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TRANSFER GOSSIP

Liverpool are the leading contenders to sign Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez and are preparing a deal worth £50m to land the Argentine.

Tottenham had been set to offer £18m to land the 25-year-old but have been priced out of the market for Tevez.

Instead, Spurs boss Harry Redknapp will concentrate on securing the signing of Sunderland forward Kenwyne Jones.

Jones has conceded he will leave Sunderland if the club are relegated to the Championship this weekend.

It is not known if Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor will remain at the club after his agent conceded he had "no clue" about the 25-year-old's future.

Barcelona are preparing a sensational £20m move for Chelsea and England left-back Ashley Cole.

Tottenham are interested in signing Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.

Wigan are set to lose midfield duo Antonio Valencia and Paul Scharner in the summer.

Real Madrid are favourites to land Valencia, although the Ecuador midfielder has told friends he would prefer to join Manchester United.

Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari will reject a summer move to Tottenham.

Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz is set to join Manchester City in a move that could result in young forward Daniel Sturridge moving the other way.

Manchester City are also interested in Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan and are preparing an £18m deal for the Uruguay forward.

West Ham defender Lucas Neill is a target for Greek side Olympiakos.

The Hammers are set to loan out promising young striker Freddie Sears next season. (Daily Express)

Blackburn are lining up a £1.5m bid for Paris St Germain winger Jerome Rothen. (The Sun)

Benfica are interested in taking Chelsea centre-half Ricardo Carvalho back to Portugal. (Daily Express)

Tottenham are tracking Lazio forward Goran Pandev, who is also wanted by German club Hamburg. (The Times)

Barry Ferguson's agent will speak to Rangers about the midfielder's future after the weekend, with the player already having had talks with West Brom. (The Sun)

Celtic will hold a second round of signing talks with Red Bull Salzburg's £5m-rated striker Marc Janko. (Daily Express)

Yokohama Marinos will receive help from sponsors Nike in their attempt to sign Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura. (Daily Record)

Shunsuke Nakamura will finalise a return to Japan with Yokohama Marinos after Sunday's title showdown. (Daily Mail)

Celtic will this week complete the signing of goalkeeper Dominic Cervi. (Various)

Charlton winger Lloyd Sam is being tracked by Premier League trio Stoke, Wigan and Newcastle. (Daily Mirror)

Reading have ruled out making Stoke striker Dave Kitson's loan move there permanent. (The Sun)

Ipswich manager Roy Keane is lining up a £2m bid for Leicester keeper Joe Mattock. (The Sun)

Swindon will hold out for £2.5m for young striker Simon Cox, who is wanted by both Leicester and Celtic. (Daily Star)

Birmingham have been told they will need to spend £8m to land Doncaster duo Matt Mills and Brian Stock. (Daily Star)

Derby's Scotland winger Kris Commons is a £5m target for Wigan. (The Sun)

Meanwhile, Derby have joined Nottingham Forest in chasing Hibernian defender Rob Jones. (Various)

Swansea and Bristol City are also among the clubs interested in Rob Jones, who will leave Hibs in the summer. (The Sun)

Hibs' squad have pleaded with Rob Jones to remain at Easter Road, with Colchester and Nottingham Forest already having bids rejected for the defender. (Daily Express)

Striker Jermaine Beckford, who has been linked to Premier League clubs, is to have talks about his future at Leeds United. (Daily Star)

Dundee are interested in signing Inverness pair Richie Foran and Brian Kerr. (Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to commit his future to the club following reported interest from Real Madrid.

But the Gunners boss will be given £13m to spend on new players in the summer.

Real Madrid are still hopeful of landing the Frenchman and have given Wenger until Thursday to decide.

Wenger will be handed £100m by Real to spend on new players if he joins the Spanish giants.

Midfielder Stewart Downing is facing six months on the sidelines, scuppering any chance of a dream £12m move to either Liverpool or Tottenham.

Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov is set to reject a summer move and sign a new three-year deal at the club.

Uefa has confirmed that Scotland's runners-up will face two qualifying rounds in the Champions League and will not be seeded in the first round. (Daily Express)

AND FINALLY

Laid-back Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has revealed that pre-match nerves often leave him with a case of the shakes before a game.


Story from BBC SPORT:

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Real Madrid are confident of landing Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso for £23m if Florentino Perez is appointed president again.

Inter Milan are preparing a double-swoop for Chelsea duo Ricardo Carvalho and Jon Mikel Obi and hope to land the pair for £21m.

Meanwhile Chelsea are confident they can hold off the advances of Barcelona and tie left-back Ashley Cole to a new deal.

Manchester United have been warned they face stiff competition to land Wigan winger Antonio Valencia.

Aston Villa are prepared to lose £9m and let Gareth Barry run out the remainder of his contract, rather than sell him to a Premier League rival.

Liverpool are preparing a £10m bid for Portsmouth right-back Glen Johnson. (Daily Star)

However, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez may be prepared to pay as much as £15m for the Portsmouth man.

Middlesbrough will slap a £9m price tag on defender David Wheater if they are relegated to the Championship on Sunday.

Wheater is wanted by Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill who is hopeful of landing the centre-back for £7m. (Daily Star)

Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko has been assured he has a future at the club. (Daily Express)

Chelsea are leading the chase for Wolfsburg's £6m-rated striker Edin Dzeko. (Daily Mirror)

Olympiakos are set to offer Blackburn £2m for striker Matt Derbyshire, who is on loan at the Greek side. (Daily Mirror)

Joseph Yobo looks set to leave Everton after turning down a new deal at the club.

Tottenham have joined Wigan, Middlesbrough, West Brom and Celtic in the chase for Hibernian striker Steven Fletcher. (Scottish Daily Mail)

Celtic outcast Bobo Balde has agreed to try and win a move to Birmingham City.

Guinea international Balde must prove his fitness and desire during a trial period if he wants a move to Birmingham. (Scottish Sun)

Palermo lead the race to take Massimo Donati back to Italy from an unhappy spell at Celtic. (Various)

Lazio have been linked with a move for Rangers playmaker Pedro Mendes. (Daily Express)

Kilmarnock aim to sign former St Johnstone striker Keigan Parker from Huddersfield. (Scottish Sun)

Motherwell midfielder Stephen Hughes is wanted by Hearts, Nottingham Forest and Derby, while Plymouth are keeping an eye on Fir Park loan star Maros Klimpl. (Daily Express)

West Brom manager Tony Mowbray is bidding to land Hibs skipper Rob Jones after signing the giant defender for the Easter Road club three years ago. (Daily Express)

Hibs have joined the list of clubs chasing Livingston's teenage striker Leigh Griffiths. (various)

Meanwhile, Dundee have had a £300,000 offer for Griffiths rejected by Livingston. (Daily Express)

Dundee have reopened talks with Partick Thistle about signing midfielder Gary Harkins. (Daily Record)

St Johnstone are after Dunfermline goalkeeper Paul Gallacher but may face competition from Hibs. (Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP

Chelsea are set to confirm AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti as their new manager as early as next week. (Daily Star)

Celtic want David Moyes to become their new manager next season.

Alan Shearer has given the strongest hint yet that he will stay on as Newcastle manager, even if the club are relegated on Sunday.

However, assistant manager Iain Dowie has cast doubt over Shearer's long-term involvement at the club. (The Telegraph)

Hull striker Dean Windass is set to land a role as player-coach, alongside Colin Todd, at League Two side Darlington. (Daily Mirror)

Exeter boss Paul Tisdale has emerged as the leading contender to replace Steve Coppell as Reading manager. (The Sun)

Newcastle coach Colin Calderwood is on the short-list to become the new Chesterfield manager. (Daily Mirror)

Falkirk boss John Hughes is the leading contender for the Blackpool job, while Ayr United's Brian Reid is also in the running.

AND FINALLY

Former world player of the year Luis Figo is considering an offer to play in the Chinese Super League. (Chinese sports newspaper Titan Sports)



Story from BBC SPORT:

Personally, I would hate to see Xabi go.

I also read that Riera's departure is a foregone conclusion. That one has me scratching my head. I thought he was the lone bright spot in the middle of the season.

What ever happened to all the stories linking LFC with a move for David Villa? Is that still a possibility?

This post has been edited by Redyankee on May 21, 2009 12:43 pm

Totally agree on this Xabi has been on a Gareth Barry bashing run since the deal with AV went tits up and has carried the team thru the games when Stevie and Nando have been out injured.
Unfortunately I can see the £23 mil being more of an issue tbh.

