**Summer Transfer Thread: News, Rumours and Speculation**

[daz.wallace]

from the BBC:

Manchester City are ready to splash out £18m on Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.
(News of the World)

Meanwhile, Anfield boss Rafael Benitez has been handed a £64m war chest to sign players in the summer and he is keen to tie up an £8m deal for Aston Villa's Gareth Barry as a replacement for Alonso.
(News of the World)

Benitez is also set to sell 11 players, including winger Ryan Babel and Andrea Dossena. (News of the World)

Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez says he will leave the club in the summer but will stay in England to play with one of their rivals in the Premier League.
(News of the World)

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is on his way out of the club following a rant at interim manager Guus Hiddink after the club's Champions League semi-final exit. (Sunday Express)

Newcastle striker Michael Owen will be offered the chance to resurrect his career at Celtic this summer. The Scottish giants will give Owen a pay-as-you-play deal worth £50,000 a week plus huge bonuses.
(News of the World)

The Magpies are lining up Tottenham striker Darren Bent as Owen's replacement but face competition from Middlesbrough and Sunderland.
(News of the World)

Meanwhile Newcastle's controversial midfielder Joey Barton, who has been told he has no future at the club, is wanted by Tottenham, Blackburn, Portsmouth and Bolton. (Sunday Express)

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is set to make a move for Swansea striker Jason Scotland and could get his man for about £2.5m.

Hodgson is also tracking Torino full-back Mateo Rubin, but the Italy under-21 defender could be tempted by Everton instead.

And the Craven Cottage chief will target Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand if he loses Brede Hangeland to Arsenal.

Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone will opt to stay in the Premier League when he leaves Tottenham this summer - although he is wanted by German side Hamburg.

Aston Villa are interested in signing £5m-rated Anderlecht centre-back Roland Juhasz.

Portsmouth are planning a £3m swoop for Cardiff defender Roger Johnson as a replacement for Sol Campbell, who will leave on a free transfer in the summer.

Wolves hope to make Standard Liege defender Oguchi Onyewu their first signing since being promoted to the Premier League.

Brighton midfielder Chris Birchall is considering joining David Beckham's MLS side LA Galaxy when his contract expires in the summer.

 

[daz.wallace]

From the BBC:

Manchester United are favourites to beat Liverpool in the £20m race for Wigan winger Antonio Valencia. Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are also interested in the Ecuadorian.
(Full story: The Sun)

United are also set clinch the £6m signing of Brazil defender Dodo from Corinthians.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has his eye on former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan, who is now at Atletico Madrid. (Daily Star)

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, who has been linked with a host of top clubs, will not be leaving Anfield this summer, according to his agent. (The Guardian)

Former Chelsea boss Avram Grant believes the club would be making a mistake if they allow striker Didier Drogba to leave this summer.
(Full story: The Sun)

But Drogba will depart and the club are lining up Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor as his replacement.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Carlo Ancelotti will bid for Aston Villa's Ashley Young if the AC Milan coach takes the job as Blues boss this summer.
(Full story: The Sun)

Chelsea will send Ricardo Quaresma back to Inter Milan but the Portugal winger is then likely to make a permanent switch to Benfica.
(Full story: The Sun)

Current boss at Stamford Bridge Guus Hiddink has recommended the club go for £15m-rated CSKA full-back or winger Yuri Zhirkov. (The Sun)

Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz will turn down Arsenal and Tottenham if he can secure a move to Manchester City or Liverpool.
(Full story: The Sun)

But Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is determined to sign Cruz after putting the Paraguay forward top of his wanted list. (Daily Mail)

One player on his way to Blackburn is defender Gael Givet, who will complete a £4m permanent switch from Marseille. It will also pave the way for Stephen Warnock to leave Ewood Park.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Striker Roman Pavlyuchenko says he expects to remain a Tottenham player next season, insisting he has received assurances over his future. (The Independent)

Newcastle manager Alan Shearer wants Wigan midfielder Paul Scharner.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Sheffield United and Blackburn are competing for the signature of Preston goalkeeper Andy Lonergan. (The Sun)

Bolton are ready to make a £4m bid for Middlesbrough midfielder Gary O'Neil.

