Friday's World Cup round-up

Former France captain Zinedine Zidane has criticised coach Raymond Domenech after the 2-0 defeat by Mexico which left Les Bleus on the brink of World Cup elimination.
Zidane, a member of France's 1998 World Cup-winning team, believes Domenech got his selection wrong by demoting Yoann Gourcuff to the bench, depriving the side of a creative spark.
"The coach made the decision but I don't agree with it," Zidane told Mexican television station Televisa. "I am disappointed because France did not have a single shot on goal and that should be the least to be expected. Mexico were superior to France, especially physically."

Captain Patrice Evra said it felt like France were a "small football nation - and it hurts" after Thursday's defeat by Mexico.
"It's a catastrophe, that's all we can say. We are not a great team," said Evra, who was part of the side which suffered an early exit at Euro 2008. "When you are knocked out of the European Championship in the first round and you are also capable of being knocked out in the first round of the World Cup, you just don't want to think about football after that." 

Injured England defender Rio Ferdinand has told his England team-mates: "You can still win the World Cup."
"We still have a great chance of winning the World Cup," Ferdinand told The Sun. "No team can claim to be the outright favourites. There is no one who scares us. I'm sure we'll beat Algeria. I've played with these players for years and know how good they are."

Senior Cameroon players have asked coach Paul Le Guen to reconsider his team selection for the Group E match against Denmark on Saturday.
Defender Song made a substitute appearance against Japan
Cameroon's players are unhappy because Le Guen omitted seasoned campaigners like defenders Rigobert Song and Geremi and midfielder Alexandre Song from the Japan game, which they lost 1-0. 
"What we have seen in recent games, which we think is unfortunate, is that many young fresh players have been introduced into the team at the expense of experienced ones," said midfielder Achille Emana. 

United States captain Carlos Bocanegra said his team will not be underestimating Slovenia just because they lack household names.
The former Fulham defender said: "We have some personal experience against these guys. A few play in Germany, a few in France, just because they're not in the Premier League we're still familiar with these guys. We are not going to take them lightly just because some people might not know the names as well."

Netherlands midfielder Nigel de Jong is confident his team can win the World Cup in South Africa.
Ahead of Saturday's Group E clash with Japan, De Jong said: "We just have to deliver this World Cup. We have got enough quality to do it." 

Former Tottenham manager Osvaldo Ardiles, a World Cup winner with Argentina in 1978, says he wants to be Australia's new national coach.

Dutchman Pim Verbeek will vacate the position after the tournament and Football Federation Australia is seeking a big-name candidate to replace him.

www.bbc.co.uk

Friday's World Cup round-up - New BBC column

South Africa captain Aaron Mokoena says his side will have no nerves when they walk out in front of an expectant 85,000-strong home crowd at the Soccer City stadium for their World Cup opener against Mexico on Friday.
Mokoena recently became the first South African to earn 100 caps
"We are looking forward to the game," said Mokoena. "We've been through the feelings of how it's going to be.
"It's going to be important that we go out relaxed, but of course not too relaxed, and enjoy it.
"It's about us, it's about what we want and about making our country proud. The moment of truth has arrived."

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and South African healer Bishop Isaac Nonyane have pooled resources in a bid to get injury-plagued Australia winger Harry Kewell fit for the World Cup.
An injury to Kewell's groin has dominated Australia's build-up to the tournament, with coach Pim Verbeek desperate to have his key forward fit for Sunday's opener against Germany. 
Subsequently, Rudd offered a goodwill greeting on Friday at the insistence of Nonyane, who said the prime minister's best wishes would oust the "malicious spirits" plaguing the striker. 

France captain Patrice Evra believes a tough start to his career in England with Manchester United has been crucial in preparing him to lead his country out during the World Cup.
Evra, who endured a difficult six months after joining United from Monaco in January 2006 but has since blossomed into one of the best left-backs in the world, has been given the armband for his country with previous incumbent Thierry Henry likely to start on the bench during the tournament.
"It's difficult to talk about oneself," said Evra. "I've put in some hard work to get to this point - I haven't had any gifts given to me. I am determined.
"My first six months in Manchester were difficult but I believed in myself and my abilities and I think that is what makes a difference. I think my psychology helped me build and develop my career."

