World Football Gossip Roundup: Manchester United, AVB Spree, Andriy Shevchenko

Time to update your portfolios, footie fans. England's biggest club is about to go public.

There's only one catch: It might not happen where you're thinking.

Stock listings lead the B/R World Football Gossip Roundup today, but there's plenty more in store. FIFA's new world rankings are out, and intriguing stories from Spain's Euro 2012 run are leaking.

Inside, we also have updates on Juventus, Andre Villas-Boas' revolution at Tottenham Hotspur, Andy Carroll and Andriy Shevchenko.

Going Public

Wrap your mind around this. English football club Manchester United should soon be a publicly traded company—in the United States.

USA Today explains:

"

The record 19-time English champions filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday to hold an initial public offering of stock and become a listed company on the New York Stock Exchange.

"

United hope to raise $100 million with the IPO, a sum that would go toward the club's debt. The Glazer family would retain ownership, but the team would become a subsidiary of Manchester United Ltd., which is based in the Cayman Islands.

New FIFA Rankings

The latest edition of FIFA's world rankings has been released, and predictably the top 10 spots are dominated by Euro 2012 teams.

Less predictable, though, is the presence of Brazil way down at No. 11—behind Denmark, Croatia and Euro 2012 choke artists the Netherlands.

Trouble in Paradise?

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas teamed with Barcelona midfielder Xavi to help unite the Spanish national team ahead of their historically triumphant Euro 2012 campaign, according to Xavi's father (per ESPNSoccernet).

Tensions raged before the tournament as rival players from Real Madrid and Barcelona attempted to work together. Even Casillas' relationship with Real manager Jose Mourinho became strained, according to Xavi's father.

Here's what Joaquin Hernandez said:

"

Friendships between players were about to end. There were rows. There were issues with Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos and how they behaved towards their team-mates. The behaviour of some players was inappropriate. Luckily, Iker and Xavi intervened.

"

Juventus Tidbits

Plenty of Juventus news to pass along today.

First, the Bianconeri are set to sign 34-year-old Brazilian center back Lucio after his release from Inter Milan (per The Guardian).

Next, Juventus are reportedly targeting full-back Federico Balzaretti for a return to Turin (via Goal.com).

Also, midfielder Andrea Pirlo has reportedly said he would welcome his Italy teammate Mario Balotelli at the club (per the Daily Mirror).

AVB's Spurs Shopping Spree

Andre Villas-Boas is officially in as Tottenham Hotspur's new manager, and the 34-year-old Portuguese is set for a £50 million summer spending spree (per the Daily Mirror).

His first capture will be Gylfi Sigurdsson. The Icelandic midfielder has signed from Hoffenheim (via Swansea on loan), according to Spurs' official website.

According to The Sun, Villas-Boas' next target will be 20-year-old Brazilian attacking midfielder Oscar.

Finally, the Daily Telegraph has a slideshow of Villas-Boas' potential transfer targets.

Milan Want Carroll

Brace yourselves, Liverpool fans. AC Milan are after your star striker.

Erm, well, that is, they're reportedly interested in Andy Carroll (per The Sun).

Wenger: Keep RvP 'At All Costs'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has ended his silence in the Robin van Persie contract saga, reportedly saying the club must keep their talismanic Dutch striker "at all costs" (per Metro).

Presumably, though, "all costs" doesn't include anything over £130,000 per week in wages.

In other news, Wenger reportedly turned down the chance to become France's next manager (Daily Telegraph).

Shevchenko to Middle East?

Ukrainian forward Andriy Shevchenko has offers to play in the United Arab Emirates, according to a Dynamo Kiev executive (Goal.com).

Shevchenko, 35, retired from international football following Euro 2012. His contract with Dynamo Kiev ran out after the 2011-12 season.

He is also reportedly interested in a move to MLS (Sports Illustrated).

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