Saturday's gossip column

For a list of confirmed transfers, check out our transfers page.

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea's hopes of signing Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, 31, have been given a massive boost with the Spanish side interested in signing Real Sociedad player Asier Illarramendi, 23, as a replacement.

Full story: Daily Star

Everton and Tottenham look set to battle it out as they attempt to sign Barcelona forward Gerard Deulofeu, 19, on loan.

Full story: Independent

Gerard Deulofeu scored 18 goals in 36 appearances for Barcelona B

Hull manager Steve Bruce wants to sign 28-year-old South Africa striker Katlego Mphela - nicknamed Killer because of his lethal finishing - from Mamelodi Sundowns.

Full story: The Sun

West Ham have agreed a £6.7m fee to sign Colombian striker Duvan Zapata, 22, from Argentine club Estudiantes.

Full story: Daily Mirror

Napoli will move for Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, 27, if they miss out on top target Stevan Jovetic, of Fiorentina.

Full story: Daily Express

Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy, 26, is in advanced talks over a move to Chelsea.

Full story: Daily Express

Queens Park Rangers are preparing a £4m offer for Celtic striker Gary Hooper, 25, who is also wanted by Norwich City.

Full story: The Sun

Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup is ready to join the chase for Blackburn Rovers forward Jordan Rhodes, 23, after making a firm inquiry about the Scottish international.

Full story: Daily Telegraph

Pablo Osvaldo was born in Argentina but has represented Italy

Manchester City are set for talks with Roma with a view to buying 27-year-old striker Pablo Osvaldo.

Full story: Manchester Evening News

Swansea City have stepped up their efforts to sign striker Wilfried Bony, 24, from Vitesse Arnhem with an improved £13.7m package.

Full story: Daily Mirror

Loic Remy, 26, could play for Queens Park Rangers in the Championship next season as other clubs show little interest in the France striker.

Full story: London Evening Standard

Spanish club Levante want to sign Arsenal's 29-year-old striker Marouane Chamakh.

Full story: Daily Mail

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester City's pre-season tour of South Africa could be thrown into chaos because of Nelson Mandela's continued ill health.

Full story: Daily Mirror

Chelsea have won 11 trophies in the 10 years since Roman Abramovich bought the club

Chelsea defender John Terry, 32, has revealed how Roman Abramovich's arrival at Stamford Bridge left him fearing for his place in the side - but says the Russian's desire to win trophies has transformed the club.

Full story: Daily Mail

Everton's new assistant manager Graeme Jones believes Roberto Martinez faces a challenge to change the Toffees' style of play.

Full story: Sky Sports

AND FINALLY

The jacket of the ball boy "kicked" by Eden Hazard last season during Chelsea's League Cup semi-final clash with Swansea is being sold for charity.

Full story: Daily Mail