Albert has been a bit hit or miss this season in my opinion but has had slightly more better games than bad ones and could be a bigger loss than asset.

I have said before that we should forget Tevez and get David Villa for probably less money.

My wish list:

OUT:
Dossena
El Zahr
Pennant

IN
D. Villa (which might make Kuyt or Babbel surplus)
G. Barry (Particularly if Xabi moves)
Another defensive midfielder (to spell Mascherano when he gets suspended from time to time )



This post has been edited by Redyankee on May 21, 2009 03:06 pm

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea will bid £22m in the summer for Inter Milan's Brazilian defender Douglas Maicon, a player wanted by the club's probable new manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Tottenham and Liverpool are battling it out for the chance to buy Portsmouth and England right-back Glen Johnson.

Arsenal are preparing a £15m move for Fulham defender Brede Hangeland.

But the Gunners are set to cash in on striker Emmanuel Adebayor with the Togo international unhappy with fans' criticism of his performances. Chelsea, Inter Milan and AC Milan are possible buyers.

Aston Villa and Birmingham are leading the chase for Anderlecht midfielder Lucas Biglia, who is rated at £8m.(The Sun)

West Ham are willing to sell injury-prone striker Dean Ashton over the summer and are hoping that Newcastle or Aston Villa might revive their previous interest.

Birmingham are looking to land Derby pair Kris Commons and Giles Barnes as Alex McLeish prepares for the Blues' return to the top flight.

Aston Villa defender Zat Knight could cross the city to join up with McLeish's newly-promoted side.

Newcastle defender Sebastien Bassong has warned the Magpies that he will seek a transfer should the club drop into the Championship. (The Times)

Giant Hibernian defender Rob Jones is being tracked by a host of English clubs including Bristol City, Derby, Leeds, Swansea, West Brom and Nottingham Forest - with Forest lining up a £1m bid.

Dundee United have agreed a pre-contract deal with Huddersfield striker Danny Cadamarteri. (Various)

Wigan manager Steve Bruce has shelved plans to swoop for £4m-rated Hibernian striker Steven Fletcher. (Daily Express)

OTHER GOSSIP

Carlos Tevez's future at Manchester United is looking bleak with the Argentine, as well as fellow forward Dimitar Berbatov, set to be left on the bench for the Champions League final next week.

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has been cleared by the Football Association in his spitting row with Hull assistant manager Brian Horton.

Sunderland will offer former Tottenham boss Martin Jol the manager's job at the Stadium of Light in the summer.

Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho has predicted that AC Milan counterpart Carlo Ancelotti will switch to Chelsea for next season.

Chelsea have cancelled plans for an FA Cup victory parade, citing the credit crunch.

Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson is holding off signing a new contract as he is undecided over his long-term future.

Everton centre-back Joseph Yobo is poised to sign a new five-year deal to stay at Goodison Park after ironing out problems from his initial negotiations with the club.

England's 2018 World Cup bid has been criticised by Fifa vice-president Jack Warner after a British National Party councillor was invited to its Wembley launch.

AND FINALLY

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is backing Barcelona, the club where he started his career, rather than Manchester United in the Champions League final.

"I want the Spanish side to win and I don't want our closest rivals to collect another title," he said. (The Independent)

Manchester United fans have been given special dispensation by Uefa to create a mosaic tribute to former boss Sir Matt Busby ahead of the Champions League final kick-off in Rome. (Various)

Story from BBC SPORT:

I'm off to Swansea in about 2 hours time and i'm gonna print this out and see what the jack bastards feel about their new found english status....if i'm not back by monday blame the bbc.

It's official...he's a scouser.

It's official...he's a scouser.

No No No .....he aint from Liverpool so can't be.

But I have to admit it is my favourite bit of the transfer news today.

It's official...he's a scouser.

No No No .....he aint from Liverpool so can't be.

...just like every Manc is from Manchester.

It's official...he's a scouser.

No No No .....he aint from Liverpool so can't be.

...just like every Manc is from Manchester.

Exactly..
Like every Gooner, Yiddo or Ammer aint from Cock Knee Land either.

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United chief executive David Gill says the club are ready to pay the £25.5m required to secure the future of forward Carlos Tevez. (Various)

Liverpool winger Ryan Babel is the first high-profile player to be told he can leave Anfield over the summer.

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho will raid his former club Chelsea to land defender Ricardo Carvalho and midfielder Deco. (Daily Mirror)

AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti says he could become Chelsea manager as early as next week if the Italian club do not want to keep him. He has also told Blues owner Roman Abramovich that he wants to sign two midfielders - Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery and Xabi Alonso of Liverpool.

Manchester United's Ryan Giggs has begged fellow winger Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Old Trafford after the Portuguese international told close friends that the Champions League final would be his last game for the club.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is poised to revive his interest in Middlesbrough defender David Wheater as Boro look to trim their squad following their relegation to the Championship. (Daily Telegraph)

Bolton are ready to bid £3m for Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin.

Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos says he does not want to return to London following his loan spell at AC Milan. (Daily Mirror)

West Brom midfielder Robert Koren is a target for Birmingham. (The Sun)

Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who has been strongly linked with a move abroad this summer, says he is happy to stay with the Gunners.

Centre-back Brede Hangeland is preparing to snub Arsenal and commit his future to Fulham. (The Sun)

OTHER GOSSIP

Celtic want Burnley manager Owen Coyle to replace Gordon Strachan, and will approach the newly-promoted Premier League side for permission to speak to the Scot. Dundee United boss Craig Levein and West Brom's Tony Mowbray are also in the frame.

However, West Brom insist that manager Tony Mowbray will in charge next season, despite their relegation from the Premier League.

Alan Shearer has indicated to Newcastle's players that he will be their permanent manager when pre-season training begins in July.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has told Sunderland that he wants £5m in compensation for Lactics manager Steve Bruce.

The future of Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell has been placed in further doubt after he revealed that there will be a huge clear-out at Bramall Lane.

And Blackwell is one of the names linked with the manager's job at QPR. (Daily Mirror)

Portsmouth are expected to confirm Paul Hart as their permanent manager this week. (The Times)

Reading have asked Preston for permission to speak to manager Alan Irvine about taking over at the Madejski Stadium. (Daily Mirror)

AND FINALLY

If AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti does take over at Chelsea, it could be as entertaining as Jose Mourinho's spell at Stamford Bridge - if his autobiography is anything to go by. Here is a little excerpt: "The manager of Milan is on a secret mission - I am like 007 on my own. Sat behind a driver with the face of a killer. More than a taxi, this is like a time machine, from Milanello to Stamford Bridge, from yesterday to tomorrow, from one devil (AC Milan) to another (Chelsea)." (Various)
Story from BBC SPORT:

5 million is a lot.
They could secure an entire coaching staff of similar quality for less than $30.00:
Coaching Staff

Now that's funny!

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea are in talks to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery for £43m. Manchester United also want the 26-year-old French international as a potential replacement for winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

Chelsea may be forced to pay a British transfer record of £45m if they are to land Ribery.

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho is planning an £8m move for Manchester City's Brazilian midfielder Elano.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has lined up Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez as a long-term replacement for Xabi Alonso. Bilbao want £10m for the 20-year-old.

Aston Villa have inquired about midfielder David Bentley's future at Tottenham.

Wolves are lining up a £3m move for Red Star Belgrade's Serbia midfielder Nenad Milijas. The 26-year-old is also wanted by CSKA Moscow and Roma.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is considering a swoop for two Wigan players - midfielder Michael Brown and defender Emmerson Boyce.

Nancy striker Marc-Antoine Fortune is weighing up an offer from Portsmouth after spending the end of last season on loan at West Bromwich Albion.

Stoke will offer midfielder Liam Lawrence a bumper new contract to ward off interest from Portsmouth.

Bolton and Blackburn are fighting it out for Villarreal's Chile international Matias Fernandez. The 23-year-old midfielder will make a decision once the Spanish season ends at the weekend.

Blackburn striker Matt Derbyshire has conceded he is ready to make his loan move to Olympiakos a permanent one. The Greek side are lining up a £3m bid for the 23-year-old.

And Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce is ready to raid Marseille for Argentine defender Renato Civelli.

Hull are weighing up a move for former Manchester United midfielder Liam Miller, 28, after he was released by QPR.

Arsenal are set to sign Cheltenham's 15-year-old prodigy Jamie Edge for a basic fee of £100,000. Midfielder Edge chose Arsenal over Manchester United.

