April Football gossip 2007

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Inter Milan are lining up a £14m swoop for Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky. (News of the World)

Rafa Benitez fears Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso could be lured from Liverpool if they are not handed massive new deals from the club's new American owners. (Various)

Valencia striker David Villa admits he is flattered by Chelsea's interest and would relish a move to the Premiership. (News of the World)

Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce wants to sign Southend United striker Freddy Eastwood for around £5m. (People)

Inter Milan defender Marco Materazzi has been trying to persuade Thierry Henry to join the Italian giants. (News of the World)

Manchester United are to offer Ryan Giggs a one-year contract extension. (Sunday Mirror)

Fulham will offer Matthew Upson a chance to stay in the Premiership if the Hammers are relegated. (People)

Arsenal have deemed striker Jeremie Aliadiere surplus to requirements and Middlesbrough are favourites to sign him. (Sunday Mirror)

Craig Bellamy has sensationally opened the door for a summer return to Celtic. (News of the World)

Reading right-back Graeme Murty says team-mate Steve Sidwell could be tempted by a move to Celtic. (Various)

Hibernian manager John Collins insists there is no secret deal to sell Scott Brown to Rangers at the end of the season. (News of the World)

Beitar Jerusalem striker Toto Tamuz wants a transfer to the English Premiership rather than Rangers. (News of the World)

Inverness striker Craig Dargo admits he could leave for the English Championship in the summer. (News of the World)


OTHER GOSSIP
Roman Abramovich is to bankroll Russia's Euro 2008 qualifying preparations for their matches with England. (Sunday Express)

Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton says Cristiano Ronaldo's penchant for tricks in his early days at the club was sometimes "a little embarrassing". (Sunday Express)

Former England boss Sir Bobby Robson fears the country's players do not see international football as their "top priority". (Mail on Sunday)

Fulham boss Chris Coleman could quit the club in the summer because of the barracking from fans. (Sunday Express)


AND FINALLY...
Roy Keane is to take Sunderland on a "brand building" trip to his native Ireland to boost the club's fan base. (Sunday Mirror)

Monday 02nd April gossip column

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Liverpool have turned down a £7m bid from Aston Villa for Craig Bellamy and have told the striker he has a future at Anfield. (Daily Mirror)

Crewe have given Norwich permission to speak to defender John Otsemobor. (Daily Mirror)

Ronaldinho has pledged his future to Barcelona, claiming that he will see out the final three years of his contract. (Daily Star)

Everton boss David Moyes is not prepared to sell goalkeeper Iain Turner to Sheffield Wednesday on a permanent basis. (Daily Mirror)

Aberdeen boss Jimmy Calderwood is poised to launch a summer raid for Motherwell's out-of-contract star Brian Kerr. (Daily Express)


OTHER GOSSIP
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich did not visit his side's dressing room after Saturday's win at Watford but stayed in the stand to talk to chief executive Peter Kenyon, chairman Bruce Buck and director Eugene Tenenbaum. (Various)

Chelsea are considering hiring two coaches in the summer overseen by a senior figure like Guus Hiddink. (The Independent)

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has urged England boss Steve McClaren to ignore the critics trying to drive him out of the national job. (Daily Mail)

There is panic in Southampton over rumours that former chairman Rupert Lowe could seize back power at the club. (Daily Telegraph)

Top European clubs have held secret talks over the formation of a breakaway super league. (The Guardian)

Roma have stirred up the atmosphere ahead of their Champions League tie with Manchester United by accusing Cristiano Ronaldo of diving. (Various)

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes believes it is just a matter of time before Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney rediscovers his best form. (Daily Express)

Newcastle striker Michael Owen has targeted a return to first-team action in the game with Chelsea on 22 April following his lengthy lay-off with a cruciate ligament injury. (Daily Mirror)

Faroe Islands coach Jogvan Martin Olsen insists his side are ready to wreck Scotland's Euro 2008 dream when the teams meet in a qualifier on 6 June. (Daily Record)

Ex-Nottingham Forest manager Gary Megson and former Barnsley boss Andy Ritchie are battling to become the new manager of Huddersfield. (Daily Mirror)

Barry Robson has publicly apologised to Celtic's Lee Naylor for the headbutt that led to the Dundee United captain being sent off in Saturday's 1-1 draw. (Daily Record)


AND FINALLY...
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was asked at a corporate event in Switzerland which of his arch rivals, Chelsea's Jose Mourinho or Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson, he would prefer to be stuck in a lift with for two hours. "Is there a fire exit instead," he joked - before going on to be complimentary about both bosses. (Daily Mail)

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn paid out £18,000 on Saturday for taxis after 150 Black Cats fans who had been to watch the win at Cardiff were stranded in Bristol after their flight home was cancelled. (Daily Mail)

Hearts assistant boss Stephen Frail says his players were fired up for their Edinburgh derby victory over Hibernian after hearing of their rivals' CIS Cup victory parade plans. (The Herald)

Tuesday 03rd April gossip column

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Liverpool will be given a £40m war chest by new owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks in the summer. (Various)

Liverpool are keen on Sevilla winger Daniel Alves and Barcelona midfielder Deco. (Daily Mirror)

But top of Benitez's list is a striker, with Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o, Valencia's David Villa and Charlton's Darren Bent in the frame. (Daily Mail)

Newcastle have £20m to spend in the summer and have targeted Man Utd's Wes Brown, Southampton's Gareth Bale and West Brom's Curtis Davies. (Daily Star)

Titus Bramble is among those set to leave St James' Park - and even Obafemi Martins could depart. (Daily Mirror)

Leeds have extended defender Radostin Kishishev's loan spell from Charlton until the end of the season. (The Sun)

Tottenham are leading a three-club battle for Monaco midfielder Distel Zola. (Daily Mirror)

Leicester are lining up a £1m bid for Gillingham midfielder Matt Jarvis. (The Sun)

Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie, who is currently on loan at Stoke, is wanted by Coventry. (Daily Mirror)

Northern Ireland and Leeds striker David Healy is being linked with a £2m move to Rangers. (Daily Mirror)

Birmingham striker Mikael Forssell may go on loan to a Scandinavian club in the summer in a bid to be fit for next season after knee surgery. (Mirror)

Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy has admitted he wants to move to Manchester United. (Daily Mirror)

West Brom midfielder Jason Koumas will leave the club if they fail to win promotion this season. (Daily Mirror)

Sunderland have failed in an ambitious bid to sign former Man Utd striker Diego Forlan. (Daily Mirror)

Sheffield Wednesday are set to swoop for Rangers vice captain Gavin Rae in the summer. Nottingham Forest are also interested in the player. (The Sun)


OTHER GOSSIP
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Jamie Carragher will be offered bumper new deals with the money available from the club's new American owners. (Daily Mail)

AZ Alkmaar boss Louis van Gaal would consider managing England.

