The strikes that have seen around 70,000 workers down tools at the 2010 World Cup stadium construction sites in South Africa have made news around the world.

With Bhekani Ngcobo, the negotiator for the body that represents many of the disgruntled labor force – the National Union of Miners (NUM) – suggesting that unless pay is increased the unrest could enter the "Guinness Book of Records" as the longest strike ever, storm clouds are seemingly gathering.

Workers strike in front of the unfinished Soccer City stadium in Soweto.

Of course, concerns regarding Africa's ability to host an international tournament of the size and scope of the World Cup have always been evident, ever since the "Rainbow Nation" were announced as hosts of the 19th edition back in 2004.

And the regular news of strife between workers and organizers plays well into an ongoing theme with many media outlets of trials and tribulations holding sway over triumph in the build-up to kick off. Do you agree? Add your comment below.

However, though the discontented workers could throw a major spanner in the building works, the recent news is in danger of overshadowing a growing optimism and confidence in a country that will invite the world's football fans to its shores come June 2010.

The recent Confederations Cup was deemed a success by Sepp Blatter, the president of world football's governing body FIFA, who gave the event a 7.5 out of 10 in terms of fulfilling the expectations laid down prior to the event. Blatter said in a press conference at the end of the tournament that his faith in awarding the finals to South Africa had been "more than justified."

It seems this feeling was reflected on the ground too. Editor of Sowetan Soccer magazine, Mo Allie, told CNN: "FIFA gave us a good mark because they were very happy with the turnout – and on average it worked out that 35,000 attended each game which was a better figure than when the event was held in Germany.

"Tickets were bought up by big sponsors and many of the matches finished late – but despite this people realized there was fantastic action at the ground if they went down to watch, and fans turned up.

"Football has always been a prominent sport in South Africa, especially with the big teams like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates – but the great thing with the Confederations Cup was the mix of the crowds that attended, all ages and races, which is not something that is always found in other sports.

"The biggest change has been with the attitude towards the national team. Prior to the Confederations Cup there was widespread skepticism about how they would perform, but good performances against New Zealand, Spain and Brazil turned heads – they gave a good account of themselves and many people now believe Bafana Bafana have a fighting chance of getting past the group stages come the finals," Allie added.

"Transport and accommodation are still big logistical factors that need to be sorted. There is a park and ride system that did not work as well as it might, some drivers didn't know the way, buses weren't always on time. There were also many roadworks around the stadiums which led to a lot of delays, but in a way it was really good to have the Confederations Cup a year before the World Cup because it highlighted what shortcomings remain."

Such sentiments were echoed by the chief executive of the local organizing committee Danny Jordaan. Though it would be bizarre for a man in such a position to be anything other than optimistic, it is hard to argue that South Africa has successfully staged some major sporting events in recent months.

"In terms of scale and complexity, the World Cup is very different to the Confederations Cup and we are therefore already well advanced in planning for the extra demands. However, the success of the Confederations Cup is confirmation that we as a country can host major events. Look at the British Lions rugby tour and the Indian Premier League cricket tournament which we hosted successfully, and now also the FIFA Confederations Cup. It's a good boost for our country," Jordaan told a post-tournament press conference.

Undoubtedly, there are many challenges to be met before the World Cup party can start in earnest, but South Africa could yet prove many critics wrong.

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:

The topic that's getting all tongues wagging today are the reported statements from Franck Ribery that, contrary to the apparent wishes of his club Bayern Munich, the French winger wants to leave Germany to join Real Madrid.

Ribery has made his intentions clear according to L'Equipe

Despite Real adding to their increasingly star-studded squad with compatriot Karim Benzema in the last 24-hours it seems Ribery is optimistic of money still being available to facilitate his move.

L'Equipe report the 26-year-old winger told them in no-uncertain terms he wants out: "It is decided. I wish to leave and it is Real or nothing."

Despite such assertions from the player Chelsea are refusing to give up their chase of  Ribery and plan a last-ditch raid to capture the French-flyer. It is thought the Blues will have to spend $75m to ease the grip of the Bavarian club, according to Daily Mail

The arrival of Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti in London has still yet to happen, and for a very good reason according to British tabloid The Sun.

It seems the wheeler-dealer has some business to tie up before heading for London, namely securing the signature of striker Alexandre Pato with whom he worked at AC Milan. The Rossoneri have priced the Brazil sensation at $65m which may test Chelsea's purse power.

El Mundo Deportivo have news of more imminent moves in Spain. The collapse of Real's pursuit of David Villa has opened to the door to their rivals Barcelona.

"I only want to go to Barca," Villa told Barcelona's technical director Txiqui Begiristain at a secret meeting, the Catalan sports paper said.

Barcelona, which won a unique treble of league, Spanish cup and European Champions League trophies last season, is ready to offer Villa contract of four or five years.

It looks like AC Milan want a man famous for his 'robot dance' goal celebration. The Milan giants are being realistic that Edin Dzeko will be staying in the Bundesliga and that Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor may not move, hence the new target is Portsmouth's Peter Crouch.

According to the Italian television network Studio Sport, the man with the dancing shoes will likely leave but is waiting to see who will be appointed the new manager before making his final decision.

The final destination is Spain, where AS reports are that Milan could snatch up Klaas-Jan Huntelaar as Real clear out the old to make space for the new; which means good news for the Milanistas.

Huntelaar could join on a loan deal, with the Rossoneri having the choice of signing him at the end of the season for around $24m. Stay glued to this blog to see if this deal comes through within the next few days.

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.