World Football Gossip Roundup: Demba Ba, Andrey Arshavin, Mario Balotelli

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Demba Ba could be leaving, Andrey Arshavin isn't wanted, Mario Balotelli is in trouble and Rafa Benitez might be coming back.

The Thursday edition of the B/R World Football Gossip Roundup is packed with juicy rumors, and those guys are only the start.

Inside we also have updates on Sofiane Feghouli, Angelo Ogbonna and Owen Hargreaves, so read on for all the details.

Manchester United Watching Sofiane Feghouli, Angelo Ogbonna?

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Manchester United are watching Valencia playmaker Sofiane Feghouli, according to Spanish reports cited by talkSPORT.

Feghouli (pictured), 22, is a French-born Algerian international. He joined Valencia from Grenoble in 2010. Spartak Moscow are also thought to be interested in signing him.

Meanwhile, Torino director Gianluca Petrachi has told United that 24-year-old central defender Angelo Ogbonna would cost up to £16 million (via Goal.com).

Arsenal, Juventus and AC Milan are also thought to be interested in Ogbonna, who has won four senior caps with Italy.

Andrey Arshavin Unwanted?

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Russian midfielder/forward Andrey Arshavin is unwanted at Arsenal, according to the London Evening Standard.

Arshavin, 31, has played only 13 minutes this season. He spent the latter part of last season on loan with Zenit St. Petersburg.

Following his return, Arshavin's representatives reportedly learned from the club that Arshavin was "surplus to requirements."

Arshavin joined Arsenal from Zenit in 2009.

Demba Ba Could Leave Newcastle in January

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Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has said Demba Ba might leave the club in January (via Goal.com).

Ba, 27, has a £7 million buyout clause in his contract. That, Pardew said, makes Newcastle "vulnerable" to offers from other clubs.

"There is that clause in his contract and it makes us vulnerable," Pardew said. "It's still open in the next window."

Ba scored 16 league goals last season, his first with Newcastle.

Everton Consider Signing Owen Hargreaves?

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Everton could move for former England international midfielder Owen Hargreaves, a free agent (via Metro).

Hargreaves, 31, had been linked with Lille, but the potential deal was not completed. He most recently played with Manchester City, following long spells with Manchester United and Bayern Munich.

Mario Balotelli Left out for Disciplinary Reasons?

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Mario Balotelli was left out of Manchester City's match against Real Madrid because of a disagreement with manager Roberto Mancini, according to the Daily Star.

The disagreement reportedly stemmed from Balotelli's refusal to quit smoking and his participation in an alleged late-night outing in Stoke.

Balotelli, 22, joined City from Inter Milan in 2010. He has a reputation for trouble, as the Manchester Evening News has detailed here.

Rafael Benitez to AC Milan?

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Rafael Benitez could return to management with AC Milan, according to talkSPORT.

Milan have started the season poorly, and current manager Massimiliano Allegri is thought to be under pressure to keep his job.

Benitez, 52, most recently managed Inter Milan in 2010. He managed Liverpool from 2004 to 2010, leading the Reds to the Champions League title in 2005.

 

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