TEVEZ AND KOLAROV WANTED

Juventus are keen to push through a deal for Manchester City pair, Carlos Tevez, 29, and left-sided defender Aleksander Kolarov, 27.

The Italian champions have held a long-standing interest in Tevez, and Italian media company, Mediaset, is now reporting a £8million bid for dead ball specialist Kolarov.

Tevez admitted recently he had no idea if he had a future at Eastlands under new boss Manuel Pellegrini, and Serbian international Kolarov has been kept out of the City line-up for long periods by Gael Clichy.

Despite City being likely to want a lot more than £12million for Tevez, Juve are hopeful a deal at around £20million could be enough to persuade the club to move the two players off their wage bill.

HULL HIT TRANSFER TRAIL

Hull City have agreed a £2.25million fee for Birmingham City central defender Curtis Davies.

Bruce had been in talks with his former club for weeks before agreeing a fee, and the deal will also see Jack Hobbs move to St. Andrew’s on loan.

Davies, the former Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion defender, was keen to resurrect his career with a return to the Premier League, and Bruce’s third bid has persuaded Birmingham to let him go.

Bruce is still keen on Leicester’s £4million-rated goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and is poised to complete a £2million permanent deal for Sunderland’s Ahmed Elmohamady.

MORE UNREST AT MAGPIES

The repercussions of Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley’s decision to appoint Joe Kinnear as the club’s new director of football continue, with managing director Derek Llambias quitting yesterday with immediate effect.

Llambias ran the club for Ashley and worked closely with manager Alan Pardew on a day-to-day basis, whose position as manager appears far from secure.

Pardew, though, has no intention of following Llambias out of the door telling the Evening Chronicle “I am staying to take the club up the league,” before leaving to go on holiday.

ON THE CONTINENT

Brazil beat Mexico 2-0 in the Confederations Cup last night with goals from Neymar and Jo.

Juventus have taken Ghana international Kwado Asamoah on a four-year deal after ending their co-ownership deal with Udinese for the midfielder.

Vitesse Arnhem have named former Netherlands international Peter Bosz as their new coach

OTHER NEWS

The FA Cup Final will return to the end of the domestic season with the date set at May 17, 2014.

Sunderland have completed the signing of Swedish winger David Moberg Karlsson, 19, from IFK Goteborg.

Tottenham have appointed former England assistant manager Franco Baldini as the club’s technical director.

RODGERS £50M SPENDING SPREE

Liverpool are looking to take their summer recruitment programme to five players with cut-price deals on the table for Sevilla midfielder Luis Alberto and Porto’s Ghanaian international winger Christian Atsu.

Deals are close to be completed for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan (£20million), Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet (£9m), and Celta Vigo striker Iago Aspas (£8m), but the club are still keen to provide strength in depth.

According to The Guardian Alberto, 20, is available for £7million and the club confirmed there had been an offer from Liverpool.

“Interest from Liverpool is real but nothing is signed,” said Sevilla’s sporting director Ramon Verdejo. “The player has received an important offer, but at the moment he is a Sevilla player.”

And Atsu, 21, could be available for as little as £3million with only a year left on his current deal,

PEARCE OUT, NOBODY IN

The FA’s decision to sack Stuart Pearce as England Under-21 coach has been followed by the less than inspiring news that two managers dumped by their Championship clubs are his potential replacement.

Gareth Southgate and Michael Appleton are leading contenders to succeed Pearce despite indifferent records in club management and being relieved of their duties as Middlesbrough and Blackburn respectively.

Pearce, who led the Under-21s to four tournaments over his six-year stint in charge, had spent the past two days in talks with members of the Club England board – in consultation with the incoming FA chairman, Greg Dyke – following the team’s disastrous showing at this month’s European Championship in Israel.

The Under-21s lost all three of their group games, scoring only once en route, and went out of the competition at the first hurdle, with the FA having now decided it is time for a change at the top.

COME IN No.11

If any more proof were needed of his impending move to the Spanish capital, Real Madrid have reserved their No.11 shirt for Gareth Bale, according to the Daily Mirror.

