Wednesday Paper Talk

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Liverpool are facing competition from Napoli for the signature of Barcelona's 24-year-old Chilean striker Alexis Sanchez.

The Anfield side are set to invite non-League forward Daniel Carr for a week-long trial. The 18-year-old, who plays for south London side Dulwich Hamlet, has scored 23 goals in 23 games this season.

Arsene Wenger wants to sign Ashley Williams, 28, from Swansea City at the end of the season, having lost faith in his central-defensive partnership of Thomas Vermaelen and Per Mertesacker.

Inter Milan are planning a summer move for Tottenham's 25-year-old winger Aaron Lennon.

Everton are keen to bring in Porto's Ghanaian striker Christian Atsu, 21, this summer

Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara says Rangers face competition in their bid to sign 30-year-old striker Jon Daly.

Juventus could send striker Nicklas Bendtner back to Ars*nal following the on-loan striker's conviction for drink-driving in his native Denmark.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to drop Wayne Rooney, 27, to the bench for Tuesday's Champions League last-16 second leg could suggest his time at Old Trafford is up.

Swansea winger Wayne Routledge, 28, is being considered for a surprise England call-up by manager Roy Hodgson.

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay has refused to be drawn on whether Frank Lampard, 34, will be offered a new contract by the club when the midfielder's current deal expires at the end of this season.

Sergio Busquets has admitted that the Barcelona dressing room is missing the guidance of manager Tito Vilanova, who is having treatment following surgery for throat cancer.

Diego Maradona is willing to negotiate with French club Montpellier over succeeding manager Rene Girard next season.

Brazil coach Luis Felipe Scolari has named Kaka, Diego Costa, Lucas and Thiago Silva in his squad for upcoming friendlies against Italy and Russia - but Ronaldinho has been dropped.

Coleen Rooney took to Twitter to express her disbelief that husband Wayne had been omitted from Manchester United's starting line-up for Tuesday night's Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

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West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Clarke has travelled to the Netherlands to watch 19-year-old Chelsea defender Tomas Kalas, who is on loan at Vitesse.

Birmingham will look to offload striker Nikola Zigic, 32, in the summer as his wages are due to increase from £55,000-a-week to £62,000-a-week

Dean Saunders, manager of struggling Championship side Wolves, is awaiting the go-ahead from two Premier League clubs to move for centre-forwards once those teams have beaten the drop.

Brighton manager Gus Poyet, 45, has emerged as a contender for the vacant job at Reading following Brian McDermott's departure as boss.

Former Southampton boss Nigel Adkins, 48, is taking the club to a Premier League managers' arbitration tribunal in a final attempt to resolve his feud with Saints executive chairman Nicola Cortese.

But Gunners boss Arsene Wenger faces an angry backlash from fans as the Frenchman will field a weakened team in Munich and in doing so prioritising a top-four Premier League finish over Champions League progression.

Ryan Giggs, 39, wants to replace Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United boss, according to former Old Trafford team-mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Non-League Lewes have turned to art to get more fans through the turnstiles. The Ryman Premier League strugglers have designed a series of eye-catching posters advertising games in an attempt to attract supporters.

