Monday Paper Talk

[Chelmsford_yid]

Portsmouth have told Manchester City and Sunderland they want £14m for defender Younes Kaboul.

Stoke City have made an approach to sign striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has played only 13 minutes in the league for Real Madrid this season.

Birmingham have told Sunderland to drop their £14m valuation of Kenwyne Jones if they want to offload the striker. City have made it clear they will pay £10m for Jones.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is trying to take defender Nedum Onuoha, 23, on loan from Manchester City.

Manchester City striker Felipe Caicedo has rejected Hull City to join Spanish club Malaga on loan.

Nottingham Forest have made a £3m bid for Crystal Palace striker Victor Moses.

But, according to some, Moses is close to agreeing a £3.5m move to Manchester City after the Eastlands club spent the weekend talking terms with Palace for the 19-year-old.

West Ham are in talks about signing Portugal striker Nuno Gomes, who has scored four goals for Benfica this season.
(The Times)

However, Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola will apparently redouble his efforts to bring either Monaco striker Eidur Gudjohnsen or Zenit St Petersburg forward Sergei Kornilenko to Upton Park.
(Daily Express)

Schalke striker Kevin Kuranyi has turned down a £3.5m move to Sunderland after holding talks with club officials and his agents in Bavaria.

The Black Cats are apparently ready to swoop for Paraguay striker Salvador Cabanas. The deal would result in the 29-year-old Club America player joining Sunderland on loan for the rest of the season before making a permanent switch if he settles in England. 

Stoke manager Tony Pulis is in a £10m battle with Birmingham to sign Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega.

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy wants to sign Jamie O'Hara from Tottenham but the midfielder, whose loan spell at Portsmouth ended recently, will have to have special permission as the Premier League does not allow players to have three clubs in one season.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is ready to make a £4m bid for Brazilian centre-half Joao Carlos after failing to sign the 28-year-old from Belgian side Genk last summer.

Ars*nal manager Arsene Wenger, whose current contract runs out at the end of next season, has told his players they have 18 months to convince him to stay on as boss for the rest of his life.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed striker Dimitar Berbatov has been suffering with a knee injury that may need surgery.

New Manchester City midfielder Patrick Vieira will have to wait to make his debut for Roberto Mancini's outfit because of a calf injury.

Burnley have made MK Dons manager Paul Ince a shock candidate to become their new boss.

Manchester City 'super spy' Jim Cassell, whose role at Eastlands has been reduced, is wanted by Tottenham.

Liverpool fans group The Spirit of Shankly are demanding Tom Hicks Jr quits over his alleged foul-mouthed email rant to a supporter who had written to express his fears for the Reds' future.

England midfielder David Beckham wowed Turin with a sexy display - and also starred on the pitch following his loan move from LA Galaxy to AC Milan. Beckham helped set up Milan's third goal in the 3-0 win at third-placed Juventus but also impressed the home side's female fans with a pitchside change of shorts

[RiffHard]

It seems that Younes Kaboul has become another player who has found his form after leaving us.

[DC76]

England midfielder David Beckham wowed Turin with a sexy display - and also starred on the pitch following his loan move from LA Galaxy to AC Milan. Beckham helped set up Milan's third goal in the 3-0 win at third-placed Juventus but also impressed the home side's female fans with a pitchside change of shorts

And we should care about this... why? Silly newspapers

Liverpool fans group The Spirit of Shankly are demanding Tom Hicks Jr quits over his alleged foul-mouthed email rant to a supporter who had written to express his fears for the Reds' future.

Would have to agree here, if this is true. One thing you don't want is to alienate your fanbase by having your owners shoot their mouths off at fans who have legitimate concerns.

West Ham are in talks about signing Portugal striker Nuno Gomes, who has scored four goals for Benfica this season.

Here's hoping Nuno Gomes becomes another Helder Postiga then.

Seriously though, doing well in Portugal is no guarantee of success in a higher-calibre league.

[SomersetYiddo]

Ha Ha Ha Pompey putting aprice tag of 14 mill on Kaboul!!! I heard this around abit now so it may have some truth to it, he may have been playing well recently but 14 mill!?!?! They really are deluded.
Post Merge: January 11, 2010, 09:09:08 PMWe need to loan out Jamie O 'Hara but NOT sell him.

