Tevez claims his ear-cupping celebration after scoring against Manchester United in the Carling Cup was not a dig at Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson for refusing to sign the striker last summer but was a tribute to a popular Argentine children's puppet Topo Gigio. (Daily Mirror)

Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Barcelona are stepping up their attempt to sign Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney, and are prepared to offer him wages of £8m a year after tax.(Daily Star) 
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is in talks with Real Madrid with a view to signing former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy on a free transfer.(Daily Telegraph) 
And Redknapp has had a bid for out-of-favour goalkeeper Ben Foster rejected by Manchester United. (Daily Mirror) 
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is ready to quit the club he joined as a nine-year-old two decades ago. Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan and Premier League big spenders Manchester City are believed to be interested in a deal.(Daily Mail)
Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford is planning to leave the League One club in the summer for a move to Everton.(Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has held further talks with the father and agent of Racing Santander's Spanish midfielder Sergio Canales. Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool are also interested in the 18-year-old.(Daily Mail) 
Liverpool star Fernando Torres has urged the club to buy a top Spanish striker - such as Valencia's David Silva or David Villa - while under-fire Reds boss Rafael Benitez is pondering a £12m bid for Sunderland forward Kenwyne Jones.(The Sun) 
However, Benitez's attempt to sign Jones has hit the rocks as Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is holding out for a £10m cash deal.(Daily Express) 
Bruce wants Wigan's £7m-rated left-back Maynor Figueroa and is willing to sacrifice midfielder Kieran Richardson to land him.(Daily Star) 
Sunderland are preparing a bid for Benfica's veteran Portuguese striker Nuno Gomes.(The Independent) 
French side Lille want to sign Portsmouth defender Younes Kaboul for £10m, with cash-strapped Pompey willing to accept the offer.(Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth goalkeeper David James has been told that he must drop his wage demands if he is to secure a move away from Fratton Park.(Daily Star) 
Zenit St Petersburg say they have pulled out of the race to sign Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.(The Guardian) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is ready to splash out on Fulham's England under-21 giant centre-half Chris Smalling - in a stunning £7m deal. (Daily Mirror) 
Birmingham City have been told they can have Celtic winger Aiden McGeady, if they match the asking price.(The Sun) 
And Birmingham are interested in FC Moscow forward Maxi Lopez, who has been on loan at Gremio in Brazil.(The Times) 
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has made an offer for Standard Liege striker Milan Jovanovic.(Daily Mail) 
Tottenham have watched Bordeaux defender Mathieu Chalme as they try and offload Alan Hutton. (Daily Telegraph) 
Crystal Palace striker Victor Moses has revealed he cannot wait for his crack at the big time as his inevitable exit from the Londoners draws closer.(Daily Mail) 
Burnley are speaking to Monaco striker Frederic Nimani, and could sign the French Under-21 international on loan.(Daily Mirror) 
Wolves are keen on Stoke striker James Beattie and Hull winger Stephen Hunt.(Daily Mail) 
Philippe Senderos is weighing up his options before deciding whether to join Celtic, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich or Everton on loan from Arsenal. (Daily Mail/The Herald)

OTHER GOSSIP

Chelsea are waiting to discover the extent of midfielder Michael Essien's knee injury, amid fears that the Ghanaian could be out for the rest of the season.(The Times) 
The Glazer family, the controversial owners of Manchester United, could take £600m out of the club over the next seven years in dividends, interest and fees coming out of a bond issue.(Daily Telegraph) 
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola could be replaced by former Manchester City manager Mark Hughes if David Gold and David Sullivan complete their takeover of the club.(Daily Mirror) 
However, Gold and Sullivan will announce that Zola's position is safe when they take control of the club.(Daily Star) 
Barcelona have shrugged off claims that coach Pep Guardiola will replace Sir Alex Ferguson as the next manager of Manchester United.(The Sun) 
French winger Jerome Rothen, on a season-long loan from Paris St Germain, was in Glasgow on Monday to prove to Rangers he is still too sick to play after two months off with swine flu. (Daily Record) 
Celtic and Rangers are on the verge of clinching a £1.5m per year deal with Tennent's to replace Carling as the Old Firm's shirt sponsor. (Daily Record/Daily Express)

