WC 2010 - 28.06.

Holland - Slovakia, Slovakia to score first @ 3.75 (bet365)  LOST

The Dutch played a perfect qualifications and started WC with all 3 wins and just a single goal conceded (after a doubtful penalty).However,they have a long list of failures on big competitions after underestimations of the opponents and this time they're already seen in a quarter clash against Brazil.Robben is fit,but same as Rooney and Torres and I don't expect (still) great performances from him.

Slovakia made a first class surprise,now they're full of self confidence and can play without any pressure.In a positional game however,they don't have too much chances and it would be only a matter of final result.I expect not so defensive Slovakia and who knows,maybe Weiss got some silly idea to attack Holland.

Class difference is obvious,just I don't see Holland at 1.40 worth of backing and easily can imagine this game going in the wrong way.A gamble for me.

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Bets for tonight will follow.Stay tuned.

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Brazil - Chile, Brazil -1ah @ 2.08 (bet365)  3-0 WON 
red card in the game - yes @ 3.00 (bet365)  NO LOST 

Brazil is top favorite to win WC.In group games,only against Ivory Coast they showed a piece of the full potential.Dunga rested Kaka,Robinho and Elano,all 3 will be in the squad tonight.Both teams know each other very well and I'd exclude any tactical surprise.Brazil likes to play against Chile,6 win in a row,5 of those were with 2 or bigger winning margin.In last 5,Brazil scored 21 goals(!),conceded just 3.

Chile looked good in the group games.Despite two 1-0 wins,they play very attacking.Bielsa forces some little weird formation,with 3 players in a defense line.Del Bosque made a stupid decision,left his wingers on the bench and actually adjusted Spain's game to Chile's,which was scandalous in my opinion.Dunga won't be making such favors.Also,Bielsa will be without his 2 key defenders.

Chile is good enough to keep Brazilians fully focused.Can't see any sign of a surprise.Also,Chile's disciplinary record suggests a big possibility it won't ended peacefully.

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World Cup 2010 bonuses
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Finally starts!!! Antepost

I already wrote explanations for these bets:

England 1st, USA 2nd @ 2.50

Serbia to win the group @ 4.00

Serbia to reach semi-final @9.00

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Now, here're some new bets and some gambles. No explanations.

Spain 1st, Chile 2nd @ 2.10

Uruguay to qualify @ 2.10

Uruguay and South Africa to qualify @ 15.00

Robinho top goalscorer @ 29.00

Luis Suarez top goalscorer @ 51.00

Kaka golden ball @ 15.00

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Choose what you like and good luck.

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EDIT: Another one, have just placed.

Best team goalscorer

Milijas 15.00

Suarez 3.50

Rooney 2.37

treble @ 124.68

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Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Double winners Chelsea will make a £40m move for Real Madrid's Brazilian forward Kaka. (News of the World) 
But Chelsea are bracing themselves for a £20m bid for left-back Ashley Cole from Barcelona and Real Madrid. (Sunday Express) 
The Blues face a battle with former manager Jose Mourinho, now Inter Milan manager, for Atletico Madrid's Argentina forward Sergio Aguero, 21.(News of the World) 
As well as Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, Spurs midfielder Luka Modric is one of Chelsea's summer transfer targets, giving the White Hart Lane club chairman Daniel Levy a major dilemma this summer after their Champions League qualification.(Mail on Sunday) 
But Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp will attempt to start his spending in preparation for the Champions League next season by signing Manchester City defender Micah Richards for about £6m.(Sunday Mirror) 
Tottenham also want Bordeaux full-back Benoit Tremoulinas, 24. (News of the World) 
Manchester City are planning to offer Liverpool £40m plus striker Emmanuel Adebayor and midfielder Stephen Ireland in exchange for Anfield stars Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.(News of the World) 
Manchester City will raid Real Madrid for striker Gonzalo Higuain if they fail to land Torres from Liverpool.(Sunday Mirror) 
Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha could join Sunderland for £3m after claiming City boss Roberto Mancini does not like him. (News of the World) 
Manchester United and Arsenal are battling to sign Everton central defender Phil Jagielka. Full story: (Sunday Mirror) 
And Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has added £20m-rated Ajax striker Luis Suarez to his shortlist of transfer targets after the Uruguay star scored 35 goals in 33 league games for the Dutch side. (News of the World) 
The Old Trafford outfit also want Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandana, 25, to replace Edwin van der Sar, with the France number two likely to cost £10m. (News of the World) 
Liverpool's £9m-rated midfielder Yossi Benayoun has been told he has no future at Anfield by boss Rafael Benitez - alerting Tottenham and Sevilla.(News of the World) 
Aston Villa have joined Everton in the chase for Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford who will become a free agent on 1 July. (Sunday Express) 
Everton are poised to make a move to sign highly-rated Torino defender and Italian under-21 international defender Angelo Ogbonna.(goal.com) 
Meanwhile, Marseille's France winger Hatem Ben Arfa, 23, could make an £8m move to Everton. (News of the World) 
West Ham are trying to sign Crystal Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni in a £1m deal.(News of the World) 
Speroni is likely to replace England goalkeeper Robert Green at Upton Park with £6m-rated Green set to be the first major player sold by West Ham this summer possibly to German side Schalke 04. (Mail on Sunday) 
Blackburn are planning to swoop for Burkino Faso striker Aristide Bance, 25, who plays for German side Mainz, with Stoke and Sunderland also keen.(News of the World) 

OTHER GOSSIP

England boss Fabio Capello was warned off picking injury-plagued Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves in his World Cup squad by Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson. (Sunday Telegraph) 
Jonathan Woodgate's injury problems seem set to continue with the Spurs defender still unsure when he will be able to return to full training despite travelling to New York to work with a physio and then to Australia for surgery.(Mail on Sunday) 

AND FINALLY

Manchester City's owners are set to appoint top architect Rafael Vinoly as the man to design a £1bn sports and leisure complex on a 200-acre site around Eastlands which will transform east Manchester.(Sunday Mirror)
www.bbc.co.uk

Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola insists the club will not be forced to sell striker Carlton Cole in January, despite interest in the £20m-rated player from Manchester United and Liverpool.(The Sun) 
Chelsea have dropped out of the running to sign Benfica's Ángel Di María after balking at the £36m asking price, leaving the way open for the Argentine winger to join Manchester City next summer.(Daily Telegraph) 
Birmingham's £4m bid for Standard Liege's Serbian striker Milan Jovanovic has collapsed, leaving Manchester United, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Everton to battle it out for his signature.(Daily Mirror) 
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is willing to listen to offers for defender Anton Ferdinand and Spurs are believed to be preparing a £6m bid. (Various) 
Manchester City have moved a step closer to signing QPR's Raheem Sterling after the young forward notified Rangers of his desire to leave.(Daily Mirror) 
Nottingham Forest are planning a £3m move for Tottenham defender Gareth Bale.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Los Angeles Galaxy and England midfielder David Beckham is struggling to be fit for his New Year move to AC Milan after needing three cortisone injections in his right ankle before Sunday's MLS Cup Final defeat to Real Salt Lake.(The Sun) 
Beckham is ready to move into club ownership after expressing his wish to buy a Major League Soccer team. He has the right to invest in a future franchise as part of his deal to join Galaxy in 2007.(Daily Mirror)
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Babel says he will leave the club in January if he is not given more opportunities in the first team by manager Rafael Benitez. "I have tried to talk to the manager but it isn't of any use," admitted Babel."(The Sun) 
Real Madrid forward Kaka has revealed that he turned down a move to Chelsea in the summer in order to complete his dream move to the Bernabeu. (Daily Mail) 
Bolton manager Gary Megson has rounded on some of his players, accusing them of trying to destabilise the club. The Trotters are currently in the Premier League relegation zone following three successive defeats. (Various)
Tottenham defender Jonathan Woodgate has admitted he has no chance of representing England at next year's World Cup in South Africa because of his persistent injury woes.(Daily Mirror) 
Ipswich have dismissed speculation that their manager Roy Keane is on the brink of being sacked. A club spokesman said: "The story in a national newspaper that our manager is about to leave is complete and utter nonsense.(Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal midfielder Alex Song has agreed to sign a new contract that will keep him at the Emirates until 2015.(The Sun) 

AND FINALLY

Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun has revealed that his recent injuries were treated by Serbian healer Marijana Kovacevic with human placenta. Benayoun's team-mate Glen Johnson, Arsenal's Robin van Persie and Chelsea's Frank Lampard have all recently been treated with what was believed to be horse placenta.(The Sun) 
Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe says that watching Spurs coach Clive Allen in action during his playing days on YouTube helped him claim his five-goal haul during the 9-1 win over Wigan on Sunday.(Daily Mirror)
www.bbc.co.uk

Shamrock Rovers - Real Madrid

For Defoe (chat box).

This is the premiere of the new galacticos. 80 000 people came to see Cristiano Ronaldo's unveiling at Bernabeu, tonight only 10 000 will be able to watch the debut. The best eleven are expected on the pitch (confirmed Ronaldo and Kaka will play).

For Shamrock, this will be the most important game in the history (some statement to the press few days ago). And what's the best way to someone hear for you except to score a goal to Real Madrid?! I must check the odds for Gary Twigg to score. Depending from the odds, maybe few bucks on it.

Real play the first game in the preparation for the new season, while Shamrock is in their best shape. I think hosts can score tonight. Real will win, of course, but I think the value lies at over. Over 3.5 is about 1.75, good bet. Maybe the best bet is over 4.5 with a small, gamble bet. Odds around 2.50.

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European qualifications are in front. Will be some analyzes. Stay tuned.

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USA 2-3 Brazil

Brazil denied the United States a shock victory by coming back from two goals down to win the Confederations Cup.
A Clint Dempsey flick and a Landon Donovan strike on the counter put the US into a surprise 2-0 half-time lead. 
Luis Fabiano pulled one back for Brazil before Kaka was denied an equaliser when his header was wrongly judged not to have crossed the line. 
Luis Fabiano's headed second levelled matters before, five minutes from time, Lucio nodded in a corner to win it. 
After upsetting the odds so spectacularly with their 2-0 semi-final victory over Spain, the US almost tore up the script again, against opponents who had beaten them 3-0 in the group stage of the competition. 
Predictably, favourites Brazil had the lion's share of possession, but the incisive football was played by the American underdogs throughout the first half.

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USA coach Bob Bradley:

"That defeat really hurt. 
"I'm extremely proud of my players, but it still feels pretty lousy to let this one get away. 
"I hope though that people around the world see we have good team and great players and it is a big step forward." 

Brazil coach Dunga:
"Even after we went 2-0 down the team was still sure of itself. We told them at half-time to play down the wings, keep patient. 
"We did that, we have been together for 29 days and we were determined to win it. 
"It is very difficult to overcome a 2-0 deficit, it is not easy, but if you have committed players who never give up then you have a chance and we came back in the second half. We showed a high level of professionalism." 

USA: Howard, Spector, DeMerit, Onyewu, Bocanegra, Dempsey, Clark (Casey 88), Feilhaber (Bornstein 75), Donovan, Davies, Altidore (Kljestan 75).
Subs Not Used: Guzan, Califf, Wynne, Pearce, Beasley, Adu, Torres, Bradley, Robles. 
Booked: Bocanegra. 
Goals: Dempsey 10, Donovan 27. 

Brazil: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Luisao, Andre Santos (Dani Alves 66), Ramires (Elano 67), Felipe Melo, Silva, Kaka, Luis Fabiano, Robinho.
Subs Not Used: Victor, Juan, Kleber, Miranda, Josue, Julio Baptista, Kleberson, Alexandre Pato, Nilmar, Gomes. 
Booked: Felipe Melo, Andre Santos, Lucio. 
Goals: Luis Fabiano 46, 74, Lucio 84. 

