Tuesday Paper Talk

[Southend_Yid]

Same as before 

Real Madrid are ready to capitalise on the growing rift between Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson and Nemanja Vidic by bidding for the defender. Vidic was a late withdrawal for Sunday's FA Cup match against Leeds, which United lost 1-0.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is keen to bring Atletico Madrid's Argentine winger Maxi Rodriguez to Anfield this January, initially on a short-term loan deal.

Tottenham will attempt to beat the Reds to Rodriguez's signature though by offering midfielder David Bentley on loan as part of the deal.

Liverpool are also looking to offload player's during the transfer window with Italian left-back Andrea Dossena set to sign for Napoli in a £5m switch.

Birmingham will test Liverpool's desire to hold on to Ryan Babel by bidding £8m for the Dutch winger in January.

Birmingham are also set to tie up a £2.5m deal for Sporting Gijon's Spanish midfielder Michel but they have pulled out of a proposed move for Schalke striker Kevin Kuranyi.

Leeds have put a £2m price tag on FA Cup hero Jermaine Beckford after he scored the winner in the third round tie at Manchester United. Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest all keen on the striker, who is out of contract in the summer.

Newcastle though will win the race for Beckford's signature by paying Leeds £3m - double the asking price before his goal at Old Trafford.

Chelsea have been linked with a move for Italian striker Giampaolo Pazzini for £22m but Sampdoria will only let him leave if the 25-year-old is loaned back to them for the rest of the season.

Manchester City are in advanced discussions with Inter Milan to bring French midfielder Patrick Vieira back to the Premier League. Vieira left Ars*nal for Juventus in 2005.

West Ham and Bolton are both chasing Portuguese striker Nuno Gomes, who is out of favour at Benfica and desperate for first-team football to boost his hopes of making his country's 2010 World Cup squad.

Stoke City have slapped a staggering £20m price tag on Ryan Shawcross in a bid to scare off the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Spurs, who are all keen on the defender.

Defender Matthew Upson's exit from West Ham appears to be gathering pace after Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola enquired about Stoke centre-back Robert Huth.

Celtic are set to boost their Scottish Premier League title bid with a loan move for Stoke striker Dave Kitson.

Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan is setting up a move for his old Celtic striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink - in a loan switch from Hull City.

However, the Bhoys could be set to lose Australian striker Scott McDonald, who is wanted by Wigan.

The Latics are also poised to bid £3m for Leicester striker Matty Fryatt.

Ars*nal midfielder Jack Wilshere has turned his back on a loan move to the Championship in favour of joining another Premier League club on a short term deal to prove to Gunners boss Arsene Wenger he can hack it at the top level.

Fulham hope to tie up a loan deal for Roma striker Stefano Okaka after the player's agent revealed his client was keen on the move.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is set to axe seven players for Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final with bitter rivals Manchester City following his side's humiliating defeat by Leeds in the third round of the FA Cup. Striker Dimitar Berbatov and right-back Gary Neville head the list of those for the chop.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is set to hand a home debut to rookie defender Dedryck Boyata in the Carling Cup semi-final with United. City are without regular defenders Kolo Toure, Joleon Lescott and Nedum Onuoha due to injury.

Former Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has been offered a quick return to management - with the Turkish national team.

The Professional Football Association is on standby to hold emergency talks at Fratton Park today if Portsmouth's players are not paid their December wages by the club.

Chelsea midfielder Florent Malouda has held clear-the-air talks with manager Carlo Ancelotti and team-mate Frank Lampard after appearing to suggest he was being overlooked by the former and that the latter was given preferential treatment in a recent interview.

Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer says he has no interest in taking the vacant manager's job at Sheffield Wednesday.

However, the Owls may well make a shock move for Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock, who used to manage Wednesday's bitter rivals Sheffield United.

An unlikely figure has offered to help Michael Owen in the Manchester United striker's bid to claim a place in Fabio Capello's 2010 World Cup squad. Former England cricket captain and United fan Geoff Boycott has written to Owen suggesting he try the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui after the Test Match Special commentator utilised it during his recovery from cancer.

Darts legend Phil Taylor, who claimed a record 15th world title on Sunday by winning the PDC world final, says he can help England win the World Cup this summer by delivering a rousing team talk to the players.

[DC76]

Former Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has been offered a quick return to management - with the Turkish national team.

I don't think he'd be any better than their last manager. Turkey's glory days are over.

However, the Owls may well make a shock move for Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock, who used to manage Wednesday's bitter rivals Sheffield United.

DO EET. I lost all respect for Sheff U after they backed up Chris Morgan when he nearly killed Iain Hume. I hope the Dull Blades don't make Prems. They're in a playoff spot as it stands now.

[SomersetYiddo]

WTF?! Neil Warnock would never go to Sheffield Wednesday! He a Blades fan!!! And use to manager them!

[DC76]

Such things were once said by Sol Campbell about going to Ars*nal, remember. I would love to see the expressions on Blades fan faces if it did happen though.