[rolo tomaci]

Here's hoping Nuno Gomes becomes another Helder Postiga then.

Seriously though, doing well in Portugal is no guarantee of success in a higher-calibre league.
[/quote]

When will the Portuguese finally produce another decent striker?  Their hasn't been one in what now 25 years? Just awful.

[Chelmsford_yid]

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp could make a new and final move to sign goalkeeper David James - and save some money for Portsmouth, who are in huge debt and currently have a transfer embargo. Stoke ended their interest in James last week.

Netherlands striker Ryan Babel will be swiftly shipped out of Liverpool after a row with manager Rafa Benitez sealed his fate and cost him a week's wages.

Brazilian Robinho looks to be heading out of Manchester City after suffering the embarrassment of being substituted by manager Roberto Mancini 51 minutes after coming off the bench at Everton.

Chelsea want to keep hold of midfielder Joe Cole, who is out of contract at the end of the season. The England star has been linked with a summer move to Tottenham. Blues chairman Bruce Buck said: "I am personally a big fan of Joe Cole and we are in discussions with his agent and hopefully that will be sorted out soon."

Newcastle could be set to take on Peruvian midfielder Nolberto Solano for a third time after missing out on striker Jermaine Beckford, who has decided to stay with Leeds.

Cash-strapped West Ham have slapped a staggering £15m price tag on England midfielder Scott Parker.

Liverpool are battling with AC Milan over the services of striker Milan Jovanovic, 28, who is out of contract at Standard Liege at the end of the season.

Dundee United have rejected a £75,000 bid from Blackpool for Scotland's 21-year-old centre-half Garry Kenneth.

Celtic are close to completing a deal to take Switzerland central defender Philippe Senderos from Ars*nal on loan while Rangers rejected the player's wage demands. (The Sun)

Celtic and Hearts are on the trail of Hungary Under-21 striker Laszlo Lencse, presently with MTK Budapest and valued at £250,000. (Daily Express)

Slovakian striker Milos Lacny has knocked back Celtic to sign for Sparta Prague from Ruzomberok despite a trial last month in Glasgow. (Daily Record)

Ipswich Town manager Roy Keane is hoping to secure Celtic's Lee Naylor during January, while Greek club Kavala are also interested in the left-back. (Daily Express)

Perth Glory midfielder Adriano Pellegrino will arrive in Glasgow next week for a trial with Celtic. (Daily Express)

Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand could make a shock return against neighbours Manchester City in the Carling Cup semi-final on Tuesday. It would be the England star's first game in three months after struggling with a back problem.

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has undergone successful keyhole surgery on his right knee. Talking from the Barcelona hospital, the surgeon said: "If there are no problems, Fernando will be OK in six weeks."

Manchester United supporters fighting the Glazer family's ownership of the club are contemplating asking manager Sir Alex Ferguson to make the ultimate sacrifice and resign in protest.

West Brom will pay tribute to the victims of the Haiti earthquake tragedy by wearing special logos on their shirts in their Championship clash with Newcastle on Monday night.

Expat ty**** Dave King and Rangers director Paul Murray have told the Stock Exchange they were not part of a failed £18m bid to buy the Ibrox club. (The Sun)

Celtic full-back Andreas Hinkel says "strange" refereeing decisions are hampering his side's challenge for the Scottish Premier League title. (Various)

Premier League referee Mark Halsey is looking to be back in action within four weeks as he continues his battle with throat cancer. The 48-year-old said: "I didn't realise how popular I was as a ref but I suppose when I come back I won't be so popular!"

[Chelmsford_yid]

A delegation from Santos, Robinho's former club in Brazil, is set to meet Manchester City officials in England this week and several other clubs, led by Benfica, have registered an official interest in the former Real Madrid player.

Robinho says he is leaving Manchester City to return to Brazil in an attempt to save his World Cup dream.

The 26-year-old will take a pay cut from the reported £100,000-a-week he is on at City to join the Brazilian outfit.

The deal that will result in Robinho returning to Santos gives Manchester City first refusal on two of the club's hottest prospects - forward Neymar, 17, and attacking midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso, 20.