AND FINALLY

Manchester United defender Gary Neville has stoked the flames ahead of Tuesday's Carling Cup semi-final first leg against rivals Manchester City by claiming his club were right to get rid of City striker Carlos Tevez as he was over-priced.(Daily Telegraph) 
And former United winger David Beckham has told City's fans that they will never be bigger than the Old Trafford club. He also said that he would never join City, no matter how much money they offered him.(Daily Mirror)

www.bbc.co.uk

Saturday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Steven Gerrard is unhappy with Liverpool's latest plight and is keen on a move to Real Madrid or AC Milan if things don't improve quickly. A source close to the 29-year-old midfielder said: "Stevie knows time is running out if he wants to win more honours."(Daily Star)
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez says he's not going anywhere, and he is also keen on swapping winger Ryan Babel for Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones. Babel, 23, has struggled to make the first XI following his £11.5m move from Ajax in 2007.(The Sun) 
Sunderland winger Kieran Richardson has been offered for sale to Tottenham, Birmingham and Fulham. The 25-year-old moved to the Stadium of Light from Manchester United for £6m three years ago. (The Times) 
Chelsea and Manchester City are keen on securing a deal for Palermo's 20-year-old centre-back Simon Kjaer. The Danish star is reported to have an £11m release clause, but that hasn't stemmed the growing interest in the Serie A star from the two Premier League sides. (Daily Star) 
Celtic manager Tony Mowbray has branded suggestions that £8m may be enough to take Aiden McGeady from Celtic to the Premier League as "ridiculous". (The Guardian) 
CSKA Moscow winger Milos Krasic has rejected an approach from Roberto Mancini's Manchester City, saying he only wants to join Manchester United or Arsenal. (Daily Mail) 
Spanish side Real Zaragoza have joined the chase for Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos. Bayern Munich, Cagliari and Atletico Madrid are also interested in the 23-year-old who wants to stay in the Premier League. (Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Italian side Juventus are keeping an eye on events at Anfield amid speculation that Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez may soon be relieved of his duties. Former Italy striker Roberto Bettega, who has just moved into the Juve boardroom, is a close friend and admirer of Benitez. (Daily Mail) 
Despite everybody suggesting it's a matter of when, and not if, Benitez will leave Anfield, the Spaniard has vowed to remain as Liverpool boss until 2014. "Inside, I am as strong as ever," he said. (The Sun) 
Russia coach and former Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink has revealed that he would be keen to manage in England again, adding weight to the rumour that he will succeed Benitez at Liverpool. (Daily Mail) 
Meanwhile, Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has played down rumours linking him with the Liverpool manager's job. (Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth keeper David James is believed to be concerned that the collapse of his proposed move to Stoke could affect his prospects of being selected for England's squad for this summer's World Cup as Portsmouth may decide not to play him in order to avoid triggering a clause in his contract. (The Guardian) 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has told Michael Owen that he will get more games over the coming months after starting the striker only once since his Champions League hat-trick at Wolfsburg almost six weeks ago. (The Guardian) 
At the age of 39 years and 79 days Edwin van der Sar will become Manchester United's oldest post-war player if he plays against Burnley. The Dutch keeper has been on compassionate leave since the end of December. (The Guardian) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Sol Campbell could play his way back into the England squad for the World Cup in South Africa this summer. (Daily Mail) 
Alex McLeish is ready to commit his long-term future to Birmingham City by agreeing a new contract at St Andrew's. (Daily Mail) 
St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson believes that the cash-strapped SPL has become little more than a feeder league for England's lower divisions and he can only envisage that state of affairs worsening in the immediate future. (Daily Telegraph) 
Championship side Cardiff have begun talks over a new contract with highly-rated Adam Matthews as Manchester United and Arsenal keep an eye on proceedings over the 17-year-old left-back. (Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY

England and LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham, on loan with AC Milan, plans to hang his boots up after the World Cup and return to Britain. A friend of the 34-year-old, says: "His mind is made up. He wants to walk away to be a dad." (The Sun)

www.bbc.co.uk

Monday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Roma are close to signing out-of-favour Bayern Munich and Italy striker Luca Toni, who has been linked with both West Ham and Chelsea. (Reuters)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Craig Bellamy has rubbished claims he wants to quit Manchester City and denies he led a player rebellion in the wake of Mark Hughes' sacking.(Daily Mirror) 
Bolton boss Gary Megson is attempting to sign veteran Real Madrid midfielder Guti.(Daily Mirror) 
Harry Redknapp has paved the way for Roman Pavlyuchenko's Tottenham exit and says he would not necessarily need a replacement if the Russian quit White Hart Lane in January.(Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth goalkeeper David James has refused to rule out a January switch to Spurs as he attempts to ensure he is England's No 1 at the World Cup.(Sun) 
Manchester City are on the brink of signing Inter Milan defender Ivan Cordoba, 33, who has fallen out with boss Jose Mourinho.(Daily Mail) 
New Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini wants record signing Robinho to remain at Eastlands, despite the the 25-year-old Brazilian striker being linked with a move away from the club next month. Mancini said: "The important thing for me is that Robinho stays here because he can earn a place in the history of the club." (Various) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Portsmouth are being sued by French side Lens over alleged unpaid transfer fees for striker Aruna Dindane and defender Nadir Belhadj.(Daily Mail) 
Manager Carlo Ancelotti has admitted for the first time Chelsea are low on confidence, despite his side still heading the Premier League table.(Sun) 
Former Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson has set his sights on becoming the Reading new boss after Brendan Rodgers was sacked by the Royals earlier this month.(Daily Star) 

AND FINALLY

South Korean playmaker Ki Sung Yueng has told his new Celtic team-mates to just call him Dave to avoid confusion. "Communication is so important if players are to be comfortable with each other," the 20-year-old said helpfully. (Daily Record)
Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho is planning to make his first trip back to Stamford Bridge since he was sacked to watch his former club Chelsea play Fulham on Monday.(Sun)

www.bbc.co.uk

Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Portsmouth goalkeeper David James admits he is "flattered" by the interest of Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp and would be keen on a move to White Hart Lane to boost his England World Cup chances.(Sunday Telegraph) 
Fernando Torres is ready to quit Liverpool if they fail to qualify for the Champions League this season.(News of the World) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is considering splashing out on a new striker in the January transfer window, with Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh top of his wanted list.(Mail on Sunday) 
Or Wenger could launch a £12million January bid for Toulouse's French international striker Andre Pierre Gignac.(News of the World) 
Arsenal have also emerged as shock contenders to sign Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy.(Sunday Mirror) 
Manchester United are ready to challenge Roberto Mancini's City for £12m-rated Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini. (News of the World) 
Birmingham are ready to launch an £8 raid for Wigan's former Newcastle's winger Charles N'Zogbia.(News of the World) 
Carlo Ancelotti will make a transfer window U-turn by offering a British record £45million for Bayern Munich's France winger Franck Ribery.(People) 
Manchester United striker Frederico Macheda, 18, is being linked with a loan move to Real Zaragoza.(News of the World) 
Liverpool are poised to mount a major effort to sign former Lazio striker Goran Pandev on a free transfer next month in a bid to boost their flagging season.(People) 
Ambitious Stoke manager Tony Pulis could make a suprise three-pronged raid for Liverpool misfit Ryan Babel, Aston Villa's Emile Heskey and Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones(News of the World) 
Inter Milan defender Ivan Cordoba has told new Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini he would love to move to Eastlands.(People) 
Sunderland have launched an attempt to hijack right-back Danny Simpson’s move from Manchester United to Newcastle.(Daily Star Sunday) 
Tottenham's Scotland fullback Alan Hutton is a January target for Stoke and Fulham.(News of the World) 
And Hutton's fellow out-of-favour Tottenham team-mate David Bentley is also attracting interest from spanish side Aletico Madrid.(News of the World) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Jose Mourinho snubbed Manchester City's offer to become their coach because his dream is to step in when Sir Alex Ferguson finally retires at Manchester United. (Mail on Sunday) 
Manchester City believe they can lure Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger in the summer as they see newly-appointed coach Roberto Mancini as just a stopgap. City have still not ruled out trying to persuade Jose Mourinho to take over either.(Sunday Express) 
Former Birmingham owners David Gold and David Sullivan will pull the plug on West Ham takeover talks on January 7.(News of the World) 

