Showing posts with label Gareth Bale. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gareth Bale. Show all posts

Everton - Tottenham

I’m not sure what’s going on with Everton. They have had a bad run almost in every season under Moyes, but this time they apparently can’t pull themselves out of the mud. Everton have only one win in last ten games (City away) and have gained only ten points at home (only Blackpool got less). Also, Toffees kept a clean sheet only once in those ten (Wigan at home 0-0) and their performance doesn’t look good. The big(gest) problem for tonight is absence of Moyes’ key man, Tim Cahill (scored 9 of 21 team’s goals), who is out for Australian national team. Defender Jagielka is also out, while Heitinga and Coleman are facing a late fitness test. Everton have only managed to win two of their last nine home games.

Beside Man Utd, Tottenham are probably enjoy the best shape in Premier. They haven’t felt the taste of defeat in eleven competitive games (won six and draw twice in last 8 Premier games) and have noticed three league wins in a row. They play very well and have Bale (11 goals) and Van der Vaart (10 goals) in fantastic form. Bad news is ‘Arry also has some injury worries. Defoe and Kaboul are still suspended, while Hutton and Gallas got the knocks and their appearance is doubtful.

This is great value for me, Spurs shouldn’t be priced at 3.14 (away win at Pinnacle). They maybe looked tired against Fulham (or just were keeping the strength, who knows) and have some problems with defence line, but Everton’s attack without Cahill usually looks toothless. Goodison is not a happy place to go, but I can’t see the hosts winning this one. I’m covering a draw and taking dnb option at excellent odd.  

Maybe one more game...

Bet: Tottenham 0.0
Odd: 2.28 188bet
Stake: 9/10


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Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Inter Milan right-back Maicon is top of Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini's summer wish list, according to the Brazilian's agent.(skysports.com) 
According to Spanish newspaper Sport, City's bid for Maicon could be rivalled by Real Madrid, whose new boss Jose Mourinho is also chasing Manchester United's Wayne Rooney and Inter Milan's Diego Milito.(imscouting.com) 
City have reportedly made a 35m Euro bid for Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic , although the offer doesn't appear to be high enough to land the Swede.(imscouting.com) 
City are also closing in on a £36m deal for Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko, despite the German club's announcement that the Bosnian was set to stay after clubs failed to meet Monday's midnight deadline for his £34m buy-out clause.(Daily Mail) 
Aston Villa will make a £5m move for Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha.(Daily Mirror) 
But Villa have warned City that if they want to prise midfielder James Milner away from Villa Park it will cost them £30m.(Daily Mail) 
Tottenham will rebuff any move by AC Milan to sign full-back Gareth Bale. The Italians have made enquiries about the Wales international over the past year.(Daily Mail) 
Chelsea's Slovakian World Cup winger Miroslav Stoch is ready to sign for Turkish giants Galatasaray in a surprise £2.5m deal.(Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal are preparing to let young midfielder Francis Coquelin, 19, join Lorient on a season-long loan to help improve their chances of landing the French side's 24-year-old defender Laurent Koscielny.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is apparently considering a move for Palermo's impressive young centre back Simon Kjaer this summer.(caughtoffside.com) 
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is apparently considering a move for Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz and could offer midfielder Yossi Benayoun in part-exchange.(Daily Mail) 
Fulham are in talks to sign former Liverpool left-back Fabio Aurelio on a free transfer. The Brazilian recently failed to agree terms with Liverpool on a pay-as-you- play deal.(Daily Mail) 
Blackburn are back on the trail of Lech Poznan's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski after his proposed £6m move to Borussia Dortmund hit a hitch.(Daily Mail) 
Celtic have won the race to sign Hull's Jimmy Bullard after the midfielder agreed to join the Scottish giants on a 12-month loan deal. (Daily Mirror) 
Midfielder Darren Ambrose's protracted move to London rivals QPR was in doubt last night after his club Crystal Palace were saved from the brink of closure. Ambrose has already undergone a medical and agreed personal terms with Rangers but Palace's prospective new owners CPFC 2010 may refuse to sell.(Daily Mail) 
Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies is lining up a £2m bid for Cardiff midfielder Peter Whittingham.(Daily Mirror) 
QPR have offered to almost double Paddy Kenny's wages in a bid to lure the keeper from Sheffield United to Loftus Road.(Daily Mirror) 
West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo is making a £1.2m bid to sign keeper Boaz Myhill from cash-strapped Hull.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has started to make plans for a rejection from England boss Fabio Capello by moving to discuss the managerial vacancy at the San Siro with Fulham boss Roy Hodgson, who has had two previous spells at the San Siro. (Daily Mail) 
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has revealed his anger and frustration after being told by the Anfield board there will be no money to spend in the summer.(Daily Mirror) 
Benitez's future at Liverpool will be decided at a third round of talks with his Liverpool employers next week, with the club eager to tie the Spaniard to the club in the face of interest in his services from Inter Milan.(The Sun) 
Former Arsenal and Manchester City striker Paul Dickov will be handed the manager's job at Oldham after impressing in an interview. Dickov, 37, who spent the second half of this season with Leeds, has never managed before.(Daily Mail) 
Striker Robbie Blake has turned down Burnley's 'final offer' of a one-year contract because he feels he is worth a longer deal with the Clarets.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Manchester United chief executive David Gill admits he does not think the 'Green and Gold' protests, conducted by Red Devils supporters unhappy with the club's American owners the Glazers, are going to be abandoned. "There were some comments last week that I was belittling the protest," said Gill. "That could not be further from the truth. We understand it and it will be there."(Daily Mail)

