Saturday's gossip column: Football transfers & rumours

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

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Tottenham's Gareth Bale, 24, expects his Real Madrid move to be completed by Tuesday - and the Spanish giants are ready to follow up his capture with the signing of Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, 26.

Full story: Daily Star

Wales international Bale heightened speculation he is on his way to Real as he was not on the plane taking the rest of the Spurs squad to Monaco for a friendly. However, Tottenham will only sell Bale if the Spanish giants can put together the right players-plus-cash deal.

Full story: Daily Express

Tottenham players bid an emotional farewell to Bale before they departed for Monaco, with some asking the Wales international to sign their shirts.

Full story: The Sun (subscription required)

Chelsea are expected to test Manchester United's resolve over striker Wayne Rooney, 27, with a £40m offer in the coming days.

Full story: Metro

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe is reported to be a target for former boss Harry Redknapp at QPR.

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe, 30, is a target for Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp.

Full story: Daily Mirror

Fulham have increased their bid for Aston Villa striker Darren Bent to £4.75m plus add-ons but the Midlands club want £6m for the 29-year-old.

Full story: Daily Mail

Arsene Wenger could make a bid for Swansea captain Ashley Williams, 28, to ease Arsenal's defensive injury worries.

Full story: Daily Mirror

Arsenal are close to selling Ivory Coast international striker Gervinho, 26, to Italian club Roma for £8m.

Full story: The Sun (subscription based)

Tottenham's US international midfielder Clint Dempsey, 30, is a target for Seattle Sounders and Everton.

Full story: Daily Mail

OTHER GOSSIP

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Real Madrid's mega bid for Tottenham star Gareth Bale makes a joke of Financial Fair Play rules.

Full story: talkSPORT

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, 33, rejected the chance to play for current European champions Bayern Munich because of his determination to end his club's exile from the elite competition.

Full story: Daily Telegraph

Gareth Bale has informed manager Andre Villas-Boas he is keen to work with him again if the 24-year-old leaves Tottenham for Real Madrid this summer.

Full story: London Evening Standard

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho say the Blues "need to learn and support" the qualities of 29-year-old Fernando Torres to get the best out of the £50m Spain striker.

Full story: Daily Mail

England international Wayne Rooney will return from a hamstring injury when he turns out for Manchester United in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Real Betis on Saturday.

Full story: Daily Mail

AND FINALLY

Tottenham flew their record signing Roberto Soldado into London on a budget airline.

Full story: Metro

Premier League referee Phil Dowd, whose physique came under scrutiny following comments from former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson last season, has lost two stone in weight over the summer.

Full story: Daily Mail