AND FINALLY

Newcastle may sit top of the Championship but the club is being forced to implement a clutch of cost-cutting measures at St James' Park - including switching off the escalator inside the new Milburn Stand during the week.(News of the World)

www.bbc.co.uk

Carling Cup

Since Sir Alex revealed he’ll send same youngsters to the clash against Spurs as he did vs. Besiktas, odds have been raising for a home win. 2.15 currently! Bookies forget Tottenham haven’t won at Trafford for 20 years, “Arry” will also give a chance to fringe players and those United’s youngsters are not too bad. However, I’m tempted to try with a gamble on home handicap win. That, or…

Pompey will host Villa in the second game. Good draw sent the hosts in quarter-final. Today will be without few key players and goalie David James. It is ridiculous to say after 1-4 home defeat, but Portsmouth actually didn’t look bad in the first half against United. They always create a lots of chances at home, but don’t score too much (little remind on Ipswich Town). I’m very close to back Portsmouth. But, visitors are the mystery. Martin O’Neill has been saying they’ll try to win competition, strong eleven will play… But, such talks usually means opposite. Tony Pulis, for example, talked about his wish to win the cup, the same day when he sent the reserve squad against Portsmouth (also there) and was easily demolished 0-4. 

Two gambles, same level of risk. Choose which you like. 

Two more games are tomorrow. I have one pick on my mind and maybe another gamble. 
Be aware I’m always informed about English football, if you have any questions or need info use chat-box or email.

Cheers, Dule

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Portsmouth - Manchester United

Pompey made the disaster start of the season. Returned back with away win against Wolverhampton 1-0 and a draw also on the road vs. fellow strugglers Hull. After that, two 4-0 wins at home (Stoke and Wigan in Cup) and again two defeats on the road. In last round vs. Stoke away, Kevin-Prince Boateng missed the penalty at the start of the game and tight match finished with another defeat (0-1). After the game, Paul Hart got fired. Few reasons why I think it was a mistake. First, squad simply hasn’t enough quality and even top manager couldn’t do better. Hart also made some kind of family atmosphere and players are in shock because his departure. His replacement is Avram Grant. When he was appointed in Chelsea, players started the riot because his old fashioned training and team needed some time to adjust to his way of work (some players never accepted him as a man in charge). Can’t see why in Portsmouth this should be better. And last, but not the least, first game is against furious United. Also, should be mentioned, Grant will be officially appointed after the game, caretaker will lead the team. First goalie, David James, suffered an injury during the warming-up for game against Stoke and will miss again. His place will take a substitute, Jamie Ashdown. Papa Bouba Diop, John Utaka and Steve Finnan are all battling to be fit.

After CSKA finished his game against Wolfsburg and won 2-1, Sir Alex changed the team and sent a bunch of youngsters to bring him a point and first place in the group, counting on opponent’s lack of motivation. But, the painful truth is European competition isn’t Carling Cup, Turkish side defeated United and made of them a main story in Britain. Well, history learns us Man.Utd. are the most dangerous when their dignity is hurt. I expect their response and Ferguson surely will send the hard artillery on the pitch. No European game next week and no reason for resting players and calculation. This game should be a message to Chelsea (who btw. already have a surplus of five points). Only Rio Ferdinand and John O'Shea, beside Hargreaves, are confirmed missings. Evans, Fabio and Berbatov (who should appeared against Besiktas) will have a late fitness test.

I would write-off the new manager effect here, ‘cause the players are not the least pleased with that. Portsmouth advantages will be smaller pitch (as always) where they create chances easier than on the road and maybe United’s defense line. I think it will be far from enough to resist from visitors’ revenge. I’m little cautious about the stake just because Wes Brown and his habit to make stupidities. However, Pompey look just like a victim of bad circumstances. United's win with a handicap.

.

Very probably one more pick before the kick-off in England.