In tactics similar to those that saw them land another Tottenham star, Luka Modric, last summer, the Spanish giants are already describing Bale as ‘The Eleventh Galactico’.

Real’s No.11 shirt is free, as it was worn last season by ex-Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho, who recently completed a transfer to Monaco.

ON THE CONTINENT

Manchester United and Manchester City target, Thiago Alcantara, scored a first-half hat-trick as Spain outclassed Italy winning 4-2 and retaining the European Under-21 Championship.

Australia, Iran and South Korea have all qualified for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Cesc Fábregas has again reiterated that he has had no offers from other clubs and will stay at Barcelona.

OTHER NEWS

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has passed his medical at West Ham prior to a £15m move on a six-year contract at £100K-a-week.

Two days after Joe Kinnear was telling everyone and anyone of his new role at Newcastle United the club confirmed the 66-year-old’s appointment  as director of football on a three-year deal

Stoke City have handed winger Jermaine Pennant a one-year deal, 12 days after deciding to release him.

Gonzalo Higuain

ARSENAL GUNNING FOR GONZALO

Arsene Wenger will launch a £22million raid for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain in the next 48 hours after the Spanish giants rejected a rival offer from Juventus.

The 25-year-old appears certain to leave the Bernabeu this summer and the Italian champions appeared his most likely destination.

But, according to The Daily Mirror, the rejection of their offer has increased Arsene Wenger’s confidence he can land the Argentinian star – but they may have to go as high as £30million to clinch a deal.

Real president Florentino Perez hinted Higuain would be leaving but he won’t allow him to go on the cheap.

NANI’S PORTUGUESE NO-GO

Manchester United midfielder Nani has admitted he may be forced to leave Old Trafford this summer but believes he’s too good for the Portuguese League.

“I have everything in my hands. I am not saying that I will not continue at Manchester United,” said Nani, who has attracted interest from Galatasaray.

“I will think about what is best for me. I have respect for the Portuguese clubs – especially Sporting Lisbon, but also Benfica and Porto – but I don’t think that is viable.

“I think my level at the moment is different.”

KINNEAR LAYS INTO FANS

Newcastle United’s new director of football could be forgiven for keeping a low profile after his appointment was greeted with a mixture of bemusement and derision – but then Joe Kinnear wouldn’t be Joe Kinnear if he did.

In an interview on talkSPORT the 66-year-old decided to tell the Magpies fans he had “more intelligence than them”.

He said: “I heard a silly comment of ‘what can I attract?’ I can open the door to any manager in the world, anyone, that’s the difference. I’ve spent my whole life talking to Alex Ferguson, week in, week out, what would you do?

“I can pick the phone up at any time of the day and speak to Arsene Wenger, any manager in the league. In all the divisions.

“I don’t know what angle they’ve got, if they want to sit down and argue with me… Some are talking out of their backsides, a load of tosh. I’m not accepting it, as simple as that. I have certainly got more intelligence than them, that’s a fact.”

ON THE CONTINENT

Tahiti scored a historic goal in their Confederations Cup debut, which ended in a 6-1 defeat by African champions Nigeria.

Juan Ignacio Martinez has been announced as the news Real Valladolid coach on a two-year contract.

Lyon have agreed a deal to take midfielder Gael Danic, 31, from Valenciennes.

OTHER NEWS

Hull City have signed Wigan defender Maynor Figueroa, 30, on a two-year deal.

Brighton boss Gus Poyet’s disciplinary hearing has been adjourned until Thursday after he failed to attend on Monday.

Hearts are going into administration and will start next season in the Scottish Premier League with a 15-point deduction.

ZIDANE AND REAL TRY DIRTY TACTICS

Zinedine Zidane was at the centre of controversy yesterday when he appeared to incite Real Madrid’s number one transfer target Gareth Bale into requesting a move from Tottenham Hotspur.

The legendary French maestro, now Real’s sporting director, said: “If Gareth feels now is the time to move then he has to have a private discussion with his club and express that he wants to leave.”

He also went on to state that Real would not shy at any price for the Welsh star, echoing ‘Los Merengues’ pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009 which led to his £80million transfer.