Birmingham have cleared the way for goalkeeper Joe Hart's arrival on loan from Manchester City by loaning out Colin Doyle to Swansea.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

West Brom are set to beat Fulham to the signature of Stockport striker Oli Johnson. (Daily Star)

Coventry have turned their interest from Hearts winger Andrew Driver to former Sky Blues striker Gary McSheffrey, who is now at Birmingham. (Daily Star)

Celtic are set to make James McCarthy the highest-paid teenager in Scottish football history with a summer transfer bid for the Hamilton midfielder. (Daily Record)

James McCarthy's agent was at Celtic Park on Wednesday for talks about a possible £1m-plus transfer. (The Sun)

Ipswich boss Roy Keane is lining up a summer move for Celtic veterans Paul Hartley and Bobo Balde. (Daily Express)

Cardiff have put a £5m price tag on Scotland striker Ross McCormack. (Daily Record)

Cardiff are closing in on Norwich's 25-year-old midfielder Sammy Clingan. (Daily Star)

Tranmere's Charlie Barnet is wanted by Barnsley and Blackpool. (Daily Mirror)

Crystal Palace are keeping an eye on Norwich's out-of-contract winger Lee Croft. (Daily Star)

QPR's Liam Miller has been linked with move to Cork City when his contract expires this summer. (Daily Star)

Striker Barry Hayles is in talks with Cheltenham and Walsall after being released by Leicester. (Daily Star)

Forward Lloyd Owusu is thinking over offers from Brighton and Adelaide after being released by Cheltenham. (Daily Star)

Rangers have offered a new contract to Dean Furman, but the midfielder is also wanted by Bradford after impressing on loan. (Daily Record)

 

[daz.wallace]

from the BBC:

Forward Carlos Tevez could break his ties to businessman Kia Joorabchian to stay at Manchester United for free according to a senior European MP.
(Full story: The Sun)

Old Trafford officials are reluctant to meet Joorabchian's valuation of £22m, with a midweek meeting ending with the two parties no nearer a deal.
(Full story: The Guardian)

But Tevez and his advisor are ready to walk away from negotiations if United continue to haggle over the fee.
(Full story: Independent)

The Argentina star has rejected the chance to move to Spanish giants Real Madrid in a £40m switch as he would prefer to stay in the Premier League.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

After failing to convince Kaka to move to Eastlands in January, Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has turned his attentions to his £10m-rated AC Milan team-mate Ronaldinho.
(Full story: The Mirror)

Chelsea's Didier Drogba is also in Hughes' sights as he looks to take advantage of a Blues boardroom split on whether to retain the Ivorian.
(Full story: The Sun)

Arsene Wenger has refused to rule out the possibility of selling some of his biggest stars to fellow top-four sides, opening up the possibility of Emmanuel Adebayor replacing Drogba at Chelsea. (Various)

Porto defender Bruno Alves is also a possible new arrival at Stamford Bridge, but Tottenham and Real Madrid are also considering meeting his club's £15m valuation. (Daily Star)

Blackburn Rovers will demand £20m in exchange for in-demand Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz. (The Mirror)

While Paris St Germain midfielder Jerome Rothen could be on his way to Ewood Park after being told he is free to leave by his current employers. (Various)

Defender Gael Givet, who has been on loan from Marseille since January, could also be snapped up by Sam Allardyce on a £3.5m deal.
(Full story: The Sun)

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is in a race with Barcelona to sign Cadiz youngster Jesus Fernandez who has been touted as the new Cesc Fabregas.
(Full story: The Mirror)

Real Madrid and Manchester United are ready to do battle for Wigan's Luis Antonio Valencia, with Latics boss Steve Bruce resigned to his departure.
(Full story: The Mirror)

Sir Alex Ferguson has seen off rival interest from Arsenal to clinch the signing of 16-year-old Le Harve starlet Paul Pogba - a fee, based on appearances and compensation to his French side, has yet to be set.
(Full story: The Mirror)