South Africa is ready to stage a "Ferrari" of a World Cup, according to Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke.
"If you compare, if you take the number of stadiums we got in the past World Cups and the number of great stadiums we have here in South Africa for the 2010 World Cup, definitely South Africa is above all the countries," he said. 
"South Africa is a new benchmark in the organisation of the World Cup. 
"But now the main question is, it's great to have the nicest car, it's great to have the latest Ferrari in your hands, but you need to know how to drive it, and that's where we are." 

Lionel Messi's Argentina team-mates have been keen to ease the weight of expectation on the diminutive playmaker ahead of this weekend's World Cup opener against Nigeria.
The 22-year-old reigning Fifa world player of the year looks certain to be the centre of attention in South Africa.

But veteran midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron said: "He (Messi) is feeling well and is eager to have a great World Cup, but I don't think it's right to make him responsible for everything that can happen in the World Cup.
"There are 23 players in the squad with the everybody sharing the responsibility."

Uruguayan Diego Forlan hopes to use the World Cup as a means to secure a move back to the Premier League.
Diego Forland took 27 games to score his first goal for Manchester United
The former Manchester United striker endured a difficult time during his first spell in England between 2002 and 2004 where it took him 27 games to score his first goal, but he has since rebuilt his reputation as a prolific goalscorer in Spain with Atletico Madrid. 
"If a big chance to return to England came up, I would have to look at it," said Forlan. "I loved my time in English football - the people, the fans, the football, everything." 

USA defender Oguchi Onyewu has said his team will pose England problems in their opening match of the World Cup on Saturday.
"Against any team, we can compete and get a result. We have proven that in the last few years," he said.
"The USA are not a world power but can cause trouble to any team on any given day."

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron has read out a morale-boosting message from England manager Fabio Capello to troops in Afghanistan.
"While the players receive incredible support from the country, as we are about to kick off in the World Cup, it's important you know how much all your efforts mean to all the players and staff with the England team," Capello said. 

"Your brave service to your country means so much to the players and we all have complete respect for the incredible sacrifices that you and your families have made."

www.bbc.co.uk

Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea will match Manchester City in the battle for Liverpool's £50m-rated striker Fernando Torres. (the Sun) 
And Chelsea will make a £20m move to take Tottenham's Croatia midfielder Luka Modric to Stamford Bridge, allowing Portuguese midfielder Deco and out-of-contract winger Joe Cole to leave. (Daily Star) 
Manchester United hope to sign Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema for £25m and could use defender Nemanja Vidic as a £10m makeweight in a deal for the France star.(the Sun) 
But Manchester United will not break their wage cap for Benzema, whose wage demands are almost £200,000 a week. (the Independent) 
Meanwhile, left-back Patrice Evra could leave Manchester United this summer, with Real Madrid and Inter Milan ready to pay £18m for the 28-year-old France international. (the Sun) 
And Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is planning a summer clear-out, with striker Dimitar Berbatov, midfielder Michael Carrick and midfielder Anderson all likely to be shown the door. (caughtoffside.com) 
Manchester City are weighing up an offer for Sunderland's £20m-rated striker Darren Bent as manager Roberto Mancini looks to shake up his forward line for next season.(caughtoffside.com) 
William Gallas could quit Arsenal on Tuesday if the France defender rejects the club's offer of a new contract. (the Sun) 
Meanwhile, newly promoted German Bundesliga side St Pauli are poised to offer Arsenal defender Sol Campbell a lucrative one-year contract. (Daily Mail) 
Tottenham are considering an £18m bid for Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano as Spurs manager Harry Redknapp targets a world-class forward to boost the club's chances in the Champions League next season.(Daily Mail) 
Tottenham will sign Portsmouth goalkeeper David James on a free transfer this summer.(Daily Mirror) 
Bolton are lining up a £4m bid for Portsmouth defender Nadir Belhadj, 27. (the Sun) 
Blackburn are weighing up a £6.5m move for Bordeaux's Brazil winger Wendel.(Daily Mail) 
Wolves hope to sign Ivory Coast striker Aruna Dindane, 29, for £4m from French side Lens, once he has played in the FA Cup final for Portsmouth, where he is on loan. (Daily Mirror) 
Wolves are also set to pip West Bromwich Albion to the £2m signature of Belgium midfielder Jelle van Damme, who plays for Anderlecht. (Daily Mail) 
Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan is ready to make a move for Rangers' Scotland midfielder Kevin Thomson, 25. (Daily Record) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Juventus are on the brink of ditching their plans to lure Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez and are turning their attention to Sampdoria coach Luigi Del Neri. (Daily Mail) 
A Chinese multi-millionaire internet gaming tycoon from Shanghai has held provisional talks about buying Liverpool, although no offer has yet been tabled by Zhu Jun, founder of The9 Ltd. (the Independent) 
Wolfsburg expect to name former England boss Steve McClaren as their new manager. McClaren led FC Twente to the Dutch title this season. (Daily Mail)
Real Mallorca manager Gregorio Manzano is the surprise new candidate to replace Gianfranco Zola at West Ham. (Daily Mirror) 
Former Arsenal defender Tony Adams has agreed a three-year contract to manage Azerbaijan side Qabala FC. (the Guardian)
Hull chairman Adam Pearson will wait a month before appointing a new manager at the club. Iain Dowie had a contract until the end of the season but would like the job on a permanent basis.(the Guardian) 
Coventry, who sacked manager Chris Coleman last week, will make a move to take Paul Hart from Crystal Palace to replace him.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Chelsea captain John Terry received a single-word text message from former Blues boss Jose Mourinho after winning the Premier League title, it read: "Champagne." (the Guardian)
www.bbc.co.uk

