World Football Gossip Roundup: Radamel Falcao, Mark Clattenburg, Theo Walcott

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As one saga drags on, another heats up.

Radamel Falcao is perhaps the hottest name being linked to a move in the upcoming January transfer window. The latest news surrounds Atletico Madrid's attempt to keep him around the Spanish capital for a little longer.

Elsewhere, the Mark Clattenburg-Chelsea controversy keeps becoming uglier. The latest rumors involve a foul-mouthed confrontation in the dressing room after Sunday's now-infamous English Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United.

You'll find all that and more in today's B/R World Football Gossip Roundup. Keep reading for all the details.

Atletico Madrid to Offer Radamel Falcao New Contract?

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Atletico Madrid are planning to offer star striker Radamel Falcao a new contract in order to stave off reported interest from Chelsea (via talkSPORT).

Falcao, a 26-year-old Colombian international, has scored 13 goals in nine appearances this season in all competitions. He has reportedly drawn interest from Chelsea, who are thought to be planning a £38 million bid for January.

The new contract would reportedly add another year to Falcao's deal and increase his salary.

Mark Clattenburg Latest

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The Daily Mirror is reporting new details about an alleged changing-room confrontation involving referee Mark Clattenburg, Chelsea officials and Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel following the Blues' controversial 3-2 loss to Manchester United on Sunday.

The words "I'm gonna f***ing break your legs" were reportedly heard during the incident. The Mirror does not specify who might have said the words.

Chelsea have accused Clattenburg of using a racial slur toward Mikel during Sunday's match. Clattenburg angered Chelsea by sending off Fernando Torres and allowing Manchester United's offside winner to stand.

The Football Association have opened an investigation into the racial allegations. Clattenburg will not take charge of a match this weekend.

Arsenal, Theo Walcott Set for 'Final Round' of Contract Talks?

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Arsenal and England international winger Theo Walcott are set for a "final round" of contract talks (via Goal.com).

Walcott, 23, joined Arsenal from Southampton in 2006. His current contract expires at the end of the season, and he has yet to sign a new deal.

Goal.com reports that negotiations will resume in mid-November. Arsenal reportedly see the talks as the last chance to re-sign Walcott, who would be sold in January if a deal is not reached.

Italian champions Juventus are thought to be interested.

Diego Maradona for Blackburn?

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Diego Maradona has emerged as a shocking target to be Blackburn Rovers' next manager, according to the Daily Mirror.

Maradona, who turned 52 on Tuesday, led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title in Mexico and is considered one of the greatest players of all time. He most recently managed Dubai-based Al Wasl and also managed Argentina at the 2010 World Cup.

However, the Daily Telegraph reports that former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp is in talks with Rovers to replace Steve Kean.

Meanwhile, the Lancashire Telegraph reports that former Blackburn defender Henning Berg is also in the running. Berg was a member of Blackburn's 1994-95 English Premier League title-winning squad.

Agent: Lewis Holtby Has Offers from England, Spain

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Schalke midfielder Lewis Holtby's agent says the club and Holtby are in discussions over a new contract but added that Holtby has outside offers from Spain and England (via Sky Sports).

Holtby, 22, joined Schalke from Alemannia Aachen in 2009. His current contract expires at the end of the season.

Holtby has an English father and is reportedly an Everton fan. Liverpool and Inter Milan are thought to be interested.

 

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