Thursday's gossip column - transfers and rumours
Last updated on .From the section Football
TRANSFER GOSSIP
Netherlands international Dirk Kuyt is set to lead an Anfield exodus as Liverpool begin rebuilding their squad at the end of the season.
Manchester United want £26m Athletic Bilbao midfielder Oscar de Marcos, 22, after he starred for the Spanish side in the Red Devils' Europa League downfall.
Stoke boss Tony Pulis is planning a £6m summer swoop for Wolves winger Matt Jarvis, 25.
Anderlecht teenager Mathias Bossaerts, 15, says he has agreed to join Manchester City in the summer on a four-year deal.
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Striker Saido Berahino, who has scored four goals on loan at Brentford, is returning to West Bromwich Albion for personal reasons.
Former France international and World Cup winner Marcel Desailly has urged Arsenal to swoop for 21-year-old Rennes sensation Yann M'Vila at any cost. "You will see he is the best midfielder," said Desailly. "Better even than Patrick Vieira."
Newcastle could fork out £2m for Barnsley captain Jacob Butterfield, 21, despite the midfielder's knee ligament injury ruling him out of action until the start of next season. The Magpies are still willing to sign the player, agree compensation with the Tykes and take up Butterfield's rehabilitation programme.
Promotion-chasing Southampton and Europe-chasing Newcastle have both made bids for Burnley's in-form striker Jay Rodriguez. Burnley manager Eddie Howe admits the 22-year-old could be on the move this summer. "I'm sure there will be clubs looking at him," admitted Howe. "We'll wait and see on that one."
Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov, expected to leave Old Trafford in the close season, could be headed for Turkish side Galatasaray.
Italian giants Juventus are plotting a £40m summer swoop on Manchester City for Argentine forward Carlos Tevez. The 28-year-old has been linked with big-money moves to Serie A in the past, with Inter and AC Milan previously the supposed suitors.
Veteran Stoke midfielder Salif Diao has been told he can leave the Britannia at the end of the season. The 35-year-old Senegalese wants to continue playing in England as his family are settled.
OTHER GOSSIP
Bolton boss Owen Coyle has revealed that Fabrice Muamba has started to walk as he continues his remarkable recovery from a cardiac arrest.
Wolves owner Steve Morgan wants former Manchester United striker and Molde boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to take over at Molineux.
Wayne Rooney reckons Danny Welbeck has been Manchester United's player of the season.
A court in France has dismissed David Ginola's lawsuit for slander and defamation against Gerard Houllier, a case which stemmed from a qualification match for the 1994 World Cup.
Croatia coach Slaven Bilic has admitted the Tottenham job would interest him if Harry Redknapp vacated it to take up the role as England boss. "They are a major club with a bright future," said the former Everton defender.
However, Juventus coach Antonio Conte is apparently the real favourite for the Spurs job. The 42-year-old former Italy international midfielder has guided the Old Lady on a 30-match unbeaten Serie A streak.
Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic, who has been out with a serious knee injury, says he has always believed his United colleagues would win the title this season. "The manager is the best at replacing players and the team still win titles and trophies," explained Vidic. "That is why Manchester United are so special."
Defender James Perch may have secured his future at Newcastle following his recent run of form.
Bolton manager Owen Coyle has told on-loan Arsenal winger Ryo Miyaichi to rest and recuperate after a hectic period for the teenager. "There has been an awful lot asked of the kid," Coyle admitted. "We will need to get him rested up as best as we can."
Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh, 28, says he has no intention of leaving Emirates Stadium at the end of the season. "I have spoken to [manager Arsene] Wenger and I will stay at Arsenal," predicts the Moroccan.
Former Norwich and England goalkeeper Chris Woods has backed current Canaries stopper John Ruddy, 25, not to let talk of an international call-up affect his club performances. "He's a great reader of the game, a great presence," Woods said. "He's just proved to everyone how good a keeper he has become."
Darren Bent is optimistic he will be fit for Aston Villa before the end of the season and for England at Euro 2012.
AND FINALLY
Leeds United manager Neil Warnock has endeavoured to lift the spirits of his squad by taking them on a day trip to popular North Yorkshire theme park and zoo Flamingo Land, where the average adult entry fee is £28.50.
