Wednesday's gossip column - transfers and rumours
- From the section Football
TRANSFER GOSSIP
Cash-rich Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala are showing an interest in Arsenal misfit Andrey Arshavin and may take advantage of the Russian transfer window remaining open for another month.
Barcelona are also interested in buying Arshavin in the summer.
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola reveals he thought about making a bid for Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez.
Unbeaten Italian Serie A leaders Juventus are eyeing a £25m summer move for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie, who has yet to sign a new contract at the Emirates.
Tevez has found himself stuck at City after the club refused to drop their asking price of £25m in order to allow AC Milan to buy the troubled Argentine striker.
Celtic failed with a last-gasp bid to sign Real Betis striker Jorge Molina.
Sunderland will only pay about a quarter of Wayne Bridge's sizeable Manchester City wage to take the 31-year-old defender to Wearside.
OTHER GOSSIP
Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere looks almost certain to miss the rest of the season after scans show his injury setback is worse than feared.
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has accused ESPN presenter Ray Stubbs of helping to get midfielder Yohan Cabaye charged with violent conduct for kicking Brighton's Adam El-Abd in the face.
Tottenham have the backing of London mayor Boris Johnson and Haringey Borough Council in their bid to develop White Hart Lane into a 56,000-seat stadium.
Tottenham are seeking a record-breaking naming-rights deal for their new stadium of £20m over 20 years.
Former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez and Germany national team supremo Joachim Loew are the two leading names being lined up by Real Madrid to replace Jose Mourinho if the former Chelsea boss leaves the Bernabeu at the end of the season.
Scottish footballers without a club at the end of the transfer window are being offered flights and accommodation by Australian side Shepparton South Soccer Club.
Ryan Giggs is ready to play on for Manchester United for another season.
AND FINALLY
Unknown Bolivian first division footballer Erlan Mealla has become an overnight internet sensation after scoring a goal-of-the year contender with an audacious overhead scorpion kick.