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Thursday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are lining up a £20m summer move for Tottenham defender Gareth Bale, whom they first tried to sign from Southampton three years ago.(Daily Express) 
United striker Dimitar Berbatov could be on his way to AC Milan in a summer swap deal with Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar going the opposite way.(Caughtoffside.com) 
Swansea boss Paulo Sousa could be the man to replace Hull's management consultant Iain Dowie at the KC Stadium.(Daily Mail) 
And Cardiff manager Dave Jones is a shock contender to replace Gianfranco Zola as West Ham manager, should the Italian leave the club in the summer.(Daily Mirror) 
Belgian international midfielder Jelle van Damme, who has just won a second consecutive league title with Anderlecht, says an unnamed English club has made a "concrete" offer for him, with Fulham thought to be interested.(Daily Mirror) 
Aston Villa are interested in signing West Ham striker Carlton Cole to partner Gabriel Agbonlahor up front, as a replacement for John Carew who could move to Fulham.(Caughtoffside.com) 
Liverpool are lining up a bid for Rangers' £8m-rated teenage defender Danny Wilson, with the youngster being loaned back to the Gers next season.(Caughtoffside.com) 
Arsenal are interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Rene Adler, who is Germany's number one keeper but recently suffered a broken rib.(imscouting.com) 
Real Madrid look set to beat Chelsea and Manchester United to the signature of Benfica's Argentine winger Angel di Maria.(imscouting.com) 
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has started the ball rolling on a £1m bid for Dundee United defender Garry Kenneth. (The Sun)


OTHER GOSSIP

Celtic's 38-year-old caretaker manager Neil Lennon says he is ready to take the job on permanently.(Daily Telegraph) 
And Walter Smith has hinted Ally McCoist could soon take over from him as Rangers manager, saying his assistant is "as ready as he's ever going to be" to become a manager.(Daily Telegraph) 
Stoke manager Tony Pulis is fed up with the long journeys his reserves have to face and wants to play local friendlies instead.(Daily Mail) 
Fabio Capello is buoyed by the news that Manchester United defender Wes Brown is back in training and could face Tottenham on Saturday.(Daily Mail) 
Hull chairman Adam Pearson has launched a blistering attack on predecessor Paul Duffen, accusing him of "moral irresponsibility" for his running of the Premier League strugglers.(Daily Mail) 
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez says their marathon trek to Madrid for their Europa League semi-final has been a positive experience as it has brought the team closer together.(the Times) 
Ross County manager Derek Adams faces being banned for the dugout for the Scottish Cup final as he is awaiting the results of an appeal against an eight-game touchline suspension. (Daily Mail)
English Football League commercial director Stewart Thomson has emerged as a front-runner to replace Gordon Smith as Scottish Football Association chief executive. (Daily Record) 