Champions League 7.4.

Man Utd - Bayern

Yes it was two flukes in Munich, but it happens when the team is under a heavy pressure. Bayern's win was clear and deserved for me. Both Utd's right-backs had a nightmare night. First Neville, handed the ball and Germans scored (I actually counted on his experience, but he reacted like an amateur). Evra's reaction before second goal was sensational, in my opinion. He repeated the same vs. Chelsea. Tonight will face recovered Robben. So, why we should expect tougher defense line tonight?

.

On the other hand, no chance I'll ever bet against United at Old Trafford at any price. German's defense is not much better (if it is even better). Sir Alex stated they'll play for 1-0 win. Sure they will. He also stated Rooney and Rio are absolutely fit, before Bolton. I think Utd's biggest chance is opening 15 minutes when Bayern will be under highest pressure. One scored goal then could give a big advantage to the hosts.

.

Can not bet on result after second half in Germany. And one man is not the team (as Vidic said), but Rooney is not an ordinary man and Berbatov really annoys me. Despite not so good odds, over 2.5 in this game is best bet for me. And won't suggest anyone to follow me, but have some feeling we could see extra time tonight. Gamble on Man Utd to win after penalty shoot out at 26.00!

.

Bordeaux - Lyon

Actually I was about to back Lyon with DNB counting on their experience (same word again) playing at this level of competition. But, two facts discouraged me in that intention. First, two goals difference for Lyon wasn't fully deserved. Second, visitors will miss three very important players Lisandro Lopez, Jean II Makoun and Sidney Govou (Bafetimbi Gomis is fit). Since I'm really not an expert for French football (or its fan) and despite I can see another high scoring game, I'm giving up from this one. No bet!

.

Available free bets, bonus offers and promotions:
Expekt - First deposit bonus up to €35 / £25 for all new customers
Make your first deposit at expekt.com and we will immediately double your money up to max €35 / £25. Take these 3 easy steps to start profiting from sports betting: 1.Register an account with expekt.com here. 2.Deposit a minimum of €10 into your expekt.com account. 3.Send an email to 35eurbonus@expekt.com with your customer number and deposit amount included. The bonus amount up to €35/£25 will be added to your account within 48 h

