14.06.

Like I had a nightmare... We lost from Ghana and Germany looks impressive.

At least, I had a winning bet.

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I have a first pick for today and will have one or even two more. Post will be updated.

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Holland - Denmark, Holland -1 ah @ 2.03 (Pinnacle)  2-0 WON

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Holland has a little bit shaky defense with Mathijsen in charge, but their attacking power is huge.1st place in the group is reserved for them,but tragically for Dutch they'll face Brazil in quarter and finish the competition.

Denmark is a kind of mistery for me.They finished 1st in qualification group,left Portugal behind.No Bendtner (some danish media announced today he'll play),but even with him...Kjaer,key defender,has been injured but will be in the team (not fit though).Same with goalie Sorrensen.

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UPDATE:

Japan - Cameroon, Cameroon to win @ 2.23 (188 bet)  1-0 LOST 

Japan, correct me if I’m wrong, has just one decent player – Honda and some veteran internationals. They were in a sensationally bad shape in friendlies, in qualifications stayed behind Australia. Struggling to score, defense is a joke.

Cameroon, not so better defense, as all Africans lack in discipline and tactic and thankfully to Eto’o not so good dressing room atmosphere. But also, as all Africans they feel like at home in SA, decent team and some tall players that should be a big threat after set-pieces.

No big philosophy, Cameroon to win.

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UPDATE II:

Regarding Serbia.
We looked like a bunch of drug addicts with amateur, stoned coach in charge.It wasn't luck,Ghana deserved their victory.
Doomed now.I see two possible scenarios in rest two games,but none of them will see us in the second round.Half teams still haven't played their first games,we're already packing home. Still feel like I'm gonna puke.

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Serbia 4-3 Cameroon Hope you followed

Serbia twice came from a goal down to earn its first victory in World Cup warmup games with a 4-3 win on Saturday over a Cameroon side playing without its captain Samuel Eto'o.
Achille Webo headed Cameroon into fifth minute lead and then repeated the feat in the 20th, shortly after midfielder Milos Krasic had briefly equalized for Serbia - pouncing on a ball that bounced off Cameroon goalkeeper Souleymanou Hamidouin.
Krasic then provided the pass for Inter Milan midfielder Dejan Stankovic to make it 2-2 with a powerful shot in the 25th minute.
Serbia went in front when Nenad Milijas converted a 42nd penalty and Marko Pantelic added Serbia's fourth in first-half stoppage time.
Cameroon was dominant in the second half and Eric Choupo-Moting scored Cameroon's third in the 67th, nodding in a cross from Geremi.
Eto'o missed the match after he was red-carded in the first half of a 3-1 friendly defeat by Portugal on Tuesday.
Serbia was missing Nemanja Vidic of Manchester United, who had a fever.
Eto'o joined the Cameroon squad after winning the Champions League title with Inter Milan.
He had threatened to sit out the World Cup after being criticized by former Cameroon great Roger Milla, who rebuked the striker for failing to reproduce his club form with the national team.
Cameroon, which in 1990 reached the World Cup quarterfinals, plays Japan, Denmark and the Netherlands in Group E in South Africa.
Serbia faces Germany, Australia and Ghana in Group D.

Lineups:
Serbia: Vladimir Stojkovic, Branislav Ivanovic, Aleksandar Lukovic, Neven Subotic, Milan Jovanovic (Zoran Tosic, 68), Dejan Stankovic, Milos Krasic (Dragan Mrdja, 62), Nikola Zigic (Danko Lazovic, 46), Marko Pantelic (Milos Ninkovic 57), Nenad Milijas (Radosav Petrovic, 46), Ivan Obradovic (Aleksandar Kolarov, 46).
Cameroon: Souleymanou Hamidou, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Jean Makoun, Eric Choupo Moting (Gaetan Bong, 77), Stephane Mbia, Georges Mandjeck (Geremi Njitap, 46), Sebastien Bassong, Landry Nguemo, Nicolas Nkoulou (Joel Matip 64), Vincent Aboubakar (Achille Emana, 46), Achille Webo (Mohamadou Idrissou, 64)

http://thestar.com.my

Preston 2-2 Sheff Wed

Sheffield Wednesday scored twice in three minutes as they came from behind to earn a draw on manager Alan Irvine's return to Preston North End.
Billy Jones saw a shot blocked by Darren Purse but Neil Mellor reacted quickly to put North End ahead with a low right-foot strike. 
Lee Grant denied Mellor before Paul Coutts scored with a low strike. 
But Andy Lonergan failed to stop Tommy Miller's 30-yard strike and Marcus Tudgay equalised with a lofted finish. 
It was Irvine's first visit to Deepdale since he was sacked as Preston manager in December.
And his struggling team might have collected all three points but Lonergan made two excellent late saves to deny Leon Clarke.

