Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham says a return to AC Milan on loan is close to being 'finalised' as he looks to secure a place in the England squad for the 2010 World Cup.(Mail on Sunday) 
France midfielder Patrick Vieira is set for a move back to Arsenal from Italian club Inter Milan in the January transfer window.(News of the World) 
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is planning to offload a number of players who were signed by former Black Cats boss Roy Keane.(Sunday Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Sulaiman Al Fahim has agreed to sell a majority stake in Portsmouth to Saudi property tycoon Ali Al-Faraj with a deal predicted to be done early next week.(Observer) 
Former England manager Steve McClaren is a contender to replace Ipswich manager Roy Keane, whose side are bottom of the Championship without a win so far this season.(Sunday Mirror) 
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has stoked the fire before his side's game with Liverpool by saying the Reds are not as good as they were after selling midfielder Xabi Alonso.(Daily Star Sunday) 
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has warmed his players up for the game by showing them a DVD compilation of how Wigan beat Chelsea 3-1 last Sunday.(Daily Star Sunday) 
Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner is trying to drum up new investment in the club so they can compete with the likes of Manchester City.(Daily Star Sunday) 
Benitez's concerns over Daniel Agger could increase if he plays for Denmark in upcoming World Cup qualifiers as the defender has yet to make his first-team return after a lengthy injury absence. (News of the World) 
Former Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan has not ruled out a return to football management. (Mail on Sunday)
The Magpies are also close to being sold by owner Mike Ashley with Tyneside businessman Barry Moat nearing an £80m deal to buy the Championship outfit. (Daily Express) 
David Gold and David Sullivan are interested in buying West Ham after selling Birmingham City to Carson Yeung. Full story: (News of the World) 

AND FINALLY

Chelsea skipper John Terry missed the penalty which would have won his side the 2008 Champions League final against Manchester United but he keeps the ball at his home in order for inspiration. (News of the World)
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Wolverhampton - Portsmouth

Even now, after seven rounds played, it’s obvious that Wolves won’t be the biggest season surprise in Premier League as they proudly announced before the start. Struggling for avoiding relegation is more probable scenario. They have noticed two wins, a draw and four defeats and it seems they haven’t adapted well for a life in Premier. The problem is simple, they carry the same attacking still of play, as they did in Championship last season. And while in second tier powerful attack was bringing the results despite the shaky defense, in Premier they can not score too much, while defense conceded a lot. Team is not well balanced and Wolves simply can’t defend against anybody. In last round away defeat, they hit 5 more shots at goal than Sunderland did, but lost 2-5. Previously against Hull at home, they had 24 shots and got just a point (1-1). I expect some better results, as their best two players are recovered. Excellent winger Michael Kightly and striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (not fully fit). With same defense, it makes the gap between these two lines even bigger. Striker Chris Iwelumo has recovered from a broken foot, but midfielder Dave Jones is out for two months following knee surgery. Today’s opponent is a club that made the worst start in Premier League ever and nobody at Molineux would be satisfied with just a point.

Many disturbing things outside football pitch have been happening in Portsmouth lately. All started with late club’s takeover from Sulaiman Al-Fahim and lacking in new signings, while the last news are some of the players didn’t get last week pay-check. Luck of quality, bad dressing room (and board room) atmosphere and has to be said miss of the luck are the main reason for this endless disaster. However, Pompey put some solid displays in previous weeks despite the zero that remained at their account. At last away defeat, against Aston Villa, team performed much better than the final result 0-2 shows. Last time at Fratton Park, Portsmouth (I dare to say) absolutely overplayed Everton, made a bunch of chances, 3 times hit the post, Tim Howard made some brilliant savings and at the end Pompey somehow lost again (0-1). Despite all the obstacles and problems, I see better days for them and although nobody can say are they capable to avoid relegation, they’ll surely start to collect some points. Next game for Portsmouth is “make or brake”. Another defeat would be a final shipwreck, but on the other hand it is a nice chance for the first good result. As Wolverhampton, they also wouldn’t be fully satisfied with a draw. Manager Paul Hart will likely stick with attacking 4-4-2 formation and Pompey will go for a win. Defender Steve Finnan is poised for his Portsmouth debut, while midfielder Papa Bouba Diop and defender Herman Hreidarsson are still out with hamstring injuries.