Liverpool have offered Standard Liege striker Milan Jovanovic, 28, a three-year deal, with the option for a further 12 months, in a bid to land the Serbian on a free transfer this summer. (Daily Express)

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is ready to make a last-minute swoop for Palermo's 20-year-old Danish defender Simon Kjaer.

West Ham are set to end James Beattie's Stoke nightmare by jumping in with a £3m offer for the former England striker.

French striker Toifilou Maoulida, 30, has hinted he could be set to leave Lens for the Premier League, with West Ham, Wigan and Stoke interested.

Preston boss Darren Ferguson hopes to complete the loan signing of striker Danny Welbeck from his father's club Manchester United.

Newcastle's plans to sign Marlon Harewood on loan once again from Aston Villa have suffered a blow after the striker broke a bone in his foot in training last week.

Manchester City are weighing up the prospect of a loan deal to sign Roma right-back Marco Motta, who has fallen out of favour with manager Claudio Ranieri.

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce is chasing Hadjuk Split's highly rated Bosnian midfielder Senijad Ibricic for a second time.

Dynamo Moscow want to sign Liverpool's Israeli midfielder Yossi Benayoun and are prepared to pay £7m for the 29-year-old.

Zimbabwe striker Benjani, 31, is set to complete his £3m move from Manchester City to West Ham on Monday. (Daily Mirror)

Villarreal's Argentine striker Marco Ruben, 23, is set to arrive in England on Monday to clinch a £7m switch to Wigan Athletic.

Everton boss David Moyes has confirmed he would be interested in signing AC Milan's Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar if he became available.

While Everton look at ways to raise Huntelaar's £65,000-a-week wages, the Dutchman is also interesting Tottenham, Ars*nal and Liverpool.

Turkish giants Galatasaray are on the brink of agreeing a deal to sign Tottenham's Mexican forward Giovani dos Santos on loan. (The Times)

Manchester United are set to make Wayne Rooney their highest-paid player on £150,000 a week to fend off interest from Spanish sides Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Rooney, who scored four times in the win over Hull on Saturday, will shred England boss Fabio Capello's nerves by refusing a break between now and the end of the season.

The Glazer family are planning to spend another £54m of Manchester United's cash to fight their huge debt.

Manchester United defender Gary Neville - who was involved in a spat with Manchester City's Carlos Tevez last week - has added fuel to the fire ahead of their Carling Cup semi-final, second leg on Wednesday by claiming City did not deserve to win the first game at Eastlands.

Portsmouth could anger even more of their fans by naming only three substitutes for Tuesday's Premier League relegation showdown with West Ham.

Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy says he has joined Hamburg from Real Madrid to win back his place in the Holland team before this summer's World Cup in South Africa.

Barcelona's Brazilian right-back Dani Alves, 26, is in talks over an extension to his current deal at the Camp Nou, although Chelsea and Manchester City are monitoring developments.

Although Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks is close to completing the sale of the Texas Rangers baseball team for a fee in excess of $500m (about £310m), none of the proceeds are expected to be ploughed into the Anfield club.

Plans for TV election debates have been thrown into doubt by the Champions League semi-finals. Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg were set to debate on the three Wednesdays before 6 May but Manchester United, Chelsea and Ars*nal could be playing on those nights, causing a scheduling clash.

Transworld - who published Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard's big-selling autobiographies - have won the race to publish the official life story of Manchester United club captain Gary Neville. However, the book will only come out when Neville leaves Old Trafford. (Daily Mail)

[Chelmsford_yid]

Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh says he would prefer to join Ars*nal over Liverpool in the summer. Chamakh's contract with the French club finishes at the end of the season.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Ars*nal midfielder Cesc Fabregas is to reject a new contract at Ars*nal and instead join Spanish side Barcelona.
Full story: Spanish newspaper Sport

Everton striker James Vaughan will be allowed to leave the club on loan this week, with Derby County and Coventry both interested in the 21-year-old.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Portsmouth could be welcoming their fifth owner of a turbulent season after executive director Mark Jacob revealed that "two or three groups" have approached the board.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Sacked England captain John Terry has phoned new skipper Rio Ferdinand to offer the Manchester United defender his support.
Full story: The Sun

A study of more than 100,000 fouls in domestic, European and international football has shown that referees are more likely to penalise taller players than their shorter opponents.
Full story: The Guardian

Robinho made a dream debut on his return to Brazilian team Santos by coming off the bench to score the winning goal against Sao Paulo. Full story: Daily Mail

Joshua, the 13-year-old son of football legend Pele, has started training with Santos, his father's former club and the current team of Robinho. (Daily Mirror)

[Chelmsford_yid]

Stipe Pletikosa's move from Spartak Moscow to Tottenham is back on as the Croatian keeper's knee injury has improved.

