Friday's gossip

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United turned down the chance to sign Valencia striker David Villa. With United burdened by debts in excess of £700m, the £40m fee quoted by the Spanish side will have to be lowered if a deal is to be done.(The Guardian)
Manchester City are planning a surprise move for Bayern Munich striker, and Manchester United conqueror, Ivica Olic after the Croatia star impressed boss Roberto Mancini.(Daily Mail)
Mancini made the trip to Anfield on Thursday night to take a look at Benfica left winger Angel di Maria as he considers whether to bid for the Argentina international.(Daily Mirror)
Aston Villa midfielder James Milner is a summer target for Manchester United with Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema also in Sir Alex Ferguson's sights.(Daily Mirror)
Bordeaux striker Maroaune Chamakh's move to Arsenal is all but done, with the Morocco international expected to sign a four-year deal at the Emirates.(Daily Mail)
AC Milan's France midfielder Mathieu Flamini, 25, has quashed speculation linking him with Lyon and Manchester City - saying he wants to remain with the Italian side.(goal.com)
Birmingham midfielder Sebastian Larsson is attracting interest from Newcastle and Sunderland with Tynesiders' boss Chris Hughton weighing up a £2m bid.(The Sun)
But Larsson may be persuaded to stay and try and force his way back into the Birmingham starting line-up with a one-year contract extension on the table at St Andrew's. Defender Liam Ridgewell has been offered another two years.(Daily Mirror)
Tottenham are weighing up a move for Real Madrid midfielder Guti with the 33-year-old former Spain international expected to be available on a free transfer this summer.(Daily Mail)
Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler, 34, will join Sydney FC after the financial collapse of his current club North Queensland Fury.(Daily Mail)
Sporting Lisbon are lining up a move for Chelsea goalkeeper Hilario.(Daily Mail)

OTHER GOSSIP

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has said that Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson failed to accept defeat like a gentleman after his side's Champions league quarter-final defeat to the German side.(The Sun)
United right-back Rafael da Silva was left in tears after his dismissal reduced Ferguson's side to 10 men early in the second half.(The Sun)
Defeat against Hull at the weekend could spell the end of Brian Laws' tenure as Burnley manager.(Daily Mail)
Liverpool owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are considering standing aside as co-chairman of the club. British Airways chairman Martin Broughton has been sounded out about the role.(Daily Telegraph)
American billionaire Stan Kroenke could launch a bid to take full control of Arsenal if he decides to sell his shareholding in American football franchise the St Louis Rams.(The Independent)
Striker James Beattie has suffered another snub at Stoke with teenage rookie Louis Moult ahead of him in the pecking order for this weekend's clash with Wolves.(Daily Mail)
Rangers chairman Alastair Johnston says keeping manager Walter Smith at Ibrox next season is a "high priority" but admits he can not guarantee the former Everton and Scotland boss money to spend on new players in the summer.(Daily Record)
Arsenal striker Robin van Persie could make his return from a serious ankle injury in Wednesday's derby against Tottenham.(Daily Mirror)

AND FINALLY

On-loan Celtic striker Robbie Keane's top-of-the-range Range Rover was seized by police after a worker at the garage it was being repaired in took it for an unauthorised late-night spin.(Daily Record)
Ipswich manager Roy Keane says he can feel the presence of legendary Nottingham Forest boss Brian Clough every time he returns to the City Ground.(Daily Mail)
After their loss to Manchester United in the Carling Cup final at Wembley in February, manager Martin O'Neill has demanded Aston Villa change their suits, their hotel and stay in London one night rather than three ahead of the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea.(Daily Mirror)
Notts County striker Luke Rodgers could be lining up alongside Barcelona striker Thierry Henry next season if both complete expected summer moves to Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls.(Daily Mail)
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Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are keen on Serbian defender Uros Cosic, who is tipped by his club CSKA Moscow as a potentially bigger talent than Nemanja Vidic.(Daily Mirror) 
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is planning a January bid for Wigan's £4m-rated defender Maynor Figueroa, who scored a stunning long-range goal against Stoke at the weekend.(The Sun) 
Arsenal are concerned that defender Mikael Silvestre could leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the season.(Daily Mirror) 
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is considering a move for Chile defender Waldo Ponce, who plays for Velez Sarsfield in Argentina.(Daily Mail) 
Aston Villa's Spanish defender Carlos Cueller has attracted the interest of Real Madrid.(Daily Mirror) 
Leicester boss Nigel Pearson could make a £750,000 offer for Arsenal defender Kerrea Gilbert.(The Sun) 

