CL betting, Barcelona - Man Utd

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Last time, Ferguson tried to keep it tight and lost it pretty easily. Now, he says he’ll attack Barca. I expect something between, but certainly an open game. Guardiola will probably put Mascherano in central defence (to be shown a card is 2.30 at Paddy Power), idea is to protect from Chicharito’s speed. Then SAF could put Berbatov to get advantage in the air... I’ll stop on open game. First thought was to go on over 2.5 with very nice odds (currently 2.38 at 188bet), but it could be tricky if in the final scoreline at one moment is 1-1 where both sides could reduce a risk. In situation where United won’t be so defensive and Barca hopefully won’t have very bad day, I expect both sides to score.

A gamble would be Hernandez to score first. Mexican fella is star of the future (if not now) and I expect him to play an important role tonight.

Bet: Both to score
Odd: 2.05 Unibet
Stake: 8/10

Gamble: Hernandez to score 1st
Odd: 10.00 William Hill
Stake: 1/10 
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Man Utd - Arsenal (18:15 CET)

Both sides will rotate players. Man Utd had a free week but will play CL at Tuesday, Arsenal played two painful games in last 7 days.

Another failure could start a free fall for Utd and I guess Ferguson will be very serious about this match. Arsenal should have passed Barca and I’m not sure how they’re mentally prepared for a hell place for them (Utd have won 8 of last 10 games vs. Arsenal at Old Trafford).

I was ready to leave this game alone, but the price on Man Utd is too good to be refused. Ferguson will certainly try to avoid a reply and to be honest, I can’t see the Gunners winning at Old Trafford. 

Bet: Man Utd -0.25
Odd: 1.86 188bet
Stake: 7/10
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Man Utd - Arsenal

United maybe haven’t been impressive, but it’s mainly because their away games as they won just once (with six draws)! However, they’re well known slow starters and I think their performances will be only better. At home, they’ve noticed 7 wins and a draw (2-2 vs. WBA) with 24-6 goal difference. Also, I wouldn’t compare CL group games with Premiership. In my opinion only real weakness is position of right-back and Rafael who lacks in experience (and quality, probably). Personally, I’d rather like to see Gary Neville. United have won four of last five competitive games against Arsenal. No injury concerns for Ferguson.

Public opinion is Arsenal are better than ever. Ok. In previous seasons, they wasted enough points to quit the challenge for the title even in this part of the season. However, they’ll face some problems at Old Trafford. They have bad record against top Premiership clubs (especially against Man Utd and Chelsea). My impression is players are too light weighted (great speed though) which makes them physically inferior in tackles and midfield battle. Than defence, that looks really shaky sometimes. Some info says Szczesny, third choice goalkeeper, will have advantage over Fabianski. At the end it’s not the same without Fabregas. Whatever Wenger has been talking, he’s not fit. In last nine visits to Trafford, the Gunners have noticed seven defeats (one draw and one win). 

I was thinking about goals tonight, but Ferguson will probably set 4-5-1 formation (with Rooney on the wing) that should keep the game tight and Gunners far from the goal. United have an obvious aerial superiority and they’ll be very dangerous from set-pieces. I’ll be simple. Home win, Vidic to score, 2-0 correct score.

Bet: Man Utd -0.5
Odd: 1.95 Digibet
Stake: 8/10

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Manchester United - Valencia

United haven’t impressed in CL games at Old Trafford, this season. One draw 0-0 (vs. Rangers) and one unconvincing win over Turkish side Bursa. They need only a point here for the first spot in the group (which should be important). But, the fact that makes this bet attractive is Utd’s schedule. They didn’t play for the weekend at Blackpool and next game (hard one tough, vs. Arsenal) is at next Monday (range is 16 days). My opinion is Ferguson will name very strong squad for the game (he already made such announcement) to keep the players in shape and to keep winning mentality. Last thing he needs is deja vu of Besiktas in previous season.

I find it hardly to believe Valencia carry any serious hope tonight. With a win they would be first, yes. But it’s easier to believe, they’ve already given up from it. Bunch of players are out of squad. Moya, Navarro, Joaquin, Vicente, Stankevicius, Topal, Manuel Fernandes  and Bruno all stayed at Spain. Boss Emery brought to England goalie Cesar and defender Mathieu, but it does remain to see will they start the game.

I don’t think Utd will gamble with this one and have no problem to accept offered price. Rooney should strive to regain some of the lost confidence (and probably lost nerves with Bervatov’s five hits and all the talks about it) and I expect him on a score sheet. As yesterday, home win is pure logic for me.

Bet: Man Utd -1ah
Odd: 1.98 Canbet
Stake: 8/10

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Glasgow Rangers - Manchester United

My break did last more than I planned, since a got some nasty cold. A little bit annoyed for missing Hudders last night. However, rest is over…

Rangers are in an interesting position. With 5 points, they need to match Valencia’s result tonight (or to make better) and then in the last round to beat Bursa and cheer for United against Spanish side. On the other hand, they have almost secured spot for Europa League since Bursa can hardly show some hidden, top class quality and won both games. Walter Smith has plenty of problems with his back line. Beside they’re leaking goals recently (five in last three league games), injury list causes a serious headache to him. Regular defenders Bougherra and Webster are sidelined (as well as defensive midfielder Edu), while Sasa Papac is in serious doubt. Smith likes to play 5-4-1 formation, but if Papac is unfit he’d be with only four fit defenders. Striker Kyle Lafferty is also missing.

United are in very good position, as one point would guarantee 2^nd spot. However, if somehow lose tonight, they’ll have to beat Valencia at Trafford for progress. No, I don’t think Ferguson will make a such gamble. Win tonight and don’t think on CL for a while is his idea, more probably. Vidic and Rio will both be rested (according to him), Rooney will take some part in the game. Little weird from him to leave both central defenders on the bench. Before few years I wouldn’t believe in this, but Darren Fletcher will also be rested in a Champions League game. However, players are used to play in rotation system and I don’t see a big problem for them in this. And tonight’s squad maybe won’t be so weakened because the importance of the game and the fact next PL game is at home against Blackburn. United are unbeaten in 11 European games on the road (8 wins and 3 draws).

Rangers will continue playing in Europa League and it’s probably crystal clear even for Smith and the Glasgow lads. That, further in my assuming, will cause a little bit more daring formation from Smith to decrease the pressure on defense line. Which, further, causes Utd will rip them off. First conceded goal will open them up and make them vulnerable for counter attacks. Away win with 2-3 goals margin.

Bet: Man Utd -1ah
Odd: 2.26 10bet
Stake: 7/10

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Still think about Valencia and -1.75ah (will post if decide to bet on it), but I won’t be on Spurs tonight. All world is on a home win with handicap and over. Too much money is in the game and I really wouldn’t be too surprised to see 1-0 win. 

Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Inter Milan right-back Maicon is top of Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini's summer wish list, according to the Brazilian's agent.(skysports.com) 
According to Spanish newspaper Sport, City's bid for Maicon could be rivalled by Real Madrid, whose new boss Jose Mourinho is also chasing Manchester United's Wayne Rooney and Inter Milan's Diego Milito.(imscouting.com) 
City have reportedly made a 35m Euro bid for Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic , although the offer doesn't appear to be high enough to land the Swede.(imscouting.com) 
City are also closing in on a £36m deal for Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko, despite the German club's announcement that the Bosnian was set to stay after clubs failed to meet Monday's midnight deadline for his £34m buy-out clause.(Daily Mail) 
Aston Villa will make a £5m move for Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha.(Daily Mirror) 
But Villa have warned City that if they want to prise midfielder James Milner away from Villa Park it will cost them £30m.(Daily Mail) 
Tottenham will rebuff any move by AC Milan to sign full-back Gareth Bale. The Italians have made enquiries about the Wales international over the past year.(Daily Mail) 
Chelsea's Slovakian World Cup winger Miroslav Stoch is ready to sign for Turkish giants Galatasaray in a surprise £2.5m deal.(Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal are preparing to let young midfielder Francis Coquelin, 19, join Lorient on a season-long loan to help improve their chances of landing the French side's 24-year-old defender Laurent Koscielny.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is apparently considering a move for Palermo's impressive young centre back Simon Kjaer this summer.(caughtoffside.com) 
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is apparently considering a move for Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz and could offer midfielder Yossi Benayoun in part-exchange.(Daily Mail) 
Fulham are in talks to sign former Liverpool left-back Fabio Aurelio on a free transfer. The Brazilian recently failed to agree terms with Liverpool on a pay-as-you- play deal.(Daily Mail) 
Blackburn are back on the trail of Lech Poznan's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski after his proposed £6m move to Borussia Dortmund hit a hitch.(Daily Mail) 
Celtic have won the race to sign Hull's Jimmy Bullard after the midfielder agreed to join the Scottish giants on a 12-month loan deal. (Daily Mirror) 
Midfielder Darren Ambrose's protracted move to London rivals QPR was in doubt last night after his club Crystal Palace were saved from the brink of closure. Ambrose has already undergone a medical and agreed personal terms with Rangers but Palace's prospective new owners CPFC 2010 may refuse to sell.(Daily Mail) 
Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies is lining up a £2m bid for Cardiff midfielder Peter Whittingham.(Daily Mirror) 
QPR have offered to almost double Paddy Kenny's wages in a bid to lure the keeper from Sheffield United to Loftus Road.(Daily Mirror) 
West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo is making a £1.2m bid to sign keeper Boaz Myhill from cash-strapped Hull.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has started to make plans for a rejection from England boss Fabio Capello by moving to discuss the managerial vacancy at the San Siro with Fulham boss Roy Hodgson, who has had two previous spells at the San Siro. (Daily Mail) 
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has revealed his anger and frustration after being told by the Anfield board there will be no money to spend in the summer.(Daily Mirror) 
Benitez's future at Liverpool will be decided at a third round of talks with his Liverpool employers next week, with the club eager to tie the Spaniard to the club in the face of interest in his services from Inter Milan.(The Sun) 
Former Arsenal and Manchester City striker Paul Dickov will be handed the manager's job at Oldham after impressing in an interview. Dickov, 37, who spent the second half of this season with Leeds, has never managed before.(Daily Mail) 
Striker Robbie Blake has turned down Burnley's 'final offer' of a one-year contract because he feels he is worth a longer deal with the Clarets.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Manchester United chief executive David Gill admits he does not think the 'Green and Gold' protests, conducted by Red Devils supporters unhappy with the club's American owners the Glazers, are going to be abandoned. "There were some comments last week that I was belittling the protest," said Gill. "That could not be further from the truth. We understand it and it will be there."(Daily Mail)

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Monday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has told Sky Italia that he hopes coach Fabio Capello can break his England contract after the World Cup to join the Champions League winners. Moratti also ruled out Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez as a possible successor to Real Madrid-bound Jose Mourinho at the San Siro. "I've always thought Rafa Benitez was good but he is tied to Liverpool," he said. (Reuters)


TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea have paved the way for midfielder Joe Cole's departure from Stamford Bridge by formalising their interest in Liverpool's Yossi Benayoun. (The Guardian) 
Benayoun is confident the move will go through and claimed that Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti "wants me for next season". (The Daily Telegraph) 
Rangers are still waiting to see if Liverpool will make an improved offer for 18-year-old defender Danny Wilson after the Ibrox club rejected an initial £2m bid from the Reds.(Daily Mail) 
Blackburn are considering a swoop for Rangers striker Kris Boyd, who is set to leave the Scottish Premier League champions as a free agent.(The Sun) 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly interested in signing £12m-rated teenage Barcelona forward Bojan Krkic.(caughtoffside.com) 
And the Red Devils have contacted Brazilian side Santos about the possibility of taking 20-year-old midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso to Old Trafford.(Daily Mail) 
Arsenal have joined Aston Villa in the battle to sign Wigan's Colombian striker Hugo Rodallega, who the Latics value at £10m.(Daily Mirror) 
The Gunners have made an inquiry about the possibility of signing England midfielder Joe Cole from Chelsea. The Stamford Bridge outfit, meanwhile, remain interested in acquiring Shakhtar Donetsk's £15m-rated Croatian right-back Darijo Srna. (Daily Mail) 
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is also targeting Ajax's 22-year-old right-back Gregory van der Wiel, the young player of the year in the Netherlands, because out-of-favour Habib Beye and Luke Young, who is eyeing a move to West Ham, are set to leave Villa Park this summer.(Daily Mirror) 
Villa and Sunderland have joined Birmingham in the race to sign Fulham striker Bobby Zamora. (The Sun) 
Neil Lennon will be promoted from interim boss to permanent manager at Celtic on Tuesday and will immediately set his sights on acquiring Hull playmaker Jimmy Bullard, Cardiff's midfielder Joe Ledley and Stoke wide man Liam Lawrence.(Daily Record)
Paddy McCourt, though, may be on his way out of Parkhead, with Premier League new boys Blackpool interested in the 26-year-old Northern Ireland midfielder.(The Sun) 
Barcelona will renew their chase of Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano. However, their big-money pursuit of Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas could scupper their plans to sign the Argentine, who the Reds value at close to £30m.(Daily Mail) 
Bordeaux ace Yoann Gourcuff, France's first-choice playmaker in the World Cup, is being lined up as a £21.8m replacement for Fabregas at the Emirates. (The Sun) 
Manchester City are considering a move for 21-year-old Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez, who made his senior debut for Spain in their 3-2 World Cup warm-up victory over Saudi Arabia in Austria on Saturday.(Daily Mail) 
Fulham could snap up versatile Hungarian international midfielder Daniel Tozser from Belgian club Racing Genk for about £2.5m.(Daily Mail) 
Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, 19, is a £1m target for French team St Etienne. (The Sun)

OTHER GOSSIP

Former Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate and ex-Milton Keynes Dons boss Paul Ince are both in contention for the managerial vacancies at Portsmouth and Notts County.(Daily Mail) 
Russia's 2018 World Cup bid chief Alexei Sorokin has branded fans of rival bidders England "the utmost hooligans". In the wake of ex-Football Association chairman Lord Triesman's controversial claims that Russia was involved in bribing referees, Sorokin said his bid team "are in a state of information war" with England.(Daily Mirror) 
Inter Milan owner Massimo Moratti will make a formal approach to Fabio Capello's representatives on Monday, just as the FA holds emergency talks with the England manager in a bid to shore up the Italian's future. (Daily Mail) 
Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni claims he turned down the chance to become Celtic boss three months ago. (Daily Express) 

