The Screamer... It's the talk of football

As Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez put the finishing touches to new contracts for Xabi Alonso, Pepe Reina and Momo Sissoko, he was bracing himself for a £9million bid for frontrunner Bellamy.

Scroll down to read more:

West Ham boss Alan Curbishley has a high regard for Bellamy and is ready to see off competition from Aston Villa and Blackburn by offering terms of £70,000 a week.

Bellamy, however, has told friends he would relish another chance at Newcastle although the £9m fee and Mark Viduka's switch to St James' Park could have put paid to his dreams.

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has sold his 29 per cent stake to billionaire Mike Ashley, who is aiming to take sole control of the club while leaving the current board in place.

Hughes joins Fulham

Lawrie Sanchez has added another Northern Ireland player to his list of Fulham transfer targets — Aston Villa defender Aaron Hughes.

The ex-Northern Ireland boss, who wants Southampton full-back Chris Baird, is also maintaining an interest in Leeds striker David Healy.

Sugar walks away

Sir Alan Sugar has ended his financial links with Tottenham by agreeing to sell his 12 per cent of shares to majority stakeholders ENIC for £25million.

ENIC, whose managing director Daniel Levy is chairman of the club, will increase their stake in the club to 66 per cent.

Madrid talk to Robben

Real Madrid claim they have started talks with Arjen Robben, which could re-open wounds in Chelsea's hierarchy.

Real president Ramon Calderon said negotiations had been opened with Chelsea and the Holland winger, although the club rejected this.

Boss Jose Mourinho would sell but scouting duo Frank Arnesen and Piet de Visser are fiercely pro-Robben.

Pique will fit

Real Zaragoza are preparing a £6million bid for Manchester United's Spanish defender Gerard Pique.

The 20-year-old has enjoyed a successful season on loan at Zaragoza but was expected to return to United, who rejected a £4m offer for him last season.

Cahill fit for Oz

Tim Cahill, out since breaking a metatarsal at Sheffield United on March 3, has been given the all-clear to play in next month's Asian Cup for Australia.

The Everton midfielder will not be risked in a warm-up match but will figure in the first game against Oman on July 8.

City backer wants to buy stadium

Thai billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra plans to follow his £120million takeover at Manchester City by bidding for their state-of- the-art Eastlands Stadium, which is owned by the council.

One of City's managerial candidates, Sevilla coach Juande Ramos, is expected to sign a contract extension until 2010 with the Spanish club on Monday.