Everton defender Joleon Lescott has been in top form this season - and has even weighed in with crucial goals to lift the Goodison side into the top four. In fact, his impressive performances have apparently made him a target for the  Man United, Arsenal and city neighbours Liverpool (News of the World).

The 25-year-old England international has been instrumental in the rise of the Blues and it is no surprise he has become a target for the big boys. But would Liverpool really make an approach for the former Wolves man? I think not. In fact, Arsenal could be the more preferred location given recent troubles at Anfield.

Tottenham could smash their transfer record for Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano (News of the World). The Argentinian battler has been the target of many clubs keen to seal a permanent contract, and Daniel Levy is apparently ready to offer a club record £20m for the former West Ham man. Financial problems at Liverpool are causing Rafa problems in his ambitions to make 23-year-old Mascherano’s stay on Merseyside permanent, and the likes of  Man City, Barcelona and Juventus are all queuing up for him.

'Kevin Keegan is said to be a big fan of Bentley and the guarantee of first-team football looks likely to trump advances from Man United and Spurs'


Mascherano wants to stay at Liverpool and has even said he would play for no other English club except the Reds. But that doesn’t necessarily mean this will be the case and Benitez’s desire to sign Javier could even be the reason Messrs Hicks and Gillett aren’t stumping up the cash. Is this just another way for the pair to undermine the manager?

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes is keen to hand David Bentley a new contract (News of the World). However, it could be too late as the former Arsenal man has become a sought-after prize and it now seems that Newcastle is the most likely destination for his talent.

Kevin Keegan is said to be a big fan of Bentley and the guarantee of first-team football looks likely to trump advances from Man United and Spurs as Kev aims to reshuffle his Toon pack.

Is Joleon Lescott heading out of Goodison Park - or is it all just idle newspaper gossip? Post your comments below.