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AND FINALLY


Portsmouth's £119m list of debts includes £40 owed to Pukka Pies and 20p to Qatar Airways.(The Sun) 
Tottenham claim they are owed £1m by Pompey over a deal to sign goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, despite the move never going through as the player opted to join Stoke instead of Spurs.(The Sun) 
A list of Manchester United's corporate customers has been posted on the internet by anti-Glazer protesters much to the anger of officials.(Daily Mail) 
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Tuesday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Wigan are unlikely to make goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic's loan move from Sporting Lisbon permanent at the end of the season.(imscouting.com) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Arsenal are on the trail of £10m-rated Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega with Latics boss Roberto Martinez already lining up Espanyol forward Jose Callejon as a replacement.(The Sun) 
Juventus are lining up a £12m bid for Tottenham's Wales international full-back Gareth Bale in the summer.(caughtoffside.com) 
AC Milan are set to beat Manchester United to the signing of France international forward Karim Benzema by offering Real Madrid a swap deal involving Brazilian striker Pato.(imscouting.com)
Midfielder Boudewijn Zenden is not sure that he has done enough to earn a new Sunderland contract, despite his spectacular volleyed goal against Tottenham on Saturday.(Daily Star) 
Roberto Mancini is in negotiations with his former club Inter Milan to bring striker Mario Balotelli, who has fallen out with Jose Mourinho, to Manchester City.(caughtoffside.com) 
Martin O'Neill is planning to offer Tottenham £11m for striker Robbie Keane, who is currently on loan at the Aston Villa manager's former club Celtic.(caughtoffside.com) 
Arsenal are monitoring Paris St Germain midfielder Clement Chantome after the 22-year-old voiced his dissatisfaction with life at the Ligue 1 side.(Daily Mirror) 
Major League Soccer chiefs are hoping to tempt a raft of French stars to bring their careers to a lucrative end in the United States' domestic league. Barcelona forward Thierry Henry, Villareal midfielder Robert Pires and Manchester City anchorman Patrick Vieira will all be approached.(imscouting.com) 
Celtic are on the trail of Southampton's £2m-rated England Under-21 midfielder Adam Lallana.(The Sun)
Sunderland's on-loan Tottenham right-back, Alan Hutton, is being chased by Newcastle, who clinched promotion to England's top flight on Monday. (Daily Express) 
Former Rangers player John Brown has urged defender Danny Wilson to resist a move to Liverpool or Tottenham to stay at Ibrox. (Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti says that midfielder Joe Cole will "definitely" sign a new contract at Stamford Bridge.(The Sun) 
Middlesbrough manager Gordon Strachan left out Gary O'Neil for Monday's night match against Plymouth with the midfielder one match away from triggering a £1m payment to former club Portsmouth.(Daily Star) 
Fabio Capello has been reassured that Manchester United will not play Wayne Rooney against Bayern Munich if there is any risk to his long-term fitness.(Daily Mail) 
Manager Arsene Wenger will include Sol Campbell in the heart of his Arsenal defence for their Champions League second-leg quarter-final match against Barcelona.(The Sun) 
Bayern Munich are set to welcome back winger Arjen Robben and defender Daniel van Buyten from injury for Wednesday's trip to Old Trafford.(The Sun) 
Liverpool are the underdogs in the race for fourth place in the Premier League and Champions League qualification, according to captain Steven Gerrard.(The Guardian) 
Vejle Boldklub left-back Euan Holden says he would consider a call to the Scotland squad despite older brother Stuart, of Bolton, having chosen to play for the USA. (Various)

