The talk of the terrace!

Celtic get Europa League lifeline after Sion expelled

2011-09-02T09:55:00.001-07:00

Celtic have been reinstated in the Europa League after Uefa expelled Sion from the competition.

Sion, who had been subject to a transfer embargo, fielded several new signings during their 3-1 aggregate win over Celtic in the play-off round.

A Celtic spokesman said: "We have been advised by Uefa that the two protests relating to the matches against FC Sion have been upheld."

"As a result of which each match has been forfeited in favour of Celtic."

Celtic will therefore take Sion's place in Group I, which also features Atletico Madrid, Rennes and Udinese.

The spokesman added: "We are pleased by this decision, the approach which has been taken by Uefa and the fact that Uefa rules and regulations have been upheld. We are also grateful for the support of the SFA in this matter."

Sion have three days to appeal against the verdict.

Earlier in the week, the Swiss club's president Christian Constantin had been confident of preserving Sion's place in the competition.

He told BBC Scotland: "The bottom line is that we are in the right. There's no doubt.

"It's just that there are cases where Fifa want to take unilateral decisions by force rather than by just means.

"Uefa approved the list of players we submitted, but now, because of pressure from Fifa, they're trying to find justification for making us forfeit the tie.

"We will battle fiercely to avoid losing the case. Fifa may try to mask the facts, but that won't be easy."

Constantin added that Celtic were "within their rights" to lodge their protests.

Joey Barton joins QPR from Newcastle (BBC)

2011-08-26T10:01:00.001-07:00

Joey Barton joins QPR from Newcastle

Barton spent five years with Manchester City before joining Newcastle for £5.8m

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has signed a four-year deal with Premier League rivals QPR.

The 28-year-old, who joined the Magpies from Manchester City for £5.8m in 2007, was in the final year of his contract at St James' Park.
He was made available this summer on a free transfer after using Twitter to criticise the club's transfer policy.
"It's been a whirlwind, so to draw a line under it and get things sorted is a relief," Barton said on Friday.

He's coming here to show people what he can do. He wants to get back into the England team

Neil Warnock QPR manager

"The ambition of the club really impressed me. There's obviously a great set of lads here.
"The gaffer is talking about adding two or three more bodies, and that, combined with the new owner's ambitions, bodes really well for the future."
QPR manager Neil Warnock believes Barton's arrival will be key to the club's hopes this season.
"We've got a very, very good player on our hands," he commented.
"He's very enthusiastic. People will say one or two things about him, but they've said stuff about me in the past too, so I won't worry about that.

Joey Barton facts

Born: 2 September 1982
Birthplace: Huyton, Merseyside
Position: Midfielder
Former clubs: Manchester City, Newcastle
League appearances: 211
League goals: 22
League yellow/red cards: 56/3

"He's a lot better than people give him credit for. Hopefully we can harness all his positive characteristics and get the best out of him."
Barton started both of Newcastle's Premier League matches this season, picking up yellow cards in each.
On the opening weekend, he was involved in an ugly clash with Arsenal's Gervinho, later admitting he had overreacted in the melee that led to Gervinho's sending off during the 0-0 stalemate.
Barton, who has made one appearance for England, was then booked for dissent as Newcastle recorded a 1-0 win at rivals Sunderland.
QPR and Newcastle are due to meet in a Premier League game at Loftus Road on 12 September.

Liverpool Transfer News: Bellamy, Carroll, Coates and Doyle in Today’s Press

2011-08-25T03:22:00.001-07:00

All of the latest football transfers from Liverpool for 23 August 2011. Liverpool are linked with moves for Craig Bellamy, Sebastian Coates and Kevin Doyle. Kenny Dalglish has also commented on the form of £35m striker Andy Carroll.

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Liverpool has moved ahead of Arsenal and Manchester City in the race to sign defender Sebastian Coates.
The six foot six inch Coates has been scouted for some time by Liverpool and they are now ready to make a £12m offer according to the Guardian. The newspaper says that Kenny Dalglish is ready to use Luiz Suarez's connection to the player to convince the commanding centre half to join Liverpool.
The Guardian also claims that Kenny Dalglish is ready to offer Manchester City strike Craig Bellamy a return to Anfield.
The Welsh striker has been frozen out at the Etihad Stadium and Roberto Mancini is keen to release the reported £95,000 a week off the wage bill. The newspaper claims that Kenny Dalglish is ready to offer the Welshman a lucrative contract to return to the club he supported as a schoolboy.

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Kenny Dalglish has also said that the club had put too much pressure on Andy Carroll in his first months at the club.
The striker has made a slow start to his Anfield career, suffering with injury and lack of form. The Geordie striker has only netted twice in nine games since his £35m move from Newcastle and Liverpool fans are said to be unimpressed so far with his contribution compared to Luiz Suarez.
"Andy's fitness is an improvement since last season because he was never really fit when he came here," said the Liverpool manager, whose substitutions worked to perfection against Arsenal with Raul Meireles and Suarez instrumental in the late victory.
"We pushed him in probably earlier than we should have last season and it wasn't particularly fair on him. It's best to judge him when he's fully fit. Last season, we were a wee bit unkind on him and asked a bit too much of him. This season he certainly looks a lot fitter. Andy is 22. Every time he'll play, people will ask if that's the best he can be. But you never stop. You always want to improve," he continued.
Liverpool have been told to 'get lost' by Wolves manager in their pursuit of Kevin Doyle. The Republic of Ireland striker has been linked with a move away from Wolves but McCarthy has said the striker will not be joining Liverpool, or anyone else, this summer.
"He's inked in in my team every week. I'm just not having it. They might like him, of course they do. I'm certain a lot of them like him. But I really was sincere in the fact that I would now tell them to get lost," McCarthy said.

Liverpool Transfer News: Loss of Sotiris Kyrgiakos Distances Reds from United

2011-08-24T00:38:00.001-07:00

It's becoming more and more apparent that Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea are vying for the Premier League title, and the rest of the league is just trying not to fall farther behind.
The latest bad news for any team not named United, City or Chelsea is Liverpool's loss of Sotiris Kyrgiakos to VfL Wolfsburg on a two-year deal.
Kyrgiakos, signed in the summer of 2009 as more of a stop-gap, instead flourished for the Reds, ending up making 49 appearances for the club as an important role player.
The 32-year-old hasn't exactly been a premiere player for the club and he is aging, but his loss means Liverpool has to plug up their central defense. And although Martin Kelly has the ability to switch from full-back, it likely means the Reds will have to make another signing.
That could mean they aggressively pursue Gary Cahill, Ryan Shawcross or Scott Dann, players they've been linked to this year.
And right now, the Reds don't have a choice but try to acquire a high-impact player. A stop-gap like the Kyrgiakos signing isn't going to cut it anymore. United and City have led the charge before the transfer window closes, and Liverpool is running out of time to keep up.
Liverpool may even be farther than a big-time signing at one position. They have a lot of pieces that move around a lot but pale in comparison to the product that United and City is putting out onto the field right now. The squad certainly has depth, but simply not enough difference-makers. It's like trotting out a multitude of players that would be backups on the favorites and hoping they wear down the superstars they're pitted against.
Losing players who produced for you certainly isn't the way to curb this trend.

