Blackburn - Fulham

Rovers survived a hell in Manchester in last round (City, 1-1) and now have a chance for 3 points. In first four rounds they collected only 4 points, but seems their performance are better that results. Both defeats came after good displays (1-2 away to Birmingham after 1-0 lead and Arsenal 1-2, at home). Their style remains the same, long-balls and bullying attitude which made a great home record. Only 5 defeats in last 32 home games under Sam Allardyce! Big boost should be a return of skipper Ryan Nelsen in the center of defense, while right-back Michel Salgado is in doubt after thigh injury against Man City. Blackburn won 4 and drew 1 of last 5 against Fulham at Ewood Park.

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Mark Hughes at his new job still hasn’t felt a taste of defeat with one win and 3 draws. However, Fulham are poor travelers through the seasons. In previous one, they made terrible record of just one win (and 7 draws) of 19 games! In comparison with that season, they lost excellent Chris Smalling (Man Utd), another key defender Konchesky (L’pool) and of course boss Hodgson, but biggest loss is Zamora who broke the leg vs. Wolves (predicted absence is 5 months). I don’t expect too much from them this season and see Fulham lower than last season’s 12th position. Hughes has lots of problems with injured players. Defenders, Halliche and Stoor, have injuries and are in doubt, while absence of Andrew Johnson limits the options in attack. Fulham haven’t won a league game on the road since August 2009 (20 games) and didn’t score in last 11!

 

My only concern here is Blackburn’s attacking potential and am taking -0.25 instead clear win. Despite recent goals, I’m not so impressed with young duo, Kalinic and Diouf. And most of the team goals come after set-pieces. However, I expect a home win with a clean sheet. 1-0, or 2-0.

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Bet: Blackburn -0.25
Odd: 1.77  bet365
Stake: 9/10

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Friday's column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Manchester United are weighing up a move for Real Madrid playmaker Rafael van der Vaart. (caughtoffisde)


TRANSFER GOSSIP

Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure is desperate to join Manchester City with his agent already in talks with the Premier League club. (Daily Mirror)
But both Manchester United and Arsenal are waiting in the wings to pounce if City and Toure fail to come to an agreement. (The Sun)
Manchester City look set to miss out on the signing of Valencia winger David Silva.(Daily Telegraph)
Tottenham are preparing a £20m bid for Atletico Madrid's Uruguay striker Diego Forlan. (Daily Star)
Arsenal could offer £7m plus youngsters Francis Coquelin and Armand Traore for FC Lorient defender Laurent Koscielny after an initial £4m bid was rejected.(Daily Mirror)
The Gunners are also interested in Barcelona's Israeli playmaker Guy Assulin - who has been dubbed 'the new Messi.' (IMScouting)
Inter Milan's Brazilian defender Maicon says he is not interested in joining Manchester City and wants to follow former Inter coach Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid. (Guardian)
Chelsea have given up hope of keeping Joe Cole and have withdrawn their contract offer for the England star. (Daily Star)
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson says Hannover's German international striker Jan Schlaudraff "could add something" to their squad.(Daily Mail)
Portsmouth captain Aaron Mokoena could leave Fratton Park to join Wolves after he has played for South Africa at the World Cup.(Daily Mail)
West Ham are battling it out with Fulham for the signing of Portsmouth striker Frederic Piquionne.(Daily Mirror)
Bolton face a fight with Benfica to sign Real Madrid left-back Marcos Alonso. (Daily Mirror)
Bolton also hope to sign Chelsea striker Franco di Santo for around £2m.(Daily Mirror)
Newcastle are opening contract talks with striker Andy Carroll to ward off interest from Birmingham and Stoke.(Daily Mail)
Birmingham are considering an offer for Palermo's 5ft 6in striker Fabrizio Miccoli. (The Sun)
Wigan hope to seal a club-record £5.7m deal with Estudiantes for Argentine striker Mauro Boselli. (Daily Mirror)
Sheffield United want Stoke goalkeeper Steve Simonsen if current first-choice Blades keeper Paddy Kenny decides to join QPR.(Daily Mirror)
Premier League newcomers Blackpool could sign Richard Chaplow after he was released by local rivals Preston.(Daily Mirror)
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OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool fans burned American flags in a protest against the club's owners outside Anfield, following the departure of manager Rafael Benitez.(Daily Telegraph)
Former manager Kenny Dalglish will be given the responsibility of drawing up a shortlist of names to replace Benitez at Anfield. (Daily Mirror)
Ex-Wales, Blackburn and Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is the man Liverpool want to replace Benitez. (Daily Star)
Or, Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is the favourite to become the new manager of Liverpool. (The Sun)
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is also in the running although Dalglish himself could take over the reins at Anfield.(Daily Mail)
However, former Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini is also in the running to get the top job. (IMScouting)
Liverpool could be heading for an exodus of key players following Benitez's departure on Thursday. (The Independent)
Benitez's exit has opened the door for Real Madrid to sign midfielder Steven Gerrard. (IMScouting)
But Benitez himself may not have to wait too long to find a new job with European champions Inter Milan interested in taking the Spaniard to the San Siro.(The Sun)
New West Ham manager Avram Grant is expected to try to bring his old backroom staff from Portsmouth to Upton Park, but former West Ham player Kevin Keen could be kept on. (Daily Mail)
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas is set for clear the air talks with manager Arsene Wenger after being left in limbo by the club's strong stance over his proposed move to Barcelona.(Daily Mirror)
Former Crystal Palace defender Chris Coleman is in line to become the club's new manager. (Daily Mirror)

AND FINALLY

Former captain David Beckham has sent axed England winger Theo Walcott a text message to help him get through the agony of missing out on selection for the 2010 World Cup. Arsenal star Walcott was one of seven players to miss out on Fabio Capello's 23-man squad.(Daily Mirror)
www.bbc.co.uk

Thursday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Arsenal are considering a move for West Ham's £6m-rated England goalkeeper Robert Green, 30, after opting not to pursue 37-year-old Fulham stopper Mark Schwarzer.(caughtoffside.com) 
Manchester United are interested in Lyon's £22m-rated Brazilian left winger Michel Bastos, 26. (caughtoffside.com) 


