Rafa Benitez is apparently a dead man walking, that is if you believe all that you read. And with his apparently imminent departure the tabloid hacks seem to be suggesting that Steven Gerrard will up sticks and leave Anfield for Barcelona. But it’s not all bad for Liverpool – because former World Player of the Year Ronaldinho is coming to Merseyside (various).

Now, as speculation goes, this is speculative to say the least. The deal has clearly been constructed from pretty much nowhere, but may I guess it's related to Benitez’s possible replacement, Jose Mourinho, who is a huge fan of the Brazilian. Both players are rated in the £50m bracket at an age where they should be at their peak. However, other than both being footballers and humans, there is nothing that connects this deal to reality.

Similarly crazy is the rumour regarding Arsenal’s superstar youngster Cesc Fabregas, who is also a hot property in the speculation stakes. Much admired in his native Spain, it is clear that both Barcelona and Real Madrid have in the past been after the 20-year-old. Now a new scheme has been created by some journos. This deal involves Arsene Wenger’s favourite striker, Samuel Eto’o, moving to the Emirates as part of a swap for Fabregas.

‘The deal has clearly been constructed from pretty much nowhere, but may I guess it's related to Benitez’s possible replacement, Jose Mourinho.’


I really don’t know where people dream this stuff up? Can anyone name me a really high-profile exchange of players? Sure it happens, but not normally involving stars of such a magnitude. The Arsenal youngster has time and again expressed his desire to remain at the Emirates, and whilst it is true that both La Liga giants have tried to unsettle him, I seriously think that Fabregas will see out his career in north London – or at least until Wenger leaves.

This is a stupid rumour, plain and simple!

A more likely story involves West Ham keeper Robert Green, who is attracting a great deal of attention from other sides. Apparently a number of clubs are about to launch bids for the former Norwich goalie – these include Arsenal, Spurs, Man United, Man City, Newcastle, Celtic and Chelsea (Daily Express)

The asking price is thought to be around £7m. Green is keen to make the England No.1 spot his own, although the 28-year-old hasn’t yet been given enough of a chance at national level. He has just the one cap, which is crazy for the best English keeper. He rarely makes crucial errors – unlike some England keepers I could mention. I hope West Ham keep hold of him, and I think Green will stay loyal to Upton Park, but then I could be wrong, I have been before.