Heard any rumors? Let us know by adding a comment at the bottom of the page or check out CNN’s guide to the 20 most wanted football players:

And so the mighty have fallen. Or so The Guardian claims, as Real Madrid have ended their courtship of Frenchman Franck Ribery. Last night the Spanish giants revealed the Bayern Munich man's price tag was too rich for their blood, giving their competitors the thumbs up to move in for the kill.

Ribery rumors refuse to recede. Alliteration is alive and kicking on the gossip blog.

Chelsea have seen the invitation and R.S.V.P'd, for the Blues, who still have Wesley Sneijder on their radar, but want in on the Ribery party.  For Madrid, this just means they can focus on capturing their other big target Xabi Alonso, who has a sale price of $56m.

The Independent, of course, disagree entirely claiming that Los Merengues are in fact backing out of signing Alonso.  It seems Madrid's sporting director Jorge Valdano does not see the Spaniard fitting within their budget, which must be putting a smile on Rafa Benitez's face.

Valdono says: "Liverpool have adopted a position that is making it very difficult for us and right now we can see ourselves distancing ourselves from the player." As for nabbing their desired Frenchman, it seems Real have pulled the same trick they did with 'Ronaldo' – the club has an agreement with Bayern Munich that Ribery will make the move to Bernabeu next summer.

Chelsea has one angry captain on their hands today. The face of the Blue John Terry is red with anger that his club has not spoken to him about Manchester City's $48m bid last week, claims the always reliable source, The Sun. Despite being a key component to the club, he feels there is a lack of respect to himself and apparently his bank account too. Terry earns $32,000-a-week less than his teammate Frank Lampard. Could Manchester City sway him to their side if they dangle the right amount of money?

From English rags to Spanish newspapers, where reports from AS say Atletico Madrid may lose out on capturing Eduardo Salvio to an Old Lady and a Big Grass Snake. Juventus and Inter Milan have caught sight of the Argentine prodigy and his agent is in north Italy to hear some potential offers for his client. This spells bad news for Atletico since they do not seem to have the cash for the youngster's transfer fee.

They have lost Karim Benzema, Juninho and Kader Keita, now they might lose Kim Kallstrom. French paper L'Equipe reveals that Olympique Lyon have received interest in the Swedish player from Olympiakos. The Greeks are willing to pay $8m for the international, but Kallstrom's contract does not end until June 2010. However, if the trend continues, the right offer will come and the player will go packing.

Heard any rumors? Let us know by adding a comment at the bottom of the page or check out CNN’s guide to the 20 most wanted football players:

Samuel Eto'o's departure from Barcelona has been a hot topic over the last few weeks and the momentum shows no signs of abating. Now AC Milan are keen to sign the Cameroon hot-shot after vice-president Andriano Galliani has admitted to the club's Web site the African is still top of the Rossoneri's shopping list. Eto'o's contract runs out in a year's time.

Eto'o could be Milan bound according to Milan chairman Galliani.

Elsewhere, the hunt is back on for Manchester United. Alex Ferguson could be about to splash some of his new-found wealth on Real Madrid's Klaas Jan Huntelaar. The Sun reports that United will put in a $32m bid for the Dutchman, who has been left out in the cold following Los Merengues' purchase of the three “galactico” musketeers of Kaka, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Could Ronaldo’s official unveiling last night spell the end for Huntelaar's stay at the Bernabeu?

Meanwhile, the new boss of Stamford Bridge, Carlo Ancelotti is looking to add a little Dutch flavor to his bland English fare. After revealing to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich that his club is a bit boring, the Italian maestro has been given the OK to bring in some "creative" players, or so The Daily Telegraph claims. The one that has caught his eye is Wesley Sneijder of Real Madrid, but that is only if Franck Ribery cannot be persuaded to join the Blues.

Switching gears, let's move to Spain, where David Villa has decided to take a calmer approach to get what he wants. The Valencia striker will discuss his future and try to push for a move to his boyhood club Barcelona by meeting with Vicente Soriano, who recently regained control of the club.