Bookies offer very high odd for goals here. The possible reasons are both sides have problems with scoring lately and tactical game is expected. My opinion is both sides desperately need three points, also scored much less then they deserved and in game where their chances are almost equal, I see their scoring luck is changing and about 2.20 for over seems as a great value.

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Saturday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Tottenham striker Robbie Keane could be out of White Hart Lane in the January transfer window, with Glasgow giants Celtic leading the chase for the 29-year-old.(The Sun) 
Out-of-favour Inter Milan midfielder Patrick Vieira could return to England in the new year as he tries to secure a place in France's World Cup squad.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United have been told that they will have to pay £20m if they want to lure defender Gary Cahill from Bolton next summer.(Daily Telegraph) 
Manchester City are chasing Gremio's 19-year-old defender Mario Figueira Fernandes. (Daily Mail) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Former Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan, who won £2m in damages after winning his case against the club for constructive dismissal, was forced to sign Uruguayan midfielder Ignacio Gonzalez because ex-director of football Dennis Wise wanted to keep two agents happy.(Various) 
Birmingham managing director Karren Brady is leaving the club with a severance package worth over £1m.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick is set to start in one of England's World Cup qualifiers next week, either in Ukraine or at home to Belarus.(The Sun) 
And England boss Fabio Capello is also expected to play West Ham striker Carlton Cole against Ukraine.(Daily Star) 
Portsmouth owner Sulaiman Al Fahim had been called to a meeting with Premier League chairman Dave Richards and chief executive Richard Scudamore to explain his position before he was admitted to hospital.(The Sun) 
And Al Fahim's tenure at Pompey could be over if he does not find £16.5m to keep the club afloat by 15 October.(Daily Mail) 
Notts County's bid to have their takeover approved by the Football League has been boosted by the news that a major backer is set to go public next week. (Daily Mirror)
Former Arsenal and Tottenham defender Sol Campbell is to ask the Premier League for special dispensation so that he can join a top-flight club before the January transfer window, after he quit Notts County last month.(The Guardian) 
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who this week became the club's longest-serving manager, believes former players Thierry Henry, Lee Dixon, Steve Bould, Tony Adams and Nigel Winterburn could succeed him at the Emirates Stadium.(Daily Star) 
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti says there is nothing sinister to be read into owner Roman Abramovich flying in to watch training this week, coming as it did after the defeat by Wigan and the unconvincing victory over Apoel Nicosia in midweek.(The Independent) 