AC Milan's Carlo Ancelotti has targeted CSKA Moscow's Yuri Zhirkov as one of the players he would want to bring to Chelsea should he get the Stamford Bridge job.
(Full story: Express)

Tottenham are in talks with Nottingham Forest over a deal to make defender Chris Gunter's loan move to the City Ground permanent. (Daily Mail)

Wolves will add Doncaster midfielder Brian Stock to their squad at a cost of £2m as they prepare for life in the Premier League.
(Full story: The Sun)

Leicester's attempt to sign Swindon striker Simon Cox could be derailed by interest from the top-flight clubs, but they are close to landing Lincoln winger Dany N'Guessan. (Daily Mail)

Hamilton boss Billy Reid says James McCarthy will only leave for Celtic if they match Accies' valuation of the teenage midfielder and increase their £500,000 offer.
(Full story: Daily Record)

Celtic are not the only team interested in McCarthy. Swansea City have made and enquiry about the 18-year-old midfielder.
(Full story: Western Mail)

Swansea City have made a £2m verbal offer for Hamilton's James McCarthy after his preferred club Celtic had a £400,000 bid rejected.
And Swansea manager Roberto Martinez is also considering a bid for Accies goalkeeper Tomas Cerny.
(Full story: The Herald)

James McCarthy has pleaded with Hamilton to allow him to sign for Celtic.
(Full story: The Sun)

Hamilton have scoffed at Celtic's cut-price £600,000 offer for James McCarthy. (Daily Express)

Blackpool have had a £300,000 offer for Charlie Adam rejected by Rangers after his successful loan spell. (Daily Mail)

Aberdeen midfielder Jamie Smith is poised to sign for Toronto. (The Sun)

 

[daz.wallace]

Wow, no Leeds players rumours!

Give it another 24 hours

 

[daz.wallace]

I can't believe that even if Chelsea wanted to buy Ade that Wenger would sell him to Chelsea.

Apparently Wenger has said he has no problems selling players to other top 4 teams

 

[daz.wallace]

from the BBC:

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is set to offload some of his star players this summer, with David Bentley top of the list. "We don't have a bottomless pit," said Redknapp. "We need to balance the books, sell one or two."
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Wigan are keen on signing Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant, who is currently on loan at Portsmouth.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Aston Villa are keeping tabs on Toulouse striker Andre Gignac, which could mean an early exit from Villa Park for John Carew.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Ipswich manager Roy Keane may return to his former club Manchester United to secure the services of striker Lee Martin.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Blackburn striker Carlos Villanueva, who is on loan from Chilean club Audax Italiano, is set for a move to Dubai team Al Shabab.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Anderlecht's highly rated defender Roland Johasz is a target for a number of Premier League clubs, with Aston Villa, Tottenham and Bolton heading the queue.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Birmingham City, newly promoted to the Premier League, have joined the race to sign Anderlecht's £7m-rated Argentine midfielder Lucas Biglia.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is considering a switch to Real Madrid after hinting it could be time to move on. Talking about linking up with Florentino Perez, president-elect at the Spanish giants, Wenger said: "The project he has put forward would be interesting for any coach."
(Full story: Various)

AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed he will take over at Chelsea.
(Full story: The Sun)

 

[daz.wallace]

from the BBC:

Inter Milan and AC Milan are set to battle it out over signing Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Manchester City are stepping up their bid to take on former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan for £20m from Atletico Madrid.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Wigan have lined up a deal with Real Madrid to receive £21.5m for Latics winger Antonio Valencia.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso could be on his way to Real Madrid for £21m if Florentino Perez returns as club president. (Daily Star)

Tottenham are targeting Lazio striker Goran Pandev. (Daily Mirror)

Spurs are lining up a bid for Wolfsburg's Bosnia striker Edin Dzeko. (Daily Mail)

Tottenham are weighing up an £8m offer for Celtic midfielder Scott Brown. (Daily Express)

Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson is poised for a £1m summer move to West Brom. (The Sun)

Celtic are hoping to sign Barcelona forward Bojan Krkic on loan. (The Sun)

Bruno Aguiar's agent says the midfielder will leave Hearts, with Ajax, Celtic and Rangers showing interest. (Various)

