Sunday's gossip column

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

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara, 22, has a "good chance" of signing for Manchester United this week for about £17m on a five-year deal.

Full story: The Observer

Thiago Alcantara is the son of the Brazilian 1994 World Cup winner Mazinho

Arsenal and Chelsea remain interested in Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, 27, while both have also made enquiries about Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, 26.

Full story: Sunday Mirror

Tottenham are planning to sign Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke for £20m and are prepared to wait until after the new season has started before completing the deal for the 22-year-old.

Full story: The Sun

Manchester United winger Nani, 26, could join Roma this summer, his agent Jorge Mendes has revealed.

Full story: Metro

Liverpool's no over-30s policy could scupper a move for Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso, 31, but manager Brendan Rodgers may bend the rules to land the former Reds midfielder for £10m.

Full Story: Mail on Sunday

Sunderland have agreed a fee with Velez Sarsfield for defender Gino Peruzzi, 21, according to the Argentine club's chairman.

Full story: Shields Gazette

Stoke City are interested in Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe, 30, as Mark Hughes looks to reunite the England striker with Peter Crouch.

Full story: Sunday People

Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo, 27, is expected to complete his £20m move to Manchester City this week but manager Manuel Pellegrini has missed out on Napoli forward Edinson Cavani, 26.

Full story: Mail on Sunday

Norwich City want to sign Manchester United midfielder Nick Powell, 19, on loan.

Full story: The Sun

Crystal Palace are set to offer former Chelsea and West Ham United striker Carlton Cole, 29, a chance to stay in the Premier League following his release by the Hammers.

Full story: Sunday Express

OTHER GOSSIP

Arsenal have begun talks with manager Arsene Wenger, 63, over a new contract as the board look to secure the Frenchman's long-term future.

Full story: Sunday Mirror

Darren Fletcher made 10 appearances for Manchester United in the 2012-13 season

Midfielder Darren Fletcher, 29, has undergone a final make-or-break operation that will determine whether he plays for Manchester United again. The Scotland international has bowel disease ulcerative colitis.

Full story: Sunday People

Manchester City are confident that defender Micah Richards, 25, will sign a new contract despite the England international requiring assurances about regular playing time.

Full story: The Observer

West Brom's new striker Nicolas Anelka, 34, has two targets for his West Brom career - to get them into Europe and then quit playing.

Full story: The Sun

Manager Jose Mourinho claims Chelsea were unknown to the rest of the world before he first arrived at Stamford Bridge.

Full story: Sunday Mirror

AND FINALLY

Between the end of last season and the beginning of the 2013-14 campaign, Manchester United's 29-year-old striker Robin van Persie will have clocked up 50,000 miles in flights playing exhibition games.

Full story: Sunday Times (subscription required)

Borussia Dortmund have launched their new kit in spectacular style - by revealing the chosen design in a huge plantation of over 80,000 flowers.

Full story: Metro