Att: 62,000 
Ref: Martin Hansson (Sweden).
www.bbc.co.uk

Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Arsenal are poised to hijack Manchester United's £25m bid to sign 21-year-old striker Karim Benzema from Lyon.(News of the World) 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will intensify negotiations to for £45m Atletico Madrid playmaker Sergio Aguero and complete the £14m signing of Wigan striker Luis Antonio Valencia. (Sunday Mail) 
Manchester City have completed a £25m swoop for Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o, 28, and they are expected to announce that they have also signed Carlos Tevez. (News of the World) 
Chelsea will make a new £50m offer for AC Milan's Brazilian striker Pato after their initial £45m bid for the 19-year-old was rejected. 
Meanwhile, Blues striker Didier Drogba, midfielder Michael Essien and defender Ashley Cole are to be offered new £125,000-a-week deals, but Joe Cole and Jose Bosingwa could be on their way out of Stamford Bridge. (News of the World) 
Chelsea are also set to test Bayern Munich's resolve with a £50m bid for French winger Franck Ribery.(Sunday Express )
Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant is agonising over a switch across Stanley Park to join Everton. (News of the World) 
Xabi Alonso's future at Anfield depends on Real Madrid's bid to sign David Villa from Valencia. If Real fail to purchase the striker, they will meet Liverpool's £25m asking price for Alonso. (News of the World)
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has urged manager Rafael Benitez to try and sign one of his Spanish international team-mates David Villa, David Silva or Juan Mata, who all play for Valencia. (News of the World) 
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley expects to receive two bids for the club this week which could determine Alan Shearer's long-term future at St James' Park.(Sunday Mirror) 
Aston Villa are ready to make a £5m swoop for German international Tim Borowski, 29, who plays in midfield for Bayern Munich.(News of the World) 
Stoke are ready to smash their transfer record and spend £6m on Newcastle's Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins. But they are likely to face competition from Everton, Aston Villa and Tottenham.(News of the World) 
West Ham want to bring Anton Ferdinand back to Upton Park from Sunderland in a cut-price deal. New Black Cats boss Steve Bruce does not want the 24-year-old, who moved to Wearside last summer, and Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola will make a £2m bid.(News of the World) 
Meanwhile, Bruce is ready to make a £5m bid for Rangers 24-year-old midfielder Steven Davis.(News of the World) 
Southampton could this week be forced to sell former England Under-21 midfielder Andrew Surman just to meet the club's wage bill. (The Sun)
QPR are expected to head a queue of clubs willing to pay a cut-price £400,000 for the 22-year-old who has made 133 appearances for the Saints.(Sunday Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Newcastle face a £750,000 wage bill for strikers Michael Owen and Mark Viduka, even though the pair may not play for the club again.
Both players' deals expire on Tuesday, but they have a clause in their contracts that means they will be paid for another month if they do not sign for clubs in July.(News of the World) 

AND FINALLY

Brazil and Real Madrid playmaker Kaka has delivered a stinging blow to Manchester City by revealing that they were not a big enough club to tempt him to the Premier League. (News of the World)
www.bbc.co.uk

Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Brazil will allow Kaka to have a medical on Monday as the playmaker moves closer to completing a £56m move from AC Milan to Real Madrid.(Daily Mail) 
Barcelona will make a last-ditch attempt to keep striker Samuel Eto'o this week as Manchester City prepare a £25m bid for the Cameroonian.(The Sun) 
Liverpool are determined to hold on to midfielder Xabi Alonso and sources at Anfield say it would take a "mind-blowing offer" from Real Madrid to take him back to Spain.(The Times) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has agreed a £10m deal for Ajax's 23-year-old Belgian central defender Thomas Vermaelen but they may lose Kolo Toure to Manchester City.(Daily Mail) 
Everton are preparing a £7m swoop for two players from Reading - winger Stephen Hunt and striker Kevin Doyle. (Daily Star)
Everton boss David Moyes faces a fight with Espanyol for Rennes midfielder Stephane M'Bia and the Toffees also want Cardiff midfielder Joe Ledley. (Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United are ready to battle with Real Madrid for the signature of Wigan winger Antonio Valencia but they are reluctant to pay the £16m wanted by the Latics.(Daily Mail) 
Actually, United are more than willing and will wrap up the signing of Valencia for about £17m this week.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United have accepted a £6m bid from Hull City for 21-year-old striker Fraizer Campbell.(Various)
Atletico Madrid are trailing Everton's in-form 27-year-old South African midfielder Steven Pienaar.(Daily Mail) 
Stoke City are set to sign Swedish Under-21 midfielder Andres Vasquez on a free transfer after he left FC Zurich.(Daily Mail) 
Birmingham are set to sign ex-Newcastle loanee Oguchi Onyewu from Standard Liege and have made a new £5m bid for Cardiff centre-back Roger Johnson.(Daily Mail) 
Spanish side Espanyol are hoping to sign Chelsea's 19-year-old Israeli striker Ben Sahar for about £800,000.(Daily Mail) 
FC Basel are hoping to convince Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell, 34, that he should sign for them this week after he rejected an approach from Trabzonspor.(Daily Mail) 
Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies will make an improved £2m bid for Doncaster centre-back Matthew Mills this week. (Daily Mirror)

OTHER GOSSIP

West Brom have drawn up a shortlist of managers, including Peterborough's Darren Ferguson, as they prepare for boss Tony Mowbray to leave for Celtic. (Daily Mirror)
Mowbray will start work as the new manager at Celtic Park this week - as long as the Scottish giants bite the bullet and pay about £2m compensation to the Baggies. (Daily Telegraph) 
Burnley boss Owen Coyle will sign a new contract at Turf Moor this week for three times his old salary but less than he could have earned at Celtic. (Daily Mirror)
England striker Wayne Rooney has admitted he is dreaming of winning the World Cup in South Africa next year.(The Sun) 
England defender Matthew Upson believes West Ham team-mate Robert Green is good enough to make the number one jersey his own at international level.(Daily Express) 
England Under-21 boss Stuart Pearce will defy Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to ensure Theo Walcott plays in the European Championship, which starts next week, as well as for the senior side against Andorra on Wednesday. (Daily Express) 
Alan Shearer is hoping a north-east buyer will take over Newcastle and keep alive his hopes of being named permanent Magpies boss - as current owner Mike Ashley does not think he should get the job.(The Sun) 

AND FINALLY

Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson has revealed that leaving Stamford Bridge to join Portsmouth helped him fall back in love with football.(The Sun)
www.bbc.co.uk