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Yaya Toure's agent has said he will start negotiating with other clubs if the midfielder does not sign a new contract with Manchester City by Saturday - the 29-year-old Ivorian could even use Fifa rules to buy out his deal and leave this summer.
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[/size]Ars*nal are interested in signing Barcelona's Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez. The 24-year-old has endured an underwhelming season with the Spanish league leaders and could be available[/color]
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[/size]Liverpool and Manchester United are likely to face competition from Real Madrid for Paris St-Germain's highly rated 20-year-old Italy international midfielder Marco Verratti.[/color]
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[/size]Aston Villa and Everton are monitoring Manchester City winger Scott Sinclair, 23, who has been unable to establish himself at Etihad Stadium following his move from Swansea[/color]
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[/size]Meanwhile, Cech, 30, has rubbished suggestions he could move across London to play for Ars*nal.[/color]
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[/size]Norwich hope to take advantage of Aston Villa's faltering contract negotiations with 21-year-old striker Andreas Weimann. The Austria international, who has scored 11 goals this season, has just over a year left on his current deal.[/color]
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[/size]Napoli and Manchester City are set to battle for the services of Sampdoria's Argentine U20 international striker Mauro Icardi, 20.[/color]
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[/size]England midfielder Frank Lampard, 34, yet to be offered a new deal by Chelsea, says a move to the MLS in America would not have to mean the end of his international career[/color]
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[/size]Per Mertesacker, 28, has dismissed suggestions he will quit Ars*nal for a return to Germany in the summer.[/color]
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[/size]CSKA Moscow are preparing a move for Netherlands international winger Eljero Elia, 26, who is thought to be a target for Liverpool and West Ham.[/color]
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[/size]Brighton manager Gus Poyet says he will bring in a new striker before the loan transfer window closes on 28 March.[/color]
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[/size]After Michael Dawson, Rio Ferdinand and Gary Cahill all withdrew from the England squad, manager Roy Hodgson may use central midfielder Michael Carrick as an emergency centre-back in the World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro. The 31-year-old has previously filled in there for Manchester United.[/color]
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[/size]Newcastle defender Steven Taylor, who has been called up as a replacement by Hodgson, has said that previous England manager Fabio Capello told club boss Alan Pardew he thought the 27-year-old was a midfielder.[/color]
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[/size]Stoke boss Tony Pulis, 55, has angrily denied reports he is ready to leave the club at the end of the season[/color]
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[/size]Reading hope to appoint a new manager before the weekend, with Russian owner Anton Zingarevich due to fly in to talk to prospective candidates, thought to include former Southampton boss Nigel Adkins, 48.[/color]
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[/size]Blackburn insist they want a big-name manager to replace the latest departee from Ewood Park, Michael Appleton, and Chelsea interim boss Rafael Benitez, 52, is thought to be on their list[/color]
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[/size]German sides Wolfsburg and Bayer Leverkusen are interested in signing Chelsea's Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, 21, who is on loan at Werder Bremen.[/color]
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[/size]Spain midfielder Xavi, 33, has pulled out of Friday's World Cup qualifier against Finland in Gijon, but may play against France in Paris four days later[/color]
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[/size]France striker Karim Benzema, 25, says he will not be forced to sing the national anthem before the World Cup qualifier against Georgia on Friday, despite criticism on social media networks and from the country's National Front party.[/color]
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[/size]Juventus coach Antonio Conte, 43, has allayed fears that he is ready to quit the club, despite suggesting he was ready to leave Italy earlier this week. Speaking to Italian media, he said he hoped to become Juve's version of Sir Alex Ferguson, who has been in charge at Manchester United since 1986.[/color]
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[/size]The CEO of Malaga, Vicente Casado, has "categorically" denied that the club is about to be taken over by Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), owners of Paris St-Germain.[/color]
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Ars*nal and Manchester City are likely to compete for Montenegro international striker Stevan Jovetic, 23, who has scored 12 goals in 24 Serie A games for Fiorentina this season and is valued at £28m by the Italians.

However, Fiorentina striker Luca Toni, 35, has advised team-mate Jovetic to join a 'top club' rather than Ars*nal.

Liverpool will return to Blackpool in the summer in an attempt to sign Tom Ince, 21, the England Under-21 international they tried to buy in January before refusing to match the £6m asking price.

The agent for Aston Villa's 22-year-old striker Christian Benteke says it would be a "dream move" for the Belgian to join Inter Milan - but adds no contact has been made with the Italians and that Benteke could stay at Villa Park.

Mexican forward Carlos Vela, 24, says he would like to stay at Real Sociedad next season, and has not thought about a possible return to Ars*nal

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic, 31, is expected to be a summer target for AC Milan.

Liverpool are keen to sign Barcelona's 16-year-old winger Sergi Canos

West Brom captain Chris Brunt has urged the club to finalise a new deal for in-form defender Gareth McAuley, 33.

Reading owner Anton Zingarevich has vowed to back new manager Nigel Adkins in the summer transfer window.

Jose Mourinho has moved a step closer to a return to Chelsea having reportedly reached a provisional agreement with owner Roman Abramovich.

New Reading boss Nigel Adkins has consulted a World Cup winner on how to save the Royals from relegation - rugby-union hero Jonny Wilkinson.

Newcastle defender James Perch, 27, says the team's large collection of French players will be given a course in Tyne-Wear derby history to prepare them for the "unique" atmosphere ahead of the meeting with Sunderland at St James' Park on 14 April.

A banner from a bookmaking firm poking fun at Fernando Torres that Chelsea won a legal battle to remove, has returned on the side of a van parked outside the club's Stamford Bridge stadium.

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Crystal Palace boss Ian Holloway wants to be reunited with 27-year-old Stoke midfielder Charlie Adam, whom he managed at Blackpool, if his Eagles team gain promotion to the Premier League.

Vitesse Arnhem striker Wilfried Bony, 24, says a summer move to West Ham is "a possibility".

Real Madrid director of football Zinedine Zidane has fuelled speculation they will move for Gareth Bale, 23, in the summer

Newcastle, Ars*nal and Manchester City will battle with Monaco for the signature of Marseille defender Nicolas N'Koulou, 23.