Middlesbrough have put winger Stewart Downing up for sale but only to a top-four club.

Derby have had a £400,000 bid rejected for Blackpool defender Shaun Barker.

Derby have even offered striker Liam Dickinson to Blackpool along with £400,000 to try to snare 26-year-old Barker.

Rangers manager Walter Smith is planning a £3m move for West Bromwich Albion striker Chris Brunt. The 24-year-old is a boyhood fan of the Glasgow club.

Inverness winger Filipe Morais will quit the relegated club. The 23-year-old is weighing up offers from the SPL and England.

OTHER GOSSIP

Wigan will look to Swansea boss Roberto Martinez if Sunderland agree to pay the £5m in compensation to take Latics manager Steve Bruce to the Stadium of Light.

Alan Shearer, who is set to become the permanent manager of Newcastle, is playing hardball with Magpies owner Mike Ashley over a £15m to £20m transfer pot for next season.

Arsenal forward Robin Van Persie is stalling on a contract extension at the Emirates.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez plans to shake up his backroom staff by replacing four coaches. Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish is tipped for an advisory role, while former Reds midfielder Gary McAllister could come in as a coach.

AFC Wimbledon are planning a multi-million pound move back to Plough Lane. The club, who have been promoted to the Blue Square Premier, want to develop Wimbledon greyhound stadium.

AND FINALLY

Bristol City's ground is set to become a Tesco store. The club will raise £20m from the sale of Ashton Gate to put towards the cost of a new 30,000 all-seater stadium at Ashton Vale.

Story from BBC SPORT:

BREAKING GOSSIP

1632: Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has told Radio La Red in Argentina that he wants the Anfield club to sign his national team-mate Carlos Tevez from Manchester United.

1545: The agent of striker Marc-Antoine Fortune, who spent the second half of this season on loan at West Brom from Nancy, has told the Express & Star newspaper that both Wolves and Fulham are interested in signing him.
(Full story: The Express & Star)

1511: Marseille striker Djibril Cisse is free to go on loan to another Premier League club, having played for Sunderland this season, sporting director Jose Anigo tells La Provence newspaper.

0955: Bayern Munich tell BBC Sport there has been no approach for Franck Ribery and he wants to stay at the club. "He is contracted until 2011 and we want to extend his deal," said a spokesperson.

Torres agrees new Liverpool deal


Striker Fernando Torres has signed a contract extension with Liverpool until 2013, the club has confirmed.

The 25-year-old has been a huge success since joining from Atletico Madrid two years ago and scored his 50th goal for the Reds on Sunday against Tottenham.

The Spanish international still had four years remaining on his original six-year contract.

But Liverpool have offered him improved terms and added an option to take the deal through to 2014.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said: "Fernando is one of the best strikers in the game today and, at his age, can only get better.

"Every major side would want him in their team, but he has shown how much he wants to achieve success at Liverpool by committing his future to the club.

"He's a special talent but still has the hunger to improve his game."

Benitez is looking to secure the futures of his key players after watching them push Manchester United all the way in the title race this season before settling for second place.

Dirk Kuyt, Daniel Agger, Steven Gerrard and Benitez himself have already signed new contracts in the last two months.

"We've made huge progress this season and now we need to take the next step," Benitez added on the club's website.

"We are building something special here and securing such important players on long-term deals means we can move forward with confidence.

"This sends out a very positive message to everyone connected with the club."

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to throw Manchester United into turmoil and demand a move out of Old Trafford. The 24-year-old forward is a £50m target for Real Madrid.

Although Ronaldo will go on holiday before making a decision on his United future.

However the prospect of Ronaldo joining Real Madrid may have receded with the Spanish side opting for the £40m signature of Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery.

In fact, Real Madrid will reject Ronaldo this summer as club president elect Florentino Perez has targeted Milan forward Kaka and Ribery instead.

Ribery was Chelsea boss-in-waiting Carlo Ancelotti's first-choice summer signing but the Blues have lost out to Real Madrid. Ancelotti may look to CSKA Moscow's Russian left-back Yuri Zhirkov.

Chelsea have been told they will need to put up £20m for AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo. Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti is keen to take the 30-year-old to Stamford Bridge when he is named Chelsea boss next week.

If Manchester United do not complete the permanent signing of Argentine striker Carlos Tevez this summer they will turn their attentions to Lyon striker Karim Benzema and Wigan's Antonio Valencia.

Manchester City and Liverpool are among five clubs who are willing to meet the £25m price tag for Tevez.

Tevez said a tearful goodbye to his Manchester United team-mates before leaving Rome alone after the Champions League final.

Paul Scholes must decide if the Champions League final is to be his final game for Manchester United. Stoke want the 34-year-old midfielder as a player-coach.

Sir Alex Ferguson may ditch Nani and Ji-Sung Park as the Manchester United boss reshapes his squad while Polish goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak will also leave this summer. (Daily Mirror)

Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry is holding out for a summer move to Arsenal. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is considering a £12m bid for the 28-year-old.

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson will try to bolster his defence by moving for AC Milan defender Digao, the younger brother of Brazilian forward Kaka. The 23-year-old has been on loan at Standard Liege. (Daily Mirror)

Bolton are lining up a £6m bid for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Miguel Veloso.

Portsmouth defender Djimi Traore hopes to make his loan move to Birmingham permanent. (Daily Star)

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has lined up a £2m bid for 20-year-old Manchester City striker Ched Evans. (Daily Express)

Portuguese defender Nuno Valente will leave Everton this summer but the 34-year-old will play on for another year elsewhere.

Greek side Panathinaikos have bid £1.5m for Sunderland keeper Marton Fulop. (Daily Star)

Birmingham will step up their pursuit of Middelsbrough's David Wheater, 22, after the £6m-rated defender successfully came through a knee operation. (Daily Star)

Burnley boss Owen Coyle wants to sign Middlesbrough right-back Rhys Williams, who was a big hit during a loan spell with the Clarets. (Daily Mirror)

Middlesbrough utility man Matthew Bates will quit the club as the 22-year-old does not want to play in the Championship. (Daily Mirror)

Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins is being linked with an £8m move to Italian side Fiorentina.

The Magpies have warned the clubs chasing defender Sebastien Bassong that they will not take anything less than £15m for him.

Sheffield United have rejected a £2m bid from Aston Villa for defender Kyle Naughton. The Blades have put a £6m price tag on the full-back. (Daily Express)

West Bromwich Albion winger Chris Brunt is wanted by Rangers in a player-plus-cash deal that could see Barry Ferguson move to the Hawthorns. Brunt, 24, is also being tracked by Fulham.

Huddersfield want to nab Stockport striker Oli Johnson from under the noses of West Brom and Fulham. (Daily Star)

Leeds have joined West Brom, Celtic and Leicester in the battle for Swindon striker Simon Cox. (Daily Star)

Dundee have made a £100,000 take-it-or-leave-it offer for Partick Thistle midfielder Gary Harkins. (Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP

Former England and Mexico boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is favourite to become the new Portsmouth manager.

Alan Shearer is expected to discover today if he will become the permanent manager of Newcastle United.

Wigan manager Steve Bruce will be named Sunderland boss in the next 48 hours.

The Premier League will test out its strengthened fit-and-proper-persons rules on Portsmouth's new owner Sulaiman Al Fahim.

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic wants to be considered for the vacant managerial post at Sunderland. (Daily Star)

AND FINALLY

Everton's Marouane Fellaini believes his lucky hairstyle will help the Toffees defeat Chelsea in the FA Cup final.

The 21-year-old, who cost Everton £15m from Standard Liege last summer, has scored nine goals this season and he's hoping that his Afro-style hair will inspire him to add to that tally on Saturday at Wembley.


Story from BBC SPORT:

Sorry for the lateness of this post
but I was unable to get on TF???


BREAKING GOSSIP

1135 BST: Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness has put a price tag on winger Franck Ribery of "at least 100m euros (£87m)".

"If I hear that there was an offer for 125m euros for Kaka, then Ribery has a market value of at least 100m," said Hoeness. (Bild newspaper)

1130 BST: Former Aberdeen boss Jimmy Calderwood insists he has given no thought to the prospect of replacing Mixu Paatelainen as Hibernian manager. (Press Association)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Everton manager David Moyes wants to offer Newcastle striker Michael Owen a chance to extend his Premier League career.

Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins is set to undergo groin surgery, putting on hold his proposed £7.5m move to Italian side Fiorentina.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is ready to overhaul his squad over the summer with utility player Emmanuel Eboue, striker Emmanuel Adebayor and defender William Gallas the likely departures. (Daily Mirror)

Russia and CSKA Moscow left-back Yuri Zhirkov will join Chelsea this summer for a fee of £18.6m.

West Ham goalkeeper Rob Green has turned down the offer of a new contract, which will alert London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal.

Bolton want to give Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes one final season of first-team football.

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov is questioning his Old Trafford future after being left on the bench for Wednesday's Champions League final. (Daily Mirror)

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas will have worried his bosses in London with comments that it would be a dream to play for Champions League winners Barcelona.

Real Madrid presidential hopeful Florentino Perez has claimed "an agreement" is in place for Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo to join the club. (Various)

Winger Stewart Downing has been told he can leave relegated Middlesbrough, as long as it is not for Tottenham.

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has no intention of leaving the club over the summer, and according to his agent, he wants to honour the three years left on his contract.

New Ipswich boss Roy Keane could make a £500,000 bid for QPR defender Damien Delaney. (Daily Mirror)

OTHER GOSSIP

Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson, son of Manchester United boss Sir Alex, is wanted by Wigan to replace the Sunderland-bound Steve Bruce.

Darren Ferguson is also wanted by Reading but a row over his compensation fee could scupper a move to the Madejski Stadium.

Celtic could make a surprise move for West Ham number two Steve Clarke as they look to fill the managerial vacancy left by Gordon Strachan's departure. (The Sun)

Portsmouth could have problems if prospective new owner Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim wants to appoint a new manager, as Pompey have already agreed terms with caretaker boss Paul Hart.

The consequences of Newcastle's relegation from the Premier League has been brought into stark reality with the news that 120 administrative and commercial staff are set to lose their jobs.

Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner wants to sign a new contract with the club, even though his current deal does not expire until 2012.

The Scottish Football Association has been lambasted over their decision to agree to allow England to field a British team at the London 2012 Olympics.

Former Hearts captain Steven Pressley will hang up his boots after playing Saturday's Scottish Cup Final for Falkirk. (Daily Record)

AND FINALLY

Coverage of the FA Cup final always sees a hefty chunk of nostalgia and this year is no exception. It is 17 years since their popular ITV show came off our screens but 'Saint & Greavsie', former Liverpool forward Ian St John and ex-Tottenham striker Jimmy Greaves, are back on Setanta for a one-off show as part of the build up to the clash between Chelsea and Everton.

The pair are as outspoken as ever and are not too impressed with the football programmes on offer today. "No way as good as ours," says Greaves.


Story from BBC SPORT:

CITY AND LIVERPOOL AGREE TEVEZ FEE



Liverpool and Manchester City have both reportedly agreed to pay the £25m asking price for Carlos Tevez.

Tevez looks certain to leave Manchester United this summer and he has already made it clear that he would prefer to stay in the Premier League.

According to The Times, Real Madrid have also agreed a fee, along with two other unnamed clubs - one in the Premier League and presumed to be Chelsea.

United are stalling on paying the fee agreed prior to Tevez' two-year loan deal, but may be jarred into action by the prospect of Tevez joining Liverpool and helping them challenge for the Premier League title.

Fellow Argentine Javier Mascherano certainly wants to be reunited with Tevez, saying: "I hope we can count on him. He would be great for us. However, it will be a tough fight because so many clubs are interested in him".

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City believe they have won the race to sign Manchester United forward Carlos Tevez and Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry - for a combined fee of £42m.

And City are also lining up a £30m bid for Barcelona's Champions League-winning striker Samuel Eto'o.

Barcelona are poised to offer £40m for Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

Manchester United could bid £15m for Real Madrid striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar as a replacement for Carlos Tevez.

AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti will this week be confirmed as the new manager of FA Cup winners Chelsea, with the club preparing to step up their chase of £50m Atletico Madrid forward Sergio Aguero.

Newcastle defender Steven Taylor is wanted by both Tottenham and West Ham.

Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez says he would like to join Liverpool.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp wants to lure Chelsea winger Joe Cole, who played under him at West Ham, to White Hart Lane.

Chelsea and Liverpool are battling it out for Paris St Germain midfielder Stephane Sessegnon - who is rated at about £12m.

Steve Bruce wants Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch when he takes the manager's job at Sunderland.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is willing to pay £8m for Sunderland midfielder Kieran Richardson.

Fulham are set to make a £5m bid for Standard Liege striker Dieumerci Mbokani.

And Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is also interested in £6m-rated winger Momo, who plays for Spanish side Xerez CD. (The People)

Beaten FA Cup finalists Everton have been tracking Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic.

Liverpool's players have told manager Rafael Benitez that he should bring Newcastle striker Michael Owen back to Anfield.

Newcastle defender Jose Enrique says he wants to stay at the relegated club.

Stoke sent scouts to the Republic of Ireland match this week, in order to watch Nigeria full-back Chibuzor Okonkwo.

And Stoke boss Tony Pulis is closing in on the signing of Real Mallorca striker Juan Arango.

Everton are leading the race for Leeds United's £7m-rated midfielder Fabian Delph.

Manchester United will not let midfielder Paul Scholes leave Old Trafford, despite reported interest from Stoke and Bolton.

Bolton manager Gary Megson has made a £6m offer for Spurs midfielder Tom Huddlestone.

Huddlestone will be part of a mass exodus from Tottenham this summer. The other players up for sale are Didier Zokora, Gareth Bale, David Bentley, Heurelho Gomes, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Darren Bent.

Sunderland's new manager will be encouraged to make a bid for Bent in the summer. (Sunday Express)

Manchester United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak is unhappy he has not had more first-team opportunities at Old Trafford and wants to go out on loan.

Blackburn are facing up to the prospect of losing Benni McCarthy, Stephen Warnock and Chris Samba over the summer.

However, Manchester City defender Tal Ben-Haim is likely to join up with his old boss Sam Allardyce at Blackburn.

Portsmouth duo Peter Crouch and Glen Johnson are not yet willing to commit their futures to the club until they receive assurances from the club's prospective new owner Sulaiman Al Fahim.

Blackburn are tracking Egyptian midfielder Mahmoud Abdel Razek Fadlallah, who is valued at £3.6m by his club Zamalek.

Liverpool are chasing Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson. (Sunday Express)

West Ham midfielder Lee Bowyer is closing in on a free transfer to Birmingham. (News of the World)

Birmingham want Cardiff striker Ross McCormack and Manchester United defender Danny Simpson as they prepare for life in the Premier League.

OTHER GOSSIP

Portsmouth's prospective new owner Sulaiman Al Fahim wants to bring Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp back to Fratton Park.

Manager Alan Shearer's future at Newcastle has been thrown into doubt after owner Mike Ashley put the club up for sale.

England manager Fabio Capello says it was Theo Walcott's decision to play in this summer's European Under-21 Championship - a move which has angered his Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger. (Sunday Express)

Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who is a candidate for the Portsmouth job, is wanted by Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon.

Croatia manager Slaven Bilic has joined Eriksson in the race to become Portsmouth manager.

Paul Jewell is being lined up for a return to Wigan, should manager Steve Bruce move to Sunderland.

Bruce became interested in the Sunderland job when Wigan chairman Dave Whelan told him to cut the club's wage bill by £4m. (The People)

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce is prepared to sign a new contract with the club and will hope that by saving Rovers from relegation, he can negotiate an improved transfer kitty.

QPR have set their sights on Brazilian legend Zico as they look for a new manager, although former Ipswich boss Jim Magilton is favourite to land the job.

Canadian multi-millionaire Jeff Mallett is looking to launching a takeover for Sheffield Wednesday.

West Brom want £1m in compensation should manager Tony Mowbray join Celtic.

AND FINALLY

Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink was certainly a happy man after the FA Cup victory over Everton on Saturday - and who could blame him? After the game, the Dutchman was photographed in the Blues dressing room puffing a large cigar as well as dancing with club owner Roman Abramovich. "Roman was there and he danced with us as well. But, no, he didn't breakdance," said Hiddink. (Various)

Story from BBC SPORT:

BREAKING GOSSIP

1134: Manchester City forward Robinho has dismissed speculation linking him with a return to Brazil with Santos. (Press Association)

1128 BST: Former Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini is the new front-runner for the Portsmouth managerial job. (The Portsmouth News)

1112 BST: Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner looks set to commit himself to a new contract at the club. (telegraph.co.uk)

1105 BST: Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate is to launch an audacious bid to bring Manchester United defender Gary Neville to the Riverside. (gazettelive.co.uk)

1055 BST: Argentine striker Ezequiel Lavezzi wants to remain at Napoli despite reported interest from Liverpool. (Press Association)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United will make a last-ditch attempt to keep striker Carlos Tevez at the club and are willing to pay £25m for the Argentine.