TRANSFER GOSSIP

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been identified as Real Madrid's number one transfer target this summer. (Daily Telegraph) 
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly met with Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Miami, to discuss a potential move to Stamford Bridge. (IMScouting) 
Real Madrid look set to beat Manchester United and Chelsea to the signing of Benfica winger Angel Di Maria. (IMScouting) 
Arsenal and Tottenham are locked in a head-to-head battle for the signature of £9m-rated Manchester City defender Micah Richards. (footylatest) 
Portsmouth and England goalkeeper David James could be in line for a move to Fulham as Arsenal step up their interest in the Cottagers' Mark Schwarzer.(Daily Mail) 
Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland could also be on the move, to Sunderland, as a replacement for Craig Gordon who has failed to convince manager Steve Bruce he is up to the job.(Daily Mail) 
Arsenal have become the latest team to be linked with Chelsea's out-of-contract midfielder Joe Cole, but the player will not decide on his future until after the World Cup.(Daily Mirror) 
James Milner has refused to commit his future to Aston Villa and could be in line for a £30m move to Manchester City.(Daily Express) 
Hamburg's German defender Jerome Boateng has confirmed that he will sign for Manchester City after the World Cup.(Daily Star) 
Manchester City will play a waiting game for Wolfsburg's Bosnia striker Edin Dzeko, but have no intention of breaking his £34m buy-out clause. (Daily Express) 
Another Manchester City target - Inter Milan full-back Maicon - says he has no intention of moving to Eastlands, but instead would like to link up with former Inter boss Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.(IMScouting) 
Birmingham are preparing a £4.5m offer for Newcastle's 21-year-old striker Andy Carroll. (Daily Mail) 
Fulham have agreed a £2m deal with Lyon for French striker Frederic Piquionne, who was at loan at Portsmouth last season.(Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth have turned down a "derisory" £300,000 offer from Rangers for striker Tommy Smith. (Daily Express) 

OTHER GOSSIP

"Sacked" (Daily Mirror), "Rafa Out" (The Sun), "Rafa's £3m Kop Off" (Daily Star), "Rafa is Out" (Daily Mail), "End of Road for Rafa" (Daily Express), "Benitez on the Brink" (Daily Telegraph), "Liverpool offer Benitex £3m to quit" (Guardian), "Benitez set to quit" (The Independent). With the World Cup just over a week away, there is only one story dominating the back pages of Thursday's newspapers.
It is claimed that player power is responsible for Benitez's potential departure from Anfield.(Daily Mirror) 
Liverpool's wish list to replace Benitez is thought to include ex-Manchester City manager Mark Hughes, Fulham's Roy Hodgson and former Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink. (Daily Mail) 
Inter Milan are now thought to be monitoring Benitez's situation and are lining up the Spaniard to replace Jose Mourinho who this week joined Real Madrid. (The Sun) 
Hiddink meanwhile has ruled himself out of the running to be Inter Milan's next coach, after his agent claimed he was the club's number one choice.(the Independent) 
Hull are in talks with former Portsmouth and Crystal Palace manager Paul Hart about becoming their new boss. (Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Captain Rio Ferdinand has revealed striker Wayne Rooney to be England's karaoke king with the Manchester United star set to entertain his team-mates on and off the pitch in South Africa.(Daily Mirror)

www.bbc.co.uk

Thursday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Sought-after Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has turned down a move to Chelsea and will instead switch to a club in Spain this summer, partly because his wife would hate the English weather.(The Sun) 
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini wants Palermo striker Edinson Cavani.(Daily Mail) 
Palermo, meanwhile, have their sights set on a bid for Blackburn winger Morten Gamst Pedersen, with Rovers hoping to take midfielder Mark Bresciano in the other direction.(The Sun) 
Liverpool's Spanish winger Albert Riera is ready to quit Anfield for a loan move to Spartak Moscow in a bid to save his World Cup dream.(Daily Star) 
Manchester City are also in talks with Grenoble over a summer switch for their France Under-21 midfielder Sofiane Feghouli, who will be out of contract at the end of the season.(The Sun) 
Stoke boss Tony Pulis is keen on Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara, who is currently on loan at Portsmouth.(Daily Mirror) 
Nice striker Loic Remy says he still wants to join Arsenal, despite his move collapsing in January due to a £13m asking price.(Daily Mail) 
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish will turn to Notts County goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel next season if he cannot land Joe Hart on loan again.(The Sun) 
McLeish has revealed Birmingham have held talks with Rangers striker Kris Boyd's representatives, but that the Scotland international is also talking to other clubs. (The Times)
Portsmouth left-back Dusko Tosic, 25, looks set to join QPR on Thursday after a proposed move to Swansea fell through. (Daily Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Former Chelsea boss Glenn Hoddle is being lined up for a dramatic return to management in place of West Ham's Gianfranco Zola.(Daily Mirror) 
Actually, former Man City boss Mark Hughes is the man the Upton Park club want to replace their struggling Italian gaffer.(Daily Star) 
Hughes is also on a three-man shortlist to lead Ivory Coast at this summer's World Cup.(The Guardian) 
Zola has been told to submit a dossier to West Ham's owners to convince them that he can save the Hammers from the drop.(Daily Mail) 
West Ham striker Benni McCarthy has admitted he and his team-mates "hid" during their woeful 3-1 defeat at home to Wolves on Tuesday.(The Sun) 
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has not trained since their 2-1 win over Liverpool on Sunday, prompting fears he is still troubled by on-going knee problems.(The Independent) 
Balram Chainrai, Portsmouth's fourth owner in their turbulent season, could remain in charge of the club for the long term.(The Guardian) 
Man City manager Roberto Mancini and Everton boss David Moyes could face an FA rap after squaring up during their sides' game at Eastlands on Tuesday. (Various) 
Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves, on the brink of a return after injury, has revealed he still needs painkilling injections to get him through training and matches.(The Sun) 
QPR manager Neil Warnock has been handed a £10m summer war chest to take the Loftus Road outfit into the Premier League.(The Sun) 
Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner says he is an injury doubt for Saturday's away game at Birmingham.(Daily Mirror) 
Southampton could hand 16-year-old midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain a shock call-up for Sunday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy final with Carlisle. (Daily Star) 

AND FINALLY

Arsenal defender Sol Campbell has told his team-mates to make sure they are not only remembered for playing pretty football.(Daily Star) 
David Beckham has lost his place at the top of France Football magazine's annual survey of the top earners in the game to Barcelona's Lionel Messi. The Argentine earned £29.6m last year in salary and endorsements, £2.3m ahead of Beckham. (The Independent)

www.bbc.co.uk

Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Tottenham hope to complete the £6.5m capture of 21-year-old midfielder Sandro from Brazilian side Internacional by the end of the week. (Various)
Ex-Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes that his former club are obsessed with trying to prise England striker Wayne Rooney away from Manchester United and thinks the Spanish club will make a bid soon.(Independent) 
The agent of Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has dismissed rumours linking the 32-year-old with a move to Manchester City. Silvano Martina told calciomercato.il that Buffon "is very annoyed" about the rumours "because they are baseless."(imscouting.com) 