Bale, however, has repeatedly insisted that he is happy at Tottenham.

KINNEAR WILL PICK PARDEW’S PLAYERS

Newcastle United yesterday announced that they have appointed former boss Joe Kinnear to their new position of director of football.

The 66-year-old makes his return to Tyneside after his initial spell ended in February 2009 when he suffered a heart attack ahead of a game against West Brom.

The appointment has sparked questions over Alan Pardew’s future role at the club, as Kinnear’s task will be to oversee all player transfers. Some have criticised the board, lamenting what they see as a ‘jobs for the boys’ mentality at the club, something that was doubtless prevalent when the club were relegated back in 2009 when Dennis Wise was in a similar role to the one Kinnear has just accepted.

LIVERPOOL CLOSE IN ON DOUBLE SWOOP

Sunderland are set to lose their stand-out performer last season, goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, to Liverpool after it was reported that the two clubs have agreed a £9million fee.

The move will fuel speculation that Pepe Reina’s seven-year spell at Anfield may be coming to an end.

In a more costly piece of business, Liverpool are also in talks to sign Shakhtar Donetsk’s Armenian trickster Henrikh Mkhitaryan for a deal that could extend to well over £20million.

ON THE CONTINENT

PSG are said to have upped their interest in current Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas, having contacted his agent concerning whether he can fill the vacant position at the Parc des Princes.

AC Milan hope to sell want-away Brazilian Robinho to Santos this week, reportedly in order to fund a move for Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez.

South Africa failed to retain their position at the World Cup finals after hosting the tournament in 2010, being knocked out by newly-emerging Ethiopia, who advance into the final stages of African qualification.

OTHER NEWS

After the eye-catching signing of Dejan Lovren this week, Southampton are looking to splash out on another Champions League-experienced player, having offered £8million for Valencia’s Argentine international midfielder Ever Banega.

West Ham will not have to wait too much longer for Andy Carroll to decide whether to move to Upton Park as he has promised a decision in the next three days.

Another player who is set to decide on his future this week is Isco, with the Spanish Under-21 star looking likely to join Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City.

David Moyes has some big decisions ahead of him this summer.

The talk ever since David Moyes was announced as the successor to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United manager has been about the players and backroom staff he’ll be bringing into Old Trafford.

But, arguably, it’s the players who’ll be leaving the club this summer which provide the more interesting tales – whether the likes of Anderson, Ashley Young, Patrice Evra and of course Wayne Rooney will be staying under Moyes.

Whereas Rooney’s future – Arsenal, Chelsea, and PSG to name a few of his possible destinations – will be pored over throughout the summer, the other possible departures appear to have have paled into insignificance.

The potential exit of Patrice Evra, for one, seems to have been completely overlooked. Despite his position as vice-captain and service since 2006, at the age of 32, Moyes is expected to look to replace the ageing Frenchman.

If Moyes were to bring in a replacement, Evra is not the type of person who would be content at sitting on the sidelines, so you would expect him to depart with a number of suitors vying for his signature – a return to France with PSG or Monaco would be most likely.

If Evra were to depart it is expected Moyes would look to bring in former player Leighton Baines who had a superb season under him at Everton, and would be a logical successor to the Frenchman.

Ashley Young is another who could well be on his way out of Manchester this summer after an unimpressive season and new signing Wilfried Zaha ready to take his place. Young has shown mere glimpses of his talent in his two-year stay with consistency never achieved.

In his first season he managed a respectable six goals and 11 assists in the league but was unable to find the net in the last campaign, and now maybe the time to cash in on the former Watford winger before his value plummets with another season like the last.

Anderson joined United in 2007 for a fee of around £17million and much was expected from the talented midfielder from Porto. He played regularly in his first few years but injuries and form has reduced his impact and Moyes may look to refresh what many would see as a weak United midfield.

However, Sir Alex Ferguson always trusted Anderson in the bigger games and he is a talented player with a lot of energy and creativity which is needed in the centre of the park. Moyes may decide to give Anderson a chance as he can play some fantastic through-balls and at 25, has years left to perform at the highest level.

