The latest transfer gossip, rumours and damned lies

Maicon to Manchester Utd or Manchester City
Roman football rag Corriere dello Sport today claim Utd and City are fighting it out for Inter Milan’s neglected wing-back, who wishes to ‘pursue happiness’ at a different club. Real Madrid have reportedly bid €20m, while Fergie has allegedly set aside €25m of his Ronaldo money to land the Brazilian, but both could be blown out of the water by Mark Hughes’ chequebook.

The Spoiler truth-o-meter: One would imagine Maicon would aspire to play for Madrid or the Red Devils, but his agent says his €3.5m-a-year wages do not ‘reflect the worth of his client’, suggesting City and their bottomless pit of cash may be able to tempt him.

Richard Dunne to Sunderland
The Daily Mail says Steve Bruce’s side are close to capturing the City defender for the princely sum of £5m.

The Spoiler truth-o-meter: It’s nice that the Black cats are targeting defenders from a club that isn’t West Ham.

Javier Pastore to Manchester Utd
The 19-year-old midfielder, who plays for Argentinean side Club Atlético Huracán, is said to have turned down an £8.8m offer from Old Trafford. The Sun believe Utd are still leading the chase for his signature, ahead of AC Milan and Barcelona.

The Spoiler truth-o-meter: Fergie had better hope Pastore doesn’t turn to fellow countryman Carlos Tevez for advice on whom to join.