Aston Villa - Man City

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

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

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

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

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Tuesday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Arsenal will move for £12m-rated Lyon and France keeper Hugo Lloris, but could turn to Shakhtar Donetsk keeper Andriy Piyatov.(goal.com) 
Barcelona are in talks to sign Valencia striker David Villa, with negotiations "on track" according to Barca's vice president Rafael Yuste. (Reuters) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas could be Barcelona bound, with the Spanish champions officially approaching the Gunners with a bid that involves Yaya Toure moving the other way in part exchange.(The Sun) 
And Arsenal are also set to confirm the signing of Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh after the 26-year-old Morocco international arrived in London on Monday to finalise the terms of his deal.(Daily Mail) 
But the Gunners have had a £14m offer for Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina rejected and manager Arsene Wenger could now turn his attentions to Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon. (Footylatest.com) 
However, Liverpool could lose midfielders Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano and striker Fernando Torres in the summer, with the three considering their futures after a turbulent season.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez is keen for a return to his first club, Boca Juniors, although Real Madrid are also keen on the Argentina striker.(Daily Mirror) 
City boss Roberto Mancini could add defender Phil Jagielka and midfielder Jack Rodwell to his squad, with the Italian willing to pay £32m for the Everton pair.(caughtoffside.com) 
Benfica defender David Luiz could be another new arrival at Eastlands, with Manchester City set to bid £21.5m for the 23-year-old.(Daily Telegraph) 
Mancini will also decide against selling winger Shaun Wright-Phillips and midfielder Stephen Ireland as he needs the pair to boost the club's home-grown contingent; Premier League clubs having to name eight home-grown players in a squad of 25 next season.(Guardian) 
Manchester United are preparing a club record £50m bid to lure Franck Ribery away from Champions League finalists Bayern Munich.(Footylatest.com) 
United are also keen on Inter Milan's Argentine midfielder Esteban Cambiasso and are willing to pay £18m for the 29-year-old.(caughtoffside.com) 
West Ham will fend off competition from Birmingham and Sunderland to capture France international Sidney Govou, 30, from Lyon on a free transfer. (Daily Mail) 
Birmingham have also been foiled, at least initially, in their attempt to acquire French winger Charles N'Zogbia after Wigan turned down an £8m bid from Blues. (Daily Mail) 
Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko watched Lokomotiv Moscow at the weekend and is set to hold talks about a possible move this week.(Times) 
West Ham have dropped their interest in Ipswich striker Connor Wickham, freeing the way for Tottenham to move for the £5m-rated 17-year-old. (Daily Star) 
Southampton will take former England Under-21 midfielder Andrew Surman back to St Mary's from Wolves, a year after the 23-year-old left the club for Molineux. (Daily Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Portsmouth boss Avram Grant has agreed a deal to become West Ham manager and will sign a three-year deal.(Daily Mirror) 
Inter Milan will make an official approach for Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez if, as expected, former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho quits the San Siro for Real Madrid in the summer.(Daily Mirror) 
However, Martin O'Neill will not replace Benitez at Anfield, with Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner saying that his manager is staying put.(Daily Mirror) 
England's 2018 World Cup bid team will meet governing bodies from Europe, Africa and South America in a bid to limit the fall-out following Lord Triesman's resignation as Football Association chairman.(Daily Mirror) 
However, the FA is braced for a second round of revelations, with Triesman's former aide Melissa Jacobs considering sharing more of her recorded conversations with him.(Independent) 
Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry is sleeping in an oxygen tent in a bid to quicken his recovery from ankle ligament damage, although the chances of the 27-year-old being fit for the start of England's World Cup campaign are slim.(Daily Telegraph) 
West Ham have submitted their bid to move into the Olympic Stadium post 2012, with the possibility of Essex using the venue to host some Twenty20 cricket matches.(Independent) 
Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano has given his strongest indication yet that he will leave Liverpool in the summer, conceding that he finds life on Merseyside far from ideal.(Liverpool Daily Post) 

AND FINALLY

Portsmouth's Kevin-Prince Boateng, whose FA Cup final tackle resulted in the ankle injury that will keep Chelsea's German midfielder Michael Ballack out of the World Cup, has suffered the wrath of the German press over the incident. Tabloid Bild branded the tackle a "revenge attack", while Germany coach Joachim Loew was forced to issue a message of support for Boateng's half-brother Jerome, a German international defender who will join Manchester City from Hamburg in the summer. (Daily Mail) 
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has urged England manager Fabio Capello to keep him on penalty-taking duty after missing from the spot in Saturday's FA Cup final victory against Portsmouth.(Independent) 
Manchester United defender Gary Neville has criticised Capello for only picking one specialist right-back in his initial 30-man World Cup party, while also saying the Italian's attempt to talk Paul Scholes out of international retirement was "a bit desperate".(The Sun)

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Paynter started and both scored!

Charlton Athletic 2 - 1 Swindon T.