Red Bull Salzburg left-back Ronald Gercaliu says he would be interested in joining Celtic. (The Sun)

Swindon Town have told Celtic to double their bid for striker Simon Cox after offering £1.2m for the striker and defender Sean Morrison. (Daily Mail)

Crystal Palace are ready to move for Derby's Jamaica defender Claude Davis, who has been on loan at Selhurst Park. (Daily Express)

Bolton are keen on signing West Brom full-back Paul Robinson. (The Sun)

Ipswich and Leicester are battling for the signature of Lincoln winger Dany N'Guessan. (The Sun)

Portsmouth's Sean Davis has turned down a new contract, with Wigan and Wolves set to move in on the midfielder. (Daily Mirror)

Wolves are set to swoop for Standard Liege centre-half Oguchi Onyewu. (Daily Mirror)

Motherwell have offered a pre-contract deal to Lincoln City defender Lee Beevers. (Daily Express)

Hearts are in pole position to sign Darlington striker Pawel Abbott. (Daily Mirror)

Aberdeen have given injury-jinxed midfielder Jamie Smith permission to fly to Canada to hold contract talks with Toronto. (Daily Record)


OTHER GOSSIP
Arsene Wenger's future as Arsenal manager has come under more scrutiny. The Frenchman has been stung by criticism in the recent shareholders' meeting. He is also annoyed by the news that striker Adebayor is set to quit. (Various)
(Full story: The Sun)

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti's proposed move to the Chelsea managerial helm has taken a twist, with the London club reluctant to employ the Italian's assistants Mauro Tassotti and Filippo Galli.
(Full story: The Times)

Carlos Tevez's exit from Old Trafford looks sealed after the Argentine forward failed to attend Manchester United's player of the year dinner.
(Full story: The Sun)

England's World Cup-winning legend Geoff Hurst, attending his country's bid to stage the 2018 World Cup, is a big fan of striker Wayne Rooney. He said: "Winning the World Cup in your own country is huge and I think Rooney can do it." (Various)

Midfielder Stewart Downing, forward Tuncay, striker Afonso Alves and defender Robert Huth will leave if Middlesbrough are relegated at the weekend. (Daily Mail)

Willie Miller has called for urgent action by the Scottish Football Association. Aberdeen's director of football is unhappy after Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty feigned injury on Saturday that led to the sending off of Aberdeen defender Charlie Mulgrew.
(Full story: Daily Record)

Kyle Lafferty says his father was ashamed of his behaviour against Aberdeen on Sunday. (The Sun)

Aberdeen's Charlie Mulgrew is poised to be cleared on Tuesday after his sending off. (The Herald)

But Madjid Bougherra is likely to lose his appeal against the red card shown to the Rangers defender against Aberdeen. (The Herald)

Falkirk will appeal against the red card shown to Steven Pressley during Saturday's defeat by St Mirren. (Various)

Motherwell will be confirmed as Uefa Fair Play entrants to the Europa League unless they suffer two red cards in their final game. (Daily Record)

Manchester City's Stephen Ireland is set to leave Eastlands with the midfielder upset with contract negotiations stalling. (Various)
(Full story: The Sun)

Investors from the United States and the Middle East are lining up a £140m offer for Newcastle United - but it all hangs on the club remaining in the Premier League.
(Full story: The Guardian)

Wigan striker Amr Zaki, who is on loan from Zamalek, insists he was the one to pull the plug on a permanent move. (Daily Mirror)

Everton defender Phil Jagielka is to be rewarded for his efforts this season by being given a new contract, despite a bad knee injury. (The Sun)

England's 2018 World Cup bid may rest on the Premier League accepting Fifa and Uefa regulations stipulating that a side must contain a minimum of six home-grown players and a maximum of five foreigners. (Daily Express)

Celtic have denied that they have asked Lech Poznan coach Franciszek Smuda to succeed Gordon Strachan as manager. (The Sun)

 

[daz.wallace]

From the BBC (You're too late Daz )

I am on lateshift this week and am not getting in till 2.00 am and have just got up

 

[daz.wallace]

I can't believe anyone is willing to spend much on someone with such a bad first touch. He's just an Argentinian Andy Johnson.