Bayern Munich 2-1 Man Utd

Ivica Olic grabbed an injury-time winner as Bayern Munich drew first blood in their Champions League quarter-final with Manchester United.
United had taken the lead after just 66 seconds when Wayne Rooney volleyed in six yards out from Nani's free-kick. 
But Franck Ribery's deflected free-kick set up a dramatic finale, rounded off by Olic's cool run and finish after a defensive error by Patrice Evra. 
United's misery was made complete when Rooney limped off with an ankle injury. 
And the England striker's injury could yet prove to be the major story of the night, with the 24-year-old apparently in severe pain after turning over on his ankle in the build-up to Bayern's winner. 
Either way, it was a poor night for United, who failed to build on Rooney's opener, allowing Bayern to take control of a tie now nicely poised ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford on 7 April.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side will comfort themselves in the knowledge that they have that away goal, but should Rooney be missing in a week's time it is clear United have plenty of work to do to combat a Bayern side who are likely to be buoyed by the return of key winger Arjen Robben after a calf problem.And while United must wait and see if he is fit to start the second leg or, indeed, Sunday's Premier League match with Chelsea, England coach Fabio Capello will also undoubtedly be interested in news on the severity of the frontman's injury.

www.bbc.co.uk

Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Egypt striker Mohamed Zidan, who plays for Borussia Dortmund, is being chased by Manchester United, Arsenal and Barcelona - according to his dad.(The Sun) 
Manchester City are likely to make a fresh move for Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago in the summer, City boss Roberto Mancini has confirmed.(The Guardian) 
And City also want to bring Lazio striker Mauro Zarate back to England to replace Robinho - the Argentine previously had a spell at Birmingham.(Goal.com) 
Manchester United are resigned to losing Nemanja Vidic in the summer, with AC Milan ready to rival Real Madrid's £20m attempt to prise him away. (Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to sign Brazilian wonderkid Wellington Silva after his trial with the Londoners. (Daily Mirror) 
The Gunners boss has also apparently stepped up the chase for £14m France striker Loic Remy, dubbed the 'new Thierry Henry'. (The Sun) 
Liverpool's attempt to sign Standard Liege forward Milan Jovanovic could be under threat after his agent claimed other clubs are interested. (Various)
Lokomotiv Moscow have joined city rivals Dinamo in the pursuit of Liverpool's Yossi Benayoun, despite Reds manager Rafa Benitez being reluctant to sell. (Daily Mail) 
Tottenham are interested in Ghana goalkeeper George Owu, who has been offered a trial following his release by Egyptian club Al Masry.(Daily Mail) 
Veteran striker Paul Dickov is wanted by Leeds and Derby after being released by Leicester.(Daily Mirror) 
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is trying to sign 17-year-old Bolivian star Gabriel Alvarez from Callejas for next season.(Daily Mirror) 
QPR have offered former Fulham defender Moritz Volz, who is a free agent, a contract until the end of the season. (The Sun) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Portsmouth goalkeeper David James is to take a pay cut as he does not want to inflict any more financial pressure on the cash-strapped club.(The Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City have offered first-team regulars at Eastlands a bonus of £1m each to take the club into the Champions League and win the FA Cup. (Daily Express) 
Aston Villa have banned youth defender Nathan Baker from this month's League Cup final after the 18-year-old was caught selling his ticket allocation for the game on social networking site Facebook. (Various)
Villa defender Nicky Shorey, who is on loan at Fulham, could be in trouble with Fifa after playing for his third club this season, breaking the world governing body's rule of only being allowed to play for two clubs in a season.(The Daily Mail) 
Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks is looking into selling his company's NHL ice hockey team the Dallas Stars.(The Guardian) 
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has emerged as potential target for Espanyol as the Barcelona club's hierarchy is losing confidence in coach Mauricio Pochettino.(Daily Mail)
Premier League clubs are set to pocket £1bn thanks to a TV deal which the league's chief executive Richard Scudamore is ready to announce as he publishes the figures for the worldwide rights to screen top Premier League matches. (The Sun) 

AND FINALLY

French left-back Patrice Evra says Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson "dances up and down like a child" when United win.(The Sun) 
Five Portsmouth fans will walk into the Premier League's luxurious offices in London on Friday looking for answers as to why their club has become football's financial basket case.(The Times) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger cancelled a day off for his Arsenal players ahead of this weekend's match against Chelsea because he was so angry after Sunday's 3-1 defeat by Manchester United.(Daily Mirror) 
Newcastle's new signing Leon Best has turned down the chance to take the club's famous No9 shirt because the £2m buy from Coventry City says he has not earned it yet. (Daily Mail)
www.bbc.co.uk

Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manager Rafael Benitez will try and solve Liverpool's striker crisis by making a £12m move for West Ham's Carlton Cole in January.(Daily Star) 
Spurs manager Harry Redknapp will take a look at Crystal Palace striker Victor Moses at a behind-closed-doors friendly this week.(Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham are also interested in Watford's England Under-21 goalkeeper Scott Loach.(Daily Star) 
But Harry Redknapp has been told that he will have to sell players before he can add to his squad in the January transfer window, despite Spurs announcing record pre-tax profits of £33.4m.(Daily Express) 
One player that could leave White Hart Lane is out-of-favour striker Roman Pavlyuchenko, with Zenit St Petersburg prepared to pay £10m plus add-ons.(Daily Mail) 
The agent of Barcelona's Yaya Toure says the midfielder could leave the Spanish giants in the summer but has ruled out a switch to Manchester City.(The Sun) 
Toure's availability will alert both Arsenal and Manchester United, who are ready to battle it out for the £15m-rated 26-year-old next summer.(Daily Star) 
Brazilian forward Robinho says he is so unhappy at Manchester City that he does not want to stay at the club beyond the January transfer window, with Barcelona his favoured destination.(Daily Express) 
And City accept that Robinho will leave the club in the new year, with Benfica forward Angel Di Maria lined up as a replacement.(The Guardian) 
However, Manchester City insist that Robinho is going nowhere.(Daily Mirror) 
The speculation surrounding Robinho is exasperating City, with executive chairman Garry Cook claiming that "some people are trying to make mischief when they talk about him leaving".(The Independent) 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson sat next to transfer target Simon Kjaer at an awards ceremony in Denmark on Monday night. Kjaer, a central defender, plays for Italian side Palermo.(Daily Mirror) 
United are giving a trial to Austrian goalkeeper Michael Langer, who plays for German club Freiburg.(Daily Mail) 
Cardiff have renewed their interest in Hull striker Daniel Cousin. (The Sun) 
Cardiff manager Dave Jones has targeted Ipswich midfielder Owen Garvan for a loan switch to be followed by a permanent move. (The Mirror)

OTHER GOSSIP

Lord Coe, non-executive director of the 2018 World Cup bidding team, has held emergency talks with Football Association chairman Lord Triesman amid concerns that England's attempt to stage the finals is faltering.(The Times) 
Rock star Sting has backed the bid from the Newcastle United Supporters' Trust to take over the club. Actors Jimmy Nail and Tim Healy have also lent their support.(The Sun) 
New Brighton manager Gus Poyet rejected the chance to join Real Madrid as an assistant boss after leaving Tottenham.(Daily Express) 
Referee Peter Walton will not officiate in the next round of Premier League games after awarding Liverpool the controversial penalty which gave them a draw with Birmingham on Monday.(Daily Mirror) 
Former Reading manager Steve Coppell and ex-Wycombe boss Peter Taylor are on the list of candidates to replace Darren Ferguson at Peterborough.(Daily Express) 
And Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is one of the favourites to succeed Ferguson.(The Times) 

AND FINALLY

France midfielder Patrice Evra has seemingly developed a curious superstition ahead of Saturday's crunch World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland. The Manchester United player has given up drinking Sprite because the green label reminds him of his nation's opponents.(The Sun)