Friday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Inter Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic would welcome a move to Barcelona, his agent said on Friday following reports the clubs were discussing a deal. (Press Association 0847 BST)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United will sell Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid if the Spanish giants stump up a stunning £75m. (Daily Mirror) 
If Real do not sign the Portugal international winger by the end of the month they will have to pay him £26m as a result of a promise made to him by the club's former president Ramon Calderon. (Daily Star) 
Real's vice-president Fernando Tapias appeared to confirm on Spanish radio that the club does indeed have such a penalty clause written into an alleged pre-contract agreement made between Calderon and Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes. (The Independent) 
Meanwhile, new Real Madrid president Florentino Perez (on photo) said he believes Ronaldo has a £75m get-out clause in his United contract and said he is "working to bring Ronaldo to Real Madrid". Perez also all but confirmed that AC Milan's Brazilian superstar Kaka will join the club for £62m. (The Sun) 
Yet another seemingly Madrid-bound star is Valencia's David Silva. Liverpool are also keen on the midfielder but look as though they will miss out on him after he had talks at the Bernabeu. (The Times) 
Chelsea are set to offer Ashley Cole a £27m four-year deal in order to fend off interest in him from Barcelona, who are believed to be ready to bid £20m for the left-back. (The Sun) 
As well as hanging on to their best players, Blues midfielder Frank Lampard has urged the club to sign "someone to do something special", identifying a need for a creative midfielder or a striker. (The Independent) 
The players Lampard has in mind are Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery and Valencia's David Villa. (The Guardian) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is keen to bring Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure, brother of Gunners defender Kolo, to the club and is set to bid £12m for him. (The Sun) 
The Gunners are favourites to beat Manchester City to the signature of £8m-rated Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko, who they see as a replacement for Emmanuel Adebayor. (Daily Mirror) 
But Arsenal face competition for the Bosnian from Manchester City, who are also looking at Blackburn's Roque Santa Cruz, Portsmouth's Peter Crouch and Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o. (The Guardian) 
Adebayor's future, meanwhile, could be in Italy as AC Milan are believed to be poised to make a £15m bid for the Togo striker. (The Sun) 
Aston Villa are bracing themselves for a battle to hold on to Ashley Young, with Chelsea and Real Madrid set to be interested in the £20m-rated winger. (Daily Mirror) 
Villa have targeted Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone as a replacement for Gareth Barry and will bid £6m for him. (Mirror) (Daily Mirror) 
David Bentley could also make the switch from White Hart Lane to Villa Park, but only if Spurs are prepared to accept £5m less than the £15m they paid Blackburn for him. (Daily Star) 
The clear-out at Spurs could also see Didier Zokora join Sevilla - but the Spaniards are thought to want to pay £2m less than the Londoners' £8m valuation of their man. (Daily Mirror) 
Meanwhile, Manchester City want to sign Liverpool's Xabi Alonso as they want him to form a midfield partnership with their new £12m signing Barry. (Daily Mirror) 
Sunderland want to sign the world's tallest player, Serbian striker Nikola Zigic, who stands at 6 ft 8 ins. New boss Steve Bruce is set to sanction a club record £10m bid for the Valencia player. (Daily Mirror) 
Bruce also wants to raid former club Wigan to sign midfielder Lee Cattermole. (The Sun)
Bolton and Birmingham are competing to sign Anderlecht's Argentine playmaker Lucas Biglia, who would cost about £6m. The pair are also battling to snap up ex-Portsmouth midfielder Sean Davies. (Daily Mirror) 
Everton have warned Manchester City that defender Joleon Lescott is not for sale. (Daily Mirror) 
West Ham want to hijack Everton's £6m swoop for Rennes full-back Rod Fanni. (Various)
Blackburn striker Matt Derbyshire could be priced out of a move to Greek side Olympiakos as Rovers are holding out for £2m more than the £3m bid they have received. (Daily Mail) 
Stoke boss Tony Pulis is lining up a bid for Marseille striker Djibril Cisse, who spent last season on loan at Sunderland. But the Frenchman is believed to prefer a move to Tottenham. (Daily Mail) 
Celtic, Bolton and Genoa are interested in Manchester City midfielder Gilson Fernandes. (Daily Express) 
Newcastle's controversial midfielder Joey Barton has insisted he will not be forced out of the club and does not want a transfer despite his bust-up with interim boss Alan Shearer. (Daily Mirror) 
Sheffield United will pay Watford £400,000 for versatile defender Leigh Bromby. (Daily Star) 
New QPR boss Jim Magilton is set to raid former club Ipswich for striker Jon Walters and midfielder David Norris. (Daily Star)
Shrewsbury want to sign striker Jake Robinson, who has been released by Brighton. (Daily Star) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has been demanding a central striker's role for next season, as he is fed up of being played out on the left flank. (Daily Express) 
New Sunderland boss Steve Bruce says he is 50 times better as a boss now than in his early days when he was a "hothead" and used to sulk. (Daily Mirror) 
Bury manager Alan Knill is in talks with the club about a contract extension as he enters the final year of his current deal. (Daily Star)
Brendan Rodgers, who is set to become the new Reading boss, has revealed he was advised to take the job by former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho. (The Sun) 
Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is on his way to Sporting Lisbon after being snubbed by Portsmouth. (The Sun)
A Middle East consortium is set to compete a takeover for League Two side Notts County. (Daily Express) 

AND FINALLY

Chris Waddle and fellow commentator Jon Champion will be fined £100 for each football cliche they come out with during England's game against Kazakhstan, with the money being donated by Setanta to the Bobby Moore fund. (Daily Star)
ww.bbc.co.uk

