World Football Gossip Roundup: Mario Balotelli, Edinson Cavani, Leandro Damiao

The Mario Balotelli saga is only the beginning. This Sunday edition of the B/R World Football Gossip Roundup is packed to the gills with juicy rumors.

As the transfer window heats up, questions abound and gossip is flying in from all quarters.

What's up with Mario Balotelli? Will Manchester City get rid of the Italian and sign a new forward?

Is Didier Drogba ready to return to Europe? And is Luka Modric ready to return to England?

All that and plenty more is inside. Keep reading for all the details.

Manchester City Bid on Edinson Cavani? Mario Balotelli to Leave?

Manchester City have made a £45 million bid for Napoli's Uruguayan forward Edinson Cavani, according to the Sunday People (via Sunday Mirror).

According to the report, City made the bid before Christmas—and thus before Mario Balotelli's reported training ground incident with manager Roberto Mancini. City, however, reportedly want to sell Balotelli for £25 million.

Meanwhile, the Sunday Express reports that Real Madrid could move for City striker Sergio Aguero after the reported breakup of Aguero's marriage to Diego Maradona's daughter.

Juventus Deny Interest in Didier Drogba

Italian champions Juventus have denied interest in signing Ivorian striker Didier Drogba from Shanghai Shenhua (via ESPN FC).

Drogba, 34, joined the Chinese club from Chelsea last summer. Juventus have been linked with both Drogba and Spanish forward Fernando Llorente.

Juve manager Antonio Conte said he has not heard of the club's interest in Drogba:

"

I keep reading about Drogba, but the club never proposed him to me or vice-versa. There are economic parameters to be taken into account. Transfers must be intelligent and low-cost.

Llorente is a Spanish international and has done very well at Bilbao, so he is an appetising prospect. If we have the chance to sign a big player on a free transfer and he chooses us, then good.

"

Tottenham to Bid £15 Million for Leandro Damiao?

Tottenham Hotspur will bid £15 million for Internacional striker Leandro Damiao, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Leandro, 23, has appeared 14 times for Brazil's senior side. He scored six goals at the 2012 Summer Olympics, and Brazil finished runners-up.

Tottenham have previously had bids for Leandro turned down.

Spurs recently concluded a deal to sign German Under-21 international Lewis Holtby from Schalke in the summer. The Leandro bid comes as news emerges that striker Emmanuel Adebayor will play for Togo in this month's African Cup of Nations.

Luka Modric Open to Premier League Return?

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric is reportedly considering a quick return to the English Premier League, according to the Daily Mirror.

Modric, 27, joined Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur for £33 million last summer. He has struggled to hold down a regular starting place in Jose Mourinho's team.

Chelsea and Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing the Croatian international.

Frank Lampard to Stay with Chelsea? Isco Close to Signing?

Chelsea and owner Roman Abramovich are open to allowing 34-year-old midfielder Frank Lampard to stay with the club, according to the Sunday Mirror.

It would be a reversal for the Russian owner, who had previously thought to favor letting Lampard leave the club. The news comes with Chelsea reportedly nearing a deal to sign Spanish attacking midfielder Isco from Málaga for £15 million.

Lampard joined Chelsea in 2001 and is 10 goals short of the club's all-time scoring record.

Goal.com reports that Lampard turned down a three-year offer from Everton. Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also reportedly interested, along with Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Galaxy.

MLS remains Lampard's most likely destination, according to Goal.com.

Manchester United Tracking Sven Bender?

Manchester United are tracking Borussia Dortmund midfielder Sven Bender, according to the Sunday Times (via Daily Mail).

United reportedly see Bender, a 23-year-old German international, as a central-midfield partner for Michael Carrick.

Bender is reportedly valued at £15 million.

Robinho Staying with AC Milan Until Summer?

Brazilian forward Robinho is set to remain with AC Milan until summer after seeing his proposed move to Santos fall apart (via ESPN FC).

Robinho, 28, has said he favors a return to his native Brazil, where he played with Santos from 2002 until 2005. Santos were reportedly unwilling to match Milan's asking price.

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