Liverpool Keen On Tempting £12m Chelsea Swap Deal

2011-08-22T00:53:00.000-07:00

There is growing speculation that Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas is keen on signing Raul Meireles and Kenny Dalglish made be tempted to consider an offer for the Portuguese international, just as long as Liverpool get up and coming striker Daniel Sturridge in return.
Liverpool have been linked with a number of striking targets as Dalglish looks to beef up his attacking options and is reportedly an admirer of England Under 21 international Sturridge. The former Man City man will struggle to secure first team football at Stamford Bridge with the likes of Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka and even Salomon Kalou ahead of him in the pecking order.
Whilst Meireles was in inspired form since the turn of the year last term it appears that the arrival of Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam have pushed the talented midfielder out of the starting eleven, in fact even with Steven Gerrard out injured the 28 year old started the season opener with Sunderland on the bench.
Chelsea are looking to add creativity to a midfield that has a great deal of brawn in the shape of John Obi Mikel, Ramires and Michael Essien but not so much in the way of forward momentum aside from ageing Frank Lampard and youngster Josh McEachran. There is also growing speculation that Israeli international Yossi Benayoun could be used as a makeweight in the pursuit of Luka Modric.
Liverpool purchased Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll in January for a combined fee of around £55m and the pair are considered the club’s first choice striking options but in terms of back up options the Merseyside club lacks alternatives. Dirk Kuyt is still used more predominantly out wide and Frenchman David N’Gog has struggled to impress and could be offloaded to Bolton.
Sturridge will not be keen to spend the season on the Blues bench having experienced a taste of regular Premier League football whilst on loan at the Reebok Stadium last term and the 21 year old may be keen on any move that brings him nearer to first team football.

Monday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

2011-08-22T00:50:00.001-07:00

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has made bids of £15m and more than £20m respectively for Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila and Lille forward Eden Hazard. The Frenchman may also return to Everton with a fresh approach for defender Phil Jagielka.
Full story: Daily Mirror
The Gunners are reportedly offering striker Nicklas Bendtner to Werder Bremen in a swap deal for experienced centre back Per Mertesacker.
Full story: Caught Offside
Tottenham could renew their efforts to sign Atletico Madrid frontman Diego Forlan as the Uruguayan has grown unsettled at the Vicente Calderon.
Full story: Fanatix
Spurs have also again been linked with controversial Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton, according to reports.
Full story: Caught Offside
Out-of-favour Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani has claimed he is close to joining AC Milan.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Chelsea will make a move for Fiorentina attacker Stevan Jovetic as soon as their deal to sign Juan Mata from Valencia has been finalised. Full story: Fanatix
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Paris Saint-German attempted to sign Dimitar Berbatov, but that he wants to keep the striker at Old Trafford.
Full story: Inside Futbol
Ferguson is reportedly monitoring Japanese international Shinji Kagawa, the 22-year-old midfielder currently with Borussia Dortmund.
Full story: Caught Offside
Blackburn are on the verge of signing striker Vedad Ibisevic from Hoffenheim for £6m.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Arsenal are set to open talks with Lazio striker Mauro Zarate and hope to have the Argentine in the squad in time for the weekend's match against Manchester United.
Full story: Footy Bunker
Liverpool are tempted by a possible swap deal that would send midfielder Raul Meireles to Chelsea in exchange for striker Daniel Sturridge.
Full story: Caught Offside
The Reds are also considering a move for Wolves striker Kevin Doyle before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
Full story: Daily Star

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has warned Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger that he will abandon his pursuit of Samir Nasri if the midfielder plays against Udinese on Wednesday. (the Times)
England coach Fabio Capello has added his opinion on the unrest at Arsenal by urging manager Arsene Wenger to make some signings.
Full story: Daily Star

Jose Enrique joins Liverpool from Newcastle BBC CONFIRMATION

2011-08-12T04:56:00.000-07:00

Jose Enrique joins Liverpool from Newcastle

Page last updated at 11:15 GMT, Friday, 12 August 2011 12:15 UK

Enrique scores for Newcastle

Liverpool have completed the signing of Newcastle full-back Jose Enrique for a reported £6m.

The 25-year-old becomes manager Kenny Dalglish's fifth summer signing.

"This is one of the happiest days of my life. I have come to one of the biggest clubs not just in England, but in the world," said the Spaniard.

Enrique joins Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Alexander Doni and Stewart Downing in moving to Liverpool during the summer.

LIVERPOOL'S SUMMER SIGNINGS

Stewart Downing (Aston Villa) £20m*
Jordan Henderson (Sunderland) £16m*
Charlie Adam (Blackpool) £8.5m*
Doni (Roma) Free
Jose Enrique (Newcastle)*

* - official fee undisclosed

"I am excited by the new signings - it shows Liverpool's ambition," added Enrique, who has signed a long-term deal.

"They spent a lot of money in January on Andy [Carroll] and Luis Suarez, and this summer they've spent a lot of money on other players.

"You can see they have big ambitions and that's why I came here - because I want to win things and I think I can do that here.

"My ambition is win everything with Liverpool. This year we won't play in the Champions League, so the most important thing is to try and win the league."

Enrique added that Liverpool's illustrious history had played a major part in convincing him to move to Anfield.

"They have won a lot of things, including the Champions League," he said.

"Of course I am looking forward to playing in front of the Kop. Everybody speaks about the fans here and they are amazing. I am looking forward to it. I hope it will be this weekend, but if not I can wait."

Enrique joins Liverpool a little more than 24 hours ahead of their Premier League season opener at home to Sunderland.

The Spaniard, who joined Newcastle from Villarreal in 2007 for £6.3m, was disciplined by United last month after criticising their decision to sell major players, such as Carroll and Kevin Nolan, on his Twitter.

This confirms what we here posted over a week ago.

Friday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

2011-08-11T23:33:00.001-07:00

Manchester United have given up on their bid to sign Wesley Sneijder from Inter Milan, with the Old Trafford club now tired of a saga that has dragged on since the end of last season.
Full story: Daily Mail
Chelsea look set to derail Real Madrid's bid to sign Santos's young Brazilian striker Neymar.
Full story: Inside Futbol
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will reinvest money from selling Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri to buy Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Jadson, Valencia forward Juan Mata and at least one centre-back. Bolton's Gary Cahill, Everton's Phil Jagielka, Werder Bremen's Per Mertesacker and Birmingham City's Scott Dann are all on his hit list.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Meanwhile, Arsenal have reportedly opened talks with Birmingham over Dann, and hope to conclude transfer discussions quickly in order to register the defender before Saturday's opening game against Newcastle.
Full story: Metro
Tottenham have stepped up their interest in Blackburn defender Chris Samba and are ready to offer cash plus defender Sebastien Bassong as part of the deal.
Full story: talkSPORT
Sven-Goran Eriksson's ambitious Championship side Leicester want to buy Tottenham striker Robbie Keane for £3m.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Joey Barton is wanted by both Stoke City and Zenit St Petersburg, with the Russian side ready to make the midfielder - who has been told he can leave Newcastle United on a free transfer, despite having a year remaining on his contract - a lucrative offer.
Full story: Metro