Sebastien Corchia, 22, has opened the door for a big-money move into the Premier League after revealing he could leave Sochaux at the end of the season.

Thibaut Courtois, 20, admits his future at Chelsea is in the balance amid speculation the goalkeeper could be offered in part-exchange for Atletico Madrid forward Radamel Falcao, 27.

Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez, 29, is due in court today, with his club set to face Manchester United on Monday

Demba Ba, 27, has said that he would rather win the FA Cup or Europa League with Chelsea than qualify for next season's Champions League.

Mark Hughes could replace Neil Warnock for the second time in 15 months after being lined up by Leeds.

Didier Drogba believes his former club Chelsea must restore Jose Mourinho as manager this summer if they are to put an end to the internal strife that has plagued Stamford Bridge since the Portuguese's departure six years ago.

Sunderland were under increasing political pressure on Tuesday night to review their decision to appoint Paolo Di Canio as manager following the Italian's refusal to clarify his controversial views on fascism

Neil Warnock, 64, plans to promote his book and do television work before looking for a new role in football

Britain's most dedicated football fan, who has seen 1,786 consecutive Nottingham Forest games, was left gutted on Monday after he was forced to miss his first match in 40 years following an operation on his foot

Emmanuel Eboue made life difficult for a Turkish television presenter by blowing into his ears while he was on air.

Manchester United have withdrawn Old Trafford as a venue for the 2015 Rugby World Cup

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Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen, who has been linked with Liverpool and Manchester United, has stated that a reported £17m price tag is a matter for clubs interested in him. The Denmark international, 21, has a year left on his contract in Amsterdam.

Ars*nal and Liverpool could move for Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, 31, in the summer.

Swansea hope that the prospect of Europa League football might tempt Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku to join them on loan next season. The Belgium international, 19, has scored 13 Premier League goals during his loan spell at West Brom this season.

Newcastle and Aston Villa are both interested in meeting Loic Remy's release clause if QPR are relegated to the Championship. The French striker, 26, who has also been linked with Tottenham, has scored five goals in seven starts since arriving at Loftus Road from Marseille in January.

Lille defender Aurelien Chedjou is set to reject interest from Newcastle, Ars*nal and Liverpool to join Valencia. The Cameroon centre-back, 27, has indicated he wants to leave the reigning French champions.

Stoke, Aston Villa, QPR and Hull are all interested in Phil Neville, 36, who has announced he will leave Everton this summer.

Sunderland midfielder Craig Gardner, 26, has dismissed suggestions from new manager Paolo Di Canio that the Black Cats lack fitness.

Aston Villa have told striker Christian Benteke he will have to wait until they have guaranteed their Premier League status before they will open contract talks with the Belgian, 22, who has scored 19 goals since joining from Genk in August.

Russian forward Andrey Arshavin, 31, could retire from football when his Ars*nal contract expires at the end of the season.

The German Football League is considering moving off-season from the summer to the winter in order to make best use of the weather.

Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, 21, made light of being likened to a Harry Potter character by West Ham fans in Sunday's goalless draw at Anfield.

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Wayne Rooney is likely to sign a new contract to extend his Manchester United career this summer, despite suggestions from France that Paris St-Germain have concluded a deal for the 27-year-old England striker.

But PSG are convinced they will land Rooney and the Qatari-backed club are ready to make it a £40m double deal by also taking his United team-mate Nani, the 26-year-old Portugal winger.

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has put his scouts on alert to find a new left-back - raising doubts over the long-term future of Benoit Assou-Ekotto. The 29-year-old Cameroon international is already trying to line up a move and is hoping to set up a deal in France.

Napoli striker Edinson Cavani, 26, says he is ready to leave the club this summer and that a move to England could be on the cards with Manchester City leading the chase.

If Manchester City do not sign Cavani, they could opt to sign Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez, with Bayern willing to listen to offers for the 27-year-old.

Anderlecht and Senegal defender Cheikhou Kouyate claims Ars*nal has been watching him and the £5m-rated 23-year-old says he would love to move to the Premier League.

Borussia Dortmund's 20-year-old German midfielder Mario Gotze is set to stay at the club for another season, despite interest from clubs including Ars*nal and Manchester City.

Athletic Bilbao's Venezuela defender Fernando Amorebieta will be a Fulham player next season, according to sources in Spain. The 28-year-old, who has been a bit-part player this year, had been tipped to join either Ars*nal or Liverpool.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce believes any attempts to sign 24-year-old striker Andy Carroll on a permanent deal from Liverpool might be scuppered following the implementation of next season's Premier League Financial Fair Play regulations.

