Thursday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City forward Robinho has told his team-mates that he wants to quit the club to join Spanish giants Barcelona. (Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham and Portsmouth are stepping up their pursuit of Marseille winger Hatem Ben Arfa. (The Sun) 
Tottenham could also bid for former Portsmouth and current Al-Arabi striker Lomana LuaLua.(The Sun) 
Chelsea have been told that Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero will cost them £50m.(Daily Mirror) 
Meanwhile, Napoli insist that Chelsea have not made a bid for £25m-rated midfielder Marek Hamsik. (The Sun) 
Liverpool have swooped to sign 14-year-old forward Dave Moli from Blue Square Premier side Luton. (The Sun) 
Liverpool, Tottenham and Fulham are monitoring Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy's situation after the Dutchman said he would consider a Premier League return.(Daily Star) 
Gillingham have told Wolves they will have to pay more than £1.5m to land Canadian striker Simeon Jackson.(The Sun) 
Birmingham are lining up a £1.5m raid on local rivals West Brom for midfielder Graham Dorrans. (Daily Mirror) 
Aston Villa are set to part company with defender Nicky Shorey and midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker in the January transfer window. (Daily Star) 
Preston are lining up a January loan move for Stoke winger Michael Tonge. (The Sun)
Celtic midfielder Simon Ferry is desperate to extend his loan stay at League One side Swindon. (The Sun) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Injured Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has been told he will not play football again this year. (The Sun) 
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that he will not quit the club to manage Italy after rumours that current Azzurri boss Marcello Lippi will quit after the World Cup. (Daily Mirror) 
Fulham are set to spend £9m to secure the long-term services of manager Roy Hodgson and defender Brede Hangeland. (The Sun) 
Former Birmingham chief David Sullivan is plotting a takeover of League One Charlton if his bid to buy West Ham fails. (Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City midfielder Vincent Kompany has been expelled from Belgium's squad because of poor timekeeping. (The Guardian) 

AND FINALLY

It has emerged that England and Liverpool defender Glen Johnson is the latest Premier League player to be receiving the same horse-placenta treatment in Serbia as Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.(The Sun) 
The coaching skills of former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are to be offered to a Sunday league football side as part of Rio Ferdinand's charity auction. (The Sun)
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Tottenham 2 - 1 Liverpool

Liverpool's quest to end a 20-year wait to win the title started with the disappointment of an opening-day defeat against Spurs at White Hart Lane.
Rafael Benitez can have few complaints as Liverpool - heavily tipped to end Manchester United's run of three successive Premier League titles - delivered a lame display which lacked attacking invention and genuine quality. 
Spurs, in contrast, showed the greater ambition and the scenes of delight at the final whistle reflected the renewed optimism felt by Harry Redknapp and his players at claiming one of the top flight's prized scalps. 
Former Liverpool striker Robbie Keane wasted three glorious openings before Benoit Assou-Ekotto's thunderous drive gave Spurs a deserved lead a minute before the interval. 
Spurs keeper Heurelho Gomes' rush of blood threw Liverpool a lifeline they barely merited after 56 minutes when he dashed from goal and brought down Glen Johnson, allowing Steven Gerrard to level from the spot.
But Spurs were swiftly back in front when defender Sebastien Bassong marked a hugely promising debut following his £8m switch from Newcastle by heading Luka Modric's free-kick past Pepe Reina. 
Liverpool finally sparked into life and were infuriated when referee Phil Dowd dismissed late claims for a penalty after substitute Andriy Voronin tumbled under a challenge from Assou-Ekotto. 
It capped Liverpool's intense frustration and assistant manager Sammy Lee was sent from the dug-out after an exchange with the fourth official. 
Liverpool also have an injury worry over defender Martin Skrtel, who struggled throughout with a jaw injury after a clash of heads with Jamie Carragher. 
Benitez 's side failed to make a serious attacking impact on Spurs, with Fernando Torres well-shackled by Bassong and Ledley King, and their midfield lacking cohesion without the departed Xabi Alonso. 
Spurs were comfortably the more accomplished side, with Wilson Palacios and the gifted Modric dovetailing well in midfield and their reshaped defence looking assured throughout. 
White Hart Lane proved a bogey ground for Liverpool last season, with one of only two Premier League defeats at Spurs - and boss Benitez will be hoping this represents little more than a false start. 

Redknapp gave Keane the nod ahead of new boy Peter Crouch in attack - and he was not short of opportunities in a first half that started slowly but ended with Spurs in command.

