Inter Milan striker Adriano has been linked with a move to Arsenal (Gazetta Della Sport). According to the Italian newspaper, a decision could be made on his future in the next 48 hours, with a loan move to England a possibility. This would be quite a shocker, but it's a prospect that must fill all Gunners fans with excitement. God only knows how much he’s on, but it’s sure to be a damn sight more than anyone currently at the club. The bustling front man is something of an enigma. When he is on his best form he is pretty unstoppable but he can be inconsistent, as his form over the last three seasons suggests – he scored just six goals last term after hauls of 19 and 28 in the previous two. Do Arsenal fans think he is worth the gamble?

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind, not just Spurs fans, that Martin Jol’s side were mighty unlucky to come away from Old Trafford without a point. However, the performance doesn’t warrant a let-off from the rumour mills, which are in overdrive today!

Firstly, it has been suggested that Jol's growing row with football director Damien Comolli over transfer policy included differences of opinion on Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe as well as previously reported issues over Dimitar Berbatov.

‘Martin Jol’s side were mighty unlucky to come away from Old Trafford without a point ... but the rumour mills are still in overdrive’


Lennon, for instance, while dazzling in bursts, does not fit the Jol profile of a hard-working professional; nor does Jermain Defoe, whose scoring record away from home is not impressive (The Observer). It seems to be open season on the Dutchman at present and the opinions presented as facts by some areas of the media are frankly shameful. Whether the opinions on these two England internationals are correct or not, they do not reflect the fact that Lennon is one of Jol's prize possessions and it seems clear that the manager has no intention of selling Defoe either, which somewhat contradicts this sorry excuse for a story.

West Ham are toying with the idea of making a fresh £8m offer for Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy (Daily Mail). Mark Hughes has made it clear that he doesn’t want to sell either McCarthy or Arsenal and Spurs target Morten Gamst Pedersen. Whether he wants to or not may become irrelevant should either of the two make their mind up about wanting to leave Ewood Park. South African striker McCarthy had a great campaign last time around and has the ability to be a 20-goals-a-season man for West Ham. The danger for me is that if Alan Curbishley invests in another striker how does he keep them all happy? Especially if they are players such as Craig Bellamy, who is not exactly known for this patience. If I were Curbs I would put all my effort into trying to snap up Nicky Shorey from Reading.

Back to White Hart Lane, and the Tottenham boss apparently has just two games to save his job after defeat at Manchester United yesterday (The Mirror). The story goes on to explain that successive defeats against Fulham and Arsenal will more than likely bring an end to Jol's reign. Given recent events surrounding Daniel Levy and Sir Keith Mills and others attempts to unseat, or at least undermine the manager, nothing would surprise me now. There must be a part of Martin Jol that would just like to tell his employers to stuff it and walk out.

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has insisted homesick midfielder Shaun Maloney will not be rejoining Celtic before the transfer window closes on Friday (Sportinglife.com). The straight talking former Celtic boss stated: "Shaun is definitely a bit homesick and it's something the media in Scotland seem to pick up on on a daily basis. But I've spoken to Shaun and no-one is going anywhere. I want players into the club rather than going out. I know it's difficult when you move to another country but he's not the only one who has come down here. Stilian Petrov came down here along with some of my staff. We all have to move around. This is the first time that Shaun has really been away from home. But I do not envisage him leaving. He has a future to play with us." So let’s hope these wise words help Maloney to settle at Villa Park – the talented and creative youngster will need more time to settle in the Premier League, but don’t be surprised if he takes a loan move back to Parkhead, as this may suit both parties in the short term.

What a difference 90 minutes can make. Things were in turmoil for Sammy Lee and his Bolton side as they opened the campaign with three straight defeats. The impish manager himself had declared that he was expecting that he may lose either or both of Nicolas Anelka and El-Hadji Diouf, but now it appears they might be staying put at the Reebok. Lee said: "You could see by their performances how committed they are to this club. They are also under contract." (sportinglife.com) Do contracts mean anything in football though?