Rumour spreads like wildfire through social networking site

Apparently, it has yet to dawn on most Twitter users that the site is a humongous waste of time, as thousands of German users were last night duped into believing Michael Ballack was about to return home.

A ‘Tweeter’ named @sachark set the ball rolling yesterday with the following message, which we have clumsily kindly translated:

“On the next table on the ICE [a type of German train], there are two prominent agents and a lawyer. For the last fifteen minutes they have been discussing Ballack’s transfer to Hamburger SV.”

Within minutes, the rumour spread across the social networking site like a Danielle Lloyd STD across the Tottenham dressing room. Many excited football fans were convinced the German captain was about to become a Hamburg player, and were apparently undeterred by the fact that the club could never afford his €20m+ transfer fee or extortionate wages.

The story has been picked up by the major players in the German media, including Bild and the Hamburger Abendblatt, forcing HSV spokesman Jörn wolf to issue a denial:

“This is a duck [a German idiom that means it isn’t true]. We have had no contact with Ballack.”

Twitter user @sachark is still adamant that his train-based discovery is valid, and has since responded by saying “the bluebird of Twitter is no duck.”

Portuguese star may be forced to stay in rainy Manchester

The Spanish press are claiming Cristiano Ronaldo is frantic with worry over the imminent collapse of his much touted escape from the reigning Premier League, European and World champions.

Today’s edition of Marca says C-Ron fears his chances of a move to Los Blancos will be ruined by the arrival of Franck Ribery, who is said to have already agreed a big money deal with incumbent president Florentino Perez.

However, the alleged concern from Ronaldo’s camp comes in stark contrast to news just in from the Daily Mirror, who say Madrid are willing to pay Ronaldo a lean £200,000 a week for the privilege of his services. They add that Perez will be happy to honour the provisional £75m deal agreed with disgraced former Madrid president Ramon Calderon.

Big Phil could find himself gainful employment very soon

The Spoiler’s most reliable Premier League informant has whispered us a rumour for which he is willing to put his credibility on the line : Mark Hughes will be sacked by Manchester City tomorrow, and will be replaced by Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Is the World Cup winner the answer to the Citizens’ prayers? Or is he an unsuitable choice who will, at best, get Robinho to put in some effort? Let us know below…

UPDATE: The source of this information was a former Premier League manager, who let it slip at an industry shindig last night. He also mentioned the Roy Keane appointment before it hit the press.

Milan manager suggests West London move is imminent

If Carlo Ancelotti’s latest comments are to be believed, the Milan manager’s days of enjoying the smooth and refreshing taste of cigarettes on the touchline are numbered.

According to The Sun, the Italian’s daughter Katya has been spending time at Chelsea HQ working on her PhD, which compares the media and marketing relations between Chelsea and Milan. Ancelotti, who has already said “I won’t manage Milan forever”,  has quipped that she was “getting his office ready” while in England.

Unfortunately, it is not known whether his daughter Katya is hot.

Today’s transfer rumours, brimming with metrosexuality

If the picture above is to be believed, Princess Frank has already packed his favourite makeup travel case ahead of a big new move to Milan. They’ll really dig his all-pink beachwear in the fashion capital, but will he go running to the open arms of The Special One or stick around to let Big Phil beat him like a red haired stepchild?

Frank Lampard to Inter
Internazionale confirmed Lampard as their number one transfer target yesterday, and now Mourinho and Scolari are both dangling club badges in front of his face, forcing him to choose which one to kiss.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: We think he may love Mourinho a little more than Chelsea

Ronaldinho to Chelsea
Even though he’s still contracted to Barcelona, Deco has taken it upon himself to become Chelsea’s travel agent, by advising Ronaldinho to steer clear of smelly Manchester and move to petal-scented West London.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: Can see it happening

Ivan Klasnic to Wigan
After scoring the winner for Croatia last night, Klasnic has decided it may be time to plunge for the glitz, glamour and endless excitement of Premier League football by signing for…Wigan.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: Bigger clubs may come calling

David Bentley to Aston Villa
Bentley wants to leave Blackburn to get a shot at a club playing in the Champions League but he said he’d settle for UEFA Cup football. Surely he doesn’t want to play in the Intertoto with Villa though?

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: It’s Chelsea, The Spoiler told you that ages ago

Peter Crouch to Portsmouth
It’s emerged that Harry Redknapp’s

And that’s why you don’t sleep with your boss’ wife

A former Premier League player is said to have slept with another man’s wife. Unfortunately for the player, that man is also the manager of his national team (unlike England, one that actually wins things sometimes).

Said gaffer found out about the sexy rendezvous, and was so incensed that the player has not been picked for the squad since, despite his excellent form at his current club.

The latest gossip to be whispered in our ears

Rumour: An Aston Villa first team player was seen doing cocaine at a private party last year.

The Spoiler’s truth-o-meter: A friend claims to have seen this act first-hand, although how he would have escaped the Premier League’s random testing without pulling a