OTHER GOSSIP

England boss Fabio Capello has told David Beckham he can still travel with the World Cup squad this summer, despite being ruled out of the tournament through injury. The midfielder had an operation on Monday on the Achilles tendon he ruptured playing for AC Milan on Sunday, which will keep him out for at least three months.(The Sun) 
As well as backing midfielder James Milner for a place in Capello's World Cup squad, Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill believes two of his other midfielders, Ashley Young and Stewart Downing, are capable of 'playing very well indeed' in the right-sided midfield role that is up for grabs in the England squad after David Beckham's injury blow. (Daily Mail) 
Mark Hughes has already turned down the Hull City job but chairman Adam Pearson hopes a face-to-face meeting with the former Manchester City boss will persuade the Welshman to change his mind.(Daily Mail) 
Alternatively, the man Hull want to lead their fight against relegation is former England boss Terry Venables, who answered a similar crisis call from Middlesbrough nine years ago and saved them from the drop.(The Sun) 
The Tigers could turn to former Crystal Palace and QPR manager Iain Dowie on a short-term deal.(The Times) 
Veteran Burnley goalkeeper Brian Jensen, 34, has opened talks over a new two-and-a-half-year deal at Turf Moor.(Daily Mail) 
Portsmouth manager Avram Grant will leave Fratton Park in the summer after being 'worn down' by false promises at the crisis-hit south-coast club.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has warned established duo Craig Bellamy and Shaun Wright-Phillips they are under threat from rising star Adam Johnson. The young midfielder came off the bench on Sunday to score a stunning 90th-minute equaliser against Sunderland.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez believes the poor performance of defender Gary Caldwell in the 4-0 loss at Bolton on Saturday is down to him becoming a new dad. "He is a father and has a newborn baby, sometimes that can affect you," said Martinez.(Daily Mirror) 
Boxer and Bolton fan Amir Khan has revealed his part in the Trotters' recent revival by giving the club's players a pep talk and showing them his WBA light-welterweight belt. Wanderers have won three of their last four matches.(Daily Mirror)

www.bbc.co.uk

Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Portsmouth could lose on-loan Algerian midfielder Hassan Yebda because they cannot afford the £4m it would take to buy him from Benfica.(The Daily Mirror) 
But Pompey could be in the running for former Blackburn striker Shabani Nonda, who has been released by Galatasaray on a free.(The Daily Mirror) 
Sunderland have not given up their interest in Paraguay striker Salvador Cabanas in the summer - despite the player being in hospital at the moment after being shot in the head last month.(Daily Star) 
Manchester United are interested in bringing Benfica's Brazilian Under-20 international defender David Luiz to Old Trafford.(The Daily Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

The Premier League could advance Portsmouth their end-of-season payment to help the club stay afloat, provided the other Premier League clubs all agree.(The Daily Mail) 
Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole is drooling over his old club's performances this season and says Wayne Rooney is in the form of his life.(The Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland, 23, feels liberated under new manager Roberto Mancini because he feels he was played out of position by previous boss Mark Hughes.(The Daily Mirror) 
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan says he is glad his mind games have worked after the team responded to talk of a pay cut with their first win of the year when they beat Birmingham on Wednesday night.(The Sun) 
Former Notts County director of football Sven-Goran Eriksson could be on his way to the World Cup as Nigeria and North Korea both want the Swede to take over as manager.(The Daily Mirror) 
Wayne Bridge has been warned he can forget about going to the World Cup if he boycotts England's next game against Egypt on 3 March.(The Independent) 
England's home weekend international fixtures could be moved to Friday nights from the autumn onwards.(Daily Express) 
Hibernian defender Sol Bamba says his Ivory Coast team-mates wanted to pull out of last month's Africa Cup of Nations after receiving death threats after the attack on the Togo team, and only the nation's president persuaded them to take part(Daily Record) 

AND FINALLY

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher says the fact their second-top scorer this season is own goals by opponents - 10 goals - is because they put opponents under so much pressure.(The Sun)
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Thursday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Cesc Fabregas' dad says his son would talk to Barcelona about a move but only at the end of the season.(The Daily Mirror) 
Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero will have Premier League chairmen drooling after admitting a move could be on the cards. The 21-year-old Argentine says: "I have enormous affection for Atletico but you cannot say I'll be here for ever."(The Sun) 
Roberto Mancini is planning a £6 million bid to bring 22-year-old West Bromwich Albion midfielder Graham Dorrans to Eastlands.(The Daily Mirror)
The Manchester City boss is also interested in Fiorentina central defender Alessandro Gamberini.(Daily Mail) 
Blackburn Rovers could be in the running for South Korea midfielder Ku Ja Cheol as Sam Allardyce looks to bolster his midfield options.(The Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth and England keeper David James could lead the exodus of the club's top players if the cash-strapped side goes bust. (The Daily Mirror) 
West Brom are considering a loan move for midfielder Jason Koumas. The 30-year-old Welshman is currently with Wigan. (Birmingham Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Former Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is first choice to replace West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola should the Italian leave the east London club.(The Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth's bid to avoid going bust could see them beg the Premier League for an advance on the parachute payments they would get if relegated.(The Daily Mirror) 
QPR are eyeing German Lothar Matthaus as their next boss. Mick Harford is contracted until the end of the season but has yet to pick up a win in five games since replacing Paul Hart last month as the club's tenth manager since Flavio Briatore took over as chairman in 2007.(The Daily Mirror)
Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson is considering his options concerning a possible takeover at Crystal Palace. "We are always happy to have a look but I think the chances are less likely than likely," he said.(The Daily Mail)
Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho has given a verbal swipe at his former club Chelsea claiming that nothing had changed since his departure, adding: "Even the warm-up is the warm-up they did in our time."(Daily Star) 

AND FINALLY

England boss Fabio Capello says the Premier League's teams, supporters and stadiums are superior to those in Italy.
Adding that he wants to face the Italians in a World Cup final, Capello said: "Two things are important in the Anglo-Saxon world: respect for referees from players and coaches and the sporting behaviour of players."(The Guardian)
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Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has admitted he is tempted to link up with his France team-mate Thierry Henry at Barcelona.(The Guardian) 
Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh after his proposed move to Liverpool collapsed. (The Times) 
Barcelona and Sevilla have targeted Madjid Bougherra after the Rangers defender impressed during the Africa Cup of Nations. (Daily Record)
Rangers defender Stevie Smith says he will almost certainly reject the offer of a new contract in the search for regular first-team football. (Daily Record) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool have emerged as a takeover target for the seventh-richest man in the world, Indian Mukesh Ambani. (The Times) 
But, India's wealthiest man Mukesh Ambani has denied British newspaper reports on Tuesday that he is considering a takeover of Liverpool. (AFP) 
Arsenal have written to Barcelona to demand the Spanish giants stop their public campaign to try and sign midfielder Cesc Fabregas. (Daily Mirror) 
New West Ham owner David Sullivan reckons any Birmingham fans who abuse him at Wednesday's game are fools after declaring his regime at the Blues the best in the club's history. (Daily Mirror) 
West Ham co-owner David Gold has fanned the flames of controversy before the clash at Upton Park by saying the Hammers are bigger than the Blues. (The Times) 
Stoke striker Ricardo Fuller will keep his place in the squad for Tuesday's Premier League match at Wigan despite being arrested on suspicion of assault. (The Times) 
Mark Hughes is weighing up whether to become Turkey's new manager, two months after he was sacked by Manchester City. (Daily Mail) 

But Hughes could be in line to replace manager Gianfranco Zola should West Ham continue to struggle while Russia coach Guus Hiddink has also been linked to the vacant job at Turkey. (The Times)

His successor at City, Roberto Mancini, is under increasing pressure to ensure that the Blues qualify for the Champions League.(Daily Mail) 