El Mundo Deportivo reveals that even though Soriano promised Villa last year he could leave if the right offer came, it seems he might be going back on his word. Will Soriano muster the courage to dip his toe in the transfer market waters?

Over in Italy, it is the battle of the Laziale, as both Roma and Lazio duel it out for free agent Julio Cruz. According to Il Corriere Dello Sport, the Giallorossi are shopping for a new striker who can find the back of the net, and it seems Cruz fits that profile to a tee. However, both clubs will have to relieve themselves of some extra weight if they want to fit Cruz into their squad.

Finally, midfielder Seyi Olofinjana might have to pull out his shades if he makes a move from weather beaten Stoke to fun-in-the-sun Monaco . According to L'Equipe, the French side have put down an offer of $5m for the Nigerian, who seems pleased by the interest. Paris Saint Germain and Marseilles have also revealed their interest in the Potter boy, but for the moment Olofinjana seems content to stick around in England with coach Tony Pulis and the boys.

Heard any rumors? Let us know by adding a comment at the bottom of the page or check out CNN’s guide to the 20 most wanted football players:

Just when you thought transfer speculation could not get any more far-fetched, news circulates today that Michael Owen – man of many injuries, relegated from the English Premier League with Newcastle United and now out of contract, is having a medical with domestic champions Manchester United.

Will Owen complete one of the most surprising transfers of the close season by joining Manchester United?

It seems the brochure Owen produced to garner interest from top-flight clubs  has been a hit with Old Trafford supremo Alex Ferguson, who is keen to bring in a striker after losing out on both Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema.

The rumor has been reported widely by the British press. Do you think it is a good move for Manchester United? Add your comment below.

The Guardian call the potential move "astonishing" adding that Owen, who had recently been linked with Stoke City and Hull City had been "written off in many quarters as a has-been" but could complete one of the most "unexpected transfers" of the close season.

The Daily Telegraph confirms the rumor saying that despite his strong links with arch-rivals Liverpool, the 29-year-old would "welcome a move to United" because it would give him the chance to prove himself at Champions League level and also bolster his chances of regaining his place in England head coach Fabio Capello's plans for the 2010 World Cup finals.

Elsewhere, The Times rams home the unexpected nature of the move by pointing out that Owen, who joined the ranks of the unemployed on Wednesday, when his contract at Newcastle expired, had been very concerned about a lack of interest in his signature after his former club Liverpool showed no desire to sign him, and Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce had said Owen was too injury prone.

Meanwhile, The Sun calls the move the "biggest gamble of Ferguson's career." The paper adds that the manager who "likes a flutter" considered signing the veteran striker in the January transfer window but has now thought again. Can he resurrect Owen's career as he did with Eric Cantona, Laurent Blanc, Teddy Sheringham and Henrik Larsson? If Owen does sign it will be for a 50 percent pay cut according to the paper.

It looks like Fergie is keen to tie up another deal as well to ensure goals continue to flow next season. Sevilla's 28-year-old Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano is on the shopping list for a fee of $26m, though the Red Devils will have to fight off competition from AC Milan who are keen to replace Kaka.
Daily Mirror

The rumors around Franck Ribery’s departure from Bayern Munich continue to do the rounds. After reporting the French winger’s intentions to leave the Bundesliga to join Real Madrid on Thursday L’Equipe have followed this today with news that Ribery left early from training with his teammates yesterday. Divorce seems likely the newspaper suggests and who are we to argue?

The transfer window that operates during the close season of the European football calendar is a period of fervent business in the buying and selling of some of the world’s most talented players. Goalmouth will keep you up-to-date with the latest spin from the transfer markets until deadline day of August 31.

The transfer window that operates during the close season of the European football calendar is a period of fervent business in the buying and selling of some of the world’s most talented players. Goalmouth will keep you up-to-date with the latest spin from the transfer markets until deadline day of August 31.