Swansea have denied goalkeeper Michel Vorm, 29, is set to join Barcelona after reports in Spain said the Dutchman travelled to the Spanish city with his family at the weekend.

Chelsea captain John Terry has told the club that his body can handle playing two games in a week. The 32-year-old missed a chunk of the season with a knee injury and interim manager Rafael Benitez said on Sunday that Terry was unable to play twice in a week.

Ars*nal midfielder Jack Wilshere is desperate for the Gunners to win all of their final six games - and stop Manchester United winning the title at the Emirates. It would also help Ars*nal avoid the prospect of having to give former skipper Robin van Persie a guard of honour on 28 April.

Millwall are bracing themselves for the likelihood that those involved in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final violence at Wembley were their own regular supporters, and potentially season-ticket holders, rather than those from other clubs who had gone with the intention of causing trouble.

Manchester City keeper Joe Hart, 25, is devastated after discovering he will not play in the FA Cup final, with 26-year-old Costel Pantilimon the choice of manager Roberto Mancini to face Wigan at Wembley in May.

Blackburn owners Venky's have been offered the chance to make a "managed exit" from Ewood Park by a group of wealthy supporters who admit to being "desperate" to end the Indian family's "disastrous" three-year stewardship of the club.

Manchester City right-back Pablo Zabaleta, 28, will invite his father to the FA Cup final two years after he missed seeing his son lift the trophy having been seriously injured in a car crash in Argentina.

Real Madrid are interested in signing Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, 20, and AC Milan forward M'Baye Niang, 18.

Fortuna Dusseldorf goalkeeper Fabian Giefer, 22, will join Schalke 04 next season. He will be replaced by Norway's Rune Jarstein, 28, of Viking FK.

Victor Valdes' agent Gines Carvajal has refused to comment on the 31-year-old Barcelona keeper's future, amid speculation he will leave the Spanish giants in the summer.

Switzerland and Basel legend Alexander Frei, 33, fresh from a memorable win over Tottenham in the Europa League, said farewell to his club in style in Sunday's game against rivals Zurich before leaving over to take over as sporting director at FC Lucerne.

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Sir Alex Ferguson will build on Manchester United's 20th title triumph with a £50m spending spree this summer. Everton left-back Leighton Baines, 28, Atletico Madrid forward Radamel Falcao, 27, and Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski, 24, are on Ferguson's wanted list.

But Chelsea believe they have won the race to land Falcao.

Manchester City are closing in on 26-year-old forward Edinson Cavani, rated at £60m by his club Napoli, after agreeing in principle terms with the player over a summer move.

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, 34, is expected to agree a new one-year deal at Old Trafford.

Outgoing Manchester United chief executive David Gill claims the Premier League champions are bracing themselves for Manchester City to respond after Sir Alex Ferguson's side wrapped up another title.

Ars*nal anticipate providing new champions Manchester United with a guard of honour when they visit the Emirates Stadium on Sunday despite the tension sure to be whipped up by Robin van Persie's first return to the London club.

Julio Cesar, the 33-year-old QPR goalkeeper, is facing the prospect of internal club action after pictures of him wearing a Chelsea shirt at a fancy-dress party were posted on the internet by his wife.

Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar, 28, has warned his team cannot afford for their battle to beat relegation to come down to goal difference.

A food artist has come up with something football fans might want to sink their teeth into — a pizza with the face of Liverpool striker Luis Suarez on it.

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Liverpool want 22-year-old Barcelona full-back Martin Montoya, but they will face competition from Inter Milan for the Spain Under-21 international, who will command a considerable transfer fee.
Full story: talkSPORT 
Tottenham are favourites to sign 23-year-old Brazil and Internacional striker Leandro Damiao, according to the South American club's president Giovanni Luigi.
Full story: Inside Futbol

