Wednesday's World Cup round-up

Argentina Football Association president Julio Grondona says Diego Maradona's future as the national team boss lies with the coach himself.
Maradona's team were eliminated from the World Cup when they were thumped 4-0 by Germany in the quarter-finals, and the manager has not spoken about his future in the position since he returned to Argentina.
But Grondona said: "Maradona is the only person in the country who can do whatever he wants. He still has a contract with us, so it's up to him."

Viewers of British broadcaster ITV's coverage of Tuesday's World Cup semi-final between Uruguay and the Netherlands might have been wondering why commentator Clive Tyldesley was doing so much talking.
The reason was that regular co-commentator Jim Beglin, due to join Tyldesley in Cape Town, was struck down by an ear infection and ITV were unable to recruit another summariser in time. 

The Netherlands has woken up to an understandable case of Orange fever after the team reached their first World Cup final for 32 years.
The country's leading newspaper De Telegraaf simply lead with "FINAL" on its front page, saying that the Oranje could now "smell gold". The NRC Next daily added: "Finally, icons for our couch potato generation." Reports suggested more than 80,000 people watched the match on big screens in Amsterdam's Museum Square.

www.bbc.co.uk

Tuesday's World Cup round-up

Thousands of supporters thronged Ghana's main airport to welcome home the national team following their agonising World Cup quarter-final defeat by Uruguay .
Kotoka international airport was packed with fans - many drumming and dancing - who started gathering six hours before the team's expected arrival.
National flags were waved at the players as they stepped out of the plane amid a deafening sound of vuvuzelas. Fans carried placards reading 'We love you our heroes, you made Ghana and Africa proud'.
"You've really held high the flag of Ghana and the entire African continent," Nii Nortey Duah, deputy minister of sports, told the players at the airport.
Captain Stephen Appiah said to the crowd: "We did our best but luck was not on our side but we'll go to Brazil in 2014 to be major title contenders."

Diego Maradona and his Argentina World Cup squad declined an invitation by the country's president Cristina Kirchner to be received at the presidential palace because they deemed themselves unworthy.
Kirchner also said that she had tried to speak to Maradona following Saturday's 4-0 quarter-final defeat by Germany but the 49-year-old had been too upset to talk. 
"You know that this president shows her true colours to the people in the difficult moments and not just the good ones," the 57-year-old told a rally in the northern suburb of San Miguel. 
"And I invited our squad to come to the presidential palace. The players refused because they felt they did not deserve such an accolade but I believe they are wrong because they all deserved it and I will wait for them. Yes, long live Argentina. 
"On Saturday, Argentines were very sad. But have patience, Maradona, the squad and the country, even if the sadness, will last. I called him after his press conference on Saturday but he was not able to talk because he was crying. 
"I offer my support because nobody has ever given as much pleasure on the pitch than Diego Armando Maradona gave us." 
Her speech went down well with her audience who answered with joyous cries of: "Ole, ole, ole, ole, Diegoooo, Diegooooooo!". 

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque admits misfiring striker Fernando Torres may not start against Germany. "He continues to be an important player for us and one that the other squad members are used to," he said.
"All strikers go through good and bad runs but he brings his work rate and his personality to the team and he is still our forward.
"You should not necessarily take my words to mean that he is definitely going to be starting (the Germany match) but we have full confidence in him."
A survey in newspaper Bild has shown that 83% of Germans believe their side will win the World Cup.

www.bbc.co.uk

Saturday's World Cup round-up

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said Brazil's quarter-final defeat by the Netherlands was not a surprise to him.
"I don't think it's a lesson knowing the reality of football," said the Spaniard following the favourites' World Cup exit. "We know that every match can be complicated. We start off on an equal footing and the nature of sport is that anything can happen."

Argentina forward Lionel Messi has admitted he was surprised by England's performances at the World Cup in South Africa.
"I expected England to do well, so I am surprised they had a very poor tournament," he said. "They seemed to freeze. If [Wayne] Rooney, [Steven] Gerrard and [Frank] Lampard are not at their best, the team is bound to suffer. Defensively, England were poor." 

Germany coach Joachim Loew has admitted that he is in awe of Diego Maradona because he feels the Argentine coach won the World Cup on his own, back in 1986.
"He galvanised the whole football world with his skills," said Loew as his side prepare to face Argentina in Saturday's quarter-final match.
"He was simply magic. The culmination of his career was 1986. He virtually decided that World Cup on his own. He left a mark on football like no other player has ever done."

www.bbc.co.uk

Thursday's World Cup round-up

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk called a team meeting after reports in the Dutch media claimed Arsenal striker Robin van Persie said midfielder Wesley Sneijder should have been substituted instead of him in their last 16 win over Slovakia.
"I will never accept anything that could upset the next match," Van Marwijk told Dutch national broadcaster NOS.
"I spoke to Robin and he is supposed to have said something about Wesley.
"I've spoken to Wesley and after that I called the team together... told them what I think and then drew a line under it."

Ghana goalkeeper Richard Kingson is desperate for a chance to prove himself in the Premier League.
Kingson was released by Wigan in May after two years at the DW Stadium, where he made four first-team appearances. 
"I have to prove myself in the Premier League. It is an unfulfilled mission for me," said the 32-year-old. 
"I was waiting for my chance and it did not come. Now I am at the World Cup. I am playing, I am comfortable and I am happy. Everyone can see what I can do. 
"I would still like to stay in England because I know I could play every week in the Premier League." 

The newly-renovated Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was lit up by green and yellow lights to show support for the nation's football team ahead of their quarter-final clash with the Netherlands on Friday.
Legendary Brazil striker Pele has continued his war of words with Argentina coach Diego Maradona. 
Having previously said Maradona only took the Argentina job because he needed the money, Pele has criticised Maradona's lifestyle. 
"Maradona is not a good coach, because he had a bizarre lifestyle which cannot go down well with his team," three-time World Cup winner Pele told German magazine 11Freunde.

www.bbc.co.uk

Tuesday's World Cup round-up

Argentina playmaker Lionel Messi has agreed a double or quits bet with coach Diego Maradona that he scores against in Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Germany. Messi bet Maradona he would score against Mexico in the previous round, although he has since refused to reveal the size of the stake
Maradona has also made it clear that Messi has a free role. He said: "Nobody ever told me where to play. So, I shouldn't have to tell Messi where to play either. It's up to him to decide where to play. He's a grown-up. I did it back in my era - and now it's his turn."

Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan needed an ice pack after hurting his ankle in training on Monday but officials expect him to recover in time for Friday's quarter-final against Uruguay. Black Stars defender Hans Sarpei is also reportedly carrying a leg injury.
Meanwhile, Ghana midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has revealed Italian side Lazio are interested in signing him from Portsmouth. He stated: "Lazio want me. I know about their interest but I don't want to think about it. For now, I just want to do well in South Africa." 

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez, whose side have impressed so far and beat South Korea in the second round, believes he is reaping the benefit of the majority of his players plying their trade overseas.
He said: "Most of the squad joined the national squad when they were still playing in Uruguay at around 22 years of age. Four years later, almost all of them are playing at important clubs overseas and they are capitalising on that experience of playing high-level football abroad."

Guus Hiddink thinks Sepp Blatter should only continue as Fifa president if he is prepared to allow the introduction of goal-line technology and video replays in order to avoid future controversies.
The former Netherlands boss, now in charge of Turkey's national side, stated: "Sepp Blatter should announce tomorrow that video replays will be implemented, or he needs to resign." 

Fit-again Netherlands winger Arjen Robben does not believe he is back to his best yet, despite returning to the starting line-up with a man-of-the-match performance in the 2-1 victory against Slovakia.
Robben, who had been out with a calf injury, said: "It was a great feeling to start the game. I am not yet at my top level but I was pretty confident."

www.bbc.co.uk

WC 2010 - 25.06.

Post will be updated through the day.

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Portugal - Brazil, Correct score Brazil to win 1-0 @ 7.00 (888sports)  0-0 LOST 

With all due respect to Portugal,it will be a matter of Brazil only.They don't need a win,probably some fringe players will get a chance.And Dunga is not Maradona,he doesn't care about 9 points,sending a message to public and such things.If Brazil doesn't win WC he'll be crusified (as Maradona if fails).So,a draw would be fine for him.On the other hand,although Brazil looks tactically perfect,playing for a draw carries some risk.And that risk is second top favorite for winning WC!

Portugal will try to compete,CR will perform some of his tricks,but they're safe as Ivory Coast won't do too much (surely won't win by 9).They'll be playing on the same way as they did against them.

I expect a tough game and Brazil to nick one in the 2nd half.

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UPDATE I:

Chile - Spain, Spain -1ah @ 1.93 (Pinnacle)  1-2 DRAW

Chile won both games 1-0 against two defensive sides.Today they need not to lose by more than 1 (my assumption is Switzerland won't win by 2 or more).Problem is they can't adjust their attacking style of play to opponent.It works when they're favorites,but against Brazil in their qualifications it brought 7 conceded goals in 2 games.3 players in defense line make them vulnerable on the flanks (tonight,vulnerable to Silva,Mata,Navas,Villa...).And I'm not sure playing pressing against Spain will bring them anything good.

After two games,I have impression that Spain has much more potential than they've been showing so far.First game was a bad luck imo,in second only their arrogance and selfishness each to other stopped them not to score few more.Now they feel a fire under the feet and it's the final time to become serious.

Personally don't like Del Bosque and big expectations brought some pressure,but I think they're simply too strong to end WC in a group.

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Tuesday's World Cup round-up

Argentina coach Diego Maradona has said that Brazil are his favourites to win the World Cup while downplaying his side's hopes of winning a third title.
Impressive wins against Nigeria and South Korea mean Argentina need only one point from their final group game against Greece on Tuesday to reach the last 16 but Maradona is refusing to get carried away.
"I don't want to be favourites, not before coming to South Africa and not now," he said. "We're here to keep our fans happy, to play the way we want to play, and I think things so far are going well.
"Brazil can play badly but still win games, that's why they are still the great favourites."

North Korea television was quick to gloss over their side's humiliating 7-0 defeat by Portugal on Monday that eliminated them from the World Cup.
Billed as a revenge match against the side that knocked them out of the 1966 World Cup at the quarter-final stage, it was the first game to be aired live in a communist country that exerts strict control over media coverage. 
However, hopes of avenging the 5-3 defeat from 44 years ago, in North Korea's only other trip to the World Cup, were extinguished by six second-half Portuguese goals. 
"The Portuguese won the game and now have four points. We are ending our live broadcast now," a Korean Central Broadcasting commentator said, quickly cutting to footage of factory workers and engineers praising North Korean leader Kim Jong Il. 

West Ham midfielder Valon Behrami is hoping his Switzerland team-mates can keep his World Cup dream alive following his sending off in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat by Chile.
The 25-year-old will miss Friday's final Group H game against Honduras as the Swiss attempt to make the most of their opening 1-0 win over Spain to book their place in the last 16.
The group is extremely tight but if Switzerland beat Honduras by more than one clear goal it will guarantee their progress.

www.bbc.co.uk

WC 2010 - 17.06.

Post will be updated through the day.

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Argentina - Korea, Argentina -1ah @ 2.03 (188 bet)  4-1 WON

 

I still think Argentina’s national team will be a victim of one El Pibe’s tactical mistake. Lack of defenders, for example, could work well against average teams. Problem is every top class and hard working side will punish it, Spain, Brazil, Germany… But, Korea… No, I don’t think so. Difference in quality is huge. Korea will try to threat from counter attacks, they’re fast and Samuel (for example) could have some problems, but it’s nothing in compare with problems of Korea’s defenders. No question for me, here. Maradona will rest Veron and send Maxi Rodriguez on the pitch.

 

Greece - Nigeria, Nigeria @ 2.22 (Pinnacle)  2-1 LOST

 

Greece wasn’t bad against Korea, they were terrible, disaster, worst thing in WC so far. They play very slow and predictable. Main players are old and their tactic thankfully to which they won EURO, (fortunately) doesn’t work any more. My sympathies are always on the side of Greece and Greek people, but with a play like this they don’t have a chance against any side in SA (except against the hosts, maybe).

Nigeria actually played better than anybody expected. Goalie saved them several times against Argies, but they didn’t look bad, passing was good, tactical positioning as well. They’re physically stronger and differently from Greek, like climate conditions in SA. Another good thing for them is Greeks have to play less defensive as they’ll face Argentina in the last round. Martins is expected for Nigeria from the start.

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UPDATE:

France - Mexico, France @ 2.29 (Canbet)  2-0 LOST

 

Because the way how they qualified, I would like to see French lads on the plane as soon as possible. Against Uruguay, they played a boring draw which doesn’t promise a great achievement. Also, war in the dressing room (and on the pitch!) between two stubborn sides doesn’t help. As well as the news Domenech is ex coach (will be in charge till the end of WC). However, one glance on the starting eleven makes me feel scary. Defeat would send them home. Referee is Al Ghamdi, lad from S.Arabia and I expect some “mistakes” in favor to France and Platini.