AND FINALLY

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard is keen to retain penalty-taking duties for England, despite missing from the spot against Japan on Sunday.(Daily Mirror) 
Millwall chairman John Berylson has revealed his debt of gratitude to former Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, who convinced Kenny Jackett, the man who guided the Bermondsey side to promotion to the Championship, to become Lions manager when the pair were working together at Eastlands.(Daily Mirror)

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Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

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

OTHER GOSSIP

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

AND FINALLY

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

BREAKING GOSSIP

Newcastle striker Nile Ranger could go on loan next season in search of first-team football according to the 19-year-old's agent.(The Journal) 
Liverpool are close to agreeing a deal for Rangers' defender David Wilson and may also attempt to bring his team-mate Madjid Bougherra to Anfield. Bougherra, a former Charlton defender, is expected to travel to the World Cup with Algeria.(Liverpool Echo) 
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp hopes to resign Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari. Redknapp first brought the Ghana international to England when he signed him for Portsmouth in May 2007.(Footy Latest) 
Valencia striker David Villa will turn down Manchester United's advances to sign for Barcelona.(IMScouting.com) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are ready to smash the British transfer record and bid £45m for Valencia and Spain forward David Villa. (caughtoffside.com) 
Inter Milan are planning to buy Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard in the hope that the midfielder's signature will stop manager Jose Mourinho from leaving for Real Madrid.(Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has revealed he is considering his future at the north London club with Barcelona waiting to pounce if the Spaniard decides to quit the Gunners.(Daily Mail) 
Birmingham have made an official approach to sign Fulham striker Bobby Zamora, with boss Alex McLeish undeterred by the failure of his attempts to sign the 29-year-old earlier in the season.(Daily Mirror)
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that he would like to sign Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, increasing speculation the Spaniard could be heading out of Anfield. (Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham are hoping to raid Valencia with boss Harry Redknapp preparing a £28m bid for winger David Silva.(caughtoffside.com) 
Barcelona striker Thierry Henry has signed a pre-contract agreement with Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls and will head to the United States in the summer.(the Sun) 
Tottenham are set to sell midfielder Jermaine Jenas and forward Robbie Keane to fund moves for targets such as Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick, Chelsea playmaker Joe Cole and Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko.(Daily Star) 
Birmingham City are keeping tabs on Mamelodi Sundowns's South Africa international striker Katlego Mphela. (Daily Mail) 
Fulham are interested in Aston Villa central defender Curtis Davies who cost the club £8m from West Bromwich Albion in 2008.(Daily Mail) 
Liverpool are lining up an £8m offer for Werder Bremen striker Mesut Ozil. (caughtoffside.com) 
Blackburn have held preliminary talks over a £450,000 deal for Molde's Norway international midfielder Magne Hoseth. (Daily Mail) 
Nottingham Forest are interested in taking Manchester United's versatile youngster Corry Evans on a season's loan. (Daily Mail) 
Portsmouth striker John Utaka is set to join French side Sochaux in a cut-price £3m deal. Utaka cost Portsmouth a club-record £7m.(Daily Mail) 
Rangers striker Kris Boyd, who is out of contract this summer, says that seven clubs are chasing his signature. He has the chance to move to England with Birmingham, Wolves, Wigan, Newcastle or Middlesbrough or to Turkey with Bursaspor or Ankaragucu. (Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP

LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham is set to accept a coaching role with England at the World Cup after his hopes of playing in the tournament were ruined by an Achilles injury.(the Times) 
Beckham's England team-mate and Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney has revealed that he would like to move into management once his playing days are over.(the Times) 
Portsmouth administrator Andrew Andronikou will demand compensation if West Ham make Pompey boss Avram Grant their new manager. (Daily Mail) 
Midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker has told Aston Villa that he is prepared to sit out the remaining year on his contract and leave for free next summer rather than sign agreements with Blackburn or Stoke.(Daily Mirror) 
Sunderland are prepared to pay only half of Tottenham's £7m asking price to make full-back Alan Hutton's move to the Stadium of Light permanent.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United forward Dimitar Berbatov has admitted that he expects the club to sign a new striker this summer after he scored just 12 goals in all competitions this season.(the Guardian) 
Southampton boss Alan Pardew has been told his job as manager is safe as long as he delivers promotion to the Championship next season.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has allayed fears over the fitness of defender Rio Ferdinand and striker Wayne Rooney by insisting the pair will be fit for England's World Cup campaign.(Manchester Evening News) 

AND FINALLY

Portsmouth are almost £4m better off than previously thought after an apparent oversight in the administrator's report was revealed.(the Guardian) 
Roy Hodgson's run to the Europa League final with Fulham has made him favourite to be named manager of the Great Britain football team for the London 2012 Olympics. An announcement is expected some time next year. (Daily Mail) 
Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has backed Manchester United and England skipper Rio Ferdinand as the man to to take on John Barnes' rapping role in a cover of England's 1990 World Cup song "World in Motion".(FourFourTwo)
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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)
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Wednesday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has reportedly agreed a deal to stay on as Gunners boss until 2013. The earlier-than-anticipated verbal agreement is a huge boost to the club's hopes of hanging on to marquee players such as striker Robin van Persie and particularly midfielder Cesc Fabregas.(goal.com) 
Ben Foster has accepted he will have to leave Manchester United to revive his flagging career. "I want to be playing football. I am not interested in just hanging around and I would go if the club wanted to sell me," admitted Foster, who has played 13 times for United this season. (Press Association Sport) 
Paris Saint Germain defender Mamadou Sakho has hinted that he is interested in leaving the Ligue 1 side, alerting Arsenal who have long been linked with the 20-year-old. "The Europa League is good but my absolute dream is the Champions League. I have personal goals and I'm thinking," Sakho told French newspaper L'Equipe. (imscouting.com)