[RiffHard]

Such things were once said by Sol Campbell about going to Ars*nal, remember. I would love to see the expressions on Blades fan faces if it did happen though.

And I remember certain Portsmouth manager who went to manage Southampton. And then returned... 

[Southend_Yid]

Barcelona are stepping up their attempt to sign Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney, and are prepared to offer him wages of £8m a year after tax.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is in talks with Real Madrid with a view to signing former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy on a free transfer.

And Redknapp has had a bid for out-of-favour goalkeeper Ben Foster rejected by Manchester United.

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is ready to quit the club he joined as a nine-year-old two decades ago. Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan and Premier League big spenders Manchester City are believed to be interested in a deal.

Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford is planning to leave the League One club in the summer, with Everton a possible destination.

Ars*nal manager Arsene Wenger has held further talks with the father and agent of Racing Santander's Spanish midfielder Sergio Canales. Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool are also interested in the 18-year-old.

Liverpool star Fernando Torres has urged the club to buy a top Spanish striker - such as Valencia's David Silva or David Villa - while under-fire Reds boss Rafael Benitez is pondering a £12m bid for Sunderland forward Kenwyne Jones.

However, Benitez's attempt to sign Jones has hit the rocks as Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is holding out for a £10m cash deal.

Bruce wants Wigan's £7m-rated left-back Maynor Figueroa and is willing to sacrifice midfielder Kieran Richardson to land him.

Sunderland are preparing a bid for Benfica's veteran Portuguese striker Nuno Gomes.

French side Lille want to sign Portsmouth defender Younes Kaboul for £10m, with cash-strapped Pompey willing to accept the offer.

Portsmouth goalkeeper David James has been told that he must drop his wage demands if he is to secure a move away from Fratton Park.

Zenit St Petersburg say they have pulled out of the race to sign Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Ars*nal manager Arsene Wenger is ready to splash out on Fulham's England under-21 giant centre-half Chris Smalling - in a stunning £7m deal. 

Birmingham City have been told they can have Celtic winger Aiden McGeady, if they match the asking price.

And Birmingham are interested in FC Moscow forward Maxi Lopez, who has been on loan at Gremio in Brazil.

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has made an offer for Standard Liege striker Milan Jovanovic.

Tottenham have watched Bordeaux defender Mathieu Chalme as they try and offload Alan Hutton.

Crystal Palace striker Victor Moses has revealed he cannot wait for his crack at the big time as his seemingly inevitable exit from the Londoners draws closer.

Burnley are speaking to Monaco striker Frederic Nimani, and could sign the French Under-21 international on loan.

Wolves are keen on Stoke striker James Beattie and Hull winger Stephen Hunt.

Philippe Senderos is weighing up his options before deciding whether to join Celtic, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich or Everton on loan from Ars*nal. (Daily Mail/The Herald)

Aberdeen manager Mark McGhee will step up his bid to sign Darren Barr during January rather than wait to secure the Falkirk defender when his contract ends in the summer. (Various)

Aberdeen manager Mark McGhee says he will have to "be creative" to land Darren Barr in January as his club cannot afford to pay a fee to Falkirk for the defender. (The Herald)

Chelsea are waiting to discover the extent of midfielder Michael Essien's knee injury, amid fears that the Ghanaian could be out for the rest of the season.

The Glazer family, the owners of Manchester United, could take £600m out of the club over the next seven years in dividends, interest and fees coming out of a bond issue.

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola could be replaced by former Manchester City manager Mark Hughes if David Gold and David Sullivan complete their takeover of the club.

However, Gold and Sullivan will announce that Zola's position is safe when they take control.

Barcelona have shrugged off claims that coach Pep Guardiola will replace Sir Alex Ferguson as the next manager of Manchester United.

French winger Jerome Rothen, on a season-long loan from Paris St Germain, was in Glasgow on Monday to prove to Rangers he is still too sick to play after two months off with swine flu. (Daily Record)

Celtic and Rangers are on the verge of clinching a £1.5m per year deal with Tennent's to replace Carling as the Old Firm's shirt sponsor. (Daily Record/Daily Express)

Caretaker Craig Brown will be named Motherwell manager until the end of the season despite Monday's Scottish Cup defeat by Inverness Caledonian Thistle. (The Sun)

Hibernian manager John Hughes has called in motivational guru Watt Nicoll to help improve his side's work ethic and end a run of three games without a win. (Daily Record)

Manchester United defender Gary Neville has stoked the flames ahead of Tuesday's Carling Cup semi-final first leg against rivals Manchester City by claiming his club were right to get rid of City striker Carlos Tevez as he was over-priced.

And former United winger David Beckham has told City's fans that they will never be bigger than the Old Trafford club, adding that he would never join City, no matter how much money was offered.

[Southend_Yid]

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has pledged his future to the club after being linked to Barcelona and Real Madrid in recent weeks.

Rooney's team-mate, midfielder Anderson, looks to be heading out of Old Trafford after recent poor performances for United.

United have joined the race for Fulham's £7m-rated defender Chris Smalling, who is also attracting the interest of Ars*nal.