AND FINALLY

Hull manager Phil Brown is so angry with his players following the 6-1 defeat at Liverpool that he has banned them from the club canteen. "It is a strange punishment but the manager feels it is time they quite literally stop getting everything on a plate," says a club insider.(The Sun)
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Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United and Real Madrid are both keen on Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic, who scored twice against Liverpool in the Champions League this week, but the Italian side are set to offer the Montenegro star a new five-year contract. (The Sun)
Bolton boss Gary Megson insists defender Gary Cahill will not leave the Reebok Stadium in the January transfer window despite interest from Manchester United and Tottenham.(The Sun) 
Birmingham City winger Gary McSheffrey is poised to join Sheffield United on a three-month loan deal. (Daily Mail)
Reading boss Brendan Rogers plans to send Dave Mooney, Julian Kelly, Scott Davies, Michail Antonio and Jay Tabb out on loan.(Daily Mirror) 
Former Everton and Manchester City left-back Michael Ball has turned down a three-year deal at Notts County and could join Portsmouth or Turkish giants Galatasaray.(The Sun) 
Oldham Athletic hope to sign out-of-favour Hull City midfielder Bryan Hughes on loan.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Notts County's players called in the Professional Footballers' Association after the League Two club failed to pay them their win bonuses.(Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie has secured a £5m cash injection from Saudi property magnate Ali Al-Faraj that will allow the Fratton Park side to pay their players. Storrie and Al-Faraj were part of a rival consortium that lost out to Sulaiman Al Fahim for control of the club.(Daily Mail) 
The Premier League is ready to take over at Portsmouth to stop the club from slipping into administration.(The Independent) 
Football Association chief executive Ian Watmore has called for a crackdown on "hostile and abusive" chanting as part of a campaign against disorder in football grounds. (The Times) 
Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov admits he has been a failure at Old Trafford since his £30.75m move from Tottenham in August 2008 and says his poor form caused him sleepless nights.(The Sun) 
Liverpool forward Ryan Babel says being dropped by the Netherlands ahead of next summer's World Cup finals has scared him into trying to salvage his Anfield career. The 22-year-old has struggled since joining the Reds for £11.5m from Ajax in 2007.(Daily Mail) 
Former Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari is facing the sack at Uzbekistan side Bunyodkor after they were knocked out of the Asian Champions League. The Brazilian, who is the highest paid manager in the world on £12.5m a year, will get a huge compensation package if he is forced out. (The Independent) 
Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner claims only divine intervention saved his life when he crashed his car on his way to training on Sunday. The Danish star says it is a "miracle" that he is still alive, but hopes to face Blackburn this weekend.(Daily Mirror) 
Under-fire Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate says he will not quit the Riverside despite being criticised by fans.(Daily Mail) 
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres says he would never join Manchester United because of his respect for the Anfield club's fans.(The Sun) 
Hotels in South Africa are raising their prices by up to 440% for next summer's World Cup finals.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Gillingham boss Mark Stimson says referees would get less stick if they went back to wearing black rather than multi-colour outfits. Stimson said: "They get enough abuse as it is. As soon as they walk out with pink shirts on, people laugh at them." (The Sun)
Preston legend Sir Tom Finney has told National Football Museum bosses that he wants all his memorabilia back if they leave Deepdale to move to Manchester. (The Sun)
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Thursday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni has edged closer to a move to West Ham after refusing to play for the German side's reserves.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United and Liverpool are battling it out for Real Sociedad winger Antoine Griezmann.(Daily Mirror) 
Aston Villa defender Curtis Davies will consider his future at the club in January over a contract row.(Daily Mirror) 
Sheffield United are handing a trial to French striker Vincent Pericard, who is a free agent. (Daily Mirror) 
Leeds are targeting Oldham winger Chris Taylor and are offering defender Alan Sheehan in exchange.(Daily Mirror) 
Notts County are hoping to pip Sheffield United and Coventry to the loan signing of Birmingham winger Gary McSheffrey.(Daily Star) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Portsmouth players will demand answers from new owner Sulaiman Al Fahim after they were not paid their wages this month.(The Sun) 