He has a clause in his new contract allowing him to leave in July 2009 - if England, Argentina, Spain, Holland or Germany approach him. (The Sun)

West Ham striker Teddy Sheringham, 41, will move into management if he fails to extend his 23-year playing career. (Daily Mirror)

Barnsley goalkeeper David Lucas will miss the next two games after being knocked out against Derby. (The Sun)

Michael Ball hopes to earn a long-term deal with Man City by helping them stay in the Premiership. (Daily Star)


AND FINALLY...
West Ham's fans have launched a petition to keep Carlos Tevez at Upton Park beyond this season. (Daily Express)

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard almost missed his flight to Eindhoven on Monday because he forgot his passport. (Daily Star)

Bari's local traders made more money in three days than they normally do in a whole winter when Scotland's fans visited for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Italy. (Daily Record)

Wednesday 04th April gossip column

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Wantaway Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell has told friends his preferred destination is Newcastle. (The Sun)

However* Sidwell* who is a free agent in the summer* is also attracting interest from Chelsea. (Guardian)

Sunderland will move for Manchester United defender Wes Brown if they are promoted. (Daily Mirror)

Black Cats boss Roy Keane also wants ex Republic of Ireland team-mate Damien Duff from Newcastle. (Daily Star)

Everton are poised to beat West Ham and Hull to the signing of Middlesbrough defender Stuart Parnaby. (Daily Mirror)

Wolves and Celtic are battling it out to sign Cork City striking sensation Roy O'Donovan. (Daily Mirror)

Portsmouth are preparing a £2m bid for Israel striker Toto Tamuz* currently at Beitar Jerusalem. (Daily Star)

LA Galaxy want Middlesbrough's Gaizka Mendieta to join David Beckham at the MLS club. (Daily Mirror)

Reading defender Ulises de la Cruz also wants to go to LA after falling out of favour at the Madejski. (Daily Star)

Plymouth have told 11 of their players they may be shown the door in the summer* including Barry Hayles* Lilian Nalis and Nick Chadwick. (Daily Star)

West Ham will try to buy Argentine striker Carlos Tevez outright - providing the club avoid relegation this season. (Times)

Nottingham Forest have targeted Inverness Caledonian Thistle striker Craig Darko. (Daily Record)

Seville will swoop for West Brom's Diomansy Kamara if the Baggies fail to win promotion this season. (Daily Star)

Liverpool want Atletico Madrid's £20m-rated hitman Fernando Torres. (Daily Star)

Fulham* Portsmouth and Ipswich all want to sign Newcastle defender Titus Bramble. (Times)

Birmingham are the latest club to show an interest in St Johnstone striker Jason Scotland. (Daily Record)


OTHER GOSSIP
Blackburn boss Mark Hughes is a surprise inclusion on the shortlist to succeed Jose Mourinho at Chelsea. (Daily Express* Guardian)

Southend striker Freddy Eastwood is in line for an international call-up from Wales after the Welsh FA discovered his Grandad comes from Llanelli. (The Sun)

Huddersfield are expected to make Phil Parkinson their new boss. (Daily Mail)


AND FINALLY...
Manchester United will visit the Vatican while they are in Italy for their Champions League tie against Roma. (The Sun)

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba looked ahead to the Champions League tie against Valencia with the words: "I hope the lions eat the bats." It's a reference to the two clubs' crests. (The Sun)

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has rubbished Valencia's complaints that the away dressing room at Stamford Bridge is a "rat-hole" with only one mirror and three showers. He says it has two mirrors and 10 showers. (Daily Star)

Thursday 05th April gossip column

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Fulham are leading the chase for Newcastle defender Titus Bramble, who will be a free agent in the summer. (The Sun)

Striker Samuel Eto'o says he loves Liverpool - but is committed to Barcelona. (Daily Mirror)

Defender Martin Laursen is thinking of leaving Aston Villa. (Daily Mirror)

Arsenal have beaten Liverpool to the signing of 19-year-old Valencia defender Yago Fernandez. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester City are tracking 17-year-old Nigerian winger Matthew Edile. (Daily Star)

Newcastle have given a trial to out-of-contract Olympiakos defender Erol Bolut. (Daily Star)

Sheffield United are giving a trial to Retford United striker Neil Harvey. (Independent)

Wigan will have to pay Hearts £500,000 for Andy Webster - and Rangers will pay the Latics the same price to take him to Ibrox. (Daily Record)

Nicklas Bendtner's agent has told Celtic and Rangers they have no chance of signing the Arsenal youngster on loan. (Daily Record)


OTHER GOSSIP
Gary Neville will be offered a new three-year contract to keep him at Manchester United for the rest of his career. (The Sun)

Andy Ritchie and Gary Megson are in the running to manage Huddersfield after Phil Parkinson's U-turn. (Daily Mirror)

Chelsea are set to hand 15-year-old Dutchman Jeffrey Bouma a deal worth £4,000 a week. (Daily Mirror)

Sevilla head coach Juande Ramos is keen on a job in England. He is thought to be on Chelsea's shortlist to replace Jose Mourinho. (Guardian)

Manchester United will allow Ben Foster to go on loan again if he has not displaced Edwin van der Sar by Christmas. (Daily Express)