Manchester City forward Robinho will have to take a pay cut amounting to £80,000 a week if he wants to join Brazilian club Santos.

City, meanwhile, have had a £12m bid for Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago turned down, with the Spanish club after at least £17.5m for the Argentine.

Ars*nal are set to revive their interest in AC Milan's Dutch striker Klass Jan-Huntelaar and may seek to bring him in on loan until the end of the season.

But Everton are also showing an interest in Huntelaar, who has also played for Real Madrid.

Birmingham are set to step up their pursuit of Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Sunderland are preparing a £10m move for Portsmouth centre-back Younes Kaboul.

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce is setting up a loan move for Monaco forward Eidur Gudjohnsen.

Hull want to sign Egyptian striker Mido, who is still registered with Middlesbrough, so he can team up with countryman Amr Zaki.

Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen looks set to leave the club, with manager Tony Pulis closing in on Portsmouth's David James.

Middlesbrough manager Gordon Strachan is weighing up QPR's £1.75m-rated winger Wayne Routledge.

Strachan is also set to sign Celtic's central defender Stephen McManus.

Stuttgart's Turkey midfielder Yildiray Basturk is flying in for talks with Blackburn over a potential loan deal.

Burnley boss Brian Laws is interested in Celtic left-back Danny Fox.

Everton are ready to offer Leeds the chance to cash in on striker Jermaine Beckford and are preparing a £2m bid.

Argentine striker Marco Ruben has agreed to join Wigan, according to his Spanish club Villarreal. (Press Association)

Under-fire Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is a target for Italian club Juventus.

The son of Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi, Saadi Gaddafi, is in talks to become Portsmouth's new owner.

Sven-Goran Eriksson will walk away from his role as Notts County director of football if the Magpies fail to secure funding to stave off their huge tax bill.

Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor looks set to return to action in Wednesday's Carling Cup derby with Manchester United - 19 days after the Togo team bus in Angola was ambushed by gunmen.

Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler is to remain at Australian side North Queensland Fury, despite falling out with manager Ian Ferguson.

Former Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, who was sent off for violent conduct in Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Malaga at the weekend, says he was educated not to dive and cheat in England. 

And ex-Manchester United forward Carlos Tevez, now at neighbours Manchester City, has again hit out at his former employers by saying that he is at "the right club, with the right players and the right boss".

[Southend_Yid]

Ars*nal midfielder and captain Cesc Fabregas is set to rejoin Barcelona in the summer. The 22-year-old Spaniard is contracted to the Gunners until the end of the 2013/2014 campaign but is unhappy with the team's lack of ambition. (Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo)

Paris St Germain's bid to sign Manchester United midfielder Anderson fell through because the French club were reluctant to pay the Brazilian's wages.

Sunderland missed out on landing Egypt winger Ahmed Al-Muhammadi after his club ENPPI rejected the Black Cats' bid of £2m.

One of the most unusual deals on deadline day was Mido's move to West Ham - where he will be on the lowest wages for a player in the Premier League. The Egypt striker signed on a six-month loan from Middlesbrough for £1,000 a week and Hammers owner David Sullivan called the deal "one of the most amazing of all time"

Beleaguered Chelsea defender John Terry will tell England manager Fabio Capello that he will not relinquish the captain's armband for the national team.
Full story: Daily Mirror

However, others report the Chelsea centre-half is considering resigning as skipper of England ahead of talks with Capello on Friday. It follows newspaper allegations of an affair with the former girlfriend of England team-mate Wayne Bridge.
Full story: The Independent

Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge could be on the verge of quitting international football following the fall-out of Terry's alleged affair with his ex-girlfriend.
Full story: The Times

David Beckham has revealed his thoughts on returning to Old Trafford in an AC Milan shirt ahead of this month's Champions League clash. The England midfielder, on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy, said: "The thought of playing United always gives me that sick feeling because I missed the club so much."
Full story: Daily Express

Midfielder Park Ji-Sung has warned Chelsea that Manchester United will not capitulate as the Premier League title race heats up.
Full story: The Sun

Striker Emmanuel Adebayor thanked his Manchester City "family" for providing support following the deadly gun attacks on Togo's football team in Angola in January.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Fiorentina and ex-Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu, who tested positive for the banned substance sibutramine last week, has been labelled a "child" by the Italian club's sporting director Pantaleo Corvino.
Full story: The Sun

Striker Wayne Rooney is confident that Manchester United can set a new Premier League record and win four successive titles.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Chelsea missed Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou, on Africa Cup of Nations duty, throughout January but still won all five games. The strikers are set to feature for the Blues in Tuesday's game at Hull and Frank Lampard said: 'When they were away people spoke about us struggling. We've done well and now we will be even stronger."
Full story: Daily Mail

Portuguese winger Nani says he is back to his best after a stunning performance in Manchester United's 3-1 win at Ars*nal. The £17.3m signing in 2007 said: "The manager has shown confidence in me, I have been given more time on the pitch and that has given me belief in myself."
Full story: Daily Mirror

Ars*nal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has been busy reflecting on the defeat at the hands of Manchester United. The Spaniard said: "I felt very well but when you find yourself 2-0 or 3-0 down, it's difficult. Even Lionel Messi would struggle to do anything."

