Coppell concerned as Boro chase Harper

The Reading yard sale shows no sign of subsiding as Steve Coppell prepares himself for the loss of James Harper to Middlesbrough.

The box-to-box midfielder is a £3 million target of Boro, who lost Fabio Rochemback at the end of last season.

Reading have already lost Glen Little and Emerse Fae, while John Oster has not been offered a new contract.

Pompey are reportedly closing in on Nicky Shorey, while Ibrahima Sonko has revealed he wants a move away from The Madejski Stadium, but Harper’s departure would be an unexpected blow.

Coppell is holding out for more than £3 million for the 27-year-old, due to a clause that states around a third of the sell-on fee must go to Arsenal, but the Reading boss concedes he cannot stop players leaving.

He told the Evening Post: “We don’t want to lose players, but I fully accept we are going to because we have players who are desirable.

“You look at Ronaldo at Manchester United – no-one is immune to being vulnerable to so-called perceived bigger and better clubs. We are in a vulnerable position and we have to be flexible.”

isigning harper would be the easy way out, why would southgate want him it doesnt follow any of his policies. We have o'neil/catts/digard/tuncay and boat who can play centrally, harper is neither an attacking or defensive player, or with any potential. Why cant we give catts a chance, harper is no better than what weve got. i think

ROBBO ON HIS WAY
Just in case you missed it last night, it seems Paul Robinson's days at Spurs really are numbered, after they agreed a deal with PSV for the rather odd-looking Brazilian goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.




DOWNING TO LIVERPOOL! THIS WAY TO LAUGH!
It was all looking rather good for Liverpool these past few weeks.

With Gareth Barry probably on his way, one full-back signed up and another on his way, the team was starting to take shape.

However, word in the papers this morning is that Rafa Benitez will out-do all his good work by splurging either £10million or £12million on Stewart Downing.

Ha! Now, it's easy to scoff, and to be fair Downing did have a pretty good season last time out, Middlesbrough fans will tell you he's their best player and Liverpool fans might kid themselves that they're signing top young English talent, but is he really worth spending eight figures on? Is he really the signing that will make up the 11-point gap between Liverpool and Manchester United?

In short, no.

Meanwhile, The Daily Express claims Rafa Benitez has persuaded teenager Nikola Saric to join Liverpool, despite competition from Tottenham and Barcelona.


ANFIELD SALES
And the other down side for Pool is that they will have to raise the money for this profligacy.

That will come with the seemingly inevitable sales of Peter Crouch and Yossi Benayoun, and there is word on both players in the morning papers.

The Times claims Portsmouth will not necessarily have to increase their £9million bid for Crouch, rather restructure it. The initial offer was £7million plus £2million with appearances etc, but Liverpool want the full amount up front, and if they're going to splurge money around, we're not surprised.

Meanwhile, The Guardian reckons Spurs, Manchester City and Newcastle will all duke it out with Pompey for the striker.

Benayoun is the other player most likely to be shown the door, and The Daily Mail claims Ajax have joined the chase for the Israeli. Spurs and Portsmouth are also apparently interested in the midfielder, who is likely to cost around £5million.


RON GOING NOWHERE?
No, not that one, silly.

Slightly curious story in The Daily Mirror, which claims Ronaldinho will not be joining Manchester City, but rather staying at Barcelona.

Given that new manager Pep Guardiola said only last week the toothy one (along with Samuel Eto'o and Deco) weren't wanted/needed at the Nou Camp, it's an interesting one, but the paper claims Ron has had talks with Pep and promised to buck up, tuck his shirt in and behave.

Better news for City is word that they will finally complete the signing of CSKA Moscow striker Jo, after those pesky third-party problems were ironed out/brushed under the carpet.

Also, Real Zaragoza striker Diego Milito's agent reckons City are close to snapping him up too.


CHELSEA TRACKING A RUSSIAN
Word in The Daily Star this morning is that Chelsea are after Russia's rather impressive left-back/winger Yuri Zhirkov.

And it's not just idle tittle and tattle at the Star office either, no siree.

Apparently Avram Grant has whispered in their ear, claiming that Chelsea are tracking Zhirkov, currently strutting his stuff for CSKA Moscow.


