Wednesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Juventus will make a new bid for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso after missing out on him last summer. (Various) 
Real Madrid's Dutch winger Rafael van der Vaart has been offered to Chelsea for £8m. (Daily Mirror) 
Tottenham hope to sign 17-year-old Charlton midfielder Jonjo Shelvey for about £3m but face competition from Newcastle and Fulham. (Various) 
Meanwhile, Spurs are giving a trial to 19-year-old Ghanaian full-back Gladson Awako. (The Sun) 
Aston Villa want £5.5m-rated Steau Bucharest defender Dorin Goian. (The Sun) 
Fulham are ready to make a £1m bid for Scunthorpe United's 21-year-old striker Gary Hooper. (Daily Mirror) 
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti is confident of signing England midfielder David Beckham on a permanent deal from Los Angeles Galaxy. (Various) 
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy says he is interested in signing Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia, who could be available for free at the end of the season. (Daily Star) 
Bristol Rovers striker Richard Walker is lining up a move to Shrewsbury after not getting a new contract. (Daily Star) 
Nottingham Forest are set to open talks with QPR over a £1.5m deal for Loftus Road striker Dexter Blackstock. (Various) 
Blackburn have invited Austrian keeper Lukas Konigshofer for a trial. (The Sun) 
Leicester are chasing 21-year-old Lincoln striker Dany N'Guessan. (Various) 
Former Manchester United keeper Mark Bosnich, 37, has held talks with Swindon. (The Sun) 

OTHER GOSSIP 

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic has emerged as a shock contender to become Chelsea's new boss. (The Sun) 
Liverpool winger Yossi Benayoun will be offered a new deal to keep him from quitting the club in the summer. (The Sun)
Mark Robins is the favourite to take charge at Oldham once Joe Role quits after Saturday's game against Walsall. (The Sun) 
 
AND FINALLY 

Arsenal's Mexican striker Carlos Vela was ordered to stay away from training on Monday while doctor's carried out tests on him for swine flu. The Gunners were worried after Vela had friends from his homeland visit him at the weekend but the 20-year-old was given the all-clear (Various)
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