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Tottenham Hot. - Liverpool

After few years of big spending, this transfer period is passing quietly for Spurs. Only big (maybe soundable is more appropriate word) signing is Peter Crouch who came from Portsmouth and defender Sébastien Bassong came from Newcastle. But, it definitely doesn’t affect on ambitions for the forthcoming season, as the team looks more than competitive. Nobody is satisfied with Euro League as the ultimate limit and Spurs will be another club (beside Man.City and A.Villa) who will try to separate “big four” of English football and reach Champions League. Harry Redknapp will have more than decent trio in attack, mentioned Crouch, his team mate from Portsmouth Jermain Defoe and Robbie Keane who will have additional motive to prove himself against ex boss. Midfield seems as the weakest link, team beside Lennon, Modric and Palacios needs on more top quality player. But for the season opening, Redknapp’s biggest problems are with the defence line. Jonathan Woodgate is recovering from groin surgery and won’t appear, his fellow center-back Michael Dawson is out with an achilles injury, while excellent side-back Gareth Bale will be also sidelined with the knee injury. Beside them, Jermaine Jenas is in doubt for the match. Tottenham have six successive home league win from last season and they’re unbeaten in last 11 top flight games at White Hart Lane. First game will give some answers and maybe even can predict the season for home side, another year spent in mediocrity or something more. 

Last season ended as another disappointment for the Reds. Second place on the table with four points less than Man.Utd. didn’t satisfy anybody at Anfield and all are announcing another chase for the trophy, pointing – this time won’t be excuses. But, it is a big question is the team better than in the previous season, or even worse. Club signed right-back Glen Johnson and excellent Italian Alberto Aquilani who came from AS Roma. But, big loss (bigger than anybody in club admits) is Xabi Alonso who signed for Real Madrid. And in the midfield are the first signs of trouble. Aquilani won’t play before September as he recovers from an ankle problem, while Steven Gerrard is doubtful with a groin injury. So, center duo will be Mascherano and probably Lucas Leiva. But, real Rafa’s headache starts in defence. He already stated they need some defenders, but for Spurs game problem will be even bigger because the injuries. Daniel Agger (back), Fabio Aurelio (knee) will be sidelined, while Jamie Carragher (ankle) and Martin Skrtel (hamstring) are also injured, but Benitez will probably risk with them and they should feature. As Spurs, Liverpool also have excellent run of results with ten wins and a draw from last eleven games in Premier. The Reds suffered only two league defeats last season, the first a 2-1 reverse at Spurs that lifted Harry Redknapp's side off the bottom of the table. This time will be even harder, at White Hart Lane Tottenham are unbeaten in the Premier League since last November. However, anything less than three points would be a big hit to Liverpool’s title credentials.

Tottenham have high ambitions, will face one of the best clubs which already defeated and surely won’t lack in confidence. But, will lack in defence line. I’m not sure are they capable to win, but it seems they believe in it and will attack the visitors. And visitors like to be attacked. But same is for Liverpool, beside quality and ambitions there’s a lack in defence. All in all, goals should be a nice bet. Pinnacle offer 2.06. Over.

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Friday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

West Ham United want to sign Chilean midfielder Luis Jimenez (on photo) from Serie A champions Inter Milan. Boss Gianfranco Zola told La Gazzetta dello Sport.: "He is one of those lads who play the way I like. It's not easy to sign non-EU players in England but I think these problems can be solved."

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United, Real Madrid and Chelsea are on standby to swoop for Lyon striker Karim Benzema.The president of the French club Jean-Michael Aulas admitted: "He has been approached. For the moment, I managed to convince them not to go further." (The Independent) 
Chelsea could be set to wreck Liverpool's hopes of signing Glen Johnson with Portsmouth executive chairman Peter Storrie saying: "Glen has got permission to speak to two clubs".(The Sun) 
The future of striker Carlos Tevez still hangs in the balance with just two weeks remaining on his loan deal at Manchester United, but he could still stay at Old Trafford - if the club make him the highest paid player.(The Sun) 
Manchester City have agreed an £18m deal to sign Blackburn forward Roque Santa Cruz.(Daily Mail) 
Newcastle United have slapped a £10m price tag on defender Sebastien Bassong with Tottenham and Arsenal leading the chase.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester City still wait anxiously to see if striker Samuel Eto'o will be heading their way from Barcelona, but Inter Milan are keen on ruining Mark Hughes' party.(The Sun) 
West Brom are lining up an audacious bid for former Liverpool star Luis Garcia.(Daily Mirror) 
Bayern Munich are closing in on Chelsea defender Jose Bosingwa.(The Times) 
Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh is being checked out by Arsenal as a possible replacement for Emmanuel Adebayor who could be off to AC Milan.(The Times) 
Sunderland are close to securing Manchester City defender Richard Dunne for £5m.(Daily Mirror) 
Crystal Palace have won the race to sign striker Freddie Sears on loan from West Ham. (The Sun)
Fulham have moved closer to signing Wigan midfielder Paul Scharner for £4m.(Daily Mail) 
Wigan are poised to battle it out with Celtic for the services of Hibernian striker Steven Fletcher.(The Sun) 
Celtic and Ipswich are vying for the services of Cobreloa striker Eduardo Vargas. (The Sun)