CONFLICTING REPORTS
Differing stories on the future of David Bentley this morning.

The Sun claims that Blackburn chairman John Williams won't decide on his future until Rovers get back for pre-season training on July 7.

However, The Indepedent reckons Bentley has already held a meeting with Paul Ince, and reiterated his desire to do one, and pretty sharpish.


MORE IN FOR JOHNSON
Quick line on Andy Johnson, who Everton seem keen to get rid of in order raise funds.

The Daily Mail reckons David Moyes will 'reluctantly' sell the striker for £10million, with Sunderland, West Ham, Wigan, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Middlesbrough all interested.


AND THE REST...
Hull boss Phil Brown is set to offer Fenerbahce £2m for Colin Kazim-Richards...Croatia centre-half Josip Simunic is set to join Fulham after he returns from holiday...Oldham striker Lee Hughes is being lined up for a shock move to Dundee United...Bolton striker Daniel Braaten has agreed a move to Toulouse...Everton have lined up a £2m bid for Leicester defender Joe Mattock...Kanu is refusing to sign a new one-year deal at Portsmouth, claiming he deserves better...Wolves have completed their deal for Derby's David Jones for an undisclosed fee...Claude Makelele is staying at Chelsea after agreeing a one-year extension that will keep him there until 2010...Hull are refusing to pay £3m for Bolton centre-back Abdoulaye Meite...

...Portsmouth are keen to sign Nicky Shorey from relegated Reading...Wigan boss Steve Bruce is rading former club Birmingham to take Daniel De Ridder on a free transfer...Norwich keeper Matt Gilks has finalised his move to Blackpool...West Ham technical director Gianluca Nani is ready to make Raul Bobadilla his first signing...Stoke boss Tony Pulis is keen on Celtic's Thomas Gravesen...Paul Ince will bring five MK Dons backroom staff with him to Blackburn...Andrei Arshavin is looking set for Barcelona after the Spanish giants put in an offer for the Russian...Lilian Thuram is to join PSG from Barcelona...Rangers are keeping tabs on central-defender Marek Suchy...Nottingham Forest have signed Liverpool youngster Paul Anderson on a season-long loan.

If any i can see johnston going to man city .

NEW BARRY BID TURNED DOWN
In case you missed it late last night, Aston Villa have turned down a new bid for Gareth Barry, who will presumably be sitting with his feet up, safe in the knowledge that he doesn't have to return to Villa Park following his 'punishment'.

The interesting bit is that both sides have denied it was the £17million (well, £15million plus £2million add-ons) that was widely reported yesterday.




TWO ON THEIR WAY OUT OF THE BRIDGE
It's hardly a galloping shock, two chaps appear to be on their way out of Chelsea and pretty soonish.

The Daily Express reports that the club will offer a rather desperate £140,000 a week to persuade Frank Lampard to stay in London, despite reports that a move to Inter Milan was already signed and sealed.

However, even that might not be enough, with the paper claiming that Lampard is still holding out for £150,000, which would make him the highest-paid player at Chelsea by quite some distance.

Meanwhile, one player Big Phil doesn't seem quite so keen on keeping is Didier Drogba.

According to The Sun, Scolari has told Roman Abramovich to sell Drogba to whoever bloody well wants him. Providing they stump up £22million.

Apparently AC Milan are 'desperate' to get him, despite head-honcho Adriano Galliani saying Emmanuel Adebayor was their only transfer target this summer.

Mind, he did then say they're looking to buy Ronaldinho too, so make what you will of that one.


BARCA PAIR TO CHELSEA
Speaking of Ronaldinho, The Sun goes on to claim that Chelsea are very keen on getting the toothy chubster in, and are currently haggling over his wages.

He wants £160,000-a-week apparently, but Chelsea are 'confident signing-on and loyalty bonuses will reduce his wages'.

Also, in what seems like a bid to relieve Barca of all their party-boy bad apples, The Sun claims Chelsea will offer Florent Malouda as part of an exchange deal for Samuel Eto'o. Should be interesting to hear the howls of laughter when that fax comes through.

So Chelsea want to bring the three players being booted out of Barca for enjoying the Catalan nightlife too much to the notoriously quiet and sedate London.

