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Page last updated at 08:06 GMT, Thursday, 27 March 2008

Thursday's gossip column

Transfer rumoursOther gossipAnd finally ...News image

TRANSFER RUMOURS

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has been identified as the man to replace current Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard. The Spaniard is also the target of Real Madrid, Valencia and Atletico Madrid. (Various)

The Catalan giants look set for a summer overhaul, with Ronaldinho likely to leave for a cut-price �12m at the end of the season - putting Chelsea on red alert. (The Sun)

But the Blues could be more interested in tempting Barca's highly rated teenage striker Gal Assulin, who has also caught the eye of Manchester City scouts, to Stamford Bridge. (Daily Star)

606: DEBATE

Goalkeeper Ben Foster's bid to go out on loan to the Championship has been blocked by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. (Daily Mirror)

Mark Schwarzer is Celtic's number one choice to replace unsettled keeper Artur Boruc, who is a target for Aston Villa. (Daily Mirror)

Stoke manager Tony Pulis is on the verge of signing Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi on loan to boost his Premier League promotion hopes. (Various)

Newcastle may replace Ameobi with Sam Vokes after the Wales Under-21 international admitted he could leave Bournemouth for St James' Park in the summer. (The Independent)

Derby County are ready to make midfielder Hossam Ghaly's loan move permanent in a �2m end-of-season deal. (Daily Star)

Bolton Wanderers manager Gary Megson may make a second bid for Blackburn striker Jason Roberts after failing with a move in the January transfer window. (The Independent)

German side Wolfsburg have emerged as possible summer bidders for Celtic midfielder Massimo Donati. (Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP

Los Angeles Galaxy's David Beckham will not be retiring from international football as the 100-cap midfielder insists he can be part of England boss Fabio Capello's long-term plans. (Daily Star)

Martin Taylor wants to visit Eduardo again after the Arsenal striker revealed he does not remember the Birmingham defender meeting him to apologise in the wake of his horror injury last month. (Daily Mirror)

Sunderland have resolved their row with the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation, leaving Carlos Edwards and Kenwyne Jones clear to play against West Ham United on Saturday. (Various)

AND FINALLY

Arsenal captain William Gallas has revealed he has no "mates" at the Emirates. "They are more like acquaintances," he said. "Really, it's the guys at [former club] Chelsea. It always gives me pleasure to see them again." (The Independent)




see also
Wednesday's gossip column
26 Mar 08 |  Gossip
Tuesday's gossip column
25 Mar 08 |  Gossip
Transfers - March 2008
21 Mar 08 |  Gossip


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