Aston Villa will offer Patrik Berger a new one-year deal. (Times)


AND FINALLY...
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho says he already has plans for the date of the Champions League semi-final - he wants to watch the wrestling at Earls Court with his kids. (Various)

Friday 06th April gossip column

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Barcelona are lining up a sensational £20m bid for Arsenal captain Thierry Henry. (Various)

Though Henry may be allowed to go for £12m, with Inter Milan and Real Madrid joining Barca in the hunt. (Daily Mirror)

Chelsea have been told they will have to splash out at least £71.5m if they want to sign Valencia striker David Villa. (Daily Star)

Liverpool are lining up a stunning summer swoop for Carlos Tevez to reunite him with Javier Mascherano. (Daily Mirror)

Sheffield United have won the race to sign Aston Villa's soon-to-be out-of-contract midfielder Lee Hendrie. (Daily Star)

Birmingham will renew their bid to sign Nottingham Forest winger Kris Commons in the summer for £1m. (Daily Star)

Kilmarnock striker Steven Naismith has told the cash-strapped club to sell him - if they can get the right money. (Daily Record)


OTHER GOSSIP
Jose Mourinho faces dressing-room unrest as several senior players were left staggered by his decision to take off Mikel Jon Obi instead of Michael Ballack against Valencia. (Daily Mail)

Last month, Uefa president Michel Platini wrote to each of Europe's member associations warning them that violence was threatening to "poison" the beautiful game. (Daily Telegraph)

The Home Office is considering a formal complaint to Uefa over policing at matches as it prepares a report on the violence in Rome on Wednesday. (The Guardian)

Chris Coleman has urged Mohamed Al Fayed to give him a £20m war chest to turn Fulham into European contenders. (Daily Star)

Italian striker Vincenzo Montella has been told he has no future at Fulham. (Daily Star)

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand claims Champions League referees are "ignorant". (Daily Mirror)


AND FINALLY...
Matthew Upson may never play a full match for West Ham. Signed by the Hammers for £7m in January from Birmingham, injury-hit Upson has so far only managed 41 minutes of football. It is widely believed his contract has a relegation escape clause in it. (Daily Star)

Saturday 07th April gossip column

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists Thierry Henry is staying put at the Emirates Stadium despite speculation linking the striker with a move to Barcelona, Real Madrid or Inter Milan. (Daily Star)

Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell is wanted by Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham. (Daily Mirror)

Sweden and Heerenveen defender Petter Hansson says he could be tempted by a move to Scottish giants Rangers despite interest from Serie A. (Daily Record)

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp says he now wants striker Svetoslav Todorov to stay at Fratton Park. (Daily Mirror)

Sweden and Heerenveen defender Petter Hansson could be interested in a move to Rangers. (Daily Record)

Rangers have stepped up their efforts to land AZ Alkmaar striker Danny Koevermans. (Daily Record)

Belgium forward Thomas Buffel wants to stay at Rangers and knows nothing of links with AZ Alkmaar. (Daily Express)

Glenn Roeder says there is no chance of Scott Parker being allowed to leave Newcastle. (The Sun)

Arsenal boss Wenger has not ruled out a bid for West Ham's Carlos Tevez at the end of the season. (Daily Mail)

But West Ham boss Alan Curbishley wants to keep Argentinian striker Tevez even if the Hammers are relegated at the end of the season (Daily Express).


OTHER GOSSIP
Jose Mourinho says Chelsea's success is all down to him. The Special One claims the Blues had no world-class players before he took over and reckons their success would evaporate without his leadership. (Various)

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has criticised the Premier League for making Tottenham play Chelsea less than 48 hours after their Uefa Cup clash with Sevilla. (Various)

Arsene Wenger has warned Stan Kroenke not to sacrifice Arsenal's traditional values after the US billionaire bought a £65m stake in the club. (Daily Mirror)

Rangers supporters clubs from around Scotland will meet on Saturday in a move to stamp out sectarian singing by some fans. (Daily Record)


AND FINALLY...
Injury-plagued midfielder David Dunn says he almost quit football before his career was re-ignited by a return to Blackburn Rovers. (Daily Star)

Sunday 08th April gossip column

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Chelsea's latest target is Valencia defender Miguel, with Paulo Ferreira going the other way. (Mail on Sunday)

Spurs have missed out on German defender Christoph Metzelder, who has agreed to leave Borussia Dortmund for Real Madrid. (Sunday Express)

Tottenham will step up the chase for Serbia striker Nicola Zigic when scouts go to watch him on Sunday play against Sevilla. (The People)

Carlisle are heading the queue for Middlesbrough centre-half David Wheater. (The People)

Man Utd are watching Colchester winger Medi Elito. (The People)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is aiming to land Spanish 17-year-old Plata, who has yet to sign a pro-contract, from Primera Liga side Malaga. (The People)

Everton goalkeeper Iain Turner could back on loan to Sheffield Wednesday, although Toffees boss David Moyes does not want a permanent move. (The People)

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is targeting a summer swoop for Scunthorpe striker Billy Sharp. (The People)

Middlesbrough are on the verge of making a £3m bid for Chelsea star Geremi who spent a season on loan at the Riverside. (The People)

Sunderland boss Roy Keane wants to sign Newcastle's Nicky Butt. (The People)

Hibernian manager John Collins is looking for a replacement for Michael Stewart after rumours that the midfielder has signed a pre-contract agreement with Sunderland. (NOTW)

Swedish defender Karl Svensson could be sold back to Gothenburg after a poor first season with Rangers. (Sunday Mail)

Man Utd are eyeing an £11m summer move for Sampdoria striker Fabio Quagliarella. (Star on Sunday)

Bolton are set to sign Jlloyd Samuel from Villa when the left-back is out of contract this summer. (Star on Sunday)

Chelsea are the latest club to show an interest in Ajax midfielder Wesley Sneijder. (Star on Sunday)

Everton's move for Preston striker David Nugent could be hit by red tape. (Star on Sunday)

