Saturday's gossip column: Skrtel, Neymar, Rooney, Ozil

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TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City will make a move for Liverpool's Slovakia centre-back Martin Skrtel, 29, if the Reds fail to reach the Champions League, while City defender Joleon Lescott is set to join Besiktas in the summer.

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Skrtel joined Liverpool from Zenit St Petersburg in 2008

Full story: Daily Mail, external

Chelsea are considering a bid for Marseille's Belgian midfielder Giannelli Imbula, 21, as they look at alternatives to John Obi Mikel, 26.

Full story: Metro, external

In his forthcoming autobiography, Barcelona's Brazil forward Neymar, 22, claims he turned down the chance to join Real Madrid in 2006.

Full story: Marca (Spanish), external

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United's commercial staff could help striker Wayne Rooney get individual sponsorship deals as part of his new contract.

Full story: Daily Telegraph, external

United manager David Moyes told Rooney, 28, he had "gone a bit soft" in the summer as he attempted to persuade the striker to stay.

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Image caption,

Wayne Rooney has 88 England caps

Full story: the Guardian, external

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to rest Mesut Ozil, 25, after the Germany midfielder's penalty miss in the Gunners' 2-0 defeat to Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

Full story: Daily Mirror, external

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers claims England right-back Glen Johnson, 29, who has a year left on his £110,000-a-week contract, could still earn a new deal at Anfield.

Full story: Liverpool Echo, external

Alan Pardew has admitted having concerns about his future as Newcastle manager despite the club dismissing claims he would be sacked if they lost Sunday's home game against Aston Villa.

Full story: Daily Express, external

Cardiff manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is backing Wilfred Zaha, 21, their on-loan winger from Manchester United, to force his way into England's World Cup squad.

Full story: the Sun (subscription required), external

Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor, 29, is playing despite a dead leg injury that requires regular treatment to help bid to qualify for the Champions League.

Full story: London Evening Standard, external

Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton, 29, is desperate to leave after being frozen out of the first team because of his high wages.

Full story: Daily Mirror, external

Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson, 34, would consider ending his international retirement after battling back from a blood clot on his lung.

Full story: Daily Mirror, external

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert is hoping to secure a new contract for Dutch defender Ron Vlaar, 29.

Full story: Daily Mirror, external

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, 21, who has been on loan at Atletico Madrid since 2011, will start next season at Stamford Bridge and compete for their number one goalkeeping spot.

Full story: Daily Telegraph, external

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Diego Maradona may make a comeback aged 53, 16 years after he retired

AND FINALLY

Argentina legend Diego Maradona, 53, is set to make a comeback with fifth-tier side Deportivo Riestra, 16 years after he retired.

Full story: Daily Mirror, external

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