Tres bon indeed

Bordeaux’s Michael Ciani had already sliced the ball into his own net to give Bayern an early lead, but twenty minutes later, the big centre half equalised with a Zola-esque flick from a corner. For more great back-heel goals, click here 

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Before you peruse today’s links, check out the world’s longest basketball shot

The fans’ reaction to Sol Campbell’s Notts County walkout
[Betfair Football]

This week’s Football Drama update
[Interestment]

The top five bizarre Sol Campbell moments
[Off The Post]

Gary Neville’s passion is an example to us all, says Harry Redknapp
[Daily Mail]

Sheikh Mansour is now the sole owner of Manchester City
[MCFC]

Arsenal/Fulham/WestHam/Tottenham/Sunderland/etc target Marouane Chamakh will not be sold in January
[EatSleepSport]

The latest transfer gossip, rumours and damned lies

Rafael van der Vaart to Liverpool
The Times say that Liverpool are ready to make an offer for the Dutchman who is valued at around £10m. But the paper immediately dismisses its own claim by noting that Senor Benitez has nearly exhausted his transfer funds.

The Spoiler truth-o-meter: The Real Madrid attacking midfielder (and his WAG) would be welcome additions to the Premier League, but surely financial constrictions will deny him a move to Anfield.

Joleon Lescott to Manchester City. Maybe.
David Moyes has dropped the want-away defender from his Europa League squad, citing a poor attitude following the embarrassing defeat to Arsenal at the weekend. The Everton manager now seems a little more open to the prospect of Lescott moving on, telling the Guardian that “the price we have been offered is not close to our valuation.” Said valuation is understood to be around £30m.

The Spoiler truth-o-meter: Clearly, Lescott is no longer a positive influence

The latest transfer gossip, rumours and damned lies

Andrea Pirlo, Franck Ribery and Sergio Aguero to Chelsea
Chelsea have been searching all summer for what they call a “marquee name” and now The Daily Mail expect them to bring three in at once by spending £100 million on Pirlo, Ribery and Aguero.

The Spoiler truth-o-meter: The Blues have been linked with Pirlo ever since Carlo Ancelotti’s appointment and that looks a reasonable possibility but Bayern Munich have said Ribery is no longer available and Aguero is supposedly happy to stay in Spain.

Joe Cole to Spurs
Obviously the arrival of two more midfielders would damage Cole’s chances of

A further helping of transfer gossip, rumours and damned lies

Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City
Sky sources understand that Manchester City are ready to ruin our Premier League top-scorer theory by making a move for Adebayor. However, both clubs have refused to comment on the speculation.

The Spoiler truth-o-meter: Sky may just be trying to generate excitement on what is a slow news day. However, if City offer the £25 million that is being reported, Arsene Wenger may accept and swoop for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh at a fraction of the cost.

Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid
The Liverpool Echo are reporting that Alonso has made it clear to Rafael Benitez that he wants to play for Real Madrid next season. Rafa is apparently

Gabriel Obertan is already the subject of YouTube compilations

Manchester United today confirmed the signing of Bordeaux winger Gabriel Obertan for £3 million - 3.75% of the Cristiano Ronaldo funded transfer kitty.

The 20-year-old was named MVP of the prestigious Toulon Tournament last month but hadn’t enjoyed much success at club level with either Bordeaux or on loan at Lorient last season, prompting boss Laurent Blanc to express surprise at Manchester United’s interest.

The Frenchman looks promising in this YouTube tribute but The Spoiler always treats these with caution after being conned a couple of years ago by a video making Julien Faubert look like a faster version of Ronaldo.

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Michael Ballack competes with the man standing next to him for the ‘Worst dressed man at Wimbledon 2009′ award
[ONTD]

Carlos Tevez is on a mission to wind up Manchester Utd fans
[Pies]

Are Manchester City about to make a move for Barcelona’s Captain Caveman?
[Caught Offside]

The big news from Americaland: Quarterback Steve McNair may have been murdered by his WAG
[SportsByBrooks]

Manchester Utd close in on Bordeaux winger Gabriel Obertan
[The Telegraph]

Amr Zaki was the subject of an £11m bid from Aston Villa, says Amr Zaki
[Goal.com]

A French model, actress and all-round classy lady

As the ladies at Kickette will testify, Bordeaux’s Yoann Gourcuff is a much sought-after target for potential WAGs. The midfielder appears to be off the market for the time being though, as he was spotted enjoying a fancy dinner with model and actress Marie Steiss-de Villepinin New York last week.

Marie isn’t exactly the type of girl to who would hang out with at Faces and then pose for Nuts after rooting a Spurs player: she is the daughter of former French PM Dominique de Villepin, she has a law degree and she has modelled for the likes of Givenchy.