Juventus striker David Trezeguet has put Liverpool on alert after claiming he wants to leave the club. (Star on Sunday)

Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock is hoping to sign Nigel Reo-Coker from West Ham. (Star on Sunday)

Man Utd are set to make a £10m move for Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe. (Daily Mirror)

Lille midfielder Jean Makoun claims Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has contacted him about a move to the Emirates Stadium. (Daily Mirror)

Wolves goalkeeper Matt Murray is wanted by Nigeria despite having won five England Under-21 caps. (Daily Mirror)

Chelsea and Man Utd have joined the race to sign Carlos Tevez from West Ham. (News of the World)

Chile striker Mauricio Pinilla has joined Universidad de Chile after being allowed to end his disappointing time with Hearts. (Sunday Mail)

Hearts are tracking Clyde goalkeeper David Hutton. (Sunday Mail)

Kilmarnock could still sign Clyde midfielder Craig Bryson in the summer. (Sunday Mail)

Motherwell are leading the chase for Inverness striker Craig Dargo. (Scotland On Sunday)

Plymouth are the latest club on the trail of Inverness striker Craig Dargo. (Sunday Mail)


OTHER GOSSIP
A group of Premier League chairman are behind secret moves to oust Steve McLaren as England manager before the Estonia Euro qualifier. (Mail on Sunday)

Fortunately for McClaren, Michael Owen has told him he will be fit in time for the Estonia game. (Sunday Express)

Hibernian's John Collins is hotly fancied to replace troubled Fulham boss Chris Coleman this summer. (Sunday Express)

John Terry will become the highest-paid Englishman in the Premiership when he signs a £125,000-a-week deal with Chelsea next week. (Sunday People)

Xabi Alonso is ready to sit down and negotiate a new long-term deal at Liverpool. (Sunday People)

The FA are facing a massive legal war with football agents. (The People)

Former Man Utd star David Beckham has warned Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Old Trafford, after rumours that he may be moving to Real Madrid. (Star on Sunday)

Newcastle's Peruvian Nolberto Solano is set to sign a new one-year contract. (Daily Mirror)

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho would be willing to become the next England boss. (News of the World)

Hong Kong-based businessman Carson Yeung is lining up a £120m bid to buy Reading. (News of the World)

The Scottish Premier League could move in the summer to reduce its number of teams from 12 to 10 in 2008, dispensing with the end-of-season split. (NOTW)

Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies says he has rejected two job offers from other clubs. (Sunday Mail)


AND FINALLY...
Former England captain Terry Butcher says the current squad "has definitely been over-hyped". (Sunday Express)

Monday 09th April gossip column

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Arsenal's 37-year-old goalkeeper Jens Lehmann says he wants to stay at the club but is still waiting to be offered a new deal. (Various)

Birmingham midfielder Neil Danns wants to leave after failing to start a game since November. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester City have sounded out Derby boss Billy Davies as a candidate to potentially replace manager Stuart Pearce. (Daily Express)


OTHER GOSSIP
Mark Viduka has begun talks to extend his stay at Middlesbrough. (Various)

Ahead of their trip to Valencia, Chelsea have approached Spurs for advice on avoiding the kind of heavy-handed policing they suffered in Seville last week. (Guardian)


AND FINALLY...
American journalists cannot wait for David Beckham's arrival in the MLS. Wendell Brown said: "Players over here need a style icon and Beckham is the perfect size to wear Dolce and Gabbana, Versace, Prada and Gucci."

Sounds like LA Galaxy will at least come top of the fashion league!

Tuesday 10th April gossip column

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann will open talks with the club in the next few weeks about a new contract at the club. (The Times)

French star Franck Ribery has put Arsenal and Manchester United on red alert after claiming Marseille have told him he can leave in the summer. (Daily Mirror)

Portsmouth will make a summer move for West Ham defender Danny Gabbidon. (Daily Express)

Leeds have persuaded Bolton to extend goal hero Lubomir Michalik's loan spell until the end of the season. (Various)

Chelsea have landed 15-year-old French wonderkid Gael Kakuta from Lens without having to pay a penny, although owner Roman Abramovich has gifted the French club £200,000. (Daily Mirror)

Sheffield United are the shock new favourites to sign Hamilton's Republic of Ireland starlet James McCarthy - and the Blades are also keen on Standard Liege midfielder Karel Geraerts. (Daily Mirror)

Nottingham Forest are lining up a summer move for Birmingham's midfielder Neil Danns. (Daily Mirror)

West Brom have approached Reading about extending the loan of Sam Sodje. (The Guardian)

Karl Svensson has warned Rangers he will leave if they don't play him more often. (Daily Record)


OTHER GOSSIP
Spanish police have warned Chelsea fans there will be zero tolerance for tonight's Champions League tie in Valencia. (The Sun)

Valencia manager Quique Sanchez Flores says his side are ready to go to war with Chelsea. (Daily Star/Mirror)

Manchester United skipper Gary Neville has called their record in the Champions League 'criminal'. (Daily Mirror)

Liverpool's Harry Kewell will launch his latest comeback for the reserves tomorrow. (Daily Star)

Newcastle striker Michael Owen is close to playing his first game of the season. (The Sun)

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says Bolton have blown their chance to sneak into the final Champions League spot. (Daily Mirror)

The FA is set to take action over the 22-man brawl at Barnsley's home game with Birmingham. (Daily Express)

Fulham fans last night demanded the sacking of manager Chris Coleman after their home loss to Manchester City. (Daily Express)

The Premier League has intensified its opposition to Sports Minister Richard Caborn's plans for the reform of European football. (The Guardian)

Hibernian players have held talks with chairman Rod Petrie to complain about John Collins' management style. (Various)

AND FINALLY...
Wayne Rooney's brother Graham and his girlfriend Carly Gardiner are in demand as lookalikes for the Manchester United star and his fiancee Coleen. (The Sun)

Wednesday 11th April gossip column

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Italian club Genoa are trying to lure Middlesbrough striker Mark Viduka. (The Sun)

Manchester City have joined the race to sign £3m-rated Leeds striker David Healy. (The Daily Mirror)

Striker Nicklas Bendtner, on loan at Birmingham, wants assurances over his first-team chances before agreeing to a long-term deal with Arsenal. (Mirror)

Leicester chairman Milan Mandaric is keen to bring in Macclesfield boss Paul Ince as Foxes manager to mastermind the club's rise. (Mirror)

Portsmouth striker Lomana LuaLua's future is in doubt at Fratton Park because of his poor form this season.

