Things seem to have gone quiet on the Angel and Eto'o fronts. The former perhaps because we've played Villa now so it's less topical, thelatter perhaps because he's in Africa warming up for the Nations Cup (expect a new flurry of gossip if he starts scoring goals out there).

But of course the gossip in Spain continues. Kluivert is linked with us every 5 minutes, and it doesn't get any more believable. Thierry Henry was apparently seen in Spain this week, so natuarally that means that Madrid are confident of success with an umpteen million pound bid for him. It's not like he might be on holiday at the moment, having been given some time off, is it? David Dein has been seen over there too, fuelling speculation. We tend to think that he's more likely to be looking into Reyes than looking to offload Henry, but there are lots of players in Spain. Of course, anythign that happens in Spain happens with Real's approval, so if we are interested in Reyes it's bound to be made part of a deal for Henry.... yeah, right. See also more debunking of Spanish press nonsense (including quotes from David Dein).

Feyenoord claim to have rejected an Arsenal bid for their 20 year-old striker van Persie. Ruud Gullit has been quoted as saying that he doesn't want the player to come to Highbury, because he could end up not getting enough games and it could stunt his development. Fair point, you have to admit. But other sources at the Dutch club say that Arsenal's opening bid was "a serious offer" and that although it was rejected it "can be considered a serious base for further negotiations". van Persie has reportedly told Feyenoord that he doesn't want to extend his short contract there.

If we do sign Persie, historians among you will be pleased to hear that we plan to use the words "Henry" "Persie" and "Hotspur" in the same sentence as often as possible.