Thursday’s transfer rumour gossip.
Liverpool’s bid for former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli, 24, collapsed after AC Milan refused to sanction a ‘good behaviour’ clause in the deal – (Daily Star)
Striker Fernando Torres, 30, could leave Chelsea after they held talks with Roma about a swap deal involving 23-year-old Mattia Destro, regarded as one of the most coveted forwards in Europe – (Times – subscription only)
Arsenal have told Galatasaray they will sell forward Lukas Podolski, 29, but not the Turkish side’s other target, 22-year-old striker Joel Campbell – (Daily Mirror)
Manchester United are considering a bid for Real Madrid’s former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, 32 – (Daily Express)
And United have accelerated negotiations with Real for Angel Di Maria. The 26-year-old Argentine winger could travel to England in the next 48 hours – (Mundodeportivo)