Wednesday's gossip column - transfers and rumours
Last updated on .From the section Football
REACTION TO CHELSEA'S PROGRESS TO THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
The Sun's front page reads "Terry sent off, Messi misses pen, Chelsea reach Champions League final...but most incredible of all: Torres Scores!" with "Can Nou Believe it?" splashed across the back page. The Times opt for "Terry's shame, Chelsea's game" with the Guardian's headline "Hail the Incredibles."
James Lawton, the Independent's chief sports writer, writes that "Chelsea found such a greatness of will that you could spend a lifetime of watching football without the privilege of anything to compare with it" while the Daily Mail's Martin Samuel describes it as a game that was "impervious to common sense."
Henry Winter in the Daily Telegraph bemoans John Terry's lack of discipline. "In Moscow, Terry lost his footing; here he lost his marbles," he remarks on the Blues captain's red card. The Daily Express's John Dillon reveals that Terry was barred from taking part in Chelsea's celebrations at the final whistle.
The Catalan press was less impressed by Chelsea's performance with Sport's match report describing Chelsea as "stingy, cowardly and vulgar" and claiming Barca were "infinitely better" than their English opponents.
TRANSFER GOSSIP
Lille star Eden Hazard, watched recently by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, has admitted he would listen to any offers from the Red Devils this summer.
Hazard will only consider a move to Tottenham if they qualify for the Champions League next season.
Full story: the Times (requires subscription)
Barcelona have ruled out a move for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie in the close season.
Tottenham and Udinese have both sent scouts to watch Porto's highly rated 16-year-old Sergio Ribeiro.
Alberto Aquilani could return to Liverpool after it emerged that AC Milan, for whom he has played on loan this season, are having second thoughts about a permanent deal.
Manchester City target Edinson Cavani, the Uruguayan forward currently at Napoli, wants to honour his contract with the Italian club, according to his agent.
Meanwhile City are rumoured to have sent scouts to Belgium last weekend to watch Anderlecht's 22-year-old defensive midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate.
Lille president Michel Seydoux has admitted that it may be too expensive to keep on-loan Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole in France for another season.
Liverpool are preparing a summer move for AZ Alkmaar's 24-year-old Sweden midfielder Rasmus Elm, after reportedly sending their top scout to watch him in action for the Dutch side.
The Anfield club's out-of-favour striker Dirk Kuyt, 31, has been given a "now or never" offer by his former team Feyenoord.
Besiktas and Tottenham are thought to be considering moves for Chelsea's Salomon Kalou.
Swansea goalkeeper Michel Vorm insists he is happy to stay with the Welsh side despite rumoured interest from Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United.
OTHER GOSSIP
The new England manager could be named by the Football Association before the end of the domestic season.
Rangers boss Ally McCoist believes it may be best for Rangers to accept demotion to the Third Division after the club was given a 12-month transfer embargo by the Scottish Football Association.
Great Britain Olympic football coach Stuart Pearce says Jack Wilshere could still feature at London 2012 this summer, despite Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger ruling him out of contention because of injury.
Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote says the club's recent success has convinced him he does not have to leave Tyneside to achieve his ambitions in the game.
Former Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas could make a return to management with Spanish side Valencia.
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has said that there is "no reason that I would not continue" in his role at the Bernabeu, despite speculation linking him with a return to England in the summer.
Full story: the Times (requires subscription)
AND FINALLY
Tickets for the Premier League clash between Manchester rivals City and United on Monday are being sold for up to £1,300 each.
