Cole ready to quit Chelsea – Thursday’s Rumour Round-up
Ashley Cole is reportedly ready to quit Chelsea after a breakdown in talks over a new contract with the West London club. 31-year-old Cole is into the final 12-months of his current deal at Stamford Bridge but is understood to have been angered by the Blues’ offer of a one year extension. The England international has been a regular fixture for the Champions League winners since arriving from Arsenal in 2006 and has an admirer in Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho with whom he worked with at Chelsea. Big spending Paris St Germain and Zenit St Petersburg are also interested in offering Cole a lucrative move abroad should he decide to leave the Premier League. The Sun
Lewandowski in no rush over future – Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski insists he won’t make a hasty decision over his future after being linked with a move to Premier League this summer. The 24-year-old emerged as one Europe’s most sought after attacking talents in the transfer window with Manchester United credited with a strong interest along with Chelsea and Tottenham. German giants Bayern Munich are also rumoured to be plotting a surprise bid for the Poland international who says he is in no hurry to decide. Sporting Life
Zenit line up bid for United winger – Zenit St Petersburg are preparing a bid for Manchester United star Nani as they look set to continue their summer spending spree. After paying 80 million Euros to land Porto striker Hulk and Benfica midfielder Alex Witsel earlier this week they are now targeting a £25m move for Nani. The Portuguese international is facing an uncertain future at Old Trafford after being dropped by Sir Alex Ferguson for the last two games following the opening game loss against Everton. Manager of the Russian champions Luciano Spalletti has made signing the 25-year-old his main priority and a offer is reportedly close to being tabled. talkSPORT
France defender rejected move to Gunners – Montpellier captain Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa has revealed he turned down the opportunity to join Arsenal in the summer as he had his heart set on a move to AC Milan. The 23-year-old France defender was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium but rebuffed Arsene Wengers’ advances in favour of a move to the San Siro only to see his path blocked by club chairman Louis Nicollin and ultimately decided to remain with the Ligue 1 side. Metro
AVB ready to let Jenas on loan – Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas will allow Jermaine Jenas to join a Championship side on loan after seeing his deadline day switch to Sunderland break down. His move to the North East is said to have collapsed due to ‘personal reasons’ but Villas-Boas will actively look to find him a new club in the England’s second tier when the Football League loan market re-opens at the weekend. The former Newcastle midfielder is desperate to leave White Hart Lane for first team football after falling down the pecking order in the last few seasons. The Mirror
