Wednesday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

Wesley Sneijder will sign for Manchester United in the next 48 hours for a fee believed to be around £32m.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas is set to go head-to-head with former boss Jose Mourinho in a transfer battle over Porto midfielder Fredy Gaurin.
Full story: talkSport

Chelsea are prepared to use midfielder Yossi Benayoun as bait in their attempt to prise Luka Modric from Tottenham. 
Full story: Daily Mail

Lassana Diarra is a step closer to a move to Spurs after Real Madrid cut their asking price for the midfielder.
Full story: talkSPORT

Spurs are plotting a £35m bid for Porto striker Hulk as manager Harry Redknapp seeks to boost attacking options.
Full story: Daily Mail

Arsenal have told Manchester City they can buy Samir Nasri for an initial fee of £22m after conceding the midfielder will not sign a new contract.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Arsenal are monitoring Birmingham's £8m defender Scott Dann, who is also interesting Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish. 
Full story: Daily Mail

Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala will step up their interest in Arsenal midfielder Andrey Arshavin this week.
Full story: talkSPORT

Blackburn Rovers are lining up a £3m move for Leicester's Ivory Coast defender Sol Bamba. Full story: The Sun

Aston Villa have joined Bundesliga club Hamburg SV in the hunt for Arsenal forward Nicklas Bendtner.
Full story: footy-bunker

Bolton are set to bring ex-Stoke forward Tuncay back to the Premier League after less than a season with German side Wolfsburg.
Full story: The Sun

Stoke have joined the race for Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips and are also in talks with Spurs midfielder Wilson Palacios. 
Full story: Daily Mirror

Rangers have made £2.5m-rated French-Tunisian defender Yohan Benalouane, who plays for Cesena, a priority target after failing to land Anderlecht's Rolan Juhasz. (Daily Express)

Anderlecht say they will not be bullied into selling defender Roland Juhasz to Rangers and will not reduce their asking price after rejecting five bids for the player from the Glasgow club. (the Sun)

Den Haag winger Wesley Verhoek pulled the plug on his transfer to Nottingham Forest - and will not be joining Rangers either - because of his 11th-hour decision that he could not live outside the Netherlands. (Daily Record)

Wesley Verhoek is poised to join Vitesse Arnhem from Den Haag after rejecting moves to Nottingham Forest and Rangers. (the Sun)

Celtic are confident that they will tie up a deal to sign Polish goalkeeper Grzegorz Sandomierski from Jagiellonia Bialystok today. (the Sun)

Osasuna striker Jorge Galan has flown into Scotland to undergo a medical ahead of a season-long loan with Kilmarnock. (Various)

Hibernian have offered freed Aston Villa midfielder Isaiah Osbourne a two-year contract and hope the 23-year-old will be signed in time to face Kilmarnock on Saturday. (Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP

Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh believes Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri will both leave the Emirates, despite both being included in Arsenal's squad for this month's Champions League tie with Udinese. Full story: Daily Telegraph

New Arsenal signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain believes everything is in place for the club to win trophies, saying that is the reason he joined the Londoners.
Full story: talkSPORT

Rafael van der Vaart has urged team-mate Luka Modric to stay at Spurs for one more year before making his dream move to Chelsea.
Full story: Metro

Bolton boss Owen Coyle has told clubs interested in Gary Cahill either to make an offer or leave the defender to concentrate on his career at the Reebok Stadium.
Full story: talkSPORT Rangers have accused the HMRC of leaking details of the club's finances as owner Craig Whyte challenges a £2.8m tax bill. (Daily Record)

Rangers have hit back at Madjid Bougherra's claim that he felt sickened by the club's offer of a new contract, saying that the defender had no intention of staying at Ibrox before his £1.7m move to Lekhwiya. (Daily Mail)

Algeria coach Vahid Halilhodzic says he is less likely to select Madjid Bougherra now that the defender has moved from Rangers to Qatar champions Lekhwiya because he is playing at a lower level of football. (Daily Record)

AND FINALLY

Hollywood actor Gerard Butler turned out for a Celtic legends XI as they won 5-2 against a Manchester United legends team featuring Roy Keane and Teddy Sheringham.
Full story: Metro

Former Scotland midfielder and Sky football pundit Neil McCann has promised to play for free should he sign for Partick Thistle. (Daily Record)

Liverpool FC Transfer News: Why Joey Barton Would Be a Disaster

Ever since Joey Barton was made available for transfer from Newcastle, he has been linked to nearly every team in the Premiership.

