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Last Updated: Saturday, 12 July, 2003, 03:40 GMT 04:40 UK
The back pages
The top stories from the UK press
Despite the fact that there are still five weeks to go until the start of the Premiership football season, transfer moves, speculation and gossip dominate the back pages.

As has become the norm since Roman Abramovich's takeover at Stamford Bridge, "Chelski" are being linked with almost every half-decent player in Europe.

In the wake of Friday's stream of possible targets comes yet another in Paris St Germain's much-in-demand Ronaldinhio.

The Star reports that Chelsea are ready to sabotage Manchester United's bid for the Brazilian with a lucrative offer that eclipses the �60,000 a week that United have put forward.

The sensible Daily Mail poses the question: "Is it fantasy football or sheer madness?"

THE HEADLINES
The Daily Telegraph: Mickelson stands firm while Els simply excels
The Times: Flintoff prepares to lift England by emerging from Botham's shadow
The Sun: Vieira: Splash cash or lose me
The Guardian: Duff and Geremi next in line
Daily Mirror: The Final Insult
Daily Express: Dream On
Daily Star: Fergie fears [Ronaldinhio] hijack
Daily Mail: Pay me �3.5m - Fowler writ could tip Leeds into administration
The Independent: The Open's forgotten champion

Meanwhile, The Sun suggests that Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira may walk out on the club unless they can prove that they match his ambition.

The paper says that Vieira wants to see three major summer signings - or he will leave as a free agent next year.

Interest in Harry Kewell's complicated transfer from Leeds to Liverpool continues, with the Daily Mirror - under its headline of "The Final Insult" - revealing that Leeds had to shell out �28,000 on an insurance policy for Kewell to play for Liverpool.

Leeds boss Peter Reid describes the charge as "a bit close to the bone."

Away from football, Andy Flintoff's rise to the talisman of English cricket sees him come in for widespread praise ahead of England's showdown with South Africa.

The Times sees "Freddy" as a natural successor to Ian Botham, while the Daily Express says he is "fit to take on the world."

Build 'em up....




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12 Jul 03  |  Football



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