www.bbc.co.uk

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Chelsea 0 - 1 Inter Milan (agg 1 - 3)

Jose Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge in triumph as Inter Milan sent Chelsea crashing out of the Champions League.
Samuel Eto's clinical strike 11 minutes from time settled a scrappy encounter and sealed a place in the quarter-finals for Mourinho at the expense of the club he left in 2007 after a hugely successful three-and-a-half years. 
And the misery for Chelsea and coach Carlo Ancelotti was complete when Didier Drogba was sent off in the closing minutes after a penalty area clash with Thiago Motta. 
Mourinho's Inter were able to keep a subdued Chelsea at arm's length for the majority of a tense evening littered with fouls and spells of ill-feeling, with even the self-appointed "Special One" being targeted for abuse by the supporters who once idolised him as frustration spread around Stamford Bridge in the closing moments. 
He celebrated in relatively muted fashion when Eto'o capped a spell of Inter pressure with the crucial goal, after Diego Milito had missed the chance to seal Chelsea's fate even earlier.  
Chelsea had their moments in a frantic first half, with Michael Ballack shooting just wide and Nicolas Anelka seeing a close-range effort cleared off the line by Motta, while keeper Julio Cesar saved well from Florent Malouda after the break. 
And Chelsea were also left claiming they were victims of a clear injustice in the first half when Drogba was dragged to the ground by Walter Samuel as they wrestled to reach a corner. 
This apart, Inter were able to restrict Chelsea, who failed to show the wit and guile required to break them down, demonstrating the defensive discipline and resilience that is the trademark of any Mourinho team. 
He did not milk Inter's win at the final whistle, but Mourinho may just appreciate the irony of the fact that he has ended Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's dream of bringing the Champions League to Stamford Bridge. 
For Ancelotti and Chelsea, the task is now to regroup and refocus their sights on the Premier League and the FA Cup.
www.bbc.co.uk

Chelsea-Inter

Well,I've been thinking a lot about this one.Main question for me is who has a bigger problem.

a)Turnbull-Chelsea
In my opinion,he's actually better option than Hilario,but this is not FA Cup and I'm not sure how he'll cope with the pressure.I have no doubt,Mourinho mentioned him in at least one interview just to make him additionally nervous.And his debut in CL (Apoel, 2-2 at home) wasn't so bright. Public say they're cursed.First Terry slipped in Moscow,then were robbed by that bold punk,this time maybe one Turnbull's mistake and 0-1 at the start.And I'm really scary when try to imagine Turnbull with Sneijder,Eto'o or Milito in one picture.

b)Defence line-Inter
It's not the same game.Pulling the shirt is a yellow card,everywhere except in Italy.Kicking in the someone's legs in 16 metres is penalty.Karate kick in the stomach is a red card.Referee is German and I'm not sure how much Maicon,Lucio,Samuel and Zanetti can follow this rules when face Drogba or Anelka for example.With Ballack even more harder.

I have no doubt for which side I'll cheer up,for Chelsea.Their advantage is team quality.They play as a squad,not like a bunch of spoiled stars.On the other side...You can love him or hate him,but he's simply genius.Jose Mourinho will be biggest strength for Inter.1.60 for a home win?Why then you don't bet on -1 ah at 2.05-2.15?What's the possibility for end with one goal margin for Chelsea?

Eventually,I've concluded there's no reason to be nervous about a game like this.Pint of a beer and enjoying in tv coverage.Also,I'm sure this game can not end peacefully.No chance.My bet will be on a red card.

Cheers,

Dule

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Italian Cup

Inter - Juventus

Strong eleven are expected for Inter, including Eto'o. Juve will miss several keys and some youngsters will appear. At the same time, players have expected Benitez or Hiddink but will get Gentile as new boss. Seems their nightmare never ends. Mourinho smells the blood. Home win and over.

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I'm going on the road tonight. Thinking to take a weekend off, too much stress since December. However, will post gossips and will be back with new picks soon.