However, the most ridiculous of these links would have to be Liverpool.

Liverpool fans are already complaining about the ridiculous amount of midfielders in the squad, so signing another midfielder will not help the situation. To Barton's credit, he is a fantastic player when on form and he did assist the majority of Andy Carroll's goals last season, but where would he fit in on the team?

Most people agree that Liverpool's midfield—Lucas, Gerrard, Downing and Suarez—is pretty much guaranteed to be on the team sheet. Presuming that Liverpool play a five man midfield means that there is only one spot up for grabs. With Kuyt, Meireles, Adam, Henderson, Aquilani, Maxi and all the academy players vying for that spot, Barton would just not get the playing time that he would get at a another club such as Everton orAston Villa.

The biggest stumbling block in signing Barton is his attitude. He has been in prison twice—both for fairly vicious assaults—which has effectively stopped him becoming the superstar he could become. His actions have also affected his teams results—one of his crimes was largely responsible for the dip in form of Newcastle and the firing of Sam Allardyce.

Unfortunately, crime seems to run in the family. Barton's brother is currently serving a life sentence after taking part in a racially motivated murder.

Barton may be a great player, but with the abundance of midfielders in the squad and his violent attitude, I do not think that Barton would be a good player for Liverpool to sign.

He would do more harm than good.

Thanks for reading. Please share your views by commenting on the article.

England match against the Netherlands off after riots BBC

Rioting in London has caused sports fixtures to be postponed on police advice

England's friendly against the Netherlands at Wembley on Wednesday has been called off following three nights of rioting in London.

The Football Association confirmed the decision on their website on Tuesday.

Carling Cup matches at Charlton, West Ham, Crystal Palace and Bristol City have all been postponed.

However, Edgbaston officials say the third Test between England and India starting in Birmingham on Wednesday will go ahead as planned.

BBC Sport understands the Premier League have had talks with the police over this weekend's matches involving London clubs but believe it is too early for a decision to be taken.

The FA's managing director of Club England Adrian Bevington wroteon Twitter: "Disappointing for game to be called off, but very good communication with Met [Metropolitan Police], Brent [Council] and Government today - sensible decision."

Bert van Oostveen, chief executive of the Dutch federation the KNVB, explained: "The police in London could not guarantee the safety of our players and our supporters."

The England team were still planning to train as normal at London Colney this morning. No decision has been taken regarding tickets, with the FA set to make an announcement later.

Defender Rio Ferdinand said on Twitter: "England vs Holland game is off, good call. Who wants to see a game of football when our country is in turmoil?"

Meanwhile BBC sports news reporter Joe Wilson, in Birmingham for the third Test, said on Tuesday that nearby hotels had been advised to lock their doors.

MATCHES OFF

Continue reading the main story

• Wednesday: England v Netherlands (international friendly)
• Tuesday: Charlton v Reading (Carling Cup)
• Tuesday: West Ham v Aldershot (Carling Cup)
• Tuesday: Crystal Palace v Crawley Town (Carling Cup)
• Tuesday: Bristol City v Swindon (Carling Cup)

He wrote on Twitter: "Helicopters circling over Bull Ring, about half mile from England hotel. Spoke to England head of security, confident all players safe."

England batsman Kevin Pietersenrevealed in a tweet to broadcaster Piers Morgan that the team were locked in their hotel ahead of the Test match as trouble flared in the second city.

A statement from the Indian Cricket Board, while confirming that the squad were accounted for and safe, said that team management would be keeping a close eye on the situation.

The teams are staying in Birmingham city centre ahead of the Test match at Edgbaston, south of the city, with England scheduled to practise at the ground on Tuesday.

West Ham's game against Aldershot was the first to be called off,announcing the news on the Hammers website.

Charlton's stadium, The Valley, is close to Lewisham where rioting occurred on Monday.

Continue reading the main story

All major public events in London are to be rearranged because of the need to focus police resources elsewhere

West Ham statement

A statement on Charlton's website read: "Clearly the most important factor is the people's safety. The police have told us they believe the match should be postponed on safety grounds and obviously we have taken that advice."

Crystal Palace were also set to play Crawley Town at Selhurst Park on Tuesday but that match was postponed, given the stadium is close to the scene of disorder in Croydon.

With the unrest spreading to other cities across England, Bristol City's match Swindon was also called off for safety reasons.

