Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho targets Didier Drogba
The big transfer news on this first Sunday of the new Premier League season surrounds Chelsea's Didier Drogba, who is wanted by Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho.
It's believed that the former Chelsea manager will offer a paltry £10 million for the Ivory Coast international's services.
Meanwhile, the Mesut Ozil to Manchester United transfer rumours refuse to go away. Although the Red Devils have looked less likely to sign him in recent days, they remain keen. But if they fail to land the Germany international, Sir Alex Ferguson will turn to Porto midfielder Raul Meireles.
Sticking with Man United, striker Dimitar Berbatov has been linked with a surprise move to Ligue 1 outfit Marseille this morning. It's also thought that the French side are interested in signing Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.
United are also closely monitoring the situation of Paris St Germain's 20-year-old French defender Mamadou Sakho, who is also wanted by Arsenal.
The Gunners play Liverpool later this afternoon, and their opponents are still attempting to offload Javier Mascherano before the transfer window closes. Barcelona are the frontunners to seal a deal for the Argentinean – it's possible that Alexander Hleb could be used as part of the deal - but Inter Milan continue to show an interest.
Liverpool are also considering moves for West Ham striker Carlton Cole, as well as the 26-year-old's teammate Valon Behrami.
Roy Hodgson is also close to bidding for Tottenham's rejuvenated winger Giovani dos Santos, who impressed at the World Cup finals with Mexico.
Giovani's Tottenham teammate, Jermaine Jenas could still leave White Hart Lane before the end of the month. However, Harry Redknapp may have been slightly optimistic be slapping a £10 million price tag on his head.
Spurs are still very much interested in Scott Parker, and the sale of Jenas could finance a deal for West Ham's talismanic captain.
Redknapp is also prepared to bid £10.6 million to land the in-demand French striker Loic Remy from French side, Nice.
However, it's unlikely that the north London club will attempt to sign Wigan Athletic's wantaway winger Charles N'Zogbia. Sunderland remain to favourites to sign the Latics' talented Frenchman. Manager Steve Bruce is also looking to bring either Bobby Zamora, Peter Crouch or Craig Bellamy to the Stadium of Light.
If the Black Cats do sign Bellamy, then this will come as a major blow to Fulham boss Mark Hughes. The Welshman, though, is currently considering moving for Olympiakos striker Matt Derbyshire and former Chelsea forward Eidur Gudjohnsen.
And no transfer gossip column would be complete without a mention of Manchester City. Roberto Mancini is still determined to land France midfielder Yoann Gourcuff, but he may not need him if Robinho decides he wants to stay at Eastlands.
Unlikely, we know. But stranger things have happened.
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