Cheers lads,

Dule

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Barcelona - Inter

Pep Guardiola has been facing a lots of problems these days. Barca have noticed three consecutive league draws on the road (Valencia, Osasuna, Athletic Bilbao) and left the first place to the worst enemies from Madrid (who will face for the weekend at home in new El Clasico, btw.). Team doesn’t perform well, it’s obvious. Unusually for them, have plenty of problems to score. Leo Messi is completely out of shape. He’s also injured and predictions are he won’t play. Ibrahimovic is surely more expensive than Eto’o, but he can not reach the same number of goals as Cameronian, so far. As Messi, he’s also injured but is expected to appear. Eric Abidal and Yaya Toure have both been diagnosed with the H1N1 flu virus and are isolated. Rafa Marquez is ill, but it has been discerned that the Mexican does not have Influenza A, and depending on his progress, he may be able to play. And one long term injury - Gabriel Milito! Lack of result here would mean Barca will fight for progress in the last round against Dynamo Kiev on the road!


Inter keep the absolute domination in domain frames, have noticed 10 wins and just a single defeat in opening 13 rounds and are in run of 10 games without a defeat. Problem is, however, Massimo Moratti wants a Champions League trophy and it has been well explained to Jose Mourinho. Despite the tiny achievement in past four group rounds, three draws (and one win), Inter hold the first position in group with a point more than Barca and are in good position. Win in Spain would practically secure the progress and first place, while draw would leave the decision for the last round and game at Meazza against Rubin Kazan. Mourinho is well aware the keeping a draw at Camp Nou would be a suicidal mission. He’s also aware about the moment where the Spanish giant is. Oppositely, his lads have been playing in a great shape and he hasn’t any injury worries as well. If Inter win, that will push the title defender very close to elimination. Answer on Barca’s attacks will be tight formation and waiting for some counter attack. And Samuel Eto'o will have another opportunity to prove his departure from Barcelona was harsh.

Beside the importance that game brings for Italians, I have the impression this is also a test of maturity for Mourinho. A big win would return him on the big scene, while defeat would move him closer to the exit door from Meazza. I give a small advantage to Italians, but Barca will attack anyway. However, goals shouldn’t miss. Pinnacle offer 2.10. Over.

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Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has met with John Terry and believes the defender is happy to stay at Stamford Bridge despite talk of a £30m offer from Manchester City. The Blues plan to make Terry their best-paid player.(The Sun) 
City are increasingly confident of tempting Terry to Eastlands despite Chelsea's offer of a new contract which would make the 28-year-old England captain their highest-paid player.(Daily Mirror) 
Meanwhile, City have given Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o 24 hours to sign for them or miss out on becoming the best-paid player in English football. (Daily Mirror)
Barcelona have stepped up their pursuit of Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas after club president Joan Laporta claimed signing the £40m-rated Spaniard is high on their agenda this summer. (The Sun) 
Fabregas is at the centre of a potential bidding war between Barcelona and Real Madrid. (Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal appear to have missed out on Fiorentina midfielder Felipe Melo and manager Arsene Wenger now wants to sign Ever Banega, Valencia's 21-year-old Argentine midfielder. (Daily Telegraph) 
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has attempted to quell speculation over the futures of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano by insisting both players "owe Liverpool a lot". (The Sun) 
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has made a club record £12m bid for Darren Bent. (Daily Mirror) 
Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has no intention of joining Birmingham. (The Sun) 
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is facing a battle to keep John Carew as Tottenham prepare a £5m bid for the striker. (Daily Express) 
Everton are preparing a new £4m bid for Sheffield United right-back Kyle Naughton, who is also attracting interest from Aston Villa. (Daily Mirror)
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is in talks with Manchester United striker Fraizer Campbell over a £5m move. Bruce has also accepted a £5m offer from Ipswich for midfielder Dean Whitehead and striker Daryl Murphy.(Daily Mail) 
Stoke are willing pay a club-record £6m for Rennes midfielder Stephane Mbia. (The Sun) 
Stoke boss Tony Pulis will offer the French club £10m to beat off competition from Everton and Marseille for Cameroon international Mbia. (Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City midfielder Gelson Fernandes is joining St Etienne in a £2m deal. (Daily Mail)
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez looks set to beat off competition from Hull for the signing of Swansea striker Jason Scotland. (The Sun) 
Blackburn want £3m for Fulham target Keith Andrews - more than double what they paid MK Dons for the midfielder's services. (Daily Mirror)
Middlesbrough are closing in on former Sheffield United striker Danny Webber, who is also being chased by Ipswich and Crystal Palace. (Daily Star) 
Sheffield Wednesday striker Marcus Tudgay has pleaded with the Owls to let him talk to newly promoted Premier League side Burnley.(The Sun) 
Coventry left-back Danny Fox is being chased by Celtic, West Brom, Reading and Nottingham Forest. (Daily Mirror) 
Barnsley could beat Norwich to sign out-of-favour Crystal Palace striker Alan Lee. (Daily Mirror)
Bolton manager Gary Megson is planning to secure defender Gary Cahill on a new long-term contract before the start of the new season amid interest from Arsenal. (Daily Express)
Plymouth manager Paul Sturrock is poised to smash the club's transfer record with a £1m bid for Ipswich striker Danny Haynes. (Daily Star)
Reading boss Brendan Rodgers is planning to raid former club Chelsea with a double loan swoop for defenders Ryan Bertrand and Jack Cork. (Daily Star) 