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Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are ready to make a fresh move for Spain striker David Villa if his club Valencia put him up for sale this summer.(Daily Mirror) 
Barcelona right-back Dani Alves has dismissed speculation linking him with a move to Chelsea, claiming he wants to stay at the Nou Camp.(IMScouting) 
Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock hopes to take Eagles trio Darren Ambrose, Neil Danns and Nathaniel Clyne with him when he becomes Queens Park Rangers' new manager.(Daily Mirror) 
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is eyeing up giant striker Marc Janko, who has scored 67 goals in 92 games for Red Bull Salzburg.(Daily Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

England manager Fabio Capello will read the riot act to his squad because he is so furious at the recent off-field exploits of some of his players.(Daily Mirror) 
Capello says he will select defenders John Terry and Wayne Bridge and expects them to settle their differences after Terry was alleged to have had an affair with Bridge's ex-girlfriend.(Daily Mirror) 
Chelsea and England left-back Ashley Cole flew to Spain on Monday for warm-weather recuperation on his broken ankle amid controversy surrounding his split from wife Cheryl. (Daily Telegraph)
Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke admits that South Africa is not yet ready to host the World Cup finals but added that a series of hiccups will be overcome before the tournament starts on 11 June.(The Times) 
Premier League clubs owe more money - £3.5bn - than all the others in Europe's top divisions put together, according to a Uefa report.(The Guardian) 
Former Notts County director of football Sven-Goran Eriksson drew up a plan to sign former England captain David Beckham as part of the League Two club's ill-fated dream of reaching the Premier League. (Daily Telegraph) 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has banned academy players from doing interviews on the club's in-house television station as part of crackdown on attitudes of youngsters at Old Trafford.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has turned down a new contract with the Eastlands club because he felt he was not being offered enough money. (The Guardian) 
Portsmouth will go into administration with a nine-point penalty - but earn an £11m lifeline when the Premier League gives them an advance of the parachute payment for relegated clubs. (Daily Mirror) 
Spain coach Vincente del Bosque insists there is no rift between himself and Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez over the use of striker Fernando Torres.(Daily Mirror) 
Benitez will turn down any move by Real Madrid to become coach at the Bernabeu.(IMScouting) 
Crystal Palace's FA Cup fifth-round replay against Aston Villa on Wednesday is almost certain to be Neil Warnock's last game in charge of the Championship club, with Queens Park Rangers thought to be close to appointing the former Sheffield United manager as their new boss. (Daily Telegraph) 

AND FINALLY

Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry says the sight of Stoke City is driving him round the bend. His team face the Potters on Wednesday for the third time in 11 days and Barry said: "We know each other inside out now. The guy who does our research has virtually gone through it all before."(The Sun) 
The World Cup plans for the England players' wives and girlfriends are in disarray after Cheryl Cole's split from husband Ashley. On Cheryl's advice, the WAGs were all booked into the exclusive £1,600-a-night Anahita resort on the island of Mauritius, a five-hour flight from South Africa. But Cheryl's decision to part from Ashley has caused the rest of the women to rethink their summer plans. (Daily Express)
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Aston Villa 1 - 1 Man City

Craig Bellamy's second-half equaliser earned Manchester City a deserved point and lifted them into the top four after former captain Richard Dunne threatened to wreck Gareth Barry's return to Aston Villa.
Dunne declined the opportunity to celebrate in front of City's fans when he beat Barry to James Milner's corner to head Villa in front early on. 
And he almost added a second before City's growing superiority was rewarded when Bellamy turned Emmanuel Adebayor's cross high beyond Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel after 67 minutes. 
City looked the more likely to claim the three points in the closing stages of an entertaining confrontation between two clubs hoping to disturb the established order in the top four of the Premier League.
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill:
"I'm disappointed with the result but not the performance because we were just fantastic. 
"The first half was just about the best we have played and we could have gone 2-0 up. City came into it after because they are a very, very good side. 
"The players and the crowd were all fantastic tonight. We were very strong and we played some great stuff too." 
Man City manager Mark Hughes:
"A lot of teams will come here and go under, but I thought we showed a lot of very good qualities. 
"We got level and as the game wore on I thought we looked more likely to win it. But we'll take a point and we've had a fantastic start to the season. 
"When we come back after internationals we will start all over again."
www.bbc.co.uk

Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Cesc Fabregas says he has no intention of leaving Arsenal, despite continued rumours linking him with Barcelona.(The Sun) 
Aston Villa, Hull and Wolves are all keen to sign Sol Campbell - if his bid to overturn rules preventing him from joining another team before January is successful.(Daily Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Portsmouth have received a £5m emergency loan from Saudi tycoon Ali al-Faraj, who is keen to buy the club, but former owner Alexandre Gaydamak could block any deal using clauses he negotiated when selling to Sulaiman al-Fahim.(The Times) 
Meanwhile, former Portsmouth boss and current Spurs supremo Harry Redknapp will face more questions over transfers he conducted at Pompey, as part of a long-running investigation into various deals.(The Times) 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson can expect a lengthy touchline ban after he questioned the fitness of referee Alan Wiley following Saturday's 2-2 draw with Sunderland.(Daily Mail)
Dennis Wise, who lost his job at Newcastle United in April, has rejected suggestions he forced then-manager Kevin Keegan to sign Uruguayan Ignacio Gonzalez to keep South American agents happy.
"The long-term idea was we would have first option on all the best young South American kids and that was important to the club. Mike Ashley (Newcastle's owner) knew all about it and it was fine," Wise is quoted as saying.(The Sun) 
Wise also believes Ashley will retain ownership of Newcastle until at least next summer, despite recent attempts to find a buyer.(Daily Mail) 
David Sullivan, who is set to stand down as a director of Birmingham City, has denied planning a move to buy West Ham United.(Daily Mail) 
Aston Villa midfielder James Milner has called on his club's supporters not to target abuse at former Villa star Gareth Barry, who returns with Manchester City on Monday.(The Guardian) 
Notts County are ready to appoint David Platt as their new manager, after current boss Ian McParland's side managed only a draw at Cheltenham.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

