World Football Gossip Roundup: Eden Hazard, Joleon Lescott, Theo Walcott

What do you really want, footballers?

That's the question of the day in this Tuesday edition of the B/R World Football Gossip Roundup.

Chelsea's Eden Hazard has admitted he was tempted by Tottenham at one point. Meanwhile, Manchester City's Joleon Lescott and Arsenal's Theo Walcott reportedly want to stick around their respective clubs a while longer.

All that and more reside inside today's roundup. Read on for all the details.

Eden Hazard 'Tempted' by Tottenham Before Joining Chelsea

Eden Hazard was "tempted" by a move to Tottenham over the summer before he signed with Chelsea (via Daily Telegraph).

"It's true that Tottenham tempted me because it was a young team which was third in the league," Hazard said. "Unfortunately, the end of the season did not go well. They did not reach the Champions League, which tipped the balance."

Hazard, a 21-year-old Belgium international midfielder/forward, signed with Chelsea from Lille in May, in a deal worth a reported £32 million (via The Guardian).

Joleon Lescott Open to New Manchester City Contract

Joleon Lescott worries about his future with Manchester City but would like to sign a new contract with the English champions, according to The Sun.

Lescott, 30, joined Manchester City from Everton in 2009. He is an England international defender with 23 caps.

Lescott was not selected to start matches against Liverpool and Real Madrid but said he hopes to remain with City for the rest of his career.

“I’ve played, been left out. It’s happened before during my career and I’m ready for the fight. …“I’ve got this season and one more. I’d love to extend it and finish my career here."

Lescott returned to the starting lineup Sunday against Arsenal and scored a goal.

Inter Milan Keeping Tabs on Bacary Sagna?

Inter Milan are planning a bid for Bacary Sagna next summer if the French full-back does not sign a new deal with Arsenal (via Daily Mirror).

Sagna, 29, voiced frustration with Arsenal's transfer policy earlier this season. His current contract runs through the 2013-14 season.

The Mirror does not list a potential transfer fee.

Theo Walcott Wants to Stay with Arsenal?

In other Arsenal news, winger Theo Walcott wants to stay with the club, according to The Sun.

Walcott's current deal runs out at the end of the season, and he has not signed on to Arsenal's new offer, which is reportedly worth £75,000 per week. That has prompted speculation over his future, but the England international has said he wants to remain with the North London club.

"

I have always wanted to stay. Hopefully, something can be agreed. But it takes time, it is one of these things that is not going to happen overnight. I’ve got to be patient. This summer there were other opportunities to go, so if it was about money I would have gone.

"

The report says Walcott will be allowed to speak with other clubs starting in January.

Rio Ferdinand Would Consider England Return with John Terry Out

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand would consider a return to the England team following the international retirement of John Terry (via The Guardian).

Ferdinand, 33, was left out of Roy Hodgson's Euro 2012 squad this past summer, with Hodgson claiming the decision was due to "footballing reasons." Terry, 31, is involved in an ongoing racism controversy with Ferdinand's brother, Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand.

Terry was scheduled for a hearing Monday with the Football Association over the incident. Meanwhile, he has lost his endorsement deal with Umbro, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Wayne Rooney Could Return on Wednesday

Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney could return from injury for Wednesday's Capital One Cup match against Newcastle United (via Daily Mail).

Rooney, 26, has not played since suffering a leg gash in United's win over Fulham on Aug. 25. He was also tipped for a return in Sunday's match against Liverpool (via ESPN FC), but he ended up not playing.

Wembley Final for Euro 2020?

The Football Association has proposed Wembley as a potential site for the Euro 2020 final (via The Independent).

If the proposal is accepted, one or both semifinals might also be played in London.

UEFA president Michel Platini has expressed interest in having multiple countries across Europe host Euro 2020, rather than one or two countries.

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