Wednesday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Barcelona in a statement have "flatly denied" they have reached an agreement with Cesc Fabregas which would see the Arsenal captain return to the Nou Camp at the end of the season. (Press Association) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea's first summer target will be Barcelona's £30m-rated right-back Dani Alves. (Daily Star) 
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has reached a verbal agreement with Barcelona to join the Catalan club from next season. (Cadena Ser radio) 
Manchester United are on the hunt for Roma's 15-year-olds Valerio Verre and Filippo Cipriani.(Daily Mail) 
Wigan and Sunderland will renew their interest in Paraguay international Cristian Riveros over the summer. The midfielder currently plays for Mexican side Cruz Azul.(Daily Mail) 
Arsenal have beaten Liverpool to the signature of Marouane Chamakh. The Bordeaux striker is set to agree a five-year, £50,000-a-week deal with the Gunners.(The Mirror) 
Serbian striker Milan Jovanovic has ignored interest from Manchester City and Birmingham and has agreed to join Liverpool this summer. (The Mirror) 
Millwall are on the verge of signing Crawley Town forward Charles Ademeno in a bargain £120,000 deal. (The Mirror) 
Out-of-favour Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland has admitted he may be forced to look for a new club after failing to force his way into new manager Robert Mancini's plans.(The Times) 

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OTHER GOSSIP

Indian businessman Subrata Roy is to step up his pursuit of a takeover of Liverpool. Fellow Indian Mukesh Ambani is also a potential investor, despite issuing a denial on Tuesday.(The Times) 
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola is facing the axe if his side fail to beat Birmingham on Wednesday. (Daily Star) 
Arsenal defender William Gallas is set to quit Arsenal over a row about the length of his contract extension at the Gunners.(The Mirror) 
Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted that when it comes to signing the world's best players, the Gunners cannot afford the top stars. (The Times) 
Queens Park Rangers' former majority shareholder Antonio Caliendo has asked the Football Association to investigate the sale of the club to Flavio Briatore.(The Daily Telegraph) 
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp says getting Spurs into the Champions League would be his greatest achievement as a manager.(The Mirror) 
Bolton are seeking a second opinion in the case of Gary Cahill's blood clot - a condition that could end the defender's World Cup dream.(The Mirror) 

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AND FINALLY

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is scenting blood. He has described Arsenal as a "wounded animal" and believes the Reds will soon catch them up in the Premier League table.(Daily Mail)
Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has claimed that Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson tried to sell winger Cristiano Ronaldo to Barcelona and has also said the Scotsman "is no friend of Real Madrid." (Spanish Eurosport)
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Man City 2-0 Bolton

Manchester City moved up to fifth place in the Premier League with an uninspired victory over Bolton.
Carlos Tevez struck with a fierce penalty that went in after hitting goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. 
It was awarded after Paul Robinson brought down Adam Johnson, while Bolton should have had a spot-kick after Kolo Toure tangled with Johan Elmander. 
Tevez hit the crossbar with a free-kick before Emmanuel Adebayor struck a ferocious volley to secure the points. 
The match was a pale imitation of the thrilling 3-3 draw the two teams contested at The Reebok in December, with the tempo often disappointing and clear openings at a premium. 
But after losing two of their last three Premier League matches, it was a welcome result for Roberto Mancini's team as they continue their quest for fourth place. 
City have not lost at home since April 2009 and Bolton have not won on the road since September so the result is hardly a surprise. 
But it nonetheless adds to the precariousness of Bolton's position. Owen Coyle's side were hardly outplayed during what was for the most part an even contest but the result means they remain one place above the relegation zone. Bolton have now lost four out of six since Coyle took charge.
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini:
"He (Adam Johnson) is a young player who wants to do well. 
"He can play on both the left and the right and he can also play behind the main striker. He can continue to grow and I think he can be a very important player." 
"I feel good after a victory but if we want to arrive at our targets we must improve. We must win at home, we must win away and we must play better. 
Bolton manager Owen Coyle:
"City have a squad that cost over £200m and we made them look ordinary. If they are honest they will admit they were fortunate. 
"We played with lots of spirit and quality but we must be more clinical when chances present themselves. 
"The first five minutes belonged to Man City but I thought that we really took the game to them after that."
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Manchester City – Bolton

