Thursday Paper Talk

[Chelmsford_yid]

Liverpool fear they could miss out on England international Adam Lallana, 26, this summer if Tottenham are successful in their attempts to poach Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Full story: Daily Star

Ars*nal manager Arsene Wenger has tried to sign Karim Benzema during the last two summer transfer windows
German champions Bayern Munich are poised to launch a £25m bid for Chelsea defender David Luiz, 27.
Full story: Daily Mail 
Chelsea have joined Liverpool and Ars*nal in the chase for MK Dons midfielder Dele Alli, 18, who has been dubbed 'the new Steven Gerrard'.
Full story: Daily Express
Ars*nal will launch a £30m move for France striker Karim Benzema, 26, who has only one year left on his Real Madrid contract.
Full story: Daily Telegraph
Everton are keen on Hannover striker Didier Ya Konan, 29, as a replacement for Romelu Lukaku, 21, who has returned to Chelsea after a season-long loan at Goodison Park.

Alberto Moreno was part of the Sevilla side that beat Benfica on penalties in the Europa League final on Wednesday night
Full story: Daily Express
Billy Jones, 27, is set to leave West Brom on a free transfer after rejecting a new contract at the Hawthorns.
Full story: Birmingham Mail
Liverpool hope to sign Sevilla left-back Alberto Moreno, 21, this summer for a fee in excess of £15m.

Chelsea are set to offer striker Romelu Lukaku a new contract. The Belgian, 21, has been on loan for the last two seasons at West Brom and Everton.
Full story: Independent
Ryan Giggs, 40, has been offered the chance to become Louis van Gaal's assistant manager at Manchester United after talks with the Dutchman.
Full story: Manchester Evening News

Steven Gerrard will be 34 when he captains England in the World Cup in Brazil this summer
Aston Villa captain Ron Vlaar, 29, says the squad are unsure what is happening over manager Paul Lambert's future at the club.
Full story: Birmingham Mail
Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri, 26, is considering international retirement after being overlooked for France's World Cup squad.
Full story: Guardian
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes England captain Steven Gerrard, 33, faces a club versus country decision after the World Cup.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Manchester City's head of elite development Patrick Vieira says English football must embrace Greg Dyke's Football Association commission's B-team plans.
Full story: Independent
FA Cup finalists Hull will offer manager Steve Bruce a new £2.5m-a-year contract this summer.


France midfielder Yoann Gourcuff, 29, has suffered yet another setback in his hopes of returning to fitness, after he injured himself while taking his dog for a walk.
Full story: Daily Mail 
Ars*nal midfielder Jack Wilshere, 22, made a phone call to Paul Scholes to ask the former Manchester United and England star why he had singled him out for criticism on television.
Full story: Daily Telegraph

[Chelmsford_yid]

Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko is a £20m target for Valencia. The 28-year-old is entering the final year of his contract and is yet to be offered a new deal.
Full story: Daily Star
Liverpool are considering bidding for Barcelona's World Cup-winning striker Pedro, 26, with the Catalan club willing to sell.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Edin Dzeko scored four goals in the last five games to help Manchester City win the Premier League title
But Liverpool's hopes of signing England midfielder Adam Lallana, 26, before the World Cup have hit a stumbling block because of Southampton's £25m valuation.
Full story: Daily Star
Tottenham midfielder Sandro, 25, wants to move to Italy this summer, according to his agent.
Full story: Daily Express
Newcastle must offer Lyon striker Bafetimbi Gomis £100,000 per week if they want to sign him this summer. The 28-year-old becomes a free agent next month.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Swansea boss Garry Monk has warned Ars*nal and Liverpool that Spanish striker Michu, 28, is not for sale.
Full story: Daily Express
Ars*nal are considering Toulouse right-back Serge Aurier, 22, as a potential replacement for Bacary Sagna, 31.

Manchester City will hold talks with unsettled midfielder Yaya Toure, 31, after the World Cup.
Full story: Sun (subscription only)
Liverpool defender Daniel Agger, 29, believes manager Brendan Rodgers does not think he is good enough to play in the Reds' first team.
Full story: Daily Mail
Former England striker Alan Smith, 33, has signed for Notts County, even though he does not know how much he will be paid.
Full story: Daily Mail

[Chelmsford_yid]

New Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is hoping his special relationship with Adam Lallana, 26, could help him beat Liverpool in the race to sign the midfielder from former club Southampton.
Adam Lallana
Lallana's displays for Southampton this season earned him a place in England's World Cup squad
Full story: Daily Mirror
Ars*nal have reopened talks with Champions League winners Real Madrid over signing striker Alvaro Morata, 21.
Full story: Daily Telegraph
Chelsea are closing in on a £50m-plus triple deal with Atletico Madrid for left-back Filipe Luis, striker Diego Costa and former midfielder Tiago.
Full story: Times (subscription required)
Liverpool's pursuit of Emre Can is being hampered by the 20-year-old Bayer Leverkusen midfielder's wage demands.
Full story: Liverpool Echo
Ex-Chelsea striker Samuel Eto'o, 33, wants to join Ars*nal this summer.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Manchester City are bracing themselves for a £60m bid from Real Madrid for Sergio Aguero, 25, after the Spanish side gave up on Liverpool's Luis Suarez.
Full story: Daily Star
Bafetimbi Gomis will be in London on Thursday as Premier League trio West Ham, Sunderland and Swansea's interest grows in the France striker, 28.
Bafetimbi Gomis
Gomis is a free agent this summer after failing to agree a new deal at Lyon
Full story: Daily Mail

Ars*nal's club-record £42.5m arrival Mesut Ozil has been named the signing of the season on the official Premier League website - after cheeky Ars*nal fans hijacked the vote.
Full story: Metro

[Chelmsford_yid]

Manchester United are leading Chelsea in the race to sign Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas, 27, because they won't be in next season's Champions League and are not viewed as direct rivals by the Catalan club. Express
However, Chelsea are reportedly ready to offer Fabregas £200,000 a week to tempt him to join the Blues this summer. Metro
Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs
Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has given his sanction to an attempt to lure £250,000-a-week striker Luis Suarez, 27, away from Liverpool. Mirror
Tottenham have hijacked Liverpool's move for Sevilla left-back Alberto Moreno, 21, by tabling a £14m offer plus Roberto Soldado on loan and throwing in midfielder Etienne Capoue. Daily Mail
Diego Costa's £32m move to Chelsea from Atletico Madrid will be the Premier League club's biggest deal of the summer and will also spark the exits of strikers Fernando Torres, 30, and Demba Ba, 29. Daily Star
Chelsea's Belgium international striker Romelu Lukaku, 21, is wanted on loan by Atletico to replace Costa, but Valencia are willing to pay £18m for him. Daily Mirror
Ars*nal are chasing Serbian defender Nemanja Pejcinovic, 26, who is a free agent after being released by Ligue 1 side Nice. Express
Southampton have targeted Fulham boss Felix Magath to replace Mauricio Pochettino - who took over at Tottenham last month - but the relegated Cottagers have blocked their request for talks. Daily Mirror

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has told Spanish radio station Cadena Ser that Juventus have "zero percent" chance of signing striker 21-year-old striker Alvaro Morata. Talksport
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis says that it still remains unclear whether 31-year-old goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who spent last season at the Serie A side on loan from Liverpool, will sign permanently this summer. Sky Sports
German striker Stefan Kiessling has taken his World Cup 2014 snub by coach Joachim Low in good humour by featuring in an advert with the tag line, "It is always best at home." Metro

