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The Golden Gossip
DROGBA STILL WANTS TO LEAVE
We thought this saga had died a death about three weeks ago but The Observer reckons that Didier Drogba could still leave Chelsea this summer.
To quote: 'Drogba is still seeking a move away from Chelsea and has not given up hope of finding a new club before the end of the transfer window.'
Drogba is currently sidelined with a knee injury but is described by 'sources close to the player' as being ''is as eager as ever to get out' and has informed Scolari directly of his intentions.'
Chelsea confirmed last week that they would not offer the Ivorian a new contract. Could this new report be in any way related?
CHELSEA INCREASE ROBINHO BID
Better news for Chelsea fans in the News of the World with the newspaper claiming that the Blues have made an increased bid of £23.6m for Robinho.
That's around £5m more than Chelsea have previously offered for the forward and may be sufficient to cause Madrid to finally agree to his sale.
'The Stamford Bridge club claim Robinho is desperate to join them rather than stay at the Bernebeu,' says the NOTW. 'As far as Chelsea are concerned, he and his agent have made positive noises about quitting Spain for the Premier League and they will certainly not give up. The gulf between the two clubs could mean this deal goes to the transfer deadline wire of August 31.'
ALONSO WANTS OUT OF POOL
Let's stay with the News of the World for their report that Rafa Benitez's insistence that Liverpool should sign Gareth Barry has caused Xabi Alonso to demand he is allowed to leave.
'Alonso has become disillusioned with his manager's refusal to back down on his pursuit of the £18million replacement from Villa,' it reports. 'And although the 26-year-old Spaniard is now cup-tied from Europe, he has decided his relationship with Benitez is beyond repair,'
'Alonso was furious to discover he had been offered to several European clubs without his knowledge over the summer - many of whom he would never have entertained joining. He feels he has been treated with a lack of respect.'
Benitez confirmed on Friday that Liverpool had held talks with Arsenal to discuss Alonso's transfer.
SILVESTRE TO STAY IN THE CITY WITH CITEH
Mikael Silvestre for the other side of Manchester? That's the suggestion in the People.
It sounds a tad unlikely to us but the newspaper reckons that 'Frenchman Silvestre has been told he can leave Manchester United and is being offered to Premier League clubs, with a move across the city his No.1 choice.'
Even more unlikely is the fee being mooted: a mere £750,000.