However, Manchester City are leading the race for Tevez and are prepared to pay £30m to land the 25-year-old.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has insisted that Xabi Alonso is a key part of his plans and does not want to sell him. Real Madrid are reportedly interested in the midfielder. (Daily Telegraph)

Birmingham are set to land Ecuador striker Christian Benitez for £6.25m from Mexican club Santos Leguna. (Daily Mirror)

Alex McLeish's Premier League new boys also look set to sign Manchester City keeper Joe Hart on loan. (Daily Mirror)

West Brom are keen on Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson and will bid £1m for the Scotsman. (Daily Mirror)

Winger Glen Little looks set to leave Portsmouth and join Championship side Coventry. (Daily Mirror)

Sheffield United are poised to sell young defender Kyle Naughton and have slapped a £5m price tag on his head. (Daily Mirror)

West Ham captain Lucas Neill looks set to leave the club after turning down a new one-year deal.

And Manchester City now appear favourites to sign Australian defender Neill from the Hammers.

CHELSEA GOSSIP

Former AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti will be given £50m to spend on new players if he takes over at Chelsea.

Chelsea captain John Terry has urged Blues owner Roman Abramovich to bankroll Ancelotti, if the Italian arrives at Stamford Bridge.

Ancelotti could be given up to £100m by Abramovich to spend on new players. (Daily Star)

And captain Terry has urged the Italian to make Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery and Valencia forward David Villa his first signings as Chelsea manager.

Ancelotti's arrival may mean the Chelsea careers of Florent Malouda, Salomon Kalou and Deco will come to an end.

The 49-year-old coach is also lining up Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor and will pay £23m for the front-man.

Ancelotti will hope to bring AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo with him to Stamford Bridge.

The former Italian midfielder is also targeting Atletico Madrid's £50m-rated striker Sergio Aguero.

Ancelotti is keen to appoint Filippo Galli, who was his assistant at AC Milan, as his number two at Stamford Bridge.

However, Ancelotti's Chelsea move could be in doubt after Real Madrid declared their interest in the Italian.

OTHER GOSSIP

Alan Shearer looks set to turn down the chance to become the permanent manager of Newcastle unless owner Mike Ashley can quickly offload the club at a knockdown price. (Daily Express)

Shearer will also have to reduce his financial demands if he is to be installed as Magpies boss.

Sunderland are set to unveil current Wigan manager Steve Bruce as their new boss. (Daily Mirror)

However, Wigan are still holding out on the £3m in compensation they want for Bruce's departure. (Daily Express)

Meanwhile, Sunderland officials have spoken of their puzzlement at claims from former Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini that he has been offered the manager's job at the Stadium of Light.

Wigan owner Dave Whelan wants to replace Bruce with Swansea manager Roberto Martinez. (Daily Mirror)

Former England and Chelsea boss Glenn Hoddle has launched a bid to become the new Celtic manager. (Scottish Sun)

Everton manager David Moyes has denied any interest in joining Celtic but indicated that he was sounded out by his former club. (the Herald)

Former Leyton Orient boss Martin Ling is set for talks this week to become the shock new manager of Hibs. (Daily Express)

Falkirk manager John Hughes is among the front runners for the Hibs job, along with Mark McGhee, Bruce Rioch and Colin Calderwood. (Various)

Hughes will hold talks with Falkirk today, with a view to deciding his future with the Scottish Cup runners-up. (Various)

Falkirk chief George Craig admits it will be hard to deny Hughes the chance to move on to a bigger club but is desperate to keep this manager for one more season. (Daily Record)

AND FINALLY

Chelsea winger Florent Malouda has revealed the secret behind his recent fine form - the removal of his wisdom teeth. (The Independent)

Chelsea players celebrated their Wembley triumph on Saturday with a night out and left the FA Cup in a bin liner. (Daily Star)

Departing Blues manager Guus Hiddink and his partner Liza were each given a £50,000 Rolex Daytona watch by Chelsea players as a thank you. (The Sun)

But Hiddink could be fined £50 after being caught on camera smoking a cigar in Chelsea's Wembley dressing room on Saturday. (Daily Mirror)

Story from BBC SPORT:

Didn't i read somewhere that Shearer is part of a consortium to try and buy Newcastle? did they fall or did he push them?

BREAKING GOSSIP

AC Milan playmaker Kaka insists he wants to stay at the San Siro. Speculation has been rife that the Brazil star, who turned down a move to Manchester City in January, will follow his former coach Carlo Ancelotti to Chelsea. (PA 0948 BST)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

New Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti has made AC Milan's Brazilian striker Pato and Portsmouth defender Glen Johnson his top targets. The Blues have bid £30m for Pato and have offered £12m for their former player Johnson.

AC Milan have hinted it will be hard for them to reject a substantial offer for their Brazilian playmaker Kaka, which could alert Chelsea and Real Madrid.

Everton manager David Moyes is offering Newcastle striker Michael Owen £50,000 a week to make the switch to Goodison Park.

Manchester City's Brazilian forward Robinho has ruled out a summer switch to his homeland club Santos.

Manchester United hope to sign striker Carlos Tevez on a permanent deal on Wednesday - but only on their terms.

Real Madrid will use rookie striker Negredo as bait in a bid for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso - but they will first have to buy back the forward from Almeria.

Birmingham have tabled a club record £6m bid for Santos Laguna's Ecuador striker Christian Benitez but face competition from several other Premier League clubs. (The Sun)

Fulham look set to beat Portsmouth to the signing of Brazilian left-back Felip Lopes, who plays for Portuguese side Nacional. (The Sun)

Tottenham are keen to sell defender Pascal Chimbonda to Blackburn for about £3m as the Londoners chase Marseille utility man Lorik Cana, who is valued at £5m. (Various)

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is keen to bring goalkeeper Paul Robinson back to the club, a year after he was sold to Blackburn. (Daily Star)

Sunderland will make a £5m bid for Wigan defender Titus Bramble, once Steve Bruce is installed as manager. (Daily Star)

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate wants to hand Manchester United defender Gary Neville a lead role in getting Boro back into the Premier League.

Hull boss Phil Brown is eager to sign Newcastle midfielder Kevin Nolan.

Wolves and Birmingham are set to battle for the signature of Bolton defender Danny Shittu. (Daily Mirror)

Bristol City midfielder Marvin Elliott is a £2m target for West Brom but Blackburn and Wolves are also interested. (Various)

Celtic striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink is to return to Holland, after opening signing talks with with PSV Eindhoven and FC Twente. (Daily Record)

The giant Dutch forward is also wanted by new Ajax manager Martin Jol. (Scottish Sun)

Hamilton have denied claims they will lose keeper Tomas Cerny, with Czech side Sigma Olomouc saying they have not received an agreed fee. (Daily Record)

Hamilton will give Clyde's Neil McGregor a rehabilitation deal before tabling a contract for the defender who has suffered from an ankle injury. (Daily Record)

Bristol City are set to offload striker Peter Styvar to Greek side Skoda Xanthi. (Daily Mirror)

Derby boss Nigel Clough is set to sign Exeter midfielder Dean Moxey in a £275,000 deal. (Daily Star)

Charlton are lining up a double defensive swoop, with Southend's Peter Clarke and Miguel Llera of MK Dons the targets. (Daily Star)

Gillingham are set to open talks with Oldham for midfielder Kevin Maher. (Daily Star)

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is keen on signing Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara. (Daily Star)

Leeds United look set to lose midfielder Bradley Johnson to Crystal Palace and forward Robert Snodgrass to Sheffield United. (Daily Mirror)

Dunfermline and Dundee lead the chase to sign Albion Rovers striker Bobby Barr. (Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich picked Italian Carlo Ancelotti as the club's new manager because he wants a yes man in charge. The Russian tycoon plans to be more hands-on at Stamford Bridge than before, deciding which players will come in and are let go.

England coach Fabio Capello has recommended under-21s manager Stuart Pearce for a new improved contract. (The Sun)

Alan Shearer still wants to become Newcastle manager on a permanent basis, despite owner Mike Ashley's sale plans causing meltdown at the club.