. 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea hope to catch fellow-suitors Manchester City cold with a dramatic move for Fernando Torres and are willing to table a British record transfer fee, that could reach £70m, for the Liverpool striker.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester United are hopeful of tying up a £16m deal for CSKA Moscow midfielder Milos Krasic this summer.(caughtoffside.com) 
Alternatively, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson wants to bring just one player to Old Trafford this summer and this is Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric.(footylatest.com) 
Argentine newspaper Ole reports that highly sought after Benfica winger Angel Di Maria has agreed a move to Real Madrid , rejecting overtures from both Manchester United and Chelsea.(imscouting.com) 
Parma are keen to sign striker Valeri Bojinov on a permanent deal from Manchester City after a successful loan spell at the mid-table Serie A side. (Daily Mail) 
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is hoping to secure a deal to snap up Serbian international striker Marko Pantelic from Ajax this summer.(caughtoffside.com) 
Striker Ivan Klasnic's hopes of a long-term stay at Bolton, following his loan spell at the Reebok this season, are in doubt with his French club Nantes trying to find him a new home.(Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal are reportedly considering making a bid to sign Sampdoria striker Giampaolo Pazzini this summer. (caughtoffside.com) 
The Gunners have also been alerted to the availability of Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon who has expressed an interest in moving to the Emirates following the failure of his club Juventus to qualify for next season's Champions League. (The Sun) 
Alternatively, Arsenal are readying a move for Manchester City keeper Joe Hart, who has spent the season on loan at Birmingham.(The Guardian)
West Ham have emerged as shock contenders to re-sign midfielder Joe Cole from Chelsea. The player, who swapped Upton Park for Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2003, is out of contract this summer.(caughtoffside.com) 
West Ham are preparing to make an improved bid of £5m for West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans - despite Albion valuing him at £10m. (Daily Mail) 
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is planning a £9m double raid on former club Wigan for defender Maynor Figueroa and goalkeeper Chris Kirkland.(Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham are prepared to offer striker Robbie Keane to Everton in exchange for midfielder Steven Pienaar.(Daily Mirror) 
Stoke have made a £4m bid for Ipswich midfielder and captain Jon Walters.(The Sun) 
Newcastle are eyeing up a move for Reading midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson. The 20-year-old has bagged 20 goals in 38 starts in his first season and collected Reading's Player of the Year title.(Daily Mirror) 
Wolves have joined the race to sign striker Frederic Piquionne, who has impressed on loan at Portsmouth from French club Lyon this season. The player is also wanted by Blackburn and Birmingham.(The Sun) 
Liverpool are set to increased their offer for Rangers defender Danny Wilson over the next 48 hours to a minimum £2m. (Daily Mail) 
Lee Naylor wants to do a U-turn on his decision to leave Celtic for English football and hopes caretaker Neil Lennon will offer him a new contract if he is given the manager's job permanently. (the Sun)
Defender Mark Reynolds hopes Motherwell will sell him in the summer rather than lose him for nothing when his contract runs out at the end of next season. (Various) 
Walsall have released Rhys Weston from his contract by mutual consent, paving the defender's way to a possible switch to Motherwell after last week's trial at Fir Park. (Daily Express)


OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool could be forced to choose between keeping manager Rafa Benitez or striker Fernando Torres. Benitez will deliver a series of ultimatums designed to increase his power at the club this week, but the manager's relationship with Torres has cooled to such an extent that if he stays the striker could leave.(The Sun) 
Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish could return to Liverpool as temporary boss, with Ian Rush as his assistant, if current Reds manager Rafael Benitez quits the club to join Italian side Juventus.(Daily Mirror) 
Sir Alex Ferguson has vowed to rebuild his Manchester United side over the summer, even if they snatch the title from Chelsea this season. United are one point behind the Blues heading into this weekend's final game. (Daily Mirror) 
French striker Karim Benzema has played down his chances of a move to Manchester United, claiming he wants to stay at Real Madrid "forever". (Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal defender Sol Campbell believes he may have played his way back into Fabio Capello's England plans for South Africa this summer. Campbell, whose last appearances for his country came during Steve McClaren's ill-fated Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, has performed well for the Gunners since rejoining them in January after a spell with League Two side Notts County.(Daily Mirror) 
Former Tottenham boss Martin Jol, now in charge at Dutch side Ajax, says he would love to manage in England again. "It's not that I have unfinished business in England, but I'd love another crack at it," he said.(The Sun) 
Former Burnley boss Steve Cotterill is favourite to take over as Coventry manager after Chris Coleman was axed on Tuesday.(The Sun) 
Alternatively, former Leeds boss Gary McAllister could retake the reigns at Coventry. The ex-Scotland player left the Sky Blues in January 2004 for personal reasons.(Daily Telegraph) 
Manchester United are close to agreeing a four-year contract extension with defender Jonny Evans.(Daily Express) 
Stoke winger Matthew Etherington is ready to sign a new four-year deal with the club.(The Sun) 

AND FINALLY

Wolves striker Michael Kightly has apologised to the club's fans for his poor season which has seen him out of action since November with an ankle injury. (Daily Mirror)

www.bbc.co.uk

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Laval 2 - 1 Caen

Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is considering his future at Anfield, with Manchester City, Chelsea and Barcelona all waiting in the wings to sign the Spain international.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City are also preparing a £40m bid for Benfica winger Angel di Maria but face opposition from Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool.(ESPN soccernet) 
Liverpool are lining up a move for Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole, who is a free agent at the end of the season. (Daily Mail) 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been assured by chief executive David Gill that he will have money to spend in the summer, despite the club's huge debts. (Daily Mail) 
One of Ferguson's summer targets could be Real Madrid's Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain.(caughtoffside.com) 
Tottenham are preparing a £6m bid for Ipswich's 17-year-old striker Connor Wickham.(Daily Mirror) 
And Spurs could also move for Liverpool's Israeli midfielder Yossi Benayoun, who has started just 19 Premier League games this season.(caughtoffside.com) 
Birmingham hope to sign Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster on a permanent deal having resigned themselves to losing on-loan Joe Hart back to Manchester City.(Daily Mirror) 
City are also are interested in Portsmouth's veteran keeper David James - a former Aston Villa player.(the Sun) 
Manchester City forward Robinho says he is desperate to leave the club and remain at Santos where he is currently on loan. (Daily Mirror) 
Bolton will ask Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to allow young midfielder Jack Wilshere to remain at the club on loan for the first half of next season.(Guardian) 
Meanwhile, Bolton defender Gary Cahill has admitted that he would find it difficult to turn down an offer from a big club. Arsenal and Manchester United are rumoured to be interested in the centre-half. (Daily Mail) 
Arsenal want end their on-going goalkeeping problems by signing both West Ham's Robert Green and Manchester City's Joe Hart.(caughtoffside.com) 
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce is tracking Sporting Gijon defender Roberto Canella.(Daily Mirror) 
Stoke are interested in bringing former Arsenal and Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant back to England after a year in Spain at Real Zaragoza.(Daily Star) 
Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry looks certain to leave Barcelona with the United States his likely destination.(Daily Mirror) 
Celtic are favourites to sign Scunthorpe striker Gary Hooper after stand-in manager Neil Lennon watched him for the second game in a row at the weekend. (Daily Mail) 


OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool are bracing themselves for Rafa Benitez's departure with rumours of his exit from Anfield to Juventus gathering momentum.(Daily Mirror) 
Benitez will seek assurances over available transfer funds this summer before deciding whether to stay at Liverpool. (the Times) 
Juventus have given Benitez until the end of the week to sign a four-year deal.(the Independent) 
Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer fears the club's success this season could lead to manager Roy Hodgson leaving Craven Cottage for "a bigger club". (Guardian) 
But Hodgson will shun a move to Liverpool saying he is instead "happy" to stay at Fulham. (the Sun) 
Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan has allowed first-team coach Colin Cooper, goalkeeping coach Stephen Pears and reserves boss Martin Scott to leave the club.(Daily Mail) 
Hamburg striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has been left out of Holland's 26-man training squad ahead of the World Cup, having recently come out of international retirement after two years (Daily Mail).
West Ham striker Carlton Cole has apologised to fans for the team's performance this season, admitting "it can't get any worse," and saying speculation over the future of boss Gianfranco Zola is partly to blame.(Daily Express) 
Former England boss Steve McClaren says he has had "a lot of interest from a lot of places" after leading FC Twente to the Dutch league title, and says a rumoured new job at Wolfsburg is "far from a done deal".(Guardian) 

