All the rumour, gossip, and news you need to know from the last 24 hours
The Mail report today that QPR are ready to launch a sensational bid to sign Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud. The French international has been interesting Arsenal, who were rumoured to have offered cash plus Chamakh for his services, but that particular transfer trail has gone cold. The 26-goal striker is reported to have a £12.8 million release clause in his contract, and Mark Hughes is keen to sign a proven goalscorer to elevate his team away from the relegation scrap. Giroud has also been interesting Bayern Munich, while the paper repeat that Arsenal have also enquired after CSKA Moscow hitman Seydou Doumbia.
Reports from Turkey have linked freescoring forward Burak Yilmaz with a move to Liverpool. The Trabzonspor striker scored 35 times in 41 games for his club as is speculated to have a release clause as low as £5 million. Arsenal were linked with him in January, while Juventus, Lazio, Galatasary and Fulham are all interested in him. He carried his team to almost winning the title last year, and is thought to be keen on a new challenge and is expected to decide his future within the next week.
Chelsea are ready to weigh in with a big offer for Marouane Fellaini report the Mirror. The big Belgian is a cornerstone of Everton's midfield, and fans would hate to see the club lose him 12 months after waving goodbye to Mikel Arteta. The bad news is Everton need the money, and Chelsea's big bid of £20 million could tempt them into a sale, although supporters value the midfielder between £25 million and £30 million. He would be a great signing for Chelsea, a man proven to compete with and get the better of Manchester City's Yaya Toure.
What next for Yossi Benayoun after a successful loan spell at Arsenal? Well considering his age, 32, the Gunners are lukewarm on bidding for him even though he could cost as little as £1 million. Contracted to Chelsea he is not part of the club's plans, and announced on Twitter he will have news on his future within the coming days. The Mail claim that West Ham are interested in making an offer, along with Dutch giants Ajax and Israeli club Maccabi Haifa.
The pain goes on for Tottenham fans, we're sorry, Luka Modric has again been linked away from the club in today's papers. The Mirror claim Manchester United are ready to make an opening offer of £22 million, which we firmly expect Daniel Levy to refuse. United likely know it too, and are said to be ready to up their offer, but clearly don't want to pay above £30 million and want to start the bidding low. Spurs need to get the situation sorted sooner rather than later - either get him to commit to the club or sell him, but Euro 2012 will delay the process.
image: © nicksarebi
Dan Coombs
@hitcdancoombsGoogle+more stories from Dan Coombs
Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.
As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.
He grew up wanting to be a Formula 1 driver, but it looks like this dream has passed him by. Instead, he hopes you enjoy reading his writing on our site, as we seek to debate the day's sporting hot topics.
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