Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are about to tell Valencia to name their price for midfielder David Silva.(News of the World) 
And United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will enquire about Silva and striker David Villa when Valencia arrive at Old Trafford for Wednesday's friendly.(The People) 
Manchester United are also preparing a £35m offer for Atletico Madrid's striker Sergio Aguero.(Sunday Express) 
Everton defender Joleon Lescott is set to hand in a transfer request to force through his £22m move to Manchester City.(News of the World) 
Sunderland are preparing a double transfer swoop for Tottenham's David Bentley and Michael Dawson.(The People) 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to call off the propsosed £7m deal for Gremio midfielder Douglas Costa because of concerns about the 18-year-old's private life.(News of the World) 
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has been told to spend an extra £1m if he wants to land Spurs striker Darren Bent. The Black Cats have already offered £14m.(The People) 
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is resigned to losing midfielder Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid. (Sunday Express) 
After missing out on former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira, Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp could try and bid for Bayern Munich skipper Mark van Bommel.(News of the World) 
Chelsea midfielder Deco says he has turned down an offer from Inter Milan to see out his contract at Stamford Bridge. (Sunday Mirror) 
Chelsea could renew their interest in Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart if the Spanish giants reduce the Dutchman's price.(The People) 
And the Blues are set to complete the signing of AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo early next week, if striker Claudio Pizarro moves in the opposite direction.(Mail on Sunday) 
Aston Villa will make a £5m bid for Blackburn left-back Stephen Warnock next week.(News of the World) 
Arsenal are closing in on 23-year-old PSV midfielder Ibrahim Afellay, who is valued at £7m.(The People) 
Blackburn want to sign Manchester City striker Benjani, after missing out on Tottenham's Peter Crouch and Kamel Ghilas of Celta Vigo.(News of the World) 
Portsmouth, though, are also in the hunt for Benjani as they desperately try and find a replacement for Crouch.(The People) 
Fulham and Wolves are battling it out for Southampton's England under-21 midfielder Adam Lallana.(News of the World) 
Aston Villa and Blackburn are among the teams chasing Newcastle defender Habib Beye.(The People) 
Everton are in pole position to land Valencia right-back Miguel.(News of the World) 
Fulham want to sign Arsenal striker Carlos Vela on loan should the Gunners make a serious offer for centre-half Brede Hangeland. (The People) 
Bolton boss Gary Megson wants to sign Hoffenheim full-back Andreas Beck but could face competition from Fiorentina.(News of the World) 
Middlesbrough have beaten Sheffield United to the signing of Reading striker Leroy Lita on a free transfer.(The People) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester City's summer spending spree has seen their annual wage bill has doubled in two years to £100m a year.(News of the World) 
However, their dealings in the transfer market and their pursuit of Everton defender Joleon Lescott has angered Toffees boss David Moyes. "It is about showing respect - and we are not being shown that," he says.(Sunday Mirror) 
Alan Shearer seems to have given up hope of becoming Newcastle manager on a permanent basis. The former England and Magpies striker has gone on his holidays to Portugal and has no plans to return before the new season starts. (Sunday Mirror) 
And Shearer has confirmed to the BBC that he will be with them on the Match Of The Day sofa, rather than the dug-out, when Newcastle begin their Championship campaign.(Mail on Sunday) 
A South African diamond billionaire is the latest potential buyer linked with Newcastle. The diamond prospector, who was discovered by former chairman Sir John Hall, has expressed an interest in meeting the asking price. (Sunday Express) 
Inter Milan midfielder Patrick Vieira will make a shock return to Arsenal this week, and has been lined up by the club's hierarchy as a long-term successor to manager Arsene Wenger.(The People) 
Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole is to sign a new contract within the next two weeks which will keep him at the club until 2014 and give him earnings of more than £100,000-a-week.(Sunday Mirror)
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