The Centre Circle

Man United – It is reported that United are unable to afford the £40 million asking price for David Villa because of the large debt that the club have and will only consider to buy him if the price is reduced (Guardian). Man Utd are also looking at James Milner of Aston Villa, the Lyon keeper Hugo Lloris and Karim Benzema at Real Madrid who signed for Real Madrid only last summer from Lyon is looking for more regular football which he may get at the Red Devils as they intensify their search for a striker (Mirror)

Juventus/Liverpool – Rafa Benitez will be given “significant” sums of money to rebuild the Juventus team if he becomes manager of the Old Lady this summer. Juventus are reported not to have interest in Torres, Mascherano or Gerrard as part of their rebuilding plans (Footylatest)

Man City – A couple of Manchester City rumours today. Depending on what newspaper you read, Man City are interested in signing Ivica Olic (Daily Mail) at Bayern Munich & Angel di Maria at Benfica (Mirror).

Arsenal – Marouane Chamakh will soon be signing a £12 million 4 yr deal with the Gunners (Various). It is reported Arsene Wenger has sent out scouts to look at Valencia’s David Silva (Footylatest). Robin Van Persie is also starting full training with Johan Djourou and Kieran Gibbs not far behind (Various). Speculation is that Stan Kroenke could soon made a takeover bid early in May, with a pot of cash entering his bank account on Monday as he is expected to sell his 40% share in the Los Angeles Rams American Football team (Independent)

Birmingham – Sebastian Larsson could be heading north. Both Sunderland and newly promoted Newcastle are interested in the Swedish midfielder – the reported asking price at around £2 million (Mirror)

Aston Villa – As well as the story for Milner (above), another one of their stars is causing interest from foreign shores. Barcelona it is said are looking into the possibility of signing Ashley Young, if a bid for Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery is rejected(imscouting.com)

Tottenham – Spurs are looking at 33 year old Guti at Real Madrid who may be available on a free transfer this summer (Daily Mail)

Chelsea – Sporting Lisbon are keen to recruit Chelsea goalkeeper Hilario, who has been dropped down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge to third choice (Daily Mail).

Burnley – Brian Laws could be sacked as Burnley manager if his team loses at Hull City this weekend (Various)