Wayne Rooney, of course, is the most high-profile player linked with an exit from Old Trafford after handing in a transfer request at the end of last season but it would not surprise many to see him in a United shirt come September.

Ferguson stated in a post-match interview towards the end of the season that the club would not sell Rooney and it is unlikely Moyes would want to lose one of the club’s most talented players.

Moyes of course has worked with Rooney before at Everton, where the forward started his career, and he could be the right man to convince the England international to stay.

Rooney is a world-class player on his day and although he did not have has his most impressive campaign last term, at 27, he still has a lot to give.

If Moyes can get Rooney motivated and willing to play again, there is no doubt he will strengthen the team and hopefully fulfil the potential everyone knows he has.

Erik Lamela

BALDINI TO MAKE HIS MARK

Franco Baldini’s arrival as director of football at Tottenham Hotspur is expected to trigger a flurry of transfer activity with Argentinian striker Erik Lamela the first arrival.

Lamela, 21, worked with Baldini at Roma, and reports in Italy indicate the £20million-rated forward would be keen to link up again.

Spurs are also hoping to land Brazilian midfielder Paulinho, 24, from Corinthians for around £15million, and the club remain confident of persuading Internacional striker Damiao – linked with a January move to White Hart Lane – to head to north London.

The interest in the South American trio put the futures of both Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor in serious doubt.

DI CANIO’S FAT FINES

Paolo Di Canio has warned the Sunderland players they will receive ‘fat fines’ if they return next month any more than 2kg overweight.

The Italian put down strict rules for the Black Cats squad and insists players returning overweight will be hit in the pocket.

“Obviously the players have a programme to follow so that they are ready when pre-season begins,” Di Canio told the Sunderland Echo.

“‘When we start, we will start not that heavy, but there will still be a great deal to do and they have to be ready. Everyone who comes back with more than 2kg over what their weight should be, we’re going to fine them.”

CHELSEA THE ONLY JOB FOR JOSE

Jose Mourinho claims he knew “months ago” that Sir Alex Ferguson planned to retire but was never interested in the Manchester United job.

The former Real Madrid boss won the Premier League twice during his first spell in charge at Chelsea, and signed a four-year deal on his return to Stamford Bridge.

He said: “I knew that Ferguson was retiring many months ago.

“I would have turned down every job in the world – the Manchester United job, everyone – for Chelsea.”

ON THE CONTINENT

Brazil beat Japan 3-0 in the opening game of the Confederations Cup.

Chievo have signed Yohan Tavares from Belgian side Standard Liege.

PSG will meet with Lazio to discuss a transfer for highly-rated midfielder Hernanes.

OTHER NEWS

Swansea City and Cardiff City are both chasing France international striker Bafetimbi Gomis.

Hull City are closing in on a deal to sign Besiktas goalkeeper Allan McGregor, according to the player’s agent.

Ipswich Town are close to securing West Ham goalkeeper Stephen Henderson on a season-long loan.

Mikel John Obi

BLUES MIDFIELDER HEADING OUT

Galatasaray are expected to firm up their interest in Chelsea midfielder Mikel John Obi by tabling a £10million bid for the Nigeria international.

Mikel is one of only five senior players who remain on the books at Stamford Bridge from José Mourinho’s first spell in charge at the club, but he is not seen as integral to the Portuguese’s plans.

The 26-year-old started 19 league games last season and is currently on international duty.

Galatasaray officials are expected to travel to Brazil next week where Nigeria will compete in the Confederations Cup in an attempt to finalise personal terms.

KEEPER CLOSE TO REDS MOVE

Liverpool hope to confirm the signing of Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet early next week.

Brendan Rodgers has been pursuing the Belgium international all summer and a compromise fee of £8million is expected to be agreed between the two clubs.

The 25-year-old has also interested Arsenal but Liverpool have been in negotiations for some weeks, and the deal will see question marks over the future of Pepe Reina.

Reina has been linked with a move to Barcelona to act as a replacement for Victor Valdes who has confirmed his intention to leave the Catalan club.

PELLEGRINI CONFIRMED AT CITY

Manuel Pellegrini has signed a three-year deal to become the successor to Roberto Mancini at Manchester City.