www.bbc.co.uk

Thursday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

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

TRANSFER GOSSIP

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

OTHER GOSSIP

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

AND FINALLY

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

Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is set to offer former West Ham defender Lucas Neill £40,000 a week to join the Black Cats and help solve their injury problems. (The Sun) 
Blackburn defender Zurab Khizanishvili is set to sign for Middlesbrough on loan when the Football League transfer window opens on Wednesday. (Daily Mirror) 
Hull striker Daniel Cousin has turned down a loan move to Championship side Cardiff City. (The Sun) 
Blackburn Rovers are interested in Derry City midfielder Darren McCauley after he impressed on a recent trial at the Premier League club. (The Sun) 
Burnley and Hull are to battle it out for out-of-contract Dutch winger Bolo Zenden, whose contract at Marseille has ended. (The Sun) 
Middlesbrough are interested in taking QPR striker Heidar Helguson on loan. (Daily Mirror) 
Brazilian defender Glauber Berti, who was recently released by Manchester City, is set to sign for Hull. (Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Former West Ham midfielder Eyal Berkovic is being tipped to become the next manager of Israel and replace current boss Dror Kashtan. (The Sun) 
Ronnie Moore, who was sacked as Tranmere manager in June, could return for a second spell as Rotherham boss, with current manager Mark Robins set to take over at Barnsley. (Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra says he wants to be a babysitter when he quits football. Evra would also like to do a television comedy with team-mate Park Ji-Sung. (The Sun)
England manager Fabio Capello has thanked Croatia boss Slaven Bilic for providing him with his team talk for Wednesday's crunch World Cup qualifying clash. Bilic claimed England striker Wayne Rooney was "wild" and that John Terry had no right to accuse Eduardo of diving. (Daily Mail)
www.bbc.co.uk

Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United have been stunned by claims from Nemanja Vidic's agent that the centre-back wants a move to Barcelona. (Daily Mirror) 
However, Vidic's adviser Paolo Fabbri has denied quotes attributed to him in the Spanish media that the Serbian international had been tempted by an offer to join the European champions.(Daily Expres) 
Everton boss David Moyes is set to make a £12 million double raid for Tottenham midfielder David Bentley and defender Alan Hutton.
Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell is seriously considering an amazing switch to Notts County after being offered a player/coach role by County director of football Sven Goran Eriksson.(Daily Mirror) 
Liverpool have made a £2m swoop for AEK Athens centre-half Sotiris Kyrgiakos.(The Sun) 
The Reds are also keeping tabs on Stoke's Ryan Shawcross, although the Potters are desperate to keep hold of the defender.(Daily Mail) 
West Ham defender James Collins has rejected a £5m move to Stoke.(The Sun) 
Hull are set to bid for Aston Villa's unsettled defender Luke Young.(Daily Mirror) 
Forward Victor Moses wants to quit Crystal Palace after being left out of their starting line-up against Ipswich last night.(Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has ruled out a move for Portsmouth goalkeeper David James.(Independent) 
Redknapp is preparing an £8m bid for Celtic midfielder Scott Brown.(Daily Telegraph) 
Hull are also in the running to sign Campbell, but the Tigers are set to miss out on Real Madrid striker Alvaro Negredo who is set to join Real Zaragoza.(Daily Mirror) 
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce remains hopeful of pushing through a season-long loan deal for Lyon defender John Mensah.(Daily Telegraph) 
West Brom midfielder Jonathan Greening is set to sign for Fulham.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has told striker Fernando Torres to stop arguing with defenders and focus on scoring. (Daily Mail) 
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp says that the rest of the Premier League is envious of Spurs for having Croatian midfielder Luka Modric in their squad. (Daily Express) 
Newcastle have opened talks with Tyneside businessman Barry Moat over a possible takeover at St James' Park. (Independent) 
Moat's group though is battling it out with two unnamed consortia for the club.(Daily Express) 
Manchester United are preparing to offer defender Nemanja Vidic a new contract amid uncertainty about his long-term future. (The Times) 
Hull midfielder Ian Ashbee's career is hanging in the balance as he faces surgery on knee ligaments he ruptured last May. (The Sun) 
Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor insists the club can still succeed this term without Gareth Barry and Martin Laursen. (Daily Mirror) 
Coventry boss Chris Coleman says he needs more funds for players if the side are to push for promotion this season. (Daily Star) 

AND FINALLY

The Manchester United players have assigned defender Patrice Evra as their pre-match DJ but are demanding when it comes to his music choices. "I have to change it every time," said Evra. (The Sun) 
Chelsea new-boy Nemanja Matic almost signed for Middlesbrough in January but the midfielder was put off by the weather. (The Sun) 
Birmingham's new left-back Gregory Vignal, previously with Liverpool and Portsmouth, was convinced to return to England after receiving advice from Manchester United legend Eric Cantona at a bullfight. (The Sun)
www.bbc.co.uk

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)
www.bbc.co.uk

Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

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

OTHER GOSSIP 

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

AND FINALLY 

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