Everton manager David Moyes has been on a personal scouting mission to check out Benfica striker Oscar Cardozo, who is also attracting the attention of Tottenham, Aston Villa and Blackburn.
Full story: The Sun

Moyes is also tracking Nuremberg left-back Javire Pinola but faces competition from Stoke for the Argentine. (The Sun)

Strikers Kris Boyd of Rangers and Aiden McGeady of Celtic are on Birmingham's shopping list as boss Alex McLeish looks to strengthen.
Full story: Daily Mail

Striker Jon Stead's move to Coventry from Ipswich has been put on hold because of his pregnant wife.
Full story: The Mirror


The Premier League is considering having play-offs for the final Champions League slot for the clubs that finish fourth to seventh.
Full story: The Guardian

Striker Carlos Tevez is set to miss Manchester City's match against Liverpool on Sunday because he has flown home to Argentina to be by the side of his pregnant partner.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Burnley boss Brian Laws is letting exciting Ecuador winger Fernando Guerrero leave because he does not fit into the club's survival fight.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Fulham are ready to open talks on a new contract for Swedish striker David Elm.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Derby midfielder Robbie Savage has blasted Birmingham's Roger Johnson after the defender told him "I'll be drinking the champagne tonight" after the Blues beat Derby in the FA Cup.
Full story: Daily Mirror

[Chelmsford_yid]

Premier League trio Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City are battling it out along with Spanish duo Real Madrid and Barcelona for Benfica winger Angel Di Maria.
Full story: imscouting.com

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is targeting £3.5m Portsmouth defender Marc Wilson.
Full story: Daily Mail

Manchester United are leading the race to sign QPR's highly rated 15-year-old midfielder Raheem Sterling. Manchester City, Ars*nal and Fulham are also interested in the player.
Full story: Daily Mirror

West Bromwich Albion are tracking Hamilton midfielder James McArthur, with a view to making a £2m summer bid.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Plymouth have joined the race for highly-rated Barnet winger Albert Adomah.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole is facing a £400,000 fine from the Blues after recent headlines concerning the 29-year-old's private life heaped further embarrassment on the club.
Full story: The Times

Alternatively, Cole could be transfer listed by Chelsea following an investigation by the club. Owner Roman Abramovich is understood to be furious at the way Cole's alleged behaviour has damaged the reputation of the club.
Full story: Daily Mail

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has ordered Carlos Tevez to return to England after the striker went AWOL in Argentina. Tevez has missed City's last three matches after he was granted compassionate leave by City for family reasons.
Full story: Daily Mirror

AC Milan manager Leonardo offered to quit following the club's 3-2 home defeat by Manchester United in the Champions League last week.
Full story: Daily Mail

QPR expect to name Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock as their new manager this week. Former Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has been lined up to replace Warnock at Selhurst Park.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney's younger brother John has landed a week-long trial at Derby.
Full story: Daily Mail

The Football Association has played down concerns over England's unfinished World Cup base in Rustenburg. England manager Fabio Capello and FA officials have flown over to inspect the £20m hotel and training complex before approving the site for use by the national squad this summer.
Full story: The Times

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce says that the next four home games will decide if they are to face a relegation scrap at the end of the season. The struggling Black Cats host Fulham, Bolton, Birmingham and Manchester City with a trip to Aston Villa in between.
Full story: The Sun

Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo is distraught about the catastrophic floods that have killed 32 people in his native Madeira and has pledged to help the devastated island.
Full story: Daily Mail

Hull manager Phil Brown says he was so angry with his side's 3-0 defeat at West Ham he cancelled a scheduled appearance on Sky's Goals on Sunday programme so he could read the riot act to his players.
Full story: The Sun

[Chelmsford_yid]