Mexico’s games are nice to watch. Good technique, passing and offensive style of play, some very talented players. Unfortunately, playing like that they’re not competitive on this level and simply look to weak physically.

I’m going to back France.

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P.S.: Yesterday was the biggest attendance on the blog this year! Thanks for visiting, lads!

If you like my predictions and analyzes, don't agree somewhere, like my site or don't, leave comment or a chat box message. Thanks, again.

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Thursday's World Cup round-up

Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas faced an awkward post-match inquisition from his girlfriend Sara Carbonera, a sideline reporter for the Telecinco channel, following the defeat by Switzerland. During a post-match interview, the journalist asked Casillas: "How did you manage to muck it up?"
And a shocked Casillas replied: "I don't know what to say. I don't know if this defeat will have consequences. The dressing room is fed up."

Switzerland's Gelson Fernandes was as surprised as everyone else after scoring the winning goal in his team's historic World Cup triumph over Spain.
The St Etienne midfielder's strike seven minutes into the second half of Wednesday's Group H match proved enough for Ottmar Hitzfeld's side to beat the European champions - and left Fernandes stunned. 
"I don't think I realise what is happening right now," said the 23-year-old. "I'm a bit surprised. It's a very special moment for our country and I'm very happy. We were definitely very good against Spain and we played very well as a team." 

Argentina coach Diego Maradona has again called on referees to protect flair players such as Lionel Messi in the World Cup, urging officials to be even stricter with offending opponents.
Maradona said Messi is twice as good as any other player at the World Cup
"If we are going to see a match when the star players are not going to be mistreated then I think the referees need to be a lot stricter, and if Korea's players do something to Messi or Carlos Tevez then they need to get out the yellow cards, and if it happens a second time, then that's it," said Maradona.

Greece striker Theofanis Gekas is the latest player to call for World Cup organisers to ban vuvuzelas. Gekas was irritated by the noise in their opening game against South Korea, which his side lost 2-0.
"I do think the trumpets should be stopped. They are affecting the players as we cannot communicate properly," he stated. 

Ivory Coast striker Salomon Kalou has called on his team take inspiration from North Korea's resilient defensive display against Brazil where they lost 2-1.
Ivory Coast play Brazil on Sunday and the 24-year-old said: "I saw the first half of their match and North Korea defended really well and annoyed Brazil, they serve as a good example. We have the players who can make a difference, our strength will always be in attack but we must focus on defence."

www.bbc.co.uk

12.06. - double

England - USA

For England this is the most important game in the group. Key of their possible success is 1st place. No injuries, no reason for keeping the players for other games.
Americans have declared this game as the most important in their soccer history. No, it is not. It will be that one against Slovenia. They’re decent side and have huge political support (football globalization story), but I doubt they’ll provide some shocks in SA.

Argentina - Nigeria

Argies, in my opinion, have the biggest potential in SA. If there is Passarella, or any other decent coach, instead Maradona, they would be main contenders to win the competition. My biggest concern regarding Argentina is some tactical stupidity by El Pibe that could bury them easily. For the first game he plans very attacking 3-4-3 formation. Hm…
Nigeria is average Africa’s team, no big stars (Anichebe and Martins are the biggest) and maybe key player (Obi Mikel) is injured. I think they can score once.
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England to win (1.53)
Arg-Nig over (1.85)

Double @ 2.83 (bet365)

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WC predictions - last part

My vote for WC winners goes for Brazil.

Argentina has Maradona as a coach. Best player in the history and my real idol from the childhood, but coach. No, no way. Considering names (including those that El Pibe wrote off) the best squad in the tournament. But, personally can’t imagine Veron and El Loco with the trophy. Enough.

Spain. Second strongest squad in my opinion. I don’t rate Del Bosque too high, but definitely better solution than Luis Aragones. As the best group they look best, tactically perfect. Bad things, Torres was injured couple of times through the season and he’s not in the best shape. Also, they’re well known as WC “underachievers”, this time a trophy is expected. Something simply doesn’t fit. More instinct than facts, but I’m pretty sure they won’t win WC.

Netherlands, great team with huge attacking potential. If I have to find bad sides, I’d say not so good defense (I mean, not good as other top sides) and Robben who probably won’t be fully fit. I would consider them as favorites, but tragically they’ll face Brazil in quarter-final and will finish the competition.

Italy, too old. France, they maybe won’t even pass the group (personally,would be glad to see it). Anyway, can’t see them further then second round. Other teams have no chance.

Brazil. Dunga looks much better than at the beginning. He wrote off some lazy bags (Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Adriano…) and got a good dressing room atmosphere and the team that looks united on the pitch. The spine of the team: Julio Cesar, Lucio, Kaka and Luis Fabiano. Looks great for me. Also, expect from Robinho to shine (6.50 for him to be Brazil top scorer, hm…). And maybe it’s not so important, but Africa (climate conditions) should suit more to South American teams, than European.

Any comment would be appreciated.

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Normally, bets will follow. Stay tuned.

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Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Arsenal are prepared to let midfielder Cesc Fabregas leave for Barcelona if the Catalan club double their offer to £60m for the Spanish midfielder.(Daily Mail) 
Barca are also keen to take Arsenal left-back Gael Clichy to the Nou Camp next season.(Mirror) 
Real Madrid are considering an offer of £40m for Fabregas in an attempt to sabotage Barcelona's efforts to sign the 23-year-old Spain international.(Footylatest.com) 
But Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard is the preferred transfer target for Real Madrid fans, according to a poll in Spanish newspaper Marca. (Footylatest.com) 
Meanwhile, Real midfielder Lassana Diarra is a £24m transfer target for Manchester United.(Caughtoffside.com) 
Chelsea's out-of-contract midfielder Joe Cole would be better off moving to Manchester United than Arsenal, says former World Cup winner and Blues defender Marcel Desailly. (FourFourTwo.com) 
Manchester City will present a final £27m bid to Aston Villa for midfielder James Milner but the Midlands club are holding out for £30m.(Daily Star) 
French champions Marseille are keen to take striker Roque Santa Cruz off Manchester City's hands, with the Eastlands outfit prepared to part with the Paraguayan for £8m.(Daily Mail) 
Arsenal have made a fresh £8m bid for Lorient centre-half Laurent Koscielny.(The Sun) 
West Brom have entered the race to buy Norwegian teenage striker Marcus Pedersen from Stromsgodset, with Sunderland, Blackburn, Bolton, Everton and Fulham also keeping tabs on the highly rated 19-year-old. (Daily Mail) 
Birmingham will increase their offer for Palermo striker Fabrizio Miccoli after the Premier League's club initial £3.4m bid was rejected by the Serie A side. (Daily Mail) 
Tottenham are preparing a £16m bid for Porto's Colombian striker Radamel Falcao. (Footylatest.com) 
Spurs outcast Giovanni Dos Santos is a target for Spanish club Sevilla, along with Mexican compatriot and Arsenal striker Carlos Vela.(Mirror) 
German side Wolfsburg are ready to spend up to £20m to take Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov away from Manchester United.(Footylatest.com) 
Roy Keane's future as Ipswich Town manager is in doubt as former club favourite and ex-Celtic boss Tony Mowbray and Steve Cotterill have been linked to the Portman Road job. (Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Former Liverpool favourite Robbie Fowler believes Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is the ideal man to take over at Anfield following Rafael Benitez's departure. (The Sun) 
Slovenia midfielder Robert Koren says his team will not be scared of England in their final Group C match on 23 June in Port Elizabeth. (The Sun) 
The referee who will officiate England's opening World Cup match against the United States, Carlos Eugenio Simon, was suspended by the Brazilian Football Association last season amid accusations of being "unambiguously inconsistent, unfair and inequitable".(The Times) 
The Football Association has sought safety assurances from local organisers that England's friendly match against South African side Platinum Stars on Monday in Lesetlheng will be free of crowd trouble following a stampede at a similar game in Johannesburg that resulted in 15 people being injured on Sunday. (The Independent) 
Platinum Stars defender and former Tottenham Hotspur Mbulelo Mabizela says his side "will get stuck in" against England at the Moruleng Stadium. (Daily Telegraph)

