World Football Gossip Roundup: Manchester Derby, Roy Hodgson, Podolski, Hazard

As the season heads for its dramatic climax, the world football rumor mill just keeps truckin'.

Gossip abounds after Manchester City's dramatic win over Manchester United on Monday, and with England set to hire a new manager, the papers are cranking out copy faster than they can cut down trees.

Meanwhile, one established international is heading into North London while another is reportedly heading out.

Plus, there's news from Bayern, Barca and Juventus. Read on for all the details.

Manchester Mind Games Continue

Monday's Manchester Derby featured a tense touchline confrontation between Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini.

Ferguson, it seems, thought Mancini was trying to influence the referees too much. And thus Ferguson, it would seem, has no sense of irony.

From The Guardian:

"

"He refereed the game," Ferguson said of Mancini. "He was out on that touchline the whole game haranguing the referee, the fourth official and the linesmen. The minute I come off the bench for a bad tackle by De Jong on Welbeck, he was out again. He can't have it both ways. He's been complaining about referees this season but he won't be complaining tonight that's for sure."

When this was put to Mancini, City's manager said: "Who said this? Him, no? He doesn't talk with the referee or the fourth official? No, never. I didn't speak with him, he came towards me, but I can understand. I said nothing against him, only spoke to the fourth official."

"

Nothing like mind games to spice up an already absorbing title race.

Hodgson to England Latest

The other big story coming out of England this week is the apparently imminent hiring of West Brom's Roy Hodgson as national team manager.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Hodgson left Monday's meeting with FA officials carrying England's "draft itinerary" for Euro 2012.

Hodgson, it seems, will be named England manager as early as Tuesday and will continue leading West Brom during their final two games of the season.

According to former Liverpool player Stephane Henchoz, "England can lift a trophy under Hodgson."

For more views from around Europe, click here.

Woodcock: Podolski to Succeed

Arsenal completed the signing of German forward Lukas Podolski this week, and former Gunner Tony Woodcock is saying the deal will benefit Arsenal.

But Woodcock is not sure the signing will convince Robin van Persie to stay.

From Goal.com:

"

He has all the qualities that you need to be a successful striker. The big question will be where do Arsenal play him? He can play down the left or down the middle but wherever he plays I am sure he will do well and he will fit in nicely wherever Arsene Wenger decides to play him.

I am certain that he will enjoy being at Arsenal because it is a wonderful club. They might not have won a trophy for a while buy they really are not too far off at the moment. They are third in the league and with signings like Lukas Podolski they will be even stronger next season.

I am not sure if it will make any difference to whether Robin van Persie decides to extend his contract this summer and the talks between the club and the player will continue in private. But I sincerely hope he stays.

"

Signing Podolski, who has scored 43 goals in 95 appearances for Germany, certainly can't hurt Arsenal's chances of retaining RvP.

Dos Santos Out?

News of the obvious out of North London today. Giovani dos Santos—brace yourself—will likely leave Tottenham this summer.

From Goal.com:

"

The Mexican winger has made only 13 appearances for the north London side since his £4.7 million move from Barcelona in 2008 and, although the Spurs boss concedes that he is a very talented player, he is deemed surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane.

With the 22-year-old's contract expiring at the end of next season, the former Portsmouth boss has decided to cash in on him.

"Gio is a good player and is a good lad. He has good ability but in the end his contract is gradually running out so I don't know what you'd get for him in the end," Redknapp told reporters.

"

Fair enough (and Gio is indeed a good player). But what does 'Arry think he'll get in return for a player who's made only 13 appearances over the last four seasons?

Van Buyten Stays with Bayern

Belgian defender Daniel van Buyten, 34, has signed a new deal with Bayern Munich.

Van Buyten's old deal was set to expire at the end of the season. The new contract will last one year.

Van Buyten, who has been recovering from a broken toe in recent weeks, has represented Belgium 113 times.

Llorente to Barca?

Barcelona reportedly want Athletic Bilbao's Fernando Llorente. And they apparently want him badly.

According to Sport (cited by Goal.com), Llorente will be Barca's top transfer target this summer.

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Sport reports that the Blaugrana have accepted after their Champions League elimination at the hands of Chelsea that they need more variety in their play if they are to turn possession into goals on a more consistent basis.

Barca believe that the 27-year-old Llorente, who has netted seven times in 20 appearances for his country, will provide them with the cutting edge they were so sorely lacking against the Blues.

"

How's this for cutting edge?

Latest on Hazard

Eden Hazard's transfer saga promises to dominate the rumor mill this summer.

The latest news is that Manchester City have reportedly moved ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign Hazard.

Hazard, 21, is valued around £30 million by Lille. The winger has represented Belgium 26 times.

Verratti Sweet on Juventus?

According to the agent of Italian teenager Marco Verratti, all roads lead to Juventus.

Verratti, an Italian U-21 international who currently plays for Pescara, has been linked with Juventus in the past. As yet, no deal has materialized, but Verratti's agent is saying Verratti is still sweet on the Turin-based club.

From Goal.com:

"

Inter have now reportedly entered the fray, but the midfielder's representative, Donato Di Campli, insists that his client is only interested in joining Juve.

"The Bianconeri are his first choice, despite the presence of Andrea Pirlo, who a champion and a point of reference for Marco," the agent told Tutto Juve.

“There is nothing new to report about the negotiations, though. The two teams are talking, but nothing final has been decided."

"

Verratti, 19, has made 56 appearances for Pescara in Italy's Serie B.