AND FINALLY

Manchester City's players will earn a £70,000 bonus if they win their remaining two fixtures and secure Champions League football.(Daily Mail) 
Ahead of Tuesday night's showdown between Manchester City and Spurs, which could decide who finishes fourth, Tottenham striker Peter Crouch has revealed his mother is a City fan and will be at the game (Various). 
West Ham's England centre-back Matthew Upson says he managed to overcome years of injury by stuffing his boots with pages torn out of the phone directory to aid his balance.(Daily Star)
www.bbc.co.uk

Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are tracking Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra, but Liverpool, who are also interested, could be put off by the Spanish team's £17m price tag.(Daily Mail) 
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund have slapped a £20m price tag on Manchester United target Neven Subotic. Arsenal and Manchester City are also keeping tabs on the 21-year-old Serbia international centre-half.(Daily Mail) 
Real Madrid are set to drop their interest in Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney with Valencia forward David Villa their preferred target. (imscouting.com) 
Manchester City are said to be one of four clubs fighting it out to sign Schalke striker Kevin Kuranyi. (imscouting.com) 
Meanwhile, City boss Roberto Mancini has told Carlos Tevez he can leave if the Argentine striker is not happy at Eastlands.(the Guardian) 
Joe Hart's return to Manchester City could see Birmingham pursue a loan deal for Manchester United keeper Ben Foster. (Daily Mail) 
Arsenal are battling it out with Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City and Liverpool for Blackburn defender Phil Jones.(Daily Mail) 
Everton boss David Moyes is set to make a £1m bid for Genk's Belgium Under-21 midfielder Kevin de Bruyne.(Daily Mirror) 
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce will make Paraguay international midfielder Cristian Riveros his first signing of the summer.(Daily Mirror) 
Bruce is also lining up a £1.5m move for Derby midfielder Paul Green.(Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham face competition from Atletico Madrid and Galatasaray for the signature of Bayern Munich's Turkey international midfielder Hamit Altintop, whose contract runs out at the end of the season. (Daily Star) 
Wolves have joined Wigan, Newcastle, Sunderland and Fulham in the race to sign AZ Alkmaar's £5m-rated forward Jeremain Lens. (Daily Mail) 
Derby lead the race to sign Notts County keeper Kasper Schmeichel. (Daily Mail) 
Stoke manager Tony Pulis looks set to axe "precious" strikers Tuncay and Dave Kitson following the 7-0 defeat by Chelsea on Sunday. (Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez's future at Anfield is in further doubt after his side's semi-final Europa League exit to Atletico Madrid on Thursday. (the Sun) 
Benitez has said that Liverpool need five new players if they are to be competitive next season. (the Guardian) 
AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi says Leonardo will quit as manager at the end of the Serie A season.(the Sun) 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said it has been "agony" watching the Champions League semi-finals on television.(the Sun) 
Roy Keane says he has wiped Manchester United from his memory - despite the Ipswich manager's medal-filled years at Old Trafford.(Daily Mirror) 
Birmingham City are set to offer manager Alex McLeish a new three-year deal. (Daily Mail) 
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan is planning on introducing a wage cap at Upton Park for next season as he attempts to cull the club's £60m wage bill by a third.(Daily Express) 
Cardiff City chairman Peter Ridsdale will stand down from his role at the end of the season following a 49% buy-out of the Championship club. (the Sun) 
Barcelona's World and European player of the year Lionel Messi has ruled out the possibility of ever playing in the Premier League.(Daily Mirror) 

.

AND FINALLY

Wayne Rooney stands to make £500,000 for one night's work in a Gladiators-style contest to unearth the world's most skilful footballer.(Daily Mirror) 
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce said he used to call Sir Alex Ferguson "the Ayatollah" during his playing days at Old Trafford - but not to the Scot's face.(Daily Mirror)
www.bbc.co.uk

Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is ready to offload Emmanuel Adebayor, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Wayne Bridge and Stephen Ireland and will make a £50m bid for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.(The Sun) 
Real Madrid are preparing to launch a £20m move for Manchester United's France defender Patrice Evra, with Arsenal's Gael Clichy, Chelsea's Ashley Cole and Fiorentina's Juan Manuel Vargas the other left-backs on the Spanish side's summer shortlist. (Daily Mail) 
Barcelona are ready to make a summer bid for Newcastle defender Steven Taylor, who is valued at about £8m.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City could make a move for Bayern Munich's 32-year-old striker Luca Toni, who is currently on loan at Italian side Roma.(imscouting.com) 
Argentina striker Carlos Tevez is on the verge of demanding a transfer from Manchester City, with Liverpool ready to pay £18m.(footylatest.com) 
Birmingham will make a £5m bid for Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster if Manchester City's Joe Hart does not return to them on loan next season. (The Sun) 
West Brom have put a £12m price tag on sought-after midfielder Graham Dorrans. West Ham have had a £4m bid rejected, while Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton are also interested in the Scotland international.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City and Aston Villa are competing to sign PSV Eindhoven's Bulgarian international right-back Stanislav Manolev, 24, for £5m.(Daily Mail) 
Sunderland are prepared to spend £5m to make defender Alan Hutton's loan switch from Tottenham a permanent one.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United have made a move for Estudiantes striker Mauro Boselli, whose arrival will be made possible by the sale of Bulgarian forward Dimitar Berbatov in the summer.(footylatest.com) 
Everton have emerged as favourites to beat Fulham to the signature of Wigan defender Paul Scharner, with the Austrian likely to be part of a clear-out at the DW Stadium this summer. (Daily Mail) 
Wigan's clear-out will also include defender Mario Melchiot and midfielders Jason Koumas and Olivier Kapo.(Daily Mirror) 
Stoke are also planning a squad revamp as manager Tony Pulis tries to restore dressing-room harmony at the club. As many as 10 players, including James Beattie, Tuncay, Liam Lawrence and Dave Kitson, could be moving on.(The Guardian) 
Tottenham, Blackburn and Birmingham have all been placed on alert after Notts County agreed to release goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel on a free transfer at the end of the season. (The Sun) 
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy is considering a loan bid for Tottenham striker Robbie Keane, who is having a temporary spell at Celtic. However, Spurs would prefer a permanent £8m deal.(Daily Mail) 
McCarthy also wants Hull winger Stephen Hunt for £3m as well as Tigers centre-half Kamil Zayatte.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola's spell at Upton Park is almost certainly over after co-owner David Sullivan said the Italian "might resign at the end of the season".(Daily Telegraph) 
Manchester United have lined up two replacements in case manager Sir Alex Ferguson decides to retire this summer.(The Sun) 
Liverpool will not stand in the way of manager Rafael Benitez if he wishes to join Italian side Juventus in the summer.(The Independent) 
Portsmouth fear that goalkeeper David James will make his final appearance for Pompey in the FA Cup final against Chelsea on 15 May as the cash-strapped club cannot afford to offer him a new deal.(Daily Mirror) 
Uefa president Michel Platini says tighter financial regulation would have prevented the money problems at Portsmouth and said: "I'm not in favour of the big liberalism of what has happened to the English clubs."(The Times) 
Portsmouth are ready to go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport as they attempt to play in the Europa League next season.(Daily Telegraph) 
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, who has missed the last two matches with a groin strain, says he is fit to return for Sunday's trip to Sunderland.(The Sun) 
The agent representing Blackburn midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen says the Norwegian international wants to stay at the club.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City youngster Alex Nimely, 19, will become the latest academy graduate to pledge his future to the club when he signs a new four-year contract.(Daily Mail) 
Crystal Palace midfielder Neil Danns has apologised to the club's fans after being sent off for a headbutt during the 1-1 draw with West Brom on Monday. He will now miss the relegation showdown with Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday. (Daily Express) 