Real Madrid striker Raul is interested in a move to Liverpool. (Independent)

Portsmouth may move for Tottenham central defender Anthony Gardner as West Brom's Curtis Davies appears out of their price range. (Independent)

Rangers midfielder wants manager David Murray to be given the funds to splash out in the summer. (Daily Record)


OTHER GOSSIP
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho says he wants to stay at the club "... But sometimes what you want in life doesn't happen". (Various)

Referee Graham Poll's warning to Charlton boss Alan Pardew that Alexandre Song was close to being sent-off is set to land him in trouble. (Various)

The consortium interested in buying Manchester City is believed to have visited the club's training complex over Easter. (Daily Mail).

Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce fears a takeover of the club could force him out. (The Sun)


AND FINALLY...
Italian giants AC Milan could play Sheffield FC, who are officially the oldest club in the world, in the summer as the North East Counties Premier League side celebrate their 150th anniversary this summer. (Daily Express)

QPR chairman Gianni Paladini had one of his ribs broken by manager John Gregory as they celebrated the win over Coventry. (Daily Star)

Thursday 12th April gossip column

TRANSFER RUMOURS
The agent of Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo met a Real Madrid official to discuss a £54m move to the Bernabeu. (Various)

Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has been linked with replacing Glenn Roeder as manager of Newcastle. (Times)

Arsenal are apparently keen on St Etienne's 21-year-old midfielder Loic Perrin. (Independent)

Marseille will not sign striker Djibril Cisse, who is on loan from Liverpool, after his four goals in 14 games resulted in fans booing him. (Daily Telegraph)

Liverpool want Ajax defender Gabri, who says he is interested in a move to Anfield. (Daily Mirror)

West Brom midfielder Jason Koumas is a target for Blackburn while Baggies striker Diomansy Kamara is wanted by Reading. (Daily Mirror)

Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell says he will not believe Chelsea are interested in him until he hears it from their manager Jose Mourinho. (The Sun)

Mourinho's future is in doubt but he wants to bring striker Hernan Crespo back from his loan at Inter Milan. (The Sun)


OTHER GOSSIP
England internationals are in line to be played in two three-week segments after Christmas and at the end of the season. (Daily Telegraph)

Chelsea's players will accumulate £14m in bonuses if they add the Premiership, Champions League and FA Cup to their Carling Cup win. (Daily Mail)

Aston Villa could enter the Uefa Cup via the Fair Play league as they are currently second behind Tottenham. (Daily Telegraph)


AND FINALLY...
Cristiano Ronaldo claims he asked for the number 28 shirt, which he had at Sporting Lisbon, when he moved to Manchester United but Sir Alex Ferguson gave him the number seven vacated by David Beckham. (The Sun)

Friday 13th April gossip column

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Porto's £10m-rated Brazilian defender Pepe wants a move to Chelsea. (Daily Mirror)

Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse could be off to New York Red Bull in the summer after a disastrous loan spell with Marseille. (Daily Mirror)

Plymouth defender Tony Capaldi is poised to join Wolves on a free transfer. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester City defender Sylvain Distin says he will leave the club in the summer unless they prove they match his ambition. (Daily Mail)

Bayern Munich are ready to sell Owen Hargreaves for £17m. (Daily Telegraph)

Plymouth want to make Hungarian winger Peter Halmosi their record signing at £400,000. (Daily Mirror)

West Brom insist Diomansy Kamara, Jason Koumas and Curtis Davies will not be sold in the summer even if the Baggies do not go up. (Daily Express)

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is lining up a summer swoop for Celtic keeper Artur Boruc. (Daily Record)

Japanese midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura is set to snub interest from Spanish clubs to lead Celtic's assault on next season's Champions League. (The Express)

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is to step up his interest in Hibernian midfielder Scott Brown. (The Sun)


OTHER GOSSIP
Real Madrid have made a fresh bid to lure Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho to the Bernabeu. (The Sun)

American tycoon Sten Kroenke has increased his stake in Arsenal to 11%. (Daily Mirror)

Two American groups are battling it out for a 30% stake in Manchester City. (Daily Mirror)

Uefa fears an all-English Champions League final could descend into violence. (Daily Express)

Sunday's FA Cup semi-final between Blackburn and Chelsea will be played in front of thousands of empty seats at Old Trafford. (Daily Telegraph)

Watford are yet to sell 3,000 of their tickets for Saturday's semi-final against Manchester United. (Daily Star)

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp fears backroom staff Tony Adams and Avram Grant will move on in the summer. (Daily Express)


AND FINALLY...
Fulham coach Dave Beasant was told he was sacked at 11pm on Tuesday only to receive a phone call from new caretaker boss Lawrie Sanchez half an hour later telling he was reinstated. (Daily Mirror)

Hibernian boss John Collins has distanced himself from talk of a dressing room revolt at Easter Road to concentrate on the Scottish Cup semi-final against Dunfermline. (The Herald).