OTHER GOSSIP

Gordon Strachan is being lined up for a shock return to Southampton as manager of the League One club. (The Sun) 
Alan Shearer is said to be "tearing his hair out" as the impasse at Newcastle continues. (The Guardian) 
Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has urged manager Arsene Wenger to "work harder" to deliver success to the club. (Daily Mirror)
Stewart Downing's hopes of playing for England in the 2010 World Cup are hanging in the balance after he was ruled out until Christmas, potentially wrecking a move to Aston Villa or Tottenham. (Daily Mirror) 
Boro strikers Mido and Afonso Alves have been fined £100,000 after turning up late for pre-season training.(The Sun) 
Manchester United's new signing Gabriel Obertan says he was shocked to join the Old Trafford club and admits he will only be a bit-part player for them this season.(The Sun) 
Simon Davies could miss the start of Fulham's Europa League campaign - the midfielder needed surgery on a foot fracture and has yet to resume full training. (Daily Express)
Portsmouth managerial target Roberto Mancini wants a substantial transfer budget guaranteed before deciding whether to accept the job. (Daily Mirror) 
Joey Barton will play for Newcastle in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, two months after the midfielder was told he would never play for them again.(Various)
 
AND FINALLY

He might be better known for his footballing talents but, away from the pitch, Hull's Brazilian forward Giovanni is also a church pastor. The 29-year-old joined the Brazilian New Hope Fellowship Church in Hulme, Manchester, when he was at Manchester City and regularly preaches sermons.(The Sun) 
US President Barack Obama seemed distinctly unimpressed as he was presented with a singed Brazil shirt by the country's leader Luiz Inacio da Silva. A late Brazil goal denied the USA a shock victory in the Confederations Cup Final in South Africa two weeks ago. (Daily Telegraph) 
Manchester United are to open a string of themed cafes in India. (Daily Star)
England midfielder David Beckham has admitted that he named his son Cruz after actor and friend Tom Cruise. (Daily Star)
www.bbc.co.uk

Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o will drop his wage demands to join Manchester United for £25m.(News of the World) 
Chelsea are prepared to sell captain John Terry to Manchester City for £45m.(News of the World) 
But central defender Terry will only be allowed to leave if he hands in a written transfer request.(News of the World) 
Manchester City are said to be preparing a final £35m bid for England captain Terry.(Mail on Sunday) 
Barcelona are closing in on the signing of Liverpool's Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano.(News of the World) 
Mascherano's departure looks imminent after he fell out with Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez towards the end of last season.(Mail on Sunday) 
New Manchester United striker Michael Owen has revealed how he would have taken a £100,000 pay cut to rejoin old club Liverpool.(News of the World) 
Manchester United winger Nani fears for his future at the club following the arrival of Antonio Valencia. Both Atletico Madrid and Villarreal are interested in the Portuguese 22-year-old.(News of the World) 
New Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is set to be handed a transfer kitty of £60m when he officially takes over on Monday.(Daily Star on Sunday) 
Chelsea could use some of that cash to make a move for Real Madrid winger Wesley Sneijder.(News of the World) 
And the Stamford Bridge club could make a last-ditch attempt to sign Argentine forward Carlos Tevez who is on the verge of joining Manchester City.(News of the World) 
Newcastle United are lining up a double swoop for Manchester United striker Fraizer Campbell and Manchester City forward Ched Evans.(News of the World)
Liverpool will have to battle it out with Real Madrid for Valencia midfielder David Silva.(News of the World) 
Real Madrid are set to bid £55m for Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery. Frenchman Ribery is also wanted by Chelsea and Manchester United.(Daily Star on Sunday) 
AC Milan are ready to offer £20m plus former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini for Gunners striker Emmanuel Adebayor. (Sunday Mirror)
But Adebayor's agent Stephane Courbis has said the 25-year-old will remain at the club, ending speculation of a move to Italian side AC Milan. (The Observer) 
AC Milan are pursuing Real Madrid striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who is also a target for Manchester United. (Sunday Times)
Everton manager David Moyes is lining up a move for Manchester United's veteran midfielder Paul Scholes.(Daily Star on Sunday) 
Everton's Australian midfielder Tim Cahill has told friends he fancies a move to Italy or Spain as he is fed up with the rain in England. (Sunday Express)
Fulham are set to battle it out with Sunderland and AC Milan for Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch.(Daily Star on Sunday) 
But Sunderland appear to have won the race for £14m rated England striker Crouch. (The People)
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is keeping tabs on Athletico Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente, who has been dubbed Spain's Peter Crouch.(News of the World) 
Birmingham are interested in taking Tottenham left-back Gareth Bale on loan next season. (Daily Star on Sunday)
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is lining up a £4m bid for Norway striker Moa Abdellaoue from Valarenga.(News of the World) 
Wigan are battling it out with Sunderland for Reading winger Stephen Hunt.(News of the World) 
Former Arsenal and Portsmouth defender Lauren is wanted by Hull City.(News of the World) 
Hull are also keeping tabs on Fulham striker Bobby Zamora having lost out in the race to sign Fraizer Campbell.(News of the World) 
Bolton manager Gary Megson is preparing a £3m bid for Manchester City's Swiss midfielder Gelson Fernandes.(News of the World)
Middlesbrough are lining up Preston keeper Wayne Henderson as a replacement for Chelsea-bound Ross Turnbull.(News of the World) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is drawing up plans for a European style Super League that would destroy the structure of top flight football in England.(News of the World) 
A billionaire Swiss family are the latest group to be linked to a takeover of troubled south-coast side Southampton.(Mail on Sunday) 
Former Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear has been given the go-ahead to return to management after his recent health problems.(Mail on Sunday) 

AND FINALLY

New Manchester United striker Michael Owen says he was made to feel like a "criminal" at former club Newcastle because of all his injury problems at St James' Park. (Daily Star on Sunday) 
Former Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez is confident he will not be viewed as a traitor by the Old Trafford faithful if he completes a transfer to the club's cross-city rivals. (The People)
www.bbc.co.uk

Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City are set to make a £50m double swoop for Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o and Manchester United forward Carlos Tevez. (Daily Star) 
Eto'o will earn a staggering £250,000 a week - £13m a year - if the £25m transfer to City goes through.(The Sun) 
Manchester United are on the verge of completing a £16m deal to sign Wigan winger Luis Antonio Valencia. (Daily Mirror) 
But United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is in danger of missing out on Lyon striker Karim Benzema, who looks set to join Real Madrid in a £28m deal. (Daily Star) 
Liverpool have beaten Barcelona to the signing of 16-year-old Cadiz midfielder Jesus Fernandez.(Daily Mirror) 
Everton are tracking £5m-rated Sweden Under-21 striker Marcus Berg, who plays for Groningen. (Daily Mirror) 
Wolves have put in a £1.5m bid for Monaco's Croatian midfielder Jerko Leko. (Daily Mirror)
The Molineux club are also set to spend £2.5m on Marseilles defender Ronald Zubar. (The Times) 
Portsmouth midfielder Arnold Mvuemba is set to sign for French side Lorient after a three-year spell at Fratton Park. (Daily Mirror)
Birmingham are interested in Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson and will table a £1m bid for him this week. (The Sun) 
Hull defender Sam Ricketts is set to make a £2m switch to Portsmouth after rejecting a new deal with the Tigers. (The Sun)
Blackburn will pay £400,000 to sign French midfielder Steven N'Zonzi from Amiens. (Daily Mirror) 
Reading are bracing themselves for bids for centre-back Andre Bikey, who has a £3m release clause in his contract. (Daily Mirror)
Cardiff are keen to sign Charlton centre-back Mark Hudson in a £700,000 deal. (Daily Mirror) 
Gillingham are ready to bid £150,000 for Dagenham & Redbridge striker Paul Benson. (The Sun)
Brighton are in talks with Motherwell keeper Graeme Smith but face competition for his signature from Aberdeen. (Daily Mirror) 
Motherwell boss Jim Gannon will make Stockport goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams his first transfer target. (The Sun)