AND FINALLY

Liverpool defender Fabio Aurelio has revealed how manager Rafael Benitez erupted with fury like never before after their Champions League defeat to Fiorentina on Tuesday. (The Guardian) 
Middlesbrough defender David Wheater has conceded the Championship club, who were relegated from the Premier League in May, are struggling with the physical nature of life in English football's second tier and are also finding it hard to cope with 'flying elbows.'(Daily Mirror) 
Brighton defender Jim McNulty has been welcomed back to the squad after spending eight months on the sidelines following the removal of a kidney. (Daily Star)
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Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is monitoring Tottenham right-back Alan Hutton ahead of the January transfer window.(Daily Mirror) 
Wigan are interested in Scunthorpe goalkeeper Joe Murphy after turning down the chance to former Sunderland keeper Jurgen Macho, who is a free agent after leaving AEK Athens. (Daily Mirror) 
Cardiff manager Dave Jones is set to hijack Coventry's bid to sign Wolves striker Sam Vokes, whose loan deal with the Sky Blues has yet to go through.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Notts County executive chairman Peter Trembling has conceded he does not know the identities of all the private investors who are bankrolling the club. (The Sun) 
Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie has told owner Sulaiman Al Fahim to prove that a £50m loan has been organised to keep the club out of administration. (The Sun) 
Manchester United Nani winger will turn to his former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo for advice after being substituted against Stoke on Saturday following a poor display. Nani will ring Ronaldo - now at Real Madrid - before Wednesday's game with Wolfsburg and added: "Cristiano and I talk a lot."(The Sun) 
Arsenal winger Theo Walcott, who has been out of action since June because of a lower back injury, has told boss Arsene Wenger he is fit to start Tuesday's Champions League match against Olympiakos. (The Sun) 
Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has declared he is completely happy at the Blues and stated: "Chelsea is the first club I can call home." Anelka's former clubs include Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Bolton and Real Madrid. (The Sun) 
League Two strugglers Darlington are lining up former Wigan boss Paul Jewell to fill their vacant managerial post.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Bolton boss Gary Megson has revealed South Korean star Chung-Yong Lee practises martial art Tai Chi first thing in the morning before training. Megson said: "I got in early and was eating a bacon sarnie when I saw this guy doing some serious stretching in the car park. I didn't realise it was Lee." (Daily Mirror)
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Thursday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Bolton defender Gary Cahill is being tracked by Italian giants Juventus following a glowing reference from England boss Fabio Capello. AC Milan are also interested in the 23-year-old.(Daily Mirror) 
Bolton manager Gary Megson says he is not prepared to sell striker Johan Elmander, despite a disappointing record in front of goal and the arrival of loan signing from Nantes, Ivan Klasnic, this summer.(The Sun) 
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez will decide on Thursday whether to offer a contract to Cameroon midfielder Modeste M'Bami, who has been on trial with the club since the start of the season.(The Sun) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United are becoming increasingly concerned by defender Rio Ferdinand's persistent injury problems.(The Times) 
Former Tottenham and Arsenal defender Sol Campbell quit Notts County because he hated his debut match against Morecambe so much.(Daily Mirror) 
Campbell walked out of Notts County because he did not believe the promised investment from the club's new owners would materialise.(The Independent) 
Hull's Carling Cup defeat at home to Everton leaves under-pressure manager Phil Brown with only four matches to save his job. After the game against Liverpool this weekend, Hull then face fellow strugglers Wigan, Fulham and Portsmouth.(The Sun) 
Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, 38, will decide in December whether this season will be his last.(Daily Mail) 
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez faces a battle to keep pace with the biggest clubs in Europe as leaked documents reveal that his net summer spending is locked at £20m until 2014. That figure also includes wage increases.(The Independent) 
Football Association chairman Lord Triesman and chief executive Ian Watmore have dismissed suggestions that Fabio Capello will stand down as England manager after the 2010 World Cup.(Daily Mail) 
Former Tranmere boss Ronnie Moore could be heading back to Rovers to replace John Barnes, if the ex-Liverpool winger fails to halt the club's slide down the League One table.(Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth owner Sulaiman Al Fahim says the Premier League strugglers are unlikely to buy new players in the January transfer window.(The Guardian) 
Liverpool's Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano has been cleared of any wrongdoing following his clash with Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford during Tuesday's Carling Cup match.(Daily Mail) 
Uganda's FA has dropped its compensation claim following manager Csaba Laszlo's move to Hearts last year. (The Sun)
Dundee United manager Craig Levein has escaped punishment from the Scottish FA after comments about the referees involved in defeats by Celtic and Hearts last season. (The Times) 
Scotland manager George Burley says he is ready to omit players from his squad for next month's friendly against Japan if they are not 100% fit. (The Sun)
Celtic midfielder Scott Brown says he does not want to be rested for club or country because of a niggling injury. (Daily Express) 
Former Rangers midfielder Charlie Adam is poised for a Scotland re-call after starring for new club Blackpool. (Daily Mail)
Preston's former Celtic and Sunderland winger Ross Wallace could also be named in the Scotland squad to face Japan. (Daily Mail) 
Robert Snodgrass hopes his impressive display for Leeds against Liverpool in the Carling Cup will earn him a Scotland call-up. (Various)

AND FINALLY

West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green has given an honest assessment of his club's performances this season following the Carling Cup defeat by Bolton on Tuesday. "We're getting above ourselves, thinking we're better than we are at the moment. We're in a position where we have to get results."(Daily Mirror)
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Carlisle United - Portsmouth

After previous season, when they narrowly avoided relegation beating Millwall in the last round, recent campaign looks nearly the same. They have only two wins in opening eight rounds in League One (with same number of draws and four defeats), they have won only one of their last five matches and currently hold 17th place. Home shape is even more disturbing. A single win against main relegation contender, Tranmere Rovers 3-0 and three defeats. Points from Brunton Park were taking Brentford, Exeter City and Brighton & Hove Albion and interesting is it was the only away win for all these three clubs. Addition to their poor record is two consecutive league defeats, both without a scored goal. So far, only bright moments they live in Cup competition. After elimination of Oldham Athletic (1-0 at home), popular the Cumbrians caused a big shock in the previous round by winning at Bristol City (who btw. have the best home record in Championship, after Newcastle). Manager Greg Abbott will have to decide whether to make changes after weekend’s defeat, but he surely won’t be able to count on defender Simon Lakeland who remains out with a knee injury. Carlisle are playing in the third round of the League Cup for the first time in 34 years.