And Tottenham's Premier League fixture against Everton on Saturday could also potentially be in doubt, although a statement on the club's website on Monday said that everything was being done to ensure the match went ahead, with fans urged to check the official websitefor updates.

In London, violence broke out on Monday for a third consecutive day with riot police deployed and firefighters tackling blazes across the capital, following disturbances in Tottenham on Saturday evening and Enfield on Sunday night.

Meanwhile, BBC sports news reporter Leon Mann tweeted:"Organisers of Ghana v Nigeria tell me [Tuesday's] game still set to go ahead at Watford FC as planned."

With London 2012 less than a year away, the British Olympic Association said that the current situation in the capital should not affect preparations.

"It makes an Olympic Games and a Paralympic Games all the more important. We need a reason to come together," BOA's director of communications Darryl Seibel told Sky Sports News.

"What better city to do it in than London. It is the only city to be honoured with the Olympic Games on three occasions."

Asked if he was aware of any damage caused to Olympic venues he said: "I'm not aware of it, no."

£8M SCOTT DANN THE MAN FOR KENNY DALGLISH

KENNY Dalglish has moved for ­Birmingham star Scott Dann after Liverpool’s pre-season defensive shambles.

Dalglish wants to make the £8m-rated centre-back his fifth summer signing after seeing his side leak 15 goals in six friendlies.

He was eyeing Liverpool-born Dann, 24, earlier in the summer but opted to strengthen his midfield, landing Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson.

Dann, who has been likened to Kop legend Alan Hansen, missed half of last season after picking up a hamstring injury in January.

Anfield chief Dalglish has been hit by injuries to key defenders Martin Skrtel and Glen Johnson in pre-season.

Tuesday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

Arsenal have opened the door for Samir Nasri's £25m move to Manchester City.
Full story: the Guardian

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will look to sign Bolton defender Gary Cahill following Thomas Vermaelen's injury.
Full story: Metro

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish will make a move for £8m -rated Birmingham defender Scott Dann. 
Full story: Daily Star

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp's bid to bring Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra to Tottenham has hit a snag in a row over the ex-Chelsea man's £20m price tag.
Full story: the Sun

Tottenham will make one last attempt to sign Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor, with boss Harry Redknapp desperate to sign the former Arsenal striker.
Full story: footie-online

While, Real Madrid are ready to offer midfielder Fernando Gago to Manchester City in exchange for Adebayor.
Full story: Inside Futbol

Chelsea are facing a battle with big-spending Paris Saint-Germain over Porto wing-back Alvaro Pereira.
Full story: Daily Mail

Aston Villa and Fulham are preparing to make an offer for Ghana international defender Samuel Inkoom.
Full story: Daily Mail

West Brom are set to smash their transfer record after Roy Hodgson made a £7m swoop for Reading forward Shane Long. Full story: the Sun

Newcastle have been told they will have to stump up £14m if they want to sign Tottenham's Russian striker Roman Pavlyuchenko. 
Full story: Daily Mail

OTHER GOSSIP

Chelsea-bound striker Romelu Lukaku described Monday as the "most beautiful day of my life" as he arrived to complete his £20m move from Anderlecht.
Full story: Daily Mail

Joey Barton has expressed his desire to come in from the cold and play for Newcastle this season.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Arsenal fans have voiced their displeasure at Arsene Wenger's decision to buy "another kid" - 17-year-old Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Full story: Daily Mirror

AND FINALLY

Real Madrid have beaten rivals Barcelona to the signing of a seven-year-old Argentine prodigy.
Full story: caughtoffside.com

Poulsen ready to fight

christian Poulsen has dismissed speculation that he will leave Liverpool and insists he sees his future at the club.
Kenny Dalglish has increased his midfield options with the signing of Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson this summer.
These new recruits will augment a squad already bulging with midfielders in Lucas, Steven Gerrard and Jay Spearing.
Indeed, Dalglish's transfer business has prompted talk that the Denmark international would be sacrificed to balance the books.
But the 30-year-old, who has two years left on his contract, is in no hurry to leave Anfield.
"I have been really happy and I want to play, that's my goal for the future," Poulsen said.
"I am happy there with my family, it's a good club and they treat me really well. I hope I can change my situation and play more.
"I haven't heard anything from Liverpool; I am trying to be fit for the new season. So I think they want me at the club and I am happy to be there and unless they tell me something different, I am a Liverpool player for the coming season."

