This morning’s gossip, rumours and damned lies

Just as Fergie was enjoying watching his pre-season mind games unfold, Carlos Tevez has made a bid to increase the old duffer’s blood pressure with comments about C-Ron’s move to Real Madrid. He said: “I understand Cristiano. Every footballer wants to play at Real Madrid,” later adding “if what he seeks is something else, I think that should be respected.” Considering speculation has died down, and more attention is being paid to Ronaldo’s macho dress sense, it’s an odd time for Tevez to go public with his thoughts.

Dimitar Berbatov to AC Milan
On a day that is certain to make Sir Alex Ferguson’s face even redder than normal comes the news that Tottenham will accept a cheaper offer from AC Milan for Berbatov just to make sure that the striker doesn’t wind up at Old Trafford.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: Levy clearly means business

Brad Friedel to Aston Villa
The word is that Martin O’Neill has had an offer accepted for the American goalkeeper and the reason Blackburn - whose chairman John Williams recently said “Brad Friedels don’t grow on trees” - are suddenly happy to sell is that they have Paul Robinson waiting in the wings.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: This move probably