France boss Raymond Domenech is the subject of a new, chart-topping track entitled Je Kiffe Raymond (I Fancy Raymond).
The song, by former porn actress Catherine Ringer, includes the line: "If he attacked my penalty areas, I would be without defenders."(The Times) 
Barcelona midfielder Xavi has hit out at opposing sides for being "boring" in the defensive tactics they employ.
Xavi was upset as opponents Almeria parked the proverbial bus at the weekend, adding: "I have never been marked like that. It was obsessive."( Daily Star)
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Liverpool - Aston Villa

At the start of another title pursuit, the Reds got a hard punch in north London against Tottenhem (1-2). The fact is Liverpool put a decent display and was harmed for a penalty kick, but it was obvious they simply need some quality in defense. Also, departure Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid didn’t bring anything good. Rafa Benitez as a first help brought Greece international Sotirios Kyrgiakos (£2 million from AEK Athens), but real shock came when gentlemen Hicks and Gillett announced there’re no money for other signings. So, last line is far from Chelsea’s or Man.Utd.’s for example and Rafa will try to overcome it with strong attacking force that the team possess. But the problem is, it can works against teams who are focused on defending against Liverpool (Stoke, second round, 4-0 at Anfield), but against equal opponents it can bring some shocks during the season. For tonight’s game defense will be even weaker, as Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio are injured, while Martin Skrtel is in doubt. Liverpool have not lost at home in the league for 31 games.

Villa started the season with the Champions League like a main target (once again). But, as Liverpool, faced the problems on the first step. Wigan took all three points from Villa Park (0-2) and game was marked by big errors in Villa’s defense. In European trip during the mid-week, club noticed another defeat, 0-1 against Rapid on the road. Boss Martin O'Neill has a difficult task to balance between high ambitions and limited resources. Carlos Cuellar and Curtis Davies are currently the only center-backs in squad, midfield lost the skipper Gareth Barry (went to Man.City) and O’Neill is desperately looking for new signings. As Benitez, he will also try to overcome defensive problems with the attacking attitude. Hm…ok. For tonight’s encounter, Aston Villa are monitoring the fitness of Curtis Davies (one of two cb) who injured his shoulder in the defeat by Rapid Vienna, while another defender Luke Young has been given compassionate leave after the death of his half-brother. Also, Anfield is not a place where Villa like to be, as they didn’t win in last seven games (five defeats and two draws), and last four meetings ended with four goals, or more.

Both sides have huge problems in defense lines, but have to go on all three points. For Villa another defeat would be a second in two games, while in Liverpool nobody wants even to think about second failure in three rounds. As both can’t rely on defense, will try to score once more than opponent. Betfair offer 1.90, Pinnacle 1.83. Over.

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Netherlands 2-2 England

Jermain Defoe struck twice as England came from two goals down at the interval against the Netherlands to earn a creditable draw in Amsterdam.
Dirk Kuyt and Rafael Van der Vaart punished errors by Rio Ferdinand and Gareth Barry to give the Dutch control. 
But Defoe came off the bench to race clear and pull a goal back after 49 minutes to give England hope. 
And he steered in a cross from fellow substitute James Milner with 13 minutes left as England finished strongly. 
England coach Fabio Capello will have mixed feelings about the performance of his side - and will demand the basic errors that cost two goals be eradicated as the build up continues towards what he hopes will be a serious World Cup challenge in South Africa next summer. 

But he will be delighted by the spirit shown as England fought their way back into contention with Defoe as the spearhead, helped by impressive cameos from two other substitutes in Carlton Cole and Milner.

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Holland: Stekelenburg, Heitinga, Ooijer, Mathijsen, Braafheid, De Jong, Schaars (Mendes Da Silva 82), Van der Vaart (Sneijder 46), Robben (Afellay 55), van Persie (Babel 46), Kuyt (Huntelaar 78).
Subs Not Used: Vorm, Marcellis, Van Der Wiel, De Zeeuw. 
Goals: Kuyt 10, Van der Vaart 38. 

England: Green, Johnson, Ashley Cole (Bridge 84), Ferdinand, Terry, Barry (Carrick 46), Beckham (Wright-Phillips 46), Lampard, Young (Milner 68), Heskey (Defoe 46), Rooney (Carlton Cole 59).
Subs Not Used: Robinson, Upson, Lescott, Walcott, Hart. 
Goals: Defoe 49, 77. 

