All the rumour, gossip, and news you need to know from the last 24 hours
Real Madrid wouldn't let star striker Karim Benzema leave would they? We doubt it, especially with Gonzalo Higuain reportedly off, but the striker himself has been speaking about transfer rumours in the last 24 hours. He said that Manchester United have attempted to sign him on numerous occasions, and that he doubts they will be able to afford him; he is probably right. One team who could, are United's rivals, Manchester City. The Mail this morning report quotes from Benzema's agent, suggesting that he has touted him to City as a potential signing. Priced at above £30 million, City will be unlikely to do business with Real if it involves letting Sergio Aguero go as part of a swap deal, Carlos Tevez on the other hand is a different scenario altogether. This will be one to watch going forward.
One exciting transfer rumour to emerge this weekend was Tottenham Hotspur being linked with Clarence Seedorf. The 36-year-old is leaving AC Milan as a free agent this summer, and has been previously linked with a move to Brazilian club Botafogo. He is also reported to have offers from America, China, and the Middle East, but the Mail claim Tottenham are keen to bring him to the Premier League. Surely Harry Redknapp isn't tapping him up while in the BBC studio?
The Sun and a number of others have reported Newcastle United's bid for Ajax star Vurnon Anita. Anita can play in midfield and defence, and would surely be an important addition ahead of the club's dual Premier League and Europa League campaigns next season. A Dutch international, he would follow Chiek Tiote in treading the path from the Eredivisie to St James Park. Anita's agent claimed that Norwich City were also interested, but with Paul Lambert now moved to Aston Villa, does not expect them to renew their interest. Ajax are now considering the bid.
Good news for Arsenal fans, with reports that Johan Djourou is looking to exit the club. Djourou's agent was in Italy this weekend and claims to have talks lined up with several Serie A clubs. One of which is Napoli. Djourou has had a poor 12 months with the Gunners, starting the season in the team and ending it around fourth choice. With Arsenal interested in signing another centre-back, the Swiss star will only fall further down the pecking order, and despite Arsenal extending his contract in February, they are open to a sale.
The Star claim that Brendan Rodgers is ready to make a move for Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge. Liverpool are prepared to offer £15 million for the player, who has also been linked with a return to Manchester City, and a move to Arsenal. Sturridge would inject some much needed pace into Liverpool's attack, although would demand to be played up front rather than out wide, a position he played much of the campaign for Chelsea, but said he was unhappy with.
image: © Ben Sutherland
Dan Coombs
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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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