“I am delighted to accept this hugely exciting opportunity,” said Pellegrini, who will begin his new job on June 24.

“The club has a clear vision for success both on and off the pitch and I am committed to making a significant contribution.”

Brian Kidd will remain on the coaching staff, with Ruben Cousillas joining as assistant manager, and goalkeeping coach Xabier Mancisidor and fitness coach Jose Cabello also part of the new backroom set-up.

ON THE CONTINENT

Malaga have confirmed they will appoint former Real Madrid boss Bernd Schuster as their new coach.

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Moritz Leitner has signed a new deal at the club before being loaned out to Stuttgart for next season.

Lille have appointed former Montpellier manager Rene Girard as their new coach.

OTHER NEWS

Former Burnley and Bolton Wanderers boss Owen Coyle has been appointed as the new manager of Wigan.

Southampton have signed Croatia defender Dejan Lovren for an initial fee of £7million from Lyon.

Coventry City have been bought by the Otium Entertainment Group.

Could Fergie Play A Role In Persuading Ronaldo To Return?

RONALDO DENIES CONTRACT TALKS

Cristiano Ronaldo has reignited rumours of a possible move away from Real Madrid after denying rumours of a possible contract extension.

Real President Florentino Perez was confident of keeping Ronaldo at the Bernabeu but the Portuguese has distanced himself from the club by Tweeting; “All the news about my renewal with Real Madrid is false.” Ronaldo has been consistently linked with big money moves away from Spain, with the likes of Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain and former club Manchester United waiting in the wings.

His current deal expires in 2015 but Real’s new manager may be tempted to cash in if Ronaldo is keen on a move away from La Liga.

CHELSEA SIGN SCHURRLE

Chelsea’s  long-awaited signing of Andre Schurrle is set to be finalised this week, with the forward becoming the first signing of Jose Mourinho’s second spell.

Chelsea have agreed to pay Leverkusen £18million for the 22-year-old, and the German is expected to sign once he has agreed personal terms and completed a medical at Stamford Bridge.

Schurrle has developed a reputation as one of Germany’s most promising attackers after impressing for former club Mainz and has been capped 24 times by his country.

LAUDRUP COMMITS TO SWANSEA

After weeks of speculation, Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has denied all talk of him leaving the South Wales club.

The Dane has been linked with a number of high-profile jobs across Europe this summer, and reports of disagreements over transfers with Swans chairman Huw Jenkins and Laudrup’s agent made it seem as if he would be leaving the club after only one season at the helm.

A ninth place finish and victory in the League Cup has made Laudrup one of Europe’s most coveted mangers, but he has announced that “my intention is to stay…the only thing I am interested in is having the best players at Swansea within the budget that is possible”

ON THE CONTINENT

Barcelona’s Cesc Fabregas has dismissed any talk of him leaving the club as “absurd”.

Fiorentina are set to sign Malaga’s former Spain international Joaquin on a two year deal.

Russia’s FC Anzhi are prepared to pay over £20million to sign St Etienne striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

OTHER NEWS

Celtic have completed the signing of Guinea striker Amido Balde from Vitoria Guimaraes.

Aston Villa have added Danish defender Jores Okore and Netherlands midfielder Leandro Bacuna to their squad in preparation for next season.

Nigeria will play in this year’s Confederations Cup after settling a pay dispute with their players.

Palace target Tom Ince

It’s been quite the journey for Crystal Palace fans since the club’s last foray into the Premier League and now, just three years after being on the brink of liquidation, the club can look forward to another season in the top flight.

It seems stage one of planning for the battle ahead lies in rewarding the existing players. Defenders Peter Ramage, Damien Delaney and Danny Gabbidon have all signed new deals as well as midfielder Owen Garvan. Talks are set to commence with captain Mile Jedinak and evergreen Kevin Phillips could be tempted to sign a one-year deal. The transfer of Stephen Dobbie from Brighton has already been agreed.

However, chairman Steve Parish has admitted the club will be looking to supplement the squad – with star player Wilfried Zaha sold to Manchester United and 30-goal striker Glenn Murray out until the new year at least, re-enforcements will be needed throughout the squad.

