Heard any rumors? Let us know by adding a comment at the bottom of the page or check out CNN’s guide to the 20 most wanted football players:

The 24-hour deadline is ticking down for this man, but we are not talking about Jack Bauer. Barcelona superstar Samuel Eto'o has been given a time limit by Manchester City to decide whether he will suit up for them. According to The Mirror, the club has become impatient waiting for Eto'o to make up his mind so have imposed a deadline to try and force the deal. Two weeks ago City offered Eto'o a $325,000-a-week paycheck – will the Cameroon star be tempted?

The countdown begins for Eto'o - will he make a move before time runs out?.

Aside from their Eto'o issues, Barcelona have realized they might also be in a race against time if they ever want to sign Cesc Fabregas. The Spanish sensation, who has a price tag of $65m, is still at the top of Barca's list, claims The Sun, but if they do not move quickly, rivals Real Madrid may swoop in for the kill. It seems Los Merengues still need a competent midfielder to run the show. Can the Blaugranes overshadow Real's dazzling lights?

On the high-speed train to France now, where a Stade Rennais player is mulling over his future – to remain in France or move to England is the question. Stephane Mbia is asking himself today after L'Equipe reveals the Cameroonian has been been offered a deal from Marseille for $17m, but now Stoke City want to derail the move. The amount, according to The Daily Mail, is a club record bid of $10m. Can Tony Pulis lure the youngster to the Potters or will Marseille fight back?

By hopping Bauer-style onto a power boat across the Ligurian Sea, the next stop is Italy, where Milan's deal to sign Brazilian Luis Fabiano inches closer. From the Tuttosport pages, Fabiano's price tag has gone down to $25m while Milan have raised their bid to $24m. After losing out on Edin Dzeko, the Rossoneri hope that this transfer will be a definite one.

Finally, the football spies at The Daily Telegraph report that Barcelona are hatching a plot to restructure their much-vaunted attack by signing the coveted pair of Franck Ribery of Bayern Munich and David Villa of Valencia.

By tapping up sources close to the club, the newspaper has learned of coach Pep Guardiola's plot to sign the pair to play alongside Lionel Messi.

It is thought Barcelona would pay $35 million plus Alexander Hleb or Eidur Gudjohnsen for Ribery. Barcelona would need to sell to fund these moves, with Samuel Eto'o being the most likely departure, either to Chelsea or Manchester City.

The strikes that have seen around 70,000 workers down tools at the 2010 World Cup stadium construction sites in South Africa have made news around the world.

With Bhekani Ngcobo, the negotiator for the body that represents many of the disgruntled labor force – the National Union of Miners (NUM) – suggesting that unless pay is increased the unrest could enter the "Guinness Book of Records" as the longest strike ever, storm clouds are seemingly gathering.

Workers strike in front of the unfinished Soccer City stadium in Soweto.

Of course, concerns regarding Africa's ability to host an international tournament of the size and scope of the World Cup have always been evident, ever since the "Rainbow Nation" were announced as hosts of the 19th edition back in 2004.

And the regular news of strife between workers and organizers plays well into an ongoing theme with many media outlets of trials and tribulations holding sway over triumph in the build-up to kick off. Do you agree? Add your comment below.

However, though the discontented workers could throw a major spanner in the building works, the recent news is in danger of overshadowing a growing optimism and confidence in a country that will invite the world's football fans to its shores come June 2010.

The recent Confederations Cup was deemed a success by Sepp Blatter, the president of world football's governing body FIFA, who gave the event a 7.5 out of 10 in terms of fulfilling the expectations laid down prior to the event. Blatter said in a press conference at the end of the tournament that his faith in awarding the finals to South Africa had been "more than justified."

It seems this feeling was reflected on the ground too. Editor of Sowetan Soccer magazine, Mo Allie, told CNN: "FIFA gave us a good mark because they were very happy with the turnout – and on average it worked out that 35,000 attended each game which was a better figure than when the event was held in Germany.

"Tickets were bought up by big sponsors and many of the matches finished late – but despite this people realized there was fantastic action at the ground if they went down to watch, and fans turned up.

"Football has always been a prominent sport in South Africa, especially with the big teams like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates – but the great thing with the Confederations Cup was the mix of the crowds that attended, all ages and races, which is not something that is always found in other sports.