Saturday 14th April gossip column

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Sir Alex Ferguson believes he will now be able to lure Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves and Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres to Manchester United after Cristiano Ronaldo signed a new contract at the club. (Mirror)

Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder has won the race to sign Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell, who is out of contract at the end of the season. (Mirror)

Premiership scouts will flock to see Monaco striker Mohammed Kalon when he plays for Sierra Leone at Leyton Orient next month. (The Sun)

Auxerre appear to have opened the door for Motherwell to extend the loan of Hungarian midfielder Krisztian Vadocz. (Record)

Kilmarnock keeper Graeme Smith will quit Rugby Park at the end of the season after rejecting the club's final contract offer. (Record)


OTHER GOSSIP
Chelsea expect Jose Mourinho to become the new England manager when he leaves the club in the summer. (Daily Mirror, Daily Mail)

The Stamford Bridge club will then move to install Jurgen Klinsmann in place of Mourinho. (The Sun)

Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson turned down the chance to take over from Chris Coleman as Fulham boss. (Express)

Arsenal's bid for a Champions League place could be hit by a dispute over Alexander Hleb's £10m transfer. (The Sun)

Blackburn keeper Brad Friedel fears victory in this year's FA Cup could see Blackburn losing manager Mark Hughes to a bigger club. (Mirror)

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has banned all contract talks at the club so his players can focus on winning the league and cup double. (Record)

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson hit out at Real Madrid after tying Cristiano Ronaldo to a new five-year contract, adding: "I don't think Real have any regard for us or anybody else". (Various)

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce taunted Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger ahead of Saturday's match between the two sides, saying: "Arsenal's power has waned...they're struggling to live with Chelsea and Manchester United." (Various)


AND FINALLY...
David Beckham's new club LA Galaxy started their new season without him with a 2-1 defeat at home to FC Dallas. With Beckham not due to arrive until after the end of the Spanish season, Galaxy have made inquiries about another low-key signing... Zinedine Zidane. (Times)

West Ham defender James Collins has defended his unique dress sense, described by former Hammers boss Alan Pardew as "Camden Market chic", explaining: "What it is about my gear is the boys are too scared to admit they like it!" (Star)

Sunday 15th April gossip column

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Manchester United are considering a summer move for Newcastle's Michael Owen if he can show he is back to full fitness after his knee injury (People).

Liverpool and Everton are both interested in Ipswich's 19-year-old midfielder Danny Haynes (People).

West Brom are interested in Lokomotiv Moscow's Garry O'Connor, who previously played for boss Tony Mowbray at Hibs (People).

Sydney FC say they have had discussions "at board level" about trying to lure Robbie Fowler to play in Australia (News of the World).

Juventus are keen to sign Bolton's Nicolas Anelka (News of the World).

Arsenal are ready to make a £4.5m move for Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon (Mirror).

Aston Villa will swoop for West Brom's Jason Koumas in the summer, and Craig Bellamy and David Nugent are also on their shopping list (Mirror).

Middlesbrough have agreed an £8m fee with Real Madrid for Jonathan Woodgate (Mail on Sunday).

Bolton and Newcastle are chasing French striker Andre-Pierre Gignac. (News of the World)


OTHER GOSSIP
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho wants club owner Roman Abramovich to reveal whether he will stay on as manager at Stamford Bridge. (Various)

Newcastle are ready to stop Michael Owen playing for England unless the Football Association pay the striker's medical bills after he got injured at the 2006 World Cup. (Various)

Manchester City's Micah Richards needs surgery on both calves which will rule him out of England's summer matches (Express).

Fulham boss Chris Coleman was sacked for refusing to change his backroom staff (People).

But he could be back in management next season with QPR (Times).

Derby goalkeeper Stephen Bywater was interviewed by police after his sending-off in their stormy loss to Ipswich on Saturday (Times).

Scarborough's short-term future has been assured after agreeing a deal with property developers to sell the McCain Stadium (Non-League Paper).

Liverpool's American owners intend to keep the name Anfield as part of any sponsorship deal for their new ground (News of the World).

Micky Adams could be in line for a second spell as Brentford manager (News of the World).

West Ham midfielder Yossi Benayoun could have played his last game for the club after a row with boss Alan Curbishley. (People)


AND FINALLY...
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has changed his route to work so he does not have to see Highbury being demolished (People).

Manager Roy Keane has proved so popular at Sunderland they have already sold 20,000 season tickets for next year (People).

Liverpool's Peter Crouch has banned his father, a lifelong Chelsea fan, from using his Chelsea season ticket for their Champions League semi-final and says he must go as a Liverpool fan (News of the World).

Didier Drogba's parents banned him from playing football for a year when he was 16 to make him concentrate on his school work (Mirror).

Monday 16th April gossip column

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce flew to Spain on Saturday to watch Real Betis centre-half Juanito. (Daily Mirror)

Lawrie Sanchez will move for Aston Villa's Steven Davis if he gets the Fulham job full-time. (Daily Mirror)

Southampton fear they will lose on-fire on-loan striker Marek Saganowski if they fail to win promotion to the Premiership. (Daily Mirror)

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has rubber-stamped a £4m summer bid for Hibernian midfielder Scott Brown. (The Sun)

Tottenham director of football Damien Comolli could join Middlesbrough in the chase for Scott Brown after also watching him star in Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final. (Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is nervously awaiting the result of a scan on his groin injury. (Various)

Newcastle are ready to go to war with the FA to stop Michael Owen playing for England in June. (Daily Star)

The Magpies have poured scorn on rumours Owen will leave the club in the summer. (The Guardian)

Hibernian boss John Collins will have talks with chairman Rod Petrie on Monday following a player revolt against his management style. (Various)

Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura faces tests on a knee injury that could sideline him for the rest of the season. (Daily Express)

AND FINALLY...
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich ended his dressing-room stay-away to congratulate the players and Jose Mourinho for their FA cup semi-final win over Blackburn. (Various)

Kilmarnock could ban fans if they sell tickets to Celtic supporters for this weekend's league meeting at which the Glasgow side could clinch the title. (Daily Record)

Tuesday 17th April gossip column

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Manchester United want to tempt Morten Gamst Pedersen away from Blackburn by triggering an £8m release clause in the midfielder's contract. (Daily Mirror)

Liverpool will make a bid for Udinese's Italian World Cup-winning striker Vincenzo Iaquinta. (Daily Mirror)

Tottenham boss Martin Jol has been given the go-ahead for a £15m double swoop for West Brom defender Curtis Davies and West Ham midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker. (The Sun)

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate admits he is planning for life without defender Jonathan Woodgate, who is on loan from Real Madrid, and striker Mark Viduka, who is considering a contract extension, next season but wants them to stay. (Daily Mirror)

