Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has opened the door to a sensational return to Old Trafford for Cristiano Ronaldo, who he sold to Real Madrid for £80m last summer.(Sunday Express) 
Ferguson is also locked in negotiations with Chelsea to sign Joe Cole who is out of contract at Stamford Bridge at the end of the season. (People) 
Manchester United are also eager to sign Everton's young stars Dan Gosling and Jack Rodwell, while Everton boss David Moyes would like to bag Manchester City's Stephen Ireland.(News of the World) 
But Ireland could be spoilt for choice this summer as Everton's Merseyside rivals Liverpool are thought to want his signature too.(Sunday Mirror) 
Spanish giants Real Madrid have made Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard their number one transfer target and believe they can tempt the midfielder away from Anfield with a £30m bid. (People) 
Liverpool winger Albert Riera is a £6m target for Spanish side Villarreal, who are looking for a replacement for Robert Pires who is set to depart at the end of the season. (Sunday Mirror) 
Manchester City are preparing a £45m bid for Real Madrid 's Argentinian stars Gonzalo Higuain and Fernando Gago. Higuain is Real's top scorer this season with 18 goals while City also tried to sign Gago in January.(IM Scouting) 
Chelsea and Manchester United face competition from Spanish side Barcelona in the race to sign Benfica winger Angel Di Maria. Di Maria has a buyout clause of 50m Euros (£45m) in his contract, but his Portuguese side would accept 25m Euros (£22m).(IM Scouting) 
Portuguese international midfielder Deco expects to leave Chelsea at the end of the season and hopes to join Brazilian side Corinthians.(IM Scouting) 
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola is eyeing Birmingham duo Liam Ridgewell and Sebastian Larsson. Both players are out of contract at the end of the season. (News of the World) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is preparing for a summer exit from Anfield after reaching "the end of his tether" while billionaire New Yorkers line up a £100m takeover bid of the club.(News of the World) 
Ashley Cole's World Cup hopes are virtually over after it was revealed he would not play again for Chelsea this season. The left-back broke his left ankle on 11 February against Everton and has had three pins inserted in the bone. (News of the World) 
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has emerged as a contender to replace Marcello Lippi in charge of the Italian national team when the 61 year-old steps down after the World Cup in South Africa.(The Sunday Telegraph) 
Meanwhile, City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, who has spent around £200m on transfers and £100m a year on wages, claims football in Britain - and across Europe - is on the road to ruin. He has also hinted he could favour the introduction of a salary cap.(Mail on Sunday) 
David Beckham has admitted he is not a certainty to make Fabio Capello's England squad for the World Cup in South Africa. The 34-year-old midfielder would become the first Englishman to play in four tournaments if selected.(Mail on Sunday) 
The Football Association has sold its entire allocation of 29,000 tickets for the World Cup. (Sunday Express) 
Portsmouth are on the brink of securing their fifth owner of a chaotic season with property tycoon Rob Lloyd fronting a consortium intending to buy the crisis-ridden club.(The Sunday Telegraph) 

AND FINALLY

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has come out in support of his former club Manchester United, reckoning Manchester City will never overcome their rivals.(Sunday Mirror)

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it's a nightmare - sorry to followers

Coventry 1 - 1 Plymouth

Michael McIndoe scored the equaliser as Coventry made it four games without defeat to continue their play-off push in the Championship.
The hosts had the better of the chances in the first half but went in trailing after Kari Arnason headed home Damien Johnson's free-kick before break. 
McIndoe wasted no time in drawing the home side level after the break when he coolly converted a Carl Baker pass. 
Sammy Clingan had a shot deflected wide as the hosts pressed for a winner. 
Plymouth had their first attack when Jamie Mackie drove the ball wide of the upright from the edge of the area. 
Keiren Westwood was then forced to make a fantastic save from Mackie after he drilled a strong drive towards the top corner. 
Clinton Morrison saw his shot from inside the area go harmlessly wide before a weak Clingan shot was watched wide by Plymouth goalkeeper David Stockdale. 
As the first half drew to a close Baker found himself free in the area but Plymouth's Yannick Bolaise made a last-ditch tackle to clear the ball behind for a corner. 
The Pilgrims took the lead with the final attack of the first half when Arnason glanced a header into the net from Johnson's free-kick. 
Sky Blues manager Chris Coleman made two changes at the break with Gary Deegan and Marcus Hall replacing Aron Gunnarsson and Stephen Wright. 
The changes spurred the hosts into life and after just four minutes of the second half Baker chipped the ball through for McIndoe to race onto and he slotted low into the bottom corner to level the scores. 
Coventry continued to push forward and Jon Stead almost gave them the lead with a turn and shot from the edge of the area. 
Plymouth substitute Gary Sawyer almost made an immediate impact with a long-range effort that drifted wide. 
In the closing stages Pilgrims midfielder Carl Fletcher had an effort blocked by Hall and a Chris Clark cross almost caught Westwood out.
Bolasie almost snatched the points in injury time but his volley was blocked en route to goal by Coventry's defence.

