Tuesday's gossip column - transfers and rumours
Last updated on .From the section Football
TRANSFER GOSSIP
Didier Drogba, 34, could be set to complete what would be an astonishing transfer to Barcelona just days after signing a Shangha Shenhua contract.
Manchester City are targeting Newcastle's Fabricio Coloccini and Liverpool's Daniel Agger as possible replacements for Joleon Lescott, 29, who could become the odd man out at Etihad Stadium.
Chelsea have turned their attention to Bayer Leverkusen winger Andre Schurrle, 21, after Wigan broke off talks over selling Victor Moses.
Italian club Lazio are closing in on signing West Ham and Tottenham target Burak Yilmaz, 26, according to reports in Italy.
Chelsea midfielder Raul Meireles, 29, is an £8m target for Serie A side Napoli.
Fiorentina are unlikely to sell Liverpool and Aston Villa target Juan Manuel Vargas, 28, this summer after both clubs failed to reach the Italian team's £12m asking price.
Edin Dzeko's proposed move from Manchester City to Bayern Munich is in doubt after the German giants made a bid for Wolfsburg's 26-year-old striker Mario Mandzukic.
Craig Bellamy believes Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool could be a "match made in heaven" - but Cardiff City could tempt the 32-year-old away from the new regime at Anfield.
Full story: Liverpool Daily Echo
Chelsea have been told Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao, 26, is not for sale at any price.
Manchester City have rejected claims they want to offload £18m left-back Aleksandar Kolarov, 26.
Sunderland are stepping up efforts to land 25-year-old Wolves striker Steven Fletcher.
ENGLAND
Former Southampton and England star Matt Le Tissier believes England's fitness was a major issue during the Three Lions' Euro 2012 quarter-final loss to Italy.
England are planning a mini-tour of Brazil next summer, with friendlies against the 2014 World Cup hosts and neighbours Uruguay.
Harry Redknapp says England will continue their run of tournament failures until their players learn to hang on to the ball.
Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez thinks that English football has the talent to compete on the world stage but not the right system.
Roy Hodgson has insisted he will not sacrifice England's old guard despite planning wholesale changes for their friendly against Italy in August.
EURO 2012
Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil, 23, has stated that Spain are the favourites to win Euro 2012.
Xavi Hernandez claims Spain must overcome more than Cristiano Ronaldo if they are to reach a third successive major final at the expense of Portugal.
OTHER GOSSIP
QPR wanted to fine Joey Barton three months' wages - £840,000 - over his meltdown at Manchester City last month.
Swansea City are hopeful Scott Sinclair, 23, will sign a new contract following the appointment of Michael Laudrup as the club's new manager.Full story: South Wales Evening Post
AND FINALLY...
Question marks have been raised over exactly which videos England goalkeeper Joe Hart watched in preparation for the penalty shoot-out against Italy, after videos emerged of Andrea Pirlo performing his celebrated 'Panenka' chip on numerous previous occasions.