Alex Pearce has not played for Reading since their 4-1 defeat at Ars*nal in March
Manchester United are interested in signing 27-year-old Italy international midfielder Claudio Marchisio from Juventus.
Full story: talkSPORT 
Liverpool are set to sign Republic of Ireland international centre-back Alex Pearce, 24, on a free transfer from relegated Reading at the end of the season.
Full story: Metro
Real Madrid director of football Zinedine Zidane believes Tottenham could command a fee of £60m for forward Gareth Bale, 23, this summer.
Full story: Daily Mail
QPR striker Djibril Cisse, goalkeeper Julio Cesar and striker Loic Remy are all plotting their moves away from the club following their relegation to the Championship.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Wayne Rooney, 27, wants assurances from Manchester United over his role with fellow strikers Robert Lewandowski, of Borussia Dortmund, and Atletico Madrid's Radamel Falcao linked to the club.
Full story: Daily Mail
Malaga could approach Wigan manager Roberto Martinez if Manuel Pellegrini moves to Manchester City or Chelsea this summer.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Tottenham have opened negotiations with Newcastle's Hatem Ben Arfa, 26, to bring him to west London next season.
Full story: Sport24 
Paris St-Germain are prepared to pay up to £6m for Sampdoria striker Simone Zaza, 21, outbidding Juventus, Milan and Napoli.
Full story: Sportmediaset (in Italian)
Inter Milan captain Javier Zanetti's surgery to treat a ruptured tendon has been "perfectly successful" according to the doctor operating on him. The Argentine is expected to be ready to return to action in six months.
Full story: Tuttosport (in Italian)
Barcelona coach Tito Villanova has confirmed that Javier Mascherano, 28, will not play in the Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich.
Full story: Marca (in Spanish)
Rapid Vienna fans built a brick wall in front of their club's head office in protest at their team's terrible form. They sit third in the league, 23 points off city rivals Austria Vienna.
Full story: Metro

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As rumours of the 71-year-old's imminent retirement swept Manchester, senior figures at the club failed to respond to repeated attempts to confirm or deny the story, which emerged following United's player versus coaches golf day near Altrincham on Tuesday afternoon.

With United now forced to adhere to the strict regulations of the New York Stock Exchange in terms of the release of significant information relating to the running of the club following last August's partial flotation, any change of management would fall within those requirements.

As of Tuesday night, no statement over Ferguson's future had been issued by United.
Ferguson had appeared to brush aside the prospect of standing down this summer when he insisted in his programme notes prior to Sunday's Old Trafford defeat against Chelsea that "I certainly don't have any plans at the moment to walk away from what I believe will be something special".

Is Fergie set to call it quits? - Daily Express

Ferguson's future was the subject of intense speculation on Tuesday night as rumours circled Manchester that he is set to announce his retirement.

United players were apparently told at a golf day that the club are preparing a major announcement at the final home match of the season, against Swansea on Sunday, when they will receive the Premier League trophy.

'Ferguson to quit' rumour rocks United - Daily Mail

United failed on Tuesday night to quell suggestions inside and outside the club that manager Ferguson is about to announce his retirement.
The speculation is also believed to have been aired among the United first-team squad. The club refused to comment on Tuesday night and, although that is not unusual, the club were not even returning calls on the matter.

Fergie to retire? Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson's future under intense speculation - Daily Mirror
Ferguson's future as United boss was under intense speculation on Tuesday amid claims of a major announcement at Old Trafford on Sunday.

United's players, who were involved in a golf match with Ferguson's coaching staff on Tuesday, were told to expect an announcement on Ferguson's future while MUTV, the club's in-house TV station, was also primed to broadcast a major development on Sunday.

United stunner: Fergie future in doubt - Manchester Evening News
Ferguson is reportedly considering his future as Reds boss as rumours of an imminent retirement announcement swirled on Tuesday night.

Since last August's partial flotation on the New York Stock Exchange, United would be expected to disclose significant information such as a change of manager. And the Reds will likely make a statement soon to avoid uncertainty that could affect investor confidence.

Doubts grow over Alex Ferguson's future at Manchester United - the Independent
Ferguson's future was shrouded in doubt on Tuesday night amid suggestions that the United manager is seriously considering drawing his 26-year reign as manager to a close.

At the end of a day of intense rumours of the 71-year-old's imminent retirement, which included pronounced betting patterns which saw bookmakers slash their odds on Everton manager David Moyes replacing the Scot at Old Trafford, there had been neither confirmation nor denial that Ferguson is ready to deliver a shock announcement

Sir Alex Ferguson 'considers his future at Manchester United' - Metro
Ferguson's United future was shrouded in mystery as rumours gathered pace that the 71-year-old is about to call time on his 26-year reign.

United held a player versus coaches golf day at Dunham Massey on Tuesday afternoon and the manager's future was the hot topic of conversation.

Ars*nal and Liverpool will have to stump up at least £10m if they are to capture Swansea captain Ashley Williams, 28, at the end of the season.

Atletico Madrid are believed to be preparing a £40m bid for 26-year-old Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.
Full story: Daily Mirror

West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie, 31, can leave The Hawthorns if a suitable agreement can be reached with another club as the Nigeria international still has 12 months left to run on his current deal.
Full story: Birmingham Mail

Former Ars*nal midfielder Alex Song, 25, has insisted that he will not return to England despite failing to hold down a regular first-team place at La Liga giants Barcelona.