What could possibly go wrong?


UNDIGNIFIED SCRAP FOR ARSHAVIN
Looks like there's going to be a rather undignified bun-fight for Russia maestro Andrei Arshavin if you believe what you read in the red-tops.

The Sun claims Arsenal are leading the chase for the Zenit St Petersburg man, after a Zenit official called the Arsenal boss a 'cunning fox'.

"In the morning he says Arshavin will play all the time at his club and during the day he says he doubts the capabilities of Andrei to play three games in a row at the highest level," said Dennis Lakhter.

"But this is a tactic to fool the competition. He calls Andrei a Tsar and then tries to deny interest in the player."

Meanwhile, if you'll all open your copies of The Daily Mirror, you'll find an EXCLUSIVE claiming Arshavin is due in London...but for talks with Chelsea. Had you fooled there, eh? No?

A Zenit 'source' said: "Chelsea have been in contact, a deal has been agreed and Arshavin will fly to London to discuss terms.

"He was very attracted by playing in Spain but feels English football would suit his style better - and with Roman Abramovich involved there is another link and reason."

So there you have it.


BARCA TO STEP UP ADEBAYOR INTEREST
In more news that you probably knew before, The Guardian claims that Barcelona are stepping up their interest in Emmanuel Adebayor, after AC Milan declared the price a little to steep for them.

Apparently Joan Laporta needs another big name signing before club members vote on a motion of no confidence at the weekend, and Adebayor is that man.

Whether he is desperate enough to pay £35million remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, we'd like you to enjoy these heart-warming quotes from Stephane Courbis, Adebayor's agent:

"It is vital that Arsenal show their motivation to keep him. There has been a love story between Adebayor and Arsenal and his relationship with Arsene Wenger is based on trust and respect.

"If this was a money problem, then he would have asked to leave. He is a man of heart, not of money. He is not greedy."


HEY BIG SPENDERS
Couple of quick lines from Fratton Park for you.

The Daily Mirror reports that Portsmouth are preparing a final £10million bid for Peter Crouch, and will pay no more.

Meanwhile, The Daily Star claims Pompey are about to step up their interest in Shaun Wright-Phillips, a moves presumably designed to make Crouch look even more like a great big gangly freak of nature.


AND THE REST...
Mark Hughes will make room for Ronaldinho at Manchester City...Fulham will step up their efforts to sign Dave Kitson from Reading...Manchester United have offered assistant manager Carlos Queiroz a new contract...David Bentley has rejected Paul Ince's attempts to persuade him to stay at Blackburn...Bolton have made a £5million offer for Sporting Lisbon's Simon Vukcevic...Hull are set to make a shock bid for Manchester City striker Georgios Samaras...Manchester City want to sign Blackburn defender Chris Samba...Birmingham are interested in Charlton striker Marcus Bent...Doncaster, Leeds and Swansea all want to sign former Bristol City striker Darren Byfield...Birmingham are set to place Olivier Kapo and Frank Queudrue on the transfer list...Sunderland have stepped up their bid to sign Darren Bent...Aston Villa want to sign Lee Naylor from Celtic in a move that could see Shaun Maloney move in the opposite direction...Watford have offered an initial £250,000 for Blackpool defender Kaspars Gorkks.

BREAKING GOSSIP
Roma left-back Vitorino Gabriel Antunes has welcomed the prospect of a move to Celtic, insisting: 'If something happens that allows me to come to Glasgow I would be playing for a massive club in the Champions League. (Daily Record)



TRANSFER RUMOURS
Celtic are ready to slug it out with Rangers for Watford's £2m-rated Nigerian defender Danny Shittu. (The Scottish Sun)

England striker Peter Crouch will move to Portsmouth after the south coast club relented over his valuation and had a £10m bid accepted by Liverpool. (Daily Mail)


Portsmouth expect to complete an £11m deal for Crouch on Monday. (The Sun)

Crouch will join Pompey for £8.75m. (Daily Express)

Real Madrid are set to offer Manchester United £70m for Cristiano Ronaldo on Monday. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester United believe they have won the battle to keep Ronaldo at Old Trafford. (Daily Mail)