"The biggest change has been with the attitude towards the national team. Prior to the Confederations Cup there was widespread skepticism about how they would perform, but good performances against New Zealand, Spain and Brazil turned heads – they gave a good account of themselves and many people now believe Bafana Bafana have a fighting chance of getting past the group stages come the finals," Allie added.

"Transport and accommodation are still big logistical factors that need to be sorted. There is a park and ride system that did not work as well as it might, some drivers didn't know the way, buses weren't always on time. There were also many roadworks around the stadiums which led to a lot of delays, but in a way it was really good to have the Confederations Cup a year before the World Cup because it highlighted what shortcomings remain."

Such sentiments were echoed by the chief executive of the local organizing committee Danny Jordaan. Though it would be bizarre for a man in such a position to be anything other than optimistic, it is hard to argue that South Africa has successfully staged some major sporting events in recent months.

"In terms of scale and complexity, the World Cup is very different to the Confederations Cup and we are therefore already well advanced in planning for the extra demands. However, the success of the Confederations Cup is confirmation that we as a country can host major events. Look at the British Lions rugby tour and the Indian Premier League cricket tournament which we hosted successfully, and now also the FIFA Confederations Cup. It's a good boost for our country," Jordaan told a post-tournament press conference.

Undoubtedly, there are many challenges to be met before the World Cup party can start in earnest, but South Africa could yet prove many critics wrong.

Heard any rumors? Let us know by adding a comment at the bottom of the page or check out CNN’s guide to the 20 most wanted football players:

Desperation is the name of the game today, as The Daily Star reports Barcelona will accept less than their asking price for Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o. By taking the $40m from Manchester City, Pep Guardiola could then swoop to sign Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal.

Pep Guardiola wants to bring Casc Fabregas back to Barcelona.

With a budget of $81m, Barca hope Arsene Wenger will not refuse the bid. If he does, some incentive might be added to sweeten the deal, Yaya Toure may get the chance to play alongside big brother Kolo.

Sticking with Barca it seems the Catalan's failed attempts to grab Felipe Luis could now put Andre Santos in-line for a move to the Camp Nou; although Milan, Juventus and Roma will have to be fought off.

Spanish paper Sport says that after Santos's impressive work at the Confederations Cup, the Corinthians' player would not think twice about making a move to Europe.

Back over in England, Alex Ferguson is looking to add a man of notable talent and scoring abilities. According to The Daily Mirror, the Red Devils want to bring Inter Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the Premier League, but the task may prove to be a trikcy. Priced at $48m, the Italian giants may be reluctant in giving up such a valuable asset. However, they might be persuaded, if say, the right amount came knocking on their door.

Chelsea wants another Iberian innovator, but only if they can offload two other players from Portugal. The Daily Express report that the Blues want to bring in Bruno Alves from Porto in a deal worth $27m.

But this will only happen by sending some other players packing, namely Deco and Ricardo Carvalho to Inter; however, the Big Grass Snake is not biting at the $24m sale price. Despite Inter's interest wavering, the London giants see it only as a tactic to bring the price down.

Cristiano Ronaldo's new Real Madrid shirt sold out at the club store on Tuesday. A total of three thousand strips gone in one day. Hundreds were also reported stolen.

"Ronaldomania" is at fever pitch in the Spanish capital and is showing no signs of relenting as his first training session approaches on Friday. Fans of all ages have been captivated by the arrival of the most galactico of all galacticos.

Move over The Beatles, here's Ronaldo.

The screams and shrieks heard at CR9's (the nickname that stands for Cristiano Ronaldo number nine) unveiling on Tuesday surely rivaled the rapturous response The Beatles experienced while at their peak in the 1960s. I am too young to have been at any of their concerts, but I gather the hysteria was simply overwhelming.

At the Bernabeu, hysteria was in the building. I even saw fans running onto the pitch and dodging past security, trying to touch Cristiano as he walked by. For a rock star maybe, but for a footballer?

What really impressed me on Tuesday was Cristiano's composure in the face of the chaos which surrounded him. He never stopped smiling or waving, even as supporters crowded and pushed around him in search of an autograph or a handshake.

He took it all in, and then was also calm enough in the press conference to answer multiple questions in Portuguese, Spanish and English, about his footballing skills and personal life.

- Shouldn't you get a girlfriend?
- How will you resist temptation?
- What about the paparazzi?

Not questions you hear every day at a normal football presser, but then again, this is not a normal footballer. Instead of showing impatience of frustration, Ronaldo smiled and answered calmly.