AND FINALLY

Gianfranco Zola has invoked Bill Shankly's famous line about football being "more important than life or death" as he tries to inspire West Ham for their fight against the drop.(Daily Mail) 
Iran's girls' football team have been ejected from the Youth Olympic Games because Fifa rules prevent players wearing Islamic headscarves.(Herald Sun)
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Sunday's gossip column

JOHN TERRY GOSSIP

England manager Fabio Capello told John Terry to "get some help" for issues in his private life when he axed the Chelsea defender as his skipper on Friday.(News of the World) 
Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge, who has been in the spotlight over allegations that his former girlfriend had a relationship with Terry, is still part of Capello's plans and will be selected for the friendly with Egypt on 3 March.(Sunday Mirror) 
John Terry could take some time out of the game to try and resolve issues in his private life.(Sunday Express) 
Capello sacked Terry to protect the Chelsea defender amid concerns about the impact the continued media pressure would have on the player.(Sunday Telegraph) 

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TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson wants Everton star Jack Rodwell to come to Old Trafford in the summer.(News of the World) 
But Ferguson has lost out to Real Madrid in the race to sign Racing Santander's 18-year-old Spanish midfielder Sergio Canales.(The People) 
Liverpool's Martin Skrtel is an £8m summer target for Italian Serie A side Juventus.(News of the World) 
Juventus are also planning a £13m raid for Tottenham defender Gareth Bale.(The People) 
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is prepared to let Stephen Ireland leave Eastlands in the summer, which will alert the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Spurs.(Daily Mail) 
Mancini says he is planning a bid for Inter Milan forward Mario Balotelli, who has repeatedly clashed with his manager Jose Mourinho.(News of the World) 
Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh says he wants to join Arsenal when his contract expires in the summer.(imscouting.com) 
Stoke striker James Beattie was close to a £2m move to Fulham in January but his demands for £60,000 a week scuppered the deal.(Sunday Mirror) 
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is preparing to offload £20m of talent in the summer. Anton Ferdinand, Kieran Richardson and Kenwyne Jones - who were all bought by previous boss Roy Keane - will be the ones to leave.(News of the World) 
Everton, Liverpool and Spurs are all in the chase for Hull's 19-year-old midfield starlet Tom Cairney.(Sunday Mirror) 
West Ham defender Matthew Upson will be sold in the summer.(The People) 
Chelsea could make a move for Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic at the end of the season.(Sunday Mirror) 
Birmingham's loan striker Christian Benitez says he wants to join the club on a permanent basis.(The People) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Arsenal will offer Cesc Fabregas a £30m deal in a bid to keep the talismanic captain at the north London club.(Sunday Mirror) 
Jose Mourinho could buy himself out of his £5.5m contract with Inter Milan to make a return to the Premier League.(News of the World) 
Chelsea are ready to axe goalkeeper Petr Cech from the first team at the end of the season if his form does not improve.(The People) 
Manchester City striker Benjani failed medicals at West Ham and Blackburn before sealing a loan switch to Sunderland.(The People) 
Aston Villa's James Milner has done enough to impress Capello and looks set to be included in his World Cup squad. (News of the World) 
But Adam Johnson's chance of joining him could be on the line if the young winger does not get enough games at his new club, Manchester City.(Mail on Sunday) 
Johnson almost joined rivals United in January. The former Middlesbrough player was given a secret tour of United's training ground and met with Sir Alex Ferguson but the Premier League champions did not follow up their interest.(The People) 
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, who has replaced Terry as England skipper, has been visiting a specialist sports physician in an attempt to save his career. (News of the World) 
And Ferdinand is ready to drop his fight against a Football Association ban in order to keep in with Capello.(Sunday Times) 
Manchester United fans are preparing to boycott season tickets in their protest against the club's owners.(Mail on Sunday) 
Manchester City forward Robinho, currently on loan at Brazilian side Santos, is paying £10,000 a week on security amid fears he could be targeted by kidnappers.(Sunday Mirror) 
Portugal manager Carlos Queiroz was involved in an altercation with a television reporter at Lisbon airport en route to the draw for the Euro 2010 qualifiers.(Sunday Times) 

