World Football Gossip Roundup: Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, Jose Mourinho

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The big names are back for this Thursday edition of the B/R World Football Gossip Roundup.

Neymar, the young Brazilian sensation, is back in the news over his long-anticipated move to Europe, but it might not be what you're thinking.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho are being linked with one of Europe's nouveau-riche clubs, but there might not be anything to the rumors.

Elsewhere, we also have updates on the Mark Clattenburg controversy, Theo Walcott's contract saga and Rio Ferdinand's career options.

Read on for all the details.

Neymar: It's Not the Right Moment for European Move

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Neymar says the current moment is not right for a transfer to Europe, according to an interview with Reuters.

Neymar, a 20-year-old Brazilian forward, has been linked with several top European clubs including Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea. He represented Brazil at the 2012 Olympics and has scored 16 goals in 25 senior international appearances.

"I'm happy here in Brazil, I'm happy at Santos," said Neymar. "I have a dream of playing in Europe, but it's still not the right moment."

PSG to Target Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho?

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Big-spending French club Paris Saint-Germain will reportedly target Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo and manager Jose Mourinho (La Gazzetta dello Sport via ESPN FC).

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelifi quickly denied the reports (via Goal.com).

Ronaldo, 27, joined Real Madrid from Manchester United in 2009 for a world-record fee of £80 million. Mourinho has won league titles in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain and has won the UEFA Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan.

Ronaldo would reportedly be lured with a €100 million transfer fee and would reportedly be paid €18 million per year.

Real Madrid would then reportedly reinvest the money from Ronaldo's sale in Colombian forward Radamel Falcao.

Mark Clattenburg Latest

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Chelsea have dropped one allegation against referee Mark Clattenburg but have proceeded formally with another charge (via The Independent).

The Blues have decided not to pursue the claim that Clattenburg abused Spanish international Juan Mata. The club did, however, lodge a complaint over his alleged treatment of Nigerian international John Obi Mikel.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mirror is reporting that Chelsea's players might have misunderstood Clattenburg's North East accent. Neither Mata nor Mikel are native English speakers.

Elsewhere, The Independent reports that Chelsea might face a backlash from referees if the allegations are proven false. Referees are said to be upset that the word of players can so easily hurt a colleague's career.

Arsene Wenger Wants Theo Walcott Contract Situation Resolved by Christmas

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger wants the Theo Walcott contract situation resolved by Christmas (via ESPN.co.uk).

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

Juventus and Liverpool are thought to be interested in signing Walcott if he is available.

"I want (the contract situation) resolved by Christmas," Wenger said. "There is urgency."

Meanwhile, the Gunners are being linked with Bundesliga stars Andre Schurrle and Lewis Holtby (via Daily Mail).

Schurrle, 21, is a Bayer Leverkusen forward with 18 senior caps for Germany. Holtby, 22, is a Schalke midfielder with two caps for Germany.

West Ham Return for Rio Ferdinand?

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Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand could return to West Ham United this summer, according to Hammers boss Sam Allardyce (via Daily Mirror).

Ferdinand, who turns 34 on Nov. 7, left West Ham for Leeds United in 2000 before moving to United in 2002. His contract expires at the end of the season.

"If (Ferdinand) wants to live back in London eventually, which is were he comes from, which is what quite a few players like to do before the end of their careers then that might be an advantage for us," said Allardyce.

Ferdinand is reportedly wanted by the Chicago Fire and New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer.

 

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