Today's gossip column

 Liverpool are ready to move for Brazilian defender Douglas on a free transfer as a replacement for the retiring Jamie Carragher. The 25-year-old, who currently plays for FC Twente, was previously the subject of a £4m bid from Newcastle but he is out of contract in the summer.

Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho has issued a 'come and get me' plea to Manchester City. City boss Roberto Mancini has expressed his interest in signing the 28-year-old who has a £42.5m release clause in his contract, although he hopes the Ukrainian giants will take nearer £20m.

Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino wants to make Valencia's Spanish defender Victor Ruiz, 24, his first signing at Southampton.

Wenger : No Walcott ! centre forward despite scoring form

The Englishman demonstrated excellent composure to net after just 20 seconds on Saturday’s 1-0 victory away to Queens Park Rangers, which takes him to 20 goals for the season so far, his best tally in an Arsenal shirt.Theo Walcott will not be the centre forward against Wigan next Tuesday according to Arsene Wenger, as the Frenchman wants to have both a goalscorer on the wing and centrally.

The Englishman demonstrated excellent composure to net after just 20 seconds on Saturday’s 1-0 victory away to Queens Park Rangers, which takes him to 20 goals for the season so far, his best tally in an Arsenal shirt.

Superstar would make Man United move!

Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that he would make a return to Manchester United.

The goal-scoring machine has been the subject of transfer speculation for the last few months and is debating whether or not to sign a new contract at the Spanish giants.

United sold Ronaldo to Real Madrid for a world-record £80million four years ago, and although he has got even better since he made the move, there has been intense speculation that he could make a sensational move back to the Premier League Champions.

Swansea on verge of QPR capture!

Swansea City are closing in on a deal to prise Junior Hoilett away from QPR in the summer transfer window.

Swansea have been impressive this season and will look to add more strength in depth to the squad as they will have to deal with an Europa League run after winning the Capital One Cup.

And according to reports on the Sun website, they are closing in on a deal to sign Hoilett from the now relegated QPR for a small fee.

Arsenal get first dibs on sensational Barcelona move?

  

Arsenal will reportedly get first option if Barcelona sell Cesc Fabregas in the summer window.

The Spanish international’s future is surprisingly up for debate, as the giants plan a massive clear-out at the end of the season.

And although he would like to stay and fight for his place at the Nou Camp, the Daily Express has claimed that the Gunners have the first option on the midfielder should he leave when the season is up.

Fergie pleased with show-down

Sir Alex Ferguson had no complaints with the result after seeing Manchester United beaten by Chelsea, but felt aggrieved by big decisions.

The Red Devils, who have already wrapped up the Premier League title, slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford on Sunday.

A deflected effort from Juan Mata three minutes from time settled the contest, before Rafael saw red late on for kicking out at David Luiz.

Ferguson admitted afterwards that his side were far from their best, but feels referee Howard Webb did them few favours.

He told Sky Sports: "The team took their foot off the pedal. There was no edge to the game all day. I think Chelsea deserved to win.

This one's for rest

RAFA BENITEZ urged Chelsea to secure Champions League football in style by beating Tottenham on Wednesday.

The Spaniard reckons the London derby at Stamford Bridge will be like a final for the two rivals, who are both vying for a top-four finish.

His Europa League finalists were given a huge boost yesterday as Juan Mata’s late shot was deflected in off Phil Jones and a post to down Manchester United.And it means a midweek Blues win over old boss Andre Villas-Boas will guarantee whoever replaces Benitez will be mixing with Europe’s elite again next term.

Benitez said: “It’s an important win. We knew we needed to win a couple of games and this is the first one.

Per’s perfect vision

PER MERTESACKER says Arsenal need 20-20 vision to seal Champions League qualification.
Theo Walcott’s 20th goal of the season after 20 seconds was enough to move the Gunners a step closer to a top-four finish.

But with rivals Chelsea and Tottenham clashing on Wednesday, Mertesacker knows all Arsenal can do is concentrate on winning their final two games against relegation strugglers Wigan and Newcastle.

Mertesacker said: “Chelsea against Spurs is a good game for us, but both have it still in their own hands.
“We are in a holding position. We can’t do anything on Wednesday.
“Anyway, we have to win both the games that are coming. We have to keep focused and be confident.
“We have teams to face who are under pressure. I think that makes it good for us and that we keep our focus on a very high level.”

Bridging the gap out of Stamford Bridge

YOU get the feeling victory over Roman Abramovich’s Chelsea is not just about three points for Andre Villas-Boas.

Another magical Gareth Bale winner has set Tottenham up for a midweek six-pointer at Stamford Bridge in the race for Champions League football. And Spurs boss AVB is already relishing the chance to return to his former club on Wednesday — if only to right his tarnished managerial record.
Red Rom famously ditched his heir to Jose Mourinho when he canned Villas-Boas as Blues boss in March last year.

For Abramovich, it was just another notch on the axeman’s block.

For Villas-Boas, it meant piecing back together his reputation and taking the reins at Spurs.

END OF AN ERA

JAMIE CARRAGHER waved goodbye to the Merseyside derby having played in more of them than anyone else in the modern era.

Liverpool legend Carra, 35, hangs up his boots at the end of this season.
And he leaves Anfield with 30 derby appearances — 27 in the Premier League — to his name since the Premier League was formed in 1992. Last night, Carragher insisted Liverpool would take his retirement in their stride.

But fellow Scouser Steven Gerrard said he will be sorely missed — and virtually impossible to replace.
The Kop skipper explained: “Just look at the way Jamie has played again today.