[Chelmsford_yid]

Italy veteran Andrea Pirlo, 35, says his team will keep England guessing with their midfield options. Daily Mirror
England coach Gary Neville's training plans were photographed as he left the team hotel in Brazil on Wednesday. The notes suggested England have been working on maintaining possession for their Group D opener against Italy on Saturday. Daily Mail
Niko Kovac
Kovac replaced Igor Stimac in October last year.
Croatia coach Niko Kovac insists his team will be looking to do more than just defend against Brazil in the World Cup opener on Thursday. "Croatia never parked the bus against anyone and won't start now," he said. Guardian
Mesut Ozil insists he is not concerned about negativity from some Germany fans as he has the confidence of national team coach Joachim Low and Ars*nal manager Arsene Wenger. Ozil, 25, was jeered by some Germany supporters in their 2-2 draw with Cameroon on 1 June. Bild (in German)
Landon Donovan believes USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann is wrong to suggest his team cannot win the World Cup. Donovan, who was left out of Klinsmann's squad, said: "This will come as a surprise to nobo[size=78%]Yaya Toure will remain at Manchester City this summer, according to his father. Last month the Ivory Coast international's agent Dimitri Seluk claimed the 31-year-old wanted to leave as the midfielder felt the club had not paid enough attention to his birthday. Goal [/size]
Alvaro Morata
Morata started three league games last season.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes a £27m deal for Barcelona's Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas, 27, is close to completion. Daily Mirror
Mourinho will allow Petr Cech, 32, to leave Stamford Bridge in order to offer Belgium international Thibaut Courtois, 22, who has spent the last three seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid, regular first-team football. Daily Express
Real Madrid want £24.1m for Ars*nal target Alvaro Morata but may accept between £14.5m and £20m if a buy-back clause is included in the deal. The Spanish forward, 21, has a year left on his contract and is also wanted by Juventus, Inter Milan and Wolfsburg. AS
Southampton defender Dejan Lovren, who is wanted by Liverpool, handed in a transfer request on 30 May. The Croatia centre-back, 24, told the club in an email that he wants to leave for a Champions League club this summer. Daily Mail
Carlos Vela, 25, wants to stay at Real Sociedad, rather than return to Ars*nal, according to the Spanish club's president Jokin Apperibay. Sky Sports
Dejan Lovren
Lovren joined Southampton from Lyon last summer.
Jose Mourinho is willing to allow Ramires to leave Chelsea for Real Madrid if the Brazilian, 27, can be used as part of a deal for Luka Modric, 28. Daily Express
Real Sociedad's Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, 31, is set to reject a move to Ars*nal in order to join Barcelona to provide competition to new signing Marc-Andre Ter Stegen. Daily Star
Benfica's Argentina striker Nicolas Gaitan's agent has suggested he could leave Lisbon this summer. The 26-year-old has been linked with Manchester United, Tottenham and Zenit St Petersburg. Daily Express
Ars*nal have held talks with Gremio over Brazilian centre-back Bressan, 21, as Arsene Wenger looks to boost his defensive options. Metro
Luka Modric
Mourinho was Real manager when Modric moved to Spain in 2012.
West Ham have offered £3m for Nice defender Timothee Kolodziejczak but will move for Fiorentina's Spanish left-back Marcos Alonso, 23, who had a loan spell at Sunderland last season, if the deal for the 22-year-old Frenchman falls through. Daily Mail
Everton manager Roberto Martinez is interested in Heerenven's Dutch midfielder Hakim Ziyech, 21, but the Blues are unlikely to move for Barcelona forward Cristian Tello, 22. Liverpool Echo
Martinez checked on Dynamo Kiev forward Jeremain Lens, 26 and Feyenoord defenders Bruno Martins Indi, 22, and Stefan de Vrij, 22, when he watched the Netherlands train on Wednesday. Daily Mail
[/size][size=78%]Wigan are set to offer £3m for Rapid Vienna's American striker Terrence Boyd, 23. Daily Mail [/size]dy, but I disagree with Jurgen." ESPN
Thousands watched Argentina train in Belo Horizonte on Wednesday and Lionel Messi was confronted by a pitch invader who was a lookalike for Brazil legend Ronaldinho. O Globo (in Portuguese)

[Chelmsford_yid]

Argentina World Cup winner Diego Maradona believes Brazil forward Neymar has failed to live up to expectations in the early stages of the World Cup, adding in his Times of India column that Brazil depend far too much on the 22-year-old. Goal.com

