Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United will refuse to sell Javier Hernandez, 24, despite interest in the 16-goal striker from Real Madrid.

Liverpool will offer captain Steven Gerrard a two-year contract extension and plan to reunite him with former midfield partner Xabi Alonso by offering Real Madrid 拢8.5m for the 31-year-old.

Arsenal are planning to spend 拢70m on Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski, 24, and playmaker Mario Goetze, 20, as well as Bayer Leverkusen defensive midfielder Lars Bender, 23.

Liverpool intend to make up to five signings in the summer, with Swansea goalkeeper Michel Vorm under consideration.

Manchester City hope to sign winger Alexis Sanchez, 24, two years after the winger snubbed them for Barcelona.

Stoke City are closing in on 拢5m Denmark international Andreas Cornelius as a replacement for Peter Crouch. The 20-year-old Copenhagen striker scored one of his country's goals in their 3-0 World Cup qualifying win against the Czech Republic last weekend.

OTHER GOSSIP

Ajax manager Frank de Boer, 42, is the favourite to replace Roberto Mancini as Manchester City manager.

Jose Mourinho is set to return as Chelsea manager and he wants to being Cristiano Ronaldo with him from Real Madrid.

Manchester United will offer 34-year-old centre-back Rio Ferdinand a one-year contract extension next month.

Image caption, Former Barcelona defender De Boer won the Dutch league title last season with Ajax

Roberto Di Matteo, Steve McClaren and Mark Hughes are the early contenders to replace Martin O'Neill as Sunderland boss.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger fears for Abou Diaby's career after the 26-year-old midfielder was ruled out this week for nine months with a ruptured cruciate ligament 鈥 his 36th injury in seven years.

Everton's David Moyes and Jose Mourinho top the shortlist of names Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has compiled to replace interim manager Rafael Benitez.

Chris Coleman has hinted he is ready to commit his future to Wales and attempt to lead them into Euro 2016.

AND FINALLY

A Blackpool fan was ejected from Ewood Park after he turned up to Friday's Championship game wearing a chicken suit in a bid to taunt Blackburn's owners Venky's.