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Watford 0 - 1 Peterborough

Relegation-threatened Peterborough saw off fellow strugglers Watford to claim their first away win of the season.
Brighton loanee Liam Dickinson sealed the points for the Posh with an audacious 35-yard lob over England Under-21 goalkeeper Scott Loach. 
Adrian Mariappa went close for Watford with a deflected shot, as did Danny Graham and substitute Will Hoskins. 
But the Hornets were fortunate not to concede a late second when Martin Taylor headed against his own crossbar. 
Victory gave Jim Gannon's side back-to-back wins for the first time this season. 
But a fourth successive defeat did Watford, who barely threatened before the break and were only roused once Peterborough had scored, no favours. 
And only the defiance of Loach, whose early double save denied Craig Mackail-Smith and Dickinson, and a stroke of luck, when Aaron Mclean hit the post from range, saved Watford from a heavier defeat. 
The goal came six minutes after the break when Loach, scrambling to clear with Mark Little advancing, saw the ball fall to Dickinson, who sent a calm finish over the stranded goalkeeper. 
Watford manager Malky Mackay: "We're down in that relegation area but we've got to make sure that between now and the end of the season we win as many games as possible.
"We were frustrated today, the players were frustrated but they were giving everything they had for the jersey today. 
"We've got to make sure that we stick together, which they are doing, and go out there and keep working hard on the pitch."
Peterborough manager Jim Gannon: "It's great for the fans and players because it's been a long time coming for them.
"With 11 or 12 games remaining we've got to double our points average. It's an incredible mountain for that group of players to achieve, especially if the squad's being depleted and you've got so many injuries. 
"All I'm asking them to do is go from game to game and do themselves justice and in the last two games they've certainly done that."

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Watford - Peterborough

Watford have noticed just one point of last four games and they’re now just two points far from relegation zone. Good thing is their performances at Vicarage Road are actually good. Their last two loses came from very strong sides. First, Newcastle took all three points (1-2), but the truth is they scored after only two serious treats. In the last round, Hornets were unlucky against Swansea (0-1), dominating most of the game, but conceded after big error of defense line. Even more encouraging than a home shape is return of midfielder Tom Cleverley (loaned from Man.Utd.) after 3 games suspension. Interesting is Watford lost all those 3 games and lost 5 out of 6 when Cleverley didn’t play. No injury concerns for boss Malky Mackay.

 

Peterborough are on bottom without a real chance to avoid relegation. While at home fighting spirit supported with disaster pitch has been bringing some results, their away shape is scandalous. Only four draws in 17 games and nine goals scored is the far worst record in Championship. The Posh have lost their last seven away games and failed to score in the last four of them. Manager Jim Gannon has been trying to motivate players to fight till the last game, but my impression is they all know they’re already relegated. Gannon can not count on midfielder Lee Frecklington and winger Chris Whelpdale.   

 

Watford’s home displays, return of Cleverley and Peterborough on the road are main reasons. I expect a home win with two-three goals margin.

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Coventry City - Plymouth Argyle

Coventry are in a great run of results and now they’re just 3 points far from play-off zone. Break moment was a home win vs. Nott.Forest which gave them a large amount of self-confidence. In next five games, crew from Ricoh Arena has noticed four wins and just one defeat (Newcastle on the road). Their game is not so pretty to watch, but it’s tactically perfect. Coleman is a great manager, team is well balanced, possess a decent quality and it won’t be surprise if they finish in play-off. The Sky Blues will be without defenders, injured Ben Turner and suspended Leon Barnett. Good news is returning of defender Richard Wood and midfielder David Bell. A win today would be a perfect warming-up for Tuesday’s clash at Ricoh vs. 6^th Cardiff.

 

Plymouth are second from the bottom, seven points far from safe zone. They could already start the preparation for the third tier as team simply doesn’t possess enough quality for Championship. They’ve made some shocking displays through the season (1-0 away wins vs. ‘Boro and Cardiff), carry a fighting spirit and far from that they gave up, but Argyle have noticed just a single win in last nine games. Defender Reda Johnson is out injured, while winger Craig Noone and midfielder Chris Clark will face a fitness test. Boss Mariner hopes the club will finish the deal about loaning WBA defender Bondz N’Gala in time to play. 