OTHER GOSSIP

The ruling family of the United Arab Emirates want talks with Liverpool's owners to discuss possible investments.(Daily Mirror) 
And Liverpool's co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks are closing in on a deal that will see them sell a share in the club to a new investor for around £124m.(Daily Telegraph) 
Jose Mourinho's troubles at Inter Milan have increased the likelihood of the former Chelsea boss returning to England, with Liverpool and Manchester City touted as possible destinations.(The Sun) 
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger's attempt to get compensation from the Dutch Football Federation over the injury picked up by Robin van Persie while on international duty last month has been dismissed by Fifa.(The Independent) 
Former Portsmouth manager Tony Adams is set to return to management with French side St Etienne.(Daily Mail) 
Coventry boss Chris Coleman has been given until the new year to save his job at the Ricoh Arena.(The Sun) 
Nottingham Forest have blocked an approach from another unnamed Championship club to speak to manager Billy Davies. Davies has been linked with the vacant jobs at Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday.(The Sun) 
Sheffield United are leading the chase for Peterborough striker Aaron McLean. (The Sun) 

AND FINALLY

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits his half-time rant during the game against Liverpool was a risk, and says football management is like "living on a volcano". He said: "I was many times very angry but sometimes you're angry but do not show it. The problem with anger, you can create some damage that you cannot repair."(Daily Telegraph)

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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

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Portsmouth are ready to make a move for Tottenham forward Giovani dos Santos.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool co-owner George Gillett's talks with a Saudi firm to sell part, or all, of his stake in the club are "on hold" despite his visit to the Middle East last week, an official from the FC investment vehicle has claimed. (Daily Telegraph) 
Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has been ruled out for three weeks after tweaking medial ligaments in his knee during a challenge by Birmingham defender Liam Ridgwell on Saturday. (Daily Star) 
The Swedish Football Association want Notts County director of football Sven-Goran Eriksson to become the new manager of their national team. (Daily Mirror)
Referee Mike Jones is set to be withdrawn from next weekend's Premier League fixture list after allowing Sunderland striker Darren Bent's winner against Liverpool to stand when it deflected in off a beach ball thrown on to the pitch by a supporter.(The Sun) 
Stoke defender Robert Huth looks certain to be charged by the Football Association and may face a three-match ban after appearing to aim a punch at West Ham defender Matthew Upson on Saturday.(The Sun) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he turned down a move to Real Madrid last summer because he wants to win the Champions League with the Gunners.(The Sun) 
Fifa president Sepp Blatter will reiterate that England is the spiritual home of football and deserves to host the 2018 World Cup finals when he takes on a role with the world's oldest club on Monday. Blatter will officially accept the honorary presidency of the Sheffield FC Foundation.(The Times) 
Mike Ashley has spoken publicly for the first time about retaining control of Newcastle United in the event of the club's long-running takeover saga failing to reach fruition.(The Times) 
Ashley has told local businessman Barry Moat to offer £80 within a seven-day deadline if he wants to buy the Championship club. (Daily Star) 

