Saturday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has not ruled out a move to England. He said: "Last season, I had many possibilities with Manchester United, Real, Barcelona or Chelsea. I hope I'll have the same ones plus Bayern next summer."(The Sun) 
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has declared his love for London, and Barcelona. He said: "All of my life I have been dressing the Barca colours. I had to leave and I have seen also other things that I have enjoyed a lot. When I retire from football, I will live in Barcelona. But I love London a lot, me and my family love London." (Daily Mirror) 
Liverpool are confident of beating AC Milan and Valencia to the signature of Milan Jovanovic, who is available on a free transfer from Standard Liege in the summer.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester United could offer a contract to Sogndal defender Even Hovland, who has been on trial with the club. Everton are also interested in the 20-year-old Norwegian.(Daily Mail) 
Aston Villa midfielder Isaiah Osbourne is set to join Queens Park Rangers when the loan window reopens next week.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Chelsea midfielder Deco has accused Arsenal of being Premier League bottlers ahead of Sunday's crunch game between the sides at Stamford Bridge.(The Sun) 
And Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits his young side have a mental problem when they come up against the likes of Chelsea or Manchester United.(The Sun) 
Wenger believes that finishing third in the Premier League is better achievement than winning the FA Cup.(Daily Telegraph) 
Everton boss David Moyes believes his side has been in the shadow of city rivals Liverpool because there has been years of overspending at Anfield.(Daily Star) 
Just hours before facing cash-strapped Portsmouth, Manchester United's boss expressed his sympathies for Pompey boss Avram Grant. Sir Alex Ferguson said: "When you see what's happening there, you have to feel for him. It can't be easy. How he's coping, you can only imagine."(Daily Mail) 
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has not yet been officially told that he is replacing John Terry as England captain.(The Sun) 
Terry is poised to lose £20m in sponsorship revenue over the next four years after being stripped of the England captaincy.(The Sun) 
Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce has warned winger Morten Gamst Pedersen, who has been linked with a move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce, not to string the club along during contract talks.(Daily Mirror) 
Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies is angry that his club's transfer panel, headed by former Tottenham manager David Pleat, did not sign anyone during the January transfer window despite bids for Crystal Palace striker Victor Moses and Swansea midfielder Darren Pratley.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Birmingham keeper Joe Hart is willing to take a penalty if selected for England at the World Cup. He said: "Stuart Pearce saw me take one in the semi-final of the European Under 21 Championship last summer. Fortunately, I scored. But I'd happily take one again."(Daily Mail)
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Arsenal - Chelsea

This London derby will be the clash of best attack (Arsenal scored 36) and best defense (Chelsea conceded 8). The Gunners have been performing surprisingly (for me) good so far and it seems they’ll once again finish in top 4 (third I think). They play probably the prettiest football in the world, but cruel true is they won’t win any competition with that style of play. They can run the riot against Portsmouth, Wigan, Blackburn, Birmingham, even against Spurs (their five home wins), but against the top teams like Man.Utd., or Man.City (their defeats) that are capable to stop their attack, Arsenal look clueless. And despite their enormous attacking potential, missing of Van Persie is bigger hit than it was expected. Also second best attacker, Arshavin, is still in depression for not qualifying for South Africa, while Rosicky doesn’t seem fully recovered. Arsenal will be without left-back Kieran Gibbs, who broke a metatarsal in win over Standard in midweek and his place will take Armand Traore. But, big blow could be missing of William Gallas who is doubtful with a swollen eye suffered in the same match, so Mikael Silvestre could start.

Chelsea look stronger than ever and they look like the most serious contender for the titles, in England and Europe as well. Ancelotti has huge number of top quality players in the squad and playing competitive games too often doesn’t look as a problem. The Blues hold the top of the table, already defeated Man.Utd. and with today’s win would make five points margin. Big boost for them is returning of Franck Lampard as the midfielder recovered from a torn thigh muscle. Michael Essien has overcome a knee problem, while Deco and Michael Ballack returned from injury in midweek. Ancelotti has all players fit and available.

