Wednesday's gossip column - transfers and rumours
Last updated on .From the section Football
TRANSFER GOSSIP
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is set to clear out his fringe players, which are currently costing the club £23m a year in wages, to fund a summer spending spree. Among those set to go are Andrey Arshavin, Marouane Chamakh and Nicklas Bendtner.
Juventus are lining up a bid for Chelsea midfielder Raul Meireles, according to reports in his native Portugal. They are willing to offer around £9m for the 29-year-old.
Manchester City are set to swoop for Barcelona defender Adriano. The 27-year-old full-back, who has failed to command a regular first-team place, is also wanted by Bayern Munich and Juventus.
Borussia Dortmund are lining up a summer move for Manchester City forward Edin Dzeko, 26, who is unhappy with his limited starts.
Manchester United are eyeing summer moves for Eden Hazard, 21, and and Athletic Bilbao's 23-year-old midfielder Javi Martinez, with the duo expected to command a joint fee of around £55m.
Aston Villa defender Carlos Cuellar has been offered the chance to return to Spain in the summer with Valencia. The 30-year-old would be available on a free transfer as he is out of contract at the end of the season.
Newcastle face a fight to hold on to top scorer Demba Ba, 26, with some of Europe's richest clubs prepared to offer the striker a huge payday.
OTHER GOSSIP
Former England boss Steve McClaren could be set for a return to the Football Association - in the technical director role which is set to be resurrected.
Gareth Southgate, who has been working part-time for the FA, is the leading candidate to become their new technical director.
Full story: The Times (subscription only)
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's advisers have opened dialogue with Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola to establish his intentions at the end of the season.
France boss Laurent Blanc has been offered £9m a year to take over as Chelsea manager.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is in line for a significant pay rise at Arsenal this summer.
Manchester City's strikeforce could be facing a £100m overhaul this summer if their away-goal drought carries on.
Full story: Manchester Evening News
Chelsea could have signed Eden Hazard when he was just 17, if they had acted on the advice of agent Guy Hillion, who recommended the Lille winger to the club.
AND FINALLY
It appears Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini will try anything as the season enters a dramatic finale. He has visited a renowned religious site of 'miracles' in Bosnia.
