Today’s gossip, rumours and damned lies

Chelsea have confirmed making a bid for Brazilian man-o’-sex Robinho (rumoured to be worth £19.7 million) but find themselves frustrated with Real Madrid’s failure to find a replacement, which is currently holding up proceedings. With Cristiano Ronaldo staying put and Wesley Sneijder out injured, this saga could be far from completion.

Kevin Doyle to Sunderland
Things were going great for Doyle. He impressed during his first Premier League season then was even linked with a move to Chelsea. What followed? A run of 21 games without a goal! Fear not though, Roy Keane is ready to offer him a second chance.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: Sunderland and Doyle could prove a good match

Younes Kaboul to Aston Villa
Martin O’Neill has already signed Nicky Shorey and Luke Young to bolster his defence, but he is far from finished. Kaboul is the latest name on his shortlist and with agent Rudy Raba yet to blow them off with an earthquake comment, things look promising.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: Very strong possibility

Alan Smith to Everton
While the rest of Newcastle have their fingers tightly crossed and are getting ready to throw a big party, Kevin Keegan is thought to be deeply upset by Mike Ashley’s eagerness to rid the club of prolific goalscorer Alan Smith, who fired home a grand total of zero last season.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: Doesn’t say much for Everton’s ambition