The summer of sport is here and there's plenty of other fare on offer. On a day of 20-20 cricket, tennis and rugby - all covered on ESPN of course - England made another step on the road to South Africa.

Of course, that's covered in all English papers with most agreeing that the 4-0 win over Kazakhstan was no classic performance.

But we're in the business of flagrant speculation here so let's get on with it. The Newcastle circus is still in town. But Alan Shearer is leaving it to head to West Brom, who have decided that Tony Mowbray is off to Celtic. So, looking for another man of similar credentials - getting a team in striped shirts relegated - the News of the World say that negotiations will begin this week.

The leaving of Newcastle continues with Michael Owen, unlamented by most of the Toon Army. The News of the World say that Aston Villa are set to offer him a deal - with a £70,000-a-week pay cut. Over at the Sunday Mirror, it is said that AS Roma want Mike's services.

Talking of ageing strikers, how about Ruud Van Nistelrooy? The People say that Spurs want him. At 32, with knee problems aplenty he'll cost Harry Redknapp just a £1.25m, which works out a lot cheaper than £10m for Roque Santa Cruz, a man similary wracked by injuries.

A couple of returns in the offing here: Glen Johnson back to Chelsea for a £16m say The People among others. And Peter Crouch back to Liverpool? That's in the Mirror.

OK, big club corner here. Barcelona want Nemanja Vidic, say the Daily Star. And to further anger Sir Alex, are set to steal Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema, says the Mail on Sunday. Inter Milan want Robin Van Persie, say The Mirror who throw a curveball with news of a £7m move for Sheffield United's Kyle Naughton.

And, wannabe big club Manchester City are set to annoy the established big clubs by signing Athletic Bilbao's starlet Javi Martinez. That's in the People.