The latest transfer gossip, rumours and damned lies

Anderson ain’t going nowhere
Yesterday, the hills were alive with the sound of the Brazilian’s bad attitude and reported transfer request, but he has spoken out against these rumours, insisting he is happy to stay at Utd and he respects the team selection choices of Sir Alex.

The Spoiler truth-o-meter: Perhaps Anderson is simply biting his tongue, but we expect he will stay at Old Trafford all the same.

Pascal Chimbonda to Blackburn
The Daily Mirror believe Sam Allardyce is to make a ’shock’ move for the unsettled Frenchman, thus opening the door for Stephen Warnock’s departure.
The Spoiler truth-o-meter: There doesn’t seem

Manchester Utd star becomes Sky Sports reporter

After the dramatically dull 0-0 draw that guaranteed Manchester Utd their eighteenth league title, the folks at Sky thought it might be fun to let Cristiano Ronaldo have a go at being a journalist. They were wrong.

The Spoiler isn’t too impressed by C-Ron’s interviewing technique, but we are amazed by the level of restraint shown by Wayne Rooney. At [0.25] he spots a burger in the Portuguese star’s hand, and fights the urge to snatch it away. Impressive stuff.

Spoiler bonus: If Cristiano wants to improve his interviewing technique, he needs to learn from the master…

The latest gossip, rumours and damned lies

The rumour vine suggests that Nigel Quashie could be on his way to Newcastle, and if the Magpies are interested in Championship football then employing a man who has been relegated with four clubs is an excellent move.

Elsewhere in transferland…

Andrei Arshavin to Arsenal
According to the Daily Telegraph, the babyfaced Russian has confirmed his interest in joining Arsenal, and has gone as far as stating his preferred shirt number (it’s 10, so watch your back, William). He is quoted as saying: ”In some games last season, we played football which was very similar to that of Arsenal.”

The Spoiler truth-o-meter: Provided that Zenit finally uncuff his shackles and Manchester City don’t stage a Robinho-esque eleventh hour swoop, the chances of Arshavin becoming a Gunner look good.

Kaka To Manchester City
The Daily Express believe Manchester City have sent a “high-powered delegate” (Noel or Liam?) to Italy to secure the Brazilian’s services and make him the highest paid player in the world.

The Spoiler truth-o-meter: Kaka is a long term target of the new City owners, but he is also a man of religion and dignity, who may not be tempted by a lorryload full of cash. If it happens at all, this deal will happen in the summer.

Anderson to Manchester Utd… or maybe Liverpool
The tempestuous relationship between Rafa Benitez and Sir Alex will not be healed by news that they are both chasing the same player, Brazilian defender Anderson. The Fluminense star has just six months left on his contract, and could be snapped up for as little as £3m.

The Spoiler truth-o-meter: Liverpool could really do with the defensive cover, and Manchester Utd are undoubtedly attracted by the saving on shirt printing costs by employing another Anderson. It all depends on which manager has the stronger will…

Brazilian midfielder adopts casual dress code

All over the country, Premiership players are trying to out do each other when they arrive at their respective training grounds: some will have flash new cars, some an incredibly tasteless and expensive watch, and many will brag that they have joined the “done it with Danielle Lloyd” club.

Manchester Utd’s Anderson, however, clearly isn’t a fan of keeping up with the proverbial Joneses, as the 20-year-old recently turned up at Carrington in a pair of fluffy blue slippers. His reasoning? Quite simply, he prefers them to shoes.

Edwin van der Sar said: “From his head to his ankles is fine, but when you look at the slippers you think ‘wow!’”, and Owen Hargreaves agrees that his footwear is “outrageous”.

Alex Ferguson also made a comment, but no one could understand him. You’re not alone, Nemanja Vidic.

Brilliant long range strike spotted in the Portuguese Liga

Vitória de Setúbal earned a draw against Portuguese giants Benfica on Monday night with the help of Anderson’s spectacular injury time equaliser.

It’s a fantastic goal, but we don’t think it’s as impressive as Trevor Sinclair’s 1997 effort.

[The Offside]

Great, the drug epidemic has hit South America… 

Anyone already pining for The Wire could do a lot worse than hang out with Man United midfielder, Anderson.

In a recent report by the Associated Press, it appears that the footballer was caught speaking on a wiretap to Ronaldinho about attending a party with a drug trafficker called Richard Alex Martins - the very same Senor Martins who was arrested on Monday in a massive exciting drugs bust at Anderson’s home in Porto Alegre.

Ryan Giggs: True Red pulls out all the stars

On Monday, a DVD celebrating Ryan Giggs’ illustrious 17-year career will be released, and in celebration a premiere of the film was held in Manchester. Carlos Tevez, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand, Anderson, Nani, Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic, Park Ji-Sung, Dimitar Berbatov, Owen Hargreaves, Jonny Evans, John O’Shea and Michael Carrick all walked the carpet rocking a snazzy jeans/ white shirt/ blazer combo in honour of the Welshman. Rio even augmented his outfit with a cravat, making him look dead sophisticated.

Celebrity fans Angus Deyton, Peter Hook and monkey man Ian Brown also turned out, but those reinforced crowd barriers were severly tested by the cream of Manchester’s acting talent, including True Red narrator Ralf Little, Will Mellor, Max Beesley and Corrie’s Kevin Webster.

Liam Fray of The Courteneers said:

Anderson and Tevez test their mental agility

The semi-finals of the men’s Olympic football tournament will be played tomorrow, where Argentina and Brazil will battle it out for a guaranteed medal. As an incredibly exciting precursor, ‘Manchester Unite’ stars Anderson and Carlos Tevez have been pitting their wits against one another at Connect Four, snap and Jenga.

So, do these rudimentary games give Fergie’s men the edge on the pitch? Find out The Spoiler’s verdict after the jump…