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola and his players will be asked to take a 25% pay cut at the end of the season. (The Sun) 
Ian Holloway has axed three of his Blackpool players for Tuesday's game at Sheffield Wednesday after they were spotted in a nightclub on Saturday night, hours after their 2-1 defeat by Leicester. (Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, the new England captain, is still agonising over whether he should withdraw his appeal against a four-match violent-conduct ban as a gesture of goodwill to the Football Association. (Daily Telegraph) 
Former Bradford striker Dean Windass is among the favourites to replace Stuart McCall as boss of the Bantams. (Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Kieron Dyer's time at West Ham could cost the club a staggering £30m over the course of his four-year contract. The midfielder has started only five league matches in his two-and-a-half years at Upton Park and has yet to score.(Daily Mail)
www.bbc.co.uk

Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Real Madrid are ready to capitalise on the growing rift between Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson and Nemanja Vidic by bidding for the defender. Vidic was a late withdrawal for Sunday's FA Cup match against Leeds, which United lost 1-0.(The Times) 
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is keen to bring Atletico Madrid's Argentine winger Maxi Rodriguez to Anfield this January, initially on a short-term loan deal.(Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham will attempt to beat the Reds to Rodriguez's signature though by offering midfielder David Bentley on loan as part of the deal.(Daily Mail) 
Liverpool are also looking to offload player's during the transfer window with Italian left-back Andrea Dossena set to sign for Napoli in a £5m switch.(Goal.com) 
Birmingham will test Liverpool's desire to hold on to Ryan Babel by bidding £8m for the Dutch winger in January.(Independent) 
Birmingham are also set to tie up a £2.5m deal for Sporting Gijon's Spanish midfielder Michel but they have pulled out of a proposed move for Schalke striker Kevin Kuranyi.(Daily Mirror) 
Leeds have put a £2m price tag on FA Cup hero Jermaine Beckford after he scored the winner in the third round tie at Manchester United. Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest all keen on the striker, who is out of contract in the summer.(Daily Mirror)
Newcastle though will win the race for Beckford's signature by paying Leeds £3m - double the asking price before his goal at Old Trafford.(The Guardian) 
Chelsea have been linked with a move for Italian striker Giampaolo Pazzini for £22m but Sampdoria will only let him leave if the 25-year-old is loaned back to them for the rest of the season.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City are in advanced discussions with Inter Milan to bring French midfielder Patrick Vieira back to the Premier League. Vieira left Arsenal for Juventus in 2005.(The Times) 
West Ham and Bolton are both chasing Portuguese striker Nuno Gomes, who is out of favour at Benfica and desperate for first-team football to boost his hopes of making his country's 2010 World Cup squad.(Daily Mirror) 
Stoke City have slapped a staggering £20m price tag on Ryan Shawcross in a bid to scare off the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Spurs, who are all keen on the defender.(Daily Express) 
Defender Matthew Upson's exit from West Ham appears to be gathering pace after Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola enquired about Stoke centre-back Robert Huth.(The Sun) 
Celtic are set to boost their Scottish Premier League title bid with a loan move for Stoke striker Dave Kitson.(Scottish Sun) 
Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan is setting up a move for his old Celtic striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink - in a loan switch from Hull City.(Daily Mirror) 
However, the Bhoys could be set to lose Australian striker Scott McDonald, who is wanted by Wigan.(Daily Mirror) 
The Latics are also poised to bid £3m for Leicester striker Matty Fryatt.(The Sun) 
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has turned his back on a loan move to the Championship in favour of joining another Premier League club on a short term deal to prove to Gunners boss Arsene Wenger he can hack it at the top level.(Daily Mirror) 
Fulham hope to tie up a loan deal for Roma striker Stefano Okaka after the player's agent revealed his client was keen on the move.(The Sun) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is set to axe seven players for Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final with bitter rivals Manchester City following his side's humiliating defeat by Leeds in the third round of the FA Cup. Striker Dimitar Berbatov and right-back Gary Neville head the list of those for the chop.(The Sun) 
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is set to hand a home debut to rookie defender Dedryck Boyata in the Carling Cup semi-final with United. City are without regular defenders Kolo Toure, Joleon Lescott and Nedum Onuoha due to injury.(Daily Mirror) 
Former Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has been offered a quick return to management - with the Turkish national team.(Daily Mirror) 
The Professional Football Association is on standby to hold emergency talks at Fratton Park today if Portsmouth's players are not paid their December wages by the club.(Daily Star) 
Chelsea midfielder Florent Malouda has held clear-the-air talks with manager Carlo Ancelotti and team-mate Frank Lampard after appearing to suggest he was being overlooked by the former and that the latter was given preferential treatment in a recent interview.(The Times) 
Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer says he has no interest in taking the vacant manager's job at Sheffield Wednesday.(Daily Mirror) 
However, the Owls may well make a shock move for Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock, who used to manage Wednesday's bitter rivals Sheffield United.(Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY

An unlikely figure has offered to help Michael Owen in the Manchester United striker's bid to claim a place in Fabio Capello's 2010 World Cup squad. Former England cricket captain and United fan Geoff Boycott has written to Owen suggesting he try the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui after the Test Match Special commentator utilised it during his recovery from cancer. (The Sun) 
Darts legend Phil Taylor, who claimed a record 15th world title on Sunday by winning the PDC world final, says he can help England win the World Cup this summer by delivering a rousing team talk to the players.(The Sun)

www.bbc.co.uk

Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Everton will battle it out with Arsenal to sign Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh for £7m in the summer.(The Sun) 
New Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has given the club's chief executive Garry Cook a list of players he wants to sign, with Juventus left-back Giorgio Chiellini one of his targets. (Daily Mirror) 
Mancini is also keen on Inter Milan right-back Maicon. (Daily Telegraph)
Tottenham are set to move for Portsmouth full-back Nadir Belhadj in January, with Blackburn and Everton also interested in the Algeria defender. (Daily Mail) 
Blackburn have offered a four-year deal to United States midfielder Stuart Holden, who plays for Major League Soccer outfit Houston Dynamo. (The Sun)
Chelsea, Real Madrid and AC Milan are monitoring 16-year-old Anderlecht striker Romelo Lukaku. (Daily Mail) 
Birmingham City want to turn Joe Hart's loan switch from Manchester City into a permanent move and are also close to agreeing a £2.5m deal for Sporting Gijon midfielder Michel.(Daily Mirror) 
West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans is wanted by Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Everton, Stoke City and Sunderland but the Baggies say the 22-year-old midfielder is not for sale.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Roberto Mancini's first job as Manchester City manager will be to hold showdown talks with £32.5m Brazilian forward Robinho, who the Italian sees as the key to City's future.(The Sun) 
Mancini faces a battle to win over a number of disillusioned City players who are outraged by the sacking of former boss Mark Hughes.(Daily Mirror) 
City delayed sacking Mark Hughes for three weeks to give Mancini an easy start as manager, after the Italian verbally agreed to take charge at Eastlands on 2 December.(Daily Mail) 
Hughes had 18 months left on his contract and will receive a maximum pay-out of £3m following his departure from City, but the final figure he receives will depend on how quickly he finds a new job.(The Guardian) 
Mancini took the Eastlands job knowing he was not the club's first choice. City's chief executive Garry Cook flew to Amsterdam at the start of December to offer the post to Guus Hiddink.(Daily Telegraph) 
Former England midfielder David Platt, a close friend of Mancini, is set to join the Italian's coaching team at Eastlands.(The Independent) 
Alan Curbishley could return as West Ham boss if David Sullivan's takeover of the Upton Park club goes through.(Daily Express) 
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce says he will have to sell players before he can strengthen his squad in the January transfer window.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Sunderland striker Darren Bent is terrified of spiders and will consider hypnotherapy to combat his arachnophobia, with the possibility that he may be part of England's squad for the 2010 World Cup in spider-infested South Africa. (The Sun)