AND FINALLY

Brazil president Lula da Silva says Argentina manager Diego Maradona's policy to allow his players to have sex with their partners in South Africa will undermine their chances of winning. "I want to see the Argentines arrive staggering and exhausted to their games," he said.(The Guardian)

www.bbc.co.uk

Thursday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP
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Chelsea face a battle to hold on to Ashley Cole, with the left-back worn down by speculation in England surrounding his private life and Real Madrid, Barcelona, AC Milan, Roma and Bayern Munich all interested in signing him.
Arsenal are interested in Lorient's £8m-rated centre-back Laurent Koscielny, 24, who is eligible to play for Poland and France.
Spain striker Fernando Torres has sparked a new round of speculation over his future by refusing to rule out a summer move from Liverpool.
Arsenal have risked alienating Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas after refusing to discuss their skipper's transfer with Barcelona.
But Fabregas is hoping to secure a £40m move to Barcelona by toeing the line at Arsenal and refusing to be drawn into further discussion about a move.
Chelsea's out-of-contract midfielder Joe Cole has been told he must lower his £5m-a-year pay demands if he wants to join Tottenham.
Liverpool and Tottenham are battling to sign Croatia goalkeeper Marijan Antolovic, 21, who plays for Cibalia.
West Ham have had a bid of £5m turned down for Everton striker Yakubu, with Toffees boss David Moyes wanting closer to the £11.25m he paid Middlesbrough for the Nigerian.
Everton are being linked with a move for Marseille's France winger Hatem Ben Afra, 23, who has a price tag of £10m.
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish will offer Wigan £8m for French midfielder Charles N'Zogbia.
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce's hopes of signing Spain midfielder Guti from Real Madrid look doomed after the player said he wants to stay in Spain.
Newcastle are set to launch a £3.5m bid for Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha, 23, and the Magpies are also favourites to land out-of-contract Rangers striker Kris Boyd, 26, on a free transfer.
Cardiff are preparing a shock move to try to take striker Craig Bellamy back to his hometown from Manchester City in a £7m deal.
Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan is hoping to pip his former club Celtic to the £2.5m signing of Scunthorpe striker Gary Hooper, 22. (Daily Mail)
Newly promoted Leeds are ready to rival Burnley for Derby striker Rob Hulse in a £1.5m deal.
Rangers boss Walter Smith has told Liverpool they will need to offer at least £5m for defender Danny Wilson, 18. Smith has also rejected Middlesbrough's advances for midfielder Kevin Thomson but will allow Algeria defender Madjid Bougherra to leave. (Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP
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Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has identified England manager Fabio Capello as the "ideal candidate" to replace their Real Madrid-bound coach Jose Mourinho and will offer the Italian a £9m-a-year contract.
Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole's chances of going to the World Cup are hanging in the balance after he was not guaranteed a starting place against Japan on Sunday - England final warm-up game before this summer's tournament.
Former MK Dons boss Paul Ince has emerged as a contender to succeed Avram Grant at Portsmouth after talks with the club's administrator.
Phil Brown, who was put on gardening leave in March, has agreed an £800,000 compensation deal with Hull City - ending all hope of him making a shock return as manager.
Meanwhile, Egypt striker Mido plans to see out the last year of his contract at Middlesbrough, which will cost the club £1.3m.

AND FINALLY
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Argentina coach Diego Maradona has promised to run naked in the centre of Buenos Aires if his team win the World Cup in South Africa.
ww.bbc.co.uk

Monday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Barcelona have targeted Arsenal's Emmanuel Eboue as cover for regular right-back Daniel Alves. (imscouting) 
Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has warned Real Madrid and other clubs that Diego Milito is not for sale. "There's a difference between Milito and our coach, Mourinho," Moratti told the club's official website www.inter.it. "Mourinho has a clause in his contract by which if the clause is exercised, he can leave. However, Milito doesn't and hence, the discussion is over." (Press Association Sport)