 

Coventry are flying high and a play-off dream is a great motivator. They have a more than decent quality and look good, especially at home. Plymouth  recently have plenty of problems in defense line, while in front look almost harmless. Their best results have been consequences of opponent’s underestimating. Chris Coleman won’t allow that. Home win - 1.90 at Pinnacle and handicap as a gamble.

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Saturday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City are targeting Benfica's Paraguayan star Oscar Cardozo. The striker, and free-kick specialist, has scored 18 league goals this season.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool are keeping a close eye on Alex McLeish's contract talks at Birmingham, with a view to bringing in the Scot as a replacement for current Reds boss Rafael Benitez at the end of the season.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says the desire to become the first team to win four consecutive league titles and a record 19th in all is driving him on this season. (Daily Mirror) 
Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce has told his goalkeeper Paul Robinson that it is not too late for him to be included in England boss Fabio Capello's World Cup plans.(Daily Mirror) 
And Aston Villa duo Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor have been told similar by their boss Martin O'Neill despite missing out on Capello's last squad.(Daily Star) 
Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon's World Cup dreams are in tatters though after Spurs boss Harry Redknapp admitted he had no idea whether the 22-year-old would play again this season. Lennon has been out with a groin problem since December.(The Sun) 
Stoke striker Tuncay Sanli is taking his former club Middlesbrough to court. He claims they owe him more than £500,000 in image, sporting and economic rights.(Daily Mail) 
Everton are ready to offer 10 players new long-term deals in an attempt to ward of interest from other clubs.(Daily Mirror) 
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has told Shaun Wright-Phillips to stop talking about his desire for a new contract and concentrate on earning one on the pitch. (Daily Mail) 
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola reckons 10 points from their final 10 games of the season will be enough to keep his side in the Premier League. The Hammers currently have 27 points.(Daily Express) 
The 2012 football season will be put back by one week to accommodate the London Olympic Games which runs from 27 July to 12 August.(Daily Telegraph) 
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has admitted he would "do a Thierry Henry" and handle the ball if it meant getting England through to the World Cup final.(The Sun) 
American sports franchise Club 9 Sports claim they are close to a deal to invest in Championship strugglers Sheffield Wednesday.(Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY

Fulham striker Bobby Zamora clearly does not rate his chances of making the England World Cup squad - he has already booked a holiday in Las Vegas during the tournament.(Daily Telegraph)

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Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City have joined rivals Manchester United in the race to sign teenage Nigeria midfielder Ramon Azeez, who is tied to the Future Pro Academy in his native country.(Daily Mail) 
Real Madrid will look to soften the blow of this week's Champions League exit by launching a bid to lure striker Wayne Rooney from Manchester United, according to the Spanish daily 'Sport'.(imscouting) 
Manchester United target Igor Akinfeev will be offered a new contract by CSKA Moscow in a bid to ensure they don't lose the goalkeeper for nothing.(Daily Mail) 
Zenit St Peterburg midfielder Danny wants to reignite a £25m move to Chelsea after recovering from a career-threatening knee injury.(Daily Mail) 
Doncaster, QPR, Middlesbrough and Leeds are all keen on Sheffield United's Nick Montgomery after the midfielder signalled his intent to leave this summer by refusing to sign a new deal with the Blades.(Daily Mail) 
Stoke are keen to bring former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant back to England from Spanish side Real Zaragoza.(Daily Mirror) 
Derby boss Nigel Clough is set to sign Liverpool's young keeper David Martin in an emergency loan deal.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has had to rein in his usual all-action training regime to avoid suffering burnout. Rooney has started 43 matches already this season for club and country.(The Sun) 
Former Manchester United midfielder David Beckham will be invited to become the figurehead of the United fans' protest movement bidding to oust the Glazer family from Old Trafford. The AC Milan player donned a green and gold scarf - the symbol of the fans' protest - after Wednesday's Champions League match, which United won 4-0 to progress to the quarter-finals.(Various) 
The Manchester United fans' group are also keen to recruit other former United greats to their cause, including ex-goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel and striker Eric Cantona.(Daily Mail) 
England boss Fabio Capello is considering a World Cup call-up for Manchester United right-back Gary Neville amid fitness concerns over Liverpool full-back Glen Johnson and Neville's fellow United defender Wes Brown.(Daily Mail) 
Despite overseeing a stuttering campaign so far with Liverpool, Reds manager Rafa Benitez remains the chief target for Real Madrid, who will sack current boss Manuel Pellegrini in the summer.(The Sun) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has told Real Madrid not to bother with their annual bid to poach him, warning: "Leave me alone."(Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth players are preparing to dip into their own pockets in a bid to keep up to eight members of the training ground staff in work until the end of the season. (Various)
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has been told his job is safe - even if the club are relegated from the Premier League.(Daily Star) 
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has ordered Blues striker Christian Benitez to clean up his act. Benitez was booked for going to ground in Birmingham's 2-1 win at Portsmouth on Tuesday.(The Sun) 
Former Derby County chairman Peter Gadsby is launching a £37m bid to regain power at Pride Park.(Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY

Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney says his impressive goalscoring form this season is down to his receding hairline. 'It's coming off my bald patch and that's helping me score,' joked Rooney, whose first goal against Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday was the seventh in succession he has scored with his head.(Daily Mail)

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Thursday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole is set to quit the club on a free transfer in the summer. The Blues have reportedly offered him a one-year extension, incorporating a 40% pay-cut, to his current deal which expires at the end of the season.(Daily Star) 
Brazilian midfielder Sandro is preparing himself for a £6m summer move to Tottenham from current club Internacionale by learning English.(Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham are sounding out clubs in Belgium about taking Zambian left-back Emmanuel Mbola on loan after the London club agreed a £1m deal to sign the teenager from Armenian club Yerevan.(Daily Mirror) 
Celtic are keen to recruit Arsenal striker Jay Simpson for next season after watching him in action for QPR, where he is on loan for the season.(Daily Mirror) 
Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery, who is a target for the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid, says he will resolve his future before the summer.(imscouting.com) 
Birmingham City and Wolves are both trailing Crystal Palace full-back Nathaniel Clyne.(Daily Mirror) 
Everton hit man James Vaughan is joining Leicester City's promotion push - to the fury of Championship rivals Derby County, who had the striker on loan earlier this season and had hoped to re-sign him.(Daily Mirror) 
Fulham striker Erik Nevland will leave the club on a free transfer at the end of this season to join his former team Viking Stavanger.(Daily Express) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has challenged striker Wayne Rooney to beat former United winger Cristiano Ronaldo's United goal record of 42 during the 2007/08 season. The England man took his tally to 30 for the season with a brace in United's 4-0 Champions League win over Milan on Wednesday.(The Sun) 
England boss Fabio Capello says Rooney is one of the three best players in the world; putting the striker on a par with Barcelona's Argentine forward Lionel Messi and Real Madrid's Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo.(The Sun) 
Arsenal defender Sol Campbell, who started the season playing for League Two side Notts County, is eyeing a shock re-call to the England side.(The Sun) 
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has called a crisis meeting of his players in an attempt to stamp out the discord that threatens the very fabric of the club. In recent weeks, the Spanish coach has been dismayed by what he sees as "negative body language" from his players as they struggle to keep themselves in the race for a top-four finish.(Daily Mirror) 
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson, who enjoyed managerial spells with Udinese and Inter Milan prior to taking over at Craven Cottage, has admitted he would like to coach again in Italy before the end of his career.(Daily Mirror) 
The backlash towards Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini has begun following the club's Champions League exit at the hands of Lyon on Wednesday. The front page of Madrid based newspaper Marca this morning says "Adio Champions, Adios Pellegrini. Fuera" which translates as "Goodbye Champions [League], Goodbye Pellegrini. Out."(imscouting.com) 
Former Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink has agreed to manage Ivory Coast at this summer's World Cup in South Africa - providing he can negotiate an early release from his contract as Russia coach, which runs until mid-July. After the World Cup, Hiddink will take over as coach of Turkey.(Daily Mail) 

AND FINALLY

Newcastle stars like Alan Smith and Kevin Nolan will be asked to take a pay cut if the Magpies win promotion to the Premier League because they are still on lucrative contracts handed to them prior to the club's relegation from the top flight last season.(Daily Mirror)

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Real Madrid    1 - 1    Lyon

1 - 0 C. Ronaldo  6.min.

1 - 1 M. Pjanic  75.min.

CL thoughts - one gamble

Game at Old Trafford is hard to call, in my opinion. Fergie said they won’t sit back and wait for AC. Sure, would be stupid to say different. But, the true is in previous seasons in CL (in all Cups, as well) they usually didn’t win when they didn’t need to (with low scorings). AC need at least two goals, but too attacking approach would mean a suicide. Hm… Probably without a bet for me, but it smells like a draw. 1-1 correct score.

This Real look too much like Galactikos. They’ll have serious problems against any hard working side (any English club). 1.30 on a home win is a ridiculous odd, especially ‘cause they need to chase the result. I don’t see too many goals and will place a gamble bet on the first big shock this season. Draw. Pinnacle offer 6.10!

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