Sunday's gossip column - transfers and rumours
Last updated on .From the section Football
TRANSFER GOSSIP
Manager Roberto Mancini has been assured his Manchester City job is safe even if the club fails to land the Premier League title.
Manchester United are ready to enter the £25m race to land Brazil and Internacional striker Leandro Damiao.
Former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager Louis van Gaal has emerged as a leading contender to become the next Chelsea manager.
Lukas Podolski has revealed he could snub Arsenal's advances and join up with fellow Germany striker Miroslav Klose at Lazio.
Arsenal have added promising Birmingham City goalkeeper Jack Butland to their summer shopping list.
OTHER GOSSIP
Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea will risk the wrath of Sir Alex Ferguson by playing for Spain's London Olympics team.
Tottenham assistant manager Kevin Bond has rubbished claims that the club's players have been distracted by speculation linking Harry Redknapp with the England job.
Kolo Toure says Manchester City's "mentality" is to blame for their recent form, suggesting the pressure of a "long season" is affecting the players.
Chelsea's John Terry would have "loved things to go on" with Andre Villas-Boas but says the former Blues boss was sacked because the players put in "disappointing performances".
AND FINALLY
Lionel Messi says he would like to stay at Barcelona for the rest of his career - and believes his team are the best club side in history.
