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Page last updated at 07:40 GMT, Wednesday, 12 November 2008

Wednesday's gossip column

TransfersOther gossipAnd finallyNews image

BREAKING GOSSIP

Russia forward Andrei Arshavin has revealed he is desperate to leave Zenit St Petersburg in the coming transfer window in January, saying "at the start of 2009, I will be with another team". Real Madrid and Tottenham thought to be interested in signing the 27-year-old. (Spanish daily AS, 1615 GMT)

Portugal winger Simao Sabrosa, who almost joined Liverpool in 2005 before signing with Atletico Madrid until 2010, has revealed his long-term goal is still to play in England. "I still have the dream of playing in England. I'm attracted to the style of play there and their stadiums." (Press Association, 1549 GMT)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Harry Redknapp is ready to rescue Richard Dunne from his Manchester City nightmare and bring him to Tottenham in January. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester United have made Barcelona playmaker Xavi their top �20m transfer target. (Daily Star)

And United have also joined the chase for Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel, 19. Standard Liege want about �15m for the teenager. (Daily Mail)

Reading are on the trail of Ipswich left-back Dan Harding, who is currently on loan at Southend. (Daily Star)

Jimmy Bullard is being chased by Spurs and Sunderland - as Fulham decide whether or not to offer the midfielder a new contract. (The Sun)

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is the managerial target for a Middle East consortium in talks with Nottingham Forest about a multi-million pound takeover of the Championship club. (Daily Express)

Fiorentina are keeping an eye on Ipswich's Alex Bruce, the son of Wigan boss Steve. (Daily Mirror)

League One strugglers Huddersfield have put former Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd at the top of their wanted list. (Daily Express)

OTHER GOSSIP

Leading footballers have already been trapped by controversial "three strikes and you're out" rules that have quietly been introduced to combat drug-taking. (The Times)

City of London Police are investigating new evidence in their football corruption inquiry and will make inquiries abroad. (Various)

AND FINALLY
Managers are considering keeping their players in the dressing room until a few minutes before kick-off time to express their anger at recent refereeing decisions. (Daily Telegraph)



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see also
Tuesday's gossip column
11 Nov 08 |  Gossip
Monday's gossip column
10 Nov 08 |  Gossip
Sunday's gossip column
09 Nov 08 |  Gossip
Transfers - November 2008
05 Nov 08 |  Football


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