www.bbc.co.uk

Saturday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Tottenham hope to sign Arsenal target Marouane Chamakh on a free transfer, as the Bordeaux striker is out of contract at the end of the season. (Daily Mail)
Bolton insist that they will not cash in on defender Gary Cahill in the January transfer window. (Daily Star) 
But with defender Joleon Lescott injured and Kolo Toure departing for the African Nations Cup in January, Manchester City are the latest club rumoured to be interested in Cahill.(Daily Express) 
Arsenal want QPR wonderkid Raheem Sterling and are considering a player-plus-cash deal involving Gunners striker Jay Simpson.(Daily Mirror) 
Gunners manager Arsene Wenger says the club will not be "busy" in the January transfer window, also urging football to get its financial house in order.(Daily Telegraph) 
New QPR boss Paul Hart wants to make Gillingham's £1.5m-rated striker Simeon Jackson his first signing.(Daily Mirror) 
Birmingham are stepping up their efforts to sign Schalke's Germany striker Kevin Kuranyi. (Daily Mirror) 
And Birmingham manager Alex McLeish says he will bring in "two or three" new players in January as he looks to maintain their fine season. (The Independent) 
Stoke City say they will listen to offers for striker James Beattie in January's transfer window after his dressing-room altercation with manager Tony Pulis.(The Times) 
Wolves are interested in West Bromwich Albion's Slovenia midfielder Robert Koren. (Daily Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is set to be axed this weekend - even if his side beat Sunderland at Eastlands on Friday.(The Sun) 
Russia boss Guus Hiddink and former Germany manager Jurgen Klinsmann are on Manchester City's wanted list to replace Hughes.(The Sun) 
And Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has refused to rule himself out of the running to replace Hughes at City.(Daily Star) 
But City striker Carlos Tevez has urged the club not to "panic" and sack Hughes with former Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini waiting in the wings to take over. (Daily Telegraph) 
West Ham's director of football Gianluca Nani is coming under pressure within the club to justify his signings, with the club languishing in the relegation zone. (Daily Mirror) 
Former Northern Ireland and Fulham Lawrie Sanchez boss has declared an interest in the vacant manager's job at Reading. (The Times)

.

AND FINALLY

The total amount in fines that Tottenham's players will have to pay for their secret Christmas party in Dublin is £1.3m.(Daily Mirror)

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Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea have given up on signing Franck Ribery and will concentrate on signing his £25m-rated Bayern Munich team-mate Bastian Schweinsteiger in January instead.(The Sun) 
Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero expects to complete a £32m move to Chelsea next month.(The Sun) 
Chelsea are also considering a £20m swoop for Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko. (Daily Telegraph) 
Tottenham have made an £8m move for West Ham defender Matthew Upson but face competition for the England defender from Manchester City.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City could also renew their attempts to sign Hammers midfielder Scott Parker, one of their transfer targets last January, and are also eyeing Barcelona duo Carlos Puyol and Eric Abidal. (The Independent) 
City boss Mark Hughes will also target Fulham defender Brede Hangeland and out-of-favour Tottenham winger David Bentley in January.(The Times) 
Crystal Palace forward Victor Moses has attracted attention from Barcelona and German side Hoffenheim but wants to stay in England, with Tottenham keen on the £5m-rated teenager.(The Sun) 
Burnley manager Owen Coyle asked Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger if he could sign teenage Gunners midfielder Jack Wilshere on loan when they spoke just before kick-off at Turf Moor on Wednesday.(Daily Mirror) 
Nottingham Forest are set to make a £3m bid for Tottenham's Welsh defender Gareth Bale and will spend the same amount to turn Nicky Shorey's loan move from Aston Villa into a permananent move. (Daily Mirror) 
Wigan have opened talks with Argentine side Velez Sarsfield about signing Chilean defender Waldo Ponce.(Daily Mirror) 
Derby boss Nigel Clough has been told he will have to pay £800,000 for Bournemouth striker Brett Pitman. (The Sun)
Blackburn are leading the chase to sign 16-year-old Bosnian midfielder Marko Maletic from Dutch side De Graafschap, with Celtic also interested.(Daily Mirror) 
Ipswich hope to beat Wolves, Newcastle and Middlesbrough to the £2.5m signing of Derby striker Rob Hulse. (The Sun)
Charlton will take Livingston winger Andrew Halliday on trial in January with a view to signing him but face competition for the 18-year-old from Sunderland, Wigan, West Ham, Fulham, Rangers, Hearts and Hibs. (Daily Record) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes needs good results in his side's fixtures over the festive period - against Sunderland, Stoke and Wolves - to be sure of keeping his job.(The Guardian) 
City have already approached Guus Hiddink about replacing Hughes, according to the former Chelsea manager's agent.(Daily Telegraph) 
Manchester City want Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger as their next manager. (Daily Star) 
Dundee United boss Craig Levein says he won't become Scotland's new manager unless he is convinced he is the right man for the job.(Daily Record) 
Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher turned down an invitation from England boss Fabio Capello to reconsider his decision to retire from international football. (The Times) 
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has warned his side that they need to rediscover their killer instinct if they are to hold off a title challenge from champions Manchester United. (Daily Mirror) 
Former England manager Steve McClaren, currently in charge of Dutch side FC Twente, does not want his next job to be in the Premier League and would prefer to work in another foreign country, preferably Spain, next. (Daily Mail) 
Liverpool have insisted they are willing to invest the estimated £15m needed to upgrade Anfield to a World Cup venue for 2018 or 2022, should the club's proposed new stadium fail to materialise.(The Independent) 
Former Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson is favourite to become Reading's next manager following the departure of Brendan Rodgers. (Daily Mail) 
Premier League clubs will face a pre-World Cup fixture backlog if the weather causes postponements in the next few weeks as there are few free midweek slots to fit in rearranged games and the end of the domestic season has already been brought forward.(The Guardian)

. 

