It’s all kicking off today, BBC News, Daily Mail, The Sun and Mirror are in a flap over the future of fallen idol Wayne Rooney, speculation is gathering that the England striker is throwing a strop in Manchester and Alex Ferguson will strongly consider selling for £40m for the good of the team.

Still under the header of forwards who like to sulk, Arsenal’s Theo Walcott can’t make up his mind between a 5-year £75,000 contract renewal or a move to Liverpool. The Times hint that Walcott may reject a new deal and head up north, Wenger is giving the winger 48 hours to decide.

Over to China and former Chelsea goal-machines Didier Drogba, 34, and Nicolas Anelka, 33, could be offloaded by Shanghai Shenhua because of on-going disagreements between board members, Guardian has a full report on this story.

Meanwhile at Stamford Bridge, boss Roberto Di Matteo has devalued Michael Essien to a mere £8m and put a For Sale sign over his head, which has piqued the interest of Turkish club Fenerbache, according to Daily Mail.

The Independent has gossip on Newcastle stars Argentine Fabricio Coloccini, 30, Ivorian midfielder Cheick Tiote, 26, and French playmaker Yohan Cabaye, 26, who may all leave before the transfer window if serious offers come in.

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas is keen on 25-year-old Porto midfielder Joao Moutinho and CSKA Moscow striker Alan Dzagoev, 22, as he contemplates whether to get rid of bit-time players Jermain Defoe and Rafael van der Vaart, more on this from Daily Mirror.

Paul Lambert is making noise in the midlands, Daily Mail say he will pay £2.75m for Middlesbrough left-back Joe Bennett and 30-year-old Southampton striker Rickie Lambert.

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