Despite they’re collecting the points, it obvious Arsenal have been noticing a decrease in performance. Missing of Van Persie and melancholic Arshavin are the main problems when they face a tough defenses. Even Sunderland, without two of three best players (Cattermole and Jones) managed to stop them and win (0-1). So, beside the bigger quality (my opinion, again), Chelsea gain the style of play that least suits to Arsenal. Anyway, for Chelsea this is derby game on the road, they should be satisfied even with a draw and my bet is dnb 2 instead away win. Odds are around 1.85-1.95. Also,  Chelsea like (three times in last four games) to win by a goal in the second half. So gamble is x-2 (ht/ft). 

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Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are about to tell Valencia to name their price for midfielder David Silva.(News of the World) 
And United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will enquire about Silva and striker David Villa when Valencia arrive at Old Trafford for Wednesday's friendly.(The People) 
Manchester United are also preparing a £35m offer for Atletico Madrid's striker Sergio Aguero.(Sunday Express) 
Everton defender Joleon Lescott is set to hand in a transfer request to force through his £22m move to Manchester City.(News of the World) 
Sunderland are preparing a double transfer swoop for Tottenham's David Bentley and Michael Dawson.(The People) 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to call off the propsosed £7m deal for Gremio midfielder Douglas Costa because of concerns about the 18-year-old's private life.(News of the World) 
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has been told to spend an extra £1m if he wants to land Spurs striker Darren Bent. The Black Cats have already offered £14m.(The People) 
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is resigned to losing midfielder Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid. (Sunday Express) 
After missing out on former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira, Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp could try and bid for Bayern Munich skipper Mark van Bommel.(News of the World) 
Chelsea midfielder Deco says he has turned down an offer from Inter Milan to see out his contract at Stamford Bridge. (Sunday Mirror) 
Chelsea could renew their interest in Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart if the Spanish giants reduce the Dutchman's price.(The People) 
And the Blues are set to complete the signing of AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo early next week, if striker Claudio Pizarro moves in the opposite direction.(Mail on Sunday) 
Aston Villa will make a £5m bid for Blackburn left-back Stephen Warnock next week.(News of the World) 
Arsenal are closing in on 23-year-old PSV midfielder Ibrahim Afellay, who is valued at £7m.(The People) 
Blackburn want to sign Manchester City striker Benjani, after missing out on Tottenham's Peter Crouch and Kamel Ghilas of Celta Vigo.(News of the World) 
Portsmouth, though, are also in the hunt for Benjani as they desperately try and find a replacement for Crouch.(The People) 
Fulham and Wolves are battling it out for Southampton's England under-21 midfielder Adam Lallana.(News of the World) 
Aston Villa and Blackburn are among the teams chasing Newcastle defender Habib Beye.(The People) 
Everton are in pole position to land Valencia right-back Miguel.(News of the World) 
Fulham want to sign Arsenal striker Carlos Vela on loan should the Gunners make a serious offer for centre-half Brede Hangeland. (The People) 
Bolton boss Gary Megson wants to sign Hoffenheim full-back Andreas Beck but could face competition from Fiorentina.(News of the World) 