Neymar failed to inspire Brazil against Mexico
A revolutionary spirit was in the air after Chile's 2-0 victory over Spain as the victorious team's supporters and a host of South American friends came to jeer the World Cup exit of the champions. Guardian
Meanwhile, in Chile 300 buses were vandalised, six people were kidnapped and 40 bus drivers were assaulted in Santiago after the 2-0 victory over Spain. La Tercera (in Spanish)
And what happens when England play? Sex, heart attacks and violence apparently. Guardian
Portuguese surgeon Jose Carlos Noronha has warned Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, 29, he is putting his career at risk by playing at the World Cup with a knee injury. nbcsports.com
England have been warned about Spanish referee Carlos Velasco Cabrillo for their Group D match with Uruguay after former manager of England's referees Keith Hackett said: "He produces cards quicker than Dynamo the magician." you-are-the-ref.com
Uruguay will be without their captain Diego Lugano, 33, in the potentially decisive match against England as the defender is suffering from a knee injury. Bild (in German)
Fifa has denied a claim from Maradona that he was prevented from attending his side's opening match in the Maracana. Daily Mail
Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen says Manchester United have misused his Belgium team-mate Marouanne Fellaini - after the £27m midfielder netted a crucial goal just five minutes into his World Cup finals debut. Daily Mirror
For a player once venerated by the Spanish as "Saint Iker" this World Cup has been not so much a disaster as a desecration for goalkeeper Iker Casillas. Times (subscription)
The Concacaf nations - Mexico, United States, Costa Rica and Honduras - have outpaced every other federation at the World Cup thus far, winning three, drawing one and losing just one of their five fixtures. Times (subscription)
Greece midfielder Giannis Maniatis, 27, booked himself a flight home after a dispute during training, but was persuaded to stay. Guardian
Following admiration for their litter-collecting exploits, Japanese fans continue to be the darlings of the Brazilian media for selling unused match tickets at below face value. Guardian
Chelsea will not let Eden Hazard, 23, join Paris St-Germain and the French champions have all but given up hope of signing the Belgian international, says coach Laurent Blanc. RMC (in French)
Manchester United defender Alexander Buttner is leaving Old Trafford because new boss Louis van Gaal doesn't rate him. Daily Mirror
Former England left-back Ashley Cole, 33, is considering offers from AC Milan and Barcelona after being released by Chelsea. Daily Mail
Ars*nal's and Liverpool's pursuit of Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has taken a hit after his agent told Radio Belgrano that the 28-year-old is already in talks with Barcelona. Talksport
West Brom boss Alan Irvine expects his new club to pull off a deal to sign former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott, 31, who is currently a free agent. Express & Star
Ars*nal are set to offer AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli, 23, a deal worth £180,000 per week to move to Emirates Stadium this summer. Metro
Manchester United target Toni Kroos, 24, is no closer to committing his future to Bayern Munich despite the midfielder's team-mates Thomas Muller and Philipp Lahm being given new deals. Daily Mail
Everton have made an offer for Valencia midfielder Ever Banega, 25, who is also being pursued by AC Milan and Marseille. L'Equipe (in French)
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers wants to sign midfielder Adam Lallana, 26, and defender Dejan Lovren, 24, from Southampton and is prepared to lose 23-year-old striker Fabio Borini as part of the deal. Daily Mirror 
New Southampton boss Ronald Koeman wants Cardiff goalkeeper David Marshall, 29, to provide competition for Artur Boruc. Daily Mirror 
Tottenham are lining up a £3m bid for Sunderland's 33-year-old defender John O'Shea. Daily Telegraph
Hamburg have hijacked Newcastle's bid to sign Pierre-Michel Lasogga, 22, from Hertha Berlin with the striker keen to stay in the Bundesliga. Talksport
West Ham United have joined the race to sign Parma midfielder Marco Parolo, 29, who is currently on World Cup duty with Italy. Sport Mediaset (in Italian)
Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal, 27, says he wants to concentrate on the World Cup with Chile and not worry about the transfer rumours linking him with Manchester United and Real Madrid. Tuttosport
Liverpool have started preliminary discussions with Bayern Munich over a proposed £16m deal for 22 year-old Swiss midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri. Bild (in German)
Real Madrid are in the market for a central defender and could make a move for Real Sociedad's 23-year-old Spanish footballer Inigo Martinez. L'Equipe (in French)
Napoli are reluctant to sell striker Gonzalo Higuan, 26, to Barcelona and are likely to demand a £55m transfer fee. As.com (in Spanish)
Real Madrid's 28 year-old defender Sergio Ramos says "excuses are for losers" after Spain were beaten 2-0 by Chile on Wednesday, adding that the loss marks the end of a cycle. As.com (in Spanish)
Juventus are currently negotiating a fee for 21 year-old Real Madrid forward Alvaro Morata. Tuttosport (in Italian)
Mexico's goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa was the star of the show in El Tri's 0-0 draw with Brazil and the 28-year-old has added his own thoughts on a series depicting his heroics . Facebook
Australia goalscorer Tim Cahill, 34, marked his final ever appearance in the World Cup with some "special moments" posted on instagram  , following his nation's 3-2 defeat against the Netherlands.
Robin van Persie's 93-year-old grandad has been photographed #VanPersieing  - a social media trend started after the Dutch striker scored against Spain at the World Cup.
Meanwhile, the Dutch Secretary of State, Frans Timmermans, along with the Dutch Embassy staff in London have joined the #VanPersieing  trend.
And Socceroos' star Cahill signs off with a goal that has been dubbed "the best of the World Cup" across social media. SBS.com
Ars*nal forward Theo Walcott congratulated Dutchman Arjen Robben for becoming the world's fastest footballer, a title he previously held. "Robben, Congrats for beating my clocked speed but thought it looked a bit downhill," the 25-year-old tweeted. 
England striker Wayne Rooney praised Manchester United team-mate Van Persie for his strike during the Netherlands' 3-2 victory over Australia. The 28-year-old tweeted:   "Great finish by @Persie_official. Yes Batman."
England defender Phil Jones tweeted  that Australia's controversial penalty for a cross that hit the trailing hand of Netherlands' defender Daryl Janmaat from close range should never have been. "Where does the referee expect the defender to put his arms?" the 22-year-old wrote.
Uruguay's players were woken in the middle of the night at their hotel to find insects crawling in their bed sheets, prompting sections of the nation's media to claim it was part a dirty tricks campaign by England fans. Daily Star
Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque is used to boarding the winning team's bus, which could explain why he tried to catch at lift with the Chile players after his side exited the World Cup. Metro
Englishman David Grey has appealed online for fellow Uruguay supporters to join him to watch Thursday's World Cup match without success. The 58-year-old developed a love for Uruguay based on striker Luis Suarez and the leftist ideals of the country's former guerrilla president, Jose Mujica. Guardian 

[Chelmsford_yid]

The Uruguayan Football Association claims striker Luis Suarez, 27, is the victim of a smear campaign by the Italians, the English media and the Brazilian hosts after he appeared to bite Giorgio Chiellini.Guardian
Former Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, 45, who bit Borussia Dortmund's Heiko Herrlich during a Bundesliga match, thinks "enormous pressure" drove Suarez to allegedly bite Chiellini. Sun (subscription only)
Luis Suarez did not train with the Uruguay squad on WednesdayWimbledon champion Andy Murray, 27, believes there is something "not quite right" about Suarez. Guardian
A number of Football Association board members want manager Roy Hodgson, 66, to explain England's World Cup exit. Daily Mail
Midfielder Jack Wilshere, 22, has warned England's new generation of players that time is already running out on their international careers. Telegraph
Barcelona are still interested in Liverpool striker Suarez and are ready to offer an £80m player-plus-cash deal that could include wingers Alexis Sanchez, 25, and Pedro, 26. Daily Mirror
Luis Suarez is linked with a move to BarcelonaArs*nal manager Arsene Wenger has denied any interest in signing AC Milan and Italy striker Mario Balotelli, 23. Daily Mail
Ars*nal have rejected Manchester United's opening bid for 28-year-old captain Thomas Vermaelen. Daily Star
Tottenham are keen to sign defender Dejan Lovren, 24, from Southampton. The Croatia international also interests Liverpool. Daily Mirror
Ars*nal and Tottenham target Javier Hernandez, 26, has dropped another hint that he is set to quit Manchester United once the World Cup is over. Daily Express
Ars*nal and Liverpool want Sevilla defender Federico Fazio, 27, who could cost up to £8m. Daily Star
Hull City have opened talks with Tottenham over a £4m deal for 30-year-old captain Michael Dawson. Evening Standard
West Brom are ready to make a £6m bid to sign AS Monaco striker Emmanuel Riviere, 24. Express and Star
Argentine winger Eric Lamela, 22, will stay at Tottenham despite a first season at White Hart Lane affected by injuries and indifferent form. Sun (subscription only)
Former England striker Michael Owen says young players are left to play in "soft" under-21 football and the best should be promoted to the first team by the age of 20. Daily Express
Manchester City say Atletico Madrid's £12m bid for striker Alvaro Negredo, 28 is inadequate and they will not listen to any offer below £24m. Marca (in Spanish)
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone says he will never sell Uruguayan defender Diego Godin, 28. AS (in Spanish)
Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's father has confirmed his 25-year-old son will turn down a £20m move to Roma and stay at Borussia Dortmund. Bild (in German)
Serie A side Atlanta have signed Belgian striker Nicolas Napol, 18, from Lorient. Tuttosport  (in Italian)
A Brazilian TV network broadcast footage of Ghana's $3m appearance money being transported in a huge convoy of police cars to the team hotel. TV Globo (in Portuguese)
West Brom have offered season ticket refunds to fans angered by the appointment of Alan Irvine as head coach. Express and Star

[Chelmsford_yid]