City suffered an unexpected defeat in last round, on the road from Hull. They had a comfortable approach to the game and it resulted with two conceded goals. They woke up after, but was too late. However, it was the third defeat in Mancini’s era (Hughes had only two and got sacked) and this game could be decisive in their CL pursuit. They have top quality players, but main problem is how to motivate them. Owners promised last week generous rewards (good way in my opinion) for reaching CL spot and for winning FA Cup. Citizens will play in next rounds against Liverpool and Chelsea and in case of another failure tonight will find themselves very far from promised money. Craig Bellamy will see a specialist about his long-standing knee injury and he won’t appear. City have scored in 21 consecutive home matches and in last four at least twice. 

Bolton are first above the relegation line with just a single point more. In this game they go after an unlucky home draw against Fulham. Trotters missed some very good chances for a lead and at the end were short for probably regular goal cancelled by referee. Owen Coyle obviously made a positive impact, but it’s also obvious they lack in quality. And that level of quality will be even more damaged tonight, as Coyle will miss key defender Gary Cahill (has suffered a blood clot in his arm and is set to miss the rest of the season) and best goal scorer with 7 goals, second scorer Klasnic (6 goals), on-loan winger Vladimir Weiss, while Andy O'Brien (thigh) and Fabrice Muamba (ankle) are both doubtful. Bolton have kept one clean sheet in their last 23 Premier League away matches.

As I wrote, the main problem for Citizens is motivation and probably the best way for it is money. The class difference is more than obvious and with correct approach it will be a win by few goals margin. Trotters will try to keep a goalless draw, but with first goal conceded the game for them will be finished. Home handicap win. 

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Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has admitted he is tempted to link up with his France team-mate Thierry Henry at Barcelona.(The Guardian) 
Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh after his proposed move to Liverpool collapsed. (The Times) 
Barcelona and Sevilla have targeted Madjid Bougherra after the Rangers defender impressed during the Africa Cup of Nations. (Daily Record)
Rangers defender Stevie Smith says he will almost certainly reject the offer of a new contract in the search for regular first-team football. (Daily Record) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool have emerged as a takeover target for the seventh-richest man in the world, Indian Mukesh Ambani. (The Times) 
But, India's wealthiest man Mukesh Ambani has denied British newspaper reports on Tuesday that he is considering a takeover of Liverpool. (AFP) 
Arsenal have written to Barcelona to demand the Spanish giants stop their public campaign to try and sign midfielder Cesc Fabregas. (Daily Mirror) 
New West Ham owner David Sullivan reckons any Birmingham fans who abuse him at Wednesday's game are fools after declaring his regime at the Blues the best in the club's history. (Daily Mirror) 
West Ham co-owner David Gold has fanned the flames of controversy before the clash at Upton Park by saying the Hammers are bigger than the Blues. (The Times) 
Stoke striker Ricardo Fuller will keep his place in the squad for Tuesday's Premier League match at Wigan despite being arrested on suspicion of assault. (The Times) 
Mark Hughes is weighing up whether to become Turkey's new manager, two months after he was sacked by Manchester City. (Daily Mail) 

But Hughes could be in line to replace manager Gianfranco Zola should West Ham continue to struggle while Russia coach Guus Hiddink has also been linked to the vacant job at Turkey. (The Times)

His successor at City, Roberto Mancini, is under increasing pressure to ensure that the Blues qualify for the Champions League.(Daily Mail) 

