World Football Gossip Roundup: Van Persie, Benzema, Fellaini, Del Piero, Eriksen

As Euro 2012 hits its stride, the world football rumor mill rolls on.

Robin van Persie's form may have suffered against Denmark on Saturday, but that hasn't changed anything with his contract saga.

Karim Benzema is set to lead the frontline for France against England, and the rumor mill says he's been chased by an English club for years.

Inside, we have all the details on those stories along with updates on Leighton Baines, Alessandro Del Piero, Marouane Fellaini, Christian Eriksen and Harry Redknapp.

RvP Latest

Robin van Persie had a match to forget for the Netherlands on Saturday against Denmark, whiffing on a shot and spurning multiple chances.

Back in the club game, however, he's still one of Europe's most coveted players as his Arsenal contract saga rolls along.

The latest news involves Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood, who has reportedly said the club cannot match the biggest offers RvP might receive.

Goal.com cites Hill-Wood's quotes from a report from The Sun: “(Van Persie) is vital to us and has been an extremely good captain," said Hill-Wood. “But if somebody comes along and offers Robin £250,000 a week then I am afraid we cannot compete with that."

Van Persie's father, meanwhile, has reportedly ruled out a move for his son to Manchester City (per ESPNSoccernet).

United After Benzema for Years?

Manchester United have been after Real Madrid and France forward Karim Benzema for some time, according to Karim Benzema.

The Sun quotes Benzema, 24, as saying that United have tried to sign him for the "past three or four seasons."

Benzema and France face England on Monday in Donetsk.

Real Madrid Join Fellaini Chase?

In other Real Madrid news, the Merengues are reportedly chasing Everton's Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini after abandoning their pursuit of Manchester City's David Silva (per Metro).

Chelsea are also said to be considering a £20 million bid for Fellaini, 24.

Baines Closer to United?

Fellaini isn't the only Everton player making news in the rumor mill. England international full-back Leighton Baines (pictured) is wanted by Manchester United, according to the Daily Mirror.

According to the Mirror, Everton have lined up a replacement in Wolverhampton Wanderers and Republic of Ireland defender Stephen Ward. But Toffees boss David Moyes is thought to be "troubled" over the thought of selling Baines.

Del Piero Latest

Legendary Italian forward Alessandro Del Piero is being linked with a move to Japan, according to reports from Italy.

Tuttosport (cited by Goal.com) reports that Japanese club Sanfrece Hiroshima want to sign Del Piero, who recently ended his 19-year career with Juventus.

Del Piero, 37, has also been linked to MLS, Mexico and Argentina.

Chelsea to Sign "Next Hazard"?

With Eden Hazard set to join Chelsea next season, the Blues are reportedly taking the next logical step and chasing a player dubbed the "next Eden Hazard."

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea have won the race to sign 15-year-old Anderlecht attacking midfielder Charly Musonda.

Musonda, the son of former Zambian international Charly Musonda Sr., also reportedly drew interest from Arsenal and Manchester City

Eriksen Wants to Stay?

Christian Eriksen reportedly wants to stay with Ajax for one more season, regardless of whatever interest he generates via his performances at Euro 2012 (per Goal.com).

Eriksen, 20, broke into the Ajax first team in 2010. He already has represented Denmark at World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012.

Redknapp Close to Leaving Spurs?

Manager Harry Redknapp is "close to the end" at Tottenham Hotspur, according to the Daily Mail.

Redknapp has one year left on his contract and reportedly wants a long-term extension. According to the Mail, Redknapp could find his next job in the Middle East.

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