Att: 50,000 
Ref: Nicola Rizzoli (Italy).
www.bbc.co.uk

Monday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has joined up with his team-mates for their pre-season tour of the Far East but the Real Madrid target has still left a question mark over his future at the club. He told Spanish newspaper AS: "It is always a great feeling when Madrid want you, especially considering the phase of the career I am in now.
"But at this point, whether or not that can happen is not up to me. It's a matter that involves three parties, including myself. I do not like to force the issue. I prefer to talk."

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City will up their bid to £40m to try to prise centre-back John Terry out of Chelsea's grasp.(Daily Mail) 
Toulouse striker Andre-Pierre Gignac has emerged as a target for Arsenal as Gunners boss Arsene Wenger looks to replace forward Emmanuel Adebayor, who has moved to Manchester City.(Daily Mail) 
Hull City are keen on Liverpool striker Andriy Voronin but want the Ukraine international on loan rather than as a permanent signing.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United are trying to negotiate down the price of Gremio midfielder Douglas Costa, while Chelsea, Real Madrid and Villarreal have entered the fray for the Brazilian.(Guardian) 
Everton are battling with Fulham, Ajax and PSV Eindhoven for Swedish Under-21 midfielder Rasmus Elm, who plays for Kalmar.(Daily Mail) 
Fulham have been offered the chance to sign Juventus midfielder Christian Poulsen, who has turned down a £6m move to Fenerbahce.(Times) 
AC Milan boss Leonardo has left the door open to Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham returning to the San Siro after the England international's successful six-month loan at the club earlier this year.(Independent) 
Blackburn's flirtation with signing former Inter Milan striker Christian Vieri has ended, with Rovers manager Sam Allardyce believing the Italian is too unfit.(Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is set to wrap up an £11m deal for Sheffield United full-backs Kyle Naughton and Kyle Walker. (Daily Mirror)
Nottingham Forest are close to bringing in Tottenham defender Chris Gunter, Preston midfielder Paul McKenna and QPR striker Dexter Blackstock for a combined £4m.(Daily Star) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has urged fans not to criticise club "legend" and team-mate John Terry if he decides to leave the Stamford Bridge outfit. The England defender has been targeted by Manchester City.(Daily Star) 
Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy says he has no plans to leave the club, despite the increased competition for places up front following the signing of Carlos Tevez, Roque Santa Cruz and Emmanuel Adebayor.(Daily Mirror) 
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill says Liverpool did not lodge a bid for Gareth Barry before the midfielder's move to Manchester City.(Daily Expres) 

AND FINALLY

There may have been up to 80,000 fans at the Bernabeu to greet former Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo at his Real Madrid unveiling but only 10,000 will be able to attend as he makes his debut against Shamrock Rovers on Monday.(Daily Mail)
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Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Barcelona are preparing a £50m bid for Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas but could face competition from Chelsea and Real Madrid. (Daily Star)
Real Madrid have signed AC Milan's Brazilian playmaker Kaka for a world record fee of £62m. (The Sun) 
Chelsea had come into the bidding for Kaka but failed with a late bid for the AC Milan forward.(The Times) 
However, Kaka's signature may not yet be completed and Chelsea could yet land the AC Milan forward if they improve on Real's offer. (Daily Star) 
If Chelsea do miss out on Kaka then they will prepare a £45m deal for AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato. (The Times) 
Chelsea will also look to sign Manchester City's highly rated 19-year-old striker Daniel Sturridge who is out of contract at Eastlands.(The Times) 
The Blues have also told striker Andriy Shevchenko, who is on loan at AC Milan, that he is needed back at Stamford Bridge next season. (Daily Star) 
Argentine striker Carlos Tevez is to reject the chance of staying at Manchester United, despite the Premier League champions looking set to meet the £32m asking price.(The Sun) 
Manchester City appear to be the favourites to land Tevez, with the 25-year-old's representative Kia Joorabchian claiming his client feels "humiliated" by United. (The Guardian) 
City will also target Barcelona forward Samuel Eto'o, Everton defender Joleon Lescott and Arsenal centre-back Kolo Toure. (Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City boss Mark Hughes will also prepare a £15m bid for Didier Drogba, if the Chelsea striker turns down the offer of a new contract. (Daily Express) 
Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun is ready to commit his long-term future to the club, having said in January he was ready to leave if he continued playing a bit part at the club. (The Sun)
However, Benaayoun could yet turn his back on Anfield, with Manchester City, West Ham, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal believed to be interested in the Israeli. (Daily Mail) 
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has pleaded with the club to bring Newcastle striker Michael Owen back to Anfield. (Daily Express)
However, Merseyside rivals Everton are weighing up a move for the former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker. (The Times) 
But Owen would have to take a 50% pay cut if he joined the losing FA Cup finalists. (Daily Telegraph)
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has launched a £15m bid to sign Valencia forward David Silva. (Daily Mirror) 
But the Anfield boss faces a fight to hang on to midfielder Javier Mascherano, who is wanted by Real Madrid. (Daily Mirror)
Despite appearing to have won the race to sign Kaka, Real Madrid will still go after Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo and will pay £75m for the Portugal star. (The Sun) 
Steve Bruce will sign Tottenham striker Darren Bent for £10m once he is confirmed as Sunderland manager. (Daily Mirror)
Bruce will be given £50m to spend on new players at the Stadium of Light.(The Times) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is tracking St Etienne midfielder Blaise Matuidi, who is valued at about £5m. (Daily Mirror)
Bolton are preparing a £6m bid for Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone and are also keen on Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin.(The Sun) 
Manchester United reserve goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak is attracting interest from Russian club Zenit St Petersburg. (Daily Mail)
Bolton hope to beat Blackburn to the signature of Portsmouth midfielder Sean Davis.(Daily Mail) 
Portsmouth striker John Utaka is being tracked by French clubs Rennes and Bordeaux. (Daily Star)
 
