Wednesday's gossip column - transfers and rumours
Last updated on .From the section Football
TRANSFER GOSSIP
Robin van Persie, 28, can terminate his contract this summer under Fifa transfer regulations that would deny Arsenal a transfer fee for their prize asset.
Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea are expected to monitor 27-year-old Juventus winger Milos Krasic, who is thought to be ready to leave the club at the end of the season.
But Chelsea striker Fernando Torres, 28, could be set for a move to Italy, as Juve are thought to have made enquiries about the Spanish striker's availability.
Jacob Mellis, the 21-year-old sacked by Chelsea after setting off a smoke grenade at the club's training ground, has been taken on trial by Burnley with a view to a permanent move.
Brazilian prodigy Neymar, 20, is expected to reject all offers from the Premier League to join Barcelona in 2014.
Norwich defender Russell Martin, 26, insists speculation regarding himself, 25-year-old Andrew Surman, 23-year-old Anthony Pilkington and Grant Holt, 30, will not result in a mass exodus at Carrow Road.
Full story: Eastern Daily Press
Arsenal are set to swoop for 22-year-old Toulouse centre-back Aymen Abdennour.
The Gunners have reportedly been linked with a summer move for Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio, 26.
Blackburn remain hopeful of signing former Liverpool, Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder Bolo Zenden, 35.
Aston Villa midfielder Charles N'Zogbia, 25, has dismissed reports of disagreements with manager Alex McLeish and insists he is happy at the club.
OTHER GOSSIP
Bolton players have been told to start playing again - by the father of Fabrice Muamba, who told them to "get back playing for Fabrice".
One of Muamba's first comments after regaining consciousness following his cardiac arrest was 'Did we lose?' in reference to Saturday's abandoned FA Cup quarter-final at Tottenham.
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp admits it will be difficult for the club to return to action at White Hart Lane after the Muamba incident but is confident his players will be in the right frame of mind to face Stoke on Wednesday.
Jack Rodwell's prospects of making Euro 2012 with England have suffered another setback after the Everton midfielder sustained his fifth hamstring injury of the season.
Everton plan to contact a nerve specialist to get to the bottom of Rodwell's problem.
In an exclusive interview, Manchester City football development executive Patrick Vieira believes title rivals Manchester United have shown weakness by bringing midfielder Paul Scholes, 37, out of retirement.
England midfielder Jack Wilshere is still pencilled in to play some part in Arsenal's season with a return to the first team provisionally scheduled by the club for April.
Premier League chairman Richard Scudamore has told QPR to forget about scrapping the pre-match handshake before John Terry's next reunion with Anton Ferdinand.
Terry and Ferdinand are due to come face-to-face in April for the first time since a trial date was set regarding allegations the Blues captain racially abused his fellow defender during October's west London derby.
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew says he cannot allow Haris Vuckic to return to Cardiff on loan because of the injury situation at St James' Park.
Full story: Newcastle Chronicle
Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish still retains hope of a Champions League place next season, but admits his team will have to win their last 10 Premier League matches to stand a chance of finishing in the coveted top four.
Full story: the Times (subscription required)
Wolves winger Matt Jarvis says the players are fully behind manager Terry Connor and believe he is the right man for the job.
AND FINALLY
Countdown co-presenter Rachel Riley may have to walk herself down the aisle if she fails to find a wedding date to fit around her football fan father's match timetable.
Riley's father Chris is such an avid supporter of Manchester United he told his only daughter he will not be able to make her wedding unless it falls on a day which does not clash with any of the team's fixtures.
