Tuesday's gossip B*ll*x

[Chinners]

Manchester City first in line for Ángel Di María as Chelsea balk at £36m price tag
Chelsea have dropped out of the running to sign Ángel Di María after balking at the £36 million asking price. That has left the way open for the Argentine winger to join Manchester City, but Chelsea have refused to meet Benfica's valuation of Argentina winger Angel Di Maria Photo: AP It is understood that Manchester City are keen to complete a deal next summer, when it is likely that they will move on Robinho, probably to Barcelona, but Di María's club, Benfica, are hoping to complete the transfer in January.

They have approached Atlético Madrid in a bid to sign Portuguese international Simao Sabrosa and want to try to push that deal through as soon as possible and before a lower buy-out clause in Di María's contract kicks in at the end of this season. Chelsea are progressing well in their attempts to sign Sergio Agüero from Atlético for £40 million although they are insisting that the striker lowers his wage demands and that his agent, Bruno Satin, also accepts a lower fee.

Gaël Kakuta, who starred as a substitute on his first-team debut in the 4-0 Premier League win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, is due to be in the squad to face Porto in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

"Yes [it is easier than the reserves] because the game is much quicker, you have more choice when you play, you can play one touch, two touch, so it is much better," Kakuta said. "I wasn't nervous at all. My fitness is good because of the ban I have been out for months, but I have worked double sessions every day and I feel good. It has been a little bit like pre-season, because when the boys finished I was still in, working in the afternoons."

Assuming he suffers no reaction to Monday night's reserve team match, Kakuta will fly out to Portugal on Tuesday morning in a squad that should also include Michael Ballack. The Germany captain missed the 4-0 win against Wolves with a sprained knee, but has resumed full training and is expected to feature against Porto. Didier Drogba is unlikely to be risked as he continues his rehabilitation from a rib injury while Frank Lampard and Jose Bosingwa are definitely out.

Manchester City have moved a step closer to signing QPR's Raheem Sterling after the young forward notified Rangers of his desire to leave. Daily Mirror http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Ma ... 30917.html

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TRANSFER GOSSIP
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola insists the club will not be forced to sell striker Carlton Cole in January, despite interest in the £20m-rated player from Manchester United and Liverpool.The Sun

Birmingham's £4m bid for Standard Liege's Serbian striker Milan Jovanovic has collapsed, leaving Manchester United, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Everton to battle it out for his signature. Daily Mirror

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is willing to listen to offers for defender Anton Ferdinand and Spurs are believed to be preparing a £6m bid. (Various)

Nottingham Forest are planning a £3m move for Tottenham defender Gareth Bale. Daily Mirror

OTHER BOLLOX
Los Angeles Galaxy and England midfielder David Beckham is struggling to be fit for his New Year move to AC Milan after needing three cortisone injections in his right ankle before Sunday's MLS Cup Final defeat to Real Salt Lake.The Sun

Beckham is ready to move into club ownership after expressing his wish to buy a Major League Soccer team. He has the right to invest in a future franchise as part of his deal to join Galaxy in 2007. Daily Mirror

Liverpool midfielder Ryan Babel says he will leave the club in January if he is not given more opportunities in the first team by manager Rafael Benitez. "I have tried to talk to the manager but it isn't of any use," admitted Babel."The Sun

Real Madrid forward Kaka has revealed that he turned down a move to Chelsea in the summer in order to complete his dream move to the Bernabeu. Daily Mail

Bolton manager Gary Megson has rounded on some of his players, accusing them of trying to destabilise the club. The Trotters are currently in the Premier League relegation zone following three successive defeats. (Various)

Tottenham defender Jonathan Woodgate has admitted he has no chance of representing England at next year's World Cup in South Africa because of his persistent injury woes. Daily Mirror

Ipswich have dismissed speculation that their manager Roy Keane is on the brink of being sacked. A club spokesman said: "The story in a national newspaper that our manager is about to leave is complete and utter nonsense. Daily Mirror

Arsenal midfielder Alex Song has agreed to sign a new contract that will keep him at the Emirates until 2015.
The Sun

WAG OF THE DAY
http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2 ... iza-dushku

AND FINALLY
Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun has revealed that his recent injuries were treated by Serbian healer Marijana Kovacevic with human placenta. Benayoun's team-mate Glen Johnson, Arsenal's Robin van Persie and Chelsea's Frank Lampard have all recently been treated with what was believed to be horse placenta.
The Sun

Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe says that watching Spurs coach Clive Allen in action during his playing days on YouTube helped him claim his five-goal haul during the 9-1 win over Wigan on Sunday.
Daily Mirror

[Crossie]

What exactly do they do with this Placenta? churn it up and rub it into the affected area? eat it?

[craigmcfc]

I'd take the wrong turn with that WAG any day