Barcelona are the favourites to land Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor for about £30m. (The Independent)


Zenit St Petersburg have told Chelsea and Barcelona they want £20m for Andrei Arshavin, not the £12m the two clubs have offered. (Daily Express)

Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins is targeting a move to Arsenal this summer. (The Sun)

Atletico Madrid are poised to move in for Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta. (The Sun)

Manchester City have emerged as favourites to land Turkey's £4m-rated Euro 2008 star Colin Kazam-Richards. (The Sun)

Fulham are expected to launch a £1.5m bid for Sweden defender Fredrik Stoor next week. (The Sun)

Chelsea are set to sell defender Branislav Ivanovic to Juventus. (Daily Mirror)

Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan is closing in on a £4m deal for Switzerland midfielder Gokhan Inler. (Daily Mirror)

Everton rejected Fulham's £5m bid for Andy Johnson, who is also attracting Wigan boss Steve Bruce. (Daily Mail)

Manchester City's hopes of signing Ronaldinho are fading fast as he is 90% certain of joining AC Milan. (Daily Express)

Wigan boss Steve Bruce is set to buy Olivier Kapo from his old club Birmingham in a deal worth £3.5m. (Daily Mirror)

Wigan are close to finalising a deal for Croatia striker Ivan Klasnic on a free transfer. (Daily Mail)

FA Cup hero Kanu is close to agreeing a one-year contract with Portsmouth after going back on his demands for a second year. (Daily Mirror)

Galatasaray are interested in West Ham defender Lucas Neil. (Daily Mail)

West Brom boss Tony Mowbray expects to find out over the weekend whether veteran striker Kevin Phillips will stay with the club or join Birmingham. (The Independent)

West Brom have made an inquiry about Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson. (The Guardian)

Plymouth manager Paul Sturrock is ready to sign goalkeeper Graham Stack, who has been freed by Reading. (Daily Mail)

Hull boss Phil Brown is weighing up a move for Manchester City reject Emile Mpenza. (Daily Mirror)

Brown is also keen on Plymouth winger Peter Halmosi and Manchester City midfielder Geovanni. (Daily Mail)

Stoke City manager Tony Pulis is trying to push through a £1.5m deal for Ipswich striker Jon Walters. (Daily Mirror)

Blackburn have attempted to sabotage Steven Davis' move to Rangers by tabling a £3m bid for the Fulham midfielder (Daily Record)




OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United have been contacted by several leading European clubs, including Barcelona, to make a stand against Real Madrid and resist selling Cristiano Ronaldo. (Daily Mail)

Real Madrid's players will revolt in protest if the club signs Ronaldo, saying his arrival could have a negative impact on team spirit. (Daily Express).

CROUCH ON HIS WAY TO POMPEY
The papers this Saturday morn seem absolutely convinced that Peter Crouch is on his way out of Anfield, and will be pitching up at Portsmouth, probably on Monday.

The Daily Mail, The Sun and The Daily Express all claim a deal is done, and the only thing they aren't in absolute accord over is the fee.

The Mail says £10million, The Sun £11million and The Express £8.75million, but what's a few million pounds between competing rags, eh?


OBA FANCIES ARSENAL MOVE
Speculation that Arsenal are going to make a move for Obafemi Martins has been constant for a couple of years now, and now the man himself has laid his cards on the table, claiming he would very much like such a move, thank you.




WELL THAT DIDN'T LAST LONG
One of the more curious signings of the January transfer window was that of Branislav Ivanovic by Chelsea.

Not that the signing itself was curious, but rather the fact that he seemed to disappear almost immediately, and hasn't turned out at Stamford Bridge since.

And now, it seems the all too brief love affair may well be over, as The Daily Mirror claims Juventus are prepared to buy the Serbian defender, and stone the crows if Chelsea aren't going to make a profit out of the whole kaboodle.

Chelsea paid £9million for Ivanovic in January, but now The Mirror reckons Juve will stump up £12million to get their man.

Makes Winston Bogarde' spell at the Bridge look positively action-packed.


ARSHAVIN PRICE DOUBLES
While Ivanovic leaves, one chap who could be arriving at Chelsea is Andrei Arshavin.

