Self-appointed footballing bible 'France Football', source of most of the French-based rumours in Wednesday's British papers, has shortlisted 4 Arsenal players for its annual Ballon D'Or (yes, it does mean Golden Ball) award to the European player of the year.

Among the fifty candidates are Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Paddy Vieira and recent recruit Sylvain Wiltord... alongside people like Beckham, Giggs, Keane, Desailly, Maldini, Zidane, Totti, Rivaldo, etc etc.

There are 11 Frenchmen, 6 Italians and 6 Argentinians. Man Utd is the most represented club with 6 players on the list.

The decision follows in a few short weeks.