This can't be anything more than his owner trying to make Manu pay the most.

Have to agree, no way on earth Liverpool would pay £160k a week wages, I dont even think Man U would pay those kind of wages either

 

[daz.wallace]

Well someone's got it wrong as Rafa reckons they can't compete economically with the other 3 so no way can they afford that Tevez deal unless he's planning on selling everyone and just playing Gerrard, Tevez and Torres and as he only ever talks the truth the press must have made it up.

(Full story: The Sun)

Says it all really

 

[daz.wallace]

Real Madrid are confident of landing Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso for £23m if Florentino Perez is appointed president again.
(Full story: The Sun)

Inter Milan are preparing a double-swoop for Chelsea duo Ricardo Carvalho and Jon Mikel Obi and hope to land the pair for £21m.
(Full story: Daily Express)

Meanwhile Chelsea are confident they can hold off the advances of Barcelona and tie left-back Ashley Cole to a new deal.
(Full story: The Guardian)

Manchester United have been warned they face stiff competition to land Wigan winger Antonio Valencia.
(Full story: The Sun)

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.
(Full story: The Sun)

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.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Middlesbrough will slap a £9m price tag on defender David Wheater if they are relegated to the Championship on Sunday.
(Full story: The Sun)

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.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Birmingham are interested in signing Celtic defender Bobo Balde. (Daily Mirror)


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.
(Full story: The Sun)

Alan Shearer has given the strongest hint yet that he will stay on as Newcastle manager, even if the club are relegated on Sunday.
(Full story: The Sun)

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)

 

[daz.wallace]

sometimes I despair at DM .

what, only sometimes?

 

[daz.wallace]

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.
(Full story: Daily Star)

Tottenham and Liverpool are battling it out for the chance to buy Portsmouth and England right-back Glen Johnson.
(Full story: The Sun)

Arsenal are preparing a £15m move for Fulham defender Brede Hangeland.
(Full story: The Sun)

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. (Full story: Daily Mirror)

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.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Birmingham are looking to land Derby pair Kris Commons and Giles Barnes as Alex McLeish prepares for the Blues' return to the top flight.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Aston Villa defender Zat Knight could cross the city to join up with McLeish's newly-promoted side.
(Full story: The Guardian)

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


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.
(Full story: The Sun)

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has been cleared by the Football Association in his spitting row with Hull assistant manager Brian Horton.
(Full story: The Sun)

Sunderland will offer former Tottenham boss Martin Jol the manager's job at the Stadium of Light in the summer.
(Full story: Daily Star)

Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho has predicted that AC Milan counterpart Carlo Ancelotti will switch to Chelsea for next season.
(Full story: The Independent)

Chelsea have cancelled plans for an FA Cup victory parade, citing the credit crunch.
(Full story: The Sun)

Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson is holding off signing a new contract as he is undecided over his long-term future.
(Full story: Daily Star)

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.
(Full story: The Guardian)

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.
(Full story: The Guardian)

 

[daz.wallace]

Carlo Ancelotti wants Brazilian superstar Kaka to join him at Stamford Bridge if the Italian coach make the rumoured switch to manage Chelsea next season.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo is once again eyeing up a summer move to Real Madrid, despite recently suggesting he would be remaining at Old Trafford.
(Full story: The Sun)

Martin O'Neill has warned Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry to be wary of Liverpool's reported renewal of interest in his signature this summer, claiming he should possibly feel "hurt" by the Reds' reluctance to pay the club's asking price last off-season. (The Guardian)

If Liverpool do renew their interest in Barry they will still have to pay at least £10m for the player.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)
Chelsea, Aston Villa and Blackburn are all in the hunt for Manchester City striker Daniel Sturridge after the striker rejected City's offer of a new contract.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Manchester City will relaunch will relaunch a £10million bid to sign Everton defender Joleon Lescott this summer.
(Full story: The Sun)