He said there is time for everything in life and he plans on having fun as long as it doesn't interfere with his job. He added he likes to stay at home and will try to stay away from the limelight as much as possible.

Sadly for him, that won't be possible. Every move will be watched, every word studied. The best he can do is concentrate on the job at hand, and that is helping Real Madrid on the field to become a force to be reckoned with. That is why the club spent a world record transfer fee to bring him to the Bernabeu.

Then again, if they sell a few more thousand shirts and tickets, they won't complain. The club has to strike while the iron is hot. And it could not be any hotter at the moment.

Heard any rumors? Let us know by adding a comment at the bottom of the page or check out CNN’s guide to the 20 most wanted football players:

And so the mighty have fallen. Or so The Guardian claims, as Real Madrid have ended their courtship of Frenchman Franck Ribery. Last night the Spanish giants revealed the Bayern Munich man's price tag was too rich for their blood, giving their competitors the thumbs up to move in for the kill.

Ribery rumors refuse to recede. Alliteration is alive and kicking on the gossip blog.

Chelsea have seen the invitation and R.S.V.P'd, for the Blues, who still have Wesley Sneijder on their radar, but want in on the Ribery party.  For Madrid, this just means they can focus on capturing their other big target Xabi Alonso, who has a sale price of $56m.

The Independent, of course, disagree entirely claiming that Los Merengues are in fact backing out of signing Alonso.  It seems Madrid's sporting director Jorge Valdano does not see the Spaniard fitting within their budget, which must be putting a smile on Rafa Benitez's face.

Valdono says: "Liverpool have adopted a position that is making it very difficult for us and right now we can see ourselves distancing ourselves from the player." As for nabbing their desired Frenchman, it seems Real have pulled the same trick they did with 'Ronaldo' – the club has an agreement with Bayern Munich that Ribery will make the move to Bernabeu next summer.

Chelsea has one angry captain on their hands today. The face of the Blue John Terry is red with anger that his club has not spoken to him about Manchester City's $48m bid last week, claims the always reliable source, The Sun. Despite being a key component to the club, he feels there is a lack of respect to himself and apparently his bank account too. Terry earns $32,000-a-week less than his teammate Frank Lampard. Could Manchester City sway him to their side if they dangle the right amount of money?

From English rags to Spanish newspapers, where reports from AS say Atletico Madrid may lose out on capturing Eduardo Salvio to an Old Lady and a Big Grass Snake. Juventus and Inter Milan have caught sight of the Argentine prodigy and his agent is in north Italy to hear some potential offers for his client. This spells bad news for Atletico since they do not seem to have the cash for the youngster's transfer fee.

They have lost Karim Benzema, Juninho and Kader Keita, now they might lose Kim Kallstrom. French paper L'Equipe reveals that Olympique Lyon have received interest in the Swedish player from Olympiakos. The Greeks are willing to pay $8m for the international, but Kallstrom's contract does not end until June 2010. However, if the trend continues, the right offer will come and the player will go packing.

Heard any rumors? Let us know by adding a comment at the bottom of the page or check out CNN’s guide to the 20 most wanted football players:

Samuel Eto'o's departure from Barcelona has been a hot topic over the last few weeks and the momentum shows no signs of abating. Now AC Milan are keen to sign the Cameroon hot-shot after vice-president Andriano Galliani has admitted to the club's Web site the African is still top of the Rossoneri's shopping list. Eto'o's contract runs out in a year's time.

Eto'o could be Milan bound according to Milan chairman Galliani.

Elsewhere, the hunt is back on for Manchester United. Alex Ferguson could be about to splash some of his new-found wealth on Real Madrid's Klaas Jan Huntelaar. The Sun reports that United will put in a $32m bid for the Dutchman, who has been left out in the cold following Los Merengues' purchase of the three “galactico” musketeers of Kaka, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Could Ronaldo’s official unveiling last night spell the end for Huntelaar's stay at the Bernabeu?

Meanwhile, the new boss of Stamford Bridge, Carlo Ancelotti is looking to add a little Dutch flavor to his bland English fare. After revealing to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich that his club is a bit boring, the Italian maestro has been given the OK to bring in some "creative" players, or so The Daily Telegraph claims. The one that has caught his eye is Wesley Sneijder of Real Madrid, but that is only if Franck Ribery cannot be persuaded to join the Blues.