Thursday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Notts County looks set to be taken over by a Middle Eastern consortium in a multi-million pound deal. (BBC Sport website) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City believe they are close to the £20m signing of Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o. (Daily Mail) 
City are also battling it out with rivals Manchester United for the signature of Argentine forward Carlos Tevez, who has been on a loan deal at Old Trafford. (Daily Express) 
Tevez will decide in the next seven days where his future lies, after United made a final take-it-or-leave-it offer to the 25-year-old. (Daily Star) 
Chelsea have made a last-ditch £70m offer for AC Milan forward Kaka.(Daily Star) 
The Blues are hopeful that Kaka's personal demands may also price Real Madrid out of the market. (Daily Mirror) 
However, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has admitted that Madrid are favourites to land the Brazil star. (The Independent) 
But new Chelsea manager and former AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti has not given up on signing Kaka and even phoned the Brazilian and begged him not to join Real. (The Sun) 
However, Chelsea have denied making a world record £73.5m bid for the Brazilian but say they still expect to make a major signing this summer. (Daily Telegraph) 
If Chelsea miss out on Kaka then that acquisition could be his AC Milan team-mate Alexandre Pato and will offer £38m for the 19-year-old.(Daily Express) 
However, Chelsea could also go after Samuel Eto'o after he was made available by Barcelona president Joan Laporta.(The Independent) 
The Blues are also targeting Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery and Valencia forward David Villa. (The Guardian) 
Chelsea have opened talks with Portsmouth to sign right-back Glen Johnson in a deal that could be worth £17m. (Daily Mail) 
Blues midfielder Deco is on the verge of a move to Inter Milan on a free transfer. (Daily Mail) 
Arsenal are closing in on the £10m signing of Ajax centre-half Thomas Vermaelen.(The Sun) 
The Gunners are keen on Juventus and Italy central defender Giorgio Chiellini. (The Times)
But Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor could be on his way to AC Milan with the Italian side set to bid £15m for the Togo international. (The Sun) 
AC Milan and Barcelona are lining up Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic in a £25m deal. (Daily Mail) 
Real Madrid have tabled a £20m bid for unsettled Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso. (Daily Mail) 
Liverpool, meanwhile, are interested in Middlesbrough forward Tuncay. (The Mirror) 
Reds boss Rafael Benitez has also met with Valencia forward David Silva this week and is keen to bring the Spaniard to Anfield. (The Mirror) 
The Merseyside club have also offered Portsmouth £2m for defender Sylvain Distin. (The Times) 
Aston Villa have bid £7m for Atletico Madrid midfielder Jose Manuel Jurado. (The Times) 
Villa are also interested in bringing former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb back to the Premier League from Barcelona in a £10m deal. (Daily Star) 
Newcastle midfielder Kevin Nolan is attracting interest from Bolton, Blackburn and Hull. (The Guardian) 
Tottenham defender Chris Gunter is wanted by Newcastle, Middlesbrough and West Brom. (The Guardian)
Manchester United trio Fraizer Campbell, Danny Simpson and Darron Gibson have been placed on the transfer list at Old Trafford. (Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is to make a fresh £5m bid for Manchester City centre-back Richard Dunne.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester City midfielder Elano has issued a come and get me plea to Serie A champions Inter Milan. (The Sun) 
Defender Lucas Neill has severed his ties with West Ham and is set to link up with old Blackburn boss Mark Hughes at Manchester City. (Daily Express)
Former Manchester United striker Alan Smith is set to sign for Blackburn in a £2.5m deal. (Daily Star) 
Arsenal utility player Emmanuel Eboue says he is unsure whether he will be at the club next season. (Daily Express) 
Birmingham hope to sign Ecuador centre-back Giovanny Espinoza after landing compatriot Christian Benitez in a club record fee. (Daily Mirror) 
Wolves are preparing a £2.6m deal for Red Star Belgrade midfielder Nenad Milijas. (The Sun) 
However, Aston Villa are also interested in Serbian star Milijas.(The Times) 


OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has risked his England future after his late withdrawal through injury ahead of the World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan. (The Mirror) 
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan says Swansea boss Roberto Martinez is his first choice to replace former manager Steve Bruce. (The Sun) 
Stoke manager Tony Pulis hopes to appoint Sheffield United number two Sam Ellis as his deputy at the Britannia Stadium. (Daily Mirror) 
Watford manager Brendan Rodger is on the verge of becoming named as the new boss at Reading. (The Sun) 
West Brom are targeting Preston boss Alan Irvine as their new manager if Tony Mowbray takes over at Celtic. (The Mirror) 
However, West Brom have denied that Celtic have made an approach for Mowbray. (Daily Telegraph) 
Burnley's Owen Coyle and West Brom's Tony Mowbray are in a straight fight for the Celtic manager's job. (The Herald)
Celtic have launched a last-ditch attempt to secure Roberto Martinez, but the Swansea boss is 90% certain to go to Wigan. (Daily Mail) 
Irish billionaire Dermot Desmond will today be urged to finance compensation for Tony Mowbray or Roberto Martinez as manager. (The Sun)


AND FINALLY

Meanwhile United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has vowed that he will play again, despite rumours that he will be forced to retire following a succession of knee injuries. (Daily Mirror)
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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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Tuesday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

AC Milan playmaker Kaka insists he wants to stay at the San Siro. Speculation has been rife that the Brazil star, who turned down a move to Manchester City in January, will follow his former coach Carlo Ancelotti to Chelsea. (PA 0948 BST)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

New Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti has made AC Milan's Brazilian striker Pato and Portsmouth defender Glen Johnson his top targets. The Blues have bid £30m for Pato and have offered £12m for their former player Johnson. (The Sun) 
AC Milan have hinted it will be hard for them to reject a substantial offer for their Brazilian playmaker Kaka, which could alert Chelsea and Real Madrid.(The Sun) 
Everton manager David Moyes is offering Newcastle striker Michael Owen £50,000 a week to make the switch to Goodison Park. (Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City's Brazilian forward Robinho has ruled out a summer switch to his homeland club Santos. (Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United hope to sign striker Carlos Tevez on a permanent deal on Wednesday - but only on their terms. (Daily Mirror) 
Real Madrid will use rookie striker Negredo as bait in a bid for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso - but they will first have to buy back the forward from Almeria.(The Sun) 
Birmingham have tabled a club record £6m bid for Santos Laguna's Ecuador striker Christian Benitez but face competition from several other Premier League clubs. (The Sun)
Fulham look set to beat Portsmouth to the signing of Brazilian left-back Felip Lopes, who plays for Portuguese side Nacional. (The Sun) 
Tottenham are keen to sell defender Pascal Chimbonda to Blackburn for about £3m as the Londoners chase Marseille utility man Lorik Cana, who is valued at £5m. (Various)
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is keen to bring goalkeeper Paul Robinson back to the club, a year after he was sold to Blackburn. (Daily Star) 
Sunderland will make a £5m bid for Wigan defender Titus Bramble, once Steve Bruce is installed as manager. (Daily Star)
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate wants to hand Manchester United defender Gary Neville a lead role in getting Boro back into the Premier League.(Daily Mirror) 
Hull boss Phil Brown is eager to sign Newcastle midfielder Kevin Nolan.(Daily Mirror) 
Wolves and Birmingham are set to battle for the signature of Bolton defender Danny Shittu. (Daily Mirror) 
Bristol City midfielder Marvin Elliott is a £2m target for West Brom but Blackburn and Wolves are also interested. (Various)
Derby boss Nigel Clough is set to sign Exeter midfielder Dean Moxey in a £275,000 deal.(Daily Star)
Charlton are lining up a double defensive swoop, with Southend's Peter Clarke and Miguel Llera of MK Dons the targets. (Daily Star) 
Gillingham are set to open talks with Oldham for midfielder Kevin Maher. (Daily Star)
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is keen on signing Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara. (Daily Star) 
Leeds United look set to lose midfielder Bradley Johnson to Crystal Palace and forward Robert Snodgrass to Sheffield United. (Daily Mirror)