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has pleaded with boss Sir Alex Ferguson to be played as a centre-forward and not a winger. (The Times) 
Former Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has claimed Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack and Petr Cech did not accept his methods of training while he was at the Blues. The Brazilian also says he will never again work in English football.(The Sun) 
West Brom will appoint Alan Irvine as their new manager on Monday after his switch from Preston was agreed on Sunday evening. (Daily Mirror) 
Hull manager Phil Brown has insisted his interest in signing Newcastle striker Michael Owen is not a publicity stunt. (The Sun) 

AND FINALLY

Some of the Premier League's top players have travelled abroad to seek the sun - Steven Gerrard is in Ibiza, Robin van Persie has hit the beach in St Tropez and Jermaine Jenas is basking in Italy. Don't they know Britain is set for temperatures of up to 93F this week?
www.bbc.co.uk

Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

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

OTHER GOSSIP

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

AND FINALLY

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

Friday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

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

TRANSFER GOSSIP

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

OTHER GOSSIP

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

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

BREAKING GOSSIP

Valencia striker David Villa has told his club he wants to move to Real Madrid and nowhere else. (Sky Sports) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o is edging closer to a Manchester City move with wage demands of £192,000 a week, after tax, being weighed up by the Premier League club.(Daily Mail) 
The chase for Franck Ribery has found the green light again following the latest words by Bayern Munich president Franz Beckenbauer.
With Manchester United, Chelsea and Barcelona waiting in the wings, chairman of the German club Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said a few days ago the French midfielder would not be sold, but Beckenbauer has revealed: "If he really wants to leave, we will deal with the issue."(Daily Star) 
Man United are considering a move for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie who is yet to sign a new contract. With one year remaining on his current deal, the Dutch star is desperate to win more silverware and said money was not everything.(The Sun) 
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has confirmed he made an enquiry about taking on former Ranger captain Barry Ferguson. (Daily Record) 
Javier Mascherano's future at Liverpool hangs in the balance with news the midfielder's agent has held talks with Barcelona.(The Sun) 
Man United and Arsenal target Lyon forward Karim Benzema looks set to stay with the French club for at least another year after committing his immediate future to the French outfit before going on holiday. (Daily Express) 
Tottenham have been talking to Real Madrid about a proposal to subsidise Arjen Robben's wages in return for the Dutch winger moving to White Hart Lane.(The Independent) 
Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker is being used as bait with manager Martin O'Neill eyeing up Tottenham's Tom Huddlestone.(Daily Mirror) 
Sporting Lisbon are set to make a second offer for Man City's Felipe Caicedo after Mark Hughes' club rejected their initial bid of £5m for the striker. (Daily Mirror)
Meanwhile, Man City have denied Brazilian superstar Robinho will join Barcelona on a loan deal. Chief executive Garry Cook said: "The story is completely without foundation." (The Times) 
AC Milan playmaker Andrea Pirlo fancies a move to Chelsea. The 30-year-old said: "Perhaps it's possible that I could join (Blues boss Carlo) Ancelotti. Maybe it's time for a new chapter in my career." (Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Chelsea are ready to appeal over the Uefa four-match ban dished out to striker Didier Drogba for his behaviour in last season's Champions League semi-final with Barcelona. (Daily Mirror) 
Gunners star Emanuel Eboue is set to reject a transfer to Italy and fight for his place. (Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth centre-back Sol Campbell is mulling over an offered 50% wage cut to stay at Fratton Park, with Basel and Fenerbahce also attracting interest in the former England star.(The Times) 

AND FINALLY

Following Ronaldo's agreed record-breaking move from Manchester United, agent Jorge Mendes is locked in talks with Real Madrid over bonus payments based on sponsorship and other commercial deals. The Spanish club have also been asked to smash their image rights pay structure.(Daily Mail)
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Saturday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

