Today’s gossip, rumours and damned lies

The man guilty of the worst miss since Ronnie Rosenthal embarrassed himself, is once again striking fear into the hearts of Spurs fans everywhere, threatening to join Juande Ramos in North London. Diego Forlan has revived his career in Spain, enjoying successful spells at Villarreal and currently Atletico Madrid, but his disastrous stint at Old Trafford will linger long in the memory. Still, the Uruguayan has scored a goal every other game in La Liga, and could prove an excellent asset for an imminently Berba-less Tottenham.

Mikael Silvestre to Arsenal
The want-away defender has been linked with most of the Premier League this summer, but appears to have finally settled on a move to Arsenal. Wenger revealed months ago that he was in the market for a powerful centre-half and though Silvestre will be a surprise choice, the experienced French international may prove a shrewd addition to his young squad.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: Looks like a done deal

Stewart Downing to Liverpool
Rafa seems to have given

England/ Czech Republic, Wednesday, 8pm, Free £30 bet here

England friendlies are nearly always dreadful, but that doesn’t stop the preemptive wave of excitement - even when they are inconveniently scheduled during the opening week of the season.

Capello’s squad selection for his final friendly before World Cup Qualifying was hardly inspiring: the Italian leant towards the same players again, with Ashley Young inexplicably absent and hints about Darren Bent’s inclusion coming to nothing. But of the players named in the squad, who deserves to start?

Here’s what we think:

Joe Hart
We know what David James can do so there’s no need for him to play and of Joe Hart and Paul Robinson, the former is more worthy of being given the chance. The Manchester City player made a quiet debut in the second half against Trinidad and Tobago in June, but a better judgement could be made if he plays a full match against stronger opposition.

Matthew Upson
The Spoiler would prefer to see Upson or Woodgate start in central defence alongside the new England captain to test some new partnerships but Capello is almost certain to go with Ferdinand and Terry together. So as we’ve all seen plenty of Cashley, why not try Upson on the left over Chelsea reserve Wayne Bridge to give England another option?

Rio Ferdinand
Hopefully the Man United defender will be leading

World Cup WAG isn’t just a pretty face

Sadly, the rumour vine informs us that Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing recently ended his four year relationship with WAGs Boutique ‘star’ Michaela Henderson-Thynne, although her Bebo page suggests they are still very much an item. On the social networking site, the brainy 22-year-old tells us she has five A Levels and is studying for a law degree. despite her book smarts, Michaela’s favourite pastime is to ‘cuddle up with Stew’ and watch DVDs of Roy Chubby Brown and Catherine Tate (and we thought Micah Richards had terrible taste). Her Bebo page also boasts comments from WAG friends Alex Curran and Anara Atanes.

Today’s transfer rumours, written out with words and punctuation

According to a Spurs message board, Anton Ferdinand and ‘one un-named Spanish bloke’ are due to be having a medical with the North London club today. The ‘Spanish bloke’, according to Spoiler reader and ‘Tottenham inside man’ Paul T, is Sevilla’s Diego Capel, and the cost will be around £12m.

Elsewhere, it seems like the transfer rumblings at rudderless Chelsea will never cease. Shevchenko is calling the shots once more…

Deco to Chelsea
It appears that Andriy Shevchenko has told Roman Abramovich and Peter Kenyon to go out and buy Deco, but his nemesis Jose Mourinho wants to bring him to Inter Milan.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: Value diminished this season

Frank Lampard to Inter
Obviously not the first time you’ve heard this one but now Don Fabio has stuck his two lira in by claiming the move could make Lampard a better player.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: He’d miss kissing his Chelsea badge too much

Jo to AC Milan
The Daily Star claim that Manchester City’s UEFA Cup

All signs point to Wenger’s wallet 

After a bumpy ride towards the end of the season, what with all of his players dashing around like blind madmen with chainsaws, it looks like Captain Wenger is trying to steady his ship with some big name signings. But might it be too little too late? Today’s transfer rumours LOVE Arsenal…

Roque Santa Cruz to Arsenal
Might Wenger totally ditch his buy cheap/make great method by plumping for Santa Cruz, who would cost 89 gazillion Wenger pounds, and is already really good? The people who make up rumours think so.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: Not feeling this one.

Louis Saha to Arsenal
With Rooney’s hip problems flaring up and Gary Neville constantly crocked, Man United are looking for extra beds in their infirmary, so Saha will be wheeled out over the summer. Arsene Wenger is thought to be lurking in the Latin quarter of Manchester, sipping hot coffee with £5 million in his pocket.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: Seems unlikely, although Wenger might appreciate his Frenchness.

Samir Nasri to Arsenal
Apparently Nasri is the new Zinedine Zidane - which must be gutting for all the other new Zidanes.

The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: He’s young, relatively unheard of, Wenger will love him!