AND FINALLY

Beleaguered Portsmouth are facing more troubles after they failed to pay their overdue electricity bill. (News of the World) 
Tottenham failed to sign goalkeeper Asmir Begovic last month because of an appointment mix-up. The Bosnian player was set to join Spurs in a £2m deal from Portsmouth but was not too happy at meeting rival Stipe Pletikosa, who was also having a medical at the same time. Begovic pulled out of the move and joined Stoke instead.(Sunday Mirror) 
In a bid to raise morale at Manchester United, the ruling Glazer family will treat staff to a day out at the Carling Cup final against Aston Villa later this month.(News of the World)
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Wednesday's gossip column


TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes believes his side can offer John Terry a new lease of life and said the Chelsea and England captain needs a fresh challenge. (Various) 
Hughes is also on the verge of signing Emmanuel Adebayor for £25m after the player underwent a medical in Manchester. (Various) 
Real Madrid could sign Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso by the end of the week as they are prepared to meet the club's asking price of more than £30m for the 27-year-old. 
(Daily Telegraph) 
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez will do everything he can to keep Alonso at the club, along with Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano, who has been linked with a move to Barcelona. (Daily Star) 
Former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira could join Tottenham after indicating to manager Harry Redknapp that he would be willing to leave Inter Milan.(Various) 
The Italian club are prepared to pay the 33-year-old Vieira £1m to make up a shortfall in wages if he was to join Spurs, while Birmingham, Sunderland, Fulham, Lyon and Paris St Germain have all made enquiries about the Frenchman. (Daily Express) 
Or, Vieira wants a pay-off from Inter Milan after Spurs offered him £60,000-a-week - £25,000 less than he currently earns at the San Siro.(The Times) 
Tottenham have held talks with Real Madrid striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, but could miss out on signing the Dutch international after Stuttgart had an offer accepted for the 25-year-old. (The Times) 
Spurs full-back Gareth Bale, 19, is wanted on loan by Italian side Roma to provide competition for John Arne Riise. (The Sun) 
Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce will give veteran striker Christian Vieri, 36, all the time he needs to prove his fitness after spending some time with the Rovers squad at a training camp. (The Sun) 
Fulham will launch an £11m bid for Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch - but only if Bobby Zamora leaves to join Hull City. (The Sun) 
Sunderland have had a £14m bid for Darren Bent rejected by Tottenham as the north London club want to recoup the £16.7m they paid Charlton for the 25-year-old striker two years ago. (The Sun) 
Tottenham have made a late bid to sign Sheffield United full-back Kyle Naughton after Everton had a £6m offer for the 20-year-old accepted. (Daily Star) 
Wigan have entered the race to sign Rangers centre-back Madjid Bougherra. (The Times) 
Hull are confident of signing Sunderland striker Daryl Murphy after the clubs agreed an initial fee of £1.5m, rising to £2.5m.(Various) 
West Brom midfielder Jonathan Greening has stunned the club by handing in a transfer request after they rejected a £2.5m bid from Fulham. (Various) 
Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson, 31, could join former manager Alex McLeish at Birmingham after the Blues agreed a £1.3m fee with the Scottish club. (Daily Mirror)
Bolton manager Gary Megson will attempt to finalise a £3.5m deal for Swansea midfielder Ferrie Bodde in an attempt to fight off interest from Wigan. (Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Joe Kinnear is set to return as Newcastle manager on Wednesday, with Mike Ashley overlooking fans' favourite Alan Shearer for the role as the owner struggles to find a buyer for the club. (Daily Mail) 
However, sources at the club have denied reports linking Kinnear with a return to St James' Park and any new manager will be appointed when a takeover of the club is completed. (The Press Association) 
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon is considering quitting the club after securing a new five-year shirt sponsorship deal.(The Times) 
Ex-Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has accused striker Emmanuel Adebayor of being "lazy" and lacking fight during his Gunners career and believes manager Arsene Wenger has done brilliantly by getting £25m from Manchester City for the Togo striker.(Daily Star) 
Former Manchester United captain Bryan Robson believes Michael Owen can reignite his England career at Old Trafford following the striker's summer switch after his Newcastle contract ended. (The Sun) 