Former Aston Villa boss Graham Taylor believes current incumbent Martin O'Neill needs to sign five new players if the club are to challenge for a Champions League spot. (Daily Mirror)

Reading want to offer Watford boss Brendan Rogers their vacant manager's job. (Daily Mirror)

West Ham defender Lucas Neill has hinted he may stay with the club, despite rejecting one offer of a new deal. (The Sun)

Fears are growing for the viability of Setanta's financial commitment to the Scottish Premier League after the broadcaster defaulted on a £3m payment. (The Herald)

Celtic face competition from Wigan and Real Sociedad in their pursuit of Swansea manager Roberto Martinez. (Various)

Wigan may turn to Dundee United's Craig Levein if they miss out on Martinez. (Scottish Sun)

AND FINALLY

Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra has lifted the lid on his team's pampered lifestyle - admitting he even rings someone to rush over and change a lightbulb. Evra says he can call player liaison manager Barry Moorhouse night or day.
Story from BBC SPORT:

BREAKING GOSSIP

Former Portsmouth manager and Arsenal legend Tony Adams has claimed on talkSPORT radio that he is close to becoming the new Celtic boss after entering into talks with the club.

Wolves are set to sign Serbia midfielder Nenad Milijas from Crvena Zvezda, beating off competition from Borussia Monchengladbach, Panathinaikos and a club from Dubai.

Roberto Martinez looks set to ask Swansea for permission to speak to Celtic over their managerial vacancy after apparently expressing interest in the post. (Press Association 1312 BST)

Aston Villa have confirmed that midfielder Gareth Barry is in talks with Manchester City. (Sky Sports 1223 BST)
Full Story

Chelsea have made an approach for AZ Alkmaar's Belgium international midfielder Moussa Dembele, according to the player's agent.

But the Blues' Peruvian forward Claudio Pizarro says he would rather not return to Stamford Bridge following a successful season on loan at Werder Bremen.

New Real Madrid president Florentino Perez believes Cristiano Ronaldo would be the ideal player for the Spanish giants and will not be put off by his hefty price tag. (Press Association 1130 BST)

This post has been edited by Scouserbychoice on June 02, 2009 04:01 pm

Brazilian playmaker Kaka has signed for Real Madrid in a £56m deal, Spanish radio station Cadena Ser reports. (Agence France Presse 1956 BST)

Former Blackburn midfielder Tugay claims he will work as coach at Manchester City next season.

"I made an agreement with Manchester City and will work as a coach," the 38-year-old Tugay told Turkish television station NTV.

"To work there will be a huge step for me. When I feel strong enough, then I will begin to work as a technical director." (Lancashire Evening Telegraph 1716 BST)

BREAKING GOSSIP

1025 GMT: Bayern Munich say winger Franck Ribery will not be sold this summer despite interest from Chelsea and Real Madrid. (Press Association)

1011 GMT: Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-Sung has denied rumours he is to quit the Premier League champions.

1009 GMT: Hull are preparing a bid for Newcastle midfielder Kevin Nolan.

1001 GMT: Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic is definitely staying with the club, ending talk of a move to Inter Milan, according to his agent.

0956 GMT: Hull City are set to reignite their interest in Manchester United striker Fraizer Campbell. (Hull Daily Mail)

0945 BST: Manchester City midfielder Elano has issued a come-and-get-me plea to Serie A champions Inter Milan. (Setanta Sports)

0916 BST: Brazilian club Santos are preparing a bid to bring Manchester City forward Robinho back to the club.

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Barcelona are preparing a £50m bid for Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas but could face competition from Chelsea and Real Madrid. (Daily Star)

Real Madrid have signed AC Milan's Brazilian playmaker Kaka for a world record fee of £62m.

Chelsea had come into the bidding for Kaka but failed with a late bid for the AC Milan forward.

However, Kaka's signature may not yet be completed and Chelsea could yet land the AC Milan forward if they improve on Real's offer. (Daily Star)

If Chelsea do miss out on Kaka then they will prepare a £45m deal for AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato.

Chelsea will also look to sign Manchester City's highly rated 19-year-old striker Daniel Sturridge who is out of contract at Eastlands.

The Blues have also told striker Andriy Shevchenko, who is on loan at AC Milan, that he is needed back at Stamford Bridge next season.

Argentine striker Carlos Tevez is to reject the chance of staying at Manchester United, despite the Premier League champions looking set to meet the £32m asking price.

Manchester City appear to be the favourites to land Tevez, with the 25-year-old's representative Kia Joorabchian claiming his client feels "humiliated" by United.

City will also target Barcelona forward Samuel Eto'o, Everton defender Joleon Lescott and Arsenal centre-back Kolo Toure. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes will also prepare a £15m bid for Didier Drogba, if the Chelsea striker turns down the offer of a new contract.

Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun is ready to commit his long-term future to the club, having said in January he was ready to leave if he continued playing a bit part at the club. (The Sun)

However, Benayoun could yet turn his back on Anfield, with Manchester City, West Ham, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal believed to be interested in the Israeli. (Daily Mail)

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has pleaded with the club to bring Newcastle striker Michael Owen back to Anfield. (Daily Express)

However, Merseyside rivals Everton are weighing up a move for the former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker. (The Times)

But Owen would have to take a 50% pay cut if he joined the losing FA Cup finalists. (Daily Telegraph)

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has launched a £15m bid to sign Valencia forward David Silva. (Daily Mirror)

But the Anfield boss faces a fight to hang on to midfielder Javier Mascherano, who is wanted by Real Madrid. (Daily Mirror)

Despite appearing to have won the race to sign Kaka, Real Madrid will still go after Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo and will pay £75m for the Portugal star.

Steve Bruce will sign Tottenham striker Darren Bent for £10m once he is confirmed as Sunderland manager. (Daily Mirror)

Bruce will be given £50m to spend on new players at the Stadium of Light.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is tracking St Etienne midfielder Blaise Matuidi, who is valued at about £5m. (Daily Mirror)

Bolton are preparing a £6m bid for Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone and are also keen on Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin.

Manchester United reserve goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak is attracting interest from Russian club Zenit St Petersburg. (Daily Mail)

Bolton hope to beat Blackburn to the signature of Portsmouth midfielder Sean Davis.

Portsmouth striker John Utaka is being tracked by French clubs Rennes and Bordeaux. (Daily Star)

Rangers midfielder Pedro Mendes is ready to finish his career at the double winners. (Daily Record)

Celtic star Shunsuke Nakamura is edging closer to a move to Spanish side Espanyol. (Scottish Sun)

Falkirk and St Johnstone are vying for midfielder Richie Foran, who has rejected the chance to stay at Inverness. (Daily Express)

Kilmarnock will move for Donovan Simmonds, who spent five months on loan at Rugby Park, now the striker has been released by Coventry. (Scottish Sun)

Middlesbrough captain Emanuel Pogatetz says he will quit the recently relegated club unless they go straight back up to the Premier League next season.

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough forward Tuncay Sanli is being tracked by Fulham.

Peterborough are leading the chase to sign West Ham striker Freddie Sears on loan. (The Sun)

Sheffield United have joined the chase for transfer-listed striker Jermaine Beckford. (Daily Star)

However, Newcastle United are also keen on £2m-rated Beckford.

OTHER GOSSIP

Former Portsmouth manager Tony Adams has claimed that Celtic are lining him up to become their new boss following Gordon Strachan's departure.

However, Celtic officials have reacted with astonishment to claims by Adams that he'll become their new boss. (Daily Record)

Wim Jansen has firmly denied recommending Tony Adams for the post of Celtic manager, as the former England captain claimed. (Various)

In-demand Swansea manager Roberto Martinez is set to chose Wigan over Celtic. (Scottish Sun)

Steve Bruce will insist that his assistants at Wigan, Eric Black and Nigel Spink, are offered contracts at the Stadium of Light, before he agrees to become Sunderland manager.

Swansea will ask for £3m compensation if manager Roberto Martinez leaves the club. Celtic and Wigan are reportedly interested in the Spaniard. (Daily Mirror)

Port Vale look set to name Micky Adams as their new manager. (Daily Mirror)

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba looks set to commit his future to the Blues and sign a new three-year contract at Chelsea. (Daily Mirror)

Anxious SPL clubs will hold crisis talks about their TV deal with Setanta, with growing fears the plug will be pulled on their £31m-a-year deal. (Daily Record)

Shamrock Rovers boss Michael O'Neill is a serious candidate to take over at his former club Hibernian. (Scotsman)

AND FINALLY

Former Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry has written an open letter to the club's supporters apologising for his departure to Manchester City. (Daily Mirror)
Story from BBC SPORT:

Liverpool are interested in signing Middlesbrough striker Tuncay.

