This morning’s gossip, rumours and damned lies

Just as Fergie was enjoying watching his pre-season mind games unfold, Carlos Tevez has made a bid to increase the old duffer’s blood pressure with comments about C-Ron’s move to Real Madrid. He said: “I understand Cristiano. Every footballer wants to play at Real Madrid,” later adding “if what he seeks is something else, I think that should be respected.” Considering speculation has died down, and more attention is being paid to Ronaldo’s macho dress sense, it’s an odd time for Tevez to go public with his thoughts.

Dimitar Berbatov to AC Milan
On a day that is certain to make Sir Alex Ferguson’s face even redder than normal comes the news that Tottenham will accept a cheaper offer from AC Milan for Berbatov just to make sure that the striker doesn’t wind up at Old Trafford.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: Levy clearly means business

Brad Friedel to Aston Villa
The word is that Martin O’Neill has had an offer accepted for the American goalkeeper and the reason Blackburn - whose chairman John Williams recently said “Brad Friedels don’t grow on trees” - are suddenly happy to sell is that they have Paul Robinson waiting in the wings.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: This move probably won’t help Ince’s popularity

Aiden McGeady to Sunderland
Yes, that’s right, The Daily Mirror are trying to trump The Sun’s idiotic exclusive yesterday by insisting that McGeady, who signed a five-year contract last week, will be off to Sunderland. That McGeady quote again: “There was never any chance of me leaving and going to England this summer.”

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: He won’t be moving this summer

Freddie Sears to Arsenal
For perhaps the 5,046th time, West Ham could be on the verge of losing a talented youngster and future England international to a local rival, with Arsenal and Tottenham waiting to pounce if he decides not to commit to a long-term deal at the Boleyn.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: Will probably stay at West Ham