Football rumours from today's newspapers

• Real Madrid are keen on Chelsea defender Ashley Cole, who is thought to be interested in a move to Spain, with Manchester United's Patrice Evra their back-up target if they fail to land the England international.
  (The Mirror)



• Juventus midfielder Felipe Melo, who is a target for Arsenal, could be on his way out of the Italian club after clashing with fans during the draw with Siena last weekend.
  (Daily Mail)



• AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has told David Beckham he can return to the club next year if he wants to after recovering from his Achilles injury.
  (Daily Star)

OTHER GOSSIP

• Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge will be out for a month after undergoing groin surgery.
  (The Sun)



• Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas could be back from his hamstring injury this weekend after missing the last two games.
  (The Mirror)



• Burnley have already started their search for a new manager as current boss Brian Laws is on the brink of getting the boot at Turf Moor.
  (The Sun)



• Italy's World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi says he is unimpressed by the success of English clubs in the Champions League as there is nothing English about them. He also says Italy's top teams are similarly unrepresentative of the country.
  (Daily Mail)



• Uefa president Michel Platini is still keen on adding extra officials. "Either we add referees or we use replays. I'm for the human option," he told an Italian television show.
  (The Independent)



• Calum Davenport has played his last game for West Ham after agreeing a £250,000 pay-off.
  (The Sun)



• Goalkeeper Paul Robinson's injury could see Blackburn recall goalkeeper Mark Bunn from loan at Sheffield United - and make his Premier League debut against Chelsea.
  (The Mirror)



• Sheffield United could be forced to make major cutbacks if they fail to win promotion back to the Premier League this season.
  (The Mirror)

AND FINALLY...

• He may not be playing at the World Cup, but David Beckham could still be in South Africa after receiving plenty of television offers for the tournament.
  (The Sun)



• Sven-Goran Eriksson could be at the World Cup as manager of the Ivory Coast, but faces competition from former France coach Philippe Troussier.
  (The Mirror)



• Manchester United defender Gary Neville, 35, is hoping for a shock England recall in time for the World Cup, three years after winning the last of his 85 caps.
  (The Mirror)