Manchester United, Aston Villa, Newcastle, West Ham, Portsmouth, Spurs, Arsenal and Liverpool are all involved in today's transfer gossip. Believe what you will . . .
Manchester United full-back Gabriel Heinze, who was toying with the idea of a move to fierce rivals Liverpool, has now become the subject of interest from Newcastle United (Daily Star). The Argentinian defender is clearly not best pleased about losing his place to Patrice Evra and it seems that unless Sir Alex can appease his 'mad-smiling' defender, then he will be on his way. If anyone can work the charm (as well as the hair-dryer) it's Ferguson. Sir Alex to convince Heinze to stay at Old Trafford YEA
Preston's want-away England international striker David Nugent seems well on his way to a move to Portsmouth (various). His love for Everton was much publicised but it seems the desire wasn't reciprocated by David Moyes so Nugent will have to be content with a move to Harry Redknapp's side. How long, though, until he makes noises about wanting to move on from Pompey? Nugent to join Portsmouth YEA
Aston Villa's Martin O'Neill is stepping up his bid to nab Jermain Defoe from Spurs. Villa have increased their bid to £8m (sportinglife.com), which could still be some way short of Martin Jol's evaluation. Given Villa's recent capture of Nigel Reo-Coker as well as links with other top-class talent, Jermain may be persuaded to join what could be a resurgent Midlands side. However, he has recently made noises about wanting to fight for his place at White Hart Lane; expect this one to continue to run and run. Defoe to join Villa NAY
Marlon Harewood's move to Wigan seems to have snagged due to strained relations between the two sides caused by Latics chief Dave Whelan's call for West Ham to be relegated following the Carlos Tevez controversy (Manchester Evening News). Harewood has already expressed his desire to move on and it seems Fulham and Celtic may now be back on the trail. Both sides are said to have shown an interest in the Hammers striker and I would imagine that Celtic may be a more promising prospect for the 27 year-old, who may see Champions League football as too good an opportunity to pass up. Harewood to become a Bhoy YEA
Spurs' need to bolster their backline has been challenged by West Brom as they look for a more substantial bid from Martin Jol for their highly-rated centre back Curtis Davies (The Independent). The original offer is thought to have included £6m and Wayne Routledge; rumours suggesting that Albion preferred just the £6m are just not fair! But seriously, it seems that somewhere in the region of £10m will secure the services of the Leytonstone-born 22-year old. Arsenal may also be interested in the youngster, and Arsene Wenger has admitted in the past to bing a fan of the former Luton Town man. Davies to choose Spurs or Arsenal? What do you think?
The Evening Chronicle has the scoop of the day (if there is any truth in the rumour, that is). Journalists on this reputable source have claimed that Man United duo Kieran Richardson and, wait for it… Paul Scholes may be on their way to join former Old Trafford skipper Roy Keane at Sunderland. At this point I should say that this rumour follows an almost Henry to Liverpool-esque style of Chinese whispers. The entire story seems based on the alleged spotting of the pair on Wearside, which seems a fairly innocuous point with which to base a big story like this. So Richardson to Sunderland YEA; however. even given the competition for places at Old Trafford with the arrival of midfield talent in the shape of Owen Hargreaves and Anderson, Scholes to move to the Stadium of Light is still a NAY
ABRIDGED: Moritz Volz to Celtic (tribalfootball.com) YEA; Ricardo Quaresma to Liverpool (various) YEA;
Deco to Newcastle (The Journal) NAY; Freddie Ljungberg to Fiorentina (various) NAY; Giuseppe Rossi to Fiorentina (various) NAY; Leighton Baines to Everton (The Mirror) YEA.