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

OTHER GOSSIP

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

AND FINALLY

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

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are fighting to halt an exodus after Cristiano Ronaldo's record £80m transfer to Real Madrid with Nemanja Vidic being targeted by Barcelona.(The Times) 
And Manchester City appear to have beaten United to the signature of Argentine striker Carlos Tevez.(The Times) 
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists it was his decision entirely to allow Ronaldo to leave for Madrid.(Daily Express) 
Ferguson only allowed Ronaldo to leave on the proviso that he would get to spend all of the world record £80m transfer fee on new players. (Daily Star) 
Or, Ferguson will be given £100m to spend on new players after Ronaldo's departure. (Daily Mail) 
Ferguson has targeted Lyon striker Karim Benzema, Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery and Wigan's Antonio Valencia as replacements for Ronaldo.(The Guardian) 
Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o could also be a surprise target for Manchester United. (The Guardian)
However, it would appear that Italian club Inter Milan are favourites to land the £25m-rated striker from the Nou Camp. (The Sun) 
Valencia winger David Silva is another player who could be wearing the red of United next season. (The Times)
Real Madrid winger Arjen Robben could also be a target for Ferguson. (Daily Star) 
Madrid are confident that Ronaldo could earn them over £500m in merchandising over the next 10 years.(The Sun) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool are hopeful of securing a £350m refinancing loan to after vowing to pump more money into the club. (Various)

AND FINALLY

Out-of-favour Manchester United winger Nani says he is the the man to replace World and European player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo. (The Sun)
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Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

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

OTHER GOSSIP

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

AND FINALLY

Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson has revealed that leaving Stamford Bridge to join Portsmouth helped him fall back in love with football.(The Sun)
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Thursday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

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

TRANSFER GOSSIP

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


OTHER GOSSIP

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


AND FINALLY

Meanwhile United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has vowed that he will play again, despite rumours that he will be forced to retire following a succession of knee injuries. (Daily Mirror)
www.bbc.co.uk

Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

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

OTHER GOSSIP

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

AND FINALLY 

Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink was certainly a happy man after the FA Cup victory over Everton on Saturday - and who could blame him? After the game, the Dutchman was photographed in the Blues dressing room puffing a large cigar as well as dancing with club owner Roman Abramovich. "Roman was there and he danced with us as well. But, no, he didn't breakdance," said Hiddink. (Various)(News of the World)
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Barcelona 2-0 Man Utd

Manchester United's attempt to make history and become the first club to defend the Champions League ended in failure against Barcelona in Rome's Stadio Olimpico.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson's hopes of repeating last year's triumph against Chelsea barely got off the ground as they ended well beaten by a Barcelona side inspired by the genius of Argentine superstar Lionel Messi. 
United started the final, played in stifling heat, as if retaining their crown would be little more than a formality, creating a host of early chances against the nervous-looking Catalans, with Cristiano Ronaldo a constant threat. 
But once Samuel Eto'o scored at Edwin van der Sar's near post in the 10th minute after escaping Nemanja Vidic, the credits were rolling on their bid to add the Champions League to the Premier League for the second successive season.
Barcelona's peerless midfield pair of Andres Iniesta and Xavi ruled midfield with a display of passing perfection, starving United of further opportunities to strike at a defence weakened by injuries and suspension. 
Xavi hit the post with a free-kick and Thierry Henry was denied by Van der Sar before Messi crowned a glorious personal performance with a stunning header to clinch victory with 20 minutes remaining. 
He made a mockery of his tiny stature to rise and head home Xavi's cross - and in that magical moment any hopes United harboured of a recovery were snuffed out. 
If the showdown between Messi and Ronaldo was billed as the spectacular sub-plot within this showpiece, there was only one winner as Barcelona's playmaker terrorised United throughout. 
Ronaldo, for all his obvious frustrations that ended almost inevitably in a yellow card for a late barge on Carles Puyol, never stopped running but this was not to be his night or United's.

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Barcelona: Valdes, Puyol, Toure Yaya, Pique, Sylvinho, Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta (Pedrito 90), Messi, Eto'o, Henry (Keita 72).
Subs Not Used: Pinto, Caceres, Muniesa, Gudjohnsen, Bojan. 
Booked: Pique. 
Goals: Eto'o 10, Messi 70. 

Man Utd: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Anderson (Tevez 46), Carrick, Giggs (Scholes 75), Park (Berbatov 66), Ronaldo, Rooney.
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Rafael Da Silva, Evans, Nani. 
Booked: Ronaldo, Scholes, Vidic. 