Michael Essien could face punishment from the Ghana Football Association after coach Kwesi Appiah claimed the midfielder, 31, refused to warm up before his side's last group game against Portugal. Ghana FA
Independent World cup sectionArgentina legend Diego Maradona has suggested that forward Lionel Messi, 27, is under too much pressure to turn his nation into World Cup winners. Daily Mirror
Belgium midfielder Eden Hazard, 23, believes his side can stop Lionel Messi and beat Argentina when the two teams meet in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.Daily Telegraph
Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta has rejected suggestions his side are a one-man team - but claims the players have been told to give the ball to influential striker Lionel Messi as much as possible. Independent
Russian MP Vladimir Zhirinovsky has said coach Fabio Capello should appear before parliament and explain why his side performed so badly at the World Cup, going out in the group phase. Guardian
Brazil coach Felipe Scolari has summoned the team's psychologist for a therapy session to help the players deal with the World Cup pressure. Bild
Alvaro Negredo wants to leave Manchester City and return to Spain. City have insisted the 28-year-old striker is not for sale but it is understood he wants to join Atletico Madrid. Daily Mail
Manchester United have been told they can sign Sporting Lisbon's defensive midfielder William Carvalho, 22, as long as they meet his £37m buyout clause. Daily Express
Everton have rejected an approach from Tottenham for their England international defender John Stones, 20.Sun (subscription required)
Southampton are determined to keep hold of centre-half Dejan Lovren, 24, despite interest from Liverpool, Tottenham and Ars*nal. Daily Express
Juventus will try to sign Manchester City's central defender Matija Nastasic, 21, on a loan deal as cover for 33-year-old Italy international Andrea Barzagli, who is recovering after having surgery on an Achilles injury.Talksport
Former Chelsea striker Samuel Eto'o could stay in the Premier League, with Ars*nal and Everton both interested in signing the 33-year-old striker.Talksport
Atletico Madrid defender Filipe Luis, 28, will have to force through a move to Chelsea after talks between the two clubs stalled. Daily Star
Ars*nal and Liverpool are set to compete for the signature of Chile and Barcelona striker Alexis Sanchez, with the 25-year-old striker set to cost at least £30m. Daily Mail
Aston Villa's new assistant manager Roy Keane says he does not deserve his fearsome reputation in the game. Daily Mirror
Harry Redknapp has been arguing with club bosses at Queens Park Rangers, who want to stop him signing 35-year-old Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand. Daily Mirror
Argentina legend Diego Maradona, 53, is to hold talks over becoming the new coach of Venezuela. Guardian
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is trying to prevent the departure of 26-year-old Argentina midfielder Angel Di Maria, who has been associated with Paris Saint-Germain and Ars*nal. Marca
Schalke's 30-year-old Dutch forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who has been rumoured to be moving to England next season, says he has not talked to any club about any transfer move. Bild
Turkish side Galatasaray have offered a £3m-per-season deal to tempt former Chelsea striker Samuel Eto'o, 33. Le Figaro
Bayern Munich are in the running for Fiorentina's 30-year-old Colombian midfielder Juan Cuadrado and Atletico Madrid's 28-year-old Uruguayan defender Diego Godin. Bild
Athletic Bilbao have renewed their interest in Real Sociedad's Antoine Griezmann and could make a summer move for the 23 year-old French midfielder. Marca
Espanyol are hoping 27-year-old goalkeeper Kiko Casilla will stay on at the club despite huge interest from Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. Marca[size=78%] [/size]
Australia forward Tim Cahill has not had much time off after his country's elimination from the World Cup as he is back training with Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls. He writes on Twitter: "WOW today's one of the hottest days of the year. Training done and finishing with an ice bath."
Belgium defender Vincent Kompany is looking forward to meeting some of his Manchester City team-mates in the quarter-final of the World Cup. Kompany writes on Twitter: "What an amazing game Belgium v USA. Looking forward to a great match-up with Manchester City's Argentines Martin Demichelis, Pablo Zabaleta and Sergio Aguero."
USA winger Alejandro Bedoya: "What an experience it was playing in a World Cup. Thanks America & fans for believing. Blessed to be a part of this team."
Ahead of the France v Germany quarter-final on Friday, French playmakerKarim Benzema ‏tweets former Real Madrid team-mate Mesut Ozil and says: "See you on Friday bro!"
Michel Vorm is part of the Netherlands squadSwansea and Netherlands goalkeeperMichel Vorm on Twitter: "Visited Favela Santa Maria, where my idol Michael Jackson recorded a famous video. Amazing day."
BBC pundit Rio Ferdinand ‏on Twitter: "Bumped into my favourite Nigerian player from World Cup 94. Sunday Oliseh. What a good guy."
USA goalkeeper Tim Howard on Twitter: "I'm proud to suit up with every one of these guys. It's a tremendous honour to represent this country & a ride I'll never forget. Thanks for joining us."
Brazil midfielder Oscar on Twitter: "The whole of Brazil is supporting me and my promise is always to play the best I can for my team."
Goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, 36, has been dropped by Leeds because the club's owner Massimo Cellino hates the fact the goalkeeper is born on 17 May. Cellino believes 17 is an unlucky number. Daily Star
Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor has already begun training for the new Premier League campaign, by practising some new goal celebrations.Metro

[Chelmsford_yid]