OTHER GOSSIP

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has backed midfielder Tom Cleverley, who impressed in a loan spell at the DW Stadium last season, to make a major impact for Manchester United this term.
Full story: talkSPORT
West Bromwich Albion boss Roy Hodgson has said he would like to manage England when Fabio Capello steps down after Euro 2012, but he would need to have the backing of supporters and the media.
Full story: the Guardian

AND FINALLY

Barcelona star Lionel Messi surprised photographers on a holiday to Ibiza by sporting a tattoo of his mother's face on his left shoulder blade.
Full story: Metro

Thursday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

2011-08-11T02:37:00.001-07:00

Arsenal have had a change of heart over Samir Nasri and will now accept bids of £22m to allow the Frenchman to follow Cesc Fabregas in leaving the club. Manager Arsene Wenger will pursue Valencia's Juan Mata as a replacement.
Full story: Daily Mail
Fabregas will have to pay Arsenal £4.5m - at a rate of £900,000 a year - to secure his move to boyhood club Barcelona.
Full story: the Sun
Chelsea coach Roberto di Matteo travelled to Stuttgart to watch Santos playmaker Neymar score for Brazil in their 3-2 defeat by Germany. Real Madrid, Manchester City, Barcelona and Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala are all monitoring the 19-year-old.
Full story: the Sun
Carlos Tevez is set to move to Inter Milan on loan - if the Serie A club sell Samuel Eto'o to Anzhi Makhachkala.
Full story: talkSPORT
Eto'o has agreed personal terms with Anzhi Makhachkala - and will become the highest-paid player in the world on wages of £300,000 a week.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Chelsea will offer Yossi Benayoun to Spurs as they try to seal the signing of Luka Modric.
Full story: Daily Mail
Swansea want to bolster their forward line with the free-transfer signing of France veteran David Trezeguet.
Full story: Daily Mail
Wigan have West Bromwich Albion frontman Peter Odemwingie in their sights as a replacement for Hugo Rodallega, who they fear could be a target for Arsenal.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Manchester City have lined up £5m-rated Fiorentina winger Alessio Cerci as an alternative target should they fail in their attempts to buy Samir Nasri from Arsenal.
Full story: the Sun
Tottenham may turn their attention to Villarreal's Giuseppe Rossi again as Athletic Bilbao are unwilling to accept an offer for Fernando Llorente.
Full story: the Guardian
Spurs are also believed to have entered talks with Porto over the possibility of signing Brazilian striker Hulk, who has an £88m buy-out clause in his contract.
Full story: the Times (requires subscription)
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has suffered a setback in his pursuit of Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra however, with an initial bid turned down by the Spanish giants who value the former Arsenal, Chelsea and Portsmouth star at £15.8m.
Full story: Daily Mail
Arsenal have joined Tottenham in the race for FC Twente striker Bryan Ruiz.
Full story: Daily Mail
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce hopes to set up a loan deal for Tottenham winger Niko Kranjcar.
Full story: Daily Star
Liverpool are on the verge of completing the signing of Jose Enrique from Newcastle in a £5.5m switch. The Magpies have an immediate replacement in mind with PSV Einghoven's Erik Peters available for a similar fee. (Daily Express)
Stoke are set to capitalise on Joey Barton's fall-out with Newcastle by offering the midfielder wages of £60,000 a week.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Alternatively Barton could quit England to take up the chance to play in Russia with Zenit St Petersburg. An offer of a £68,000-a-week contract is expected.
Full story: Daily Mail
The Potters have also made a final offer of £17m to Tottenham for striker Peter Crouch and midfielder Wilson Palacios.
Full story: Daily Star
Real Madrid winger Pedro Leon is a target for Fulham, Villa and Everton after turning down a move to Getafe.
Full story: the Sun
The potential £2m sale of defender Joseph Yobo to Fenerbache could free up funds for Everton manager David Moyes to make moves in the transfer market.
Full story: the Sun
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas hopes to strengthen his rearguard with the signing of Rolando, a central defender from former club Porto.
Full story: footie-online
Wigan are set to sign teenage striker Nouha Dicko from Strasbourg after the Frenchman impressed on trial.
Full story: the Sun
Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers has made an approach to Middlesbrough for 24-year-old centre-back Matthew Bates.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Celtic have been warned they must move quickly if they wish to secure a deal for Jagiellonia Bialystok goalkeeper Grzegorz Sandomierski after Racing Genk agreed a fee of £2m for the 21-year-old. (Daily Record)
Celtic are set to revive their interest in Fraser Forster by making a third and final offer to Newcastle United for the £2m-rated goalkeeper who spent last season on loan in Glasgow. (Daily Express)

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has urged Sunderland fans not to heckle Jordan Henderson when the two sides meet on the opening day of the season.
Full story: the Guardian
Chelsea may be without Fernando Torres for the start of the season after he suffered concussion in Spain's 2-1 defeat by Italy on Wednesday.
Full story: Daily Telegraph
Manchester United winger Bebe is set to be out of action for six months after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament playing for Portugal Under-21s. (the Independent)
Bradford believe they are owed money by Manchester United from midfielder Tom Cleverley's loan spells at Leicester, Watford and Wigan. Cleverley moved to United as a 12-year-old from the Bantams in a deal that included 10% of any future deals involving the player. Full story: the Sun
Celtic's Europa League opponents, Sion, have launched a £17m compensation claim against the Swiss league after being refused permission to field six summer signings but could be expelled from the league and by Uefa. (Daily Record)
Rangers have responded to Kenny Miller's claim that they waited too long to bid for their former striker by saying they offered him more than the club he joined - Cardiff City. (Daily Mail)
St Mirren striker Nigel Hasselbaink will today become the first player to have his disciplinary appeal heard by the Scottish Football Association's new independent panel. (the Herald)
Andrew Dallas will follow in the footsteps of famous referee father Hugh and will take charge of his first senior game on Saturday, Berwick Rangers against East Stirlingshire. (Daily Record)

AND FINALLY

Spurs goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes has said the riots in Tottenham have left the club "living in fear" - while Roman Pavlyuchenko has banned his wife from returning to Britain.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Spanish player Javi Poves has quit La Liga club Sporting Gijon, saying he is taking a stance against a sport he describes as "rotten".
Full story: Daily Telegraph

GuillemBalague confirms arsenal accept bid for cesc

2011-08-10T07:23:00.000-07:00

Guillem Balague has confirmed on his twitter that arsenal have accepted a bid of 46m Euros for Cesc Fabregas.

Fàbregas started his career as a trainee with FC Barcelona but was signed by Arsenal in September 2003 at the age of 16. Following injuries to key midfielders in the 2004–05 season, he established himself as Arsenal's starting central midfielder and playmaker. He went on to break several of the club's records, earning a reputation as one of the best young players for his position.

and now looks to be rejoining his boy hood club after they agreed a few with arsenal.

the players hopes the deal can be completed by this weekend, so he could makes debut in the first round of games in La Liga this year.

