World Football Gossip Roundup: Daniele De Rossi, Willian, Nani, Rio Ferdinand

We've saved the best for last in this Thursday edition of the B/R World Football Gossip Roundup.

At the top of the queue, we have updates on Daniele De Rossi (do Manchester City have a rival suitor for his signature now?), Willian (he's leaving Shakhtar, right?) and Nani (he's leaving Manchester United, right?).

We also have the latest on Rio Ferdinand's handshaking habits.

Those are a bunch of appetizers. Read on to the end for the main course.

Hint: It's Mario Balotelli's latest misadventure.

Daniele De Rossi to Real Madrid?

Real Madrid have reportedly taken the lead in the race to sign Italian midfielder Daniele De Rossi, according to talkSPORT.

De Rossi, 29, has reportedly clashed with AS Roma manager Zdenek Zeman in recent weeks. Manchester City have maintained long-term interest, but Real Madrid now appear set to make a January bid.

De Rossi has spent his entire senior career with Roma.

Willian Ready to Move On?

Brazilian midfielder Willian wants to leave Shakhtar Donetsk. Premier League clubs Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested (via Daily Telegraph).

Willian, 24, impressed in Shakhtar's 2-1 home win over Chelsea on Tuesday. Since then, he has reiterated his desire to move on.

"

I would like to move from Shakhtar, my work here is complete. I’ve already made it clear to everyone I want to go. I would like to play in a big team in a big tournament, like the Premier League or Serie A. I like Chelsea, AC Milan and Inter.

"

Chelsea reportedly tried to sign Willian over the summer but failed with an £11.8 million offer. Shakhtar reportedly value Willian around £25 million.

Nani: Only God Knows If I'm Staying

Nani has cast fresh doubt on his future with Manchester United, saying, "Only God knows what awaits me" (via The Sun).

Nani, 25, joined United from Sporting Lisbon in 2007. Zenit St. Petersburg reportedly tried to sign him in the summer (via Daily Mail), while Juventus are thought to be interested in a move next summer.

Rio Ferdinand Willing to Shake Hands?

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is reportedly willing to shake hands with Chelsea's John Terry and Ashley Cole before Sunday's match between the teams (via Daily Mirror).

Rumors earlier this week had suggested Ferdinand would not shake Cole's hand. Terry is suspended for the match as he continues to serve a four-game ban for racially abusing Ferdinand's brother Anton (via Daily Mail).

Mario Balotelli Snubbed by Nicki Minaj?

American rapper Nicki Minaj reportedly snubbed Mario Balotelli after a recent concert in Manchester (via The Sun).

Balotelli had reportedly asked for a meet-up after the concert, but Minaj canceled because she was tired.

A Sun source said: “Mario was gutted. He’s a big fan and turned up with gifts along with his other Man City team-mates."

Instead of meeting Balotelli, Minaj reportedly snacked on an order of Nando's.

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