GOALKEEPER

Thankfully for Ian Holloway, this is an area that is in safe hands for the coming season. Argentine Julian Speroni was signed the last time Palace went up and was cast aside after a shaky start to his Palace career. However, after the best part of three years on the sidelines, he came back into the team and has not looked back over the last six seasons, winning three player of the season awards in the process.

Shot stopping is his key strength with vital point blank saves in all three play-off games testimony to this. He has a weakness in that he is reluctant to come and collect crosses and his kicking could be stronger. He is though worthy of an opportunity in the coming season. His back-up is Wales international Lewis Price who is an adequate understudy.

DEFENCE

For a promoted side, Palace’s defence was not always as sound as it could have been. Individual errors and at times a lack of organisation was apparent. However, over the play-off games there was more rigidity about them and three of the players have been rewarded with new deals.

Right-back Joel Ward will be the defender Holloway has least concern over. Assured on the ball, a sound positional sense, and with the ability to anticipate danger, he’s got the making of a very good Premier League player.

There is a bit more uncertainty at left-back with Norway international Jonathan Parr enjoying a mixed bag of a season. Currently injured, he does have the advantage of being able to play right-back and in wide attacking areas if needed and could be one to be given a chance. Likewise Dean Moxey, whose strength comes going forward rather than defending, produced three outstanding defensive performances in the play-offs and is worthy of a chance.

In central defence, Peter Ramage and Damien Delaney formed an admirable if not mistake-free partnership for the majority of the season. When cracks appeared Danny Gabbidon was called upon and when fully fit, his calmness on the ball was an asset to the side. Though all three have been given new contracts, with doubts over the fitness of club captain Paddy McCarthy, expect Palace to sign at least one new central defender.

MIDFIELD

Australian international defensive midfielder Mile Jedinak won last season’s player of the year award. He excels in breaking up play and winning battles in the air though his passing over more than a short distance holds him back at times. It is, however, his leadership qualities which more than compensate for any weakness in his play and he is a vital cog in the Palace wheel.

Next to him Kagisho Dikgacoi remains somewhat of a Jekyll & Hyde type player. When fit he is valuable asset, going box to box, however, he is prone to lapses in fitness which nullifies his effectiveness with and without the ball. As Palace rely on this “pivot”, expect a new partner for Jedinak to arrive.

Providing the creative spark is Jonathan Williams, capped by Wales this season. Dubbed “Joniesta” by his team-mates, he rarely loses the ball and has the ability to find a pass in key areas. He has the platform to demonstrate why he has been seen as the brightest prospect to come out of the Palace academy that has produced the likes of Wilfried Zaha and Victor Moses.

Providing Williams with competition are Owen Garvan and Stephen Dobbie; both able players and with the three of them bringing different qualities to the team, expect Holloway to rotate the trio while looking to add a player to ensure injuries do not hamper the team.

ATTACK

With Zaha no longer at the club and Glenn Murray injured, the focus of Holloway’s summer transfers will be in the attacking areas and they have already been linked with a move for Blackpool’s England Under-21 international Tom Ince. Palace tend to play with one man up front and two wide and with two thirds of the threat unavailable, fans are naturally anxious to see who will come in.

Yannick Bolasie is a winger who can play on both sides with an abundance of natural ability. However, his stamina is an issue and under Holloway, he gradually slipped into a squad role and that is where he is likely to remain.

Aaron Wilbraham held the fort when Murray was injured and though his effort and hold-up play are admirable, he is short on the quality needed in the Championship let alone the Premier League.

While there is a clear need for attacking reinforcements, the famed academy may be at hand. Reise Alassani is a highly rated 17-year-old and he could provide a spark at times as the season goes on. Alassani’s potential emergence does not dilute the need for both strikers and wingers for Holloway and this will be the focus of the club’s attention during the transfer window.

