Today’s gossip, rumours and damned lies…

Reportedly, Hamburg’s Martin Jol politely enquired as to whether Liverpool would part with Dutch striker-turned-winger Dirk Kuyt, but was left petrified, alarmed and severely shaken after Rafa Benitez mentioned the £16m price tag. With no new wingers arriving, he will be needed again at Anfield, so a transfer looks unlikely.

Benni McCarthy to Blackburn
McCarthy doesn’t match any of Roy Keane’s three transfer target requirements (played for Manchester Utd, played in the Championship, comes from Ireland) yet a £7 million offer for the South Africa is being readied.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: Keane wants another striker and Santa Cruz has stolen Benni’s thunder, but Ince may want to keep hold for now

Gael Givet to West Ham
East London can breathe a collective sigh of relief: Ben Thatcher might not be signing after all. It looks like Alan Curbishley has decided that 13-time French international Givet might be a more popular choice than the former Wimbledon and Tottenham left-back with terribly sharp elbows.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: Hopefully it’s true

Nicky Shorey and Luke Young to Aston Villa
They may not be signings that scream out “Champions League, here we come!” but any bolstering to Aston Villa’s paper thin squad, will surely earn most Villa fans’ stamp of approval.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: The Young deal is almost complete but other clubs still want Shorey