Friday's gossip column

All the latest football gossip from the day's papers.

Thursday's gossip

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich wants a clear-out at Stamford Bridge with Robert Huth, Glen Johnson and Geremi all in the firing line. (Daily Mirror)

Abramovich sent a team of advisors to the club's training ground last week to find out the reasons for Chelsea's recent blip. (Daily Express)

Blackburn want to trigger a clause allowing them to sign on-loan Rangers defender Zura Khizanishvili permanently in January for £250,000. (Daily Mail)

Chelsea defender Wayne Bridge wants talks with manager Jose Mourinho to ensure he will get regular first-team football ahead of next year's World Cup. (The Sun)

Falkirk boss John Hughes fears 37-year-old Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Russell Latapy may quit football after next year's World Cup. (Daily Record)

Manchester United are keeping tabs on Bridge's situation with a view to a possible January bid. (Daily Mail)

Michael Ballack will leave Bayern Munich for Real Madrid rather than Man Utd, partly because the Spanish giants are set to open a TV station in Germany. (The Sun)

Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren has agreed a new four-year deal with the club. (Daily Mirror, The Times)

Leeds are interested in signing Spurs midfielder Andy Reid on a two-month loan deal. (Daily Mail, Daily Mirror)

Sunderland are looking to sign Ajax striker Yannis Anastasiou on loan. (Daily Mirror)

Alan Curbishley has delayed contract talks with Charlton, fuelling speculation that he is in line to replace Alex McLeish as Rangers manager. (Daily Mail)

Scots-born Stuart Baxter, sacked this week as South Africa coach, has been offered four coaching posts in Norway, with Tromso favourites to secure his services. (The Herald)

Palermo will sign Juventus goalkeeper Antonio Mirante, ending the Italian club's interest in signing Hearts' Craig Gordon for £2m. (The Herald)