Chelsea have lined up Portugal and Benfica left-back Fabio Coentrao, 22, as a potential replacement for Ashley Cole - if the England defender moves to Real Madrid.
Full story: the Sun
Manchester City want Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko, 24, to bolster their forward line but have baulked at the £34m asking price. However, a player-plus-cash deal involving Roque Santa Cruz could be one option. (Daily Telegraph)
 
Midfielder Dan Gosling, who has left Everton for nothing having only been offered a verbal contract, looks set to join Newcastle. However, the Toffees are still hopeful of securing £4m in compensation for the England Under-21 international.
Full story: Daily Mirror
West Brom are keen to sign Swedish striker Marcus Berg on a season-long loan deal from Hamburg, although the German side are demanding a "substantial" fee. The Baggies are also keen on Liverpool forward David Ngog following their return to the Premier League. (Daily Express)
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed he wants to sign Brazil playmaker Kaka from Real Madrid - but admits there is only a slim chance of the move actually happening.
Full story: Daily Mail
Fulham will be rebuffed in any attempt to sign goalkeeper Joe Hart from Manchester City. The England international had been considered as a replacement for Ars*nal-bound Mark Schwarzer but City have made it clear they will not entertain a bid to take Hart either on loan or in a permanent deal.
Full story: Daily Mail
Ars*nal manager Arsene Wenger rejected the chance to meet with Barcelona in South Africa to discuss the potential transfer of Gunners midfielder Cesc Fabregas.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Stoke City are willing to spend £7m to sign defender Maynor Figueroa from Wigan but they face competition from Liverpool for the 27-year-old.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Nice forward Loic Remy is still a West Ham target but the Hammers would have to pay £12m for the 23-year-old having reportedly offered £11m earlier this month.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Portsmouth midfielder Papa Bouba Diop is likely to leave Fratton Park for AEK Athens in a £3.5m deal. (the Guardian)
 
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres could miss the first month of the season after appearing to injure his hamstring during Spain's World Cup final win over the Netherlands on Sunday. Torres had only recently returned to fitness following a knee injury. (the Sun)
And any injury could scupper a potential £50m summer move to Premier League champions Chelsea. (Daily Telegraph)
 
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp fears the new season could be centre-back Jonathan Woodgate's last as a player. The 30-year-old has been beset by injury problems during his career and made only three appearances last season - the last of which being in November's 9-1 thrashing of Wigan.
Full story: Daily Star
Paul Simpson is set to be named League Two club Stockport County's new manager this week. Simpson, 43, has been out of work since being sacked by Shrewsbury in April. (Daily Express)
 
A Spanish fan wearing an anti-racism T-shirt tried to grab the World Cup trophy moments before players walked out for the start of the match.
Full story: Daily Mirror

[Chelmsford_yid]

Liverpool are hopeful their £90,000-a-week offer to England midfielder Joe Cole will be enough to persuade him to turn down rival suitors Tottenham.
Full story: The Guardian
Cole is expected to make a decision on where he will resume his club career in the next 48 hours, while his former manager at Chelsea, Carlo Ancelotti, claims the reason for his Stamford Bridge departure this summer was "economic".
Full story: Daily Mail
European champions Inter Milan are considering a move for Everton's South African midfielder Steven Pienaar.
Full story: Daily Mail
Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk are closing in on a £6m deal for Ars*nal's Croatian striker Eduardo.
Full story: Daily Mail
Former Ars*nal and Everton forward Francis Jeffers will have a trial with Premier League newcomers Blackpool this week after being released by Sheffield Wednesday at the end of last season.
Full story: Daily Mail
 
Spanish World Cup winner Carles Puyol has called on Ars*nal to show midfielder Cesc Fabregas some respect by allowing him to join him at Barcelona. "I have just spent six weeks with him and there is only one club he wants to be at," said Puyol.
Full story: The Sun
Puyol's Spain and Barca team-mate Gerard Pique believes his former Old Trafford team-mate Wayne Rooney will bounce back from his disappointing World Cup with England by inspiring Manchester United to the Premier League title next year.
Full story: The Star

[Chelmsford_yid]

