ARSENAL AND REAL FIGHTING FOR CANALES
Isn't it odd how newspapers can rarely simply describe a player by his own attributes, but instead have to compare him to someone we already know in order to grab our attention?
That's what The Daily Star has done this morning, reporting that Arsenal and Real Madrid will duke it out for the latest sensation in Spain - one Sergio Canales, or 'the new Cesc Fabregas' - in the summer.
The Star reports that Canales is available for free in the summer, but The Transfer Gossip has read elsewhere that he has a rather complicated ownership agreement involving current club Racing Santander and Deportivo la Coruna, which could f**k things up royally for any suitor hoping for an easy summer move.
Chelsea and Liverpool - and indeed half of Europe - have been linked with the 18-year-old Canales, but the Star claims Arsenal and Real are in pole position.
Meanwhile, The Independent reports that Arsenal are also interested in Lazio's Mauro Zarate, but that he will cost the thick end of £17million.
REAL WANT MOSES
Speaking of Real Madrid, The Daily Mail reports that the Spanish bigwigs have joined the race for Victor Moses.
The Crystal Palace youngster is said to be too expensive for the likes of West Brom and Nottingham Forest, but Real could obviously afford him.
The Mail claims that while other big spenders such as Spurs, Manchester City and Liverpool (spot the deliberate mistake) are all interested, Real have become aware of the youngster after City's interest was made clear, and word emerged that Barcelona are also sniffing around him.
ROONEY DEMANDS COULD SPELL TROUBLE
Since the publication of Manchester United's financial results this week, most of the talk in the papers has been questioning whether they can keep their star assets.
And for 'star assets' read 'Wayne Rooney'.
The Sun this morning reports that, when contract negotiations come around after the World Cup, Rooney and his advisors will demand/very politely ask for £140,000 a week over five years, representing a £50,000 hike on his current deal.
That would make him the highest-paid player at United by a distance, but the paper suggests that United won't be able to afford that much, and therefore a move to either Real Madrid or Barcelona - with their deep, deep pockets - could be on the cards.
UNITED TO BID £18MILLION FOR PORTO MAN
Those United financial results apparently haven't made it through to The Daily Mail, or else they're ignoring them completely.
For the paper reports that United will make a whopping £18million bid for Porto defender Rolando, who has apparently been rather good in the Champions League this season.
With concerns over the fitness of both Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic - and indeed speculation the latter could leave - Ferguson is reportedly keen to bring in a new man, and the 6ft 4 'classy centre-half' is the man.
JAMES TO STOKE
There's no official confirmation just yet, but most of the papers - as well as Sky Sports - report that David James will be joining Stoke for the rest of the season.
That one should be confirmed today, so keep checking back if you're a fan of Stoke/Pompey/handsome keepers with faintly ludicrous hair.
£14MILLION FOR McGEADY?
Outrageous stuff in The Daily Telegraph, if true.
The paper reports that Birmingham, with up to £40million of Carson Yeung's money just sitting there collecting dust, want Celtic's Aidan McGeady so much that they're willing to pay £14million for him.
Erm....what?
According to the paper (who seem very pleased with their scoop), discussions at a 'high level' have taken place, when a package worth that massive amount has been discussed.
Lordy.
AND THE REST...
Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce wants Middlesbrough skipper Gary O'Neil to help save his job...Sunderland boss Steve Bruce hopes to clinch the ambitious swoop for Paraguay striker Salvador Cabanas today...Everton are offering an escape route from Arsenal for Philippe Senderos...Portsmouth's woes will increase when striker Aruna Dindane quits to join Celtic...Hull are keen to help Manchester City's Vladimir Weiss prepare for this year's World Cup finals...Wigan are preparing to pip Middlesbrough again after expressing interest in Rangers striker Kris Boyd...Birmingham have decided not to sign Giles Barnes after his trial...West Ham winger Luis Jimenez is wanted by Serie A side Parma...Bolton manager Owen Coyle is ready to test Newcastle's resolve to hang on to Andy Carroll with a £2million bid for the Gateshead-born striker...Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce wants Portsmouth midfielder Papa Bouba Diop.