The gossip column

All the latest football gossip from Friday's newspapers.

Thursday's gossip

Newcastle have told Real Madrid that Jonathan Woodgate can join them for £15m. (The Sun)

The Magpies could now make a move for Chelsea's £3m-rated Robert Huth. (Daily Star)

Christiano Ronaldo has returned to Manchester United following Portugal's Olympic exit, and may face Norwich on Saturday. (Daily Mail)

Blackburn boss Graeme Souness has abandoned hopes of signing Alan Shearer after Newcastle rejected an audacious bid. (The Sun)

Barcelona's Luis Garcia is the latest Spanish player to be linked with Liverpool. (Daily Telegraph)

Aston Villa remain hopeful of signing Southampton's James Beattie before the 31 August transfer deadline. (The Sun)

Kieron Dyer may have saved his Newcastle career after apologising to manager Bobby Robson over a tactical disagreement. (Daily Star)

Charlton have emerged as favourites to sign Nottingham Forest's Andy Reid for £4.5m. (Daily Express)

Portsmouth are hoping to sign African strikers Diomansy Kamara, who plays for Senegal, and Aruna Dindane, recently linked with West Brom. (The Sun)

Wales coach Mark Hughes is ready to gamble on Simon Davies, who has not yet played for Spurs this season because of injury, in next month's World Cup qualifiers. (Daily Star)

James McFadden has vowed to continue at Everton despite rumours of interest from Rangers. (The Sun)

Tottenham are considering a £2.5m bid for Norwegian midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen, currently with Tromso. (The Sun)

Youri Djorkaeff has ruled out a return to Bolton after accusing them of withdrawing a new contract offer. (The Sun)

Damien Duff has pledged to stay at Chelsea and fight for a first-team place. (The Sun)

The Daily Record buy Scotland manager Berti Vogts a one-way ticket back to Germany after the 3-0 midweek friendly defeat to Hungary. (Daily Record)

Dunfermline have placed Richie Byrne on the transfer list after the Irish defender refused a revised deal to stay at the club. (Daily Record)