AND FINALLY

Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo is set to become football's first billionaire, earning £16,000 per minute. The former Manchester United star is being offered £1.5m a game by foreign tycoons to show off his skills in a series of friendlies. (Daily Star) 
Cheeky Manchester United fans plan a rendition of the pop classic 99 Red Balloons when they arrive at Anfield for Sunday's Premier League match against Liverpool. (The Sun) 
The inflatable off of which Bent's strike veered into the net was official Liverpool merchandise, part of a beach set recently reduced to £10 in the club shop. (Various)
David Beckham's healthy food range has been kicked into touch by shoppers. Just £633 worth of microwave dishes - picturing the LA Galaxy midfielder and promising low fat pasta, noodles, omelettes and fish sticks - were sold last month. (Daily Star)
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Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has urged Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti to sign French midfielder Patrick Vieira from Inter Milan in January.(The Sun) 
Another Inter player in demand is midfielder Sulley Muntari, who is being tracked by Tottenham.(The Sun) 
Former Liverpool winger Bolo Zenden is keen to join Sunderland and will train with Steve Bruce's side in a bid to win a deal.(Daily Mirror) 
European champions Barcelona are believed to be weighing up a January move for Arsenal full-back Emmanuel Eboue.(The Sun) 
Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul is wanted by Italian side Juventus, who are preparing a £3m bid.(Daily Star) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster and manager Sir Alex Ferguson were involved in a dressing-room bust-up after the draw with Sunderland, after the Scot pointed the finger at the England man for his part in Kenwyne Jones's goal for the Black Cats.(Daily Star) 
Portsmouth manager Paul Hart is facing the axe, as new owner Ali Al Faraj is keen on installing a bigger name in charge at Fratton Park.(Daily Mirror)
In addition, new Pompey owner Al Faraj has promised a spending spree in the January window to save the club from relegation.(Daily Mirror) 
Mike Ashley's long running quest to sell Newcastle United has taken a new twist after City sources confirmed that a new South African bidder had emerged.(Daily Mirror) 
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has been left stunned by quotes attributed to Reds' co-owner George Gillett, who says any failures on the pitch are down to the Spaniard and not himself and American co-owner Tom Hicks.(The Sun) 
However, Benitez will be given a £12m transfer kitty this January by his American bosses in an attempt to salvage the club's title bid.(Daily Mail) 
Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou is set to become an unlikely beneficiary of Chelsea's transfer ban, with the 23-year-old set to sign a new contract.(The Times) 
Manchester City forward Robinho, who broke a bone in his ankle six weeks ago on international duty, is targeting a return to action against Fulham on 25 October, a month ahead of schedule.(The Sun) 
David Sullivan will step up his efforts to buy West Ham next week when he gets the £25m from Carson Yeung's buyout at Birmingham.(Daily Mirror) 
The outgoing Blues chief has also taken a swipe at Birmingham fans, who he claims have forced him out of the club.(Daily Mirror) 
Hull midfielder Geovanni has revealed he snubbed a return to Brazil in favour of pledging the rest of his career to the Tigers, with whom he recently signed a new three year deal.(Daily Mirror) 
Iain Dowie is being lined up as Director of Football at Notts County so Sven Goran Eriksson can move higher up on the Meadow Lane board.(The Sun) 

AND FINALLY

Manchester United's French midfielder Gabriel Obertan has taken up gardening in a bid to help him cope with his injury hell. He has yet to play since signing from Bordeaux in a £3m deal in July because of a back problem.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given has joked that in-form Blues striker Craig Bellamy is so demanding of high standards from his teammates that he "probably moans in his sleep".(Daily Mirror)
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Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea could move for Patrick Vieira as cover for Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel when they are away on African Cup of Nations duty in January - if the club can challenge its transfer ban.(The Sun)
Fulham are interested in American striker Brek Shea, who plays for FC Dallas.(The Sun) 
Fiorentina's protests over Manchester United's alleged poaching of 16-year-old defender Michele Fornasier have been thrown out after Fifa gave him permission to play for United's U18 side(Dail Mail).
Rangers striker Kris Boyd, who is out of contract at the end of the season, will be offered a new deal - but he will have to take a major pay cut to stay at Ibrox(Daily Record)

. 