It wasn't the most dramatic of transfer deadline days, with less than £20m being splashed out in the final 24 hours of the window.
Full story: Daily Mirror

[Southend_Yid]

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has admitted he is tempted to link up with his France team-mate Thierry Henry at Barcelona.
Full story: The Guardian

Ars*nal are closing in on the signing of Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh after his proposed move to Liverpool collapsed.
Full story: The Times

Barcelona and Sevilla have targeted Madjid Bougherra after the Rangers defender impressed during the Africa Cup of Nations. (Daily Record)

Rangers defender Stevie Smith says he will almost certainly reject the offer of a new contract in the search for regular first-team football. (Daily Record)


Liverpool have emerged as a takeover target for the seventh-richest man in the world, Indian Mukesh Ambani.
Full story: The Times

But, India's wealthiest man Mukesh Ambani has denied British newspaper reports on Tuesday that he is considering a takeover of Liverpool. (AFP)

Ars*nal have written to Barcelona to demand the Spanish giants stop their public campaign to try and sign midfielder Cesc Fabregas.
Full story: Daily Mirror

New West Ham owner David Sullivan reckons any Birmingham fans who abuse him at Wednesday's game are fools after declaring his regime at the Blues the best in the club's history.
Full story: Daily Mirror

West Ham co-owner David Gold has fanned the flames of controversy before the clash at Upton Park by saying the Hammers are bigger than the Blues.
Full story: The Times

Stoke striker Ricardo Fuller will keep his place in the squad for Tuesday's Premier League match at Wigan despite being arrested on suspicion of assault.
Full story: The Times

Mark Hughes is weighing up whether to become Turkey's new manager, two months after he was sacked by Manchester City.
Full story: Daily Mail

But Hughes could be in line to replace manager Gianfranco Zola should West Ham continue to struggle while Russia coach Guus Hiddink has also been linked to the vacant job at Turkey.
Full story: The Times His successor at City, Roberto Mancini, is under increasing pressure to ensure that the Blues qualify for the Champions League.
Full story: Daily Mail

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola and his players will be asked to take a 25% pay cut at the end of the season.
Full story: The Sun

Ian Holloway has axed three of his Blackpool players for Tuesday's game at Sheffield Wednesday after they were spotted in a nightclub on Saturday night, hours after their 2-1 defeat by Leicester.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, the new England captain, was last night still agonising over whether he should withdraw his appeal against a four-match violent-conduct ban as a gesture of goodwill to the Football Association.
Full story: Daily Telegraph

Former Bradford striker Dean Windass is among the favourites to replace Stuart McCall as boss of the Bantams. (Daily Mirror)

Kieron Dyer's time at West Ham could cost the club a staggering £30m over the course of his four-year contract. The midfielder has started only five league matches in his two-and-a-half years at Upton Park and has yet to score.
Full story: Daily Mail

[Southend_Yid]

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has blocked a £10.5m move back to Russia with Lokomotiv Moscow for out-of-favour striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.
Full story: Daily Mail

West Ham are eyeing a deal for Paraguay's 16-year-old Juan Iturbe. The Cerro Porteno striker has been on the shopping list of Real Madrid and Manchester United with the Hammers looking at a £2m deal at the end of the season.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Birmingham City want to begin talks on keeping hold of keeper Joe Hart, on loan from Manchester City until the end of the season. Manager Alex McLeish said: "Joe loves his team-mates and he loves the club. When you have a feelgood factor, then players can give their best form and play without fear."
Full story: Daily Mail

Derby boss Nigel Clough has revealed he wants to sign a striker on loan this week, with either Ars*nal's Gilles Sunu or Everton's James Vaughan in his sights.
Full story: Daily Mail

Goalkeeper Petr Cech has said he wants to stay at Chelsea for another 10 years - providing he can maintain the high standards he has rediscovered in the last month.
Full story: The Guardian

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres is odds-on to leave Anfield if they fail to finish in the top four of the Premier League, while captain and midfielder Cesc Fabregas will walk out on Ars*nal if they do not win the title or Champions League.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Good news for England fans with Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon being lined up for a return to action having been sidelined with a groin injury since the end of December.
Full story: The Sun

Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho has claimed Chelsea have declined since he left three years ago. Ahead of the Champions League clash with the Blues next week, Mourinho said: "You should have stuck with me if you wanted to win more titles."
Full story: Daily Mirror

Wayne Rooney had a police escort to see him through passport control after arriving at the airport only 35 minutes before Manchester United's flight to Italy for the Champions League match against AC Milan.
Full story: The Sun

Spurs defender Gareth Bale could be in a 'spot' of bother with boss Harry Redknapp after revealing his team don't practise penalties. The Londoners face a tricky FA Cup replay at home to Bolton next week having missed their fourth penalty of the season.
Full story: Daily Star