Portsmouth are breaking all the records in Premier League. They made six consecutive defeats at season opener (plus two from last two games in previous campaign). All started with late takeover of the club by Arab businessman Sulaiman Al Fahim that caused the most of club’s signings came in the final week of the summer transfer window. There are a bunch of new players at Fratton Park and they simply need some time to gel up. Despite the zero on their balance, pitch performances give a hope for better days. At last home game, Pompey put a decent display against Bolton, but thankfully to big errors in defence line finished empty handed. In last round at Villa Park, once again team looked fine, but same story with defensive frailties and zero remained. Manager Paul Hart somehow keeps the good dressing room atmosphere and even fans don’t lack in support. But, next game could be decisive for their future. Cup progress should boost a team’s morale, despite the missings Portsmouth have Premier league players, very competitive squad and win is very reachable. Otherwise, defeat from a third league, mediocre team can sealed their fate. Hart can not count on recent signings O'Hara, Prince-Boateng, Williamson and Smith, who all miss out due to being cup-tied after playing for their previous clubs in earlier rounds of the competition. Defenders Steve Finnan (hamstring) and Hermann Hreidarsson (foot) will probably be sidelined.

Home side already made a first class surprise in Bristol and for them every cup victory has historical weight. However, despite their certain maximum effort tonight, I don’t think they will be even near to make another upset. For the visitors, moment when this encounter comes makes this game as a battle for life and death. They’re without several keys, but the players that are coming in are more than capable to win. Pinnacle offer 2.01. Away win.

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Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Newcastle hope to sign Fulham striker Diomansy Kamara on loan to cover for injured frontman Shola Ameobi, who is out until December with a stress fracture of the foot.(The Sun) 
Aston Villa striker Marlon Harewood is another loan target for Magpies caretaker boss Chris Hughton.(Daily Mirror)
Hull City striker Daniel Cousin is keen on a loan move to Newcastle after slipping down the pecking order at the KC Stadium.(Daily Mirror) 
Everton have given striker James Vaughan the go-ahead to join Middlesbrough on loan.(The Guardian) 
Bolton boss Gary Megson has agreed a deal with Wolves worth up to £1m for defender Mark Davies, who joined the Trotters in January. The two clubs opted to negotiate the fee rather than using a transfer tribunal.(Daily Mirror) 
Stoke defender Andrew Davies has rejected a loan move to Plymouth.(The Sun) 
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has handed former Chelsea and Sunderland goalkeeper Jurgen Macho a trial following the Austrian's release by AEK Athens.(Daily Mirror) 
Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell hopes to beat Ipswich, Barnsley and Colchester to the loan signing of Bolton defender Danny Shittu.(The Sun) 
Australia striker Scott McDonald says he will not be quitting Celtic to join Wigan. (The Sun)
Hartlepool manager Chris Turner fears an approach from Celtic for midfielder Gary Liddle and striker James Brown. (The Herald) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has reopened his feud with Manchester City boss Mark Hughes following Emmanuel Adebayor's alleged stamp on Robin van Persie on Saturday. Wenger, who used to accuse Hughes' Blackburn side of being too physical, said: "You ask 100 people, 99 will say it is very bad and the hundredth will be Mark Hughes." (The Sun) 
City are in talks with their legal team in a bid to save Adebayor from a potential four-match suspension following Football Association charges of violent conduct and improper conduct as a result of his actions against the Gunners.(Daily Telegraph) 
Inter Milan's former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says Fabio Capello "knows nothing about football" after the England coach said it was imperative for the Serie A champions to win the Champions League this season.(Daily Mirror) 
Barcelona's Spanish midfielder Xavi Hernandez admits England were missed at Euro 2008 and feels they are among the favourites to win the 2010 World Cup.(Daily Mirror) 
New Portsmouth owner Sulaiman Al Fahim is adamant the Fratton Park club will have money to spend in the January transfer window but Pompey's chief executive Peter Storrie says the club has had no new funds made available.(The Sun) 
Al Fahim says he will meet with Pompey boss Paul Hart on 21 November to discuss potential signings.(The Times) 
Former Scotland boss Alex McLeish has welcomed the decision not to axe national manager George Burley over the Scots' failure to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. (Daily Record)
George Peat's position as Scottish FA president is under threat after he criticised manager George Burley before the end of the World Cup qualifying campaign. (Daily Express) 
Tartan Army spokesman Hamish Husband says George Burley only kept his job as Scotland manager because other candidates rejected approaches to take over. (Various)
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has hailed team-mate Steven Gerrard as "the greatest player in the world".(Daily Mirror) 
Liverpool's co-owner Tom Hicks is confident he can reduce the club's £250m debt and says boss Rafael Benitez can use some of the revenue from the Reds new £20m-a-year shirt-sponsorship deal with Standard Chartered Bank on strengthening his squad.(The Times) 
Liverpool midfielder Lucas, who has been heavily criticised by Reds fans, says he would have left Anfield if not for manager Rafael Benitez, who he says has given him "incredible support and confidence".(Daily Mirror)
Rangers midfielder Pedro Mendes has asked his best friend Fernando Meira for the lowdown on Stuttgart ahead of his side's Champions League clash with the Bundesliga outfit on Wednesday. Meira spent six years with Stuttgart from 2002 to 2008 and now plays for Zenit St Petersburg. (Daily Mirror)
Rangers could be forced to play Lee McCulloch as a makeshift centre-half against Stuttgart in the Champions League because of an injury to David Weir. (Various) 
Olympiakos have expressed an interest in appointing Bryan Robson as their new coach after sacking former Newcastle midfielder Temuri Ketsbaia.(Daily Mail) 
Former Republic of Ireland boss Steve Staunton has applied for the vacant manager's job at League Two side Rotherham.(Daily Mirror) 