Liverpool Transfer Rumours: Enrique, Cahill and Aquilani in Today's Press

2011-08-10T03:06:00.001-07:00

Liverpool are poised to complete the £5.5m signing of left-back Jose Enrique, despite an eleventh hour attempt from Newcastle manager Alan Pardew to persuade the Spaniard to stay at St. James' Park.

Arsenal Transfer News: Wenger Set For Sensational £30m Spending Spree

Community Shield 2011: Manchester City 2-3 Manchester United [Match Highlights]

Enrique, 25, has refused to sign an extension to his current contract, which has just 12 months left to run.

Nevertheless, Pardew remains adamant the full-back could yet be persuaded to stay at Newcastle.

"I keep looking at him and smiling, hoping he is going to stay," Pardew told Sky Sports after their final pre-season friendly against Fiorentina was called off after 26 minutes because of a water-logged pitch.

"He smiles but hasn't signed a contract yet.

"He was terrific against a very good player [against Fiorentina] and showed why I want to keep him."

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Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish hopes follow the signing of Enrique with the purchase of Bolton Wanderers centre-back Gary Cahill, as he attempts to bolster his defence ahead of the club's opening game against Sunderland on Saturday.

Cahill, 25, has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal but with Arsene Wenger reluctant to meet Bolton's £17m valuation Liverpool have now emerged as favourites to land the England international.

Dalglish's side have struggled defensively during pre-season and the Scot has long-term concerns over Jamie Carragher and Sotirios Kyrgiakos, as both enter the latter stages of their careers.

Meanwhile, AC Milan vice-captain Gennaro Gattuso is keen for fellow countryman Alberto Aquilani to join him at Milan.

Aquilani, 27, has struggled since his £20m move to Anfield in 2009 and Dalglish is eager to off-load the midfielder after signing Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson this summer.

"The way I see it, Milan need a new man in midfield," Gattuso told reporters after his side's Italian Super Cup win over Inter Milan.

"We more or less all have the same characteristics in that area. We need a player who can get the team moving a bit more.

"Perhaps Aquilani pushes up more, while we all know Montolivo, as he has been an Italian international for years. Aquilani and Montolivo are both players of great quality."

Liverpool Transfer Rumours - Dann, Subotic, Aquilani, N'gog and Jovanovic

2011-08-10T03:05:00.000-07:00

After a preposterous display of defending in pre-season, Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has been attempting to sign a centre-back to plug the hole at the back. With Martin Skrtel and Glen Johnson injured, while Jamie Carragher and Sotirios Kyrgiakos are both on the wrong side of 30, defensive depth has to be increased if Liverpool are to bag a Champions League slot.

The Daily Star has cited Birmingham defender Scott Dann as the man whom Dalglish has decided to sign. The 24-year-old will cost £8 million and was reportedly eyed by Liverpool earlier in the summer. Dann is a Liverpool-born, and has been likened to Reds legend Alan Hansen. However, he missed half of last season due to a hamstring injury.

Liverpool were also linked to Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic, who has also, reportedly, interested Chelsea and Manchester United.

However, the £13 million rated player has ruled himself out of a move to Anfield after stating that he was keen on Champions League football. Since Liverpool can't offer that this season, the 22-year-old is set to remain in Dortmund.

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Elsewhere, Liverpool are looking to off-load David N'gog, and the player himself is desperate for a move to Bolton. The Wanderers are keen on the player but are not willing to pay the £4.5 million asking price from Liverpool. N'gog may yet remain at Anfield if his valuation isn't reduced as Bolton are also interested in Birmingham striker Cameron Jerome.

Another player Liverpool are looking to sell is Alberto Aquilani. Due to excess resources in midfield, one of Dalglish's primary tasks at the moment is to sell-off the player. There are no reports yet of PSG's interest in Joe Cole but Aquilani's proposed move to Italian Champions AC Milan has not had any progress either.

AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani had claimed that his side was interested in the player, but they are yet to make a move for the 27-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Juventus.

"At the moment, Milan haven't made a move." Aquilani's agent Franco Zavaglia told calciomercato.it. "There have been Galliani's words but no other signals. I'm not saying what type of offer my client can get from Milan, whether it is a loan deal or a permanent move. We will wait."

So far, Milan Jovanovic is the only flop Liverpool player who has moved on. On Saturday, Liverpool confirmed with a statement on their official Twitter thread that Jovanovic had moved to Anderlecht.

"Milan Jovanovic has today completed his move from Liverpool to Anderlecht,'' the statement read.

Wednesday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

2011-08-10T02:13:00.001-07:00

Wesley Sneijder will sign for Manchester United in the next 48 hours for a fee believed to be around £32m.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas is set to go head-to-head with former boss Jose Mourinho in a transfer battle over Porto midfielder Fredy Gaurin.
Full story: talkSport

Chelsea are prepared to use midfielder Yossi Benayoun as bait in their attempt to prise Luka Modric from Tottenham.
Full story: Daily Mail

Lassana Diarra is a step closer to a move to Spurs after Real Madrid cut their asking price for the midfielder.
Full story: talkSPORT

Spurs are plotting a £35m bid for Porto striker Hulk as manager Harry Redknapp seeks to boost attacking options.
Full story: Daily Mail

Arsenal have told Manchester City they can buy Samir Nasri for an initial fee of £22m after conceding the midfielder will not sign a new contract.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Arsenal are monitoring Birmingham's £8m defender Scott Dann, who is also interesting Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish.
Full story: Daily Mail

Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala will step up their interest in Arsenal midfielder Andrey Arshavin this week.
Full story: talkSPORT

Blackburn Rovers are lining up a £3m move for Leicester's Ivory Coast defender Sol Bamba. Full story: The Sun

Aston Villa have joined Bundesliga club Hamburg SV in the hunt for Arsenal forward Nicklas Bendtner.
Full story: footy-bunker

Bolton are set to bring ex-Stoke forward Tuncay back to the Premier League after less than a season with German side Wolfsburg.
Full story: The Sun

Stoke have joined the race for Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips and are also in talks with Spurs midfielder Wilson Palacios.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Rangers have made £2.5m-rated French-Tunisian defender Yohan Benalouane, who plays for Cesena, a priority target after failing to land Anderlecht's Rolan Juhasz. (Daily Express)

Anderlecht say they will not be bullied into selling defender Roland Juhasz to Rangers and will not reduce their asking price after rejecting five bids for the player from the Glasgow club. (the Sun)

Den Haag winger Wesley Verhoek pulled the plug on his transfer to Nottingham Forest - and will not be joining Rangers either - because of his 11th-hour decision that he could not live outside the Netherlands. (Daily Record)

Wesley Verhoek is poised to join Vitesse Arnhem from Den Haag after rejecting moves to Nottingham Forest and Rangers. (the Sun)

Celtic are confident that they will tie up a deal to sign Polish goalkeeper Grzegorz Sandomierski from Jagiellonia Bialystok today. (the Sun)

Osasuna striker Jorge Galan has flown into Scotland to undergo a medical ahead of a season-long loan with Kilmarnock. (Various)

Hibernian have offered freed Aston Villa midfielder Isaiah Osbourne a two-year contract and hope the 23-year-old will be signed in time to face Kilmarnock on Saturday. (Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP

Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh believes Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri will both leave the Emirates, despite both being included in Arsenal's squad for this month's Champions League tie with Udinese. Full story: Daily Telegraph

New Arsenal signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain believes everything is in place for the club to win trophies, saying that is the reason he joined the Londoners.
Full story: talkSPORT

Rafael van der Vaart has urged team-mate Luka Modric to stay at Spurs for one more year before making his dream move to Chelsea.
Full story: Metro

Bolton boss Owen Coyle has told clubs interested in Gary Cahill either to make an offer or leave the defender to concentrate on his career at the Reebok Stadium.
Full story: talkSPORT Rangers have accused the HMRC of leaking details of the club's finances as owner Craig Whyte challenges a £2.8m tax bill. (Daily Record)

Rangers have hit back at Madjid Bougherra's claim that he felt sickened by the club's offer of a new contract, saying that the defender had no intention of staying at Ibrox before his £1.7m move to Lekhwiya. (Daily Mail)

Algeria coach Vahid Halilhodzic says he is less likely to select Madjid Bougherra now that the defender has moved from Rangers to Qatar champions Lekhwiya because he is playing at a lower level of football. (Daily Record)

AND FINALLY

Hollywood actor Gerard Butler turned out for a Celtic legends XI as they won 5-2 against a Manchester United legends team featuring Roy Keane and Teddy Sheringham.
Full story: Metro

Former Scotland midfielder and Sky football pundit Neil McCann has promised to play for free should he sign for Partick Thistle. (Daily Record)

Liverpool FC Transfer News: Why Joey Barton Would Be a Disaster

2011-08-09T06:15:00.000-07:00

Ever since Joey Barton was made available for transfer from Newcastle, he has been linked to nearly every team in the Premiership.

However, the most ridiculous of these links would have to be Liverpool.

Liverpool fans are already complaining about the ridiculous amount of midfielders in the squad, so signing another midfielder will not help the situation. To Barton's credit, he is a fantastic player when on form and he did assist the majority of Andy Carroll's goals last season, but where would he fit in on the team?

Most people agree that Liverpool's midfield—Lucas, Gerrard, Downing and Suarez—is pretty much guaranteed to be on the team sheet. Presuming that Liverpool play a five man midfield means that there is only one spot up for grabs. With Kuyt, Meireles, Adam, Henderson, Aquilani, Maxi and all the academy players vying for that spot, Barton would just not get the playing time that he would get at a another club such as Everton orAston Villa.

The biggest stumbling block in signing Barton is his attitude. He has been in prison twice—both for fairly vicious assaults—which has effectively stopped him becoming the superstar he could become. His actions have also affected his teams results—one of his crimes was largely responsible for the dip in form of Newcastle and the firing of Sam Allardyce.

Unfortunately, crime seems to run in the family. Barton's brother is currently serving a life sentence after taking part in a racially motivated murder.

Barton may be a great player, but with the abundance of midfielders in the squad and his violent attitude, I do not think that Barton would be a good player for Liverpool to sign.

He would do more harm than good.

Thanks for reading. Please share your views by commenting on the article.

England match against the Netherlands off after riots BBC

2011-08-09T02:40:00.001-07:00

Rioting in London has caused sports fixtures to be postponed on police advice

England's friendly against the Netherlands at Wembley on Wednesday has been called off following three nights of rioting in London.

The Football Association confirmed the decision on their website on Tuesday.

Carling Cup matches at Charlton, West Ham, Crystal Palace and Bristol City have all been postponed.

However, Edgbaston officials say the third Test between England and India starting in Birmingham on Wednesday will go ahead as planned.

BBC Sport understands the Premier League have had talks with the police over this weekend's matches involving London clubs but believe it is too early for a decision to be taken.

The FA's managing director of Club England Adrian Bevington wroteon Twitter: "Disappointing for game to be called off, but very good communication with Met [Metropolitan Police], Brent [Council] and Government today - sensible decision."

Bert van Oostveen, chief executive of the Dutch federation the KNVB, explained: "The police in London could not guarantee the safety of our players and our supporters."

The England team were still planning to train as normal at London Colney this morning. No decision has been taken regarding tickets, with the FA set to make an announcement later.

Defender Rio Ferdinand said on Twitter: "England vs Holland game is off, good call. Who wants to see a game of football when our country is in turmoil?"

Meanwhile BBC sports news reporter Joe Wilson, in Birmingham for the third Test, said on Tuesday that nearby hotels had been advised to lock their doors.

MATCHES OFF

Wednesday: England v Netherlands (international friendly)
Tuesday: Charlton v Reading (Carling Cup)
Tuesday: West Ham v Aldershot (Carling Cup)
Tuesday: Crystal Palace v Crawley Town (Carling Cup)
Tuesday: Bristol City v Swindon (Carling Cup)

He wrote on Twitter: "Helicopters circling over Bull Ring, about half mile from England hotel. Spoke to England head of security, confident all players safe."

England batsman Kevin Pietersenrevealed in a tweet to broadcaster Piers Morgan that the team were locked in their hotel ahead of the Test match as trouble flared in the second city.

A statement from the Indian Cricket Board, while confirming that the squad were accounted for and safe, said that team management would be keeping a close eye on the situation.

The teams are staying in Birmingham city centre ahead of the Test match at Edgbaston, south of the city, with England scheduled to practise at the ground on Tuesday.

West Ham's game against Aldershot was the first to be called off,announcing the news on the Hammers website.

Charlton's stadium, The Valley, is close to Lewisham where rioting occurred on Monday.

All major public events in London are to be rearranged because of the need to focus police resources elsewhere

West Ham statement

A statement on Charlton's website read: "Clearly the most important factor is the people's safety. The police have told us they believe the match should be postponed on safety grounds and obviously we have taken that advice."

Crystal Palace were also set to play Crawley Town at Selhurst Park on Tuesday but that match was postponed, given the stadium is close to the scene of disorder in Croydon.

With the unrest spreading to other cities across England, Bristol City's match Swindon was also called off for safety reasons.

And Tottenham's Premier League fixture against Everton on Saturday could also potentially be in doubt, although a statement on the club's website on Monday said that everything was being done to ensure the match went ahead, with fans urged to check the official websitefor updates.

In London, violence broke out on Monday for a third consecutive day with riot police deployed and firefighters tackling blazes across the capital, following disturbances in Tottenham on Saturday evening and Enfield on Sunday night.

Meanwhile, BBC sports news reporter Leon Mann tweeted:"Organisers of Ghana v Nigeria tell me [Tuesday's] game still set to go ahead at Watford FC as planned."

With London 2012 less than a year away, the British Olympic Association said that the current situation in the capital should not affect preparations.

"It makes an Olympic Games and a Paralympic Games all the more important. We need a reason to come together," BOA's director of communications Darryl Seibel told Sky Sports News.

"What better city to do it in than London. It is the only city to be honoured with the Olympic Games on three occasions."

Asked if he was aware of any damage caused to Olympic venues he said: "I'm not aware of it, no."

