Monday's gossip column

[Scottish Mag 3]

CRISTIANO RONALDO LATEST

 

Real Madrid have told Manchester United they will pay "whatever it takes" to get Cristiano Ronaldo but the Spaniards will make no approach until United say they are willing to sell. (Various)

 

Ronaldo is expected to issue a statement on Monday or Tuesday to confirm his intention to move to Madrid. (Various)

 

Former France captain Zinedine Zidane, for whom Real paid a record £45m fee in 2001, has said Ronaldo would be an ideal signing for the Spanish champions. (The Independent)

 

Outgoing Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who is taking over as Chelsea manager, has warned Manchester United that Ronaldo will "fulfil his dream whatever the difficulties". (The Guardian)

 

 

TRANSFER RUMOURS

 

 

Barcelona midfielder Deco is set to become new Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari's first signing in a £12m deal. (The Sun)

 

But Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has told Scolari to forget signing the Portugal midfielder as he is ready to sanction a £20m bid for Russian playmaker Andrei Arshavin. (Daily Star)

 

Russia's sports minister Vitaly Mutko has said it would be Arshavin's "dream" to play for Barcelona but revealed it was unlikely the Catalans would be able to improve on the Zenit St Petersburg player's £50,000-a-week, plus bonuses, salary. (The Guardian)

 

Bolton chairman Phil Gartside has revealed the club are close to paying a record fee for a forward. Manchester United striker Louis Saha is a target. (The Times)

 

Everton boss David Moyes wants to sign Tottenham striker Darren Bent for around half of the £16m Spurs spent on the former Charlton player a year ago. (Daily Mirror)

 

Bent could be making way for the arrival of David Villa as Spurs have reportedly offered Valencia £20m for the Spain striker. (Daily Telegraph)

 

Brazil playmaker Ronaldinho, who has been told by Barcelona that he is free to leave, has admitted he would love to play in the Premier League but refused to say whether he fancies Manchester City or Chelsea. (Various)

 

The transfer of Brazilian striker Jo to Manchester City has hit a few contractual snags as the CSKA Moscow player is subject to the same ownership issues as Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez. (The Times)

 

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp is ready to pay £2m for Tottenham defender Younes Kaboul. (Daily Mirror)

 

Midfielder Michael Ballack, who has one-year remaining on his Chelsea contract, has said he would like to see out the rest of his career at Stamford Bridge. (Various)

 

Birmingham City insist James McFadden will not be leaving the club, despite reports that the striker does not want to play in the Championship. (Various)

 

Jean-Claude Darcheville has vowed to fight for his place in the Rangers team, despite the arrival of Kenny Miller, Andrius Velicka and Kyle Lafferty. (The Independent)

 

Burnley boss Owen Coyle is hoping to sign Scunthorpe striker Martin Paterson, Norwich midfielder Darel Russell and Hearts winger Andy Driver. (Daily Mirror)

 

Rangers have offered goalkeeper Allan McGregor a lucrative five-year deal worth around £20,000 a week. (Daily Record)

 

 

OTHER GOSSIP

 

 

When asked to explain how England beat Euro 2008 semi-finalists Russia 3-0 at Wembley last autumn, their coach Guus Hiddink mischievously replied: "England had a good day that day, their only one."

 

 

AND FINALLY

 

 

Restaurants in Basle sold out of food 45 minutes before Holland's quarter-final match with Russia on Saturday as there were more Oranje fans in Basle than residents. (Daily Express)

[ohhh_yeah 2991]

Russia's sports minister Vitaly Mutko has said it would be Arshavin's "dream" to play for Barcelona but revealed it was unlikely the Catalans would be able to improve on the Zenit St Petersburg player's £50,000-a-week, plus bonuses, salary. (The Guardian)

 

 

Bent could be making way for the arrival of David Villa as Spurs have reportedly offered Valencia £20m for the Spain striker. (Daily Telegraph)

 

 

i could see him in a toon top earning around £65,000-a-week... and fuck the spuds...