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TRANSFER GOSSIP

The news that Jose Mourinho is likely to leave Inter Milan to become manager of Real Madrid has sparked panic among Premier League clubs, who fear he will swoop to sign their best players. Chelsea's Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole are reportedly in his sights, along with Liverpool stars Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.(The Sun) 
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is ready to offer striker Dimitar Berbatov as part of a £28m-deal for Wolfsburg forward Edin Dzeko.(caughtoffside.com) 
Chelsea are weighing up a double-swoop for Liverpool midfielders Javier Mascherano and Yossi Benayoun. (Daily Mail) 
The Blues are also eyeing up an £18m-move for Barcelona forward Bojan Krkic.(caughtoffside.com) 
Chelsea and Arsenal are interested in signing Barcelona's 19-year-old Israeli playmaker Guy Assulin, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.(imscouting.com) 
Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina believes club and country team-mate Fernando Torres will remain at Anfield next season. Torres has been linked with a move away from Liverpool after the club's poor campaign, with Chelsea and Barcelona supposedly in the running for the Spaniard's services.(Independent) 
Barcelona's pursuit of Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas has been aided by the willingness of the Spanish FA to let the Spanish Champions conduct negotiations with the midfielder during the build-up to the World Cup.(Daily Mail) 
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is set to reignite his interest in Paris St Germain's French Under 21 captain Mamadou Sakho this summer.(caughtoffside.com) 
Prospective West Ham manager Avram Grant is planning to sign four of his former Portsmouth players once he takes charge at Upton Park. Tal Ben Haim, Kevin Prince Boateng, Nadir Belhadj and on-loan Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara are all on his wanted list. (Daily Mail) 
West Ham are also hopeful of luring Italian striker Luca Toni to Upton Park from Bayern Munich on a free transfer.(caughtoffside.com)
Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar has put Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United on alert after revealing he has rejected the Goodison club's latest contract offer. (Daily Mail) 
Newly-installed Wolfsburg manager Steve McClaren wants to sign Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy for £8m.(Daily Mail) 
Birmingham have joined Wolves, West Brom and Everton in the race for Hull's Republic of Ireland midfielder Stephen Hunt. Hunt, who cost £3.5m from Reading last summer, has already been told he can leave the relegated Tigers.(Daily Mirror) 
Birmingham are set to make a £6m move for Valencia's 6ft 7in striker Nikola Zigic.(The Sun) 
However, they could face competition for his signature from Liverpool, may offer winger Albert Rieira as part of any deal.(caughtoffside.com) 
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is planning a swoop on former club Swansea to sign midfielder Leon Britton.(Daily Mirror) 
Blackpool manager Ian Holloway wants to re-sign on-loan Everton defender Seamus Coleman for next season after he impressed at Bloomfield Road this campaign.(Daily Mirror) 
Blackpool have upped the ante in their bid to sign Rangers defender Kirk Broadfoot, with Wigan, Portsmouth and several Championship clubs also interested. (the Sun) 
Scunthorpe have told Celtic they will have to pay £2.5m for striker Gary Hooper. (Daily Mail)
Wolves have reportedly agreed personal terms with the Anderlecht utility player Jelle van Damme. He will join Wolves for £2.5m and sign a four-year contract.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is planning a raid on former club Inter Milan to sign Argentine midfielder Esteban Cambiasso for £18m.(caughtoffside.com) 
Shota Arveladze, the new coach of Kaysterispor, wants to sign Kris Boyd from former club Rangers, with the Turks offering a package worth around £5.5m for the forward who is also interesting Bursaspor, Ankaragucu, Birmingham, Newcastle, Wolves, Middlesbrough and Hertha Berlin. (Various)
Celtic are still interested is signing Philippe Senderos, according to the father of the Switzerland defender, who would prefer to remain at Everton after a loan spell from Arsenal. (Daily Mail) 
Hibernian are back on the trail of out-of-favour Preston North End right-back Michael Hart, who will make a decision about his future when he returns from holiday. (Various)

OTHER GOSSIP

England captain Rio Ferdinand says that he would have paid Manchester United team-mate Paul Scholes to come out of retirement and play for the country during this summer's World Cup in South Africa.(The Sun) 
Former United States defender Alexi Lalas claims it would not be a shock if the USA beat England in their big World Cup opener in South Africa on 12 June.(The Sun) 
Nigerian billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote could be poised to complicate Arsenal's ownership even further. Dangote is believed to be interested in buying Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith's 16% stake in the club to join Uzbeki tycoon Alisher Usmanov and American businessman Stan Kroenke as a big shareholder.(Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth stars want goalkeeper David James to become player-boss as a replacement for Avram Grant, who quit Fratton Park last week. (Daily Mirror) 
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has emerged as a candidate to replace Jose Mourinho as boss of Inter Milan. The 62-year-old has twice managed the Italian side before, the most recent being as caretaker for a season 11 years ago.(Daily Mirror) 
Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell will sign a new five-year contract worth around £30,000-a-week today, scuppering any lingering hopes Manchester United and Arsenal retained of securing the talented teenager this summer.(Guardian) 
Midfielder Michael Ballack will discuss terms over a new contract with Chelsea this week, according to German newspaper Bild.(imscouting.com) 
Hamburg chairman Bernd Hoffman wants to return the club to its glory days and believes former England manger Kevin Keegan is the man to take the German side forward. Keegan played in the Hamburg side that was beaten 1-0 by Nottingham Forest in the 1980 European Cup final.(Daily Mail) 
Former keeper Mark Crossley will have talks with Oldham about becoming their new boss today. (Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

England are struggling to play with the new Adidas football that will be used at this summer's World Cup. Boss Fabio Capello said the players are "having problems controlling it" at their altitude training camp in Austria. The Italian expects the ball to be even harder to control in Rustenburg, South Africa, which is several hundred metres higher above sea level than the European base.(Daily Mail) 
Argentina manager Diego Maradona has demanded two state-of-the-art bidet toilets be installed for him at the team's World Cup base camp in South Africa. Builders were rushed in to carry out a £1,400 overhaul of the football legend's private suite after his aides complained that the existing bathroom facilities would not meet his 'high standards.'(Daily Mail) 
Blackpool striker Ben Burgess says his club boss Ian Holloway was short of the mark when he suggested the newly-promoted Tangerines would target a Champions League place in two years. "With him in charge we'll probably win the Premier League next season!" said Burgess.(The Sun)