Fulham are hoping to sign South Korean international midfielder Lee Chun-Soo on a season-long loan deal, with a view to a permanent transfer. (Daily Mirror)

Aston Villa striker Juan Pablo Angel is on the verge of completing a move to Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls. (Daily Mirror)

Villa are considering a £1.5m move for FC Zurich midfielder Xavier Margairaz. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool are all on alert after Marseille indicated they are ready to sell Franck Ribery. (The Sun)

Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell is set to sign for Newcastle in the summer. (The Guardian)

Corinthians admit they would be happy to re-sign West Ham striker Carlos Tevez. (The Independent)

Bolton are looking at French striker Andre-Pierre Gignac as a possible replacement for Nicolas Anelka. (The Independent)

Motherwell midfielder Brain Kerr looks set to sign a pre-contract agreement with Hibernian before the end of the week. (Daily Record)

David Weir's agent will meet Rangers on Thursday to negotiate a contract extension for the defender. (Daily Record)

Aberdeen will give a trial to 20-year-old American striker Joseph Lapira. (Various)


OTHER GOSSIP
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich had a celebratory post-FA Cup semi-final victory hug with Blues manager Jose Mourinho - only hours after former Germany boss Jurgen Klinsmann said he did not want to take over the helm at Stamford Bridge. (The Sun)

Manchester United striker Alan Smith is in line for an England recall for the Euro 2008 qualifier in June. (The Sun)

Blackburn midfielder Tugay's future at the club has been placed in doubt after he was left out of the starting line-up for the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce believes the one-sided nature of the Premiership is going to get worse and hopes the monopoly of the so-called 'big four' teams will not put fans off the game. (Various)

Newcastle have put Michael Owen's return to action after a knee injury on hold after he was pulled out of a reserve match against Middlesbrough as a precaution. (Daily Mirror)

Sunderland manager Roy Keane has dismissed claims that he is using the Black Cats as a stepping stone to become Manchester United boss. (Various)

Portsmouth keeper David James says his bid for the clean sheet record in the Premiership is turning his life into a misery as he has been stuck on 141 shut-outs since the goalless draw with Reading on 17 March. (Daily Mirror)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is confident goalkeeper Jens Lehmann will sign a new one-year contract at the club. (The Guardian)

Fulham will turn to Derby boss Billy Davies if their new manager Lawrie Sanchez fails to impress between now and the end of the season. (Daily Express)

The 17 Hibernian players who visited chairman Rod Petrie's house gave him five sheets of complaints against John Collins and wanted the manager sacked. (The Sun)

Midfielder Michael Stewart was missing from the showdown meeting between Hibs players and manager John Collins. (The Sun)

Kilmarnock will give defender Simon Ford a short-term contract while he recovers from a groin operation. (Various)

On-loan Jim O'Brien will make a plea to play against paymasters Celtic if Dunfermline reach the Scottish Cup final. (Various)

Falkirk striker Dayne Robertson could miss the start of next season after two operations on a leg injury. (Daily Record)

Former Sydney and Motherwell boss Terry Butcher is favourite to become Livingston's new manager. (Daily Express)

Clyde player-boss Joe Miller is favourite to become Livingston's new manager. (Daily Mail)


AND FINALLY...
Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has said Rafael Benitez's wife holds the key to keeping the Reds manager out of Real Madrid's clutches. Hicks said: "Rafa's under contract and he told me his wife has said that if he ever did go he would have to go without her because she is staying in Liverpool." (Various)

Aberdeen have placed an advertisement headlined "lonely seat seeks bottom" in an attempt to embarrass stay-away fans to return to Pittodrie Stadium. (Daily Record)

Wednesday 18th April gossip column

TRANSFER RUMOURS

Bayern Munich have told Manchester United that they can buy Owen Hargreaves in the summer if they are prepared to pay £18m. (Various)

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is considering a fresh move for Benfica winger Simao Sabrosa. (Daily Mail)

Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd does not have to sell any of his players even if Premiership clubs come in for them his summer. (Various)

Charles N'Zogbia wants to leave Newcastle in the summer after a row with manager Glenn Roeder. (Various)

Tottenham and Liverpool are both interested in signing Yossi Benayoun, who is expected to leave West Ham in the summer. (Daily Mirror)

Blackburn Rovers maintain there is no clause in Morten Gamst Pedersen's contract that will allow him to leave the club for a fee of £8m. (The Sun)

Sheffield Wednesday have insisted that Frankie Simek will not leave the club for less than £2m, with Charlton, Aston Villa and Portsmouth rumoured to be interested. (Daily Star)

Cardiff skipper Darren Purse is the subject of a £2m battle between Charlton and Sheffield United. (Daily Mirror)

Bolton keeper Ian Walker will quit the club in the summer. (Various)

Everton are keen to sign £6m rated West Brom striker Diomansy Kamara. (Daily Mail)

Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres has turned down an approach from Manchester United. (Daily Mirror)

The agent of Hearts midfielder Julien Brellier claims the management's attitude to his client is driving him out of the club. (Daily Record)

Bulgaria Under-21 defender Pavel Kovachev is set to join Hearts. (Daily Record)

Defender Grant Murray has agreed a new contract with Kilmarnock. (The Sun)

Dutch defender Dyron Daal wants to remain in Scotland even if Aberdeen do not offer him a new contract. (Daily Mail)


OTHER GOSSIP
Chelsea will offer Jurgen Klinsmann £7m a year in an effort to persuade him to become manager at Stamford Bridge this summer. (The Sun)

Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko wants Jose Mourinho to stay at the club even though he treats his players like robots. (Daily Express)

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has turned down Real Madrid for a third time. (Various)

The row between Newcastle and the Football Association over the medical costs of Michael Owen's injury is worsening, with various transport bills now being disputed. (Daily Mail)

Michael Stewart has been forced to train with Hibernian's youth team following the dressing-room revolt against manager John Collins. (The Sun)