 Former Ars*nal striker Dennis Bergkamp has completed his coaching badge course with the Dutch football federation (KNVB). The clearly ambitious Dutchman said last year: "I would advise everyone to work in England, as a player or a coach, it just breathes football. It is fantastic for the game."
Full story: imscouting.com

A Premier League club is mulling over a purchase of an Indian Premier League team. The shorter format of cricket is rapidly expanding and IPL commissioner Lalit Modi said: "I can confirm an English Premier League club has approached us about buying a team. They are probably one of the most famous football clubs."
Full story: The Times

[Southend_Yid]

Everton manager David Moyes has issued a hands-off warning to rival clubs interested in signing teenage midfielder Jack Rodwell.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole has put the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona on alert over his future because he is unhappy at the way he has been treated at Stamford Bridge over the issue of his personal conduct.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Chelsea are set to pip Spanish duo Barcelona and Real Madrid to the 40m euro signing of Benfica winger Angel Di Maria.
Full story: imscouting.com

West Ham are planning a summer swoop for Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart. The Hammers hope to leapfrog Birmingham and take Hart on loan next season as a replacement for current number one Robert Green, who may leave Upton Park at the end of the season.
Full story: The Sun

Tottenham are set to swoop for Zambia's 16-year-old left back Emmanuel Mbola in a £1m deal from Armenian side Yerevan.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Portsmouth are on the brink of becoming the first side in Premier League history to go into administration after a rescue bid by a mystery South African consortium faltered. Owner Balram Chainrai set a deadline of the close of business yesterday for the group to provide proof they had the funds to take on Pompey's £70m debts.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Portsmouth's off-field troubles boiled over on to the training ground on Monday when Jamie O'Hara and Michael Brown were involved in a bust-up following an over-zealous challenge by the latter on the former.
Full story: Daily Mail

Former Football League chairman Keith Harris, the man behind a proposed £1billion buy-out of Manchester United has encouraged United fans not to turn up to matches or purchase club merchandise in a bid to force current owners the Glazer family into selling the club.
Full story: Daily Mail

Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon will discover if his World Cup dream lies in tatters on Tuesday when he undergoes a scan on his injured groin. The 22-year-old has not played since 28 December because of the problem and broke down in training on Saturday.
Full story: Daily Star

Joe Hart will start in goal for England in their friendly against Egypt at Wembley on 3 March. The 23-year-old has been in excellent form during his season-long loan period at Birmingham from Manchester City.
Full story: Daily Mail

Winger Luis Boa Morte could make a shock return for West Ham before the end of the season. The 32-year-old was expected to miss the whole campaign after sustaining anterior cruciate ligament damage in a pre-season game with Tottenham.
Full story: The Sun

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is so serious about his side's Carling Cup bid he plans to check his squad into their hotel three nights before Sunday's final against Manchester United.
Full story: The Sun

Manchester United's Brazilian midfielder Anderson has admitted that he has considered whether he has a future at Old Trafford since falling out of Sir Alex Ferguson's team in the last month.
Full story: Daily Mail

Former Burnley boss Steve Cotterill will be named new boss of Notts County on Tuesday.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Reports in Holland claim that former Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink will be allowed to leave his role as Russia coach early to be allowed to coach Ivory Coast at this summer's World Cup in South Africa. Hiddink will then take over as Turkey boss in August.
Full story: imscouting.com

 Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard says he cracked up when he missed a penalty against Portugal at the last World Cup - but insists it won't happen again. "You know all the fans back home are watching and when you're tired, when you're under so much pressure, that's when mistakes happen," he said.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Ipswich manager Roy Keane says that the emotional rollercoaster of football is better than anything offered at a Disney theme park. The Tractor Boys plunged into the Championship relegation zone with defeat at Peterborough last Tuesday but climbed out with Saturday's win at Sheffield Wednesday.
Full story: The Sun



 

[Southend_Yid]

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres could be out for another two months after suffering a groin injury in Spain's World Cup final win over the Netherlands, which could scupper a possible move to Chelsea.
Full story: the Guardian
Striker Edin Dzeko remains confident that Wolfsburg will drop their £50m asking price and allow him to join Manchester City.
Full story: Daily Mail
Mexican winger Pablo Barrera is set to complete a £4m switch from Pumas to West Ham on a two-year contract, with the option of a third, subject to gaining a work permit.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Upton Park could also be the destination for Nice striker Loic Remy. The 23-year-old is keen to make the move and manager Avram Grant is closing in on a £12m deal.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Premier League new boys Blackpool are weighing up a move for United States international midfielder Michael Bradley, who plays for Borussia Moenchengladbach.
Full story: Daily Mail
Liverpool have blocked a proposed deal for French striker David Ngog to go to West Brom on a season-long loan deal in case they cannot bring in two new strikers before the transfer window shuts.
Full story: Daily Mail
Portsmouth manager Steve Cotterill says there is "definitely a move on the cards" for Nigerian striker John Utaka, three years after he arrived for £7m. Sunderland have been linked with the 28-year-old.
Full story: the Independent
David James could also be leaving Portsmouth after the club ran out of patience with the veteran
goalkeeper when he failed to make a decision over an offer of a new one-year contract. (Daily Express)
 