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Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Bayern Munich playmaker Franck Ribery will stay at the German club for another four years, extending his contract until 2015, according to German newspaper Bild.(Bild) 
In-demand England midfielder James Milner has put potential suitors on red alert by saying he does not know if he will still be at Aston Villa next season.(Daily Mail) 
And Villa's resolve to keep the 24-year-old is set to be tested by Manchester City, who offered £30m for him after having a £20m bid rejected.(Daily Mirror) 
That improved offer may not be enough for City, though, as Chelsea have joined the race for Milner and they believe the lure of Champions League football could prove decisive. (The Sun) 
Villa could also lose forward Ashley Young to Tottenham, who are ready to offer Robbie Keane or Jermaine Jenas as part of a deal for him. (Daily Star) 
Spurs face competition for Young from Manchester city, who enquired about his availability at the same time they asked about Milner. (The Guardian) 
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is so fed up with manager Rafael Benitez he is ready to walk out if he gets the right offer. (Daily Mail) 
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has his eye on Real Madrid's Brazilian superstar striker Kaka. (Footylatest.com) 
West Ham have been linked with an ambitious £12m swoop for World Cup-bound Toulouse forward Andre-Pierre Gignac. (Caughtoffside.com) 
But the Hammers looks set to lose midfielder Valon Behrami, who is a £5m target for Italian side Palermo.(The Sun) 
Behrami is also attracting the interest of Liverpool, who will use Yossi Benayoun as bait to help land him and defender Matthew Upson.(Caughtoffside.com) 
Manchester United are considering an £18m move for Sevilla's Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano.(Caughtoffside.com) 
Meanwhile Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov is being tracked by Juventus, AC Milan and Wolfsburg.(Daily Mail) 
Arsenal are poised to make a £16m raid for Marseille midfielder Stephane Mbia.(The Daily Mail) 
The Gunners are also lining up Everton's Mikel Arteta as a replacement for Cesc Fabregas in the event that he joins Barcelona.(footylatest.com) 
Fabregas could be unveiled as a Barcelona player on 4 June or 9 June. ( imscouting.com) 
Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure will not be arriving at the Emirates stadium after refusing to consider the move, leaving Manchester City favourites to sign him.(footylatest.com) 
And Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is another who looks set to snub Arsenal, saying he is committed to the Italian side. (imscouting.com) 
Everton hope to tie down midfielder Jack Rodwell to a new deal and ward of interest from Chelsea and Manchester United. (Daily Mirror) 
Atletico Madrid have issued a hands-off warning to Manchester United over their Argentine forward Sergio Aguero.(imscouting.com) 
Aston Villa are eyeing up a season-long loan deal for striker Eidur Gudjohnsen, who has returned to Monaco after the end of his loan spell at Tottenham.(The Sun) 
Villa boss Martin O'Neill is also ready to offer £15m for West Ham striker Carlton Cole. (caughtoffisde.com) 
That could signal the end of Emile Heskey's stay at Villa Park, with Stoke ready to move for the England man.(The Daily Mail) 
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is keen to bring 32-year old Real Madrid striker Raul to Anfield.(The Daily Mail) 
David Nugent, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Nadir Belhadj are set to follow Avram Grant out of Portsmouth.(The Daily Mail) 
Newcastle are planning a £5m bid to take Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas back to St James' Park. (The Sun) 
Toon boss Chris Hughton also wants Porto forward Andre Monteiro but has had a £2m offer rejected.(The Sun) 
Wigan are interested in £5m-rated Spanish striker Adrian Colunga, who plays for Recreativo Huelva. (The Sun) 
West Brom are targeting Racing Santander striker Mohamed Tchite.(The Daily Mail) 
Sunderland are lining up a £4m bid for Stoke striker Tuncay. (Various) 
Sampdoria defender Reto Ziegler is being lined up for a Premier League return as Liverpool eye the former Spurs man.(The Daily Mail) 
Birmingham are set to spend £2m to sign Cardiff striker Jay Bothroyd. (Various) 
Crystal Palace skipper Shaun Derry is set to join Ipswich.(Daily Mirror) 
Preston and Derby are locked in a battle to sign Wayne Rooney's younger brother, John, who plays as striker for Macclesfield. (Various) 
Ex-Arsenal winger and France international Robert Pires, whose deal at Villarreal has run out, has turned down MLS side Philadelphia Union.(Various) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has raised doubts over his future after refusing to rule out a move to Inter Milan. (The Sun) 
Avram Grant is set to take over as West Ham manager after resigning at Portsmouth. (Daily Mirror) 
Pompey, meanwhile, are considering offering their vacant manager's position to goalkeeper David James. (Daily Star) 
New sports minister, Hugh Robertson has warned the Football Association that its new chairman must be independent. (The Daily Telegraph) 

AND FINALLY

Argentina coach Diego Maradona insulted an injured cameraman after accidentally running over his leg before the announcement of his World Cup squad.(The Guardian) 
Liverpool's first signing of the summer could be a Vietnamese reality TV show star - the winner of the talent contest will win a 12-month deal at Anfield after next week's final. (Daily Mirror)
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Thursday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will try to lure Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema to Old Trafford with the prospect of more regular first-team football.(L'Equipe in French) 
Wolfsburg coach Lorenz Gunther Kostner is desperate for striker Edin Dzeko to reject a summer move to Chelsea or Manchester City.(The Sun) 
Sporting Lisbon will attempt to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Hilario this summer.(Abola in Portuguese)
Spartak Moscow manager Valery Karpin has hit out at Liverpool winger Albert Riera over his wage demands and ruled out signing the Spaniard before the transfer window closes on Thursday. (Daily Mail) 
Feyenoord's £5m-rated midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum admits it would be a "dream" to move to Liverpool after catching the eye of the club's scouts.(Daily Mirror) 
Blackburn midfielder Moten Gamst Pedersen has been offered £25,000 a week to join Olympiakos this summer, while Fenebahce, Palermo and Fiorentina are also interested.(The Sun) 
Tottenham have been told it will cost £5m to land Atletico Madrid keeper Sergio Asenjo.(Daily Star) 
Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Neo-Coker plans to see out the remaining year of his £2m-a-year contract at Villa Park despite the club's desire to recoup some of the £7.5m they paid West Ham for the player in 2007.(Daily Star) 
Sunderland have launched a bid to sign highly sought after Udinese winger Simone Pepe, with Black Cats boss Steve Bruce keen to make a statement of intent with a £15m bid.(Daily Mail) 
Wolves are trailing Southampton's £2m-rated England Under-21 midfielder Adam Lallana, who has scored 18 goals this season and is also being watched by Tottenham and Fulham. (Daily Mail) 
Leeds manager Simon Grayson is preparing a summer move for Swindon striker Billy Paynter. (The Sun)