However, Chelsea may have to stump up more than they originally thought for the Russian, if you believe The Daily Star.

They claim both Chelsea and Barcelona have been told to pay £20million for Arshavin, rather than the £12million they originally thought they would have to come up with.


AND THE REST...
Atletico Madrid are ready to test Everton's desire to hang on to Mikel Arteta...Mark Hughes hopes to persuade Colin Kazim-Richards to return to the Premier League...Wigan boss Steve Bruce is planning a second raid on former club Birmingham - this time for Olivier Kapo...Stoke are chasing Peter Lovenkrands who is currently with Schalke 04...Fulham are expected to complete a £1.5million swoop for Swedish defender Fredrik Stoor next week...Hull are giving trials to former Manchester City striker Emile Mpenza and South African midfielder Delron Buckley...Wigan have signed Croatia star Ivan Klasnic...Crystal Palace are weighing up a £100,000 bid for unsettled Crewe defender Danny Woodards...FA Cup hero Kanu is close to agreeing a new one-year deal with Portsmouth...Alan Wright is set to extend his career after agreeing a one-year deal with Cheltenham...

Hull's David Livermore has joined Brighton on a two-year contract...Stoke are trying to push through a £1.5million deal for Ipswich striker Jon Walters...Bristol Rovers have completed a £100,000 swoop for Swansea's Darryl Duffy...Everton have rejected a bid from Fulham for striker Andy Johnson...Peter Halmosi and Geovanni are both closing in on moves to Hull...Plymouth are ready to sign goalkeeper Graham Stack who has been freed by Reading...Galatasaray are interested in West Ham defender Lucas Neill...West Brom have made an inquiry about Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson...Stoke are considering a move for Sheffield United striker Rob Hulse who is available for £2million...Blackburn last night attempted to sabotage Steven Davis' move to Rangers by tabling a £3million bid for the Fulham star...Roma star Vitorino Gabriel Antunes last night opened the door on a move to Celtic.

ARSENAL have edged ahead of Chelsea in race to sign Andrei Arshavin while also being linked with £18m move for Ajax striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Tottenham want Blackburn's David Bentley and Liverpool add Steve Finnan to offer for Aston Villa's Gareth Barry.
TRANSFER RUMOURS

Chelsea's Ivory Coast international Didier Drogba has said he is still desperate to leave Stamford Bridge, with Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o a possible replacement for the Blues. - The Observer

Manchester City's hopes of signing Brazlian superstar Ronaldinho from Barcelona appear to have taken a knock after AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani claims the player has rejected a move to Eastlands despite the club offering double what the Serie A club tabled. - La Stampa

A meeting on Monday betwen Manchester United chief executive David Gill and Real Madrid officials will result in the Old Trafford club telling their European rivals Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale at any price. - News of the World

Ajax striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is a target of Arsenal manager Arsene Wegner in an £18m deal. - News of the World

Arsenal are the new favourites ahead of Chelsea to clinch the signature of Russia's attacking midfielder Andrei Arshavin - despite manager Arsene Wegner's recent comments where he questioned the player's stamina levels for the Premier League. - The Sunday Telegraph

Rafa Benitez is willing to add Liverpool's former Fulham defender Steve Finnan to the £15m deal for Aston Villa's Gareth Barry in a bid to match Martin O'Neill's £18m valuation. - News of the World

Espanyol midfielder Albert Riera is still a target of his countryman Rafa Benitez at Liverpool, despite having a £9.5m bid rejected by the Spanish club recently. - The People

Blackburn Rovers' England midfielder David Bentley is wanted by Tottenham Hotspur boss Juande Ramos, who is willing to offer £15m. - Mail on Sunday

Everton manager David Moyes is also keen to launch a bid for David Bentley, if they lose Mikel Arteta to Atletico Madrid. - The People

Sunderland want £10m Everton striker Andrew Johnson after failing in an attempt to sign Darren Bent from Tottenham. - The People

But Black Cats boss Roy keane has been told he will need to offer £12m for the striker after both they and Wigan had £10m bids rejected by Everton. - News of the World

New Chelsea signing Deco has pleaded with Frank Lampard to stay at the club so they can form a dangerous midfield partnership. - The People

