World Football Gossip Roundup: Chelsea's Next Manager, Mario Balotelli, Rangers

Ready for some gossip? You've come to the right place.

The world football rumor mill never stops turning, and today is no exception. Here are nine stories you'll probably find interesting no matter which team you support.

If not, feel free to leave your own gossip in the comments, along with all questions and whatever else you want.

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Who Will Replace AVB?

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich sacked manager Andre Villas-Boas on Sunday after less than one full season on the job. Former Chelsea midfielder Roberto Di Matteo has taken over as caretaker manager.

Who will Abramovich pick as his next manager? Di Matteo is certainly an option, but he apparently wouldn't be a unanimous pick.

Other hot names for the full-time job are Barcelona's Pep Guardiola and Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho, who managed Chelsea from 2004-07 and is still only 49. Borussia Dortmund's Jurgen Klopp has also been mentioned, and former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was linked with the job before AVB was officially let go.

Finally—gasp!—Fabio Capello has been linked with the job as well.

Of course, Abramovich could just sack everybody and be done with it.

Mario Balotelli: Marriage Material?

According to the Mail Online, Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has fined Mario Balotelli £250,000 for breaking curfew before Saturday's match against Bolton.

Apparently, Balotelli was out so late because he was enjoying a local strip club in Liverpool. So, what was Mancini's suggestion for Balotelli?

Get married, of course.

"It could be that marriage would help him in that respect," Mancini said. "That could be the answer, because I am sure he understands that he has made a mistake."

Perhaps Roberto shouldn't be quite so sure about that.

Whatever It Takes

Robin van Persie scored two more goals for Arsenal on Saturday, including the stoppage-time winner against Liverpool. That brings his total to 31 in all competitions this season.

So how do Arsenal plan to hold onto their talismanic captain? By doing whatever it takes, apparently.

"We will do anything possible to keep him," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is quoted as telling Metro.

"He's playing under big pressure every game because he knows he has to score...  He is up there with the best players in the world."

Van Persie has 18 months left on his current contract. He has previously said he'll wait until the end of the season to renegotiate his deal.

Where To, Junior?

If you believe the papers, Junior Hoilett is one of the English Premier League's most coveted players.

Blackburn's Canadian midfielder was supposedly wanted by Bayern Munich at one point, but now, a Mirror Football "exclusive" claims that Spurs have the best chance to sign Hoilett.

According to Metro, though, it's Arsenal who lead the pack.

Thiago Silva to Old Trafford?

Manchester United need central defenders. Hey, Thiago Silva is a central defender.

The big Brazilian must be on his way to Old Trafford.

Well, Caught Offside thinks so, anyway.

Olivier Giroud Set for the Kop?

Caught Offside also reports that Liverpool want to sign French forward Olivier Giroud from Montpellier for £15 million.

Giroud, who scored in France's 2-1 win over Germany last week, has also been linked to Arsenal and Spurs.

West London Calling for Pogrebnyak?

Pavel Pogrebnyak scored a hat trick in Fulham's 5-0 demolition of Wolves the other day.

Now the Mail Online is reporting that manager Martin Jol wants to extend the Russian's loan deal from Stuttgart.

Pogrebnyak joined the West London club on loan during the winter transfer window.

An American in Ipswich?

According to Mirror Football, American international goalkeeper Brad Guzan is wanted by Ipswich. Manager Paul Jewell would reportedly take Guzan on loan with a view to a permanent move.

Guzan currently plays for Aston Villa, but is second choice behind Shay Given.

Playing for Peanuts

According to the Scottish Sun, Rangers administrator Paul Clark wants the team's players to give up their wages from Saturday's 2-1 home loss to Hearts.

Rangers entered administration last month. According to the Scottish Sun, the Glasgow club needs to save £1 million per month to survive.