OTHER GOSSIP

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich picked Italian Carlo Ancelotti as the club's new manager because he wants a yes man in charge. The Russian tycoon plans to be more hands-on at Stamford Bridge than before, deciding which players will come in and are let go. (Daily Star) 
England coach Fabio Capello has recommended under-21s manager Stuart Pearce for a new improved contract. (The Sun) 
Alan Shearer still wants to become Newcastle manager on a permanent basis, despite owner Mike Ashley's sale plans causing meltdown at the club. (The Sun) 
Former Aston Villa boss Graham Taylor believes current incumbent Martin O'Neill needs to sign five new players if the club are to challenge for a Champions League spot. (Daily Mirror) 
Reading want to offer Watford boss Brendan Rogers their vacant manager's job. (Daily Mirror)
West Ham defender Lucas Neill has hinted he may stay with the club, despite rejecting one offer of a new deal. (The Sun) 
Fears are growing for the viability of Setanta's financial commitment to the Scottish Premier League after the broadcaster defaulted on a £3m payment. (The Herald)
Celtic face competition from Wigan and Real Sociedad in their pursuit of Swansea manager Roberto Martinez. (Various) 
Wigan may turn to Dundee United's Craig Levein if they miss out on Martinez. (Scottish Sun)

AND FINALLY

Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra has lifted the lid on his team's pampered lifestyle - admitting he even rings someone to rush over and change a lightbulb. Evra says he can call player liaison manager Barry Moorhouse night or day. (Daily Mirror)
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Saturday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Joey Barton has been handed a lifeline to stay at Newcastle by boss Alan Shearer. (The Sun) 
Carlos Tevez has told Argentina coach Diego Maradona that Manchester United boss is Sir Alex Ferguson an 'old man' who is determined to lower his transfer value. (The Sun) 
Real Madrid have confirmed their interest in Tevez but the United striker has rejected a chance to play in Spain. (Daily Mail) 
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp wants £5million-rated Almeria left-winger Albert Crusat if he is unable to sign Stewart Downing from Middlesbrough. (The Sun) 
Reading have released goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann, Graeme Murty, Leroy Lita and Michael Duberry in the wake of their failure to win promotion back to the Barclays Premier League. (Daily Mail) 
Celtic target James McCarthy has denied claims he is desperate to leave Hamilton and promised to give his all in their fight against relegation. (Daily Record) 
Real Madrid will reportedly sign AC Milan playmaker Kaka if presidential candidate Florentino Perez regains control of the Spanish club. (in Spanish: Marca) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has reacted angrily to fans' critical response to a fourth consecutive season without silverware, saying he has been made to feel like a "murderer". (Daily Telegraph) 
Spurs manager Harry Redknapp has urged his players to give up drinking and set an example to youngsters as binge drinking reaches epidemic proportions in the UK. (Daily Telegraph) 
Harry Redknapp will counsel his players to keep out of bars and the newspaper headlines after he laid bare the drinking and newspaper culture that he inherited at Tottenham. (Times) 
Chelsea's interim boss Guus Hiddink has told AC Milan's Carlo Ancelotti that taking over at Stamford Bridge could be the best job he will ever have. (Daily Express) 
Arsenal striker Andrey Arshavin wants Barcelona to beat Manchester United in the Champions League final, insisting: "United look very solid but they play like machines, whereas Barcelona are dreamers, they are more creative". (Daily Mail) 
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, who still has five years of his Emirates contract to run, insists he is fully commited to the club. "I wouldn’t be so committed to the club if I didn’t believe we will win trophies," he said. "For the last four summers people have been saying 'Oh, Cesc will leave now' but I am still here and I will be here next season as well." (Sun) 

AND FINALLY 

Arshavin has a few choice opinions on women drivers: "I would never give driving lessons to women. We need to build a few new roads for them. Why because you never know what to expect from them," he said. (Daily Mail)
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Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

.

Forward Carlos Tevez could break his ties to businessman Kia Joorabchian to stay at Manchester United for free according to a senior European MP. (The Sun) 

Old Trafford officials are reluctant to meet Joorabchian's valuation of £22m, with a midweek meeting ending with the two parties no nearer a deal. (The Guardian) 
But Tevez and his advisor are ready to walk away from negotiations if United continue to haggle over the fee. (Independent) 
The Argentina star has rejected the chance to move to Spanish giants Real Madrid in a £40m switch as he would prefer to stay in the Premier League. (Daily Mail) 
After failing to convince Kaka to move to Eastlands in January, Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has turned his attentions to his £10m-rated AC Milan team-mate Ronaldinho. (The Mirror) 
Chelsea's Didier Drogba is also in Hughes' sights as he looks to take advantage of a Blues boardroom split on whether to retain the Ivorian. (The Sun) 
Arsene Wenger has refused to rule out the possibility of selling some of his biggest stars to fellow top-four sides, opening up the possibility of Emmanuel Adebayor replacing Drogba at Chelsea. (Various)
Porto defender Bruno Alves is also a possible new arrival at Stamford Bridge, but Tottenham and Real Madrid are also considering meeting his club's £15m valuation. (Daily Star) 
Blackburn Rovers will demand £20m in exchange for in-demand Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz. (The Mirror) 
While Paris-St-Germain midfielder Jerome Rothen could be on his way to Ewood Park after being told he is free to leave by his current employers. (Various) 
Defender Gael Givet, who has been on loan from Marseille since January, could also be snapped up by Sam Allardyce on a £3.5 million deal. (The Sun) 
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is in a race with Barcelona to sign Cadiz youngster Jesus Fernandez who has been touted as the new Cesc Fabregas. (The Mirror) 
While Real Madrid and Manchester United are ready to do battle for Wigan's Luis Antonio Valencia with Latics boss Steve Bruce resigned to his departure. (The Mirror) 
Sir Alex Ferguson has seen off rival interest from Arsenal to clinch the signing of 16-year-old Le Harve starlet Paul Pogba - a fee, based on appearances and compensation to his French side, has yet to be set. (The Mirror) 
AC Milan's Carlo Ancelotti has targeted CSKA Moscow's Yuri Zhirkov as one of the players he would want to bring to Chelsea should he get the Stamford Bridge job. (Express) 
Tottenham are in talks with Nottingham Forest over a deal to make defender Chris Gunter's loan move to the City Ground permanent. (Daily Mail) 

Wolves will add Doncaster midfielder Brian Stock to their squad at a cost of £2m as they prepare for life in the Premier League. (The Sun)

.