City boss Mark Hughes has told any potential suitors for midfielder Stephen Ireland they are wasting their time as he will not be leaving the club.
(Full story: The Sun)

Hughes has also reportedly switched his attentions to Aston Villa striker John Carew, after finally losing patience with Blackburn's demands for their striker Roque Santa Cruz.
(Full story: The Mirror)

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is planning a huge summer clear-out of players, regardless of which division they are in next season.
(Full story: The Sun)

Wigan manager Steve Bruce is ready to offer Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant, currently on loan at Portsmouth, a move to the Latics this summer.
(Full story: The Sun)

OTHER GOSSIP
Former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb says the Gunners must loosen their purse strings if they want to prevent their best players seeking moves to other clubs.
(Full story: The Times)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger though has told the club's board to "shut up" about spending plans for the summer to prevent selling clubs from increasing their prices. (Various)

Everton boss David Moyes believes the club must make significant moves in the transfer market this summer to keep the club at a high level. (The Times)

Bolton manager Gary Megson is another who feels his side need to splash out in the off-season, but this is to avoid becoming embroiled in another relegation battle. (The Times)

Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho insists he would not swap his striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic for European and World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Millwall striker and record goalscorer Neil Harris says that Sunday's League One play-off final against S****horpe is a "bigger occasion" than the club's FA Cup final appearance against Manchester United in 2004.
(Full story: The Times)

 

[daz.wallace]

David Beckham could be on his way back to England with AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti hoping to take the midfielder with him in a switch to Chelsea. (Full story: Sunday Mirror)

Chelsea are already making plans for life without Didier Drogba as they consider bids for Atletico Madrid's £50m-rated Sergio Aguero and Wolfsburg's Bosnian striker Edin Dzerko. (Full story: News of the World)

Cristiano Ronaldo has reiterated his desire to stay at Manchester United, claiming that manager Sir Alex Ferguson is like a "second father to me". (Full story: News of the World)

But Ferguson, while confident that United's recent success is enough to keep Ronaldo at the club, is resigned to losing Carlos Tevez over the summer. (Full story: Mail on Sunday)

Arsene Wenger has left the door open for Thierry Henry to return to Arsenal, revealing that he still talks to the Barcelona striker who watches all the Gunners games on television. (Full story: News of the World)

Texan millionaire Ellis Short will complete a buy-out at Sunderland next week and hand a new manager, possibly Martin Jol or Steve McClaren, a £200m transfer budget to turn the Black Cats into a major force. (Full story: Sunday Express)

Manchester City are also stepping up their interest in Emmanuel Adebayor and are ready to meet Arsene Wenger's £21m valuation of the striker. (Full story: News of the World)

Mark Hughes has switched his attention away from Blackburn's Roque Santa Cruz to Aston Villa's John Carew as he continues his hunt for a new striker at Manchester City. (Full story: Sunday Mirror)

Martin O'Neill has told Liverpool they will have to pay £10m if they want to successfully revive their interest in Gareth Barry, despite the midfielder having just one year left on his Aston Villa contract. (Full story: Sunday Mirror)

But competition from Manchester City and AC Milan could push the bidding past the £19m mark. (Full story: People)

Rafael Benitez is closing in on a £15m deal to take Portsmouth and England defender Glen Johnson to Anfield. The Spaniard is also weighing up a bid for Heerenveen winger Daniel Pranjic. (Sunday Express)

German giants Bayern Munich are also monitoring Johnson and are ready for an auction against the Reds, Manchester City and Totenham. (Full story: People)

Xabi Alonso could be on his way out of Liverpool, however, after his agent told Benitez his client wants to move on. Real Madrid are favourites to land the Spain international, but could face competition from Arsenal , Manchester City and Juventus. (Full story: News of the World)

Chelsea's pursuit of Zenit St Petersburg forward Danny could be put on hold however after the 25-year-old suffered a knee injury in training. (Full story: News of the World)

Liverpool's Jermaine Pennant could choose between either Real or Atletico Madrid with both clubs keen on taking him to the Spanish capital this summer when he becomes available on a Bosman. (News of the World)