Middlesbrough have beaten Sheffield United to the signing of Reading striker Leroy Lita on a free transfer.(The People) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester City's summer spending spree has seen their annual wage bill has doubled in two years to £100m a year.(News of the World) 
However, their dealings in the transfer market and their pursuit of Everton defender Joleon Lescott has angered Toffees boss David Moyes. "It is about showing respect - and we are not being shown that," he says.(Sunday Mirror) 
Alan Shearer seems to have given up hope of becoming Newcastle manager on a permanent basis. The former England and Magpies striker has gone on his holidays to Portugal and has no plans to return before the new season starts. (Sunday Mirror) 
And Shearer has confirmed to the BBC that he will be with them on the Match Of The Day sofa, rather than the dug-out, when Newcastle begin their Championship campaign.(Mail on Sunday) 
A South African diamond billionaire is the latest potential buyer linked with Newcastle. The diamond prospector, who was discovered by former chairman Sir John Hall, has expressed an interest in meeting the asking price. (Sunday Express) 
Inter Milan midfielder Patrick Vieira will make a shock return to Arsenal this week, and has been lined up by the club's hierarchy as a long-term successor to manager Arsene Wenger.(The People) 
Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole is to sign a new contract within the next two weeks which will keep him at the club until 2014 and give him earnings of more than £100,000-a-week.(Sunday Mirror)
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Thursday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City will offer Chelsea captain John Terry £1m a month in wages in a final bid to land the defender.(Daily Mail) 
But Terry will snub a move to Eastlands and sign a new contract to stay at Stamford Bridge.(The Sun) 
Manchester City could add yet more fire power to their squad and are lining up an £18m swoop for Aston Villa winger Ashley Young. (Daily Express)
AC Milan are poised to make a £10m bid for Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner. (Daily Express) 
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is set to battle it out with Aston Villa for the signing of Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin. (Daily Mirror)
But Villa are preparing to improve their offer for the 31-year-old to £3m. (Daily Mail) 
Barcelona forward Eidur Gudjohnsen is thinking over a move to West Ham. (Daily Mirror)
West Ham winger Julien Faubert is wanted by German side Schalke 04. (Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth have made a £2m offer for Hull defender Sam Ricketts. (Daily Mirror)
Pompey manager Paul Hart is lining up a bid for Reading winger Steven Hunt. (The Sun) 
Turkish side Galatasaray are set to launch a bid to sign Chelsea midfielder Deco. (The Times)
Everton are keen on Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha.(Daily Mirror) 
Hull boss Phil Brown is lining up a £7m double swoop for Cardiff City midfielder Joe Ledley and striker Ross McCormack. (Daily Mirror)
Brown will also look to sign Ecuadorian winger Fernando Guerrero from Independiente Della Valle. (Daily Mirror) 
Preston are in talks with midfielder Didi Hamann after he was recently released by Manchester City. (Daily Mirror)
Striker Darius Vassell is set to secure a move to Turkish side Ankaragucu after also being released by Manchester City.(The Sun) 
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is keen on signing Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh and is a lining up a £10m bid.(The Sun) 
The Black Cats are also interested in Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker. (Daily Telegraph) 
Stoke City are poised to sign Sunderland midfielder Dean Whitehead in a £2.5m move. (The Sun) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Argentina manager Diego Maradona is being lined up by Portsmouth for a sensational move to the Premier League. (Daily Star) 