£8M SCOTT DANN THE MAN FOR KENNY DALGLISH

2011-08-09T02:37:00.001-07:00

KENNY Dalglish has moved for Birmingham star Scott Dann after Liverpool’s pre-season defensive shambles.

Dalglish wants to make the £8m-rated centre-back his fifth summer signing after seeing his side leak 15 goals in six friendlies.

He was eyeing Liverpool-born Dann, 24, earlier in the summer but opted to strengthen his midfield, landing Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson.

Dann, who has been likened to Kop legend Alan Hansen, missed half of last season after picking up a hamstring injury in January.

Anfield chief Dalglish has been hit by injuries to key defenders Martin Skrtel and Glen Johnson in pre-season.

Tuesday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

2011-08-09T02:36:00.001-07:00

Arsenal have opened the door for Samir Nasri's £25m move to Manchester City.
Full story: the Guardian

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will look to sign Bolton defender Gary Cahill following Thomas Vermaelen's injury.
Full story: Metro

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish will make a move for £8m -rated Birmingham defender Scott Dann.
Full story: Daily Star

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp's bid to bring Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra to Tottenham has hit a snag in a row over the ex-Chelsea man's £20m price tag.
Full story: the Sun

Tottenham will make one last attempt to sign Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor, with boss Harry Redknapp desperate to sign the former Arsenal striker.
Full story: footie-online

While, Real Madrid are ready to offer midfielder Fernando Gago to Manchester City in exchange for Adebayor.
Full story: Inside Futbol

Chelsea are facing a battle with big-spending Paris Saint-Germain over Porto wing-back Alvaro Pereira.
Full story: Daily Mail

Aston Villa and Fulham are preparing to make an offer for Ghana international defender Samuel Inkoom.
Full story: Daily Mail

West Brom are set to smash their transfer record after Roy Hodgson made a £7m swoop for Reading forward Shane Long. Full story: the Sun

Newcastle have been told they will have to stump up £14m if they want to sign Tottenham's Russian striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.
Full story: Daily Mail

OTHER GOSSIP

Chelsea-bound striker Romelu Lukaku described Monday as the "most beautiful day of my life" as he arrived to complete his £20m move from Anderlecht.
Full story: Daily Mail

Joey Barton has expressed his desire to come in from the cold and play for Newcastle this season.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Arsenal fans have voiced their displeasure at Arsene Wenger's decision to buy "another kid" - 17-year-old Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Full story: Daily Mirror

AND FINALLY

Real Madrid have beaten rivals Barcelona to the signing of a seven-year-old Argentine prodigy.
Full story: caughtoffside.com

Poulsen ready to fight

2011-08-08T14:18:00.001-07:00

christian Poulsen has dismissed speculation that he will leave Liverpool and insists he sees his future at the club.
Kenny Dalglish has increased his midfield options with the signing of Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson this summer.
These new recruits will augment a squad already bulging with midfielders in Lucas, Steven Gerrard and Jay Spearing.
Indeed, Dalglish's transfer business has prompted talk that the Denmark international would be sacrificed to balance the books.
But the 30-year-old, who has two years left on his contract, is in no hurry to leave Anfield.
"I have been really happy and I want to play, that's my goal for the future," Poulsen said.
"I am happy there with my family, it's a good club and they treat me really well. I hope I can change my situation and play more.
"I haven't heard anything from Liverpool; I am trying to be fit for the new season. So I think they want me at the club and I am happy to be there and unless they tell me something different, I am a Liverpool player for the coming season."

London Riots

2011-08-08T13:36:00.001-07:00

60 years ago, Londoners stood together to defend their city from the kind of destruction now being inflicted upon it by its own

Further violence has broken out between police and groups of young people in Hackney
Cars have been set on fire in Lewisham, while a bus and shop have been set ablaze in Peckham
Shop windows have been smashed and looting has also taken place in Birmingham
Home Secretary Theresa May has condemned the riots as "sheer criminality"
Acting Met Police Commissioner Tim Godwin has said the force will be publishing photos and CCTV footage of those involved
At least 215 people have been arrested and 25 charged so far in relation to the three days of violence

Violence has broken out for a third consecutive day in London, with riot police deployed and firefighters tackling blazes across the capital.

Cars were set on fire in Lewisham and a bus and shop were set ablaze in Peckham. A large furniture shop in Croydon is also well alight.
In Hackney, police sealed off an area after police car windows were smashed.
The prime minister is returning early from holiday to chair a meeting of the government's emergency committee Cobra.
David Cameron, who is on holiday in Italy, was due to board a flight on Monday night ahead of a meeting with Home Secretary Theresa May and Acting Metropolitan Police Commissioner Tim Godwin.
Trouble flared earlier after a man was stopped in Hackney and searched by police but nothing was found.
There were also fears trouble may spread further afield as police in riot gear were deployed in Birmingham city centre after scores of youths rampaged through the shopping area, smashing windows.

Click to play

Philippa Thomas reports from Hackney

The fresh violence prompted Mr Godwin to called on parents to contact their children and urged the public to clear London's streets.
Up to 200 police officers in riot gear are in the Hackney area and are clashing with youths, who have tried to set fire to vehicles.
Groups of people began attacking the police in Hackney at about 16:20 BST, throwing rocks and a bin at officers.
Police cars were also smashed by youths armed with wooden poles and metal bars.
Looters also smashed their way into shops, including a JD Sports store, before being dispersed by police.
Planks of wood taken from a lorry were then hurled towards lines of riot officers.

At the scene

Alix Kroeger BBC News

In a lane off Mare Street the wreckage of a burnt-out car still smoulders, surrounded by riot police.
At least for now, the violence in this half of London seems to have abated. I was talking to one young man who had received on his BlackBerry a list of places where he said there will be further trouble tonight.
He didn't tell me which places and stressed it is speculation. But he and a friend told me frustration with poverty in the area was boiling over.
On Mare Street there is the sound of crunching as police vans run over broken glass. Much of it from a bottle bank which was overturned providing makeshift missiles for rioters who lobbed the bottles at police.

Violence has broken out in Peckham, south London, where a shop and a bus have been set on fire.

In nearby Lewisham, a number of vehicles and a trail of bins on fire.
At least 215 people have been arrested and 25 charged following the riots across London over the last two days.
In Birmingham City Centre looters have attacked several shops, smashing windows and stealing items.
An eyewitness said windows have been smashed in McDonalds and Jessops near Birmingham Cathedral and a sign has been thrown through a gym window.
London's mayor Boris Johnson is cutting short his holiday to return to the city.
Home Secretary Theresa May also returned early from holiday, to meet Metropolitan Police (Met) chiefs to discuss their response to the violence.

