Today’s transfer gossip, rumours and damn lies

Last night, Avram Grant revealed on Israeli TV last night that Chelsea are after Yuri Zhirkov, rather than current soup du jour Andrei Arshavin. Quite how the Toad would be privy to this information and be in a position to reveal it on television is beyond us, but it would be highly titillating to hear Londoners shouting “Jerkoff!” in unison next season…

The Cristiano Ronaldo saga latest
A shocking development today, as The Sun have actually given Spain’s victory prominence and kept Ronaldo off their back page. Fear not though, he’s still on the front. Nothing has changed: Queiroz admitted contracts mean nothing in football and Real Madrid are waiting for Man United to do something.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: This story still has months to run

Ronaldinho to reject Manchester City
Nobody will be too shocked to hear that Ronaldinho isn’t quite so keen to move to Manchester after all, though what is slightly surprising is that the Brazilian has reportedly set his heart on staying at the Nou Camp.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: Guardiola may want to rebuild; Chelsea may call

Andy Johnson to Sunderland, West Ham, Wigan, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa or Manchester City
Apparently Everton must sell him for £10 million to raise funds, with Everton being described as “reluctant” sellers. At that price, Everton must be about as reluctant to sell as Liverpool are to get shot of Crouch for a similar fee.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: Moyes has told the BBC Johnson is not for sale. Hard luck, mid-table sides.

Raul Bobadilla to West Ham
Bobadilla becomes the 543rd obscure name on the tabloid’s list called “players technical director Gianluca Nani wants to make his first signing.” The 21-year-old scored 18 times for Swiss side Grasshoppers last season. Oh, and he’s Argentinean.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: We wonder who he’ll be compared too…