AND FINALLY

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson served Christmas dinner to the club's youth team at their Christmas panto, which saw United's youngsters mock their superstar club-mates in the senior squad.(The Sun) 
Wayne Rooney's in-laws are being tormented by their pet parrot, who keeps squawking the name of Rooney's son after the Manchester United and England striker taught the African Grey to say "Kai Wayne Rooney" for a laugh.(The Sun)

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Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Blackburn winger Morten Gamst Pedersen has his heart set on a January move to Scottish Premier League side Celtic as he is desperate to play in the Champions League. (Daily Mail) 
Aston Villa are leading the chase to sign £4m-rated Scottish midfielder Graham Dorrans from Championship outfit West Brom. Birmingham City, Everton, Sunderland and Stoke City have also shown an interest in the 22-year-old.(The Mirror) 
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is preparing a £3m January bid for Wigan midfielder Paul Scharner.(The Mirror) 
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is hoping to sign Brazilian striker Adriano on the cheap in January in a bid to help lead his team away from the relegation zone.( The Sun) 
Former France international midfielder Camel Meriem is hoping to swap Monaco for Blackburn Rovers in January - as long as he can prove his fitness in a trial at the club this week.(The Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United owners the Glazers have issued a firm "not for sale" response to claims a Bangkok-based Chinese consortium were preparing a £1bn takeover bid.(Daily Star) 
Arsenal were spurred on to their come-from-behind victory over Liverpool on Sunday after being ripped into by "furious" manager Arsene Wenger at half-time, the Frenchman telling his players they were "not fit to wear the shirt". (Various) 
Tottenham defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto must offer an apology to the club and its supporters if he hopes to play for the Londoners again following an angry confrontation with a fan during Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Wolves.(The Sun) 
Former Burnley manager Steve Cotterill is the front-runner to succeed Brian Laws, who left the Owls over the weekend, as Sheffield Wednesday manager.(The Mirror) 
Chelsea keeper Petr Cech has hit out at the club's supporters after they jeered the players at the end of Saturday's 3-3 home draw with Everton. "I was very surprised to hear the boos because this was our first Premier League draw at home all season. I don't understand it."(The Sun) 
Manchester City boss Mark Hughes believes referee Mark Clattenburg's dislike of Craig Bellamy as a person influenced his decision to send the striker off in Saturday's 3-3 draw with Bolton.(The Mirror) 
League Two outfit Notts County could be forced to sell the likes of Kasper Schmeichel and Lee Hughes in January after their change of ownership, while uncertainty still surrounds the future of director of football Sven-Goran Eriksson.(Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY

West Ham striker Carlton Cole has revealed how he flouted England coach Fabio Capello's strict dietary rules by sneaking a bottle of tomato ketchup into the national side's training camps. "Fabio is a disciplinarian. You need to live by his rules or you will not be involved. But I didn't know how strict the diet was. I was dying and needed something on my pasta."(The Sun)

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Saturday's epilogue

Bolton 3 - 3 Man City

.

Carlos Tevez scored twice to salvage another draw for Manchester City in a thrilling game against Bolton.
Ivan Klasnic opened the scoring despite appearing to be offside before Tevez levelled with a deflected strike. 
Gary Cahill's curler put Bolton ahead before Micah Richards equalised - but Klasnic's swivelling shot made it 3-2. 
Craig Bellamy was controversially sent off after being booked for diving, but Tevez's long-range effort claimed a late draw in a memorable game. 
The result means City have now drawn their last four away matches and ensures questions remain as to whether Mark Hughes' side can produce the consistent form necessary to challenge for a top-four finish. 
Bolton, meanwhile, will feel frustrated that they failed to take all three points after an often-dominant display in which they took the lead on three occasions.
The hosts were much-improved from their loss at Wolves last week but that will come as little comfort to manager Gary Megson who is increasingly facing a relegation battle.

Bolton manager Gary Megson:
"We're delighted given how both football clubs are run. It's a decent result because of that but on the other side of the coin we took the lead three times.
"But in terms of what's been going on for us it's a great point. They've got quality all over the pitch and on the bench. Our lads played well and gave it everything. 
"Kevin Davies was right back to his best and I don't think we would have got that result without him. Zat Knight was excellent and so was Paul Robinson." 
Manchester City manager Mark Hughes:
"The first goal was clearly offside and how the hell the official couldn't see that was beyond me.
"I thought the officials were in general very poor. The decision to send Craig Bellamy off was quite honestly laughable. 
"My assistant has been in to ask and he thought Craig had tried to deceive him. I've known Craig for 15 years and I've never seen him dive. 
"If Mr Clattenburg feels he knows my players better than me then I would disagree."

,

Watford 0 - 1 Derby

Substitute Chris Porter's second-half header earned Derby their first away win since April at Watford.
Lee Hendrie and Paul Connolly had Derby chances early on before Danny Graham went close for Watford following a poor clearance by Stephen Bywater. 
But the keeper made amends just before half-time, saving Heidar Helguson's shot through a crowded penalty area. 
Replacing DJ Campbell was a surprise move but it paid off when substitute Porter headed in Hendrie's free-kick. 
Watford manager Malky Mackay told BBC London 94.9:
"It was a disappointing afternoon for us. I think we need to make sure that we come here and do the basics. 
"There are going to be games were you go and break a team down and you have to do those basics properly, and Derby came here today and did that. 
"I think there is a patience needed at times, you've got to keep your decision making and your quality up." 
Derby manager Nigel Clough:
"It's been a long, long wait for it (a first away win) but for the three performances we've put in this week we've deserved to win at least one of those games. 
"We look solid, we restricted an extremely good attacking side to very few opportunities and then we looked relatively dangerous ourselves. 
"We just felt if we kept it at 0-0, put the ball in the right areas then on a very difficult surface we might just get some reward today."

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Bolton Wand. - Manchester City

Bolton hold the second place from the bottom and even now it’s obvious they’ll face a hard fight to avoid relegation. They’ve noticed five defeats (four in Premier) in last six competitive games and conceded huge 18 goals (scored just three)! After two rounds on the road, they’ll play at home two times and those two encounters against Manchester City and West Ham will maybe determine the final outcome for the lads from Reebok Stadium. In the previous round, Bolton lost against direct opponent for relegation, Wolwerhampton, 2-1 and that game like some before showed Gary Megson’s 4-5-1 formation works much better when team defends than when is forced to attack. Good news is skipper Kevin Davies has served his suspension and returned to the squad, while midfielder Mustapha Riga and defender Danny Shittu are doubtful. Long time sidelined are Sean Davis and Joey O'Brien.

After historic run of seven draws in Premier that caused many turbulences inside the club, Mark Hughes saved his job with a win against Arsenal in Carling Cup 3-0. Just three days later, they defeated the giants 2-1 and returned the good atmosphere in the dressing room. Well, Premier title is probably lost, but City is at sixth place and just two points from Champions League spot. In my opinion, main problem is Citizens can attract only players with specific mental profile and Hughes always has a difficult task to motivate them, especially in situation where all promises about title has been evaporated. However, against London clubs team just proved the potential they surely have. Craig Bellamy and Vladimir Weiss got H1N1 flu, but have been recovering very well and wouldn’t be surprise if they’re ready for the game. Micah Richards, Stephen Ireland and Wayne Bridge all got the knock against Chelsea and their appearance is under a question mark.

