Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are fighting to halt an exodus after Cristiano Ronaldo's record £80m transfer to Real Madrid with Nemanja Vidic being targeted by Barcelona.(The Times) 
And Manchester City appear to have beaten United to the signature of Argentine striker Carlos Tevez.(The Times) 
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists it was his decision entirely to allow Ronaldo to leave for Madrid.(Daily Express) 
Ferguson only allowed Ronaldo to leave on the proviso that he would get to spend all of the world record £80m transfer fee on new players. (Daily Star) 
Or, Ferguson will be given £100m to spend on new players after Ronaldo's departure. (Daily Mail) 
Ferguson has targeted Lyon striker Karim Benzema, Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery and Wigan's Antonio Valencia as replacements for Ronaldo.(The Guardian) 
Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o could also be a surprise target for Manchester United. (The Guardian)
However, it would appear that Italian club Inter Milan are favourites to land the £25m-rated striker from the Nou Camp. (The Sun) 
Valencia winger David Silva is another player who could be wearing the red of United next season. (The Times)
Real Madrid winger Arjen Robben could also be a target for Ferguson. (Daily Star) 
Madrid are confident that Ronaldo could earn them over £500m in merchandising over the next 10 years.(The Sun) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool are hopeful of securing a £350m refinancing loan to after vowing to pump more money into the club. (Various)

AND FINALLY

Out-of-favour Manchester United winger Nani says he is the the man to replace World and European player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo. (The Sun)
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