Wigan manager Steve Bruce is ready to do battle with Everton and Blackburn for the signature of Newcastle's Alan Smith. (News of the World)

Fulham's frontline could feature 6ft 4in Austria international Marko Arnautovic if an approach to FC Twente is successful. (News of the World)


OTHER GOSSIP
The Norwegian Football Association is calling for a fresh inquiry into the 2005 dealings that took Jon Mikel Obi from FC Lyn to Chelsea via Manchester United. The midfielder signed an option agreement with United before announcing he wanted to move to Stamford Bridge. (Full story: Mail on Sunday)

Alan Shearer has already made summer signing plans with the Newcastle board and is set to commit himself to the Magpies regardless of the outcome of today's fight against the drop. (Full story: Sunday Express)

Patrice Evra has accused Arsenal players over attempting to injure him ahead of the Champions league final in revenge for his "men against babies" comments after United's semi-final victory at the Emirates. (Various)

Former Everton legend Peter Reid is the figurehead for international investment company London Nominees which hopes to buy the Toffees. (Full story: News of the World)

Rafael Benitez has moved to end his feud with Sir Alex Ferguson by writing him a personal letter offering help and support while the Scot's grandson was being treated in Liverpool's Alder Hay hospital. (Full story: Sunday Mirror)

 

[daz.wallace]

Striker Didier Drogba is ready to sign a new contract and stay at Chelsea.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Premier League newcomers Wolves and Birmingham are both battling to sign Manchester City keeper Joe Hart on loan.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Out-of-contract Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell is considering a three-year deal to finish his career in Switzerland with Basle.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Fulham are preparing a bid for £4.5m-rated West Bromwich Albion winger Chris Brunt.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Tuncay, Afonso Alves, Stewart Downing and David Wheater will be just some of the names leaving Middlesbrough after they were relegated to the Championship. (Daily Express)

Everton and Fulham are tracking Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Former Everton winger Andy van der Meyde is training with Blackburn in the hope of winning a deal there.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)


OTHER GOSSIP
Sunderland are lining up Celtic manager Gordon Strachan to replace Ricky Sbragia, who resigned as Black Cats boss on Sunday. (Daily Mirror)

Frank Rijkaard, Martin Jol and Slaven Bilic are also believed to be on Sunderland's shortlist to replace Sbragia. (Daily Mirror

 

[daz.wallace]

Manchester United full-back Patrice Evra is trying to persuade Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery to come to Old Trafford.
(Full story: The Sun)

Manchester City and Tottenham are battling it out for Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.
(Full story: Daily Star)

West Brom defender Paul Robinson says he will leave the relegated club as he wants to play in the Premier League. (Various)
(Full story)

Arsenal have made an £8m bid for Fulham centre-back Brede Hangeland.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Tottenham are ready to make another bid for Bulgarian winger Martin Petrov, who is currently playing for Manchester City.
(Full story: The Sun)

Chelsea are confident they have beaten Inter Milan in the race to sign FC Twente striker Marko Arnautovic.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Defender Michael Turner has disappointed Liverpool by pledging his future to Hull. (Various)


Wolves have abandoned plans to sign Spurs midfielder Tom Huddlestone after being quoted £8m for the 22-year-old.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Rangers manager Walter Smith is set to offload midfielder Barry Ferguson this summer rather than risk him going on a free next year.
(Full story: Daily Record)

Tottenham are ready to listen to offers for Darren Bent and Roman Pavlyuchenko and are set to step up their chase for Djibril Cisse.
(Full story: The Guardian)


OTHER GOSSIP
Newcastle are ready to offer Alan Shearer a four-year contract as they look to bounce back into the Premier League. (Various)
(Full story)

Shearer has been told that £30m must be slashed from Newcastle's wage budget following their relegation to the Championship.
(Full story: Daily Star)

West Brom manager Tony Mowbray is the favourite to succeed Gordon Strachan at Celtic.
(Full story: The Sun)

Wigan boss Steve Bruce has been strongly linked with the vacant manager's position at Sunderland. (Daily Mirror)

However, Strachan is not a target for Sunderland.
(Full story: The Independent)