.

AND FINALLY

Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor appeared to recreate his controversial celebration from Saturday's 4-2 win over his old club Arsenal after scoring in training on Tuesday. The Togo striker, who has been charged with improper conduct for running down the pitch to celebrate in front of Gunners fans, smiled as he ran and slid to his knees in front of his team-mates. (Various)
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Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is keen to swoop for former Portsmouth midfielder Sulley Muntari from Inter Milan, using Jermaine Jenas as bait to lure the Ghana international. (The Sun)
Meanwhile, Redknapp has been told only a cash bid will persuade French club Le Harve to part with midfielder Kevin Anin. (The Sun)  
Birmingham are tracking Spurs midfielder Jamie O'Hara as an alternative should their £2.5m move for Sporting Gijon's Michel fall through. (Daily Mail)
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is considering a move for Feyenoord's Canadian-born Dutch midfielder Jonathan de Guzman, on the recommendation of Chelsea's sporting director, Frank Arnesen. (The Guardian)
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has inquired about the services of Hull centre-back Michael Turner, while Ghana defender John Mensah will arrive at the Stadium of Light on a season-long loan from French club Lyon. (Guardian)
Bruce will offer Nyron Nosworthy and Daryl Murphy plus £6m to land the £12m-rated Turner. (The Sun)
Meanwhile, Bruce is planning another raid on former club Wigan with a £5m bid for left-back Maynor Figueroa. (Daily Mail)
Alan Shearer wants Cardiff's £6m-rated striker Michael Chopra to mark his return as Newcastle boss as part of businessman Barry Moat's takeover at St James's Park. (Daily Star)
The Magpies are discussing a deal for Tottenham left-back Gareth Bale on a season-long loan, but the Championship side are only prepared to pay a small percentage of the left-back's wages. (Guardian)
Middlesbrough have rejected a £6m bid from Everton for centre-back David Wheater. (Daily Mail)
Toffees boss David Moyes also wants Atletico Madrid's Netherlands international defender Johnny Hettinga, as well as Celtic midfielder Scott Brown. Moyes is also keen to take Tottenham midfielder David Bentley on loan. (The Times)
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is hunting Kosice's £2m-rated Slovakian striker Jan Novak. (Daily Mirror)
Stoke boss Tonly Pulis is set to continue his spending spree after tabling a £2.5m bid for Sunderland defender Danny Collins. (The Sun)
The Potters also had a £10m offer for Trinidad and Tobago striker Kenwyn Jones reject by Sunderland. (Daily Mail)
Hull manager Phil Brown is eyeing a move for Poland international right-back Marcin Wasilewski from Belgian club Anderlecht. (The Sun)
Portsmouth's new owner Sulaiman al-Fahim could fund a minor spending spree with the acquisition of Ivory Coast striker Aruna Dindane for £4m from Lens, while bids have been placed for Watford defender Mike Williamson and Vitoria de Guimaraes' Nuno Assis. (Daily Mail)