Newcastle are desperate to keep veteran goalkeeper Steve Harper at the club, despite interest from Celtic, whose first-choice stopper Artur Boruc is set to join Italian side Fiorentina.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Real Madrid have ended their interest in Liverpool's Steven Gerrard as they think the £30m price tag on the 30-year-old is excessive.
Full story: Daily Star
Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson could be the latest former Old Firm player to join ex-Celtic manager Gordon Strachan at Middlesbrough after agreeing a £2m move. Kris Boyd, Chris Killen and Barry Robson are already at the Riverside Stadium.
Full story: Daily Record
Celtic's flight to their pre-season training camp in the United States was delayed while Artur Boruc's bags were unloaded so the goalkeeper could head to Fiorentina to secure a £1.7m transfer. (Various)
 
Celtic insist that winger Aiden McGeady's failure to travel to the United States was because of a thigh strain and not a pending transfer. (Daily Express)
 
James Beattie and Dave Kitson have both been left out of Stoke's pre-season tour of Austria by manager Tony Pulis.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Ars*nal manager Arsene Wenger has warned England to stop relying on players like Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney if they want to win big tournaments and to work as a team.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Fulham are interested in recruiting United States coach Bob Bradley as manager following the departure of Roy Hodgson to Liverpool.
Full story: the Sun
World Cup final referee Howard Webb says Sunday's stormy game between Spain and the Netherlands was "the most difficult two hours of my career".
Full story: the Sun
World Cup star Paul 'the psychic' octopus has been accused of having a slippery past after his trainer said he is Italian, not British, and is younger than his German aquarium have claimed.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Ars*nal midfielder Cesc Fabregas had a Barcelona shirt put over his head and was referred to as "the future of Barcelona" by Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina as Spain's players celebrated their World Cup win in front of 200,000 fans in Madrid.
Full story: Daily Mail
Defender Louis Carey's pre-season training with Bristol City has been disrupted after he injured his heel cooking at a barbeque. (Daily Star)

[Southend_Yid]

Didier Drogba's agent has revealed he is in talks with Manchester City over the Chelsea striker making a £20m move to Eastlands.
Full story: the Sun
Ars*nal midfielder Cesc Fabregas is refusing to give up on his dream move to Barcelona but may be forced to submit an official transfer request to force his exit from the Emirates.
Full story: Daily Mail
Barca hope to hold talks with Ars*nal to discuss the Premier League club's grievances over their persistent pursuit of Fabregas before submitting a second bid in an attempt to bring the Spain international back to his homeland.
Full story: Daily Telegraph
Greek side Panathinaikos have stepped up their efforts to sign out-of-contract Gunners defender Williams Gallas, offering the Frenchman £25,000-a-week wages and a signing-on fee of almost £1m.
Full story: the Sun
Liverpool hope Joe Cole's arrival at Anfield on a four-year deal worth £18.7m can convince Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres to commit their futures to the club.
Full story: the Guardian
Sevilla's Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano says he may remain in Spain, despite a summer of speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League.
Full story: the Sun
West Ham remain in the hunt for Nice striker Loic Remy but may face competition from Liverpool for the £12m-rated player.
Full story: the Sun
Alternatively, West Ham have turned their attention to Rosario Central's Argentine striker Milton Caraglio.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Manchester City officials have travelled to Italy to close the £35m deal for Inter Milan's 19-year-old striker Mario Balotelli.
Full story: Daily Mail
Sunderland are considering a £5m move for Wigan defender Titus Bramble, who Black Cats boss Steve Bruce previously worked with at Wigan.
Full story: Daily Mail
Bruce is the favourite to sign centre-back Sol Campbell, a free agent after his Ars*nal contract expired at the end of last season.
Full story: the Sun
Sunderland and Bolton are vying for £6m-rated Algeria midfielder Karim Matmour, who helped his country hold England to a goalless draw at the World Cup.
Full story: the Sun
Newcastle are keen to sign St Etienne's 23-year-old centre-back Yohan Benalouane.
Full story: Daily Mail
Birmingham have been approached about a deal for Monterrey's Chile striker Humberto Suazo and have expressed an interest in Argentine midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme, who is a free agent.
Full story: Daily Mail
David James will open talks with Celtic after Portsmouth withdrew their contract offer for the 39-year-old England goalkeeper.
Full story: Daily Mail
Fulham manager elect Martin Jol is eager to bring Tottenham striker Robbie Keane to Craven Cottage after being promised a £20m transfer kitty by club owner Mohamed Al Fayed.
Full story: Daily Mail
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is set to table a £10m bid for Celtic midfielder Aiden McGeady.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Celtic have been forced to give up their hopes of signing Hull midfielder Jimmy Bullard because the 31-
 
year-old's family are settled in Yorkshire. (Daily Record)
Stoke midfielder Liam Lawrence expects to complete a £2m move to last season's Scottish Premier League runners-up Celtic. Full story: the Sun
Middlesbrough's French midfielder Didier Digard is ready to sign for French side Nice in a permanent cut-price deal.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Boro boss Gordon Strachan has stepped up his bid to land Dundee United's Craig Conway, but the Championship club will be forced to pay at least £1m for the midfielder. (Daily Record)
 