Heard any rumors? Let us know by adding a comment at the bottom of the page or check out CNN’s guide to the 20 most wanted football players:

In a bizarre twist of fate it seems Jose Mourinho wants to be reunited with William Gallas despite famously falling out with the France defender when both men were in England at Chelsea.

Have Mourinho and Gallas buried the hatchet to seal a transfer to Inter?

L’Equipe is adamant that with just one year left on his Arsenal contract a move to the Nerrazzuri is on the cards for the fiery stopper.

Despite Cesc Fabregas reasserting his desire to stay at Arsenal, The Daily Star says the player's bluffing because in fact a $58 million move to Barcelona is going down. It seems it all comes down to money, at this point, and if it can talk loud enough the player may return to his former club.

Real Madrid remain good as ever for fresh gossip with Marca relaying inside knowledge that Karim Benzema will be Bernabeu-bound. The Spanish giants have raised their bid from $45 million to $49 million to push the move through. Looks like the tug-of-war between Los Blancos and Manchester United will continue throughout this transfer season, who will slip first?

La Gazzetta Dello Sport are also reporting on activity at the San Siro with Inter now refusing to pay more than $8m for the purchase of Portuguese duo Ricardo Carvalho and Deco despite Chelsea's higher valuations.

British newspaper The Sun brings good tidings for Everton fans with speculation that Brazil forward Jo will be back with club on another season-long loan from money-bags Manchester City.

Elsewhere, South Africa striker Benni McCarthy is worried that a lack of starts for Blackburn Rovers could jeopardize his chances of appearing for Bafana Bafana at next year's World Cup – consequently a move from the English Premier League to Spanish side Celta Vigo is in his mind according to the Daily Mirror

Ending this rumor day in Germany, Bild reveals that Bayern Munich midfielder Ze Roberto has failed to agree terms with his club and could be on his way to another Bundesliga club.

Despite having offers from Major League Soccer and the United Arab Emirates, it looks like Hamburg may get the golden one in a two-year contract. The Brazilian, who has continuously proven he is still a world-class midfielder, was only offered a one-year contract extension by Bayern.

The transfer window that operates during the close season of the European football calendar is a period of fervent business in the buying and selling of some of the world’s most talented players. Goalmouth will keep you up-to-date with the latest spin from the transfer markets until deadline day of August 31.

Heard any rumors? Let us know by adding a comment at the bottom of the page or check out CNN’s guide to the 20 most wanted football players:

Making ripples in the news pond of transfer gossip today are reports that Cameroon hit man Samuel Eto'o could be leaving European Champions Barcelona. The Sun reports that Manchester City have offered to make the Indomitable Lion the highest-paid player on the planet with a whopping $415,000 a week as well as paying $40m to prise the player from the clutches of the Catalan club.

Eto'o looks set to become the highest paid player in the world.

Elsewhere The Mirror focus on the grapple Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is currently having with Barcelona in a bid to secure the transfer of Spanish youngster Jesus Fernandez.

The one dubeed "Suso" is an attacking midfielder who currently plays for Cadiz and is seen as the perfect recruit for Benitez aims to replenish his squad the best young talent he can find.

The Daily Mail concentrates on news from Liverpool's city rivals Everton, where boss David Moyes has his eyes set on Sweden's Marcus Berg.

The Toffees will need to stump up around $16m for the Groningen striker who has been full of goals at the recent European Under 21 Championship, though Ajax are expected to make a similar offer.

Inter midfielder Maicon has done nothing to clear up the rumors about his future. The Brazilian, who is fresh from helping his side retain their Confederations Cup title with a 3-2 win over the USA in South Africa, said “My future? Let’s see, I do not know” according to the Italian sport paper La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

It's thought the defender wants to stay with the Italian champions but not on his current deal.