England midfielder James Milner, who is being courted by Manchester City, will hold talks with Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill on Monday over his future.
Full story: the Guardian
Villa boss O'Neill fears he may also lose £30m-rated winger Ashley Young, who could be a target for Tottenham this summer. (The Daily Mirror)
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is set to reveal that Chelsea defender Ashley Cole is at the top of his wish list of new signings. (The Sun)
However, Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has reassured fans by insisting that Cole will not be swapping Stamford Bridge for Spain this season. (The Daily Telegraph)
Midfielder Stephen Ireland is on his way out of Manchester City after a bust-up with boss Roberto Mancini on the club's trip to New York.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Meanwhile, Mancini has not given up hope of signing £50m-rated Liverpool striker Fernando Torres.
Full story: Daily Mirror
However, fellow Liverpool striker David Ngog is putting off potential suitors with his £2m-a-year wages.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce has closed the door on any prospective move by Turkish club Galatasaray for Australian midfielder Brett Emerton.
Full story: Daily Mail
Meanwhile, Allardyce is ready to hold talks with 18-year-old Brazilian midfielder Henrique Haygnner Celestine, who currently plays for Pacos de Ferreira in Portugal. (The Daily Mirror)

Blackpool and Sunderland are competing to sign Manchester United's teenage striker Danny Welbeck on a loan deal.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Newcastle hope to sign Marseille winger Hatem Ben Arfa on loan.
Full story: Daily Telegraph
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp intends to name Robbie Keane in his 25-man Premier League squad, despite persistent speculation that the Republic of Ireland striker will be allowed to leave White Hart Lane.
Full story: Daily Telegraph
Spanish side Hercules have made a move for Sunderland keeper Marton Fulop, while Black Cats boss Steve Bruce is running the rule over Marseille left-back Taye Taiwo. (The Times)
 
Jimmy Bullard is being left out of all of Hull's pre-season matches because the club, who want to offload him, do not want the midfielder to pick up an injury.
Full story: Daily Mail
Manchester United winger Nani has been playing with a permanent toe problem that he picked up when he was playing barefoot on the streets in Portugal as a 14-year-old. (The Sun)
Everton's veteran defender Sylvain Distan has urged the Toffees to fend off bids for Phil Jagielka as Ars*nal boss Arsene Wenger looks set to up his efforts to land the defender with a £16m bid. (The Daily Star)
Bolton's new forward Robbie Blake has his fingers crossed that manager Owen Coyle can land striker David Nugent from Portsmouth and believed his arrival would boost the Trotters front line. (Various)
Birmingham City have not given up on Crystal Palace defender Nathaniel Clyne and are preparing a fourth bid for the 19-year-old, which is thought to be in the region of £2.5m. (Daily Mirror)
 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was hoping to duet with Sir Paul McCartney when the former Beatle played in Kansas City. "A few of us are going tonight. I'm singing with him," joked Fergie, whose team are staying in the same hotel as McCartney. (The Daily Mail)

[Chelmsford_yid]

Ars*nal manager Arsene Wenger will try to sign Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given after being warned off his team-mate Joe Hart.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is keeping tabs on Steven Pienaar's situation at Everton and is preparing an offer for the midfielder, who has yet to be offered a new contract by the Toffees.
Full story: Daily Mail
Manchester United are planning a last-gasp bid to snatch Aston Villa midfielder James Milner from underneath the noses of their neighbours Manchester City.
Full story: caughtoffside.com
The Old Trafford side are also mulling over a move for Werder Bremen midfielder Mesut Ozil, who could be available for a cut-price £13.5m because he is in the last year of his contract.
Full story: the Guardian
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is ready to offload striker Peter Crouch, with Lyon frontman Loic Remy issuing a come-and-get-me plea to Spurs.
Full story: Daily Mail
Barcelona midfielder Xavi insists Cesc Fabregas's stay at Ars*nal could only be temporary. The Gunners captain, subject to speculation regarding a move to the Nou Camp, revealed last week he would remain at the Emirates. Xavi said: "We've given up on the idea of him arriving now but maybe he'll come in January when Ars*nal are out of the Premier League race. They can't just hold him against his will."
Full story: IM Scouting
Queens Park Rangers are the latest club to be linked with striker Marlon King, currently looking for employment after serving nine months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman in a London bar.
Full story: Daily Mail
Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is targeting former Ars*nal midfield star Alexander Hleb, who has been told he has not got a future at Barcelona.
Full story: caughtoffside.com
Blackburn are trying to tie up a deal for Fenerbahce's £5m-rated Spain striker Dani Guiza.
Full story: Daily Mail
Newcastle boss Chris Hughton is considering a move for Portsmouth midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng
 
