Saturday's gossip column: Football transfers & rumours

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

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Real Madrid claim they will sign 24-year-old Gareth Bale for £78m, leaving the £80m the Spanish club paid for Cristiano Ronaldo, 28, as the world record fee for a player.

Full story: Daily Mail

Manchester United will make an improved bid for Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera, 24, after a £21m offer was rejected by the Spanish club.

Full story: Daily Mail

Midfielder Ander Herrera joined Athletic Bilbao in 2011 from Real Zaragoza

United will trigger the release clause in Herrera's contract with a £30.7m bid, while also offering Roma £10.2m for midfielder Daniele De Rossi, 30.

Full story: Daily Telegraph

The Old Trafford club consulted former England manager Fabio Capello about the abilities of De Rossi, although their offer for the Italy international has been turned down by the Serie A side.

Full story: Guardian

Everton have remained silent about Manchester United's improved offer of £36m for defender Leighton Baines, 28, and 25-year-old midfielder Marouane Fellaini.

Full story: ESPN

Arsenal have added Schalke midfielder Julian Draxler, 19, and Real Madrid's 31-year-old forward Kaka, who wants to leave the Spanish club, to their transfer target list.

Full story: Daily Mirror

The Gunners are keen on signing former Chelsea winger Salomon Kalou, 28, from French club Lille.

Full story: Daily Mail

Liverpool are trying to conclude deals for Sporting Lisbon defender Tiago Ilori, 20, and 23-year-old Paris St-Germain centre-back Mamadou Sakho. The Merseysiders are also trying to sign Chelsea winger Victor Moses, 22, on loan and Aston Villa keeper Shay Given, 37, on a short term deal.

Full story: Daily Telegraph

Moses is also a target for West Brom manager Steve Clarke and Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Full story: The Sun (subscription required)

Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry, 32, is ready to take a pay cut to ensure a season-long loan move to Everton goes through.

Full story: Daily Mail

Sunderland are nearing a deal to bring Swansea midfielder Ki Sung-Yeung, 24, to the Stadium of Light on a season-long loan deal.

Full story: Sunderland Echo

Aston Villa have yet to receive any enquiries about goalkeeper Shay Given, 37, despite reported interest from Liverpool.

Full story: Birmingham Mail

Celtic forward Tony Watt is a loan target for Aberdeen and Belgian side Lierse.

Full story: Daily Record

OTHER GOSSIP

David Moyes has told striker Wayne Rooney, 27, to stay at Manchester United and emulate club legend Sir Bobby Charlton.

Full story: Daily Mail

Liverpool attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho, 21, believes England striker Daniel Sturridge, 23, would be good enough to play for Brazil.

Full story: Daily Telegraph

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes the Gunners have a better squad than Tottenham and does not rule out bringing striker Nicklas Bendtner, 25, back to the club.

Full story: Daily Mirror

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says Sir Alex Ferguson's absence has made Manchester United a more cautious team.

Full story: Guardian

AND FINALLY

Gareth Bale's boots have reportedly arrived at Real Madrid ahead of the 24-year-old forward's move to Spain.

Full story: AS