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool co-owner George Gillett has told a fans' meeting manager Rafa Benitez is to blame for their faltering progress, not the club's owners(The Guardian) 
Hull's record signing Jimmy Bullard is due to make his comeback from a dislocated kneecap in the game against his former side Fulham in a fortnight's time(The Telegraph) 
Birmingham co-owner David Sullivan has told West Ham he will only buy the club if the price is reduced because of the debt he would be taking on - and could invest in Norwich, Ipswich, Cardiff, Leicester or Charlton if he cannot strike a deal(Daily Mirror) 
Businessman Barry Moat has made a "substantial" offer to Newcastle owner Mike Ashley to buy the club and still plans to install Alan Shearer as manager(The Times) 

AND FINALLY

Former Manchester United striker Eric Cantona says he no longer follows football and is unlikely to bother watching next year's World Cup. "I have another life, there are things to do," he said (Daily Express).
Former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson says it is wrong to blame England's failure at the last two World Cups on the presence of players' wives and girlfriends around the squad.(Daily Mail)
Everton's Marouane Fellaini delayed having his wisdom teeth removed because of their injury problems - and as a result picked up a throat infection which has hampered his play so far this season.(Daily Mirror) 
A Bulgarian Third Division match had to be abandoned after four minutes after injuries reduced one of the teams to six men.(The Guardian)
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Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are the latest club to track Bolton defender Gary Cahill. Chelsea, Juventus and AC Milan are also interested in the 23-year-old.(The Sun)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is keen on Atletico Madrid forward Keko, who has been likened to Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.(Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham and Arsenal are two of the clubs willing to offer midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker a way out of Aston Villa following his bust up with manager Martin O'Neill. (Daily Star)
Hull boss Phil Brown is desperate to land Sol Campbell in the January transfer window, following the former Arsenal defender's decision to leave Notts County last week.(Daily Mirror) 
Japanese midfielder Keisuke Honda, who plays for Dutch club VVV Venlo, is wanted by Everton.(Daily Mirror) 
Aston Villa are deciding whether to make a January bid for midfielder Milan Jovanovic, whose contract with Standard Liege expires next summer.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Aston Villa defender Curtis Davies is set to land a new contract, despite being out for five months with a shoulder injury.(The Sun) 
Liverpool's American owners, George Gillett and Tom Hicks, say they are ready to water down their control in the club. (Various) 
Birmingham City chairman David Gold is set to lose his job at the club if Carson Yeung completes his takeover.(The Sun) 
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce says Anton Ferdinand still has a future at the club, despite the defender being dropped for the victory over Wolves at the weekend. (Daily Star) 
Hull midfielder Jimmy Bullard says he is fit and ready for action after recovering from knee ligament surgery earlier this year. (The Sun)
Manager Fabio Capello wants to make sure England's 2018 World Cup bid does not come under scrutiny by refusing to treat the qualifiers against the Ukraine and Belarus as practice matches.(Daily Express) 
Manchester United striker Michael Owen says he is determined to be part of England's World Cup campaign in South Africa next year. (The Times)

AND FINALLY

Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez has explained his reasons for not celebrating his goals against West Ham on Monday, saying that "part of me will always be a Hammer". However, following the treatment he received at Old Trafford recently, the Argentine says he will not extend the same courtesy if he scores against his former club Manchester United. (Daily Mail)
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Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Former Notts County defender Sol Campbell could be offered a route back into football by struggling Premier League club Hull.(Sunday Mirror) 
Or, Campbell was in talks with championship side Ipswich hours after walking out on Notts County on Wednesday.(Sunday Express) 
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has demanded £45m from the club's owners to sign Valencia forward David Villa. (Sunday People)
Arsenal are increasingly resigned to losing captain Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona in the summer.(Sunday Express) 
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp will launch a January transfer bid for West Ham defender Matthew Upson.(News of the World) 
Redknapp is also keen on Bolton centre-half Gary Cahill but will have to come up with £20m to land the Englishman. (Sunday People) 
Manchester United have been given first option on signing Sporting Lisbon keeper Rui Patricio.(News of the World) 
Or, Manchester United will offer Inter Milan £20m for Brazilian keeper Juilo Cesar. (Sunday People) 
Everton manager David Moyes hopes to sign Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson for £6m in January. (News of the World) 
But, Middlesbrough will offer Johnson a massive 800% pay rise to tempt the 22-year-old to stay at the Championship club. (Sunday People) 
Aston Villa are keen on Sunderland keeper Marton Fulop as he looks for a long-term replacement for Brad Friedel. (Sunday People)
Arsenal's 19-year-old right-back Gavin Hoyte is wanted by Derby County on loan. (Sunday People) 
Cameroon midfielder Modeste M'Bami has snubbed an offer from Wigan of a one-month contract at the club. (Sunday People)
Everton are battling it out with Bolton for Maccabi Haifa's 23-year-old midfielder Lior Rafaelov. (Sunday Mirror) 
Newcastle and Middlesbrough are fighting to sign West Brom defender Abdoulaye Meite on loan. (Sunday Mirror)
Wigan look to be favourites to capture £2m-rated SK Brann winger Erik Huseklepp. (Sunday Mirror) 
Arsenal striker Carlos Vela could be in line for a surprise move to Spanish club Xerez in the January transfer window. (Sunday Mirror)