"Yes, I've heard something about that, but nothing official has arrived to me," Tuncay told the Daily Mirror. "Of course I would like to play for a big club.
Source

BREAKING GOSSIP

1032 BST: Aston Villa are targeting Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone as a replacement for Gareth Barry who joined Manchester City on Tuesday. (Birmingham Post)

0912 BST: German side Bayern Munich are preparing a bid for Chelsea right-back Jose Bosingwa. (German newspaper Bild)

0745 BST: Notts County looks set to be taken over by a Middle Eastern consortium in a multi-million pound deal.

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City believe they are close to the £20m signing of Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o.

City are also battling it out with rivals Manchester United for the signature of Argentine forward Carlos Tevez, who has been on a loan deal at Old Trafford.

Tevez will decide in the next seven days where his future lies, after United made a final take-it-or-leave-it offer to the 25-year-old.

Chelsea have made a last-ditch £70m offer for AC Milan forward Kaka.

The Blues are hopeful that Kaka's personal demands may also price Real Madrid out of the market.

However, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has admitted that Madrid are favourites to land the Brazil star.

But new Chelsea manager and former AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti has not given up on signing Kaka and even phoned the Brazilian and begged him not to join Real.

However, Chelsea have denied making a world record £73.5m bid for the Brazilian but say they still expect to make a major signing this summer.

If Chelsea miss out on Kaka then that acquisition could be his AC Milan team-mate Alexandre Pato and will offer £38m for the 19-year-old striker.

However, Chelsea could also go after Samuel Eto'o after he was made available by Barcelona president Joan Laporta.

The Blues are also targeting Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery and Valencia forward David Villa.

Chelsea have opened talks with Portsmouth to sign right-back Glen Johnson in a deal that could be worth £17m.

Blues midfielder Deco is on the verge of a move to Inter Milan on a free transfer.

Arsenal are closing in on the £10m signing of Ajax centre-half Thomas Vermaelen.

The Gunners are keen on Juventus and Italy central defender Giorgio Chiellini. (The Times)

But Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor could be on his way to AC Milan with the Italian side set to bid £15m for the Togo international.

AC Milan and Barcelona are lining up Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic in a £25m deal.

Real Madrid have tabled a £20m bid for unsettled Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are interested in Middlesbrough forward Tuncay.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez has also met with Valencia forward David Silva this week and is keen to bring the Spaniard to Anfield.

The Merseyside club have also offered Portsmouth £2m for defender Sylvain Distin.

Aston Villa have bid £7m for Atletico Madrid midfielder Jose Manuel Jurado.

Villa are also interested in bringing former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb back to the Premier League from Barcelona in a £10m deal.

Newcastle midfielder Kevin Nolan is attracting interest from Bolton, Blackburn and Hull. (The Guardian)

Tottenham defender Chris Gunter is wanted by Newcastle, Middlesbrough and West Brom. (The Guardian)

Manchester United trio, striker Fraizer Campbell, full-back Danny Simpson and midfielder Darron Gibson have been placed on the transfer list at Old Trafford.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is to make a fresh £5m bid for Manchester City centre-back Richard Dunne.

Manchester City midfielder Elano has issued a come and get me plea to Serie A champions Inter Milan.

Defender Lucas Neill has severed his ties with West Ham and is set to link up with old Blackburn boss Mark Hughes at Manchester City. (Daily Express)

Tottenham defender Vedran Corluka expects Croatia and Shakhtar Donetsk winger Darijo Srna to join him at Spurs.

Former Manchester United striker Alan Smith is set to sign for Blackburn in a £2.5m deal.

Arsenal utility player Emmanuel Eboue says he is unsure whether he will be at the club next season. (Daily Express)

Birmingham hope to sign Ecuador centre-back Giovanny Espinoza after landing compatriot Christian Benitez for a club record fee.

Ipswich are lining up Sunderland trio, defender Paul McShane, winger Carlos Edwards and striker Daryl Murphy in a £3m deal.

Wolves are preparing a £2.6m deal for Red Star Belgrade midfielder Nenad Milijas.

However, Aston Villa are also interested in Serbian star Milijas.

Cardiff City are set to bid for Southampton midfielder Andrew Surman.

West Brom are interested in Espanyol midfielder Jordi Gomez who is valued at £2m. (Daily Star)

Crystal Palace striker Shefki Kuqi has rejected a one-year deal in favour of a move to German side Club Koblenz.

Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson's move to West Brom has been delayed by uncertainty over manager Tony Mowbray's future. (The Herald)

Shunsuke Nakamura will seal his departure from Celtic in a few days and will re-join Japanese club Yokohama F Marinos. (Daily Express)

Barnsley and Reading have joined Blackpool in the chase for Rangers midfielder Charlie Adam but have failed to meet the £500,000 asking price. (The Herald)

United States winger DaMarcus Beasley is considering options in the Netherlands after being told he is not in Rangers' long-term plans. (The Herald)

Falkirk have told manager John Hughes he can only keep six of his 14 out-of-contract players. (The Sun)

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has risked his England future after his late withdrawal through injury ahead of the World Cup qualifier in Kazakhstan.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan says Swansea boss Roberto Martinez is his first choice to replace former manager Steve Bruce.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis hopes to appoint Sheffield United number two Sam Ellis as his deputy at the Britannia Stadium.

Watford manager Brendan Rodger is on the verge of being named as the new boss at Reading.

West Brom are targeting Preston boss Alan Irvine as their new manager if Tony Mowbray takes over at Celtic.

However, West Brom have denied that Celtic have made an approach for Mowbray.

Burnley's Owen Coyle and West Brom's Tony Mowbray are in a straight fight for the Celtic manager's job. (The Herald)

Celtic have launched a last-ditch attempt to secure Roberto Martinez, but the Swansea boss is 90% certain to go to Wigan. (Daily Mail)

Irish billionaire Dermot Desmond will today be urged to finance compensation for Tony Mowbray or Roberto Martinez as manager. (The Sun)

Goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska would like Dundee United manager Craig Levein to follow him to Celtic. (Daily Record)

Former Celtic defender Steven Pressley wants to be the club's new manager. (Daily Record)

Former Iceland coach Atli Edvaldsson is a surprise contender for the Hibernian manager's job. (Daily Express)

Shamrock Rovers chairman Jonathan Roche says there has been no approach from Hibernian for manager Michael O'Neill. (The Scotsman)

The Scottish Premier League will take Setanta to court if the broadcaster fails to pay the final £3m instalment of last season's television money on Friday. (The Herald)

And three of Scotland's top clubs could fold if Setanta goes bankrupt in the summer. (Daily Record)

Setanta will find a solution to paying SPL clubs by Friday a late payment of £3m. (The Sun)

AND FINALLY

Meanwhile Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has vowed that he will play again, despite rumours that he will be forced to retire following a succession of knee injuries.


Story from BBC SPORT:

Who in the hell classifies Alonso as "unsettled" at Anfield!?

IMHO, Citeh would be mad to let Dunne get away at that price. The guy has been great for them.

The Newspapers

BREAKING GOSSIP

Inter Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic would welcome a move to Barcelona, his agent said on Friday following reports the clubs were discussing a deal. (Press Association 0847 BST)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United will sell Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid if the Spanish giants stump up a stunning £75m.

If Real do not sign the Portugal international winger by the end of the month they will have to pay him £26m as a result of a promise made to him by the club's former president Ramon Calderon.

Real's vice-president Fernando Tapias appeared to confirm on Spanish radio that the club does indeed have such a penalty clause written into an alleged pre-contract agreement made between Calderon and Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes.

Meanwhile, new Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said he believes Ronaldo has a £75m get-out clause in his United contract and said he is "working to bring Ronaldo to Real Madrid". Perez also all but confirmed that AC Milan's Brazilian superstar Kaka will join the club for £62m.

Yet another seemingly Madrid-bound star is Valencia's David Silva. Liverpool are also keen on the midfielder but look as though they will miss out on him after he had talks at the Bernabeu.

Chelsea are set to offer Ashley Cole a £27m four-year deal in order to fend off interest in him from Barcelona, who are believed to be ready to bid £20m for the left-back.

