Transfer Gossip

COULD JOHN TERRY REALLY LEAVE CHELSEA FOR CITY?
Even though Chelsea rejected a bid of £30m from Manchester City for John Terry on Thursday, The Daily Telegraph says that City are planning another offer for the defender.

'City sources insist that the club has been given grounds for encouragement that Terry may be prised away from Stamford Bridge and are to test Chelsea's resolve further,' it reports.

But Chelsea fans shouldn't be fretting just yet.

'Chelsea are adamant that Terry is not for sale, no matter what City offer, and it may well be that to force through the transfer the 28-year-old himself would have to ask for a move. That is highly unlikely to happen given Terry's commitment to Chelsea.'

However, The Independent isn't so sure, declaring that 'it is understood that Terry could yet opt to leave' and that 'Terry is currently with friends on a golf holiday in Tenerife but he is being kept up to date with developments.'

And The Sun goes even further, reporting that Terry has 'been offered a record-busting £300,000-A-WEEK to join Manchester City' and his future is 'now on a knife-edge'.

'Chelsea suspect Terry has been tapped up and City sources admit the club would not have made a bid without doing its homework. In other words, they have already found out whether he would be interested in the move before making their official approach.'

Blimey, could this summer become even more incredible?


'COLE REJECTS NEW CHELSEA OFFER'
Don't read this if you're driving because you might swerve off the road in horror but it also says in The Sun that 'Real Madrid are on the verge of bidding for Ashley Cole after he rejected a new Chelsea deal.

'The England star, 28, has turned down the offer which would leave him £30,000-a-week short of the club's top earners. Cole, signed from Arsenal three years ago, wants to commit to the Blues but the contract has to be right.'

Absolutely no comment.


'VAN PERSIE SIGNS NEW ARSENAL DEAL'
Robin van Persie has signed a new deal at Arsenal, according to newspaper reports.

The Independent claims in categorical terms that the Dutch striker, a reputed target for Manchester United, has put pen to paper on a deal that commits him to the Emirates until 2014.


BENITEZ CONSIDERS INLER AS ALONSO'S REPLACEMENT
In a rather wishy-washy story, The Daily Mail says that Rafa Benitez has a midfield problem.

According to the paper, Pool 'Liverpool have targeted Gokhan Inler to reinforce their midfield once they lose Xabi Alonso. With Real Madrid only delaying their offer for Alonso, and Barcelona still keen on Javier Mascherano, manager Rafa Benitez knows he must fill the breach.'

But the but is that Rafa 'has been alarmed at Udinese's £18million asking price for Switzerland midfielder Inler' and is 'reluctant to bid more than £10m.'


ALONSO TO MOVE IF...
If you can take any more Alonso news...The Daily Mirror says that 'Alonso will get his dream move from Liverpool to Real Madrid - if Rafa Benitez takes striker Alvaro Negredo in a swap deal.'

To quote: 'Spanish midfield star Alonso wants to join Madrid's new Galacticos in a £32million move, but Kop chief Benitez has been holding out for more - and is now being offered £10m-rated Negredo.'

Sorry, but we don't care anymore. If it's gonna happen, just please make sure it happens soon.


VIERI HAS BLACKBURN TRIAL
Michael Owen wasn't good enough for them but, if the Daily Mail is to be believed, Christian Vieri is.

'Blackburn Rovers are offering a trial to former Italy striker Christian Vieri and he is due to join up with the squad at their training camp in Austria today,' the newspaper announces.

If you were also wondering, Vieri is now aged 36.