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Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas is the number one transfer target for both Real Madrid and Barcelona, who are set to spark a £60m bidding war for the 22-year-old. (Daily Star) 
Chelsea are ready to make a £50m double swoop for Valencia striker David Villa and Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos.(Daily Star) 
The Blues have been urged by skipper John Terry to spend big in the January transfer window while their transfer ban is suspended. Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell, AC Milan playmaker Andrea Pirlo and Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero are on the wish list. (Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham are lining up a £6m bid for Manchester United and England goalkeeper Ben Foster.(The Sun) 
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has launched a £5m bid for Middlesbrough centre-back David Wheater.(The Sun) 
Liverpool will resist any attempt by Barcelona to prise midfielder Javier Mascherano away during the January transfer window but may accept a £30m package in the summer. Barca may offer midfielder Yaya Toure and striker Bojan Krkic in part exchange. (Daily Express) 
Toure, however, has said that Manchester United and Chelsea are his preferred destinations if he is to leave the Nou Camp. (The Independent)
Reds boss Rafael Benitez is lining up a £15m double raid on West Ham for centre-back Matthew Upson and left-back Herita Ilunga. (Daily Star) 
Manchester United winger Nani is a loan target for Italian side Fiorentina, who would be tempted to pay £15m to make the deal permanent in the summer. (Daily Mail) 
Stoke boss Tony Pulis is planning a January raid in Huddersfield for goalkeeper Alex Smithies, who is valued at £3m. (The Sun) 
Tottenham have taken 16-year-old Valarenga striker Havard Nielsen on loan. The teenager has represented Norway at under-16 level and scored in their recent win against Italy.(The Sun) 
Bolton are lining up a £250,000 move for Hungary striker Laszlo Lencse, who plays for MTK. (The Sun) 
Newcastle and Middlesbrough are chasing Celtic defender Gary Caldwell, who is out of contract in the summer. (Daily Star)
Portsmouth midfielder Matt Ritchie wants to stay at Notts County when his loan deal expires next month. (Daily Star) 
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is trying to set up a cut-price deal for Espanyol striker Raul Tamudo. (Daily Mirror)
Northern Ireland striker Warren Feeney plans to leave Cardiff in the January transfer window. (Daily Star) 
Sheffield United have joined Coventry and QPR in the hunt for Sheffield Wednesday centre-back Richard Wood. (Daily Mirror)
Notts County director of football Sven-Goran Eriksson has bid £700,000 to sign Coventry centre-back Elliot Ward. (The Sun) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has threatened to quit if the club sells Spain striker Fernando Torres against his will. (The Times) 
Portsmouth keeper David James has told England boss Fabio Capello he will be fit for next year's World Cup but says he does need a rest to protect his troublesome knee.(The Sun) 
Former Northern Ireland international Gerry Taggart, 39, is a shock contender to take over at League Two strugglers Grimsby. (Daily Star)

AND FINALLY

Arsenal's injured striker Robin van Persie has flown to Serbia to have treatment which involves rubbing horse placenta into his damaged ankle. (The Sun)

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Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea are lining up a bid to sign Brazil Under-15 skipper Lucas Piazon, who is seen as the new Kaka, from Sao Paolo. (Daily Mirror) 
Egypt striker Amr Zaki, who spent last season on loan at Wigan, is wanted by Portsmouth and could join the Premier League club in January. (Daily Mirror) 
Newcastle are monitoring the form of versatile Portugal winger Ukra, who currently plays for Olhanense and was in action against England Under-21s on Saturday. (Daily Mail) 
Championship strugglers Reading want to sign Huddersfield striker Jordan Rhodes and are prepared to pay £600,000 for the player, who joined the Terriers for half that amount from Ipswich in the summer. (Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

England coach Fabio Capello will not select David James for his World Cup squad unless the 39-year-old keeper is fully fit.(Daily Mail) 
Arsenal's England Under-21 defender Kieran Gibbs says he has not even thought that he could yet become a surprise late selection in Capello's World Cup squad. (The Sun) 
England skipper John Terry insisted his team will fear nobody at the World Cup despite watching his side lose against an under-strength Brazil. (The Sun) 
Manchester United defender Gary Neville has called for an elite pool of referees to take charge of high-profile Premier League fixtures.(The Times) 

AND FINALLY

There has been a rush for tickets for the final of the Major League Soccer Cup after David Beckham's LA Galaxy defeated Houston Dynamo 2-0 to qualify for next Sunday's match, when they will take on Real Salt Lake. (Daily Telegraph)

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