Thursday, November 6, 2008

Friday's gossip column

Transfers Other gossip And finally

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Barcelona are ready to launch an immediate £30m bid for Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, rather than waiting until the summer to re-sign the 21-year-old, who left the club six years ago. (Daily Star)

Chelsea are lining up a January move for Michael Owen, with the Stamford Bridge club valuing the 28-year-old Newcastle striker between £3m to £5m. (The Sun)

However, they may face competition from Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp, who is keen to bolster his striking ranks. (The Sun)

Manchester United have joined the race to sign 19-year-old midfielder Alex Witsel from Standard Liege, with the Belgian club valuing him at about £15m. (The Sun)

Everton are planning to relaunch a bid for 22-year-old Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Moutinho after having a £12m offer rejected in the summer. (Daily Star)

Wigan manager Steve Bruce has told Hull to make an offer for striker Marlon King, who is currently on loan at the KC Stadium. (Various)

West Ham and Fulham are tracking Basel midfielder Beni Huggel, who would cost about £2.5m. (The Sun)

OTHER GOSSIP

West Ham's owners have admitted for the first time that are considering selling the club as they continue to feel the effects of the credit crunch but potential investors will wait for the outcome of Sheffield United's Carlos Tevez appeal. (Daily Telegraph, The Independent)

England manager Fabio Capello will axe David Beckham from his squad for the forthcoming international friendly in Germany. (The Sun)

Newcastle interim manager Joe Kinnear has tipped controversial midfielder Joey Barton for a shock England call-up. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo believes his side have to win at Arsenal on Saturday if they are serious about winning the Premier League title. (Daily Star)

Ahead of that clash, Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor has said he would not swap any of his team-mates for anyone in the United team. (The Sun)

Former Tottenham manager Juande Ramos will receive £1.7m in compensation from the north London club after his exit in October - the figure being half of what was his annual salary. (The Times)

Manager Paul Ince wants to employ former Manchester United team-mate Andrew Cole as a striker coach at Blackburn Rovers. (Various)

West Ham are close to agreeing a shirt sponsorship deal with betting company SBO Bet, who will replace XL on the club's shirts after the airline went bust in September. (The Times)

AND FINALLY

Manchester United have turned to a sleep expert in their bid for glory this season, with players receiving home visits and getting professional tips on how to sleep. (The Sun)

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