OTHER GOSSIP

Burnley manager Brian Laws is on the brink of being sacked, barely three months after he was appointed at Turf Moor, following a run of only one win in 14 games.(Daily Mail) 
Arsenal will make significant changes on and off the pitch this summer, with boss Arsene Wenger ready to make central defence a transfer priority and Stan Kroenke poised to make a pivotal decision in the long-term battle for control of the club.(Daily Telegraph) 
Forward Lionel Messi, who tormented Arsenal with all four goal's in Barca's 4-1 victory at the Nou Camp, says he is aiming to get even better and claimed he still needed to work hard on his game.(Daily Star) 
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has hinted he may quit Anfield unless the club invests in new players this summer.(The Sun) 
Bentiez has admitted for the first time that he feels he has taken Liverpool as far as he can after six years of "wheeling and dealing", insisting the club will not be able to compete for the Premier League or Champions League without the cash injection provided by fresh investment.(Daily Telegraph) 
Reds captain Steven Gerrard sees goalkeeper Pepe Reina one day becoming the club's skipper.(The Sun) 
Aaron Lennon is set to give Tottenham and England a huge boost by featuring in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Portsmouth after recovering from a groin injury that has kept the winger out for over three months.(Daily Mirror) 
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has warned that keeper Joe Hart's career could suffer if he is forced to return to Manchester City when his loan deal expires at the end of the season.(The Sun) 
McLeish looks set to clash with the Blues board over Estudiantes striker Mauro Boselli. Blues owner Carson Yeung set-up a £10m deal in January to sign Boselli but McLeish refused to sanction the purchase having never seen the Argentine forward play and the transfer was eventually scrapped. But Yeung's associates are trying to revive a new move for Boselli in the summer.(Daily Mirror) 
Yeung is ready to go to the High Court to seek £5m in compensation from former Blues co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold, who are now in charge at West Ham, in relation to bills and liabilities he inherited.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Argentina legend and current national team manager Diego Maradona says Lionel Messi is "the best in the world", adding that Barcelona's Argentine forward "is playing kick-about with Jesus".(The Sun) 
Tottenham and England striker Peter Crouch will bring back his robot dance goal celebration - if he scores in the World Cup final. "I'd definitely pull out the robot in the World Cup final. I might even have to work on some new moves just in case that happens. But I doubt I'd have time to think about how to react if I scored."(The Sun) 
Arsenal forward Carlos Vela could face disciplinary action from the club after he lost his passport and was unable to take his place in the Gunners squad for Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg in Barcelona.(Daily Mirror) 
England midfielder Steven Gerrard has bought a share in his favourite restaurant in Southport, Merseyside. The Liverpool captain now plans to reopen it with a New York theme in time for the World Cup.(Daily Mail) 
Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has revealed how his brother refuses to eat and locks himself in his room if the Blues lose. (Daily Express)
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Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are edging closer to signing Valencia forwards David Villa and David Silva, with the Spanish club willing to listen to offers. With winger Cristiano Ronaldo offloaded in the summer, Sir Alex Ferguson has cash to spare and the United manager is willing to pay £40m for the duo.(Daily Mirror) 
Liverpool are keen on securing the services of Sampdoria midfielder Koman Vladimir. The Hungarian star is currently on loan at Bari and is valued at £4m.(Daily Mirror) 
Italian side Juventus are all set to make a £6m bid for Manchester City full-back Pablo Zabaleta in January.(The Sun) 
Birmingham City are favourites to sign Rangers striker Kris Boyd, who is out of contract at the end of the season. (Daily Star) 
Leicester City chairman Milan Mandaric has told free agent Edgar Davids he has 24 hours to decide on joining. The Dutch midfielder recently held talks with the Championship side over a possible move.(Daily Mirror) 
Bolton and Celtic are considering a swoop for FC Utrecht's Dutch striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel. (The Sun) 
QPR are targeting 22-year-old Gillingham's £1m-rated striker Simeon Jackson. (Daily Star)

OTHER GOSSIP

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has suggested that Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has too much power and leads a number of Premier League bosses in ganging up on Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez. (The Sun) 
Argentina boss Diego Maradona has tipped Angel Di Maria to be the country's next footballing hero. The 21-year-old Benfica striker was watched recently by Chelsea scouts and Maradona said: "Angel has the quality to be a worldwide superstar."(Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham defender Ledley King is hoping to open up talks on extending his deal at White Hart Lane. The club captain's contract expires at the end of the season and Spurs have an option of a one-year extension. (The Sun)
Hull manager Phil Brown is mulling over selecting striker Jozy Altidore after the 19-year-old American was fined for revealing on social networking site Twitter that he was dropped for the match against Portsmouth for being late. (The Sun) 
Former Portsmouth manager Tony Adams is targeting a return to management and is one of 50 applicants attempting to land the post at League Two outfit Aldershot.(Daily Mirror) 
Former England under-21 boss Peter Taylor is close to linking up with Roy Keane at Ipswich as first-team coach. Taylor, who recently left his post as Wycombe manager, has been recruited by the Tractors boss to improve on their winless start to the season.(Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY

Manuel Pellegrini's role as Real Madrid coach is under threat after a 4-0 defeat in the fourth round, first leg of the Copa del Rey to Alcorcón from regional Second Division B, Group II. Pellegrini said: "There are no explanations. Alcorcón played very well. We hope our fans can forgive us after this defeat."(The Guardian)
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Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Arsenal have targeted Inter Milan frontman Mario Balotelli, with their scouts believed to have watched the £20m-rated star last week. Manager Arsene Wenger is also understood to be keen on Ajax's 21-year-old defender Gregory van der Wiel.(The Sun) 
The Gunners are also tracking Belgian 18-year-old midfielder Eden Hazard, who currently plays for French club Lille.(Daily Mirror) 
Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford could be on for a shock move to Portuguese side Sporting Braga.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has begun talks with Bulgarian midfielder Martin Petrov over a new contract which expires next summer. (Daily Express) 
Aston Villa and Birmingham are going head-to-head in trying to grab the services of Cheltenham 18-year-old striker Theo Lewis. (Daily Star)

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool fans, unhappy with co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, are planning a 10,000-strong protest march on Sunday ahead of the Manchester United match.Fans' group Spirit of Shankly is believed to be drumming up support after hearing the Americans will be attending their crunch game. The Reds are on a run of four successive defeats for the Anfield club amid continuing unrest regarding the club's future.(Daily Mail) 
Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina has been assured by referees' chief Keith Hackett that security staff at Anfield are on red alert to deal with any balloons and beach balls.(Daily Mail) 
England have tried to revive their bid to host the 2018 World Cup by including Germany captain Michael Ballack on the list of ambassadors. It is a list without any players from England's 1966 World Cup winning squad.(Daily Express) 
Sven Goran Eriksson's former assistant Hans Backe is favourite to replace Ian McParland as manager of Notts County. (Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY

Argentina boss Diego Maradona has refused to say sorry for his outburst live on TV, aimed at the media who have criticised the team on their way to scraping into the World Cup finals.
"I don't regret it," he said. "I apologise to the ladies but not to those who talk about football on TV."(The Sun)
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Monday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Manchester City could be on the verge of establishing a link with French side AC Arles-Avignon which would see City loaning young players to the Ligue 2 outfit in order that they receive game time.(The Sun) 
Yossi Benayoun's agent maintains the midfielder is happy at Liverpool and not planning a summer exit to Manchester City. "It is a great compliment that there is interest from high level teams across Europe, but Yossi is very happy at Liverpool and only in the summer agreed a new four-year contract," said Ronen Kastav.(Virgin Media) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is once again preparing to raid former club Portsmouth to sign England keeper David James for £1m in January. Since taking over at Spurs, Redknapp has signed Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch and Niko Kranjcar from Pompey.(The Sun) 
European champions Barcelona are closing in on a January swoop for Manchester City forward Robinho, with sporting director Txiki Begiristain saying that the Brazilian is "a very interesting footballer and could play for us in the Champions League".(Daily Mirror) 
Former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell - who left Notts County in September after only one game - wants a short-term loan move to a Championship club to earn a Premier League return in January. (Daily Mirror) 
Stoke are lining up a move for Huddersfield's highly-rated goalkeeper Alex Smithies, but they may have to part with £3m in order to land the 19-year-old. (Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City are planning a shock January raid for Liverpool's Israeli midfielder Yossi Benayoun. (Daily Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