Gonzalo Higuain has made 186 appearances for Real Madrid since 2007, scoring 104 goals
Full story: London Evening Standard

Sporting Kansas City boss Peter Vermes has revealed a number of clubs in Europe have already declared their interest in signing former Norwich City loan striker Kei Kamara, 28.
Full story: Eastern Daily Press

Juventus are ahead of Tottenham in the race to sign 25-year-old Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain, after opening talks with the Argentine's representatives.
Full story: talkSPORT

Celtic are believed to be monitoring Burnley's 28-goal striker Charlie Austin, 23.
Full story: Lancashire Telegraph

AC Milan are considering an offer for Manchester City's 32-year-old defender Kolo Toure.
Full story: Daily Mail

Queens Park Rangers boss Harry Redknapp has revealed he expects 33-year-old goalkeeper Julio Cesar to leave Loftus Road at the end of the season.
Full story: Sky Sports

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United could make bids in excess of £40m for Tottenham and Wales forward Gareth Bale, 23.

Real Madrid are interested in signing Napoli's Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani, 26, but may be deterred by the price of the release clause in his contract.
Full story: Marca (in Spanish)

Barcelona are looking to sign Borussia Dortmund's Ilkay Gundogan, 22, although the German club will attempt to keep him with a renegotiated contract.
Full story: Sport.es (in Spanish) 

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri is among the contenders to take over at Juventus if Antonio Conte decides to leave after winning his second successive league title with the Turin-based club.
Full story: Tuttosport (in Italian) 

A German football fan has put down a beach towel to reserve a seat at Wembley for the Champions League final.
Full story: Daily Star

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Manuel Pellegrini will take Malaga midfielder Isco, 21, with him to Manchester City if he gets the job vacated by the sacked Roberto Mancini.
Full story: Metro
But Pellegrini could face a battle to keep striker Sergio Aguero, 24, who has told team-mates he wants to leave the Etihad Stadium.
Full story: Daily Mail
Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer insist the Bundesliga champions have no interest in signing Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, 27.

Alvaro Negredo joined Sevilla from Almeria in 2009
Full story: the Guardian
Inter Milan sporting director Marco Branca has hinted that he wants to beat Tottenham to the signing of Spain forward Alvaro Negredo, 27, from Sevilla.
Full story: talkSPORT
Aston Villa are ready to make a £4m move to sign former Essex League striker Dwight Gayle, 22, from Peterborough, who are understood to want a bigger offer.
Full story: Peterborough Telegraph
Fulham have agreed a deal to sign Ghana international midfielder Derek Boateng, 29, from Ukrainian club Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk.
Full story: Goal.com
Tottenham and Fulham are on standby to battle it out for Udinese-owned striker Matej Vydra, 21, if Watford fail to win promotion from the Championship.
Full story: London Evening Standard
Liverpool want Spain Under-21 international striker Cristian Tello, 21, from Barcelona as part of any exchange deal involving keeper Pepe Reina, 30.

Paris St-Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti - and not David Moyes - was Sir Alex Ferguson's first choice to take over at Manchester United, a French journalist has claimed on Twitter.
Full story: Metro
Midfield veteran Ryan Giggs, 39, will be offered a coaching role at Manchester United by new boss David Moyes.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Gus Poyet's play-off bid was ended by Crystal Palace on Monday
Fulham are considering a bid to bring in Gus Poyet from Championship side Brighton as a replacement for boss Martin Jol.
Full story: Daily Telegraph
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan insists he has had no approach from Everton for boss Roberto Martinez.
Full story: skysports.com
Midfielder Frank Lampard has revealed that Chelsea have not practised penalties ahead of Wednesday night's Europa League final against Benfica in Amsterdam.
Full story: Daily Mirror
QPR owner Tony Fernandes is prepared for the club to spend two seasons in the Championship to correct mistakes after relegation from the Premier League.
Full story: Fulham Chronicle
Recently promoted French league side Monaco will aim to tempt striker Carlos Tevez, 29, away from Manchester City over the summer.
Full story: Sport 24 (in French)
Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund are interested in signing Porto's Colombian forward Jackson, 26.
Full story: Bild (in German)
Interim Chelsea coach Rafael Benitez would consider a move to Napoli next season to replace Walter Mazzarri.
Full story: Corriere della Sera (in Italian)
Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery, 30, was left fuming after team-mate Jerome Boateng showered him with beer following Saturday's match against Augsburg. Ribery's Muslim beliefs forbid him from any contact with alcohol.
Full story: Marca
A group of Everton players heading to Phil Neville's leaving do were left red-faced - when they turned up at Manchester United's end-of-season squad party instead.
Full story: Manchester Evening News
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio has told striker Connor Wickham, 20, to stop acting like "a Playboy model" and has threatened to slap him to ensure he realises his potential.
Full story: Daily Mail