AND FINALLY

Manchester United's new strips for next season have been photographed - with the look reminiscent of what the club used to wear in the 1980s.(The Sun)
www.bbc.co.uk

Tuesday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Manchester City are set to rival Juventus for the services of Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez for next season. According to Italian newspaper La Stampa, City are apparently willing to offer the Spaniard a huge transfer kitty and long term contract to leave Anfield and replace current City boss Roberto Mancini Eastlands. (footylatest.com) 
However, Tuttosport, the Turin based newspaper, has revealed that Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has verbally agreed to take over as Juventus coach. (imscouting.com) 
According to Italian website Tutto Mercato, Arsenal are in pole position to sign Fiorentina's highly rated goalkeeper Sebastien Frey.( imscouting.com) 
But German media outlet Sportbild are convinced that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will make a concerted effort to sign Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Rene Adler this summer. (footylatest.com) 
Arsenal forward Andrei Arshavin, a long-time Barcelona fan, still dreams of playing for the Spanish giants one day, the Russian international has revealed. "Even playing just one season for Barcelona would make a pinnacle of my whole career," said Arshavin. (Reuters Press Agency)
Chelsea are set to launch their summer spending spree with a move for Valencia striker David Villa, who is also a target for Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid.(goal.com) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan is planning a radical shake-up at Upton Park after conceding the club will listen to offers for any player except Scott Parker. "Other than Parker, there is not a player we wouldn't sell if it was the right bid," confirmed Sullivan.(Daily Mirror) 
Aston Villa will be the first to test out West Ham's willingness to sell with a £10m bid for England striker Carlton Cole.(Daily Mai) 
West Ham have also bid £4m for West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans as they begin their squad overhaul.(Daily Mirror )
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has decided to switch attention from one Aston Villa winger to another by aiming to snap up England international Ashley Young instead of his Villa Park team-mate James Milner.(caughtoffside.com) 
Bolton boss Owen Coyle is ready to let up to 10 of his players go as he makes way for a new wave of signings at Wanderers. Record buy Johan Elmander is likely to be among those who squeezed out by fresh faces.(Daily Mirror) 
Coyle is also set to raid former club Burnley for midfielder Chris Eagles and defender Clarke Carlisle.(Daily Mail) 
Liverpool are set to sign Swedish teenage forward Kristoffer Peterson from Savedalens IF after the 15-year-old impressed on trial.(Daily Mail) 
According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Barcelona are lining up a shock bid for Newcastle defender Stephen Taylor, with Carles Puyol heading to St James' Park in return.(imscouting.com) 
Real Madrid's veteran midfielder Guti has reportedly signed a deal to play in Dubai, ending rumours that he could join Tottenham this summer.(imscouting.com) 
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is apparently considering a move for Manchester City forward Roque Santa Cruz.(caughtoffside.com) 
Wenger has also placed Borussia Dortmund's Serbian international centre back Neven Subotic at the top of his summer spending plans as he looks to freshen up his defensive options.(caughtoffside.com) 
Wolves are chasing £3m-rated Bristol City striker Nicky Maynard.(Daily Mail) 
Wanderers are also lining up a double summer swoop for Reading's Gylfi Sigurdsson and AZ Alkmaar winger Jeremain Lens.(Daily Mirror) 
The midlands club are also keen to re-sign striker Robbie Keane from Tottenham. The 29-year-old, who began his career at Wolves, spent the latter part of this season on loan at Celtic.(The Sun) 
Ex-England keeper Richard Wright is poised to leave Ipswich for the second time with Town manager Roy Keane looking to shed the former Arsenal man's £15,000 a week wages.(Daily Mirror) 
Newcastle are considering a £1m summer move for Blackburn striker Jason Roberts.(Daily Mail) 
Former Arsenal star Alexander Hleb could return to England this summer with Manchester City, Aston Villa and Sunderland among a host of clubs across Europe keen on recruiting the Barcelona midfielder.(Daily Mail) 
Preston boss Darren Ferguson is planning talks with his father, Manchester United manager Sir Alex, about bringing Red Devils striker Danny Welbeck back to Preston on loan next season. Wellbeck arrived at Deepdale on loan in January but made just eight appearances before returning to Old Trafford because of a knee injury.(Daily Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Ex-Everton striker Wayne Rooney is asking Liverpool to do his Manchester United side a favour when Rafael Benitez's side face Chelsea as the Red Devils look to seal a a record 19th top-flight title. United currently trail Premier League leaders Chelsea by a point, with two games left to play.(Times) 
Portsmouth manager Avram Grant has emerged as a leading contender to replace Gianfranco Zola at West Ham. The Israeli heads a shortlist, which also includes Ajax manager Martin Jol, FC Twente's former England boss Steve McClaren and ex-Hammers defender Slaven Bilic, now in charge of Croatia.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City are to launch an audacious bid to end Joe Hart's loan spell at Birmingham City and take the goalkeeper back to Eastlands in a move that will enrage their Premier League rivals.(Guardian) 
Juventus president Jean-Claude Blanc is prepared to fly to Liverpool this week to try and force Rafa Benitez's hand over accepting his offer of a four-year contract worth £16m.(Daily Mail) 
Adam Pearson, the Hull City chairman, is understood to be considering his future at the troubled club as they face up to their imminent relegation from the Premier League and an impending financial meltdown at the club, who are £35m in debt.(The Times) 
Crisis club Hull are going to ask their players to take a 40% pay-cut in a desperate bid to save money and avoid administration. The Tigers were relegated to the Championship last week.(Daily Mirror) 
Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov has revealed that the questioning of his side's fitness by Chelsea captain John Terry in the aftermath of the Blues' 7-1 win over Villa in March has spurred them back into Champions League contention. Villa have picked up 13 points from the past five games and are now level on points with fourth-placed Tottenham.(The Sun) 

AND FINALLY

Hull chairman Adam Pearson has revealed that the Tiger's goal-shy strikers have cost the club a whopping £901,875 a goal this season. Pearson admitted the club are spending £195,000 a week on strikers, which in total this campaign has cost them £7.215m for a return of eight goals. (The Sun)
www.bbc.co.uk