AND FINALLY

Former Arsenal defender Ashley Cole has risked angering his former club by saying he hopes big-spending Manchester City push the Gunners out of the top four this season. (Daily Mail) 
Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has likened playing for the club as being a member of 60s rock group The Beatles. (Daily Mirror) 
Meanwhile, the Glazer family, who own United, have denied claims that they have blocked Sir Alex Ferguson from spending the £80m Cristiano Ronaldo transfer fee because purse strings are being tightened at Old Trafford. (Daily Star)
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Wednesday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Discussions between Chelsea and Inter Milan over a possible switch to Italy for defender Ricardo Carvalho and midfielder Deco have collapsed. The Blues value the pair at £12m while the Nerazzurri are unwilling to go beyond £6m.(La Gazzetta Dello Sport (in Italian)) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Barcelona will turn their attentions to prising midfielder Cesc Fabregas away from Arsenal after learning that previous target Franck Ribery would prefer to leave Bayern Munich for Real Madrid. (Daily Star) 
The proposed move of Samuel Eto'o to Manchester City may be wrecked by the Cameroon striker's demands for a slice of any transfer fee Barcelona receive. (Daily Mirror) 
Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce will offer former Everton winger Andy van der Meyde, who is currently without a club, the chance to resurrect his career at Ewood Park. (The Sun)
Real Madrid are delaying a move for Liverpool's Xabi Alonso until a sell-on clause with the midfielder's former club Real Sociedad expires later in July. (Daily Mail) 
Having been frustrated in their pursuit of Felipe Melo, Arsenal will go head to head with Tottenham for the signature of Marseille midfielder Loik Cana. (Daily Express) 
After securing Wigan's Antonio Valencia, Manchester United could now bolster their forward line with a move for £11m-rated Toulouse forward Andre-Pierre Gignac. (The Star) 
Or it may be that Lyon's Karim Benzema is next on United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's list of priorities at Old Trafford, with the France international forward's team-mate Miralem Pjanic claiming a £38m move is in the offing. (The Times) 
CSKA Moscow left-back Yuri Zhirkov, Manchester City striker Daniel Sturridge and Middlesbrough goalkeeper Ross Turnbull will be the first three players brought to Chelsea by new manager Carlo Ancelotti. (Daily Telegraph) 
Michael Owen is holding out for offers from Aston Villa and Everton as his Newcastle United contract comes to an end today.(The Independent) 
Brazilian forward Jo will return to Everton on loan next season, with Manchester City boss Mark Hughes unable to promise him a regular first-team place. (The Sun) 
Aston Villa are keeping tabs on Arsenal's Philippe Senderos as well as fellow defenders Sylvain Distin of Portsmouth and David Wheater of Middlesbrough. (Daily Mail)
Tottenham are weighing up an approach for Lokomotiv Moscow and Switzerland goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic. (The Times) 
Celtic's hopes of signing West Brom's Marc-Antoine Fortune have been given a boost as the forward has stalled on a proposed move to Hull. (Daily Record)
Ipswich manager Roy Keane is poised to raid former club Manchester United for winger Lee Martin. (Daily Mirror) 
Bolton have moved to snap up Sean Davis on a free transfer after he turned down Portsmouth's offer of a new deal, while Swansea's Ferrie Bodde could line up alongside him in midfield if a £2.5m switch goes through. (The Sun)
Middlesbrough are preparing for life in the Championship with a £400,000 bid for Sheffield United midfielder Nick Montgomerie. (Daily Mirror) 
Blackburn's South Africa striker Benni McCarthy is concerned that a lack of first-team games may be harming his chances of appearing for the host nation in next summer's World Cup and may move to Spanish side Celta Vigo. (Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has said that AC Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid have all enquired about the possibility of him leaving Old Trafford but, despite his wife's eagerness to move away from England, he is determined to stay put.(The Sun)
Paul Ince could return to management with former club MK Dons after Roberto Di Matteo left for West Brom. (Daily Mirror) 
Three consortia are weighing up offers for Newcastle but it is unlikely that the club will be sold before next week. (The Guardian) 
England coach Fabio Capello has told his scouts to monitor Sylvan Ebanks-Blake once the new Premier League season gets under way to see if the Wolves striker is ready for the step up to international football. (The Sun) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says that the chance to develop the young players at the Gunners convinced him to stay at the Emirates rather than join big-spending Real Madrid. (Daily Mirror) 
Celtic could move in to pole position to sign Nancy striker Marc-Antoine Fortune after Hull City threatened to withdraw their £4m bid for the player. (Daily Record)
Ipswich manager Roy Keane is stepping up interest in Celtic midfielder Paul Hartley. (The Star) 
Hearts director Sergejus Fedotovas insists the club is not actively looking to cash in on winger Andy Driver amid interest from Burnley in the player. (The Scotsman)

AND FINALLY

Manchester City will recruit Endemol, the company behind reality TV series Big Brother, to expand their global brand. (The Guardian) 
Former Hibernian striker Keith Wright has warned fellow forward Steven Fletcher that he is not yet ready for the Premier League after his £3m move to Burnley. (Various)
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