Strachan told family and friends last week that he would be standing down as Celtic manager.
(Full story: Daily Record)

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov says following his FA Cup semi-final miss, he will not want to step up should the Champions League final go to a penalty shoot-out.
(Full story: The Sun)

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate says the club needs to be in the Championship promotion hunt by Christmas if he is to remain in his job.
(Full story: The Sun)

Former Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd is hoping to beat Jim Magilton to the QPR manager's job. (Daily Star)

 

[daz.wallace]

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.
(Full story: The Sun)

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.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

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.
(Full story: The Sun)

Liverpool boss Rafa 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.
(Full story: The Sun)

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.
(Full story: Daily Express)

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

West Brom insist that manager Tony Mowbray will in charge next season, despite their relegation from the Premier League.
(Full story: Daily Express)

Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who has been strongly linked with a move abroad this summer, says he is happy to stay with the Gunners.
(Full story: Daily Express)

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


OTHER GOSSIP
Alan Shearer has indicated to Newcastle's players that he will be their permanent manager when pre-season training begins in July.
(Full story: The Sun)

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has told Sunderland that he wants £5m in compensation for his manager Steve Bruce.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

The future of Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell has been placed in further doubt after he revealed that there will be a huge clearout at Bramall Lane.
(Full story: The Sun)

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

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

 

[daz.wallace]

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.
(Full story: The Sun)

Chelsea may be forced to pay a British transfer record of £45m if they are to land Ribery.
(Full story: Daily Star)

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho is planning an £8m move for Manchester City's Brazilian midfielder Elano.
(Full story: The Sun)

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.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Aston Villa have inquired about midfielder David Bentley's future at Tottenham.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

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.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is considering a swoop for two Wigan players - midfielder Michael Brown and defender Emmerson Boyce.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

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.
(Full story: The Sun)

Stoke will offer midfielder Liam Lawrence a bumper new contract to ward off interest from Portsmouth.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

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.
(Full story: The Sun)

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.
(Full story: Daily Star)

And Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce is ready to raid Marseille for Argentine defender Renato Civelli.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Hull are weighing up a move for former Manchester United midfielder Liam Miller, 28, after he was released by QPR.
(Full story: Daily Star)

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.
(Full story: Daily Star)

Middlesbrough have put winger Stewart Downing up for sale but only to a top-four club.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Derby have had a £400,000 bid rejected for Blackpool defender Shaun Barker.
(Full story: The Sun)

Derby have even offered striker Liam Dickinson to Blackpool along with £400,000 to try to snare 26-year-old Barker.
(Full story: Daily Star)

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. (Full story: Daily Record)

Inverness winger Filipe Morais will quit the relegated club. The 23-year-old is weighing up offers from the SPL and England. (Full story: Daily Record)


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.
(Full story: The Times)

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.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Arsenal forward Robin Van Persie is stalling on a contract extension at the Emirates.
(Full story: Daily Star)

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.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

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.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

 

[daz.wallace]

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.
(Full story: The Sun)

Although Ronaldo will go on holiday before making a decision on his United future.
(Full story: Daily Telegraph)

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.
(Full story: Independent)

In fact, Real Madrid will reject Ronaldo this summer as club president elect Florentino Perez has targeted Milan forward Kaka and Ribery instead.
(Full story: Daily Express)

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.
(Full story: The Times)

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.
(Full story: Daily Telegraph)

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.
(Full story: Daily Express)

Manchester City and Liverpool are among five clubs who are willing to meet the £25m price tag for Tevez.
(Full story: The Times)

Tevez said a tearful goodbye to his Manchester United team-mates before leaving Rome alone after the Champions League final.
(Full story: The Sun)

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.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

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.
(Full story: Daily Star)

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.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

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.
(Full story: The Times)

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.
(Full story: Independent)

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

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.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

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.
(Full story: The Times)

Alan Shearer is expected to discover today if he will become the permanent manager of Newcastle United.
(Full story: The Times)

Wigan manager Steve Bruce will be named Sunderland boss in the next 48 hours.
(Full story: Guardian)

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

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