Rangers hope to set-up a player-exchange agreement with David Beckham's future employers, LA Galaxy. (Daily Express)

Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura expects to overcome a knee injury to play the rest of the season. (Daily Express)

Dunfermline urged the Scottish FA to switch their Scottish Cup semi-final with Hibernian from Hampden to Tynecastle. (Daily Mail)

An Israeli court will sit in judgment on the dispute between Bolton's Israeli defender Tal Ben Haim and his former agent, David Abu. (The Guardian)


AND FINALLY...
Reading's Cameroon defender Andre Bikey reckons his fish and chip diet and Mr Bean are the best things about living in England. (The Sun)

AC Milan's Brazilian forward Kaka has come out and said that his team are not scared of Manchester United ahead of their Champions League encounter after Sir Alex Ferguson's men beat Roma 7-1 in their last match. (Various)

Inverness Caley Thistle will not be able to play in the Intertoto Cup next season because the second round of the competition will clash with an Elton John concert at their ground. (Daily Record)

Thursday 19th April gossip column

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Inter Milan have renewed their interest in Arsenal striker Thierry Henry. (Daily Mail)

Livorno striker Cristiano Lucarelli, 31, wants to join Manchester United in a £6m deal. (Daily Mirror)

Chelsea have sent scouts to check on Heerenveen's Brazilian striker, Afonso Alves, 26, who has scored 29 goals in 29 games this season. (Daily Mail)

Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse - on loan at Marseille - claims he will be sent back to Anfield in the summer. (Daily Mirror)

Birmingham's on-loan Arsenal midfielder Fabrice Muamba has told boss Steve Bruce he will only stay if they are promoted. (Various)

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has targeted West Brom trio Diomansy Kamara, Curtis Davies and Jason Koumas. (Independent)

Charlton are lining up a £2m summer swoop for Cardiff captain Darren Purse. (Independent)

Hibernian midfielder Michael Stewart has been told he will not be given a new contract. (Various)

Michael Stewart has rejected a severance package to leave Hibernian immediately. (Daily Express)

Michael Stewart has been released from his contract two months early for his role in a dressing-room revolt against manager John Collins. (Daily Mail)

John Collins says it was a football decision to release Michael Stewart and nothing to do with last week's player revolt. (The Herald)

Hibernian goalkeeper Simon Brown will not be given a new contract in the summer. (the Sun)

Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc could be a summer signing target for Lazio. (Daily Express)

Greek defender Takis Fyssas will leave Hearts in the summer. (The Herald)

Kilmarnock have given striker Paul Di Giacomo a new contract. (The Sun)

Aberdeen boss Jimmy Calderwood fears losing defender Russell Anderson because of club debts. (Daily Record)

Wolves, West Brom and Birmingham are all keen on signing Chelsea youngster Scott Sinclair, who is on loan at Plymouth. (Daily Star)

Crystal Palace keeper Gabor Kiraly is set to quit the club at the end of the season and return to his native Hungary. (Daily Star)


OTHER GOSSIP
Arsenal are braced for a £650m hostile takeover bid from American businessman Stan Kroenke. (The Sun)

Arsene Wenger's future at Arsenal is in doubt after his closest ally, vice-chairman David Dein, left the club on Wednesday. (Daily Star)

A window on Chelsea's team coach smashed on Wednesday when it was hit by a rock upon arriving at West Ham's Upton Park. (The Sun)

Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson claims Middlesbrough are "paranoid" about facing Cristiano Ronaldo. (Daily Mirror)

Teddy Sheringham is a shock candidate to take over as manager of relegated League One side Brentford. (Daily Mirror)

Everton will earn a £1.65m windfall from Manchester United if Wayne Rooney helps them to win the treble this season. (Daily Star)

Bristol Rovers have asked their fans to vote on where they will play their home games next season. (Daily Star)

The Scottish FA is set to scrap Scottish Cup semi-final replays. (Daily Record)

Tesco has struck a deal with St Mirren to turn their stadium into a supermarket, with the football club moving to a new ground nearby. (The Herald)

Gretna say they would like to share a stadium with threatened rugby club Border Reivers. (The Herald)

AND FINALLY...
Sunderland boss Roy Keane watched Chelsea play Blackburn on Sunday and reckons the Black Cats could beat the Blues. (Various)

On-loan Arsenal striker Julio Baptista on the Premiership's limitations: "I am Brazilian and I enjoy playing the ball, making clever touches and taking bicycle kicks. But the game is so fast there is no time."

Saturday 21st April gossip column

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Real Madrid director of sport Predrag Mijatovic insists the club have not given up hope of signing Man Utd winger Cristiano Ronado. (Daily Express)

Emre has vowed to stayed on at Newcastle United after being tipped for a move to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray. (Daily Mirror)

Aberdeen skipper Russell Anderson says he could quit the club at the end of the season. (Daily Record)

Hibs are set to land Motherwell midfielder Brian Kerr after fighting off interest from Colchester United. (Daily Record)


OTHER GOSSIP
American billionaire Stan Kroenke is poised to mount a £650m hostile takeover of Arsenal. (Daily Express)

Sir Alex Ferguson will be satisfied with just the Premiership title this season as his Man Utd side also chase success in the FA Cup and Champions League. (Various)

England boss Steve McClaren has visited Michael Owen in training and is still hopeful the striker will be ready for the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia on 6 June. (Various)

Alan Curbishley has told his West Ham players to stop over-celebrating goals - because it could cost them Premiership survival. (Various)

Stuart Pearce has urged Watford to stand by Aidy Boothroyd even if Manchester City send them back down to the Championship today. (Various)

Dwight Yorke believes that landing a Championship medal with Sunderland would rival his trophy-winning feats at Manchester United. (Various)

Bolton boss Sam Allardyce claims referees are not fit enough to last a Premiership season. (Daily Mirror)


AND FINALLY...
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is releasing a rap album under the alias Drogbacite. (The Sun)

Paul Scharner will continue dyeing the Union Flag in his hair if Wigan beat Liverpool at Anfield today. (Daily Express)