OTHER GOSSIP

Former Portsmouth manager Tony Adams has claimed that Celtic are lining him up to become their new boss following Gordon Strachan's departure. (The Independent) 
However, Celtic officials have reacted with astonishment to claims by Adams that he'll become their new boss. (Daily Record) 
Wim Jansen has firmly denied recommending Tony Adams for the post of Celtic manager, as the former England captain claimed. (Various)
In-demand Swansea manager Roberto Martinez is set to chose Wigan over Celtic. (Scottish Sun) 
Steve Bruce will insist that his assistants at Wigan, Eric Black and Nigel Spink, are offered contracts at the Stadium of Light, before he agrees to become Sunderland manager.(Daily Express) 
Swansea will ask for £3m compensation if manager Roberto Martinez leaves the club. Celtic and Wigan are reportedly interested in the Spaniard. (Daily Mirror) 
Port Vale look set to name Micky Adams as their new manager. (Daily Mirror)
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba looks set to commit his future to the Blues and sign a new three-year contract at Chelsea. (Daily Mirror) 
Anxious SPL clubs will hold crisis talks about their TV deal with Setanta, with growing fears the plug will be pulled on their £31m-a-year deal. (Daily Record)


AND FINALLY

Former Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry has written an open letter to the club's supporters apologising for his departure to Manchester City. (Daily Mirror)
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Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to throw Manchester United into turmoil and demand a move out of Old Trafford. The 24-year-old forward is a £50m target for Real Madrid. (The Sun) 
Although Ronaldo will go on holiday before making a decision on his United future. (Daily Telegraph) 
However the prospect of Ronaldo joining Real Madrid may have receded with the Spanish side opting for the £40m signature of Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery. (Independent) 
In fact, Real Madrid will reject Ronaldo this summer as club president elect Florentino Perez has targeted Milan forward Kaka and Ribery instead.(Daily Express) 
Ribery was Chelsea boss-in-waiting Carlo Ancelotti's first-choice summer signing but the Blues have lost out to Real Madrid. Ancelotti may look to CSKA Moscow's Russian left-back Yuri Zhirkov. (The Times) 
Chelsea have been told they will need to put up £20m for AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo. Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti is keen to take the 30-year-old to Stamford Bridge when he is named Chelsea boss next week. (Daily Telegraph) 
If Manchester United do not complete the permanent signing of Argentine striker Carlos Tevez this summer they will turn their attentions to Lyon striker Karim Benzema and Wigan's Antonio Valencia. (Daily Express) 
Manchester City and Liverpool are among five clubs who are willing to meet the £25m price tag for Tevez.(The Times) 
Tevez said a tearful goodbye to his Manchester United team-mates before leaving Rome alone after the Champions League final. (The Sun) 
Paul Scholes must decide if the Champions League final is to be his final game for Manchester United. Stoke want the 34-year-old midfielder as a player-coach. (Daily Mail) 
Sir Alex Ferguson may ditch Nani and Ji-Sung Park as the Manchester United boss reshapes his squad while Polish goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak will also leave this summer. (Daily Mirror)
Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry is holding out for a summer move to Arsenal. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is considering a £12m bid for the 28-year-old. (Daily Star) 
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson will try to bolster his defence by moving for AC Milan defender Digao, the younger brother of Brazilian forward Kaka. The 23-year-old has been on loan at Standard Liege. (Daily Mirror)
Bolton are lining up a £6m bid for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Miguel Veloso. (Daily Mail) 
Portsmouth defender Djimi Traore hopes to make his loan move to Birmingham permanent. (Daily Star)
Stoke boss Tony Pulis has lined up a £2m bid for 20-year-old Manchester City striker Ched Evans. (Daily Express) 
Portuguese defender Nuno Valente will leave Everton this summer but the 34-year-old will play on for another year elsewhere.(The Times) 
Greek side Panathinaikos have bid £1.5m for Sunderland keeper Marton Fulop. (Daily Star) 
Birmingham will step up their pursuit of Middelsbrough's David Wheater, 22, after the £6m-rated defender successfully came through a knee operation. (Daily Star)
Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins is being linked with an £8m move to Italian side Fiorentina. (Independent) 
The Magpies have warned the clubs chasing defender Sebastien Bassong that they will not take anything less than £15m for him. (The Sun) 
Sheffield United have rejected a £2m bid from Aston Villa for defender Kyle Naughton. The Blades have put a £6m price tag on the full-back. (Daily Express) 
Leeds have joined West Brom, Celtic and Leicester in the battle for Swindon striker Simon Cox. (Daily Star)