Everton have entered the race to sign £10m-rated Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon. - The People

Newcastle, Portsmouth, Middlesbrough and Sunderland are all chasing Reading striker Leroy Lita. - News of the World

Celtic are hoping to sign Middlesbrough midfielder George Boateng with 48 hours. - Sunday Mail

Aston Villa want £2m more from Celtic as the clubs attempt a swap involving Shaun Maloney and Celtic's Lee Naylor. - News of the World

Celtic are considering an approach to take left-back Nadir Belhadj on loan from Lens. - Sunday Mail

Shakhtar Donetsk left-back Razvan Rat would consider joining Celtic, but Bologna, Lazio, Newcastle and Sunderland are also interested. - News of the World

Celtic will step up their bid this week to land Spartak Moscow defender Martin Stranzl. - News of the World

Inverness have ruled out selling striker Marius Niculae to another Scottish Premier League club. - News of the World

Stoke City are targeting Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson. - Mail on Sunday

West Ham are interested in signing Man Utd defender Mikael Silvestre but could be put off by his £60,000-a-week wage demands. - The People

Further doubt has been cast over Joey Barton's Newcastle future after it emerged Kevin Keegan is planning a £5m bid for Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell. - The People

West Ham are set to pay £9m for Lazio right-back Valon Behrami of Switzerland. - News of the World

Portsmouth are lining up a £4m bid for Hibernian striker Steven Fletcher. - The People

Bolton are prepared to sell Heidar Helguson and Abdoulaye Meite to raise around £4m. - The People

Sunderland striker Michael Chopra is a £3m target for Wolves. - The People

Paul Ince has made James McFadden his top target for Blackburn and will offer £5.5m for the Birmingham striker. - News of the World

Tottenham defender Pascal Chimbonda could join up with former boss Martin Jol at Hamburg if the German club meet Spurs' £4m valuation of the player. - News of the World

Kevin Kilbane could be on his way out of Wigan and replaced by £3m-rated Birmingham forward Olivier Kapo. - The People

Cardiff want unsettled striker Marcus Bent after Wigan pulled out of a permanent deal to sign the 30-year-old. - The People

Nottingham Forest are hoping to sign Derby midfielder Stephen Pearson and Carlisle striker Joe Garner, both for around £1m. - The People


FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Eric Cantona is seriously considering Manchester United's long-standing offer to return to Old Trafford as a coach. - Sunday Express

Cristiano Ronaldo, who will have surgery on his right ankle in the next 48 hours, could be out of action for up to three months. - The People

A wealthy construction company run by the family of terrorist Osama bin Laden has emerged as a front-runner to buy Newcastle United. - Mail on Sunday

Arsene Wenger has said Arsenal need to sell every year and buy less expensive players to replace them in order to pay the club's £24m-a-year bill for the Emirates Stadium. - News of the World

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is resigned to losing assistant coach Carlos Queiroz to Portugal on a deal worth around £1.2m a year. - The Sunday Times

Tottenham have approached MK Dons about using their new stadium if White Lane is revamped. - News of the World

Sam Allardyce could return to management with Spanish side Real Mallorca if former Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd is successful with a takeover bid. - The People

Blackburn have rejected a £30m bid for the club from property tycoon Nabeel Chowdery and are holding out for £40m. - The People


AND THE REST

Sam Allardyce fears Joey Barton could become suicidal if Newcastle sack him. - News of the World

Manchester United will employ continental-style electric vans to ferry injured players off the pitch next season. - Sunday Express

A wealthy construction company run by the family of terrorist Osama bin Laden has emerged as a front-runner to buy Newcastle United. (Mail on Sunday)

IF WISHING MADE IT SO
Kudos to the intrepid BBC reporter who cornered Ramon Calderon while he was trying to enjoy Sunday's magnificent tennis at Wimbledon.

Calderon, carrying on his fine tradition of not talking about Cristiano Ronaldo, said that he thought the apple of his eye would be staying at Manchester United for at least another season.

Interestingly, Calderon and David Gill should be sharing a room at the meeting of European football's latest pow-wow today, but whether or not a certain slimey individual will be on the agenda remains to be seen.