Att: 72,700 
Ref: Massimo Busacca (Switzerland).
www.bbc.co.uk

Barcelona – Manchester United

The final game is in front. Barca, formally host, had an excellent season in Spain, wining both titles, league and cup. Their superiority was visible in Madrid where they humiliated an arch rivals, scoring six times! Fans were suspicious when Frank Riijkard was substituted with a coach of younger selections at the club. But, Guardiola got rid of Deco and Ronaldinho (biggest stars from previous season) and made a squad younger. Attacking performance (scored 30 goals in 12 CL games, btw.) deserved admiration of whole football Europe. Wining an European title would be a crown of excellent season. But, won’t be easy. First reason is the opponent. Since beating Arsenal in the 2006 Champions League final, they have played eight European matches against English opposition and won just once. Big problem is when someone cut their passing play. Whatever Spanish side says, admitting, or not, they were outplayed in semi-final. If referee allows tough game from the start with many fouls and challenges, they’ll be in a big trouble. Eto’o, Messi and Henry can’t get a ball, midfield already has a player less (formation 4-3-3) and defense is fighting against the storm. Here we come to the second big problem. Three very important players won’t play. Abidal and Dani Alves are suspended, while Marquez and Milito are injured. It means Puyol and Silvinho will be on the sides, Toure and Pique as the center backs. But, that’s not all, Henry and Iniesta have injury problems. They’re expected to play, but the question is, are they fully fit. 


United take on Barcelona on with the aim of becoming the first team to defend the Champions League title and to join the clubs who did it in the previous format of competition (1956-60 Real Madrid, 1961-62 Benfica, 1964-65 Inter Milan, 1971-73 Ajax, 1974-76 Bayern, 1977-78 Liverpool, 1979-80 Nottingham Forest FC). Sir Alex Ferguson and lads are superior in England, wining the Premier League again and easily. There are some opinions this team is the best in United’s history. In the previous CL round, they passed Porto and humiliated Arsenal. Tonight, their opponent will be much harder, one of the best European teams. Sir Alex knows what is the weakest link in Barca’s machine and will try to use their wounded defense line. He has no worries about missings, just suspended Fletcher (will be substituted by Park more likely than Anderson). But, the real secret is condition of Rio Ferdinand’s injury. He says he is “fine”, but he has been out for three weeks with a calf injury. If he’s not fully fit, there will be two possible problems. First, half-injured Rio will have a task to stop the best strikers in Europe. Second, if Jonny Evans will substitute him (in this case, over is very possible). It is very important for them what criteria referee will establish from the start. Will he allow tough challenges, or will cut the play for easy touching. 

I give a clear advantage to United. My reasons are nearly similar like in semi-final. 1.English style of play against Spanish, 2. Ferguson against Guardiola, 3. Barca's defense. Simply, Man.Utd. is stronger. But, at the same time, two reasons for limiting the stake. First, won’t say a big wisdom, but this is final and everything is possible, as always. Second, again unknown referee. Ovrebo didn’t see Pique handed the ball from two meters distance. Won’t write about the things outside the football, but really hope Swiss Massimo Busacca will be on the game level. Expekt offers 2.70. United to win and Rooney to score.  

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Barcelona 0-1 Osasuna

Barcelona suffered a home defeat to Osasuna in their last match before their Champions League final against Man United.
Uruguayan striker Walter Pandiani headed the only goal of the game from a first-half corner to boost the Pamplona side's chances of Primera Division survival and subject Pep Guardiola's side to only their second home defeat in the league this season.
Youngster Marc Muniesa was controversially sent off late on as the home side - containing a number of fringe players - finished the game with 10 men, and Guardiola was also dismissed for his protests.
Barcelona sealed the league title last Saturday as fierce rivals Real Madrid lost at Villarreal and that allowed Guardiola to field a number of second-string players against Mallorca the following day.
And with the chance to win an historic treble - with Barcelona having also won the Copa del Rey 10 days ago - just four days after this match, Guardiola once again named a severely weakened team for the visit of Osasuna.
Despite their win, Osasuna remain in the relegation zone and must now take something from the game at home to Madrid next weekend.
For Barca, meanwhile, it was a second defeat in the space of a week, but the Catalans celebrated their league and cup successes on the pitch after the match and will now look ahead - with a very different team - to Wednesday's Champions League final in Rome.Of the 11 likely starters on Wednesday, only Samuel Eto'o and Sylvinho began this match.
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