Thursday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Valencia striker David Villa has told his club he wants to move to Real Madrid and nowhere else. (Sky Sports) 

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o is edging closer to a Manchester City move with wage demands of £192,000 a week, after tax, being weighed up by the Premier League club.(Daily Mail) 
The chase for Franck Ribery has found the green light again following the latest words by Bayern Munich president Franz Beckenbauer.
With Manchester United, Chelsea and Barcelona waiting in the wings, chairman of the German club Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said a few days ago the French midfielder would not be sold, but Beckenbauer has revealed: "If he really wants to leave, we will deal with the issue."(Daily Star) 
Man United are considering a move for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie who is yet to sign a new contract. With one year remaining on his current deal, the Dutch star is desperate to win more silverware and said money was not everything.(The Sun) 
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has confirmed he made an enquiry about taking on former Ranger captain Barry Ferguson. (Daily Record) 
Javier Mascherano's future at Liverpool hangs in the balance with news the midfielder's agent has held talks with Barcelona.(The Sun) 
Man United and Arsenal target Lyon forward Karim Benzema looks set to stay with the French club for at least another year after committing his immediate future to the French outfit before going on holiday. (Daily Express) 
Tottenham have been talking to Real Madrid about a proposal to subsidise Arjen Robben's wages in return for the Dutch winger moving to White Hart Lane.(The Independent) 
Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker is being used as bait with manager Martin O'Neill eyeing up Tottenham's Tom Huddlestone.(Daily Mirror) 
Sporting Lisbon are set to make a second offer for Man City's Felipe Caicedo after Mark Hughes' club rejected their initial bid of £5m for the striker. (Daily Mirror)
Meanwhile, Man City have denied Brazilian superstar Robinho will join Barcelona on a loan deal. Chief executive Garry Cook said: "The story is completely without foundation." (The Times) 
AC Milan playmaker Andrea Pirlo fancies a move to Chelsea. The 30-year-old said: "Perhaps it's possible that I could join (Blues boss Carlo) Ancelotti. Maybe it's time for a new chapter in my career." (Daily Mirror) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Chelsea are ready to appeal over the Uefa four-match ban dished out to striker Didier Drogba for his behaviour in last season's Champions League semi-final with Barcelona. (Daily Mirror) 
Gunners star Emanuel Eboue is set to reject a transfer to Italy and fight for his place. (Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth centre-back Sol Campbell is mulling over an offered 50% wage cut to stay at Fratton Park, with Basel and Fenerbahce also attracting interest in the former England star.(The Times) 

AND FINALLY

Following Ronaldo's agreed record-breaking move from Manchester United, agent Jorge Mendes is locked in talks with Real Madrid over bonus payments based on sponsorship and other commercial deals. The Spanish club have also been asked to smash their image rights pay structure.(Daily Mail)
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