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola and his players will be asked to take a 25% pay cut at the end of the season. (The Sun) 
Ian Holloway has axed three of his Blackpool players for Tuesday's game at Sheffield Wednesday after they were spotted in a nightclub on Saturday night, hours after their 2-1 defeat by Leicester. (Daily Mirror) 
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, the new England captain, is still agonising over whether he should withdraw his appeal against a four-match violent-conduct ban as a gesture of goodwill to the Football Association. (Daily Telegraph) 
Former Bradford striker Dean Windass is among the favourites to replace Stuart McCall as boss of the Bantams. (Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Kieron Dyer's time at West Ham could cost the club a staggering £30m over the course of his four-year contract. The midfielder has started only five league matches in his two-and-a-half years at Upton Park and has yet to score.(Daily Mail)
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Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh says he would prefer to join Arsenal over Liverpool in the summer. Chamakh's contract with the French club finishes at the end of the season.(Daily Mirror) 
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas is to reject a new contract at Arsenal and instead join Spanish side Barcelona. (Spanish newspaper Sport)
Everton striker James Vaughan will be allowed to leave the club on loan this week, with Derby County and Coventry both interested in the 21-year-old.(Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Portsmouth could be welcoming their fifth owner of a turbulent season after executive director Mark Jacob revealed that "two or three groups" have approached the board.(Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Sacked England captain John Terry has phoned new skipper Rio Ferdinand to offer the Manchester United defender his support. (The Sun) 
A study of more than 100,000 fouls in domestic, European and international football has shown that referees are more likely to penalise taller players than their shorter opponents. (The Guardian) 
Robinho made a dream debut on his return to Brazilian team Santos by coming off the bench to score the winning goal against Sao Paulo.(Daily Mail) 
Joshua, the 13-year-old son of football legend Pele, has started training with Santos, his father's former club and the current team of Robinho. (Daily Mirror)
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Two picks for Sunday

Hardly accepted three incorrect picks yesterday.Not because the failure,but the way how they happened.

And I live for a day when referees will be substituted with computers,micro-chips,or something.

Have two for today.Without an explanation.
Chelsea-Arsenal, over 2.5
Fiorentina-Roma, over 2.5

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Sunday's gossip column

JOHN TERRY GOSSIP

England manager Fabio Capello told John Terry to "get some help" for issues in his private life when he axed the Chelsea defender as his skipper on Friday.(News of the World) 
Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge, who has been in the spotlight over allegations that his former girlfriend had a relationship with Terry, is still part of Capello's plans and will be selected for the friendly with Egypt on 3 March.(Sunday Mirror) 
John Terry could take some time out of the game to try and resolve issues in his private life.(Sunday Express) 
Capello sacked Terry to protect the Chelsea defender amid concerns about the impact the continued media pressure would have on the player.(Sunday Telegraph) 

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TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson wants Everton star Jack Rodwell to come to Old Trafford in the summer.(News of the World) 
But Ferguson has lost out to Real Madrid in the race to sign Racing Santander's 18-year-old Spanish midfielder Sergio Canales.(The People) 
Liverpool's Martin Skrtel is an £8m summer target for Italian Serie A side Juventus.(News of the World) 
Juventus are also planning a £13m raid for Tottenham defender Gareth Bale.(The People) 
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is prepared to let Stephen Ireland leave Eastlands in the summer, which will alert the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Spurs.(Daily Mail) 
Mancini says he is planning a bid for Inter Milan forward Mario Balotelli, who has repeatedly clashed with his manager Jose Mourinho.(News of the World) 
Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh says he wants to join Arsenal when his contract expires in the summer.(imscouting.com) 
Stoke striker James Beattie was close to a £2m move to Fulham in January but his demands for £60,000 a week scuppered the deal.(Sunday Mirror) 
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is preparing to offload £20m of talent in the summer. Anton Ferdinand, Kieran Richardson and Kenwyne Jones - who were all bought by previous boss Roy Keane - will be the ones to leave.(News of the World) 
Everton, Liverpool and Spurs are all in the chase for Hull's 19-year-old midfield starlet Tom Cairney.(Sunday Mirror) 
West Ham defender Matthew Upson will be sold in the summer.(The People) 
Chelsea could make a move for Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic at the end of the season.(Sunday Mirror) 
Birmingham's loan striker Christian Benitez says he wants to join the club on a permanent basis.(The People) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Arsenal will offer Cesc Fabregas a £30m deal in a bid to keep the talismanic captain at the north London club.(Sunday Mirror) 
Jose Mourinho could buy himself out of his £5.5m contract with Inter Milan to make a return to the Premier League.(News of the World) 
Chelsea are ready to axe goalkeeper Petr Cech from the first team at the end of the season if his form does not improve.(The People) 
Manchester City striker Benjani failed medicals at West Ham and Blackburn before sealing a loan switch to Sunderland.(The People) 
Aston Villa's James Milner has done enough to impress Capello and looks set to be included in his World Cup squad. (News of the World) 
But Adam Johnson's chance of joining him could be on the line if the young winger does not get enough games at his new club, Manchester City.(Mail on Sunday) 
Johnson almost joined rivals United in January. The former Middlesbrough player was given a secret tour of United's training ground and met with Sir Alex Ferguson but the Premier League champions did not follow up their interest.(The People) 
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, who has replaced Terry as England skipper, has been visiting a specialist sports physician in an attempt to save his career. (News of the World) 
And Ferdinand is ready to drop his fight against a Football Association ban in order to keep in with Capello.(Sunday Times) 
Manchester United fans are preparing to boycott season tickets in their protest against the club's owners.(Mail on Sunday) 
Manchester City forward Robinho, currently on loan at Brazilian side Santos, is paying £10,000 a week on security amid fears he could be targeted by kidnappers.(Sunday Mirror) 
Portugal manager Carlos Queiroz was involved in an altercation with a television reporter at Lisbon airport en route to the draw for the Euro 2010 qualifiers.(Sunday Times) 