OTHER GOSSIP

Former Celtic manager Gordon Strachan is favourite to succeed under-fire Paul Hart at Portsmouth. (Daily Star Sunday) 
Sven-Goran Eriksson is ready to move from his role as Notts County's director of football and replace current manager Ian McPharland.(Sunday Expresss) 
Meanwhile, Sol Campbell claims that broken promises and the failure to land big-name players were the reasons behind his early Notts County exit. (News of the World) 
In his explosive new book, former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke claims a bust-up with former manager Sir Alex Ferguson led him to drink.(News of the World) 
Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has been warned by specialist knee surgeon Dr Richard Steadman that he may never recover from the tendinitis that has kept him out of action for a year.(News of the World) 
Liverpool co-owner George Gillett is in talks with an Arab prince to sell a 25% stake in the club for £125m.(Sunday Mirror) 
Blackburn striker El Hadji Diouf and team-mate Ryan Nelson were involved in a dressing room punch-up following last Sunday's 3-0 defeat by Everton.(News of the World) 
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is yet to be offered a new deal by Craven Cottage chiefs. (Sunday People) 

AND FINALLY

Manchester United keeper Edwin van der Sar says he will not retire from football until he has won the Champions League again.(Sunday Mirror) 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed how he placed a bet at the start of the season on former Old Trafford winger Cristiano Ronaldo to be the top scorer in Spain at new club Real Madrid.(Mail on Sunday)
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Thursday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Former West Ham defender Lucas Neill is set to undergo a medical at Everton today. (Sky Sports)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Valencia's Spanish forward David Silva has admitted he is interested in a move to Manchester United.(Daily Mirror) 
Hull striker Caleb Folan is set to join Middlesbrough on a three-month loan deal.(The Sun) 
Aston Villa are hoping to beat Chelsea and Manchester City in the race to sign Feyenoord's £5million-rated Netherlands Under-21 midfielder Jonathan De Guzman.(Daily Mail) 
Bolton defender Danny Shittu has turned down a loan move to Sheffield United because he does not want to step down from the Premier League.(Daily Mirror) 
Liverpool target Angel Di Maria has had his buy-out clause increased to £40m by Portuguese club Benfica as they brace themselves for a bid from the Premier League side.(Daily Mirror) 
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has blocked Diomany Kamara's move to Newcastle United because he needs him for his squad.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United and Burnley are likely to need a tribunal to thrash out compensation for defender Richard Eckersley, who joined the Clarets from United in the summer.(The Sun) 
Everton are giving a trial to Colo Colo's 18-year-old Chilean striker Nicolas Millan, who has been compared to Cristiano Ronaldo.(Daily Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced he can persuade midfielder Paul Scholes to put his retirement plans on hold in favour of one more year at Old Trafford.(Daily Mirror) 
Fabio Capello has revealed that his current job as coach of England will be his last in football and he never wants to manage the national side of his native Italy.(The Sun) 
QPR owner Flavio Briatore faces being kicked out of the Loftus Road club following his departure from Formula 1 team Renault. Should F1 bosses decree that Briatore is no longer a "fit and proper person" to operate within their sport, he would have to relinquish his control of QPR as Football League rules state any shareholder or director must be removed if they are banned by a recognised sport's governing body.(The Sun) 
Chelsea sporting director Frank Arnesen fears he could be the next high profile departure from Stamford Bridge following the exit of chief executive Peter Kenyon.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson will not discipline striker Wayne Rooney for his enraged reaction to being substituted during the Champions League victory over Besiktas on Tuesday.(The Sun) 
Liverpool's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are ready to put up to 25% of the club up for sale to raise £100m that can be used to build a new stadium.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has joked that he will join United's fans in booing former teammate Carlos Tevez if he lines up for Manchester City in the derby between the sides on Sunday.(The Sun) 
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has promised that investment in the club's new £30m training complex will not harm Harry Redknapp's team-building programme.(Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth have put Ivory Coast striker Aruna Dindane on a special fitness programme in a bid to get him fit for the club's battle to get off the bottom of the Premier League.(Daily Mirror) 
Karren Brady has turned down an offer from prospective Birmingham City owner Carson Yeung to remain as chief executive of the Blues.(The Sun) 
Manchester City have confirmed they will not appeal the violent conduct charge against Emmanuel Adebayor for his stamp on Arsenal's Robin Van Persie in City's 4-2 win on Saturday.(The Sun) 
Ipswich boss Roy Keane has told defenders Gareth McAuley, who has been stripped of the captaincy, and Ben Thatcher that they have no future with the club.(Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY

England manager Fabio Capello joked that his wife may have taken a shine to David Beckham after having photos taken with the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder.(The Sun) 
Capello has also revealed that had he not pursued a career in football he would have chosen a career as an airline pilot.(Daily Star)
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Monday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Nicklas Bendtner's father says the striker is fully committed to Arsenal, amid suggestions the Denmark international is wanted by Italian giants Roma. (Setanta) 
Andriy Shevchenko wants to honour his contract with Chelsea and will report for pre-season training with the Blues on 9 July. The Ukraine forward, who spent last season on loan at AC Milan, has one year left on his deal with the Stamford Bridge side. (The Sun)
AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi has said the Serie A club is open to offers for Andrea Pirlo, amid speculation the Italy midfielder could join former Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea(Daily Star)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United have been urged by former Chelsea and France defender Marcel Desailly to pay whatever it takes to sign Bayern Munich playmaker Franck Ribery - even if it costs £150m. (Daily Star)
Argentine striker Carlos Tevez agreed to join Manchester City from bitter rivals Manchester United two weeks ago - and he will complete a £25.5m move in the next few days.(Daily Mirror) 
However, Chelsea could scupper the deal if the Stamford Bridge outfit match the £130,000-a-week salary that City are offering Tevez. (Daily Mail) 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will start to rebuild his strike force with a £30m move for Lyon striker Karim Benzema.  (Daily Mirror) 
United's bid for the 21-year-old Benzema could even be as high as £35m. (Daily Mail) 
Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz will complete his £15m move to Manchester City in the next 48 hours - provided he passes medical tests on his knee. (The Sun) 
Hull manager Phil Brown wants to hijack Quinton Fortune's move to Ipswich. The former Manchester United winger is a free agent after being released by Belgian club Tubize. (Daily Star) 
However, Brown could miss out on Manchester United striker Frazier Campbell, who is stalling on a £6m move, despite the fee being agreed two weeks ago. (Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City are ready to sell Swiss midfielder Gelson Fernandes to Lens - and are hoping to claw back £2.5m from the deal. (Daily Mirror) 
Former Celtic midfielder Paul Hartley is wanted by Sheffield United. (Daily Mirror) 
But the Blades face a fight to keep defender Matthew Kilgallon at the club, with Wigan and Middlesbrough both interested. (Daily Mirror) 
Burnley are ready to move for Nigeria centre-back Rabiu Afolabi, who is a free agent after leaving French side Sochaux. (Daily Mirror) 
Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand insists he has no intention of leaving the club, despite interest from Fulham. (Daily Mirror) 
Blackburn are closing in on Paris St Germain midfielder Jerome Rothen.(Daily Mirror) 
Fulham have been linked with former Spain and Liverpool striker Fernando Morientes, who does not currently have a club. (The Independent) 
Liverpool's first-team coach Mauricio Pellegrino has refused to rule out the possibility of midfielder Javier Mascherano leaving the club - with Barcelona interested in the Argentine international. (Various). 
Bolton will strongly resist any offers for striker Kevin Davies, who is thought to be wanted by Blackburn. (Guardian)
Birmingham have not given up in their pursuit of defender Roger Johnson, despite Cardiff refusing to lower their £5m valuation of the player. (Guardian) 
Celtic face competition from Hull, Fulham, Portsmouth and Wolves for Nancy striker Marc-Antoine Fortune. (Scottish Sun)
Herman Hreidarsson looks set to reject a possible Old Firm switch in favour of staying at Portsmouth. (Daily Express) 
Bristol City could sell Michael McIndoe to Sheffield United for £750,000 and replace him with Manchester United winger Lee Martin. (Bristol Evening Post) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool co-owner George Gillett has pulled off a deal in the United States, selling his stake in NHL side Montreal Canadiens for a £178m profit, that should help him to ease the Reds' financial worries. (The Guardian) 
Claims have emerged in the Middle East that an Arab sheik has bought a 60% stake in a top English club. Portsmouth and Newcastle are among the leading clubs for sale. (The Sun) 
Broadcasters Setanta are clinging on to a slim hope that they can raise the £3m owed to the Scottish Premier League and keep themselves in business. (Daily Record)
However, the SPL are ready to pull the plug on Setanta and secure a new television deal with either Sky or ESPN. (Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY

Reading fan Charles McLeod could be the world's most devoted supporter after racking up an incredible 120,000 miles last season to watch his side 17 times - travelling from his hometown of Toronto, Canada. (Daily Mirror)
David Beckham is hoping to stretch his playing career until he is 40 by incorporating an hour-long Pilates routine into his daily training. The exercises were part of the England midfielder's regime while on loan at AC Milan from Los Angeles Galaxy. He has signed up for classes in the United States when he returns in July with his wife Victoria. (The Sun)
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Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Man City have targeted Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta and will bid £35m for the playmaker. (News of the World) 
City are also planning to splash the cash on Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch, while Liverpool will try to sign right-back Glen Johnson from the cash-strapped south-coast club. (Sunday Express) 
City will face competition for Crouch from Blackburn, who are keen on taking the England international to Ewood Park. (NOTW) 
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill will have to trim his squad if the club fail to earn a Champions League spot. (NOTW)  
Liverpool centre-back Daniel Agger says he does not know if he will be at the club next year as talks continue about a new deal. (NOTW) 

OTHER GOSSIP 

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says none of his squad are "immune" from criticism and he has spoken to star player Cristiano Ronaldo over the winger's attitude. (Various) 
United face problems off the pitch. They must pay £1.1bn in debt over the next nine years and may have to sell Ronaldo and other players to ease the financial strain. (NOTW) 
Liverpool co-owner George Gillett is set to sell his Montreal Canadiens hockey side for £272m to put the pressure on Reds counterpart Tom Hicks as their refinancing deal of the club approaches. (NOTW) 
Chelsea have been warned off trying to lure AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti to Stamford Bridge. (Mail on Sunday) 
Ancelotti blamed a shoulder injury for leaving David Beckham on the bench for AC Milan's win over Chievo on Saturday. (Mail on Sunday) 
Chelsea captain John Terry says he wants Guus Hiddink to stay as manager beyond the end of the season and calms stories that the Blues players want Jose Mourinho back as manager. (Various) 
Queens Park Rangers will again try to persuade Malaga boss Antonia Tapia to take over as their manager following the exit of Paulo Sousa. (Sunday Express) 
But QPR are ready to offer ex-Blackburn boss Paul Ince a route back into the game by giving him the job. (NOTW) 
Alternatively, Dennis Wise could take over. (Mail on Sunday) 
 
AND FINALLY 

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has told Sir Alex Ferguson to forget playing mind games because he does not understand the Scot's accent. (Various) 
Chelsea defender Ashley Cole says Liverpool would have been happy "even if it was five" following his side's rampant 3-1 win at Anfield in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. (Mail on Sunday)
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