Click to play

Theresa May: London rioters 'will be brought to justice'

Mrs May condemned the riots as "sheer criminality" and said those responsible would "face the consequences of their actions".
The trouble follows two nights of violence over the weekend which started after police shot a man dead in Tottenham.
Mrs May said: "The riots in Tottenham on Saturday night and the subsequent disturbances in other parts of London are totally unacceptable."
A peaceful protest in Tottenham on Saturday over the fatal shooting by police of Mark Duggan, 29, was followed by violence which spread into Sunday.
A candlelit vigil was due to be held at The High Cross in Tottenham on Monday evening.
Met Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stephen Kavanagh said there were "significant resources" on the streets, with a third more officers on duty than on Sunday.
He said: "What we can see is that the Metropolitan Police are getting police officers there in numbers.
"When we have large numbers of criminals intent on that type of violence, we can only do that, get lots of officers there quickly and try to protect local businesses and local people."
He also admitted relations with the family of the man shot dead by police could have been handled better.
Mr Kavanagh said: "I want to apologise to the Duggan family because I think both the IPCC (Independent Police Complaints Commission) and the Metropolitan Police could have managed that family's needs more effectively."

Click to play

John Adderley in Peckham: "I could see a bus on fire"

Liverpool open Borussia Dortmund talks for Subotic

2011-08-08T06:57:00.001-07:00

Liverpool are lining up a bid for Borussia Dortmunddefender Neven Subotic.

The People says Liverpoolhave already made an enquiry for Subotic.

But the Serb has turned his nose up at the prospect of a move to Merseyside.

The Reds have suffered a poor pre-season conceding goals at will and Kop manager Kenny Dalglish wants to buy a central defender.

Subotic is a man they have been monitoring for some time, and Liverpool have asked the German club to name their price.

Monday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

2011-08-08T01:30:00.001-07:00

Arsenal are set to complete £12m signing of midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Southampton.
Full story: Daily Telegraph
Manchester United target Wesley Sneijder says he will leave Inter Milan if the right offer comes in.
Full story: Daily Mirror
The Gunners have pushed on with their pursuit of Bolton's Gary Cahill after Thomas Vermaelen was injured in Saturday's 2-1 friendly defeat by Benfica.
Full story: Daily Mail
Tottenham's pursuit of a new striker could lead them to 25-year-old Costa Rican international Bryan Ruiz, who plays for FC Twente.
Full story: Daily Mail
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has made a personal check on Holland international Erik Pieters as he lines-up a replacement for left-back Jose Enrique.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Swansea are considering an ambitious move for former France striker David Trezeguet.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Newcastle United are considering a bid of £3.5m for Norwich City striker Grant Holt.
Full story: footybunker.com
Tottenham have been linked with a move for £8m-rated Celtic playmaker Ki Sung-Yueng.
Full story: fanatix.com
Blackburn Rovers are trying to sell a handful of players in a secret list that reveals the salaries of manager Steve Kean's unwanted men.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Striker Peter Crouch is determined to remain with Tottenham Hotspur and has urged midfielder Luka Modric to do likewise.
Full story: the Guardian
Bolton boss Owen Coyle has been given the go-ahead for talks with Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Stoke are set to make a £3.5m bid for Marseille midfielder Charles Kabore.
Full story: Daily Mirror

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has backed team-mate David de Gea to recover from an underwhelming debut in goal during their 3-2 win over Manchester City in the Community Shield.
Full story: talkSPORT
Tottenham fear riots could threaten opening Premier League match against Everton.
Full story: Daily Mail
Russia takes steps to eradicate racism in football by banning BNP logo.
Full story: Daily Mail
Arsenal are waiting on the fitness of striker Robin van Persie and defender Thomas Vermaelen, who were both injured in the pre-season friendly against Benfica.
Full story: the Times (requires subscription)
Striker Peter Odemwingie is doubtful for West Brom's league opener this weekend.
Full story: the Sun
Tottenham's Kyle Walker is expected to make his full England debut against the Netherlands on Wednesday at right-back.
Full story: the Daily Telegraph

AND FINALLY

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini jokes that Mario Balotelli's unusual behaviour since joining the club have left the manager needing a psychologist.
Full story: Metro
Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has donated a signed Chelsea shirt to a charity auction for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. Robson took a 16-year-old Villas-Boas on as a coaching trainee at Porto in the mid 1990s.
Full story: the Times (requires subscription)

Liverpool battle Juventus over £14m Brazil international

2011-08-07T00:40:00.001-07:00

Liverpool will go head-to-head with Juventus in their attempts to sign Lyon defender Michel Bastos.

The 28-year-old is reportedly unsettled at Lyon and is privately considering a move away from the Stade Gerland despite commenting to the French press that he was happy to stay at the club. The Brazilia has spent largely impressive seasons there but it seems that interest from other more glamorous league have turned his head.

The two clubs heading the queue for his signature are Liverpool and Juventus. The Reds need for a full back is well-documented and has been evident for the last 12 months with Pual Konchesky, Fabio Aurelio and Glen Johnson all operating there to different effects.

However, Juventus have made their interest known to both the player and the club and trying to build a team capable of competing the likes of Inter Milan and AC Milan for Lo Scudetto this season.

Tottenham to lodge surprise bid for Liverpool star

2011-08-07T00:39:00.000-07:00

According to parody site fanatix

Tottenham are weighing up an approach for Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva.

The Londoners are preparing for the seemingly inevitable departure of Luka Modric to Chelsea, who are believed to on the verge of submitting a £30m bid for the Croatian, and have identified Lucas as an option. With Wilson Palacios also likely to leave White Hart Lane with Stoke City interested in taking him on, the need to bolster the squad becomes clear.

Lucas has been at Liverpool for four years though has spent much of that time being derided by fans and observers alike. That perspective has changed over the last 12 months with the player integrating himself into the side to greater effect and warming to the demands of manager Kenny Dalglish.

At 24, the Brazil international still has a career ahead of him and Spurs boss Harry Redknapp would like that to be in North London. Though Dalglish remains a fan of his player, the Liverpool midfield is stretched to bursting point after the summer additions of Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson.

A bid of around £9m might be enough to convince the Scot to part company with his charge.

Sunday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

2011-08-07T00:37:00.000-07:00

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas is prepared to give up more than £4m in bonuses to secure a move to Barcelona. Full story: Daily Mail
The Gunners are expected to complete the signing of Southampton's teenage sensation Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in a £12m deal this week and remain in contention to sign defenders Chris Samba and Gary Cahill. Full story: Daily Mirror
Carlos Tevez is expected to fly back into Manchester this weekend and begin training with Manchester City, having failed to agree a move so far this summer. Full story: Daily Mail
City were turned down by Danish teenager Christian Eriksen, whom they wanted to sign in a £20m deal from Ajax, but remain confident of landing Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri. Full story: Daily Mirror
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is contemplating a bid for out-of-favour Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy. Full story: Metro
Reading manager Brian McDermott admits he is expecting a host of clubs to bid for his highly-rated Republic of Ireland international striker Shane Long. Full story: talkSPORT
Manchester City are reportedly targeting 20-year-old Uruguay central defender Sebastian Coates in a £10m swoop from Uruguayan Primera Division side Nacional. Full story: Inside Futbol
Aston Villa and Bolton Wanderers will go head to head for £5m Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, although it is believed the England international will prefer to link up with Owen Coyle's side. Full story: footybunker
Everton manager David Moyes will make a dramatic late £10m move for Tottenham striker Peter Crouch - and could offer midfielder Jack Rodwell in a swap to land him. Full story: The People
Liverpool have finally agreed a £5.5million fee for Newcastle defender Jose Enrique. Full story: Daily Star Sunday
Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal are ready to fight it out for £10m-rated Shakhtar Donetsk attacking midfielder Douglas Costa. Full story: footybunker
Tottenham midfielder David Bentley is being offered the chance to return to Blackburn Rovers and rebuild his career after a frustrating two seasons at White Hart Lane. Full story: The People
Man City have made a sensational attempt to snatch Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder's from under the noses of neighbours Manchester United. Full story: Sunday Express
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has confirmed he will sign Gabriel Obertan from Manchester United for £3million on Monday. Full story: Sunday Express
Tottenham are weighing up an approach for Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva. Full story: fanatix