OTHER GOSSIP

Kevin Keegan is being lined up for a return to football with Southampton. The Pinnacle consortium, poised to take charge of the Saints, want the former England and Newcastle boss to be part of the team.(Daily Mirror) 
Burnley director Brendan Flood says Celtic tried to prise manager Owen Coyle away from them within an hour of the English club's promotion to the Premier League. (Daily Express) 
Former Celtic and West Ham striker Paolo Di Canio will this week become head coach of Romanian club Poli Iasi. (Daily Express)
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez faces a massive headache with Xabi Alonso the latest player to eye Anfield's exit door, following news that Javier Mascherano's agent met with Barcelona this week.(Daily Express) 
Former Manchester United striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy has told his team-mates Arjen Robben and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to leave Real Madrid and head for Spurs.(Daily Star) 
 
AND FINALLY

Newcastle United are committed to paying their players a £10m bonus less than six weeks after relegation from the top flight.(Daily Mail) 
Kirk Broadfoot says he could have been blinded by the exploding egg that ended with the Rangers defender in hospital with burns and shards of glass in his eyes after a microwave accident. (The Sun) 
Rangers defender Kirk Broadfoot says he is missing out on a sunshine holiday because of fears his injured ankle could develop a blood clot brought on by flying. (Daily Record)
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Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has laughed off reports linking him with a move to Manchester United, saying he would never swap Anfield for Old Trafford. (Daily Star) 
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has launched a dramatic late bid to sign Carlos Tevez from under the noses of Manchester United and Manchester City in a £25m deal. (The Sun).
Ancelotti made the last-gasp approach personally after getting Tevez's phone number from fellow Argentina striker Hernan Crespo, who worked with Ancelotti at AC Milan four years ago. (Daily Mail) 
However, Manchester City remain favourites to sign Tevez as they are offering wages of £140,000 a week. (Daily Express)  
Liverpool are also interested in the 25-year-old but their desire to spread the fee over the duration of Tevez's contract makes the deal less appealing to the striker's adviser Kia Joorabchian. (The Telegraph) 
The Reds have, however, won the race to sign defender Glen Johnson from Portsmouth for a massive £19.5m. (The Sun) 
Liverpool will have to finance the deal by selling defender Alvaro Arbeloa to Real Madrid for about £8m, while the fact that Portsmouth still owe the Reds £7m as part of the deal that took Peter Crouch to Fratton Park last summer will also reduce the overall fee. (Daily Express) 
Chelsea are closer to signing Manchester City striker Daniel Sturridge, whose fee will be decided by a tribunal, and CSKA Moscow winger Yuri Zhirkov for £15m. (Daily Express) 
However, Zhirkov has denied he is about to move to Stamford Bridge, claiming he wants to join Barcelona instead. (The Sun)
Defender Ricardo Carvalho, meanwhile, has launched a parting shot at Chelsea as he nears a move to Inter Milan, claiming they "should have given me more support" during his time injured last season. (Daily Star) 

OTHER GOSSIP

West Brom have asked permission from Peterborough to talk to manager Darren Ferguson about succeeding Celtic-bound Tony Mowbray at the Hawthorns. (Daily Star)
The Baggies also have Preston manager Alan Irvine and St Johnstone boss Derek McInnes on their shortlist. (The Times) 

.