OTHER GOSSIP

Former England and Mexico boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is favourite to become the new Portsmouth manager.(The Times) 
Alan Shearer is expected to discover today if he will become the permanent manager of Newcastle United.(The Times) 
Wigan manager Steve Bruce will be named Sunderland boss in the next 48 hours. (Guardian) 
The Premier League will test out its strengthened fit-and-proper-persons rules on Portsmouth's new owner Sulaiman Al Fahim. (Guardian) 
Croatia coach Slaven Bilic wants to be considered for the vacant managerial post at Sunderland. (Daily Star)

AND FINALLY 

Everton's Marouane Fellaini believes his lucky hairstyle will help the Toffees defeat Chelsea in the FA Cup final.
The 21-year-old, who cost Everton £15m from Standard Liege last summer, has scored nine goals this season and he's hoping that his Afro-style hair will inspire him to add to that tally on Saturday at Wembley. (Daily Mail)
www.bbc.co.uk

Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United full-back Patrice Evra is trying to persuade Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery to come to Old Trafford.(The Sun) 
Manchester City and Tottenham are battling it out for Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.(Daily Star) 
West Brom defender Paul Robinson says he will leave the relegated club as he wants to play in the Premier League.(Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal have made an £8m bid for Fulham centre-back Brede Hangeland.(Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham are ready to make another bid for Bulgarian winger Martin Petrov, who is currently playing for Manchester City.(The Sun) 
Chelsea are confident they have beaten Inter Milan in the race to sign FC Twente striker Marko Arnautovic.(Daily Mail) 
Defender Michael Turner has disappointed Liverpool by pledging his future to Hull. (Various)
Wolves have abandoned plans to sign Spurs midfielder Tom Huddlestone after being quoted £8m for the 22-year-old.(Daily Mail) 
Rangers manager Walter Smith is set to offload midfielder Barry Ferguson this summer rather than risk him going on a free next year.(Daily Record) 
Tottenham are ready to listen to offers for Darren Bent and Roman Pavlyuchenko and are set to step up their chase for Djibril Cisse.(The Guardian) 

OTHER GOSSIP 

Newcastle are ready to offer Alan Shearer a four-year contract as they look to bounce back into the Premier League.(Daily Mirror) 
Shearer has been told that £30m must be slashed from Newcastle's wage budget following their relegation to the Championship.(Daily Star) 
West Brom manager Tony Mowbray is the favourite to succeed Gordon Strachan at Celtic.(The Sun) 
Wigan boss Steve Bruce has been strongly linked with the vacant manager's position at Sunderland. (Daily Mirror) 
However, Strachan is not a target for Sunderland.(The Independent) 
Strachan told family and friends last week that he would be standing down as Celtic manager.(Daily Record) 
Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov says following his FA Cup semi-final miss, he will not want to step up should the Champions League final go to a penalty shoot-out.(The Sun) 
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate says the club needs to be in the Championship promotion hunt by Christmas if he is to remain in his job.(The Sun) 
Former Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd is hoping to beat Jim Magilton to the QPR manager's job. (Daily Star)

AND FINALLY 

One person that is revelling in Burnley's promotion to the Premier League is former Labour press chief Alastair Campbell. He says Burnley's achievement was "even better than playing football in a charity match with Diego Maradona in front of 72,000 people".(The Sun)
www.bbc.co.uk

Saturday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Carlo Ancelotti wants Brazilian superstar Kaka to join him at Stamford Bridge if the Italian coach make the rumoured switch to manage Chelsea next season. (Daily Mail) 
Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo is once again eyeing up a summer move to Real Madrid, despite recently suggesting he would be remaining at Old Trafford. (The Sun) 
Martin O'Neill has warned Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry to be wary of Liverpool's reported renewal of interest in his signature this summer, claiming he should possibly feel "hurt" by the Reds' reluctance to pay the club's asking price last off-season. (The Guardian)
If Liverpool do renew their interest in Barry they will still have to pay at least £10m for the player.(Daily Mirror) 
Chelsea, Aston Villa and Blackburn are all in the hunt for Manchester City striker Daniel Sturridge after the striker rejected City's offer of a new contract. (Daily Mail) 
Manchester City will relaunch a £10million bid to sign Everton defender Joleon Lescott this summer.(The Sun) 
City boss Mark Hughes has told any potential suitors for midfielder Stephen Ireland they are wasting their time as he will not be leaving the club.(The Sun) 
Hughes has also reportedly switched his attentions to Aston Villa striker John Carew, after finally losing patience with Blackburn's demands for their striker Roque Santa Cruz.(The Mirror) 
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is planning a huge summer clear-out of players, regardless of which division they are in next season.(The Sun) 
Wigan manager Steve Bruce is ready to offer Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant, currently on loan at Portsmouth, a move to the Latics this summer.(The Sun) 
West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace has confirmed his club's interest in signing Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson. (The Sun)

Parma have joined Sampdoria and Atalanta in the race to sign Celtic midfielder Massimo Donati. (The Sun)

.