OTHER GOSSIP

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew admits the club who once broke the world transfer record to sign Alan Shearer can no longer afford to compete for the top players.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Real Madrid and French international striker Karim Benzema has emphatically declared his intention to remain in Spain with Real and has denied ever even speaking to representatives of Arsenal.
Full story: Footie Online
The Glazers are preparing to sell a stake in Manchester United but intend to remain in control of the Premier League champions.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Chelsea teenager Oriol Romeu, who joined last week from Barcelona on a four-year deal, has revealed he would like to return to the Spanish giants in the future.
Full story: Metro
England manager Fabio Capello has said that although Joey Barton is a good player, the Newcastle midfielder is not in line for an international call-up because he is too likely to be sent off. (Various).
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will name striker Robin van Persie skipper this season, once Cesc Fabregas completes his move to Barcelona. (Daily Star Sunday).

AND FINALLY

Staff at Manchester Airport have put up posters aimed at persuading unsettled City duo Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli to stay with the club.
Full story: Metro
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas showed his players he may not be the modern man they thought he was by performing a Portuguese folk song at his initiation ceremony. Full story: Metro

Karim Benzema rules out Arsenal transfer

2011-08-05T05:12:00.001-07:00

Karim Benzema rules out Arsenal transfer

Transfer talk: Real Madrid striker joins Juan Mata, Phil Jagielka and Eden Hazard in telling Wenger where to go

By Bill Mann

LAST UPDATED 8:06 AM, AUGUST 5, 2011

Another day, another knockback, and this time it's Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema telling Arsenal where to go. The 23-year-old Frenchman has struggled to fit into Jose Mourinho's plans at the Bernabeu but Benzema still fancies life on the subs bench to the prospect of playing for an Arsenal side on the slide.

Talking to French sports daily L'Equipe, Benzema (above) dismissed suggestions he was on the brink of a move to the Emirates. "My place is at this club," he said. "I have never talked to Mr Wenger or anyone else. I want to enjoy success here. I have found my self-belief. This season, I know we will win titles."

Benzema is just the latest in a long line of top names who have snubbed Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger with the likes of Juan Mata, Phil Jagielka and Eden Hazard all apparently wary of coming under the tuition of the nutty professor.

Meanwhile, another Spanish-based player ruling out a move to the Premier League is Barcelona winger Ibrahim Afellay. Talksport report that the 25-year-old has been eyed up by both Tottenham and Liverpool in recent weeks but the Dutchman doesn't much care for the attention.

"Afellay will remain in Spain because he is happy at Barcelona," Talksport quotes his agent – Robert Jansen – as saying: "It is normal to receive calls from clubs about players, but they do not amount to much because Barcelona have no doubts about the future of the player."

And it seems that Liverpool are also banging their head against the proverbial brick wall when it comes to Bolton centre-back Gary Cahill. The Metro says the Reds boss Kenny Dalglish is keen to get his mitts on the England international but Trotters head-honcho Owen Coyle isn't having any of it.

"This story is without a shred of foundation," fumed Coyle when asked about the transfer tittle-tattle. "Gary had been through that much and read so many things, he is really focused. That is the way we will treat it." And pressed on whether he was angry at the constant speculation over Cahill (the 25-year-old has also been linked with Arsenal), Coyle responded: "It doesn't faze me... Nothing surprises you in football but people should have more knowledge of the background for anything before they write it."

Coyle also had something to say about a few rumoured dabblings of his own in the transfer marker, most notably Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips. Though he refused to say if he'd made an offer for the pacy wideman, Coyle did admit: "Shaun Wright-Phillips is a terrific player, a player we know well and he's an outstanding talent."

In other news, Queen's Park Rangers have completed the signing of DJ Campbell from Blackpool. The 29-year-old striker netted 13 times for the Tangerines last season in their doomed attempt to avoid the drop from the Premier League, and the Hammersmith-born Campbell is delighted to be going back to his roots. "It's a club that I supported as a kid," he said on QPR's official website. "I grew up around here and QPR have played a massive part in my life."

Finally, the Sun claims that contrary to what was reported earlier in the week it's not QPR who are about to swoop for Liverpool failure Joe Cole - it's Paris Saint Germain. The 29-year-old former Chelsea midfielder apparently believes he's better than QPR, though PSG have hardly set the world alight in recent years.

But following their summer acquisition by a consortium of wealthy Qatar businessmen, the French club have money to burn and if the Sun has its facts right they see Cole as integral to their coming season. What's more, they'd happily pay his £90,000-a-week wage demands.

The talk of the terrace!

Celtic get Europa League lifeline after Sion expelled

Joey Barton joins QPR from Newcastle (BBC)

Joey Barton joins QPR from Newcastle

Joey Barton facts

Liverpool Transfer News: Bellamy, Carroll, Coates and Doyle in Today’s Press

Liverpool Transfer News: Loss of Sotiris Kyrgiakos Distances Reds from United

Liverpool Keen On Tempting £12m Chelsea Swap Deal

Monday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

Jose Enrique joins Liverpool from Newcastle BBC CONFIRMATION

Jose Enrique joins Liverpool from Newcastle

LIVERPOOL'S SUMMER SIGNINGS

Friday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

Thursday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

GuillemBalague confirms arsenal accept bid for cesc

Liverpool Transfer Rumours: Enrique, Cahill and Aquilani in Today's Press

Manchester United Transfer Rumours: Sneijder, Ganso and Nani in Today's Press

Arsenal Transfer News: Wenger Set For Sensational £30m Spending Spree

Community Shield 2011: Manchester City 2-3 Manchester United [Match Highlights]

Medical Marijuana Legal In Arizona? Not So Fast, Says Attorney General

Easy Money Is No Way to Deal With a Credit Crisis

Liverpool Transfer Rumours - Dann, Subotic, Aquilani, N'gog and Jovanovic

Wednesday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

Liverpool FC Transfer News: Why Joey Barton Would Be a Disaster

England match against the Netherlands off after riots BBC

MATCHES OFF

£8M SCOTT DANN THE MAN FOR KENNY DALGLISH

Tuesday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

Poulsen ready to fight

London Riots

At the scene

Liverpool open Borussia Dortmund talks for Subotic

Monday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

Liverpool battle Juventus over £14m Brazil international

Tottenham to lodge surprise bid for Liverpool star

Sunday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

Karim Benzema rules out Arsenal transfer

Karim Benzema rules out Arsenal transfer

Transfer talk: Real Madrid striker joins Juan Mata, Phil Jagielka and Eden Hazard in telling Wenger where to go