AND FINALLY

Manchester City forward Robinho has adopted a new weight-training programme in a bid to bulk up for the new season. "He looks like a toothpick with a pair of headphones on when he lifts a barbell," said a City source. (The Sun) 
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Saturday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are lining up a move for Barcelona's Samuel Eto’o to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo’s impending departure. (The Times) 
Man United will also try to tie up a deal for Wigan winger Antonio Valencia once they have completed the £80m transaction with Real Madrid for Ronaldo. (The Guardian) 
Bayern Munich have slapped an incredible £90m price-tag on France winger Franck Ribery, who Sir Alex Ferguson sees as a potential replacement for Ronaldo at Old Trafford.(The Sun) 
United could also face the prospect of losing Carlos Tevez following the exit of Ronaldo after Robinho urged the Argentine to quit Old Trafford and join him at rivals Manchester City. (The Sun) 
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez will step up his efforts to buy Glen Johnson this weekend.(Daily Mail) 
New Sunderland boss Steve Bruce are planning a shock £15m raid on Tottenham for striker Robbie Keane.(Daily Mirror) 
European Champions Barcelona have offered striker Samuel Eto'o to Liverpool in exchange for midfielder Javier Mascherano.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Carlo Ancelotti wants to bring legendary AC Milan and Italy fullback Paolo Maldini to join his coaching staff at Chelsea.(Daily Star) 

AND FINALLY

Fifa president Sebb Blater believes Real Madrid-bound Cristiano Ronaldo is football's "Picasso" and is worth his £80m price tag. (The Sun)
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Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Tottenham are leading the race to sign former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy - with his current club Real Madrid ready to let the 32-year-old Dutch striker go for just £1.25m.(The People) 
Alternatively, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has his sights set on a £10m move for Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz.(News of the World) 
Manchester City will offer defender Micah Richards as bait in their bid to sign Everton centre-back Joleon Lescott.(News of the World) 
Newcastle striker Michael Owen is wanted by Aston Villa, but the 29-year-old will have to take a £70,000-a-week pay cut to seal the move.(News of the World) 
However, Italian club Roma are also eyeing up a move for the England striker. (Sunday Mirror)
Italian champions Inter Milan are preparing a £25m bid for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.(Sunday Mirror) 
Manchester United face losing out to Champions League conquerors Barcelona in the race to sign France stars Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema. (Mail on Sunday) 
Barcelona are also planning a £20m swoop for United defender Nemanja Vidic.(Daily Star Sunday) 
United boss Alex Ferguson is planning to boost his defensive options by signing Sheffield United's £7m-rated right-back Kyle Naughton. (Sunday Mirror) 
Portsmouth defender Glen Johnson will move back to Chelsea this week in a deal worth £16m. (Various) 
New Sunderland boss Steve Bruce will make an ambitious bid to land Antonio Valencia from his former club Wigan. (Various)
Bruce is also keen to sign centre-back Titus Bramble from the Latics. (News of the World) 
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce is ready to swoop for Paris St Germain star Jerome Rothen. (The People)
Manchester City will continue their summer spending spree with the signing of Athletic Bilbao's Spanish midfielder Javi Martinez, who is rated as one of the hottest prospects in Europe. (The People) 
Hull City manager Phil Brown is set to bid £4m for Bolton striker Kevin Davies. (The People)
Fulham are leading the race for Middlesbrough's England Under-21 winger Adam Johnson. (The People) 
Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson is also ready to offer £1m for Nuremberg's Australian centre-half Matthew Spiranovic.(News of the World) 
Stoke will battle it out with Blackburn and Sunderland to sign Newcastle's Alan Smith for £3m. (Various) 
Liverpool are set to make a shock move to re-sign striker Peter Crouch from Portsmouth for as little as £4m. (Sunday Mirror)

OTHER GOSSIP

Alan Shearer is ready to walk away from Newcastle because owner Mike Ashley is stalling on talks regarding his potential future as manager of the club.(The People) 
This could be because Shearer is not Ashley's preferred choice for the vacant manager's post at St James' Park, and the only way he will become their new boss is if a new buyer for the club is found. (Mail on Sunday) 
Alternatively, Shearer could replace Celtic-bound manager Tony Mowbray at West Brom.(News of the World) 
One potential saviour of Newcastle is former chairman Freddy Shepherd, who is planning to launch a £75m takeover bid to resume control of the club this week. (Sunday Mirror)
West Ham are set to become the latest Premier League club to be taken over by Americans in a £70m takeover. (Mail on Sunday) 
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba insists he wants to talk to new manager Carlo Ancelotti about his vision for the future before signing a new deal with the club. (The People) 
Andorra centre-back Oscar Sonejee - who is set to line up for his country in the World Cup qualifier against England on Wednesday - has blasted England's players, claiming some of them care more about having a celebrity lifestyle than playing football. (The People)
English clubs could be forced to abandon plans to recruit foreign players and shop at home in the near future if Fifa goes ahead with plans to introduce legislation requiring clubs to include up to six 'domestic' players in their side. (Sunday Express)
Liverpool are facing a legal backlash after dismissing 16 members of their backroom staff, who are now set to seek compensation for unfair dismissal. (News of the World)
Former Liverpool and England winger John Barnes is set to be named Tranmere Rovers boss this week.(News of the World) 