OTHER GOSSIP

.

AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti is expected to be confirmed on Saturday as Chelsea's manager for next season after Guus Hiddink stands aside. (The Sun) 
But Frank Rijkaard has been earmarked as a fall-back option should the Italian decide to stay with the Rossoneri. (The Times) 
Wayne Rooney has urged the Manchester United hierarchy to end Carlos Tevez's contract limbo and make him a permanent part of the Red Devils' strikeforce. (Various)
Cristiano Ronaldo has apologised to Manchester United kitman Alec Wyllie after snatching a tracksuit top from him after being substituted in the Manchester derby. (The Sun) 
Martin O'Neill has admitted he does not know how much clout Aston Villa will have in the summer transfer market amid fears that owner Randy Lerner's finances suffered in the credit crunch. (The Mirror)
Aston Villa captain Martin Laursen is poised to announce his retirement after admitting defeat in a battle with a knee injury. (Various) 
Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia has told on-loan forward Djibril Cisse to concentrate on guaranteeing the Black Cats' survival rather than worry about where he will be playing next season. (Various)
At north-east neighbours Newcastle Michael Owen's agent has dismissed suggestions the 30-year-old could be ready to quit football as "totally untrue". (Various) 
Mark Hughes believes that he hasn't got the plaudits he deserves for the job he has done at the Manchester City helm. (Various)
Premier League officials will take the Premier League trophy to Old Trafford on Saturday ready to be presented to Manchester United if they take a point from their lunchtime meeting with Arsenal. (The Sun) 
Senior football figures in Brazil and Argentina are to lobby Fifa in an attempt to get the third-party ownership arrangements that surround players such as Tevez and Javier Mascherano outlawed. (The Guardian)
Chief executive Gordon Smith says the Scottish FA cannot introduce goal-line technology until world governing body Fifa changes its opposition to the idea.(Various) 

AND FINALLY 

Rangers full-back Kirk Broadfoot went to hospital for treatment after a microwaved egg exploded in his face, scalding his cheek. (Daily Record) 
A six-man delegation from Manchester United sent to Rome to pick up the club's Champions League final tickets counted each one of the 20,000 allocation - before repeating the process on their return to England. (Express) 
A US court has heard how a bar brawl involving former Chelsea and Wimbledon midfielder Vinnie Jones was sparked by taunts about his age and accent. (The Sun)
Blackburn's El Hadji Diouf has treated himself to a £420,000 chrome-plated Mercedes. "
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Saturday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Manchester United have held talks with Kaka's representatives over a sensational summer move for the Brazilian AC Milan star. (Sun)
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted for the first time that Argentine striker Carlos Tevez could leave Old Trafford in the summer. (Various)
Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko will return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season because AC Milan will not pay the £9m fee to turn his loan deal permanent. (Sun) 
The Blues are willing to listen to offers for striker Nicolas Anelka at the end of the season and hope to recoup most of the £15m they spent to sign him from Bolton. (Times)
Meanwhile, Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne has emerged as a shock target for Real Madrid.
Middlesbrough will sell Stewart Downing in the summer, with Liverpool the favourites to beat off competition from Totenham to land the £10m-rated England winger. (Daily Mail)
Fulham defenders Brede Hangeland and Aaron Hughes could leave the club in the summer after rejecting improved contract offers. (Sun) 
Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o has warned off potential suitors by insisting he has no intention of leaving "the best club in the world". (Daily Mail)
Tottenham are preparing a £1m bid for Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson. (Sun) 
 
OTHER GOSSIP 

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes was involved in a training-ground bust-up with defender Micah Richards on Friday. (Various) 
Hughes has opened the door for Jo to resurrect his City career after admitting Everton have yet to make a move to complete a permanent transfer for the on-loan striker. (Daily Telegraph)
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will be offered a new six-year contract this summer that would give the 23-year-old parity with defender Rio Ferdinand and forward Cristiano Ronaldo on £125,000 per week. (Sun) 
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola and his assistant Steve Clarke will sign new four-year deals next week - Zola has agreed a £1.6m- a-year contract, while Clarke will become the Premier League's highest paid number two with a £1m wage packet. (Sun)
Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia admits he could face the sack even if he keeps the Wearside club in the Premier League. (Various) 
 
AND FINALLY 

One of the first things Nemanja Vidic discovered when he arrived in England three years ago was fish and chips and the Manchester United defender says he intends to celebrate by eating some more if his side brings home any silverware this season. (Sun)
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Thursday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP 

AC Milan forward Kaka wants the Italian club to sign Steven Gerrard, despite the England midfielder recently agreeing a new contract with Liverpool. (Daily Mail) 
Cristiano Ronaldo's future has been plunged into fresh doubt after Ramón Calderón, the former Real Madrid president claimed the Spanish champions have a formal agreement to sign "one of the best players in the world" in the summer. (The Times) 
Liverpool forward Ryan Babel is expected to lead a summer exodus from Liverpool after voicing his frustration at his minor role in Rafael Benítez's squad this season. (The Times) 
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp will keep striker Roman Pavlyuchenko but ditch Darren Bent in the summer, according to the Russian's agent. (The Sun) 
Or Redknapp could let Pavlyuchenko and Bent leave and spend £10m replacing them with Sunderland's 24-year-old striker Kenwyne Jones. (Daily Mirror) 
But the Tottenham boss has pushed Genoa's Diego Milito to the bottom of his wanted list with Juventus and Inter Milan both chasing the striker. (Daily Express) 
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill will not pay over the odds for Standard Liege midfielder Steven Defour this summer. Liege want £15m for the Belgian but O'Neill values the 22-year-old at £7m. (Daily Star) 
Wigan manager Steve Bruce has told Egyptian striker Mido, on loan at the JJB Stadium from Middlesbrough, that he is on course to earn a permanent move to Wigan this summer. (Various) 
Meanwhile, Bruce has run the rule over Santos Laguna and Ecuador striker Cristian Benitez. (The Sun) 
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy will be given the summer-funds to sign Joe Ledley, 22, from Cardiff for a fee of around £7m, and McCarthy is also tracking Wigan defender Emmerson Boyce. (Various) 
Arsenal are considering a bid to bring West Ham defender Matthew Upson back to the club, although it may depend on whether the Hammers get into Europe. (Daily Mirror) 
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is ready to bid for Swansea's goal machine Jason Scotland - whether his club beats the drop or not.  

