Friday's gossip column

[Scottish Mag 3]

ENGLAND GOSSIP

 

 

The Football Association has virtually ruled out an Englishman as a successor to England coach Steve McClaren after delivering its initial report. Chief executive Brian Barwick wants a 'world class' manager. (various)

 

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp believes his arrest over corruption claims on Wednesday has ruined his chances. (various)

 

Sir Geoff Hurst and Sven-Goran Eriksson have backed Jose Mourinho for the job, with both men claiming the former Chelsea boss would be a great success. (The Sun)

 

And the FA are set to offer Mourinho the job. (Daily Express)

 

 

TRANSFERS AND GOSSIP

 

 

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks is ready to sell his stake in the club, following the row with manager Rafael Benitez over investment. (Mirror)

 

Sheffield United boss Bryan Robson is interested in signing Bolton winger Stelios Giannakopoulos. (various)

 

Derby boss Paul Jewell wants Wigan coach Mark Seagraves to become his number two at the club. (Mirror)

 

Manchester City are set to make a £12m move for striker Nicolas Anelka, who Bolton have admitted is available for the right price. (Mirror)

 

Eriksson is also interested in Liverpool striker Peter Crouch and Heerenveen forward Afonso Alves. (The Times)

 

Bolton could make a move for Jonas Olsson after his agent revealed the Sweden defender will be allowed to leave his club, NEC Nijmegen, in January. (The Times)

 

Carson Yeung must prove on Friday he can raise £35m or his takeover plans for Birmingham will be over. (various)

 

Former Manchester United midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron is set to join MLS side DC United. (Daily Star)

 

Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce is lining up a January move for Porto centre-back Bruno Alves. (The Sun)

 

Chelsea are ready to splash out £10m on Valencia's Portugal international full-back Miguel as a replacement for Paulo Ferreira. (The Sun)

 

Former Leicester boss Martin Allen has put himself in the frame for the vacant manager's job at Swindon. (The Sun)

 

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy will make a second attempt to sign Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp. (The Sun)

 

 

AND FINALLY

 

 

David Beckham is being lined up to play the role of a labourer in a new film after Hollywood star Nicole Kidman told director Baz Lurhmann she thought the former England skipper would be perfect as a hunky builder. (Daily Star)

 

New Wigan boss Steve Bruce is not yet up to speed in his new job. He passed defender Granqvist at the club's training ground and asked a member of staff whether his first name was pronounced Jasper or Jesper. Actually, it's Andreas. (Daily Express)

[Scottish Mag 3]

SAM ALLARDYCE is weighing up a January swoop for Porto centre-back Bruno Alves.

 

The Newcastle boss made a personal trip to Anfield on Wednesday night to watch the Portugal international in action.

 

The Toon manager had already received good reports about Alves after sending scout Bobby Saxton to watch him earlier in the month.

 

But Alves was part of a Porto defence that struggled to hold Liverpool’s Fernando Torres-inspired attack as they slumped to a 4-1 defeat.

 

Now Allardyce must decide whether to make a bid for the 26-year-old defender, who was handed a first cap by Big Phil Scolari this year.

 

Despite bringing in several new defenders since his arrival in the summer, Allardyce has been disappointed with the number of soft goals his team has conceded.

 

Aston Villa have also shown an interest in Alves in the past but Martin O’Neill’s back line are currently performing well.

[The Fish 11080]

as long as we also chase up a creative midfielder too I'm happy with Big Sam looking to strengthen the defence, but we need a spark of invention imo