Bolton and City will have opposite motives in this game. While hosts will struggle to extend their Premier League life, visitors will try to collect as much points till Christmas as will launch them in the space for Champions League. The problem for City could be it’s seems too easy. This could be a surprise of a day in England and my decision is to back Wanderers.  If you follow with double chance 1x, wait. Odd on City will drop.

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Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea could make a shock move for Inter Milan star and former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira in January.(News of the World) 
West Ham striker Carlton Cole is Arsenal's number one January target.(Sunday Mirror) 
Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas is determined to leave the Emirates Stadium in the summer, but could move to either Real Madrid or Barcelona for £45m in January.(Sunday Mirror) 
David Moyes wants to lure former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan, currently playing for Atletico Madrid, to Everton.(Daily Star) 
But Moyes will get no joy when he tries to tempt defender Steven Taylor away from Newcastle.(News of the World) 
Chelsea are keen to sign Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano in January, but may have to wait until the summer, when the 29-year-old Brazilian will be available for £24m.(News of the World) 
Both Chelsea and Sunderland are on the trail of Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson, but the 22-year-old looks set to stay at the Riverside Stadium with a new contract worth £1.5m a year.(News of the World) 
Barcelona will come in with a £30m bid for Liverpool's Javier Mascherano in January.(News of the World) 
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is therefore understandably eager to tie Mascherano to a new long-term contract, and the club have priced Barca out of a move for the Argentine captain.(Sunday Mirror) 
Manchester United are tracking 6ft 4in Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko, who may be available for £15m - but he wants to move to AC Milan.(News of the World) 
Alternatively, Dzeko is at the centre of a three-way battle between United, Arsenal and Manchester City, and is available for just £10m.(Sunday Mirror) 
But Bayern Munich believe United face a financial crisis and have no money to spend, having offered them Franck Ribery for £60m in the summer and heard nothing back.(Mail on Sunday) 
Tottenham will come in for Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand in January or, failing that, will pursue Manchester City's Micah Richards. (Sunday Express)
New Portsmouth boss Avram Grant's first moves will be for Chelsea pair Daniel Sturridge and Juliano Belletti on loan.(News of the World) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Former Portugal star Luis Figo says England are "not among the favourites" to win the World Cup in 2010.(Mail on Sunday) 
Should manager Mark Hughes leave Eastlands, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will block any attempt by Manchester City to bring in former Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink, whose salary as Russia coach is underwritten by the billionaire.(News of the World) 
Portsmouth's cash crisis has reached the point where the club left Aruna Dindane on the bench against Aston Villa on Tuesday because they did not have the cash to meet the £4m permanent transfer deal one more appearance would have triggered with French club Lens.
However, Pompey renegotiated the deal in time for Dindane to appear against Burnley on Saturday.(Sunday Mirror) 
The Football Association's allocation of just 4,000 tickets for England's opening World Cup game against the US will create a scramble on the black market.(Sunday Mirror) 
Mike Ashley is once again preparing an attempt to sell Newcastle United, with fresh interest from America in taking over the club.(News of the World) 
Phil Brown has been told his job as Hull boss is safe - until Christmas, at least.(Sunday Mirror) 
Aston Villa could earn a £30m sponsorship windfall if they reach the final of the Carling Cup.(Sunday Mirror) 
Everton hope to raise £7m from the sale of their old training ground, having had plans for a new stadium at Kirkby turned down.(News of the World) 

AND FINALLY

Manchester United paid magicians more than £50,000 over a two-year period, and gave a similar sum to a firm which supplies clowns. (News of the World) 
Cristiano Ronaldo had an incident-packed Saturday as he missed a penalty, scored, then was sent off as Real Madrid beat Almeria 4-2.(Mail on Sunday) 
South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira believes England will be a force at the World Cup because Fabio Capello has ended the WAG culture within the squad. "When you go to war, you don't take the wife," said Parreira.(Independent on Sunday)
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Manchester City – Arsenal

Mark Hughes is on the exit door and he’ll send the best eleven on the pitch. Guess he thinks eliminating Arsenal should be a big plus in the owner’s notebook. The problem with City is they can attract only players with specific mental attitude. Most of them look bored because they got a promises about wining the title and Champions League and now hardly find a motivation. Especially in Cup competition against Arsenal’s reserve squad.

On the other hand, Wenger has a choice. To field the strongest team with intention to bounce back after Chelsea and risk real crisis and open debate about squad’s capability if get defeated. Or, to stick with his principles, give a chance to the “young guns” once again and already has a ready excuse in case of defeat. He’ll surely choose the second option. Youngsters may lack in quality comparing with tonight’s opponent, but have big potential and good team chemistry.

Odds about 4.00 for Arsenal?! They must be joking. This is stronger than me. Ladbrokes offer 4.20, Pinnacle 4.10. Another gamble, away win.

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Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is determined to win the race to sign £50m-rated Spanish striker David Villa from Valencia. (Sunday Express)
The billionaire owners of Manchester City are to rock ailing Liverpool by launching an audacious £50m bid for star striker Fernando Torres.(Mail on Sunday) 
Spanish giants Barcelona are tracking Tottenham and England striker Jermain Defoe, 27, who has scored 15 goals already this season. (Sunday Express)
Chelsea target Sergio Aguero, 21, claims he has no intention of leaving Spanish side Atletico Madrid this summer. (Sunday Express) 
Liverpool are ready to offload Dutch striker Ryan Babel, 22, on loan to German Bundesliga club Bayern Munich with a view to making the move permanent for around £9m in the summer.(News of the World) 
The Reds are also keen on bringing striker Diego Forlan, 30, back to the Premier League from Spanish side Atletico Madrid, but boss Rafael Benitez has been told he must sell before he can buy.(The People) 
Manchester City are lining up a £20m bid for Argentina winger Diego Perotti, 21, who plays in Spain for Sevilla.(News of the World) 
City have also joined the race to sign Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson, increasing the likelihood that Robinho will leave Eastlands.(The People) 
Chelsea and City will go head-to-head to sign Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery and AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso in the January transfer window.(The People) 
Tottenham are lining up a £10m bid for West Ham defender Matt Upson with Alan Hutton going the other way.(The People) 
Manchester United are keen on signing Japanese striker Takayuki Morimoto, 21, who is currently playing for Catania in Italy.(The People) 
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy could bolster his defence by bringing in Preston's Republic of Ireland international Eddie Nolan, 21, for £500,000.(News of the World) 
Newcastle manager Chris Hughton is targeting Manchester United's 20-year-old midfielder Tom Cleverley, who is currently on loan at Championship side Watford.(News of the World) 
Hull manager Phil Brown looks poised to hijack Matt Kilgallon's £2m move to Newcastle. The defender looked set to move to Tyneside after snubbing the offer of a new deal at Sheffield United, but the Tigers hope to lure Kilgallon with a three-year deal worth £25,000-a-week.(News of the World) 
Newcastle duo Kevin Nolan and Alan Smith are set to snub the chance to return to the top flight in the January transfer window despite interest from Wigan and Everton respectively. (Sunday Express)
Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies is keen to bring Michael Dawson back to the City Ground from Tottenham, along with his team-mate Gareth Bale.(Sunday Mirror) 
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce wants to sign Newcastle defender Jose Enrique and is prepared to let Kieran Richardson move in the opposite direction to make the deal go through. (Sunday Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