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Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis says that talks have opened with Manchester City over a deal that would see Edinson Cavani, 26, move to the English club with 27-year-old Edin Dzeko heading the other way.
Napoli striker Edinson Cavani has been a long-rumoured target for several top European clubs
Full story: Metro
Malaga's Manchester City target Isco, 21, is now said to be interesting both Chelsea and Real Madrid.
Full story: talkSPORT 
Real Madrid and Barcelona are said to be monitoring Chelsea's David Luiz, 26, who may not be wanted by Jose Mourinho if he returns to Stamford Bridge.
Full story: Daily Mail
Fiorentina want around £30m for striker Stefan Jovetic, 23, who is a summer target for Ars*nal.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Gareth Bale is "one million per cent" certain to stay at Tottenham according to the club's development coach and former player Tim Sherwood.
Full story: Daily Star
Incoming Manchester United boss David Moyes is keen to beat Chelsea to the signature of Southampton's 17-year-old full-back Luke Shaw.
Southampton's promising full-back Luke Shaw is attracting interesting from Man Utd and Chelsea
Full story: Daily Mail
Andy Carroll, 24, has yet to decide if he will move to West Ham despite the London club having agreed a fee for the 24-year-old Liverpool striker.
Full story: talkSPORT
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is confident that Luis Suarez will stay at the club even if they receive bids for the 26-year-old striker this summer.
Phil Neville is in the frame for a senior coaching role at Stoke City following the departure of manager Tony Pulis after seven years in charge at the club.
Full story: The Independent
However the former Manchester United and England defender, 36, has told Everton chairman Bill Kenwright he is keen to replace David Moyes as the Toffees' manager.
Full story: The Guardian
Stoke captain Ryan Shawcross took to Twitter to express his shock at the sacking of Tony Pulis.
Full story: Stoke Sentinel
Full-back Gael Clichy says that both Roberto Mancini and the Manchester City players must take the blame for Mancini's dismissal as City manager.
Full story: the Independent
Manchester City will unveil their new Nike kit, part of a deal said to be worth £72m with the American sportswear firm, in a post-season friendly with Chelsea in St Louis, Missouri, on Thursday. The club has also announced a partnership with the New York Yankees to form a new MLS franchise called New York City Football Club.
Full story: Sky Sports
The club that finishes bottom of the Premier League next season is set to collect around £63m in earnings from a new broadcasting deal currently in negotiations, just over £20m more than the current amount.
Full story: Daily Telegraph

[Chelmsford_yid]

Liverpool and Manchester United are set to miss out on Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen, 21, as he nears a £10m move to Borussia Dortmund.
Full story: talkSPORT
Former Newcastle and Blackburn keeper Given made only nine appearances this season
Hull could move for 37-year-old Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given, who is available for £1m.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Real Madrid are ready to make Cristiano Ronaldo, 28, the best paid player in the world in order to keep him away from a return to Manchester United.
Full story: Metro
Crystal Palace and West Ham are vying it out to sign Barcelona defender Marc Bartra, 22, on loan.
Full story: talkSPORT
Owen Coyle and Stuart Pearce are among the contenders to replace Roberto Martinez at Wigan after the Spaniard declared his intention to leave the Latics.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Tottenham defender Kyle Naughton and Norwich counterpart Sebastian Bassong have both posted pictures on the internet of themselves posing with guns.
Full story: Daily Mail
Manchester City are interested in Galatasaray's Brazilian midfielder Felipe Melo, 29, according to the player's agent.
Full story: turkishfootball.com
Roma general manager Franco Baldini has travelled to London to meet club president James Pallotta amid rumours of his departure from the Italian club. Tottenham are said to be interested in appointing former England assistant Baldini as their new director of football.
Full story: tuttosport.com
Statues of former Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez have been made in the Italian city of Naples following his appointment as manager of Napoli.
Full story: Daily Mail

[Chelmsford_yid]

Manchester City have agreed a deal to sign Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho, 28, after reaching a compromise on his buy-out clause of £42.5m.
Full story: Daily Telegraph

