By IANS
London : Here’s a sample of some of the gossip and transfer rumours from England’s newspapers Wednesday about Premier League clubs:
Louis Saha will answer Manchester United’s strike-force problems by returning to action against Tottenham Hotspur Sunday following knee problems. (The Sun)
Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar is doubtful for the match against Spurs after suffering a leg injury in a training session with the Netherlands. (The Sun)
West Ham United want to offer Gabriel Heinze, whose proposed move to Liverpool has been blocked by his club Manchester United, an escape route. (The Sun)
After losing his attempt to force United to allow him to move to Liverpool, Heinze said: “I am not anti-United but I have to consider that my stay at United is finished.” (Daily Mirror)
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will tell Heinze he can languish in the reserves if the Argentine refuses to move abroad. (Daily Express)
John Rooney, the 16-year-old brother of Manchester United striker Wayne, is beginning to make an impact at Macclesfield – where he is on a scholarship as a forward. (Daily Express)
Arsenal captain William Gallas fears he will be out of action until October after suffering a groin injury against Blackburn Rovers. (Daily Telegraph)
Chelsea’s Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien has admitted that losing players for the African Cup of Nations will be a “massive blow” for the club. (Daily Mail)
Chelsea hopes to seal a deal for Sevilla defender Daniel Alves, even though they face competition from Real Madrid, because the Blues have upped their original offer of 21.5 million pounds by three million pounds. (The Times)
Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun “will think about moving to a medium-sized team” if his chances at Anfield remain restricted, says his agent Ronen Katzav. (The Guardian)
Martin Jol will remain in his role as manager of Tottenham after Sevilla boss Juande Ramos turned down the offer of a three million-pound three-year deal to take over at White Hart Lane. (Independent)
Ramos, who is still in talks with Spurs, is unlikely to replace Jol because the Sevilla coach wants to eventually become Chelsea manager. (Daily Star)
Tottenham have agreed a four million-pound compensation package with Jol – should they terminate his contract. (The Times)
Spurs striker Robbie Keane has called for perspective at the club, adding: “You cannot judge anything until about 10 games in. (Daily Telegraph)
Tottenham Hotspur is chasing Juan Roman Riquelme, with Villareal wanting 10 million pounds for the playmaker. (Daily Mirror)
Portsmouth has failed in a bid to land Yakubu, despite offering fellow striker David Nugent to Middlesbrough, plus five million pounds. (The Times)
Portsmouth want to hijack Everton’s bid to sign Yakubu by selling David Nugent to Derby County for about 4.5 million pounds and using the cash, plus seven million-pound-rated Gary O’Neil, to buy the Boro star. (Daily Mirror)
Portsmouth manger Harry Redknapp has denied that he has offered two of his players – O’Neil and Matthew Taylor – in swap deals. (The Times)
Bolton Wanderers striker Nicolas Anelka has claimed the club could sell him before the transfer deadline because they need the money. (Daily Star)
Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson wants to take Anelka back to the club. (Daily Express)
Espanyol may bid for Manchester City striker Georgios Samaras. (The Times)
Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce will allow striker Obafemi Martins to join Manchester United or Arsenal – if they table a 13 million-pound bid. (Daily Express)
Newcastle striker Albert Luque is being targeted by Feyenoord. (The Sun)
Southampton is poised to hijack Manchester City defender Danny Mills’ move to Hull. (Daily Star)
Manchester City is set to revive their bid for Palermo midfielder Mark Bresciano and are also weighing up Livorno keeper Marco Amelia. (Daily Mirror)
West Ham captain Lucas Neill is fit to face Wigan on Saturday after a knee ligament problem. (Daily Express)
Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate hopes to be available for the game against Birmingham Sep 1 following knee surgery. (The Sun)