Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Liverpool are ready to move for Brazilian defender Douglas on a free transfer as a replacement for the retiring Jamie Carragher. The 25-year-old, who currently plays for FC Twente, was previously the subject of a £4m bid from Newcastle but he is out of contract in the summer.

Full story: Daily Mail

Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho has issued a 'come and get me' plea to Manchester City. City boss Roberto Mancini has expressed his interest in signing the 28-year-old who has a £42.5m release clause in his contract, although he hopes the Ukrainian giants will take nearer £20m.

Full story: The Sun

Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino wants to make Valencia's Spanish defender Victor Ruiz, 24, his first signing at Southampton.

Fernandinho could be on his way to the Premier League, possibly at Manchester City

Full story: The Sun

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has dismissed suggestions that star keeper Asmir Begovic, 25, has already been sold. Manchester United, Arsenal and a host of top European clubs have been linked with the £15m-rated Bosnian international but Pulis says he isn't going anywhere.

Full story: Daily Star

Goalkeeper David Stockdale would be interested in making his loan spell at Hull City permanent if Fulham let him leave Craven Cottage. The 27-year-old made 24 appearances for the Tigers, helping them win promotion to the Premier League.

Full story: talkSPORT

But Hull manager Steve Bruce is set to give former England keeper Chris Kirkland, 31, another chance to play in the Premier League. The Sheffield Wednesday man played for Bruce when he was at Wigan Athletic and has a bargain fee in his contract.

Full story: Daily Mirror

Borussia Dortmund are desperate for Chelsea to beat off Bayern Munich and buy their star striker Robert Lewandowski, 24.

Full story: Daily Star

Manchester United are considering a move for Colombia under-20 international midfielder Juan Fernando Quintero who has been on loan from parent club Atletico Nacional to Italian Serie A side Pescara.

Full story: Daily Mail

Peterborough striker Dwight Gayle, 22, is a transfer target for QPR, following the Posh's relegation to League One.

Full story: Fulham Chronicle

Swansea midfielder Leon Britton wants to see former team-mate Scott Sinclair, 24, return to the Swans after he was told he was surplus to requirements at Manchester City.

Full story: Daily Mirror

OTHER GOSSIP

QPR boss Harry Redknapp would not mind taking a pay-cut after the club were relegated to the Championship because he does not need the money.

Full story: Daily Mirror

Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor, 26, would like to get back in the England squad but says Villa "will always come first".

Full story: The Birmingham Mail

QPR midfielder Joey Barton is willing to take a pay-cut to help make his move to Marseille permanent as he does not see "why he would help" Rangers next season.

Full story: Goal.com

Reading manager Nigel Adkins insists there will be no mass exit of players from the club despite their relegation from the Premier League.

Full story: Daily Mail

AND FINALLY

Robin van Persie is set to stick with his number 20 shirt next season to save the Manchester United fans some money. The striker had been offered the chance to swap for the number nine shirt but is planning to turn it down.

Full story: United Review