CHELSEA PLAY BID DOWN
After AC Milan head honcho Adriano Galliani claimed yesterday that Chelsea had made a 'very big', 'massive' or 'astronomical' (depending on what translation you believe) offer for Kaka, the club are apparently playing it all down.



And in case you missed it, Brazil coach Dunga proclaimed over the weekend that Ronaldinho would be joining Milan, not Manchester City.


INTER OFFICIALLY MOVE FOR FAT FRANK
Word in The Sun this morning is that Inter Milan have finally made an official move for Frank Lampard.

After some weeks of hints and faffing around, the Italians apparently faxed (always with the faxes) an offer of £6.5million to Chelsea on Sunday.

With just the year left on Lampard's contract, Inter apparently believe Chelsea will accept that figure rather than losing him for nowt next summer.

The paper quotes a 'top Inter source' as saying: "Our technical director Marco Branca has sent a fax to Chelsea to request the beginning of negotiations for Lampard.

"We will now wait for Chelsea's response."

And it seems the ball really is in Lampard's court, given that he can either wait six months and sign a pre-contract with Inter in January, or buy himself out of the last year of his contract.


ONE STAYING, ONE NOT
If you missed it, and frankly you're not paying attention if you did, Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood claims that Emmanuel Adebayor is staying at the Emirates, while Alex Hleb could be on his way.




A QUEUE FORMS...
Word in The Daily Mail this morning is that quite a queue is developing for Real Madrid midfielder Ruben de la Red.

The Spaniard has just returned to the Bernabeu after a very successful season at Getafe, and now it seems several Premier League clubs are sniffing round him.

They include Arsenal, Spurs and Aston Villa, who all may baulk slightly at the apparent asking price; a cool £15million.

However, Spurs may raise some of that cash by flogging Pascal Chimbonda for the frankly ludicrous price of £8million to Valencia.


BUSY TIMES AT POMPEY
Looks like 'Appy 'Arry Redknapp is in for a busy few weeks if you believe the papers this morning.

After all the Saturday rags seemed convinced a deal for Peter Crouch would be completed today, the papers this Monday morn reckon a few more could be coming in, and one going out.

The Daily Star and The Daily Express agree that, along with Crouch Pompey will spend around £10million on Younes Kaboul and Nicky Shorey. Not exactly the finest money can buy, but still.

Meanwhile, 'Arry has told David Nugent he is no longer required at Fratton Park, which he probably could have worked out from his long spells on the bench last season.

Anyway, Hull seem favourites to sign him, and will be duped into stumping up £3million for his scribble.


AND THE REST...
Middlesbrough and Bolton are ready to form a pact to stop an auction for Reading midfielder James Harper...Wigan boss Steve Bruce has pulled out of the race for Ivan Klasnic...Hull boss Phil Brown is making a shock move for QPR midfielder Martin Rowlands...Watford chairman Graham Simpson insists Danny Shittu is not for sale...Leicester chairman Milan Mandaric is on the verge of completing an £800,000 deal for CSKA Sofia defender Aleksander Tunchev...Carlisle striker Joe Garner will join Andy Cole as the latest arrival at Nottingham Forest this week...Birmingham are determined to fight off interest from Blackburn and Celtic to hold on to James McFadden...Andrei Arshavin will make Arsenal wait for a decision on his future...

Atletico Madrid are maintaining an interest in Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta...Hull are making a move to sign QPR midfielder Martin Rowlands...Fredrick Stoor's agent has confirmed Fulham are leading the race to land the Rosenborg full-back...Former Southampton defender Jermaine Wright is due for talks with Blackpool...Burnley will sign Dutch midfielder Remco van der Schaaf...Newcastle are preparing a £4million bid for Swiss international Gokham Inler...Roy Makaay is in Hull's sights after a change of management at Feyenoord means he is available for £1.5million...Paul Dickov and Darren Huckerby are considering offers from Toronto FC...Aberdeen reject Derek Soutar has knocked back the chance to stay in Scotland...Hearts have been told they would only have to pay around £120,000 to make Uganda boss Laszlo Csaba their new head coach...Simon Lynch hopes he has earned a move to Partick.