Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP 

Chelsea are ready to offload striker Didier Drogba after his furious reaction to the club being knocked out of the Champions League by Barcelona. (Various) 
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has quashed talk of midfielders Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso leaving the club this summer. (Various) 
Bolton could refresh their interest in Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton, who has been suspended by the Magpies, during the summer. (The Sun)
Wigan are considering a move for Derby's £5m-rated winger Kris Commons. (Scottish Daily Express)

OTHER GOSSIP 

Dutch legend Johan Cruyff has waded into the aftermath of Barcelona progressing at Chelsea's expense by saying his countryman and Blues boss, Guus Hiddink's negative tactics cost the London side a place in the final. (Various) 
Barcelona's players applauded John Terry and sang his name after he congratulated them on their progress by going into their dressing room and shaking hands with each of them. 
But the Catalan side wasted little time rubbing salt into Chelsea's wounds with right-back Daniel Alves saying: "football has won over strength." (Various) 
Alan Shearer has enjoyed management more than he thought and will stay on as Newcastle boss even if the club are relegated. (Various) 
Shearer faces a crucial game against relegation-rivals Middlesbrough on Monday and is set to recall striker Michael Owen to his starting line-up. (The Daily Telegraph) 
Arsenal duo Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie are close to signing new long-term deals with the club. (Daily Mirror) 
Former Gunners midfielder Emmanuel Petit has warned Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger that Cesc Fabregas could leave unless he signs proven talent. (Daily Express) 
Ipswich boss Roy Keane is set to upset some of his players by telling them they need to move closer to the club's training ground. (Various) 
Former Oldham boss John Sheridan is set for a return to management by taking over as Chesterfield manager. (Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY 

A dummy match report on the Uefa website hours before kick-off apparently predicted the Chelsea-Barcelona semi-final, second leg would end 1-1 with the Spanish side getting a late equaliser. (The Sun)
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