AND FINALLY

Beleaguered Portsmouth are facing more troubles after they failed to pay their overdue electricity bill. (News of the World) 
Tottenham failed to sign goalkeeper Asmir Begovic last month because of an appointment mix-up. The Bosnian player was set to join Spurs in a £2m deal from Portsmouth but was not too happy at meeting rival Stipe Pletikosa, who was also having a medical at the same time. Begovic pulled out of the move and joined Stoke instead.(Sunday Mirror) 
In a bid to raise morale at Manchester United, the ruling Glazer family will treat staff to a day out at the Carling Cup final against Aston Villa later this month.(News of the World)
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Saturday's hell

Bolton 0 - 0 Fulham

Bolton dropped to one place off the bottom three after failing to break down Fulham in a goalless encounter.
Mark Davies saw a shot diverted on to the crossbar, one of a number of vital saves by Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer. 
The closest the visitors came was when Nicky Shorey's free-kick was deflected on to the roof of the net. 
In the final moments, Bolton's Johan Elmander shot wide when clean through, while Kevin Davies harshly had a goal ruled out for an alleged push. 
The omens were there before the game, Bolton having won only two of their last 13 and Fulham none of their last 11 away games.
Bolton manager Owen Coyle:
"I think it is fair to say we certainly didn't get what we deserved from the game. 
"I can't be evasive - we have scored a very good goal in the game. Everyone in the stadium knew it was a goal, bar one man. 
"That is hard to take, that leaves a bad taste in the mouth. It was clearly a terrific goal. The referee has deemed Kevin has pushed the defender with two hands. I knew at the time there was no contact and I've seen the re-run - certainly not any two hands that I've seen. 
"Every point is a good point in the Premier League but the galling thing is we were deserving of three." 
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson:
"They had by far the better goal chances in the game but we have got a very good goalkeeper and a resilient, hard-working and determined team. 
"I congratulate the referee on the strength of his decision and having watched the video I think Brede was just about to head the ball when he felt the push. 
"Of course I don't think you'd expect me to say anything other than it was a good decision and I don't think I'll be expecting Owen Coyle to say anything other than, 'We was robbed'. 
"But I don't think in 2010 we have had an awful lot of luck with decisions and deflections and things like that."
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Scunthorpe 1 - 2 Crystal Palace

Neil Danns scored in injury time to give troubled Crystal Palace victory over 10-man Scunthorpe.
Darren Ambrose had put Palace ahead from a well-worked corner, before the Iron had Marcus Williams sent off for a professional foul on Kieran Djilali. 
Scunthorpe, who had most of the early chances, looked like they had earned a point when David Mirfin headed home from a corner with six minutes left. 
But Danns drove home from the edge of the area to give Palace the points. 
Scunthorpe boss Nigel Adkins:
"It was disappointing to have a player sent off and we shall be looking to see if we can appeal. 
"This is only the third game in 11 we have been beaten and each time it has come after we have had a man sent off. 
"Having said that, we had chances early in the game that we should have taken - it should have been beyond reach for Palace by half-time." 
Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock on his side's third victory since the club went into administration:
"This business has drawn us all closer together, both players and supporters. These players just do not know when they are beaten. 
"It was disappointing that we let Scunthorpe come back on level terms after going down to 10 men but Neil Danns has come up with a last-gasp winner and it's a terrific result for us."
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