AND FINALLY

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has revealed that he never liked new Black Cats boss Steve Bruce when the two were both players, but he has long since buried the hatchet. (Various)
New Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has been brushing up on his English in a Dutch convent that offers intensive language courses. (The People)

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Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City believe they have won the race to sign Manchester United forward Carlos Tevez and Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry - for a combined fee of £42m.(News of the World) 
And City are also lining up a £30m bid for Barcelona's Champions League-winning striker Samuel Eto'o.(The People) 
Barcelona are poised to offer £40m for Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas.(Sunday Mirror) 
Manchester United could bid £15m for Real Madrid striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar as a replacement for Carlos Tevez.(The People) 
AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti will this week be confirmed as the new manager of FA Cup winners Chelsea, with the club preparing to step up their chase of £50m Atletico Madrid forward Sergio Aguero.(Mail on Sunday) 
Newcastle defender Steven Taylor is wanted by both Tottenham and West Ham.(The People) 
Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez says he would like to join Liverpool.(Sunday Mirror) 
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp wants to lure Chelsea winger Joe Cole, who played under him at West Ham, to White Hart Lane.(The People) 
Chelsea and Liverpool are battling it out for Paris St Germain midfielder Stephane Sessegnon - who is rated at about £12m.(News of the World) 
Steve Bruce wants Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch when he takes the manager's job at Sunderland.(The People) 
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is willing to pay £8m for Sunderland midfielder Kieran Richardson.(Sunday Mirror) 
Fulham are set to make a £5m bid for Standard Liege striker Dieumerci Mbokani.(News of the World) 
Beaten FA Cup finalists Everton have been tracking Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic.(News of the World) 
Liverpool's players have told manager Rafael Benitez that he should bring Newcastle striker Michael Owen back to Anfield.(The People) 
Newcastle defender Jose Enrique says he wants to stay at the relegated club.(Sunday Mirror) 
Everton are leading the race for Leeds United's £7m-rated midfielder Fabian Delph.(Sunday Mirror) 
Manchester United will not let midfielder Paul Scholes leave Old Trafford, despite reported interest from Stoke and Bolton.(The People) 
Bolton manager Gary Megson has made a £6m offer for Spurs midfielder Tom Huddlestone.(Sunday Mirror) 
Huddlestone will be part of a mass exodus from Tottenham this summer. The other players up for sale are Didier Zokora, Gareth Bale, David Bentley, Heurelho Gomes, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Darren Bent.(Mail on Sunday) 
Sunderland's new manager will be encouraged to make a bid for Bent in the summer. (Sunday Express)
Manchester United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak is unhappy he has not had more first-team opportunities at Old Trafford and wants to go out on loan.(The People) 
Blackburn are facing up to the prospect of losing Benni McCarthy, Stephen Warnock and Chris Samba over the summer.(News of the World) 
However, Manchester City defender Tal Ben-Haim is likely to join up with his old boss Sam Allardyce at Blackburn.(News of the World) 
Portsmouth duo Peter Crouch and Glen Johnson are not yet willing to commit their futures to the club until they receive assurances from the club's prospective new owner Sulaiman Al Fahim.(Mail on Sunday) 
Blackburn are tracking Egyptian midfielder Mahmoud Abdel Razek Fadlallah, who is valued at £3.6m by his club Zamalek.( The People) 
Liverpool are chasing Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson. (Sunday Express)
West Ham midfielder Lee Bowyer is closing in on a free transfer to Birmingham. (News of the World) 
Birmingham want Cardiff striker Ross McCormack and Manchester United defender Danny Simpson as they prepare for life in the Premier League.(The People) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Portsmouth's prospective new owner Sulaiman Al Fahim wants to bring Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp back to Fratton Park.(Sunday Mirror) 
Manager Alan Shearer's future at Newcastle has been thrown into doubt after owner Mike Ashley put the club up for sale.(News of the World) 
England manager Fabio Capello says it was Theo Walcott's decision to play in this summer's European Under-21 Championship - a move which has angered his Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger. (Sunday Express)
Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who is a candidate for the Portsmouth job, is wanted by Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon.(News of the World) 
Croatia manager Slaven Bilic has joined Eriksson in the race to become Portsmouth manager.(The People) 
Paul Jewell is being lined up for a return to Wigan, should manager Steve Bruce move to Sunderland.(News of the World) 
Bruce became interested in the Sunderland job when Wigan chairman Dave Whelan told him to cut the club's wage bill by £4m. (The People)
Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce is prepared to sign a new contract with the club and will hope that by saving Rovers from relegation, he can negotiate an improved transfer kitty.(The People) 
QPR have set their sights on Brazilian legend Zico as they look for a new manager, although former Ipswich boss Jim Magilton is favourite to land the job.(News of the World) 
Canadian multi-millionaire Jeff Mallett is looking to launching a takeover for Sheffield Wednesday.(The People) 
West Brom want £1m in compensation should manager Tony Mowbray join Celtic.(News of the World) 