As well as hanging on to their best players, Blues midfielder Frank Lampard has urged the club to sign "someone to do something special", identifying a need for a creative midfielder or a striker.

The players Lampard has in mind are Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery and Valencia's David Villa.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is keen to bring Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure, brother of Gunners defender Kolo, to the club and is set to bid £12m for him.

The Gunners are favourites to beat Manchester City to the signature of £8m-rated Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko, who they see as a replacement for Emmanuel Adebayor.

But Arsenal face competition for the Bosnian from Manchester City, who are also looking at Blackburn's Roque Santa Cruz, Portsmouth's Peter Crouch and Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o.

Adebayor's future, meanwhile, could be in Italy as AC Milan are believed to be poised to make a £15m bid for the Togo striker.

Aston Villa are bracing themselves for a battle to hold on to Ashley Young, with Chelsea and Real Madrid set to be interested in the £20m-rated winger.

Villa have targeted Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone as a replacement for Gareth Barry and will bid £6m for him. (Mirror)

David Bentley could also make the switch from White Hart Lane to Villa Park, but only if Spurs are prepared to accept £5m less than the £15m they paid Blackburn for him.

The clear-out at Spurs could also see Didier Zokora join Sevilla - but the Spaniards are thought to want to pay £2m less than the Londoners' £8m valuation of their man.

Meanwhile, Manchester City want to sign Liverpool's Xabi Alonso as they want him to form a midfield partnership with their new £12m signing Barry.

Sunderland want to sign the world's tallest player, Serbian striker Nikola Zigic, who stands at 6 ft 8 ins. New boss Steve Bruce is set to sanction a club record £10m bid for the Valencia player.

Bruce also wants to raid former club Wigan to sign midfielder Lee Cattermole. (The Sun)

Bolton and Birmingham are competing to sign Anderlecht's Argentine playmaker Lucas Biglia, who would cost about £6m. The pair are also battling to snap up ex-Portsmouth midfielder Sean Davies.

Birmingham are also eager to capture Cardiff defender Roger Johnson and are set to increase their offer for him from £3.5m to £5m. (The Sun)

Everton have warned Manchester City that defender Joleon Lescott is not for sale. (Daily Mirror)

West Ham want to hijack Everton's £6m swoop for Rennes full-back Rod Fanni. (Various)

The Hammers are set to send teenage striker Freddie Sears out on a season-long loan to Sheffield Wednesday. (The Sun)

Blackburn striker Matt Derbyshire could be priced out of a move to Greek side Olympiakos as Rovers are holding out for £2m more than the £3m bid they have received.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis is lining up a bid for Marseille striker Djibril Cisse, who spent last season on loan at Sunderland. But the Frenchman is believed to prefer a move to Tottenham.

Newcastle's controversial midfielder Joey Barton has insisted he will not be forced out of the club and does not want a transfer despite his bust-up with interim boss Alan Shearer.

Sheffield United will pay Watford £400,000 for versatile defender Leigh Bromby. (Daily Star)

New QPR boss Jim Magilton is set to raid former club Ipswich for striker Jon Walters and midfielder David Norris. (Daily Star)

Shrewsbury want to sign striker Jake Robinson, who has been released by Brighton. (Daily Star)

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has been demanding a central striker's role for next season, as he is fed up of being played out on the left flank.

New Sunderland boss Steve Bruce says he is 50 times better as a boss now than in his early days when he was a "hothead" and used to sulk.

Bury manager Alan Knill is in talks with the club about a contract extension as he enters the final year of his current deal. (Daily Star)

Brendan Rodgers, who is set to become the new Reading boss, has revealed he was advised to take the job by former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is on his way to Sporting Lisbon after being snubbed by Portsmouth. (The Sun)

A Middle East consortium is set to compete a takeover for League Two side Notts County. (Daily Express)

AND FINALLY

Chris Waddle and fellow commentator Jon Champion will be fined £100 for each football cliche they come out with during England's game against Kazakhstan, with the money being donated by Setanta to the Bobby Moore fund. (Daily Star)
Story from BBC SPORT:

This post has been edited by Scouserbychoice on June 05, 2009 08:02 am

BREAKING GOSSIP

1041 BST: Tranmere Rovers are set to make old boys Jason McAteer and Ray Mathias their new management team, after the sacking of Ronnie Moore.

0957 BST: Manchester City are being linked with Peruvian forward Roberto Merino, a player nicknamed 'the Maradona of the Andes'.

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea are weighing up an English record £40m bid for Valencia's highly-rated Spanish international forward David Villa.

Real Madrid are set to beat Chelsea to the signing of France international midfielder Franck Ribery for £60m.

AC Milan are ready to rival Real for the signing of Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo as a replacement for Kaka, should the Brazilian move to Madrid.

Tottenham have offered David Bentley plus £8m for Aston Villa winger Ashley Young.

Villa, though, are interested in taking £10m-rated midfielder Jermaine Jenas from Spurs, and are also keen on Serbian defensive midfielder Nenad Mililjas, who had been interesting Premier League new-boys Wolves.

Barcelona plan to capitalise on the financial problems at Liverpool with a £20m raid for Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano.

The Reds are also set to miss out on their top summer target - Valencia's Spanish midfielder David Silva - because of the budget constraints imposed on manager Rafael Benitez, with Real Madrid favourites to land the player. (Various)

One man who appears to be on his way out of Anfield is Italian defender Andrea Dossena, who is a target for Juventus.

Manchester United's hopes of landing Lyon's £30m-rated striker Karim Benzema have been increased after the president of the French club, Jean-Michel Aulas, said the player was not "untransferable".

Birmingham have been told they must pay £4m if they want to lure defender Scott Dann from Coventry, who have also rejected a £1m bid from the Blues for winger Gary McSheffrey.

England winger Stewart Downing can leave Middlesbrough if the club receive an acceptable offer according to club chief executive Keith Lamb.

Stoke are set to join the race to sign Manchester City defender Richard Dunne, who is also being tracked by Tottenham.

The Potters are set to give Liam Lawrence a new deal but have turned down Glenn Whelan's demand for a pay-rise.

West Ham have targeted full-backs, Rennes' France international Rod Fanni and Middlesbrough's Matthew Bates, as replacement's for Lucas Neill, who has rejected a new one-year deal at Upton Park.

Hull manager Phil Brown is keen to sign Manchester United strike-dup Manucho and Frazier Campbell, both of whom have had recent loan spells at the KC Stadium.

Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson wants to sign Doncaster Rovers midfielder Richie Wellens for £1m.

OTHER GOSSIP

England manager Fabio Capello says he "does not recognise himself" in the description given of him by Carlo Ancelotti and called for some respect, after the new Chelsea coach described his former AC Milan boss as "surly" and having no dialogue with his players. (Various)

England captain John Terry has urged Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher to reconsider his decision to retire from international football. (Various)

West Ham striker Carlton Cole has sought advice from Chelsea front-man Didier Drogba in his quest to become an England regular.
England fitness coach Massimo Neri is a target for new Juventus coach Ciro Ferrara as he looks to build his back-room staff.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger turned down the opportunity to become the manager of Real Madrid, despite three meetings with the Spanish club.

Roberto Mancini and Slaven Bilic top the shortlist for the manager's job at Portsmouth after Paul Hart - who took temporary charge last season - was told he wouldn't be offered the job.

Prospective new Wigan boss Roberto Martinez can be a great success at the JJB Stadium according to former Latics manager Ray Mathias.

Manchester City's Brazilian midfielder Elano has delivered an ultimatum to the club, demanding they offer him a knew lucrative contract or let him leave.

AND FINALLY

England boss Fabio Capello says England are the Rafael Nadal to Spain's Roger Federer because of their athletic, physical prowess in contrast to the European Champions grace and guile. (Various)

Theo Walcott has confessed he grew a moustache and a designer beard because he was sick of Arsenal players calling him "Sweet Little Boy".
Story from BBC SPORT:

If Liverpool fail to add depth this summer, they may be in trouble.

Thank goodness Dossena is leaving.

[QUOTE=Redyankee,June 06, 2009 03:00 pm]If Liverpool fail to add depth this summer, they may be in trouble. [/QUOTE]
Lets be honest this is nearly all papertalk and therefore complete tosh.

I'll wait until the new season starts before I even think about the title race again.

[QUOTE=Redyankee,June 06, 2009 03:00 pmThank goodness Dossena is leaving. [/QUOTE]

Yes but he'll alway have a place in my memory/heart for his two wonder goals against Real and Urinal.