OVERALL

With the squad in its current form, it is highly unlikely that the spirit, determination and hard-work which got Palace promoted will keep them there. While the defence and midfield may provide a basis with a lot of organisational discipline, there is little by way of quality or depth up front and wide. Already the bookies’ favourites to be relegated, Holloway will have to work his motivational and tactical magic as well as scouting nous to give Palace a chance to finish above the drop zone.

BARCA IN £50M BLUES RAID

Barcelona are prepared to spend £50million to take three Chelsea players to the Nou Camp.

They have made clear their interest in £25million-rated Brazilian centre-back David Luiz and also want to take striker Fernando Torres and 17-year-old Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

According to the Daily Mail the young midfielder impressed Spanish club’s scouts with his performance during the recent friendly with Manchester City in New York.

Barca coach Tito Vilanova is also weighing up a £20million move for Torres who he sees as a player who could fit into their budget as they prepare to overhaul their squad.

SCHMEICHEL IN DEMAND

Leicester City have rejected a third bid from Hull City for Kasper Schmeichel – believed to be £2million plus a player - who is also wanted by West Ham United and Swansea City.

The Tigers have already had two bids rejected by the Foxes of £1.25million and £1.75million.

Whilst West Ham and Swansea City are monitoring the situation, Hull are the only club to have bid, but Leicester want at least £4million for the Championship goalkeeper of the season.

FEARS FOR LAUDRUP’S FUTURE

Michael Laudrup and Swansea City appear at loggerheads again after it emerged the club has cut all ties with his agent.

The club believe the Dane’s representative, Bayram Tutumlu, is trying to dictate transfer policy, with one particular point of contention is the agent’s involvement in the potential sale of Wales defender Ashley Williams.

Laudrup’s future was already uncertain due to a dispute over transfer funds and now the club have decided to have no more involvement in any transactions or dealings with players involving Tutumlu.

ON THE CONTINENT

Lionel Messi and his father are being investigated in Spain for allegedly defrauding the state of more than 4million euros (£3.4million).

Inter Milan captain Javier Zanetti has signed a one-year contract extension to keep him at the San Siro past his 40th birthday.

PSG are reportedly ready to offer 30million euros for Lazio’s Brazilian midfielder Hernanes

OTHER NEWS

Joey Barton may be forced to return to QPR in the Championship as the club cannot come to a deal with Marseille for the 30-year-old’s permanent transfer.

Second-half goals from Roberto Soldado and Juan Mata earned Spain a 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland in a friendly in New York.

Stuart Pearce is likely to be sacked from his role with England Under-21s this week after three defeats in three games at the Euro Under-21 championships.

Gary Hooper

It’s been three years since Hull City graced the Premier League; last time around they confounded their critics by managing to stay up with what was on paper one of the weakest teams in the division. Now with the Tigers preparing for a return to the Premier League, we examine the areas Steve Bruce needs to strengthen if he wants to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.

GOALKEEPER

At the top of Steve Bruce’s shopping list is appropriately the No.1 jersey. Hull benefited massively from the loan signing of Fulham’s David Stockdale, who impressed during their push for automatic promotion. However, Fulham have already rebuffed any attempt from Hull to make the deal permanent for next season.

Bruce has been heavily linked with a £4million move for Leicester’s Kasper Schmeichel. There’s no doubting the Dane’s potential but £4million is a sizeable chunk of their transfer budget for what is essentially a Championship keeper with limited top flight experience.

A more prudent, albeit short-term, option would be Besiktas’ Allan McGregor who could be available for £1million. The 31-year-old is a regular in the Scotland set up and boasts a lot more experience than Schmeichel.

DEFENCE

The experience of players such as Paul McShane, Liam Rosenior and Abdoulaye Faye helped Hull to the fourth best defensive record in the Championship last season, and Steve Bruce will look to these defenders with Premier League experience to perform in the same manner when next season kicks off.

However, there is certainly room for improvement and Hull have been linked with a number of veteran defenders. Richard Dunne (free agent), Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce) and Curtis Davies (Birmingham City) have racked up hundreds of appearances in the Premier League between them and their ability may just be the difference between a 3-0 hammering or a hard fought point.

They have also  just released experienced left back Andy Dawson and Steve Bruce is rumoured to be keen on Wigan’s Maynor Figueroa, a player he signed for the club back when he was in charge at the DW Stadium.