Germany centre-back Mats Hummels, 25, says they went easy on Brazil during the second half of their World Cup semi-final to avoid causing even more embarrassment. Sun (subscription required)
Hummels' fellow defender Per Mertesacker, 29, says the team that beat Brazil started their journey to the top by thrashing England in the Under-21 European Championships five years ago. Daily Mirror
Political analysts argue that Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff's campaign for re-election will not be damaged by such an embarrassing World Cup defeat. Guardian
New Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal would like to bring 30-year-old Wesley Sneijder, part of his Dutch side at the World Cup, to Old Trafford from Galatasaray but the Turkish club want a fee of around £16m. Sun (subscription required)
Liverpool will sell Uruguay striker Luis Suarez, 27, to Barcelona this weekend if the clubs can agree a £75m fee. Daily Mirror
But Ars*nal are fuming because their attempt to sign Chile forward Alexis Sanchez, 25, from Barcelona is being held up by the Suarez deal. Daily Express
Chelsea are signing Filipe Luis, reports the SunThe Gunners want £6m for Mikel Arteta, 32, following interest from Italian club Fiorentina in the midfielder, who is in the final year of his contract. Times (subscription required)
Roma have set Manchester City a deadline of 21 July to sign Morocco centre-back Mehdi Benatia, 27. Guardian
Chelsea are signing Atletico Madrid left-back Filipe Luis, 28, as a £20m replacement for new Roma arrival Ashley Cole, 33. Sun (subscription required)
Ars*nal will have to make Germany midfielder Sami Khedira, 27, their highest paid player if they are to tempt him from Real Madrid. Daily Mail
Colombia winger Juan Cuadrado, 27, could move to Manchester United from Fiorentina.London Evening Standard
Liverpool forward Iago Aspas, 26, is set to join Sevilla after failing to make an impact at Anfield. Daily Star
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is also mulling over a £10m bid to bring Swansea City's 21-year-old left-back Ben Davies to Liverpool. Daily Telegraph 
West Ham must raise their bid for Dnipro's 24-year-old Ukrainian winger Yevhen Konoplyanka to £12m if they want to sign him. ESPN FC
Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Ars*nal are set to battle it out for Benfica winger Joao Filipe, dubbed 'the next Cristiano Ronaldo', and goalkeeper Joao Virginia, both just 15. Daily Express
Ricardo Rodriguez played in all four of Switzerland's games at the World CupUnited are also considering a move for Wolfsburg and Switzerland left-back Ricardo Rodriguez, 21, with Patrice Evra's departure for Juventus likely to go ahead.Times (subscription required)
Benfica's Serbian winger Lazar Markovic, 20, will have a medical on Merseyside on Thursday before completing a £20m move to Liverpool. Liverpool Echo
Nigeria's 21-year-old midfielder Michel Babatunde - who plays for Volyn Lutsk in Ukraine - claims Sunderland want to bring him to the Premier League. Newcastle Chronicle
Out-of-favour Manchester United forward Bebe, 23, and midfielder Anderson, 26, will get one last chance to impress on the club's pre-season tour of the United States. Manchester Evening News
The arrivals of Chile forward Alexis Sanchez, 25, from Barcelona and France right-back Mathieu Debuchy, 28, from Newcastle can help Ars*nal regain the Premier League title, according to their former midfielder Edu. Talksport
Former Fulham captain Brede Hangeland has criticised Cottagers manager Felix Magath, saying the German is not the man to take the club back to the Premier League. Sky Sports
Barcelona's Giovani and Jonathan Dos Santos, 25 and 24 respectively, are both heading to Villarreal after the two clubs reached a transfer agreement for the Mexican brothers. L'Equipe (in French)
Bayern Munich say they have reached a verbal agreement with Atletico Madrid over the sale of striker Mario Mandzukic, 28, to the Spanish champions. Marca (in Spanish)
Real Madrid forward Alvaro Morata, 21, could join Juventus as early as next week. Tuttosport (in Italian)
Switzerland centre-back Johan Djourou enjoyed a post-World Cup day out at Buckingham Palace - posting a picture on Instagram with the message: "Selfie with the girls."
And Germany full-back Jerome Boateng hastweeted a photo of himself relaxing with his family after helping his country reach the World Cup final by beating Brazil 7-1.
Germany's Mesut Ozil told Brazilian fans, via his Twitter account, that they have "a beautiful country, wonderful people and amazing footballers".
Former England defender - and BBC pundit - Rio Ferdinand was full of praise for a fellow centre-back on Twitter as the Netherlands faced Argentina in semi-final action: "Ron Vlaar has been immense. Best CB performance of the tournament so far for me."
Brazil defender Dani Alves, an unused substitute in his country's humiliating defeat by Germany, has made a strongly worded attack on his side's critics on his Instagram page.
Alexis Sanchez is leaving Barcelona for Ars*nal - with the transfer confirmed exclusively by his hairdresser. Metro
A Brazilian woman won her office sweepstake by predicting correctly that Germany would beat Brazil 7-1 in Tuesday's World Cup semi-final - after her sleepwalking husband told her to. Metro
The odds on Brazil winning the next World Cup are already a mere 7-1 despite their defeat by Germany by the corresponding score line.Racing Post

[Chelmsford_yid]

Midfielder Sami Khedira, 27, is considering rejecting both Chelsea and Ars*nal to remain at Real Madrid. Daily Express
Russian trio Zenit St Petersburg, Dynamo Moscow and CSKA Moscow are battling it out to land Everton midfield target Roman Eremenko, 27 from Rubin Kazan. Talksport

Midfielder Roman Eremenko is a target for a Everton and three Russian clubs
Defender Craig Dawson, 24, is understood to be considering handing in an official transfer request after Burnley had a second £1.5m bid for the defender turned down by West Brom. Lancashire Evening Telegraph
Stoke face competition from newly promoted Deportivo La Coruna for the signing of Barcelona's 23-year-old striker Bojan Krkic. Stoke Sentinel
Queens Park Rangers midfielder Samba Diakite, 25, is poised to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad. Sky Sports
Liverpool are ready to compete with Tottenham over 21-year-old Swansea left-back Ben Davies. Daily Star
Leeds United are keen on Cardiff City defender Mark Hudson, 32, as a potential summer addition, as they look to bolster their backline. Insidefutbol
Chelsea are prepared to sell Nigeria midfielder John Mikel Obi, 27, as they plan a move for Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Sami Khedira, 27, who is also a target for Ars*nal. Daily Express

Ron Vlaar starred for the Netherlands during the World Cup and is now a QPR target
Harry Redknapp has made Aston Villa centre-half Ron Vlaar, 29, a £4m target for QPR. Birmingham Mail
Ars*nal are expected to confirm the signing of France defender Mathieu Debuchy, 28, from Newcastle in a £10m deal. London Evening Standard
Stoke City are one of several teams interested in Spanish winger Keko, 22, who is a free agent after leaving Italian club Catania. Insidefutbol
Olympiakos want to sign Fulham's Costa Rica forward Bryan Ruiz, 28, on a free transfer, even though he has a year remaining on his contract at Craven Cottage. Daily Mail 
Stoke boss Mark Hughes is close to signing Liverpool's Morocco winger Oussama Assaidi, 25, in a deal worth a potential £7m. Daily Telegraph
Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa, 25, is looking forward to a "new start" at Manchester United under Louis van Gaal. Manchester Evening News
Meanwhile former Netherlands striker Patrick Kluivert says he would relish the chance to again work alongside new Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal in a coaching capacity. Fourfourtwo
Liverpool vice-captain Daniel Agger, 29, insists he is focused on the season ahead with the club - despite ongoing speculation about his future. Liverpool Echo
Southampton legend Matthew Le Tissier has urged wantaway centre-back Dejan Lovren - a £20m target for Liverpool - to apologise to the club and fans over his conduct, if he wants to stay at St Mary's next season. Southern Daily Echo
Sunderland will hold discussions over Alfred N'Diaye's future next week, with the 24-year-old midfielder reluctant to return to Real Betis. Sunderland Echo
Everton midfielder James McCarthy, 23, has overcome an ankle problem and says he is raring to go again next season. Liverpool Echo
New Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal wants to get rid of Anderson, Javier Hernandez, Wilfried Zaha, Nani, Tom Cleverley, Chris Smalling and Bebe. Daily Star

Ander Herrera almost joined Manchester United last summer
Liverpool will not let Luis Suarez's move to Barcelona derail their title ambitions, insists boss Brendan Rodgers. Daily Mirror
Manchester United's £28.4m summer signing Ander Herrera, 24, is not at same level as Toni Kroos or Paul Pogba, says former Red Devils midfielder Nicky Butt. Daily Mail
Swansea captain Ashley Williams missed the club's opening pre-season match on their tour of the USA after flying home to attend a 'family matter'. Daily Mail
The president of the German Football Association (DFB) Wolfgang Niersbach has voiced his regret at the upset caused by the 'gaucho' dance performed by six German players during their World Cup celebrations at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. Marca
Tony Pulis's Crystal Palace beat GAK Graz 13-1 in a pre-season friendly in Austria on Wednesday, keeper Wayne Hennessey tweeting:  "Happy to get my first 45 mins in a pre-season friendly with a 13-1 win, lads were quality #cleansheet #cpfc"

Brad Guzan and friends at the golf course
Team-mate Glenn Murray appeared to find the training tough, posting:  "Good end to a long hard week's work in Austria! Running, bikes & mountains are not a good combo! #Preseason"
Aston Villa and USA keeper Brad Guzan  had an interesting day on the golf course, while raising money for Ronald House Chicago.
But US team-mate, Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore  , had a more conventional round as he took part in the ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic.