AND FINALLY

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney says if he had not become a footballer he may have become a priest. Asked what he would have done if he could not play football, the 23-year-old said: "I haven't a clue what else I could have done, I wasn't really the best in school. I always enjoyed religious studies - so maybe a priest."(The Sun)
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Tuesday's gossip column


BREAKING GOSSIP

Former England midfielder Peter Reid has rejected speculation he will quit as coach of Thailand to take charge of League One club Southampton. (Press Association)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Samuel Eto'o wants a £12.5m signing-on fee to join Manchester City. The Barcelona striker has already been offered wages of £250,000 a week by the Eastlands club.(The Sun) 
Or the Cameroon striker is looking for a £15m golden handshake from Barcelona otherwise the move to City is off.(Daily Mirror) 
Chelsea are poised to complete a hat-trick of signings by landing CSKA Moscow forward Yuri Zhirkov, Manchester City forward Daniel Sturridge and Middlesbrough goalkeeper Ross Turnbull. (Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal have been stunned by Andrey Arshavin's revelation that he would be "really happy" to play for Barcelona if he gets the chance. (The Sun) 
Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso will holds talks with manager Rafael Benitez this week over a possible move to Real Madrid.(The Sun) 
Meanwhile, Reds defender Alvaro Arbeloa is set to seal a switch to Real for about £5m. (The Independent) 
Aston Villa are ready to pay £5m for Espanyol forward Luis Garcia, who is also wanted by Porto.(The Sun) 
Villa are also set to bid £5m for Middlesbrough midfielder Tuncay. (Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham have joined the chase for Groningen's Sweden international striker Marcus Berg but they may need to pay £10m to beat Everton to his signature.(Daily Mirror) 
Spurs have told Villarreal they want cash plus Sebastien Eguren and Marcos Senna in exchange for striker Roman Pavlyuchenko. (The Times) 
West Ham are trying to hijack Hull's £3.4m move for Nancy striker Marc-Antoine Fortune. 
Full story: (Daily Mirror) 
Fulham have offered £2.2m for Almeria striker Kalu Uche. (The Sun) 
Birmingham want to sign Tottenham defender Gareth Bale on a season-long loan deal. (Daily Star)
Wolves are set to sign Reading striker Kevin Doyle for a club record fee of £6.5m. (The Sun) 
Huddersfield will pay £1m to sign Bristol Rovers striker Rickie Lambert. (The Sun)
Ipswich boss Roy Keane is close to completing a £1m deal for QPR full-back Damien Delaney. Keane also wants to make a double raid on former club Sunderland to sign defender Nyron Nosworthy and winger Carlos Edwards. (Daily Star) 
Burnley are fighting it out with Cardiff in the race to sign £2.5m-rated Doncaster defender Mat Mills. (Daily Star)

OTHER GOSSIP

Carlos Tevez has accused Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson of blowing the chance to win the Champions League final by dropping him. The Argentine striker, whose United contract expires today, said: "He made a mistake to leave me on the bench."(Daily Mirror) 
Former Aston Villa manager David O'Leary says his successor Martin O'Neill has not helped the club progress.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Usually there is little to be pleased about when you miss your flight but Fabio Capello's failure to catch a plane from South Africa meant he was spared being in attendance for England Under-21s' humiliating 4-0 defeat by Germany in the European Championship final in Sweden on Tuesday. (Daily Mirror)
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