OTHER GOSSIP 

Walter Smith has opened the door for Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor to play again for Rangers. The Ibrox boss revealed he has changed his mind on sidelining the shamed Scotland stars because the SFA admit they botched their handling of the Boozegate affair. (Various) 
But Ferguson and McGregor could still both be sold in the summer if offers come in that prove suitable to Rangers and the players. (Daily Mail) 
Rangers striker Kris Boyd has suffered a fresh blow when he was omitted from the shortlist for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year awards. 
The Scottish Premier League top scorer, who was almost sold in January, has 28 goals for the season and currently sits just two short of a century in Rangers colours. (Daily Mail) 
Juventus have confirmed Claudio Ranieri will remain their coach next season. (The Independent) 
Inter Milan are considering cancelling Adriano's contract after the Brazil striker said he was taking a break from the game. (The Independent) 
 
AND FINALLY 

England fans can breath easy, with the news that Wayne Rooney's wife Colleen is planning a Caesarean birth for the couple's first child. 
Colleen is due on 10 October - the same day as England's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine - but she now plans to have a Caesarean in late September. (The Sun)
www.bbc.co.uk

Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Brazilian star Kaka has opened the door to a potential move to the Premier League by admitting his desire to play in England when he leaves current club AC Milan. (Daily Star) 
Fulham striker Bobby Zamora is a target for Spanish side Villarreal. (Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham's on-loan striker Fraizer Campbell admits he is unsure if he will remain at Spurs next season or return to Manchester United. (Daily Star) 
Sunderland have targeted Spurs striker Darren Bent but only if the Black Cats avoid relegation. (Daily Star) 
Everton have made inquiries about Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Moutinho. (Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City will offer contract rebel Daniel Sturridge a take-it-or-leave-it final £40,000 a week offer. (Daily Star) 
Or 19-year-old striker Sturridge will be offered a contract worth £30,000 to stay at Eastlands, with Chelsea and Aston Villa keen on the youngster. (Daily Mirror) 
Birmingham and Reading will battle it out for Stoke striker Dave Kitson. (Daily Express) 
Derby manager Nigel Clough will offload up to 12 players at the end of the season in a massive clear-out at the club. (The Sun) 
Dexter Blackstock, who is on-loan at Nottingham Forest, will return to QPR to see out the final year of his contract. (Daily Mirror) 
Celtic are on the trail of Rayo Vallecano midfielder Mohamed Diame. The SPL champions watched the Frenchman in their weekend draw with Tenerife. (The Star) 

 OTHER GOSSIP 

Former Manchester City chairman John Wardle is in talks with Oldham about helping out the club financially. (Daily Mirror) 
Football League chairman Lord Mawhinney has shelved plans for a salary cap in the Championship. (Daily Mail) 
Blackburn have terminated the contract of Swiss international midfielder Johann Vogel. (Daily Mail) 
Celtic coach Neil Lennon says keeper Artur Boruc has replaced him as the Scottish Premier League's panto villain following recent public incidents involving the Polish goalie. (The Scotsman) 
Aberdeen are casting an eye over former Feyenoord defender Pieter Collen after joining the club on a week-long trial. (Scotsman) 
Rangers stars Maurice Edu and DaMarcus Beasley have revealed that they were caught up in the Nashville tornado. (The Sun) 
East Stirling boss Jim McInally has told Colin Cramb he will never kick another ball for the club after being sent off against Dumbarton for dissent. (The Sun) 
Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies has handed club skipper James Fowler a new contract at Rugby Park for another two years. (The Sun) 
Former Rangers star Andrei Kanchelskis says Barry Ferguson is the man to replace outgoing midfielder Anatoly Tymoschuk at Zenit St Petersburg. (Daily Express) 
Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood is keen to retain the services of skipper Scott Severin and Jamie Smith by earning a place in Europe next season. (Daily Express) 
 
AND FINALLY 

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney's wife Coleen McLoughlin has confirmed that she is expecting the pair's first baby. She also revealed they may adopt a child. (The Sun) 
Shy Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has revealed his scariest moment came when he was forced to sing for his team-mates following his £15m move from Bolton. (The Sun)
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Ecuador - Brazil

This game will be played in capital Quito on the big height which is a big problem for the most away teams. And that is perhaps the biggest home side strength. Ecuador shows big improvement in the last ten years, two times they qualified for World Championship. In this campaign, situation isn't so bright. They lie on 7th place, four points less than 5th Chile (5th position guarantee play-off games with best Oceania's team) and four less than 4th Urugay(and a game less from them). In Quito, Ecuador already lost four points at home (Colombia 0-0 and Venecuela 0-1) and they expect two very tough games, against Brazil and Paraguay. Tonight they'll have to go for a win. That may be a problem considering their opponent. But, in their three last games in Quito, Ecuador has already won twice by 1-0 and one game ended 0-0.  Felix Borja, Carlos Tenorio and Pedro Quinonez are sidelined 'cause the injuries, but two key defenders have recovered: Antonio Valencia and Edison Mendez. Excellent Man City striker Felipe Caicedo will start in offence line, with Christian Benitez. There is no doubt Ecuador will attack! That guarantee good game.

Brazil continue with torturing under the charge of Carlos Dunga. 17 points from 10 games are not something that five times world champions can be proud with. They have three straight 0-0 home draws (which says they have problems with defensive teams) and two convincing away wins, Chile 3-0 and Venezuela 4-0 (which says they like to be attacked, as Ecuador intend to do). Dunga continues to annoy the audience. This time he failed under the pressure and called Ronaldinho who usually warms the bench in Milan. Kaka has some foot problems, Adriano is in doubt too. But their attack even without these two looks masterful and scary. Robinho will start, there are Luis Fabiano and Pato. Brazil will pass the group stage, of course, but tonight is all about the pride and revenge for previous defeats.

I've been thinking a lot about the bet. We'll watch open game from the first whistle. Think Caicedo and Benitez in clash with central def. Maicon and Marcelo can score. Who knows, maybe we'll see the end of Dunga's era, tonight. So, over before the away win. Betfair offers unreal 2.14. the rest about 2.00, including Expekt.I burnt my fingers yesterday, my stake will be small. Seat back and enjoy in footie, lads!