Friday’s gossip column
TRANSFER GOSSIP
Italian league leaders Juventus could bid for Manchester United’s Mexico striker Javier Hernandez, 24, if they fail to sign Liverpool forward Luis Suarez, 26. Juventus are searching for a strike partner for Spaniard Fernando Llorente, 28, who is joining on a free transfer from Athletic Bilbao.
Hulk only joined Zenit in September
Brazil striker Hulk, 26, could finally join Chelsea this summer after growing tired of life in Russia playing for Zenit St Petersburg.
Danish goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard, 28, has hinted he could leave Manchester United this summer after becoming frustrated at a lack of football.
Juventus are set to move for Torino’s Italy defender Angelo Ogbonna, 24, who has been linked with Manchester United and Arsenal.
Tottenham and Chelsea are set to fight it out over Southampton’s promising defender Luke Shaw, 17, who could cost as much as £16.5m.
OTHER GOSSIP
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has received the backing of chief executive Ferran Soriano. “He is a champion; I do not add more,” said Soriano.
Italy defender Davide Santon, 22, says he lives like a king in Newcastle but would be tempted to pack his bags to return to his homeland with AC Milan.
Full story: Gazzetta Dello Sport (Italian)Â
Ex-England manager Fabio Capello, who is now in charge of Russia, has dismissed speculation linking him with the Chelsea job.
Harper has had six loan spells away from Newcastle
Manchester United striker Robin van Persie, 29, has described Uefa as “cowards” over Nani’s dismissal in the 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid.
Newcastle back-up goalkeeper Steve Harper, 38, is set to leave the club this summer, 20 years after joining from non-league Seaham.
Full story: Evening ChronicleÂ
West Brom midfielder Chris Brunt, 28, claims the current squad would struggle to cope with the demands of European football.
AND FINALLY
Pep Guardiola will not take over at Bayern Munich until this summer but the former Barcelona coach has already had a burger named after him in Germany.