OTHER GOSSIP

Former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb says the Gunners must loosen their purse strings if they want to prevent their best players seeking moves to other clubs.(The Times) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger though has told the club's board to "shut up" about spending plans for the summer to prevent selling clubs from increasing their prices. (Various)
Everton boss David Moyes believes the club must make significant moves in the transfer market this summer to keep the club at a high level. (The Times) 
Bolton manager Gary Megson is another who feels his side need to splash out in the off-season, but this is to avoid becoming embroiled in another relegation battle. (The Times)
Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho insists he would not swap his striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic for European and World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo.(Daily Mail) 
Millwall striker and record goalscorer Neil Harris says that Sunday's League One play-off final against Scunthorpe is a "bigger occasion" than the club's FA Cup final appearance against Manchester United in 2004. (The Times)
The Scottish FA will reject the idea of a Team GB playing at the 2012 Olympics when its board meets on Tuesday. (Daily Express)

.

AND FINALLY 

Burnley's Graham Alexander, 37, who will line-up for the Clarets against Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final on Monday, says the secret to his long career is that he never leaves training without first having an ice bath.(Daily Mail) 
West Ham striker Carlton Cole has declared his intention to be "Selfish, more of a nutter and show aggression" to improve his game after being told by England coach Fabio Capello he had become "too nice".(The Times)
www.bbc.co.uk

Thursday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Real Madrid are confident of landing Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso for £23m if Florentino Perez is appointed president again.(The Sun) 
Inter Milan are preparing a double-swoop for Chelsea duo Ricardo Carvalho and Jon Mikel Obi and hope to land the pair for £21m. (Daily Express) 
Meanwhile Chelsea are confident they can hold off the advances of Barcelona and tie left-back Ashley Cole to a new deal. (The Guardian) 
Manchester United have been warned they face stiff competition to land Wigan winger Antonio Valencia.(The Sun) 
Aston Villa are prepared to lose £9m and let Gareth Barry run out the remainder of his contract, rather than sell him to a Premier League rival.(The Sun) 
Liverpool are preparing a £10m bid for Portsmouth right-back Glen Johnson. (Daily Star) 
However, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez may be prepared to pay as much as £15m for the Portsmouth man. (Daily Mail) 
Middlesbrough will slap a £9m price tag on defender David Wheater if they are relegated to the Championship on Sunday. (The Sun) 
Wheater is wanted by Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill who is hopeful of landing the centre-back for £7m. (Daily Star)
Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko has been assured he has a future at the club. (Daily Express) 
Chelsea are leading the chase for Wolfsburg's £6m-rated striker Edin Dzeko. (Daily Mirror)
Olympiakos are set to offer Blackburn £2m for striker Matt Derbyshire, who is on loan at the Greek side. (Daily Mirror) 
Joseph Yobo looks set to leave Everton after turning down a new deal at the club. (Daily Mail) 
Tottenham have joined Wigan, Middlesbrough, West Brom and Celtic in the chase for Hibernian striker Steven Fletcher. (Scottish Daily Mail)
Celtic outcast Bobo Balde has agreed to try and win a move to Birmingham City. ( Daily Record) 
Guinea international Balde must prove his fitness and desire during a trial period if he wants a move to Birmingham. (Scottish Sun) 
Palermo lead the race to take Massimo Donati back to Italy from an unhappy spell at Celtic. (Various)
Lazio have been linked with a move for Rangers playmaker Pedro Mendes. (Daily Express)

OTHER GOSSIP

Chelsea are set to confirm AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti as their new manager as early as next week. (Daily Star)
Celtic want David Moyes to become their new manager next season.(The Sun) 
Alan Shearer has given the strongest hint yet that he will stay on as Newcastle manager, even if the club are relegated on Sunday.(The Sun) 
However, assistant manager Iain Dowie has cast doubt over Shearer's long-term involvement at the club. (The Telegraph) 
Hull striker Dean Windass is set to land a role as player-coach, alongside Colin Todd, at League Two side Darlington. (Daily Mirror)
Exeter boss Paul Tisdale has emerged as the leading contender to replace Steve Coppell as Reading manager. (The Sun) 
Newcastle coach Colin Calderwood is on the short-list to become the new Chesterfield manager. (Daily Mirror)
Falkirk boss John Hughes is the leading contender for the Blackpool job, while Ayr United's Brian Reid is also in the running. (The Herald) 

AND FINALLY 

Former world player of the year Luis Figo is considering an offer to play in the Chinese Super League. (Chinese sports newspaper Titan Sports)
www.bbc.co.uk

Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Liverpool are the leading contenders to sign Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez and are preparing a deal worth £50m to land the Argentine.(The Sun) 
Tottenham had been set to offer £18m to land the 25-year-old but have been priced out of the market for Tevez.(The Sun) 
Instead, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp will concentrate on securing the signing of Sunderland forward Kenwyne Jones. (The Guardian) 
Jones has conceded he will leave Sunderland if the club are relegated to the Championship this weekend. (The Sun) 
It is not known if Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor will remain at the club after his agent conceded he had "no clue" about the 25-year-old's future. (The Guardian) 
Barcelona are preparing a sensational £20m move for Chelsea and England left-back Ashley Cole. (Daily Express) 
Tottenham are interested in signing Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry. (The Independent) 
Wigan are set to lose midfield duo Antonio Valencia and Paul Scharner in the summer. (The Guardian) 
Real Madrid are favourites to land Valencia, although the Ecuador midfielder has told friends he would prefer to join Manchester United.(Daily Mirror) 
Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari will reject a summer move to Tottenham. (Daily Mail) 
Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz is set to join Manchester City in a move that could result in young forward Daniel Sturridge moving the other way.(The Sun) 
Manchester City are also interested in Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan and are preparing an £18m deal for the Uruguay forward.(The Sun) 
West Ham defender Lucas Neill is a target for Greek side Olympiakos. (Daily Mail) 
The Hammers are set to loan out promising young striker Freddie Sears next season. (Daily Express) 
Blackburn are lining up a £1.5m bid for Paris St Germain winger Jerome Rothen. (The Sun)
Benfica are interested in taking Chelsea centre-half Ricardo Carvalho back to Portugal. (Daily Express) 
Tottenham are tracking Lazio forward Goran Pandev, who is also wanted by German club Hamburg. (The Times)
Charlton winger Lloyd Sam is being tracked by Premier League trio Stoke, Wigan and Newcastle. (Daily Mirror)
Reading have ruled out making Stoke striker Dave Kitson's loan move there permanent. (The Sun) 
Ipswich manager Roy Keane is lining up a £2m bid for Leicester keeper Joe Mattock. (The Sun)
Striker Jermaine Beckford, who has been linked to Premier League clubs, is to have talks about his future at Leeds United. (Daily Star)
 
OTHER GOSSIP

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to commit his future to the club following reported interest from Real Madrid.(Daily Mail) 
But the Gunners boss will be given £13m to spend on new players in the summer.(Daily Mail) 
Real Madrid are still hopeful of landing the Frenchman and have given Wenger until Thursday to decide. (Daily Star) 
Wenger will be handed £100m by Real to spend on new players if he joins the Spanish giants. (Daily Mirror) 
Midfielder Stewart Downing is facing six months on the sidelines, scuppering any chance of a dream £12m move to either Liverpool or Tottenham. (The Sun) 
Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov is set to reject a summer move and sign a new three-year deal at the club.(Daily Star) 
Uefa has confirmed that Scotland's runners-up will face two qualifying rounds in the Champions League and will not be seeded in the first round. (Daily Express)

AND FINALLY 

Laid-back Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has revealed that pre-match nerves often leave him with a case of the shakes before a game.(The Sun)
www.bbc.co.uk

Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas has conceded he spoke on the phone with former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon.(Skysports)

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is preparing an £18m bid for Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o. (Daily Mirror)

Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry has conceded he may have to consider his future if the club do not secure Champions League football by finishing in the top four of the Premier League this season. (Daily Mirror)

Portsmouth striker John Utaka is set for a return to France, with Bordeaux lining up a £7m swoop. (Daily Star)

Hertha Berlin are only prepared to pay £4m for on-loan Liverpool striker Andrei Voronin, if the German club qualify for next season's Champions League. (Daily Mirror)

Sunderland have joined the race for Millwall defender Zak Whitbread. (Daily Star)

Nottingham Forest are preparing a £1m bid for MK Dons midfielder Peter Leven. (Daily Star) Leicester are preparing a £2m swoop for Swindon's star striker Simon Cox. (Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP 

Newcastle's interim manager Joe Kinnear, who is recovering from a triple heart bypass operation, insists he still has a future at the troubled club. (The Sun) 
Executive director of football Dennis Wise is set to leave Newcastle in a summer shake-up at St James' Park. (Daily Mirror) 
Up to 11 of Newcastle's top earners will be axed from the club, including Michael Owen, Joey Barton and Damien Duff, if the Magpies are relegated this season. (Daily Mirror) 
Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho has admitted he would be interested in taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson - when the Manchester United boss decides to quit Old Trafford. (The Guardian) 
Hull say they will call a truce with Arsenal over the alleged spitting incident with Cesc Fabregas, if the Gunners apologise. (The Sun) 
QPR manager Paulo Sousa looks set to be demoted in a new-look shake-up at the Championship club. (Daily Mirror) 
Players from the Sheffield United squad relegated from the Premier League in 2007 are pursuing £5m in compensation over the Carlos Tevez saga. (The Guardian) 
Chelsea's out-of-favour winger Florent Malouda has pleaded with the club to keep him at the end of the season. (Daily Express) 
Scotland boss George Burley could be about to drop five players for the match against Iceland with goalkeeper Allan McGregor, Gary Teale, Christophe Berra, Graham Alexander and Kenny Miller's places all under threat. (The Sun) 
 
AND FINALLY 

Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has spent £100,000 on his 10th wedding anniversary, also hiring X-factor singer Laura White for the party (The Sun) 
Former Poland goalkeeper Jan Tomaszewski believes the blunders by Celtic's Artur Boruc against Northern Ireland were a 'punishment from God' for starting a 'religious war' in Glasgow. (The Sun)