According to L’Equipe there are rumors of Souleymane Diawara – leaving Bordeaux for Marseilles. The move for the 30-year-old Teranga Lion defender could see Adil Rami drafted in as a replacement. The Moroccan stopper, who is currently with Lille, will cost $10m to lure if the gossip is to be believed.

The other alternative for Bordeaux is Ronald Zubar – who is set to leave Marseilles for England’s Wolverhampton Wanderers in a $2.4m transfer. The French club will need to get in quick, however, as Zubar is due to have a medical and sign on the dotted line with the newly promoted Premier League side by Tuesday.

Finally, in a rhyming finish, Skysports reports Tim Borowski could be heading back to former club Werder Bremen despite interest from English side Aston Villa. The defender has been told by new coach Louis van Gaal that there is no future for him at Bayern Munich, paving the way for his departure.

Villa boss Martin O'Neil is also thought to be tracking the 29-year-old as he looks to find a replacement for Gareth Barry.

The transfer window that operates during the close season of the European football calendar is a period of fervent business in the buying and selling of some of the world’s most talented players. Goalmouth will keep you up-to-date with the latest spin from the transfer markets until deadline day of August 31.

Heard any rumors? Let us know by adding a comment at the bottom of the page or check out CNN’s guide to the 20 most wanted football players:

We kick off in France today where Lyon president, Jean- Michel Aulas, revealed his desire to keep Karim Benzema for one more year. However, Aulas will not rule out any offers made in the region of $65 million.

Benzema could be the next big transfer to happen in Europe.

According to The Independent, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been linked with the 21-year-old French international.

Marca have reported that Real Madrid's attempts at signing Valencia superstar David Villa came to a grinding halt.  Galacticos' president Florentino Perez decided to end his pursuit of the Spanish international, leaving the door open for Chelsea to pounce on the deal. Despite this draw back, many football enthusiasts still think Villa will leave cash strapped Valencia this summer.

Reports from The Telegraph said senior officials from Manchester City and Barcelona met this week to discuss the possible sale of Samuel Eto’o. The Catalan giants are willing to sell the Cameroon international, but for the right price. This comes after Eto'o failed to sign a new deal beyond his final year at the Nou Camp.

In Germany, BILD claimed Stuttgart will be monitoring Real Madrid’s Dutch marksman Klaas-jan Huntelaar. With Real’s summer spending spree well underway, the forward's opportunities may be limited next season. The 25-year-old has also been linked with several other European clubs including Juventus, Tottenham, Lyon and Manchester United.

Over in England, The Sun have claimed Glen Johnson is ready to snub Liverpool in favour of former club Chelsea. Portsmouth, whose financial troubles have been well documented, have reportedly accepted a $28 million offer from the Blues. It's all up to the England international now, who has expressed a desire to play Champions League football.

The Sun also reported that striker Carlos Tevez is willing to finally put pen to paper on a deal to keep him at Manchester United, provided he is the highest earner at the club. If the deal goes through, his wages will reportedly increase by $25,000 a week.

The transfer window that operates during the close season of the European football calendar is a period of fervent business in the buying and selling of some of the world’s most talented players. Goalmouth will keep you up-to-date with the latest spin from the transfer markets until deadline day of August 31.

Heard any rumors? Let us know by adding a comment at the bottom of the page or check out CNN’s guide to the 20 most wanted football players:

Following on from yesterday's revelations that Real Madrid are keen to offload many of their squad, it seems that English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur could be the main beneficiary. According to the Daily Mirror Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is thrashing out a $60m deal to sign winger Arjen Robben, striker Klass-Jan Huntelaar and defender Gabriel Heinze.

Could signings made by Harry Redknapp's Tottenham help boost Real Madrid's transfer kitty?

Which would be good news for Real's bank balance before the Spanish giants plan to spend big once more.

British tabloid The Sun confirm Real are now front runners in the race to sign Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery, despite interest from Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Of course, a transfer wouldn't be complete without a report stating the complete opposite from a rival newspaper.

