Gossip column: World Cup, Bony, Lukaku, Schweinsteiger

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WORLD CUP GOSSIP

Image source, Reuters
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Yuichi Nishimura's refereeing performance in the opening game was not well received in Argentina

Croatians are not the only ones furious with the officiating in last night's opening game. Argentina's Ole newspaper carries a video of Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura awarding Brazil their controversial penalty and asks "Are you not ashamed?" The paper goes on to say "if they are going to continue with this assistance, they should let us know". Ole (in Spanish), external

The opening ceremony receives an unenthusiastic review from Brazil's O Globo newspaper, which sees irony in the fact that despite the "famously grandiose spending" on the tournament, the show looked to have been organised "without much money". O Globo (in Portuguese), external

Meanwhile a poll in O Correio Brazilense sees 80% of responders saying that they did not enjoy the show. O Correio Brazilense (in Portuguese), external

Spain's El Mundo carries an article on Xavi and Iker Casillas, without whom, it says, "the recent history of Spanish football cannot be explained". The two veterans are the most successful international footballers in the world in terms of win ratio. El Mundo (in Spanish), external

Manchester United forward Danny Welbeck, 23, has declared himself fit for England's opener against Italy. Guardian, external

Uruguay may leave Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, 27, out of their starting line-up to face England in Sao Paulo next week if they win their opening match against Costa Rica.Times (subscription only), external

Image source, Getty Images
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Danny Welbeck has scored scored eight goals in 20 games under England manager Roy Hodgson

Chelsea striker Samuel Eto'o, 33, has been criticised for "treason" after being at the centre of strike action by Cameroon's World Cup squad. Independent, external

Netherlands and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie, 31, has revealed he hopes to carry on playing for another 11 years. Sun (subscription only), external

Mexico manager Miguel Herrera claims they can win the World Cup as he drops Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez, 26, for his country's opener against Cameroon. Daily Mirror, external

Juventus' on-loan forward Dani Osvaldo, 28, has vented his fury over the ongoing World Cup, saying he is glad to not be a "part of this farce" after he was not included in Italy's 23 player list. Tuttosport (in Italian), external

Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, has urged football fans to enjoy the World Cup in a "spirit of true brotherhood". Marca (in Spanish), external

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Liverpool are hopeful of completing a £3.5m summer swoop for MK Dons wonderkid Dele Alli. The deal for the 18-year-old midfielder could rise to £8m. Daily Mail, external

The agent of Swansea City striker Wilfried Bony has slammed Newcastle United for passing up the chance to sign the 23-year-old but has opened the door to a move to Arsenal or Liverpool this summer. Daily Express, external

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has revealed the club are set to beat off interest from a number of top European clubs to land a big-name signing. talkSPORT, external

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, 21, has rejected a summer move to West Ham for the second year running but could go to German side Wolfsburg. Daily Mirror, external

Image source, AP
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Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku scored 15 goals while on loan at Everton last season

Manchester United have switched their attention to Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, 29, after missing out on his Germany team-mate Thomas Muller, 24. Daily Star, external

Arsenal are ready to offer £5m for Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina. Napoli, where he spent last season on loan, have not made a bid for the 31-year-old. Metro, external

The Gunners are looking to appease fans unhappy at missing out on re-signing Cesc Fabregas, who has moved from Barcelona to Chelsea, by making a move for 21-year-old defender Bressan from Brazilian side Gremio. Daily Express, external

Manager Arsene Wenger is also closing in on a deal to bring 25-year-old Real Sociedad striker Carlos Vela back to Arsenal with the Gunners set to activate a £3.5m buyout clause. Sun (subscription only), external

Liverpool are hoping they can win the race for Schalke's £8m-rated Max Meyer, 18, ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea. Daily Express, external

Montpellier chairman Louis Nicollin claims his club are being "treated like idiots" after a "derisory" £8m bid from Newcastle for France midfielder Remy Cabella, 24. Daily Telegraph, external

Hull City are interested in Sheffield United central defender Harry Maguire, 21, who could cost £1.5m. Daily Mail, external

Premier League new boys Leicester City are keen on Feyenoord's £8m-rated striker Graziano Pelle, 28. Daily Mail, external

Barcelona midfielder Alex Song, 26, has been told he can leave the Nou Camp, with Manchester United tracking the former Arsenal star. Talksport, external

GLOBAL GOSSIP (Sourced by BBC Monitoring)

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has given the go ahead for the club to make a move for Chelsea's 27-year-old Brazilian Ramires. Marca (in Spanish), external

Image source, Empics
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Brazilian Ramires is a target for Real Madrid

Paris St-Germain have made it clear they are unwilling to sell their 21-year-old Italian midfielder Marco Verratti, despite strong interest from Real Madrid. Marca (in Spanish), external

Sochaux have decided to release their 26-year-old midfielder Kalilou Traore, who is under contract with the French club until June 2015. L'Equipe (in French), external

Paris St-Germain would be interested in Chelsea's Petr Cech if the Blues decide to let go of their 32-year-old Czech goalkeeper. Le Figaro (in French), external

Atletico Madrid are considering a £18m bid for Arsenal's 29-year-old Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla. As.com (in Spanish), external

Chelsea's 23 year-old Belgian midfielder Eden Hazard says he has not received any offers from Paris St-Germain, despite reports linking him with the French club. Le Figaro (in French), external

Valencia could face stiff competition from Sevilla and West Ham for Juventus' 30 year-old striker Mirko Vucinic. Tuttosport (in Italian), external

AND FINALLY

Portugal's players have all been given personalised hotel rooms in an effort to maximise their performances at this summer's World Cup. Metro, external

Former England and Tottenham midfielder David Bentley, 29, who was released by Spurs 12 months ago, has retired. Sun (subscription only), external

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