AND FINALLY 

Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink was certainly a happy man after the FA Cup victory over Everton on Saturday - and who could blame him? After the game, the Dutchman was photographed in the Blues dressing room puffing a large cigar as well as dancing with club owner Roman Abramovich. "Roman was there and he danced with us as well. But, no, he didn't breakdance," said Hiddink. (Various)(News of the World)
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Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea will bid £22m in the summer for Inter Milan's Brazilian defender Douglas Maicon, a player wanted by the club's probable new manager Carlo Ancelotti.(Daily Star) 
Tottenham and Liverpool are battling it out for the chance to buy Portsmouth and England right-back Glen Johnson.(The Sun) 
Arsenal are preparing a £15m move for Fulham defender Brede Hangeland.(The Sun) 
But the Gunners are set to cash in on striker Emmanuel Adebayor with the Togo international unhappy with fans' criticism of his performances. Chelsea, Inter Milan and AC Milan are possible buyers. (Daily Mirror) 
Aston Villa and Birmingham are leading the chase for Anderlecht midfielder Lucas Biglia, who is rated at £8m.(The Sun)
West Ham are willing to sell injury-prone striker Dean Ashton over the summer and are hoping that Newcastle or Aston Villa might revive their previous interest.(Daily Mirror) 
Birmingham are looking to land Derby pair Kris Commons and Giles Barnes as Alex McLeish prepares for the Blues' return to the top flight.(Daily Mirror) 
Aston Villa defender Zat Knight could cross the city to join up with McLeish's newly-promoted side.(The Guardian) 
Newcastle defender Sebastien Bassong has warned the Magpies that he will seek a transfer should the club drop into the Championship. (The Times)
Giant Hibernian defender Rob Jones is being tracked by a host of English league clubs including Bristol City, Derby, Leeds, Swansea, West Brom and Nottingham Forest - with Forest lining up a £1m bid.(Bristol Evening Post) 
Dundee United have agreed a pre-contract deal with Huddersfield striker Danny Cadamarteri. (Various)
Wigan manager Steve Bruce has shelved plans to swoop for £4m-rated Hibernian striker Steven Fletcher. (Daily Express) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Carlos Tevez's future at Manchester United is looking bleak with the Argentine, as well as fellow forward Dimitar Berbatov, set to be left on the bench for the Champions League final next week.(The Sun) 
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has been cleared by the Football Association in his spitting row with Hull assistant manager Brian Horton.(The Sun) 
Sunderland will offer former Tottenham boss Martin Jol the manager's job at the Stadium of Light in the summer.(Daily Star) 
Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho has predicted that AC Milan counterpart Carlo Ancelotti will switch to Chelsea for next season.(The Independent) 
Chelsea have cancelled plans for an FA Cup victory parade, citing the credit crunch.(The Sun) 
Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson is holding off signing a new contract as he is undecided over his long-term future.(Daily Star) 
Everton centre-back Joseph Yobo is poised to sign a new five-year deal to stay at Goodison Park after ironing out problems from his initial negotiations with the club.(The Guardian) 
England's 2018 World Cup bid has been criticised by Fifa vice-president Jack Warner after a British National Party councillor was invited to its Wembley launch.(The Guardian) 

AND FINALLY 

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is backing Barcelona, the club where he started his career, rather than Manchester United in the Champions League final.
"I want the Spanish side to win and I don't want our closest rivals to collect another title," he said. (The Independent)
Manchester United fans have been given special dispensation by Uefa to create a mosaic tribute to former boss Sir Matt Busby ahead of the Champions League final kick-off in Rome. (Various)
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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