Thankfully the Guardian report Chelsea are actually the favorites to sign Ribery as Real are not happy with the price tag put on the France international. So that's that cleared up then.

Spanish sport paper Marca lead their speculation today with news that Cristiano Ronaldo is set to become the highest paid player in the world when he completes his move from Manchester United.

Marca say his wages will be $18m a season which is twice that of current club captain Raul.

Meanwhile, L'Equipe says that Arsenal, Lyon and Paris Saint Germain are waiting to pounce on French under-21 international Mouhamadou Dabo after the defender has refused to sign a contract extension with Saint Etienne.

The full back told the paper: "For now I am thinking of my treatment. I will then go on holiday and let my agent think of [potential transfers]."

The transfer window that operates during the close season of the European football calendar is a period of fervent business in the buying and selling of some of the world’s most talented players. Goalmouth will keep you up-to-date with the latest spin from the transfer markets until deadline day of August 31.

Heard any rumors? Let us know by adding a comment at the bottom of the page or check out CNN's guide to the 20 most wanted football players:

Thursday, 11 June:

The Cristiano Ronaldo rumor-mill continues circulating apace. The Daily Mirror in Britain has discovered a 'leaked' contract concerning the Portugal playmaker which involves a transfer fee of $130m and a six-year contract with a annual salary of $15m. If this wasn't enough the deal also includes a whopping 25 percent rise every year. Manchester United accept record $130m offer for Ronaldo.

Ronaldo's potential transfer is making headlines again around the world.

Spanish paper Marca agrees with the sentiment claiming that Ronaldo will be playing in the white of Real Madrid next season after a world-record figure is paid. Marca says Jorge Valdano, among others sees the Portuguese teaming up with Kaka as a dream pairing.

Back in Britain the The Guardian reports that Ronaldo may not be the only one leaving Old Trafford – Sporting Lisbon have initiated talks with Manchester United about re-signing Nani in a swap move Joao Moutinho.

Apparently Nani could scupper the deal with the 22-year-old preferring a move to Italy.

Meanwhile, in Italy’s pink press, Gazetta Dello Sport, Inter chairman Massimo Moratti has moved to quell rumors that Serie A top scorer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, will be Barcelona bound in the close season.

Moratti said "I am not pushing to sell players. We have extended Ibrahimovic's contract and coach Jose Mourinho has told me that he is happy with the player." Expect a move shortly then.

Elsewhere in Germany,De Bildconfirm Hoffenheim have signed Ghana striker Prince Tago. The sharp-shooter, who originally hails from Accra side Hearts of Oak, joins the Bundesliga side from Al-Ettifaq after signing a three-year contract.

In France L'Equipe asserts that Argentina defender Gabriel Heinze could be an early casualty of the new regime at Real Madrid. In a bid to at least see some money come back into the coffers of the mega-bucks spending Los Merengue, Heinze will return to Paris Saint Germain after a stint with the side in 2001-2004.

LONDON, England – It may be England's national stadium - but Wembley has just felt the wrath of two of the world's most experienced football managers in as many days.

Arsene Wenger described the Wembley turf as 'laughable' after their FA Cup semi-final loss.

Following the two FA Cup semi-final matches at London's Wembley Stadium over the weekend, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger have both vented frustrations at the quality of the pitch.

Ferguson's United lost 4-2 on penalties, while Wenger's Arsenal was beaten 2-1 by Guus Hiddink's Chelsea.

The ground was cut up during both matches - affecting not only the balance of players, but also their ability to launch swift, accurate passes. Large divots were regularly taken when players changed direction, and on numerous occasions the ball bobbled up while rolling flat across the surface.

Ferguson told the post-match news conference his team selection had been decided by the state of the pitch in Saturday's semi-final between Chelsea and Arsenal. The 67-year-old surprised some by selecting a very young team for the match.

"Yesterday (Saturday) it looked spongy and dead and difficult to move the ball quickly around it. So we had to go with the bold decision of playing the younger ones," Ferguson told the assembled media.