Steven Gerrard stopped to play football with three kids on his way home
Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge discovers one of his ancestors was a top sportsman, taking to social media  to say: "Turns out my grandad's brother was the Jamaican table tennis champ way back. Guess sports really runs in the family."
England captain Steven Gerrard, 34, was stopped  on holiday by a group of boys who made him go in goal as they played football.
After paying for the operations of 11 children in Brazil before the World Cup, Ars*nal and Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil, 25, wrote on Facebook   that he has increased that figure to 23 - one for each member of his county's 23-man squad that won the World Cup.
Christoph Kramer did not know he was playing in the World Cup final after suffering concussion, referee Nicola Rizzoli has revealed. Fourfourtwo
Fashion designer Wayne Hemmingway has urged Blackburn Rovers to ignore media mockery and put their kit promotion video - branded 'bizarre', 'cringeworthy' and 'embarrassing' by critics - back online. Lancashire Evening Telegraph
Partick Thistle have launched their new away kit, with £3 from every kit sold going to the Breast Cancer Care charity. The Scotsman
Croatian icon Zvonimir Boban says Portugal's World Cup chances were hampered because Ronaldo "loves himself". Soccerway
Argentina's players have given a portion of their prize money for finishing runners-up in the World Cup to a cancer hospital. El Dia (in Spanish)
Manchester United's new away shirt appears to have accidentally gone on sale - before it has even been officially unveiled by the club. Manchester Evening News

[Chelmsford_yid]

Liverpool are ready to revive their interest in Chelsea's Ryan Bertrand, 24, as manager Brendan Rodgers steps up his search for a left-back. Daily Mail
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Marco Reus, 25, and Southampton defender Dejan Lovren, 25, are among the other names Rodgers is chasing. Daily Mirror
Everton are closing in on 21-year-old midfielder Muhamed Besic, who starred for Bosnia at the World Cup. Daily Mirror
Tottenham are considering a bid for 29-year-old Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar, with the London club prepared to offer Lewis Holtby, 23, or Michael Dawson, 30, in exchange. Daily Mail
West Brom are chasing Costa Rica World Cup duo Yeltsin Tejeda, 22, and Cristian Gamboa, 24. Daily Express
Manchester City have made enquiries about the availability of 22-year-old Real Madrid midfielder Isco, who could be unsettled by James Rodriguez's big-money move. Independent
Another Real Madrid star who could be on the move is 21-year-old defender Raphael Varane, with Chelsea monitoring his situation. Independent
Crystal Palace are on the trail of Marseille midfielder Morgan Amalfitano, 29, who spent last season on loan at West Brom. Sun (subscription required)
QPR boss Harry Redknapp ‎wants to strike a deal to sign former Chelsea striker Samuel Eto'o and the 34-year-old striker's agent is flying to London to reach an agreement. Daily Mirror
Tottenham transfer target Davide Astori has shunned a Premier League move with the 27-year-old defender deciding to sign a three-year contract extension with Serie A side Cagliari. Daily Star
Liverpool are hoping to hijack Manchester United's move for Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal, 27, by matching their £42.5m bid for the player. Metro
Manager Roberto Martinez has confirmed Everton are close to completing a deal to sign Anderlecht striker David Henen, 18. Talksport
AC Milan are chasing Ars*nal forward Joel Campbell, 22, having already made contact with the London club over the Costa Rica international. Inside Futbol
Louis van Gaal is facing his first transfer setback as Manchester United manager with Borussia Dortmund warning him to forget about signing 25-year-old World Cup-winning defender Mats Hummels. Daily Express
Manchester United are being given the green light to sign Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria, 26, after the European champions signed Monaco midfielder James Rodriguez . Caughtoffside.com
Burnley have joined the race to sign striker Troy Deeney, 26, but Watford are holding out for £10m. Daily Mail
West Ham are ready to offload Ravel Morrison because the midfielder is not in Sam Allardyce's plans. Daily Mirror
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has told goalkeepers Thibaut Courtois, 22, and Petr Cech, 32, that they will both be staying at the club - whether they like it or not. Times (subscription required)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has told goalkeepers Thibaut Courtois, 22, and Petr Cech, 32, that they will both be staying at the club - whether they like it or not. Times (subscription required)
Arsene Wenger is ready to end his chase for a midfield anchorman and put his faith in England's Jack Wilshere, 22. Daily Mirror
Joe Cole believes Roy Hodgson should think twice about giving the England captaincy to Wayne Rooney, 28 - and says 24-year-old Jordan Henderson is a genuine contender for the role. Sun (subscription required)
Manchester City midfielder James Milner, 28, has put his transfer plans on hold in order to try and force his way into Manuel Pellegrini's starting line-up. Guardian
Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta, 30, says it would be a "dream" if he is chosen to be Carles Puyol's successor as captain of the Spanish giants. Goal.com 
Toronto FC striker Jermain Defoe, 31, will not be making a quick return to the Premier League, despite rumoured of interest from QPR boss Harry Redknapp - who worked with the former England striker at West Ham, Portsmouth and Tottenham. Talksport
Liverpool will not waste their £100m transfer kitty on buying star names who do not have the right profile for the club with boss Brendan Rodgers expecting to bring a minimum of eight new recruits to Anfield by next month. Daily Telegraph
Carlos Tevez has dismissed reports suggesting that he threatened to leave Juventus if the 30-year-old striker's former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini was to be appointed as their new manager. Sky Sports
Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, 21, has moved a step closer to leaving the Stamford Bridge club by training with former club Anderlecht. Sun (subscription only)
Roma midfielder Alessandro Florenzi, 23, may not be falling asleep again on the plane after an image of him with playing cards in his mouth was tweeted  by team-mate Miralem Pjanic  en route to the club's US tour.
Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge  took to Instagram during the club's pre-season tour in the US to show the 24-year-old is a budding photographer.
New Tottenham coaches Miguel D'Agostino, Jesus Perez and Toni Jimenez were forced into a singing initiation and right-back Kyle Walker  subsequently posted a clip on Instagram
Former England captain Steven Gerrard was given some glowing tributes from fans around the world when he announced his retirement from international football, but the Vietnam News was clearly confused over which sport he played. Their back page heading read: 'Fans give retiring Gerrard fond farewell from cricket.' Metro
AC Milan bring back Liverpool's Spice Boys look as they get fitted out for all-white Dolce & Gabbana suits on a pre-season US tour. Daily Mail

[Chelmsford_yid]

Chelsea are preparing a £40m bid for Paris St-Germain and Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani, 27. Daily Star.

