Liverpool were in the news earlier after reported interest from Manchester United in Fernando Torres, but they're certainly not letting Javier Mascherano or Xabi Alonso go.

The Reds have issued a statement claiming that neither of the pair will be allowed to leave this summer, despite the hundreds of Spanish players linked with a move in the other direction [they know how to tempt Rafa into a sale.] But no mention of keeping Fernando... maybe that's a given.

The Bernabeu machine has continued to run today as Zinedine Zidane has chosen to get involved, claiming that he is in talks with Franck Ribery over a possible move.

He might not have been in this side of the game for very long, but surely even the great ZZ recognises that it really doesn't matter how much Ribery wants to play in Spain - it's all down to Bayern's desire to sell him. And that ain't going to happen unless Real break the world transfer record for a third time in a month and slap £90m on the table. Not that he's worth that much.

Kaka may have joined Madrid, but AC Milan are finally looking to strengthen their creaking defence, with a 15m euro bid for Porto left-back Aly Cissokho. He's 21, French and probably a little more stable in the legs than Costacurta, Baresi, or whoever the San Siro club still have propping up their back line these days.

Across the city, Inter defender Maicon has told Sky Sports that he has no idea whether Madrid are going to bid for him or not. Conventional wisdom would suggest not, but then Bayern said they were looking for a new right-back, so perhaps it could be a match made in heaven?

Speaking of which, Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has hinted he would be open to an offer from Barcelona. The Gunners pinched Cesc from the Nou Camp at a young age, so he's likely to go back at some point and said in an interview published in Spain's Sport newspaper: "It's very obvious that it (an offer from Barca) would be special''.

''I would be excited to win a trophy as captain of the Gunners," he went on, but added that if Guardiola called him "it would be different."

Back in the UK, Tony Mowbray is on his way to Parkhead and he may have to take his old skipper, Paul Robinson (no, not the former England keeper) with him. Robbo is really not very happy that his favourite boss is off up north and has said he'd be more than happy to go along for the ride and play in the SPL for a bit. Well, it beats the Championship I suppose.

Gary Neville is of the same opinion, but he'd rather stay at Man Utd to try to get his place back from Rafael da Silva (and win loads more silverware in the process), than go to Middlesbrough. And who can blame him?

Elsewhere, Roberto Martinez will make Djibril Cisse his first signing at Wigan when he finally gets his move from Swansea. While Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is ready to undo all his good work by paying £3m for Jeremie Aliadiere.

Sam Allardyce likes them tough, so he could seal a move for Chelsea's young striker Franco Di Santo on loan; and the Blues could fill the gap with AZ Alkmaar striker Moussa Dembele, who is valued at about £15m.

And finally, it's been revealed that Newcastle's new suitor - a man who was willing to buy the club for £150m and see off Mike Ashley - was actually just a Sunderland fan having a laugh.

Richard Parker, a lifelong Sunderland fan told the Daily Mail: "It's all friendly banter. I'm sure the majority of Magpie fans will see the funny side but I'm afraid it is something they're going to have to put up with for a while.'' Nothing like kicking them when they're down eh?