Wenger was even more critical of the pitch, though, he refused to blame it for his side's 2-1 defeat. Wenger's main issue is that the ground is not flat.

"When you see what this stadium has cost and you cannot turn up with a proper football pitch ... somebody must give explanations about that.

"It's laughable ... the quality of the pitch is a disaster. I just think it's not a pitch," the Arsenal manager told the UK's Guardian newspaper.

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink, however, felt the pitch was not an issue. He told The Guardian: "The pitch was good to play. I don't want to make a lot of comments about this.

"If you go to a lot of places in Europe and Africa you get pitches that are a lot worse than that. I don't think you should start talking about the pitch, whether you win or lose."

The criticism from Ferguson and Wenger is not the first time the Wembley ground has caused a stir.

In December last year the Australian Rugby Union launched an investigation to find what part the Wembley pitch played in injuries to two players during their match against the Barbarians.

The Croatian football team also complained about the surface following an international match in 2007 played in treacherous conditions due to heavy rain.

The turf has already been re-laid five times since the £750 million ($1.09 billion) stadium officially opened in 2007.

It is understood the current turf, which consists partly of a synthetic element to help it stay firmly rooted, will not be changed for the 30 May FA Cup final.

It is next scheduled to be replaced in the summer, after a series of concerts.

The ground has had a heavy workload over the past two seasons, with events including; American NFL (gridiron) matches, rugby league matches, and a rally car event which saw tarmac laid over the grass.

The Football Association (FA) is yet to make a comment on the pitch following the weekend's matches.

Do you think the turf is up to standard? Tell us in the comments box.

LONDON, England – I never thought I'd have the chance to meet my childhood hero. Despite growing up in Manchester and countless pilgrimages to Old Trafford, the only place I ever managed to see Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was on television. And it is television, in it's unique way, that finally afforded me the much sought-after opportunity to cross his path.

Alex Ferguson, pictured here being interviewed by CNN, has been a hero to fans of Manchester United for more than two decades.

In the mid-late eighties, as a 10-year old boy desperate to see an end to Liverpool's dominance of the (then) First Division, Ferguson offered a rare commodity in football-mad Manchester: hope. The instant I met him this week, it was that same feeling that came flooding straight back, a sense of purpose and a dream that remains true to the original I had as a child.

Shaking hands with Fergie is an experience akin to the one my dad always taught me to expect of an authoritative figure. His grip was brief, firm and yet warm, encouraging. The great man himself can only be described as sprightly, light on his feet. He wore pulled-up socks, shorts and a tucked-in United shirt with AF emblazoned in gold stitching on the front. Alex Ferguson right in front of me, shaking my hand with a warm yet piercing smile and intelligent eyes.

I've always thought that people should choose their heroes carefully, they're meant to stick around for the long haul and be there for you as a reference point. A yardstick with which to measure the passage of time, an authority figure to measure up to.

In that respect idolising someone from the fickle and tumultuous landscape of football may have been foolish. I even remember various levels of disdain at my initial selection, be it from cocksure playground Liverpool fans or discerning family members hoping for a more conservative choice of say politician, literary figure or activist. I have never needed to look back and question that choice.

Twenty-two years later Manchester United have won countless trophies, the team has been re-invented three times over with the likes of Beckham, Cantona, Solksjaer, Keane, Hughes, Robson, Schmeichel, Bruce and Pallister all coming and going. All with Ferguson as their father figure.

Anyone wondering whether a football manager cuts it as a good choice of "hero" should take careful notice of the enduring qualities that Ferguson still continues to embody: success, passion, drive and consistency. And lest we forget the obvious, he's a manager who has produced some of the most exceptional football and footballers of the last three decades and built a club that at the very least counts as one of the best in the world.

So did it feel good to meet Alex Ferguson? Yes. I instantly recaptured that fleeting memory of youth; a time when I actually felt urged to "choose" a hero. He is a man for all seasons and I hope he has many more left in him yet.