England coach Fabio Capello was refused a handshake by referee Damir Skomina after subjecting the official to a four-minute rant in the tunnel in the aftermath of England's 1-0 World Cup qualifying defeat to Ukraine on Saturday. Capello was incensed by the decision to send off Robert Green and the confusion caused by the ref's original incorrect decision to dismiss Rio Ferdinand in the 13th minute of the match in Dnipropetrovsk.(The Sun) 
Striker Emile Heskey concedes he may have to leave Aston Villa - for whom he has started only one Premier League game this season - in January to keep alive his hopes of a place in England boss Fabio Capello's squad for the 2010 World Cup finals.(The Sun) 
Chelsea and England defender John Terry has admitted he sledged former Blues teammate Andriy Shevchenko prior to the striker's penalty miss for Ukraine in their 1-0 World Cup qualifying victory over England on Saturday.(The Sun)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is unlikely to escape a touchline ban, despite apologising to referee Alan Wiley for questioning the official's fitness.(Daily Mirror) 
Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo is confident he will be back on the pitch sooner than expected despite being told he faces around a month on the sidelines. Ronaldo limped out of Portugal's 3-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Hungary on Saturday and medical tests indicated he would be out of action for "three to four weeks". (Press Association)
Former Leeds boss Dennis Wise, who until earlier this year was executive director of football at Newcastle, and ex-Chelsea striker Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink are set to make dramatic returns to football - with non-League Chalfont St Peter and Woking respectively.(The Sun) 
Ipswich midfielder Owen Garvan says he fears he has played his last game for the club after revealing that manager Roy Keane has not spoken to him in recent weeks. Garvan has not featured at all in the last eight games for Ipswich, who sit bottom of the Championship without a league win yet this season.(Daily Mirror) 
Hong Kong tycoon Carson Yeung's new Birmingham regime begins today following his takeover at St Andrews and the new ownership team will sit down with Blues manager Alex McLeish this week to discuss their working relationship and potential transfer targets.(Daily Mirror) 
Tyneside businessman Barry Moat is set for crunch talks with Newcastle chiefs on Tuesday over his proposed £100m takeover of the north-east club.(The Sun) 
Liverpool owner Tom Hicks will allow co-owner George Gillett to sell his 50% stake in the club should the latter find a buyer. American Hicks, who is not interested in selling his own 50% stake in the club, has the right of veto over any proposed sale of Gillett's shares but he is willing to forgo this.(The Times) 
Huddersfield manager Lee Clark says he has no intention of selling star striker Jordan Rhodes, who has scored 11 goals since joining from Ipswich in the summer. "There is no price on Jordan's head," said Clark. "I don't have to worry about him being sold because we have a very wealthy owner."(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Argentina coach Diego Maradona celebrated his side's last-minute winner against Peru in the crucial World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires with a jubilant belly slide. Martin Palermo's goal, which secured a 2-1 win over Peru, lifted Argentina to fourth place, with a game to go in the South American group, from which the top four qualify.(Daily Star) 
The internet coverage of England's match with Ukraine - the first national team match to be shown exclusively online - has been hailed a success by Kentaro and Perform, the companies behind the transmission, after nearly half a million people subscribed to the programme. (The Guardian)
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Saturday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Despite their transfer ban until January 2011, Chelsea are still scouting for players to sign with Benfica winger Angel di Maria top of the list. The Blues are also monitoring Benfica's Brazilian centre-half David Luiz.(Daily Mirror) 
Barcelona have told Manchester City that they will need to find £300m to buy Lionel Messi, after the Argentine winger signed a new deal that will keep him at the Spanish giants until 2016.(The Sun) 
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill will decide Nigel Reo-Coker's future on Monday, after the midfielder was sent home following a training ground bust up.(Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed he may renew his interest in Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh following an unsuccessful long-running transfer saga throughout the summer. The 25-year-old Moroccan international was linked with a number of Premier League sides but the Gunners seem keen to secure his services. (FourFourTwo.com) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes says he almost walked away from the club in the summer of 2008 because of a lack of money as well as the turmoil over the club's ownership.(The Guardian) 
The war of words between Hughes and Manchester United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson has been stepped up ahead of Sunday's city derby at Old Trafford. 
City boss Hughes says the failure to replace winger Cristiano Ronaldo and the departure of forward Carlos Tevez has left United "below par".(The Sun) 
And United manager Ferguson believes his side will never be underdogs against City long as he is alive.(Various) 
Former Newcastle boss Alan Shearer is keen to return to management. "If a job was to come up, not necessarily Newcastle, then I would be interested," he told an assembly of school children. (Daily Mirror) 
England's players have backed Fabio Capello's no-nonsense regime by cancelling plans for a lavish pre-World Cup party.(The Times) 
Chelsea skipper John Terry has revealed the level of influence he has at Stamford Bridge. He says he tells owner Roman Abramovich which players they need to keep and that he played a key role in the new deals signed by Ashley Cole, Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard.(The Sun) 
Celtic boss Tony Mowbray has warned contract rebel Gary Caldwell could have received his final offer of a new deal. The Scottish international claimed on Thursday that talks with his agent had been halted and that he had been offered less than some of his team-mates.(Daily Mail) 
Munto Finance's takeover of Notts County has not yet been ratified by the Football League, as officials are still to be satisfied that the new owners pass the "fit and proper persons" test.(The Sun) 

AND FINALLY

Manchester City defender Kolo Toure says he has earned every penny he has made from football after an impoverished childhood growing up in Ivory Coast. "I've done things that no other player has done. I have sold newspapers by the side of the road and cleaned the shoes of people for less than a pound."(Daily Telegraph) 
Argentina manager Diego Maradona has reportedly had a pair of earings seized by Italian police. The World Cup-winning midfielder, who is staying in a spa in Merano, apparently owes £20.25m to the Italian taxman. The earings will go only a small way to paying off the bill, however, as they are only worth £3,500.(Associated Press)
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