Wednesday's gossip column

Chelsea have rejected AC Milan's £4m bid for William Gallas. (The Sun)

Manchester United's hopes of landing Mahamadou Diarra have been boosted after Real Madrid pulled out of the race to sign the Lyon star. (The Sun)

Dutchman Edgar Davids is set to quit Tottenham and return to former club Ajax. (Daily Mirror)

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will offer Hernan Crespo in part exchange for £40m striker Andriy Shevchenko. (Daily Mirror)

Alan Shearer says Newcastle and England striker Michael Owen is "embarrassed" by his injury nightmare. (Daily Mirror)

West Ham boss Alan Pardew is ready to make Sunderland star Julio Arca his first buy. (The Sun)

Stockport have offered Jim Gannon a two-year contract to stay on as manager. (The Sun)

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp will not take up the option to buy Norway striker Azar Karadas from Benfica. (Daily Express)

Reading manager Steve Coppell is lining up a £1m move for Hearts midfielder Mirsad Beslija. (The Sun)

Liverpool and Tottenham are fighting for the signature of 16-year-old Gareth Bale of Southampton. (Daily Mirror)

Birmingham's Kenny Cunningham has been told his contract will not be renewed. (Daily Star)

Dundee United are planning to move for Celtic keeper David Marshall and Rangers stopper Bob Malcolm. (Daily Record).