The build-up to England's midweek friendly against Hungary has an element of farce to it. Paul Robinson and Wes Brown retired from internationals after being named in the squad, 'injured' Michael Carrick played for Manchester United in the Community Shield match against Chelsea and Ashley Cole inadvertently snubbed the offer of a handshake from England boss Fabio Capello after that game at Wembley.
Full story: Daily Mail
Sir Alex Ferguson has apologised for Carrick's appearance in the Community Shield two days after declaring the Manchester United midfielder was injured. The United manager said: "The minute he said he wanted to play we had to play him, simply because he needs game time." England manager Capello, who left Carrick out of England's squad to face Hungary, appeared to ask the player after United's Shield win over Chelsea why he had not telephoned him.
Full story: Daily Mirror
 
So why is Manchester United's Javier Hernandez known as 'little pea'? The father of Mexico's young striker was known as 'el chicharo' (the pea) for his green eyes.
Full story: Daily Mail

[Chelmsford_yid]

Argentina legend Diego Maradona is lining up a move to become Aston Villa's next manager following Martin O'Neill's departure.
Full story: Daily Mail
Maradona's European spokesman Walter Soriano said the 1986 World Cup winner "loves the English countryside" and if Villa owner Randy Lerner made a serious offer the American would "get a positive response".
Full story: the Sun
Chelsea are considering a renewed bid for Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and will offer about £4.5m.
Full story: Daily Mail
Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy could sign for Championship club Cardiff in a bid to end his Eastlands misery after he was given permission to train with his home-town club.
Full story: Daily Mail
Wales international Bellamy has been told he is no longer welcome at City's training ground.
Full story: the Guardian
However, Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp remains hopeful of persuading Bellamy to move to White Hart Lane.
Full story: Daily Mirror
But Redknapp has been warned to stay away from Scott Parker, who has been offered a new five-year contract by West Ham. Hammers chairman David Sullivan said he would report the north London club if they continue their pursuit of the midfielder.
Full story: Daily Mail
Schalke are hoping the presence of Raul will help persuade Manchester City striker Robinho to join his former Real Madrid strike partner at the German club.
Full story: Inside Futbol.com
Newcastle are ready to thwart Fulham's bid for Algerian defender Rafik Halliche, although the 23-year-old is due at Craven Cottage for a medical ahead of a £1.3m move from Benfica.
Full story: Daily Mail
Newcastle target Hatem Ben Arfa has accused Marseille of treating him like a "slave" after refusing to allow the France international midfielder to join the Magpies on loan. (the Times)
Blackburn are giving a trial to 26-year-old Colombian striker Edixon Perea Valencia, who is a free agent after his contract ran out at Brazilian club Gremio.
Full story: Daily Mail
Rovers boss Sam Allardyce is also keen on Toulouse striker Xavier Pentegote, although he suffered a knee injury at the weekend.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Birmingham are close to bringing Matt Derbyshire back to English football on loan from Greek club Olympiakos.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Liverpool are weighing up a £5m move for PSV Eindhoven's Sweden forward Ola Toivonen.
Full story: Daily Mail
Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic looks set to join Italian club Bologna on loan.
Full story: IM Scouting.com
 
Wigan will hit Charles N'Zogbia with a maximum £70,000 fine after he stormed out of training on Friday and missed Saturday's opening day defeat by Blackpool.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Frenchman N'Zogbia has since gone on strike, a decision that is likely to speed up his exit from the DW Stadium. Birmingham have tabled an £8m bid for the winger, although Wigan are holding out for more.
Full story: the Sun
Michael Owen says he has become a different style of striker since joining Manchester United and still believes he has "four or five years at the top".
Full story: the Sun
Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole has been defended by manager Roy Hodgson and Ars*nal boss Arsene Wenger after being sent off on his league debut for the Merseysiders against the Gunners.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Sheffield United are ready to offer former Wales midfielder Gary Speed his first job in management after the shock sacking of Kevin Blackwell.
Full story: Daily Mail