Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Liverpool have been stunned by the news that midfielder Javier Mascherano has rejected a new contract, with the Argentine pushing for a move to Barcelona.
It won't help soothe the worries of manager Rafa Benitez as he prepares for the clash with Manchester United on the back of four successive defeats.(The Star) 
Meanwhile, with doubts continuing over the future of the Reds' American owners, there are growing fears that a lack of trophies this season at Anfield will lead to the exit of Spaniard Fernando Torres.(Sunday Mirror) 
Chelsea are considering an £18m move for Napoli's attacking midfielder Marek Hamsik if their transfer ban is lifted in January.(Sunday Times) 
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is monitoring 17-year-old Spartak Moscow midfielder Zhano Ananidze - the player dubbed the 'next Georgi Kinkladze'.(goal.com) 
Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal have been shocked after being told they will have to pay £86m to land Porto's Brazilian striker Givanildo Vieira de Souza. (Sunday Express)
Everton have joined the race to sign Middlesbrough's highly rated winger Adam Johnson, who has also attracted interest from Sunderland.(News of the World) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Gerard Houllier is set to return to the Premier League at Birmingham City as new owner Carson Yeung weighs up managerial options, with Alex McLeish currently holding the reins. (News of the World) 
Portsmouth are to be thrown a £15m lifeline by two businessmen from Israel and Hong Kong in another twist in the Fratton Park side's fortunes.(Mail on Sunday) 
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has been invited to end his career at Bournemouth. Cherries chairman Eddie Mitchell said: "He is a legend here and we would love to have him around." (Sunday Express)
Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has rejected the chance to become assistant manager at Portsmouth.(News of the World) 
Leicester City have offered veteran Dutch midfielder Edgar Davids a performance-related deal but are awaiting confirmation on his current fitness levels. (News of the World)
Jermaine Pennant, who joined Real Zaragoza from Liverpool in July, believes England coach Fabio Capello should make him England's regular right-winger. (Sunday Times) 

AND FINALLY

A happy story for Sunday with West Ham's Calum Davenport - who almost lost his legs following a knife attack in August - being told he will play again despite a 15-inch scar on his leg.(News of the World) 
England coach Fabio Capello has developed a deep affection for London since moving to the capital and says his favourite musical is Mamma Mia. "We've all got Abba songs in our heads after all," he says.(Sunday Times) 
Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed why he has succeeded in football in the UK.The 60-year-old Frenchman said: "My secret is adapting to the country I am in. Here I eat roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. There are people who visit different countries and don't adapt. It is a must."(Sunday Express)
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