' time as Manchester City manager could be coming to an end after a seventh successive Premier League draw. Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho and Guus Hiddink are among those in the frame to replace him.(News of the World) 
Meanwhile, former Chelsea manager Mourinho has revealed that he is pining for a return to the Premier League.(News of the World) 
Liverpool have rejected the chance to share a super-stadium with Everton and said "it will never happen". Everton chief Robert Elstone approached the Reds after their plans for a new ground in Kirkby were rejected last week.(Sunday Mirror) 
Meanwhile, Jurgen Klinsmann will tell Liverpool that he would not turn them down again after rejecting the chance to replace Rafa Benitez as manager two years ago.(The People) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is furious with the Dutch FA for misdiagnosing Robin van Persie's ankle injury - the striker faces five months out after damaging ligaments. (Various)
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand will learn in the next 10 days whether his bad back has ended his dreams of playing for England in the 2010 World Cup. (Sunday Express) 
Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka is lining up an improved deal at Stamford Bridge that could take his weekly salary from £80,000-a-week to £120,000-a-week.(News of the World) 
New Portsmouth manager Avram Grant hopes to persuade former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp to give up his TV pundit career and join him at Fratton Park as his assistant.(News of the World) 
Former Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate will serve court papers on the club this week after failing to his compensation money after being sacked.(Mail on Sunday) 
Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson says his dream is to lead his League Two side Notts County to Champions League victory. (Sunday Mirror) 
Nicky Shorey, 28, is ready to quit Aston Villa after revealing he has grown "extremely frustrated" at life under Martin O'Neill and will step up his attempts to find another club in the New Year.(Sunday Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Frank Lampard will donate £20,000 to Great Ormond Street children's hospital if Chelsea lose to Arsenal after agreeing to a wager with 12-year-old Gunners fan Jake Peach. If Chelsea win, Peach, a leukemia survivor and former patient at the London hospital, will wear a Blues shirt for the day. (Mail on Sunday) 

AND FINALLY...FINALLY

Manchester City chief executive Garry Cook will write to the club's fans to apologise after announcing at a 60th anniversary dinner for the Official Supporters club at Eastlands: "I'd like to welcome Uwe Rosler into the Manchester United hall of fame."(Sunday Mirror)
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Saturday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Everton's Jack Rodwell is a hot tip to end up in a Manchester United shirt sooner or later - according to his old boss at Birkdale United, at least.(Daily Mail) 
But Rodwell's current manager, David Moyes, insists the 18-year-old is going nowhere.(Daily Telegraph) 
Inter Milan are keen to hijack Chelsea's £40m move for Atletico Madrid star Sergio Aguero.(The Sun) 
West Ham will not be forced into the sale of stars like Carlton Cole, Valon Behrami and Robert Green in January - but skipper Matthew Upson's future is less certain.(Daily Telegraph) 
Roman Pavlyuchenko, desperate to leave Tottenham with first-team chances limited, has been told he will not be allowed to sign for Roma on the cheap.(Daily Mirror) 
Mark Hughes hopes his Manchester City side impress Fernando Torres during their visit to Liverpool, as the Blues boss is keen to sign the striker in January.(Independent) 
And, if City make a move for Barcelona right-back Dani Alves, Aston Villa will come in for Micah Richards.(Daily Mirror) 
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish will make a January swoop for Rangers pair Steven Davis and Kris Boyd.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United will not let goalkeeper Ben Foster go out on loan, despite being third choice for his club.(The Guardian) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Gael Kakuta, the 18-year-old cause of Chelsea's recent suspended transfer ban, is ready to make his debut from the bench against Wolves.(Daily Mail) 
Kakuta's boss at Chelsea, Carlo Ancelotti, has vowed to fine any of his players who show dissent to officials.(Daily Express) 
Meanwhile, Guus Hiddink is planning to quit his job as Russia coach having failed to reach the World Cup, with a return to Chelsea as technical director in mind.(The Guardian) 

AND FINALLY

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard is the latest convert to the Serbian school of horse placenta massage, having flown to Belgrade seeking treatment for a thigh injury.(Various)
Sam Allardyce says he left Bolton Wanderers over their lack of ambition, and knows he could manage "any team in the world".(Daily Express) 
In the wake of Thierry Henry's handball, Fifa may fast-track the introduction of two additional referees in each match in time for the World Cup, leading to a total of five officials on the pitch. (The Guardian) 
Eric Cantona "would have hit" Henry if he had been wronged in similar fashion by his fellow French star.(The Sun)
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Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Barcelona are closing in on a deal for Manchester City forward Robinho. Initially, the European Champions will pay a £6m "arrangement fee" to take the player on loan in January ahead of a permanent move in the summer.(The Sun) 
Alternatively, Robinho's reluctance to move on loan to the Nou Camp as opposed to a permanent deal could scupper the deal.(Daily Mail) 
City manager Mark Hughes is keen on bringing highly rated, 14-year-old QPR striker Raheem Sterling to Eastlands. Hughes is willing to offer the London club £1m plus two of his fringe players on loan.(Daily Mirror) 
After having their request for a 'stay' on the transfer ban imposed by Fifa for being found guilty of inducing Gaël Kakuta to break his contract, Chelsea have made Franck Ribery their top transfer target and hope to sign the Bayern Munich midfielder when the January window opens.(Daily Telegraph) 
However, Manchester United and Manchester City are set to rival Chelsea for the signing of Ribery after reports suggested Bayern Munich are ready to cash in on the French international.(Independent)  
Blackburn Rovers boss Sam Allardyce is chasing Hadjuk Split's Bosnian winger Senijad Ibricic.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United are keeping tabs on Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh, who was courted by Sunderland, West Ham and Arsenal in the summer.(Daily Mail) 
Bolton are weighing up a £3m move for Everton striker James Vaughan, ending Derby's hopes of taking the player on loan.(Daily Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher believes he is being targeted by referees because of the comments made about him by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger in September. Wenger accused one unnamed player, believed to be Fletcher, of constantly getting away with fouls against his side when the sides met at Old Trafford in August.(Various) 
Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner is set to undergo a hernia operation and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.(Daily Mirror) 
Chelsea defender Ashley Cole faces a race against time to be fit to face former club Arsenal on 29 November. The England international played against Manchester United on Sunday with a depressed fracture of the tibia, which he aggravated during the match.(Daily Star) 
Manchester City defender Kolo Toure wants his younger brother, Barcelona midfielder Yaya, to join him at Eastlands.(Daily Star) 

AND FINALLY

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway wore a £12.99 charity shop suit for last Saturday's win over Scunthorpe as a forfeit dished out by his players. "Anybody who has been late or forgotten their kit faces a hearing and I was found guilty," said Holloway. (The Sun)

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