The latest transfer gossip, rumours and damned lies

Joleon Lescott to Manchester City
The Toffees have made it clear they do not wish to part with their prized defender, but The Sun believe a £20m fee and wages of £80,000 per week may change this situation.

The Spoiler truth-o-meter: A deal that would see Micah Richards go the other way has also been mooted, but we think Lescott will stay put this year.

Peter Crouch to Blackburn
The Daily Star report that Rovers are looking to fill the void left by Roque Sat Nav Cruz’s departure with the lanky Portsmouth hitman. Sam Allardyce is a long-time admirer, and has tried to sign him several times in the past.

The Spoiler truth-o-meter: Crouch has hinted he may leave his unsettled club, and Blackburn could easily afford his £11m-ish fee.

Karim Benzema to Real Madrid
The Mirror are suggesting that Los Blancos are preparing to hijack Manchester Utd’s bid for the Lyon striker, in light of the fact that they might not be able to tempt David Villa to the Spanish capital.

The Spoiler truth-o-meter: This sounds like nothing more than an attempt to wind up Sir Alex. If he decides to leave France, we think he’ll head for the north of England.