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Page last updated at 06:37 GMT, Saturday, 5 June 2010 07:37 UK

Saturday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

TransfersOther gossipAnd finallyNews image

BREKAING GOSSIP

1355 BST: Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano has hinted that he could leave the club for Inter Milan - where he expects former Reds boss Rafa Benitez to be in charge.

"Would I follow Benitez? I don't know," he said. "At the moment I really know little about my future. But of course with Benitez at Liverpool I experienced three incredible years: his football is my football." (Press Association)

1228 BST: Brazil right back Maicon has dismissed reports that he is moving to Real Madrid and has said he is happy to remain at Inter Milan until his contract expires in 2014. Maicon was a one-time target for Manchester City. (Associated Press)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea believe the turmoil at Liverpool means the Anfield outfit will be unable to resist their £70m bid for striker Fernando Torres. They are ready to fight Manchester City for the Spaniard by breaking the British transfer record.
Full story: Daily Mail

Manchester City are set to renew their interest in Aston Villa midfielder James Milner and are preparing a £30m bid for the 24-year-old England international.
Full story: The Sun

City meanwhile have denied bids for Lazio pair Mauro Zarate and Aleksandar Kolarov.
Full story: IMScouting

Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso is hoping to tempt former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard to join him at the Bernabeu.
Full story: The Sun

Arsenal are standing firm over Barcelona's attempt to sign captain Cesc Fabregas. The Gunners say they will not do business at any price, having earlier rejected a £30m bid from the Spanish giants for the midfielder.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Despite Arsenal's defiance, Barcelona intend to go back to the Gunners with an improved offer for the Spanish midfielder.
Full story: The Sun

And Barcelona's president Joan Laporta has urged Arsenal to let Fabregas join the Catalan club this summer.
Full story: The Independent

However, would-be Barcelona president Sandro Rosell says the club will not be held to ransom despite their desire to sign Fabregas. Full story: IMScouting

Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain has snubbed a move to England by signing a new deal with Real Madrid. Arsenal and Chelsea were said to be tracking the 22-year-old.
Full story: The Sun

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan is fully focused on the World Cup with Uruguay despite the interest shown in him by Tottenham.
Full story: The Independent

Manchester United are considering a £25m offer for Wolfsburg's Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko.
Full story: caughtoffside

Stoke boss Tony Pulis is preparing a £4m bid for Middlesbrough defender David Wheater, who is out of contract at the Riverside at the end of next season.
Full story: Daily Mail

Celtic have rejected an official approach from Spartak Moscow for winger Aiden McGeady who are believed to be preparing an £8.3m offer for the Irishman.
Full story: Daily Mail

Aston Villa are lining a £9m offer for Wolves striker Kevin Doyle.
Full story: caughtoffside

Portsmouth's Algeria World Cup defender Nadir Belhadj has spoken to new West Ham boss Avram Grant about a move to Upton Park.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Porto are set to pip Liverpool and West Ham to the signing of Atletico Mineiro's £6m-rated Brazilian striker Diego Tardelli.
Full story: goal.com

Ipswich have increased their offer for £4m-rated Cardiff City striker Michael Chopra.
Full story: Daily Mirror

OTHER GOSSIP

Sven-Goran Eriksson has thrown his hat into the mix to become Liverpool manager, admitting that it would be a dream come true to become boss at Anfield.
Full story: The Sun

Liverpool's Kenny Dalglish has put Fulham's Roy Hodgson and Louis van Gaal of Bayern Munich at the top of his shortlist of replacements for Rafael Benitez at Anfield.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is wanted by Japan as their national coach having previously coached club side Grampus Eight for two years.
Full story: Daily Star

AND FINALLY

Ex-United States defender Alexi Lalas is urging his team to wind up England striker Wayne Rooney in their World Cup group match - and wants to see him "act like a baby". Lalas said of the Group C qualifier on 12 June: "I hope Rooney has a temper tantrum, has a swing at someone and gets thrown out."
Full story: Daily Mail

Former Reds legend John Barnes reckons star duo Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres should follow Rafa Benitez out of Liverpool if they are not happy at the club. "Any player who doesn't want to be at Liverpool should go... no matter who they are," said Barnes.
Full story: The Sun

Spain's World Cup stars will receive £512,000 in bonuses if they manage to win the World Cup. It is the highest amount offered to any of the 32 teams competing in South Africa. (The Times)



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see also
Saturday's Scottish gossip
05 Jun 10 |  Scottish Premier
Friday's gossip column
04 Jun 10 |  Gossip
Friday's Scottish gossip
04 Jun 10 |  Scottish Premier
Thursday's gossip column
03 Jun 10 |  Gossip
Thursday's Scottish gossip
03 Jun 10 |  Scottish Premier
Wednesday's gossip column
02 Jun 10 |  Gossip
Wednesday's World Cup 2010 round-up
02 Jun 10 |  World Cup 2010
Wednesday's Scottish gossip
02 Jun 10 |  Scottish Premier
Transfers - June 2010
21 Jun 10 |  Football


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