Monday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Arsenal have handed captain Cesc Fabregas an unprecedented £3m payment and upped his wages by nearly 50% to £110,000-a-week to keep him at the club and warn off the advances of Barcelona.(Goal.com) 
Manchester City and Chelsea have enquired about the availability of Barcelona's Brazilian right-back Dani Alves, who is in ongoing contract negotiations with the Spanish club. (Sport Spanish newspaper) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is preparing a £35m bid to bring Atletico Madrid's Argentina striker Sergio Aguero, 21, to Old Trafford.(Caughtoffside.com) 
Meanwhile, Manchester United and Everton will battle it out to sign 17-year-old Dutch winger Bob Schepers from second division side SC Cambuur-Leeuwarden. (the Sun) 
Barcelona are interested in Arsenal left-back Gael Clichy and could offer Spanish striker Bojan Krkic as part of a potential swap deal.(Caughtoffside.com) 
Liverpool are ready to beat Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal for the signature of Charlton's 18-year-old striker Jonjo Shelvey for £3m.(Daily Mail) 
West Ham defender Herita Ilunga, 28, is a £2m target for Paris St Germain, while the French side also want Portsmouth's 27-year-old left-back Nadir Belhadj.(the Sun) 
West Brom want to sign Hull midfielder Jimmy Bullard in the summer but he may have to take a pay cut to stay in the top flight.(Daily Mail) 
Wolves, Wigan and Celtic have joined the long list of suitors hoping to sign Scunthorpe's £2m-rated striker Gary Hooper after Derby, Coventry and Ipswich also showed an interest in the 22-year-old.(Daily Mail) 
Ipswich manager Roy Keane wants to make Sunderland striker Daryl Murphy's loan move to Portman Road a permanent one.(Daily Mail) 
New Bristol City boss Steve Coppell is keen to sign two players he had at Reading, striker Dave Kitson, now at Stoke, and defender Ivar Ingimarsson, who is still at the Madejski Stadium.(Daily Mirror) 
West Brom are ready to offer a contract to Steven Reid, who is on loan at the Baggies from Blackburn.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

West Ham co-chairman David Gold says manager Gianfranco Zola "deserves another crack" at leading the club after securing Premier League survival. (Daily Mirror) 
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce claims striker Darren Bent should be in the England squad for the World Cup in South Africa this summer after scoring 25 goals for the Black Cats this season.(Daily Mirror) 
Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho denies he will take charge of Ghana for their World Cup campaign.(Sky Sports) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger wants Sol Campbell to stay with the Gunners for another year and believes the defender could be valuable to England at the World Cup.(Goal.com) 
Relegated Hull will begin talks with banks to restructure their £35m debt in a bid to avoid administration and the subsequent 10-point penalty next season.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Brazil coach Dunga called police to his house to get rid of a comedy television crew.(Yahoo sports) 
Celta Vigo goalkeeper Yoel Rodriguez charged 40 metres up the pitch to harangue and shove team-mate Roberto Trashorras after conceding the only goal of the Spanish second division match against Villarreal B. (Yahoo sports)
www.bbc.co.uk

Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manager Rafael Benitez intends to take striker Fernando Torres with him to Juventus if he opts to leave Liverpool and take charge of the Italian club.(the Sun) 
Manchester City are lining up a £50m bid for the Spain international and could offer an incredible £200,000 a week to lure him to Eastlands.(Guardian) 
But Benitez says Torres, who is 12 months into a four-year contract at Anfield, is not for sale.(The Times) 
Juventus are hoping to lure Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna to the Stadio delle Alpi if the Gunners sign Ajax defender Gregory Van der Wiel.(Daily Mail) 
The Italians are also considering using goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and midfielder Felipe Melo to lure Robin van Persie to Turin.(Daily Mirror) 
Meanwhile, the Gunners have joined a growing list of Premier League clubs interested in the signature of Everton teenager Jack Rodwell. However, the Merseyside club are set to increase the midfielder's wages to ensure he stays at Goodison Park.(The Times) 
Manchester City are keen to tie up a deal for Germany international Mesut Ozil before the 22-year-old Werder Bremen midfielder has the chance to make a name for himself at the World Cup.(The Independent) 
Brazil striker Luis Fabiano has hinted Manchester United would be his destination of choice if he leaves Sevilla in the summer.(Daily Express) 
Hamburg defender Jerome Boateng is set to join brother Kevin-Prince, the Portsmouth midfielder, in English football with a move to Manchester City.(Daily Mail) 
West Brom are preparing a move for out-of-favour Stoke striker Tuncay, but will face competition from Fenerbahce.(Daily Star) 
Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has warned fans it will be difficult to recruit big names to St James' Park in the summer.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United want to beat local rivals Manchester City to the signing of teenage Nigerian midfielder Ramon Azeez.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart, who has spent this season on loan at Birmingham, is a £10m target for Arsenal.(Daily Star) 
Blackburn striker Jason Roberts is seeking to clarify his future at Ewood Park as boss Sam Allardyce targets a move for Lech Poznan striker Robert Lewandowski.(Daily Mirror) 
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is eyeing a move for Cardiff striker Jay Bothroyd after long-term target Roman Pavlyuchenko rediscovered his form at Tottenham.(Daily Mail) 
Caretaker manager Neil Lennon has told Celtic's board that he would like to sign two strikers, one of them being Scunthorpe United's Gary Hooper, who has been targeted by Wolves and Hull City. (the Times) 
Rangers' hopes of signing James McArthur were dealt a blow when it emerged that Birmingham City are showing an interest in the Hamilton Accies midfielder. (The Herald)
Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish has rejected speculation linking his club with Dundee United's Garry Kenneth, but Blackpool are keeping tabs on the defender. (Daily Record) 
Aberdeen have made contract offers to Kilmarnock forward Kevin Kyle and to Dons on-loan Plymouth attacker Steven MacLean. (the Press & Journal) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Everton manager David Moyes has rejected speculation that he may be in line to take over from Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson when the Scot retires.(Daily Record) 
Tottenham and England winger Aaron Lennon could be set to return from a four-month injury lay-off against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday. (Daily Mirror) 
England boss Fabio Capello is desperate to take Tottenham's Ledley King to the World Cup despite the defender's recurrent injury problems.(Daily Mirror) 
Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies will quit the City Ground and take up the reins at Celtic if his Championship side fail to win promotion to the Premier League. (Daily Mirror) 


AND FINALLY

France legend Zinedine Zidane will be the star signing in this year's Soccer Aid football match on 6 June at Old Trafford. The former Real Madrid star will be among a group of stars playing for the Rest of the World team against a team of celebrities.(the Sun)
www.bbc.co.uk

Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

AC Milan are planning a £20m summer swoop for Manchester United's Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov.(The Sun) 
Liverpool are preparing to ruffle the feathers of city rivals Everton with a move for the Toffees' midfielder Steven Pienaar.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester City are planning to swoop for Aston Villa winger Ashley Young, with Craig Bellamy, Martin Petrov and Shaun Wright-Phillips all set to depart Eastlands this summer.(Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth goalkeeper David James will snub a summer move to West Brom in favour of playing what he described as "real football" in the Championship next season. On 10 April the Baggies sealed their promotion to the Premier League, while Pompey were relegated from the top flight.(The Sun) 
Striker Eidur Gudjohnsen wants to stay at Tottenham next season. The Icelander is currently on loan from French side Monaco. (The Sun) 
Bolton will place a £17m price tag on defender Gary Cahill if he makes it into Fabio Capello's England World Cup squad for this summer's tournament in South Africa.(The Sun) 
Birmingham and Blackburn are battling it out with Italian side Roma for Estudiantes striker Mauro Boselli. (The Sun) 
West Brom, who recently sealed their promotion back to the Premier League, say they will resist any offers for highly-rated midfielder Graham Dorrans this summer.(Daily Mail) 
Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega is set to snub a move to the Premier League's elite as he feels he has a better chance of playing by joining a team outside the top four. (Daily Mirror) 
Bolton boss Owen Coyle is tracking Stockport's teenage defender Sam Barnes.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Everton boss David Moyes is the man to succeed him at Old Trafford. Apparently, Ferguson is ready to step down as United manager after one more season. (The Sun) 
Italian side Juventus are ready to give Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez until the end of the season to decide if he would like to take over as their new manager. They originally set a deadline for the end of this week.(Daily Mirror) 
Celtic are considering a move to make Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies their next manager after the former Rangers player intimated he would be interested in returning to Scotland.(The Times) 
Former England boss Steve McLaren looks set to reject an offer from West Ham to replace Gianfranco Zola as manager this summer. McLaren is currently managing FC Twente, who are just one win from this season's Dutch title, but has only one year left on his contract.(Daily Mail) 
The Hammers have two lists of managerial candidates: one for if they stay up, which McLaren heads, and one for if they are relegated, which is topped by Southampton boss Alan Pardew, who spent three years in the Upton Park hotseat before being sacked in December 2006.(Daily Express) 
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has opened talks to extend the contract of manager Chris Hughton, who this season led the club to promotion back to the Premier League after a season in the Championship.(Daily Mail) 
Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard says the club need to buy four "quality" players if they are to challenge for the Premier League title next season.(Daily Mail) 
Chelsea risk losing several of their biggest names for nothing this summer after being instructed by Roman Abramovich to suspend all contract talks until the end of the season. The Russian owner believes the likes of Joe Cole, Michael Ballack and Deco must earn new deals through their performances during the remainder of the season.(The Times) 
Portsmouth are expected to announce that their debts total £119m when their accounts for the last financial year are released later on Wednesday.(The Times) 
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is unsure whether to risk exacerbating striker Didier Drogba's groin injury by playing him in this weekend's match against Stoke as the title chase nears its climax. The Blues hold a one-point lead over second placed Manchester United with three games to play.(The Independent) 
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres rates England's starting XI as the second best in the world and believes they could be ready to go all the way in the World Cup, which begins on 11 June in South Africa. (Press Association)
England goalkeeping legend Peter Shilton says keeper Ben Foster must leave champions Manchester United if he wants to save his international career. "Foster was on a par with [West Ham's Robert] Green a while back but he is not playing first-team football anymore and that is going to count against him," said Shilton. (Daily Mail) 
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce has given midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen, whose contract expires this summer, until the end of today to decide if he wants to sign a new deal at Ewood Park.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Developers of the official 2010 World Cup video game seem to think England may struggle during the tournament proper, which begins on 11 June in South Africa. Having factored in the high altitude conditions at certain venues, players of the game will discover that the England side have been programmed to feel the energy-sapping effects sooner than some of their virtual opponents.(Daily Mail)
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Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Real Madrid plan to make a stunning £90m bid for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney - not to mention wages of £250,000 a week for five years - and also have England boss Fabio Capello in their sights.(The Sun) 
United are keeping a close eye in James Milner's contract negotiations at Aston Villa as Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson prepares to reshape his Old Trafford squad this summer. (Daily Telegraph) 
Manchester United are monitoring £9m-rated Panathinaikos midfielder Sotiris Ninis.(Daily Mail) 
Italian giants Juventus will seek to tempt Liverpool's under-pressure manager Rafael Benitez with a deal worth £16m over four years, plus a spending kitty of £70m.(Daily Mail) 
Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic is a £15m target for AC Milan, who believe the Blues will bid for Inter Milan full-back Maicon this summer.(Daily Mail)
Barcelona are plotting a raid on Arsenal this summer, with full-back Gael Clichy - not midfielder Cesc Fabregas - their top target.(Daily Mail) 
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been given the green light for a major summer spending spree after chairman Peter Hill-Wood revealed more money "than for a long time" was available - thought to be around £25-£30m. (Daily Star)
Fabregas and Wenger have been left incensed by Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood's claim that Fabregas "would not even get in" the Barcelona team.(The Sun) 
Young Gunners midfielder Jack Wilshere has told Wenger he wants to stay on loan at Bolton if he cannot get first-team football at the Emirates Stadium.(The Sun) 
Everton and Tottenham sent scouts to run the rule over Paris Saint-Germain's Turkey striker Mevlut Erdinc in his side's 3-1 win over Bordeaux last weekend. (Daily Mail) 
Sunderland look to be losing the battle to sign Kevin Kuranyi after Dinamo Moscow offered the Germany striker £85,000 a week to sign for them. (Daily Mail)
Wigan midfielder Paul Scharner has put a question mark over his part in boss Roberto Martinez's fight for survival after storming out of the DW Stadium after being substituted suring Wednesday's 0-0 draw with Portsmouth. (Daily Mirror) 
Stoke boss Tony Pulis is ready to reward defender Abdoulaye Faye with a new contract.(The Sun)

. 

OTHER GOSSIP


A former Syria international claims to be close to buying Liverpool. Talks between businessman Yahya Kirdi and Anfield owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks are alleged to be at "an advanced stage". Former Celtic captain Andy Lynch says he has been brought on board by the Gulf-based millionaire.(Daily Mirror) 
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres could have played his last club game this season after being forced to undergo another scan on his injured knee. (Daily Star) 
Greater Manchester Police are to impose a large-scale alcohol exclusion zone and increase patrols in Manchester city centre in an effort to prevent Saturday's derby suffering a repeat of the disturbances that marred January's Carling Cup semi-final first leg at Eastlands. (Daily Mail) 
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and his City counterpart Roberto Mancini will be told to keep a lid on their players' derby-day goal celebrations in a warning from Manchester police.(Daily Mail) 
City striker Carlos Tevez and United defender Gary Neville, two of the central figures in the acrimony that has surrounded this season's Manchester derbies, will be under police orders not to do anything that could incite crowd trouble on Saturday.(The Guardian) 
Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo has announced he will take legal action against a Spanish television program, "categorically" denying accusations he held wild parties before and after the defeat to rivals Barcelona.(Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon claims he is fit to return from a groin injury and play his first game of 2010 when Spurs host Chelsea on Saturday.(The Sun) 
MK Dons manager Paul Ince is facing the sack in a drastic cost-cutting move.(Daily Mirror) 
The Premier League has moved to introduce tough new measures to flush out potentially "unfit" club investors in the wake of growing criticism over poor ownership and spiralling debt. (The Times) 
Broadcaster ESPN will consider supporting radical innovations to the FA Cup including moving the latter rounds to midweek and scrapping replays.(Daily Telegraph) 
Roma boss Claudio Ranieri, the former Chelsea manager, is the new favourite to become the next Italy coach with Marcello Lippi set to leave his post after the World Cup.(Daily Mirror) 
Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier is being lined up a the new Wolsburg boss, with Markus Babbel as his assistant. (Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Sunderland striker Darren Bent is to wed Sir Alex Ferguson's former daughter-in-law Nadine Ferguson, who separated from Sir Alex's son Darren in 2007. Nadine announced the news on social networking site Twitter.(The Sun) 
Manchester City winger Adam Johnson is ready to miss out on his summer holiday - in the hope he can book a dream ticket to the World Cup with England. (Daily Star) 
Hull boss Iain Dowie has hit out at the "iPod generation" of players for hiding behind their "big earphones" and forgetting what has got them to where they are.(Daily Mirror)
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