Marlon Harewood has been offered a two-year deal at Rangers. The striker is a free agent after leaving Aston Villa.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Aberdeen manager Mark McGhee is prepared to battle it out with Hearts for free agent Paul Hartley. (Daily Record)
 
Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson insists he is not concerned that he has not heard from Javier Mascherano since trying to contact the midfielder last week. The Argentina captain is still on holiday after his World Cup exploits and is not due to return for pre-season training for another week.
Full story: the Independent
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says his club do not need to spend heavily this summer to regain the Premier League title from Chelsea.
Full story: the Sun
Midfielder Paul Scholes says reclaiming the Premier League title is Manchester United's top priority next season, over success in the Champions League.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Martin Jol will be unveiled as Fulham boss before Thursday's friendly with Halmstad. Caretaker boss Ray Lewington took the Cottagers on their pre-season tour to Sweden but his future is now in doubt because Jol wants his brother Cornelis to join him as assistant coach.
Full story: Daily Star
Football Association bosses have reduced ticket prices by up to 33% for August's friendly against Hungary at Wembley following the national team's disappointing World Cup campaign.
Full story: the Sun
The FA has hinted that it could again look abroad when appointing a successor to Fabio Capello as England manager.
Full story: Daily Telegraph
 
Newcastle's Joey Barton claims he is "as good as anyone in the country", including fellow midfielders Steven Gerrard of Liverpool and Chelsea's Frank Lampard.
Full story: Daily Mail
Tottenham may have become the first Premier League team to ban vuvuzelas from their ground.
Full story: Daily Mail
But top-flight newcomers Blackpool have become the first club in Britain to encourage fans to bring the instruments, which were a prominent feature at this summer's World Cup in South Africa, to matches.
Full story: the Sun
Efrain Juarez revealed his delight at joining Celtic - via Twitter. The Mexico defender returned home to finalise a visa after completing his medical and celebrated the £2.5m move by Tweeting: "I'm so happy to have signed for a historic team in Celtic!" (Daily Record)

[Southend_Yid]

Ajax's £30m-rated striker Luis Suarez is one of three names on Tottenham's summer shopping list. Boss Harry Redknapp also want Micah Richards and Craig Bellamy before the start of the new season.
Full story: Goal.com
 
Midfielder Javier Mascherano has been told he can leave Liverpool, having held talks with the club's hierarchy.
Full story: ESPN Soccernet
And Inter Milan are thought to be lining up a £25m bid for the Argentine international.
Full story: Daily Mail
Inter striker Mario Balotelli has rejected a bigger pay packet at Manchester United to join former boss Roberto Mancini at Manchester City.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Italy international Balotelli's £25m arrival at Eastlands will spark a transfer merry-go-round, with Emmanuel Adebayor joining Juventus on loan and Mascherano, Liverpool team-mate Dirk Kuyt and Uruguay and Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan moving to Inter Milan.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Meanwhile, Manchester City are offering England winger Shaun Wright-Phillips as part of a deal to sign James Milner from Aston Villa.
Full story: Daily Mirror
The Premier League are keeping close tabs on Chelsea's £20m pursuit of Benfica's Brazilian midfielder Ramires, who is involved in a third-party ownership deal with agent Kia Joorabchian.
Full story: the Sun
PSV Eindhoven are likely to demand about £3m for the defender.
Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson will step up his pursuit for Mexico international Carlos Salcido. Dutch clubFull story: the Sun
Tottenham want to sign West Ham's Scott Parker but have been put off by a £15m price tag for the England midfielder.
Full story: The Mirror
Manchester United are monitoring the progress of Belgium international Steven Defour, with the club weighing up a £13m bid for the Standard Liege midfielder.
Full story: the Sun
Ars*nal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia is wanted by his first club Osasuna, a transfer that could rekindle the Gunners' move for Fulham's Mark Schwarzer.
Full story: Daily Mail
Ajax manager Martin Jol wants to sign Middlesbrough striker Mido.
Full story: Daily Mail
Fulham, Sunderland and Bolton are chasing Portsmouth striker John Utaka. The Nigeria international is also interesting German clubs Cologne and Bayer Leverkusen.
Full story: Daily Star
Hull striker Kamel Ghilas is a loan target for French side Arles-Avignon.
Full story: Daily Mail
Roma are stepping up their efforts to sign midfielder Valon Behrami from West Ham and could offer goalkeeper Doni or striker Stefano Okaka in exchange.
Full story: Daily Mail
 
Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes says he regrets not coming out of international retirement to play for England at the World Cup in South Africa.
Full story: Daily Mail
Scholes said he had only two hours to consider whether to join England boss Fabio Capello's squad in South Africa.
Full story: the Sun
Injured Tottenham defender Jonathan Woodgate has five weeks to save his career before new Premier League rules consign him to the sidelines.
Full story: Daily Express
Manchester United have similar worries over Owen Hargreaves and Anderson as the Premier League introduces new regulations that state clubs must name a 25-man squad by 31 August.
Full story: Daily Express
London 2012 chairman Lord Coe said England's build-up to the World Cup was disrupted by too much travelling and being overworked in training sessions.
Full story: Daily Telegraph
 
Netherlands international Royston Drenthe claims he is on the verge of joining Liverpool. He announced it on his Facebook page and said: "I will soon be joining Liverpool FC. I hope I will have a good season."
Full story: the Independent
X Factor favourites and Manchester United fans Jedward have offered Wayne Rooney a cameo appearance in an upcoming documentary and the England striker says the Irish twins can use his box at Old Trafford after they bumped into each other in a London hotel.
Full story: the Sun

[Southend_Yid]

ottenham manager Harry Redknapp has revealed Spurs could cap their   summer spending at £9m by looking at loan deals instead of buying   players outright - with strikers Craig Bellamy (Manchester City) and   Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (AC Milan) still targets.
                                                                 Full story: Daily Mirror                                                      AC Milan are interested in Tottenham's Mexico midfielder Giovani dos Santos and could offer Huntelaar in a swap deal.
                                                                 Full story: Daily Mail
Sporting Lisbon's Portugal striker Yannick Djalo has held talks with Tottenham to discuss a possible move to White Hart Lane.
                                                                 Full story: imscouting.com                                                     
New Fulham manager Mark Hughes has joined the race to take ex-Ars*nal midfielder Alexander Hleb on loan from Barcelona.
                                                                 Full story: Daily Mirror                                                     
Hughes is also interested in a reunion with Manchester City   striker Roque Santa Cruz but Stoke are also keen on signing the Paraguay   World Cup striker.
                                                                 Full story: Daily Mail                                                     
Chelsea are set to complete the signing of Brazilian World Cup midfielder Ramires from Benfica on a £18.3m deal.
                                                                 Full story: Daily Mirror                                                     
Ars*nal and Manchester United's hopes of signing Germany World   Cup star Mesut Ozil were boosted after the midfielder told his club   Werder Bremer to lower their £16m asking price.
                                                                 Full story: Daily Star                                                     
Barcelona will move for Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta if their bid to sign Ars*nal's Cesc Fabregas fails. (Daily Express)
Manchester United will step up their attempts to sign Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra.
                                                                 Full story: imscouting.com                                                     
Sunderland will this week hope to complete the loan signing of Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck. (the Times)
West   Ham manager Avram Grant insists that star striker Carlton Cole will not   be sold, despite strong interest from Stoke, who are being linked with a   £9m bid for the 26-year-old.
                                                                 Full story: Daily Star                                                     
Blackburn are set to sign striker James Vaughan from Everton and will offer about £1.5m for the 22-year-old.
                                                                 Full story: Daily Mirror                                                     
Bolton boss Owen Coyle is keen on Oldham's young striker Tom   Eaves after he scored a hat-trick against the Premier League club in a   pre-season friendly.
                                                                 Full story: Daily Mirror                                                     
Blackpool are close to completing the signing of Derby striker Rob Hulse.
                                                                 Full story: Daily Mirror                                                     
Midfielder Jimmy Bullard might never play again for Hull City after rejecting a one-season loan deal to Celtic. (Daily Record)
Ipswich   are stepping up their pursuit of Cardiff City striker Michael Chopra   but are still short of the club's £3m valuation of the former Newcastle   and Sunderland man.
                                                                 Full story: Daily Mirror                                                     
The transfer embargo imposed on Cardiff City could result in an exodus of top players from the debt-ridden club.
                                                                 Full story: Daily Mirror

Liverpool have until 13 August to decide on Chinese businessman Kenny Huang's offer to buy the club before he walks away.
                                                                 Full story: the Sun                                                      Liverpool striker Fernando Torres looks likely to miss the start   of the season as he recovers from a groin injury. However, the Spaniard,   who has been linked to Chelsea and Manchester City, is set to remain at   Anfield.
                                                                 Full story: Daily Mirror                                                     
Ars*nal midfielder Denilson has hit out at Barcelona over their pursuit of Gunners star Cesc Fabregas.
                                                                 Full story: Daily Mirror                                                     
Italy legend Roberto Baggio is on the verge of sealing a   return to football after agreeing to be part of the staff of the   national team's coaching staff.
                                                                 Full story: Daily Mail                                                     
Kanu is close to agreeing a new contract with Portsmouth after making a surprise return in Saturday's friendly with Fulham.
                                                                 Full story: Daily Mail                                                     
Manchester United have handed a trial to 20-year-old Finland   keeper Lukas Hradecky, who currently plays for Danish side Esbjerg.
                                                                 Full story: the Sun
Former Ars*nal and England defender Sol Campbell has hit out at the   "idiots" who have branded him as fat following his move to Newcastle.
                                                                 Full story: Daily Mirror