OTHER GOSSIP

However, Al-Fahim's deal to buy Portsmouth has yet to be signed off by the Premier League. (Guardian)
Manchester United defender Jonny Evans is set to undergo ankle surgery - but only after playing for Northern Ireland against Poland and Slovakia in early September. (Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish has defended his decision to turn down a move for Wilson Palacios in 2007 - even after Spurs paid Wigan £12m for the Honduras international. "I saw Wilson play in a Birmingham Cup game against Banbury and he looked OK, nothing more than that." (Daily Mail)

Thursday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Former Chelsea winger Arjen Robben, linked with a return to the Premier League, is being tipped to leave Real Madrid and join European giants Bayern Munich (German media) 
Middlesbrough defender Robert Huth is set to join Stoke for £6m. (Sky Sports news)
Inter Milan have agreed to sign Real Madrid midfielder Wesley Sneijder in a deal worth about 16m Euros. Sneijder had been linked with Manchester United and Aston Villa. (Spanish media) 
Tottenham's have had their loan offer for Le Havre midfielder Kevin Anin rejected by the French club. (L'Equipe)
Everton have been knocked back in their efforts to replace Joleon Lescott with Benfica's Brazilian central defender Luisao. (Portuguese media) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Spartak Moscow have made a £10m offer to re-sign Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.(The Mirror) 
Ipswich manager Roy Keane is to raid his former club for four players with Carlos Edwards, Grant Leadbitter, Daryl Murphy and Nyron Nosworthy set to leave Sunderland.(The Mirror) 
Striker Andriy Shevchenko finally looks set to leave Chelsea after he was left out of their Champions League squad.(The Mirror) 
Chelsea are set to re-ignite their interest in Feyenoord forward Jonathan de Guzman.(The Mirror) 
Aston Villa are closing in on a double swoop for Blackburn defender Stephen Warnock and Manchester City centre-back Richard Dunne.(The Mirror) 
Middlesbrough are set to sign striker Danny Webber who was released by Sheffield United in the summer.(The Mirror) 
Bolton have launched a bid to re-sign midfielder Kevin Nolan from Newcastle United.(The Mirror) 
Sunderland are set to launch a £6m bid for Hull defender Michael Turner. (Daily Mail) 
Brazilian side Internacional have rejected a £14m bid from Tottenham for midfielder Sandro.(The Independent) 
Celtic captain Steve McManus has rejected the opportunity to join Ipswich Town on loan. (The Guardian) 
Notts County director of football Sven Goran Eriksson has failed in his bid to tempt Czech midfielder Pavel Nedved out of retirement.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester United are set to sign Empoli's Italian duo Manuel Pucciarelli and Alberto Masacci. (Daily Telegraph) 
Wigan are ready to make a £1m move for Honduras forward Carlos Costly, who currently plays for Polish side GKS Belchatow. (Daily Telegraph)
Birmingham are set to sign Middlesbrough forward Tuncay for £5m. (Daily Mail) 
Stoke are lining up a £5m bid for young Uruguay midfielder Diego Arismendi.(The Mirror) 
The Potters have also made a renewed offer for Cardiff City midfielder Joe Ledley. (The Times) 
Bolton have had a £6.5m offer for midfielder Achille Emana turned down by Real Betis. (The Times)
Fulham are poised to sign Salzburg striker Marc Janko on a season-long loan. (The Mirror) 
Hull are interested in signing Reading defender Liam Rosenior.(The Mirror) 
Reading manager Brendan Rodgers is hoping Watford striker Tommy Smith will snub interest from Portsmouth and instead join the Royals.(The Sun) 
Greek champions Olympiakos are ready to take Tottenham forward Giovani dos Santos on loan. (Daily Star)
Former England manager Glenn Hoddle believes David Beckham should pursue a move to Chelsea to keep alive his dream of playing at next year's World Cup. (Daily Star) 

OTHER GOSSIP

New Portsmouth owner Sulaiman Al Fahim has vowed to turn the club into a major Premier League force after finally taking control of the south coast outfit.(The Sun) 

AND FINALLY

Furious Celtic players have called for Eduardo to be banned after the Arsenal striker appeared to dive to win a penalty during the Gunners' 3-1 Champions League victory on Wednesday.(Daily Mail)
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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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