Fernandinho moved to Shakhtar from Atletico Paranaense in 2005
Tottenham have offered England striker Jermain Defoe, 30 plus cash to Aston Villa in exchange for Christian Benteke, 22. Spurs face competition from Atletico Madrid, who are ready to bid £25m for the Belgium forward.
Full story: Daily Mirror
New Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho hopes to hijack Ars*nal's £23m move for Fiorentina's Montenegro striker Stevan Jovetic, 23.
Full story: The Times [subscription required]
Ars*nal defender Laurent Koscielny, 27, a £15m summer target for Bayern Munich, admits he could leave the Gunners if they fail to show ambition in the transfer market.
Full story: Daily Mail
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan says he would let Latics players join manager Roberto Martinez at Everton, with midfielders James McCarthy and Callum McManaman, both 22, the Toffees' targets.
Full story: The Guardian
France international midfielder Etienne Capoue, 24, has admitted he will be looking to leave Toulouse this summer, with Ars*nal and Tottenham both interested.
Full story: Metro
Andy Carroll, 24, wants a pay rise to take his wages to £100,000-a-week to complete his £15.5m move from Liverpool for West Ham.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Liverpool hope to keep Denmark defender Daniel Agger, 28, at Anfield despite interest from big-spending Monaco.
Full story: The Guardian
Manchester City are lining up a £21m bid for Real Madrid defender Pepe, 30,

Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez, 27, is on the verge of a move to Napoli, but incoming coach Rafael Benitez would reportedly prefer to sign Manchester City's Edin Dzeko, 27.
Full story: TuttoSport (in Italian)

Manchester City signed Edin Dzeko for £27m from Wolfsburg in January 2011
Corinthians' Brazilian midfielder Paulinho, 24, has spoken of his dream of playing for Inter Milan in an interview with Italian media.
Full story: La Gazetta dello Sport (in Italian)
Former France national coach Laurent Blanc, 47, is in discussions with Roma over a two-year contract, although Paris St-Germain are also said to be interested.
Full story: TuttoSport (in Italian)

Liverpool fear captain Steven Gerrard, 33, could be out for longer than expected following shoulder surgery and he is facing a race against time to be fit for the start of next season.
Full story: The Sun
Stuart Pearce will open talks with the Football Association this month after stating a desire to stay on as England Under-21 head coach.
Full story: Daily Mail
Norway's Under-21 squad, who play England on Saturday, tried to get an upgrade on their flight to the European Championship by singing to their Turkish air hostesses. It did not work.
Full story: Metro

[Chelmsford_yid]

Monaco are ready to make a world record £85m bid for Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo and pay the 28-year-old a £17m annual salary.

Bent has been out of favour at Aston Villa
Full story: The Independent
Alan Pardew is considering a £6m bid for striker Darren Bent, 29, who has been told he can leave Aston Villa.
Full story: Daily Telegraph
New Everton boss Roberto Martinez is hoping to sign Wigan's Antolin Alcaraz by the end of the week. The 30-year-old is a free agent but the Paraguay international had an injury-hit spell at the DW Stadium.
Full story: Daily Mirror
But another Latic, Arouna Kone, has distanced himself from a move to Everton with the 29-year-old insisting he is happy to stay at Wigan.
Full story: Metro
West Ham are hopeful of concluding a deal for 36-year-old former AC Milan midfielder Massimo Ambrosini.
Full story: Daily Mail
Norwich boss Chris Hughton is closing in on PSV Eindhoven's Swedish international forward Ola Toivonen who has scored 59 goals in 125 appearances since moving to the Dutch League. The 26-year-old is also a target for Fulham.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Hull City's Republic of Ireland defender Paul McShane is on the verge of signing a new three-year deal with the newly promoted Premier League club, a year after the 27-year-old almost quit the game.
Full story: Daily Mail
Queens Park Rangers are hoping to persuade Danny Simpson to drop out of the Premier League. The 26-year-old defender will become a free agent when his Newcastle United contract expires at the end of the month.


Sunderland have signed French midfielder El-Hadji Ba, 20, from Le Havre on a three-year deal.
Full story: L'Equipe
AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani says Stephan El Shaarwy, 20, is not "unsellable". The Egyptian-born striker is interesting Manchester City.
Full story: Gazzetta Dello Sport
Malaga have signed on-loan Portuguese defender Vitorino Antunes, 26, on a four-year deal for £1m.
Full story: El Mundo
Villarreal have announced the departure of veteran midfielder Marcos Senna, 36, for the MLS but it is not yet clear which team he will be joining.
Full story: RTV.es

Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas is set to be offered £40m to become the new manager of Paris St-Germain. The French champions had lined up Guus Hiddink to replace Real Madrid-bound Carlo Ancelotti, after Jose Mourinho snubbed them to return to Chelsea - but Hiddink has decided to stay at Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Incoming Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has already held a strategy meeting with sporting director Txiki Begiristain and chief executive Ferran Soriano before he has been officially announced in the role.
Full story: Daily Mail
Manchester City have lost another member of staff after the death of the club's cat Wimblydon. Wimblydon arrived at the club's Carrington training ground around 13 years ago and is estimated to have eaten 200 mice and 7,000 sachets of food during his time there as well as drinking more than 100 litres of milk.
Full story: Manchester Evening News