London Riots

60 years ago, Londoners stood together to defend their city from the kind of destruction now being inflicted upon it by its own

• Further violence has broken out between police and groups of young people in Hackney
• Cars have been set on fire in Lewisham, while a bus and shop have been set ablaze in Peckham
• Shop windows have been smashed and looting has also taken place in Birmingham
• Home Secretary Theresa May has condemned the riots as "sheer criminality"
• Acting Met Police Commissioner Tim Godwin has said the force will be publishing photos and CCTV footage of those involved
• At least 215 people have been arrested and 25 charged so far in relation to the three days of violence
•  
•  

Violence has broken out for a third consecutive day in London, with riot police deployed and firefighters tackling blazes across the capital.

Cars were set on fire in Lewisham and a bus and shop were set ablaze in Peckham. A large furniture shop in Croydon is also well alight.
In Hackney, police sealed off an area after police car windows were smashed.
The prime minister is returning early from holiday to chair a meeting of the government's emergency committee Cobra.
David Cameron, who is on holiday in Italy, was due to board a flight on Monday night ahead of a meeting with Home Secretary Theresa May and Acting Metropolitan Police Commissioner Tim Godwin.
Trouble flared earlier after a man was stopped in Hackney and searched by police but nothing was found.
There were also fears trouble may spread further afield as police in riot gear were deployed in Birmingham city centre after scores of youths rampaged through the shopping area, smashing windows.

Click to play

Philippa Thomas reports from Hackney

The fresh violence prompted Mr Godwin to called on parents to contact their children and urged the public to clear London's streets.
Up to 200 police officers in riot gear are in the Hackney area and are clashing with youths, who have tried to set fire to vehicles.
Groups of people began attacking the police in Hackney at about 16:20 BST, throwing rocks and a bin at officers.
Police cars were also smashed by youths armed with wooden poles and metal bars.
Looters also smashed their way into shops, including a JD Sports store, before being dispersed by police.
Planks of wood taken from a lorry were then hurled towards lines of riot officers.

Continue reading the main story

At the scene

Alix Kroeger BBC News

In a lane off Mare Street the wreckage of a burnt-out car still smoulders, surrounded by riot police.
At least for now, the violence in this half of London seems to have abated. I was talking to one young man who had received on his BlackBerry a list of places where he said there will be further trouble tonight.
He didn't tell me which places and stressed it is speculation. But he and a friend told me frustration with poverty in the area was boiling over.
On Mare Street there is the sound of crunching as police vans run over broken glass. Much of it from a bottle bank which was overturned providing makeshift missiles for rioters who lobbed the bottles at police.

Violence has broken out in Peckham, south London, where a shop and a bus have been set on fire.

In nearby Lewisham, a number of vehicles and a trail of bins on fire.
At least 215 people have been arrested and 25 charged following the riots across London over the last two days.
In Birmingham City Centre looters have attacked several shops, smashing windows and stealing items.
An eyewitness said windows have been smashed in McDonalds and Jessops near Birmingham Cathedral and a sign has been thrown through a gym window.
London's mayor Boris Johnson is cutting short his holiday to return to the city.
Home Secretary Theresa May also returned early from holiday, to meet Metropolitan Police (Met) chiefs to discuss their response to the violence.

Click to play

Theresa May: London rioters 'will be brought to justice'

Mrs May condemned the riots as "sheer criminality" and said those responsible would "face the consequences of their actions".
The trouble follows two nights of violence over the weekend which started after police shot a man dead in Tottenham.
Mrs May said: "The riots in Tottenham on Saturday night and the subsequent disturbances in other parts of London are totally unacceptable."
A peaceful protest in Tottenham on Saturday over the fatal shooting by police of Mark Duggan, 29, was followed by violence which spread into Sunday.
A candlelit vigil was due to be held at The High Cross in Tottenham on Monday evening.
Met Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stephen Kavanagh said there were "significant resources" on the streets, with a third more officers on duty than on Sunday.
He said: "What we can see is that the Metropolitan Police are getting police officers there in numbers.
"When we have large numbers of criminals intent on that type of violence, we can only do that, get lots of officers there quickly and try to protect local businesses and local people."
He also admitted relations with the family of the man shot dead by police could have been handled better.
Mr Kavanagh said: "I want to apologise to the Duggan family because I think both the IPCC (Independent Police Complaints Commission) and the Metropolitan Police could have managed that family's needs more effectively."

Click to play

John Adderley in Peckham: "I could see a bus on fire"