Edinson Cavani joined Paris St-Germain from Napoli for £55m in July 2013
Blues manager Jose Mourinho insists striker Fernando Torres, 30, will remain at the club following Romelu Lukaku's Everton move. Daily Express
Liverpool will renew their interest in 22-year-old Spain left-back Alberto Moreno, who is valued at £20m, after missing out on on Ryan Bertrand to Southampton. Daily Mail
Spanish champions Atletico Madrid are looking to sign Ars*nal winger Santi Cazorla, 29, Chelsea striker Fernando Torres, 30, and Manchester United's 26-year-old forward Javier Hernandez. Daily Star
Mexico international Hernandez admits he is unsure whether he will remain at Old Trafford next season, saying "only God knows" about his future. Guardian
Tottenham are expected to return with an improved offer for Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin despite Saints' insistence the 24-year-old will not be allowed to leave. Times (subscription required)
Spurs are poised to sign Sporting Lisbon's England Under-21 defender Eric Dier for £4m after the 20-year-old turned down a new deal with the Portuguese club. Daily Telegraph
Sporting Lisbon have told Southampton it will cost them £16m to sign 24-year-old Argentina defender Marcos Rojo. Daily Express
Ars*nal's bid to sign Sami Khedira, 27, could be back on as Real Madrid want to sell the German World Cup midfielder this summer and Bayern Munich will not buy until next year. Daily Mirror
Newcastle United's hopes of signing Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette, 23, for about £10m have hit a snag as the Frenchman looks set to sign a new contract with the Ligue 1 club. Newcastle Chronicle
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says Romelu Lukaku, 21, was "not motivated" to fight for his place at Stamford Bridge after the striker completed a £28m move to Everton. Daily Mirror
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, 34, admits he told Luis Suarez, 27, not to sign for Ars*nal last summer because the Uruguay forward was "too good for them". Times (subscription required)
Manchester United's American owners, the Glazer family, are set to raise about £87m by selling eight million shares in the club on the New York Stock Exchange. Daily Mail
Manchester United forward Wilfried Zaha, 21, insists he can establish himself in the team under Louis van Gaal and says previous manager David Moyes gave him "no chance" last season. Daily Telegraph
Liverpool's new £20m Croatian defender Dejan Lovren, 25, has been forced to train with the club's youngsters after a visa mix-up during the Reds' US tour. Independent
New Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero, 32, signed for £4.4m from Malaga this summer, is determined to take Joe Hart's position. Sun (subscription required)
Ars*nal's Theo Walcott posted a picture  of himself alongside new signing Alexis Sanchez on Twitter, along with the message "Watch out Premier League. Me and Alexis Sanchez will be a deadly force!! #afc #COYG #SpeedMatters."

Theo Walcott and Alexis Sanchez will team up at Ars*nal this season
Liverpool tweeted  a picture of James Bond actor Daniel Craig meeting Steven Gerrard in the Reds' dressing room after their friendly with Manchester City in New York.
Midfielder Juan Mata, 26, saw the funny side when he was listed as Wayne Rooney in Manchester United's starting XI against Inter Milan on tour in the USA and tweeted  the TV graphic.
Monaco's Colombia striker Radamel Falcao, 28, has sparked media frenzy in Spain after following Real Madrid players Gareth Bale, Isco and Sami Khedira on Instagram.
A picture of new Roma defender Ashley Cole lingering awkwardly on the edge of the team photo  has spawned a spate of 'lurking' memes on social media. Bleacher Report
A man from Rhode Island, USA, is suing Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, 29, over his CR7 brand, claiming he trademarked the letter-number combination first. Reuters

[Chelmsford_yid]

Juventus are interested in signing Ars*nal midfielder Jack Wilshere, 22, and have made enquiries about the England international. Evening Standard
Liverpool have made an enquiry about Monaco's Radamel Falcao, 28, but do not expect to be able to secure the services of the Colombian international striker, who is thought to favour a move to Real Madrid. Daily Express

Fredy Guarin has been at Inter Milan since his 2012 move from Porto
Manchester United are ready to move for Ars*nal and Belgium defender Thomas Vermaelen, 28, and they are prepared to pay £15m to beat off competition from Barcelona. Daily Mail
Manchester United are also thought to be plotting a surprise move for former Manchester City hardman Nigel de Jong, 29, currently with Milan. Independent
Ivan Cavaleiro, the 20-year-old Portugal international forward contracted to Benfica until 2018, and another Manchester United target, is set to join Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna on loan. Talksport
Liverpool are ready to make a £16m bid for Inter Milan's Argentina international Mauro Icardi, 21, as their hunt for a new striker intensifies. Metro
Tottenham are ready to offer £9m and Nacer Chadli, 25, to land PSV Eindhoven's Dutch winger Memphis Depay, 20, but Chadli is thought not to be interested in joining the Dutch side. Daily Mail
Inter Milan are willing to let Colombian midfielder Fredy Guarin, 28, leave the club and join Manchester United. Daily Star
And United have also been given hope in their bid to sign £30m-rated Roma defender Mehdi Benatia, 27, but they face competition from Chelsea and Real Madrid. Daily Express

Manchester City expect to complete the £32m signing of Porto's France international defender Eliaquim Mangala, 23, by the weekend. Daily Mirror
Ars*nal could step up their pursuit of Shakhtar Donetsk attacking midfielder Douglas Costa, 23, after failing to land Porto's Juan Quintero, 21. Daily Express
West Ham want Stoke's former England striker Peter Crouch, 33 - but have baulked at the club's £3m asking price. Telegraph
A tearful Daniel Agger has begged Brendan Rodgers to let him leave Liverpool, with Barcelona the 29-year-old central defender's likely destination. Daily Mirror
Real Madrid want to sign Chelsea goalkeepers Petr Cech, 32, and Thibaut Courtois, 22. Sun (subscription required)
Napoli boss Rafael Benitez will go back to former club Liverpool and try to sign midfielder Lucas Leiva, 27. Sun (subscription required)
Swansea are preparing to move for 25-year-old Napoli centre-back Federico Fernandez. Daily Mirror
Newcastle midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa, 27, is pondering a return to France this summer. Daily Star
West Brom manager Alan Irvine says he wants two or three more signings, despite the Baggies already having brought in eight players this summer. Birmingham Mail
Manchester City will offer captain Vincent Kompany a new £65m six-year contract worth £200,000 per week to stay with the club. Sun (subscription required)

Drogba is back in the blue of Chelsea after leaving in 2012 for Shanghai Shenhua
Luis Suarez's lawyer is convinced that the Court of Arbitration for Sport will reduce the 27-year-old's four-month ban for biting. Daily Mirror
Theo Walcott is on course to return to the Ars*nal squad by the end of August as he continues his recovery from a knee injury. Evening Standard
Chelsea captain John Terry says 36-year-old Didier Drogba still provides a physical test and is a "nightmare" to face in training. Daily Star
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew believes Ryan Taylor could be weeks only away from a comeback after rupturing a cruciate ligament in August 2012, which gave way again in April last year. Newcastle Journal
Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton, 29, says he gets on well with manager Paul Lambert - despite not playing for Villa's first team for two years. Sun (subscription required)
Right-back Bacary Sagna, 31, says he was convinced to join Manchester City by former Ars*nal team-mates Gael Clichy and Samir Nasri. Daily Mail
Former Portsmouth and QPR defender Sam Magri, 20, looks set to find out on Thursday if he will be offered a contract by Crystal Palace after spending the last three weeks with the club on trial. Croydon Advertiser
Borussia Dortmund have criticised Bayern Munich over their public pursuit of 25-year-old forward Marco Reus. Daily Mail
Mark Halsey says football fans will miss Howard Webb following the referee's retirement. Sun (subscription required)
DJ Steve Aoki shared a picture  of him and Ars*nal midfielder Mesut Ozil throwing cake at revellers in Las Vegas.
The announcement that EA Sport's popular Fifa 15 console game would for the first time feature the stadiums of the 20 clubs currently in the English top flight was met with a flurry of tweets from the clubs in question, with Stoke City among those keen to share images  of how their ground looks.
Howard Webb's retirement after 25 years as a referee has prompted a spate of cheeky football fans to poke fun at his perceived bias towards Manchester United.
Manchester United youngster RoShaun Williams, 15, has broken Darren Campbell's 25-year-old 100m school record. The FA
PSG striker Ezequiel Lavezzi has sparked a Twitter storm after being pictured with his partner wearing just a policeman's hat. Daily Mail