MIDFIELD

The centre of the pitch is probably one of the strongest areas of Steve Bruce’s squad; Robert Koren, David Meyler, Robbie Brady and Stephen Quinn all played their part in Hull’s rise to the Premier League.

For this reason Bruce may not make any major additions to his midfield, however, that hasn’t stopped them being linked to a number of high-profile players. There are many experienced midfielders currently available after being released by their clubs, which may prove an attracting prospect for Bruce as he looks to spend his budget in other areas.

David Bentley, Jermaine Pennant, Denilson and Gary O’Neil have all played at the highest level and whilst they are all likely to command high salaries, they would undoubtedly bolster an already impressive Hull midfield.

ATTACK

The Tigers should be prepared to spend big to bring in a couple of quality strikers.

The height and strength of the German Nick Proschwitz make him a front man that most defences will struggle to deal with, but they are also in desperate need of a goalscorer. Hull’s top scorers last season were midfielder Robert Koren with nine goals, while striker Sone Aluko, who spent the final months of the season injured, scored eight and the now released Jay Simpson seven.

Hull have been linked with big money moves for Celtic’s Gary Hooper, a player that seems ready for a crack at the Premier League, and the relatively unknown Dieumerci Mbokani, who has impressed for Anderlecht this season.

A key signing for them will be that of former loanee George Boyd, whose creativity were vital in the final months of last season’s campaign, but Bruce needs a player who will score regularly and ensure his team finish north of 18th place.

AVB FOR PSG?

Carlo Ancelotti’s departure from Paris Saint Germain has prompted the club to sound out Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas.

They claimed their first league title in 19 years and reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League under Ancelotti last season, but the Italian is being courted by Real Madrid and has made it known he wishes to leave for the Bernabeu.

PSG are attempting to keep him but The Guardian is reporting that club president Nasser al-Khelaifi has begun the search for a replacement in the acceptance Ancelotti is set upon leaving.

Despite his inability to guide Tottenham into the Champions League, Villas-Boas is highly regarded across Europe and could name his price to head for the French capital.

MAGPIES CHASE FORMER MACKEM

Newcastle United are ready to table a £6million bid for Aston Villa’s out-of-favour striker Darren Bent.

According to the Daily Mail the Magpies are keen to take the England striker back to the North-East after he enjoyed a productive spell at Sunderland before his £24million move to Villa Park in January 2011.

Despite his fee being in the Magpies budget his £65K-a-week wages are not – their hope is the chance to resurrect his Premier League career may persuade to take a big pay cut.

Sunderland fans were none too happy with Bent for his shock departure close to deadline day two-and-a-half years ago, so a move to their bitter rivals should spice up the first Tyne-Wear derby of the new season.

PLEASE CRY FOR ME URUGUAY

Just in case anyone didn’t get the message Luis Suarez has again told anyone who still cares he wants to leave England.

It seems the Liverpool striker isn’t interested in talking about football anymore and back home in Uruguay he’s playing the tortured soul again – reminding everyone about his constant persecution by the English media.

In his latest diatribe he tells the Uruguayan television programme RR Gol: “The press have made me feel bad since the moment I arrived in England, they have never judged me on how I play football, they judged me on my attitude.”

Suarez also blamed his public perception for the reason he was not chosen as the PFA Player of the year last season, adding: “They said I dived, moaned, postured, they said I was racist, they said everything.”

ON THE CONTINENT

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has banned away fans from attending all league football matches after the death a supporter.

Jean Phillipe Peguero fired a last-minute equaliser as Haiti scored twice in the last five minutes to draw 2-2 against Italy in their international friendly in Rio.

Benfica have confirmed the signing of Miralem Sulejmani from Ajax.

OTHER NEWS

England’s disastrous European Under-21 championship campaign ended with a 1-0 defeat at the hands of hosts Israel, making it three straight losses without a goal being scored.

Aston Villa are in talks to sign Danish striker Nicklas Helenius from Aalborg BK.

Former Spurs and Middlesbrough striker Mido, 30, has announced his retirement from football.