[Chelmsford_yid]

Hull are ready to make a club record-breaking move for Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck, 23. (Daily Mirror)
Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, 24, says that he has a verbal agreement that he will be allowed to join Tottenham. (Daily Mail)

Daily Mirror back page
Ars*nal are continuing to pursue their interest in Paris St-Germain striker Edinson Cavani, 27, despite the player suggesting he will stay in France. (Metro)
The Gunners are also considering a shock move for midfielder Stephane Mbia, 28, who is a free agent after leaving Queens Park Rangers. (Daily Star)
Inter Milan are demanding Tottenham pay £10m and swap striker Roberto Soldado, 29, for their 28-year-old midfielder Fredy Guarin. (TalkSport)
Southampton midfielder Jack Cork, 25, is poised to become the latest player to leave the Saints after the club accepted a £3m bid from Crystal Palace. (Daily Mail)
Liverpool are interested in making Fiorentina's former Manchester United forward Giuseppe Rossi, 27, their ninth summer signing. (Caughtoffside)
Midfielder Sami Khedira, 27, is set to join either Ars*nal or Chelsea after being left out of Real Madrid's Uefa Super Cup squad against Sevilla. (Daily Express)
Argentina defender Marcos Rojo, 24, who wants to join Manchester United, has been disciplined by Sporting Lisbon for handing in a transfer request. (Guardian)
Swansea face a fight to keep hold of midfielder Jose Canas, 27, who is attracting interest from a number of clubs across Europe. (TalkSport)

Edinson Cavani continues to interest Ars*nal
Aston Villa are keen to take Ars*nal's Serge Gnabry on loan. Southampton, Newcastle, Sunderland and Crystal Palace have also expressed interest in the 19-year-old midfielder. (Daily Mirror)
West Ham have ended their interest in Sunderland striker Connor Wickham, 21, after a final £5m bid was turned down. (Sky Sports)
Atletico Madrid have opened talks with Chelsea over a deal to bring German forward Andre Schurrle, 23, to the Spanish capital. (Daily Mail)
The agent of Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard, 30, has revealed he is looking for a new club for the Dane, who wants regular first-team football. (Inside Futbol)
Former Tottenham defender Ledley King says the club's new manager, Mauricio Pochettino, can improve the fortunes of the England team. (Daily Star)
Newcastle United players and backroom staff are no longer allowed to claim free tickets for St James' Park after owner Mike Ashley withdrew the offer. (Daily Mail)
Manchester United are ready to make a final push for Real Madrid's 26-year-old Argentina midfielder Angel di Maria. (AS)
Inter Milan have joined West Ham and Schalke in the race for Parma's 26-year-old French forward Jonathan Biabiany. (Lefigaro)
Liverpool have initiated transfer talks with Sampdoria for 27-year-old Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero. (Tuttosport)
Southampton are on the verge of signing Steaua Bucharest defender Florin Gardos, 25. (Lefigaro)
New West Ham arrival Diego Poyet has patched things up with team-mate Andy Carroll  after a tweet he made earlier in his career about the England striker being "the most expensive sub ever".
Cristiano Ronaldo was forced to stand on his tiptoes in order to get himself in the picture as his Real Madrid team-mates lined-up for a photo before the Uefa Super Cup final against Sevilla. (Metro)
Ramires unwound with some of his Brazilian team-mates with an impromptu barbeque at his London house. The Chelsea midfielder was joined by the likes of Oscar, Luis Felipe and Willian. (Daily Mail)

[Chelmsford_yid]

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is trying to buy Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal, 27, and Ajax defender Daley Blind, 24, before the transfer window closes on 1 September. (Daily Mirror)
United will have to pay £20m to sign Netherlands international Blind from the Eredivisie club with Ajax director of football Marc Overmars demanding "the absolute top price". (Sun - subscription required)

Daily Star's back page
Liverpool are still pushing to sign ex-Ars*nal midfielder Alex Song, 26, who is currently at Barcelona. (Metro)
Ars*nal manager Arsene Wenger has ruled out moves for three strikers: Manchester United's Danny Welbeck, 23, Monaco's Radamel Falcao, 28, and former Birmingham man Nikola Zigic, 33. (London24.com)
Manchester United will bid for £24m-rated Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho, 22, as Louis van Gaal looks to offload Welbeck, Tom Cleverley, 25, and Shinji Kagawa, 25. (Daily Telegraph)
Cleverley is ready to wait until his contract ends to leave Old Trafford on a free transfer next summer. (Independent)
Sunderland have made a £6m bid to sign Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk, 23, from Celtic after Atletico Madrid's Toby Alderweireld, 25, rejected a move to the Black Cats. (Times - subscription required)
Former Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero, 39, has agreed to join Indian Super League Delhi Dynamos after his contract with Sydney FC expires in January, according to Sky Sport Italia. (Football Italia)
Crystal Palace are set to re-sign 21-year-old winger Wilfried Zaha from Manchester United after Neil Warnock returned to the club as manager. (Daily Star)
Sevilla want to sign Southampton's Uruguay forward Gaston Ramirez. The 23-year-old cost the Saints £12m two years ago but has not featured in the club's first two league matches of the season. (Sun - subscription required)
Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, 32, is on the verge of joining German champions Bayern Munich for £8m. (Guardian)
Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale, 25, believes his side can become the first team to win the Champions League in successive years. No side has won the tournament two years in a row since the competition changed from the European Cup in 1992. (Daily Mail)
Chelsea striker Diego Costa, 25, could face a spell on the sidelines after injuring his hamstring in training. (Sun - subscription required)
Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson, 30, insists he is relaxed about his contract situation despite looking increasingly likely to leave the club as a free agent at the end of the season. (Liverpool Echo)
Former Ars*nal and England defender Tony Adams, 47, says playing three at the back will not work for Louis van Gaal at Manchester United because it does not fit the club's attacking philosophy. (Daily Telegraph)
Ex-United midfielder Paul Scholes also claims the system is the reason the Old Trafford club are conceding so many goals. (Independent)
MK Dons manager and Liverpool fan Karl Robinson received congratulations messages from Reds manager Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool legends Robbie Fowler and Jamie Carragher after the League One club knocked Manchester United out of the Capital One Cup. (the Sun - subscription required)
Ars*nal midfielder Mesut Ozil, 25, was not too bothered that the Gunners only squeezed past Besiktas 1-0 in a nervy Champions League qualifier on Wednesday and tweeted  a picture of his smiling face with the words: "Winning - no matter how!"

Ars*nal's Mesut Ozil celebrates the victory over Besiktas
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville, 39, used Twitter  to mock former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher with a video of him struggling to deal with Chelsea striker Gianfranco Zola, adding: "Had you drank a litre of cider for pre match?"
Legia Warsaw, who beat Celtic 6-1 over two legs in the the Champions League qualifiers and were then thrown out for fielding an ineligible player, were happy to see the Bhoys bow out of the competition after a 1-0 defeat on Tuesday, tweeting:  "#footballwon".
Manchester United fan Hollie Griffiths won £1,250 after accidentally betting on MK Dons to win 4-0 in the League Cup. (Metro)