Switching gears, let's move to Spain, where David Villa has decided to take a calmer approach to get what he wants. The Valencia striker will discuss his future and try to push for a move to his boyhood club Barcelona by meeting with Vicente Soriano, who recently regained control of the club.

El Mundo Deportivo reveals that even though Soriano promised Villa last year he could leave if the right offer came, it seems he might be going back on his word. Will Soriano muster the courage to dip his toe in the transfer market waters?

Over in Italy, it is the battle of the Laziale, as both Roma and Lazio duel it out for free agent Julio Cruz. According to Il Corriere Dello Sport, the Giallorossi are shopping for a new striker who can find the back of the net, and it seems Cruz fits that profile to a tee. However, both clubs will have to relieve themselves of some extra weight if they want to fit Cruz into their squad.

Finally, midfielder Seyi Olofinjana might have to pull out his shades if he makes a move from weather beaten Stoke to fun-in-the-sun Monaco . According to L'Equipe, the French side have put down an offer of $5m for the Nigerian, who seems pleased by the interest. Paris Saint Germain and Marseilles have also revealed their interest in the Potter boy, but for the moment Olofinjana seems content to stick around in England with coach Tony Pulis and the boys.

Heard any rumors? Let us know by adding a comment at the bottom of the page or check out CNN’s guide to the 20 most wanted football players:

Another day, another rumor – and this morning it appears John Terry, despite his club asserting otherwise last week, could be wearing a lighter shade of blue soon, as a hefty $65m has been thrown in Chelsea's direction to capture the England captain.

Could Chelsea main-man Terry be upping-sticks for Manchester City?

Word from the rumor mills of The Daily Star, say that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will not be raising the skipper's $226,000-a-week paycheck, which would allowing the billionaires at Manchester City to wedge their foot in the door.

If Terry decides to join recent signings Santa Cruz and Gareth Barry at Eastlands it could make City's ambitions of breaking into the top four of the Premier League more realistic, but will Chelsea cut the umbilical cord that's been attached since 1998?

New boss Carlo Ancelotti finally takes to his Stamford Bridge throne today and top of his tasks-to-do-now-king-list will be to resolve this very issue according to The Guardian. Is Terry worth holding onto or should the Blues cash in their chips? Let us know your thoughts by adding a comment below.

Also being slapped with a $65m price tag is well-known Spaniard Cesc Fabregas, so says British tabloid The Sun.

Arsenal have finally named their price for the diminutive midfield dynamo and are now sitting back to see if Real Madrid and Barcelona will put their money where there mouth is.

The paper goes on to say that Gunners' boss Arsene Wenger is in need of some fast cash to help strengthen his title-starved squad for the coming campaign. Last week Barcelona revealed their interest in the Spanish international, but if they want to bring him home they will have to battle it out with their Madrid-based rivals who have a seemingly endless supply of the dollar bills.

Elsewhere there are reports from El Mundo Deportivo in Spain say that Florentino Perez is looking to add a dash of American to his Spanish paella of playing talent.

After helping his side to knock Spain out of the Confederations Cup, Oguchi Onyewu will become the fall back plan if Real Madrid are unsuccessful in signing Alvaro Arbeloa. The U.S. international's contract expired last month, so the transfer would not cost president Perez a penny, plus Los Merengues hope bringing Onyewu would help them tap into the large North American market.

Finally, it seems a little confession is in order today, as Franck Ribery speaks to German newspaper TZ about the frenzy surrounding his proposed transfer.

Ribery wants fans to know that he is committed to Bayern Munich, but if offers come knocking on his door, they would be discussed before any rash decisions are made. There it is ladies and gentlemen. Word straight from the horse's mouth. But is it all just a ruse to calm the growing storm?

Heard any rumors? Let us know by adding a comment at the bottom of the page or check out CNN’s guide to the 20 most wanted football players:

Just when you thought transfer speculation could not get any more far-fetched, news circulates today that Michael Owen – man of many injuries, relegated from the English Premier League with Newcastle United and now out of contract, is having a medical with domestic champions Manchester United.

Will Owen complete one of the most surprising transfers of the close season by joining Manchester United?

It seems the brochure Owen produced to garner interest from top-flight clubs  has been a hit with Old Trafford supremo Alex Ferguson, who is keen to bring in a striker after losing out on both Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema.

The rumor has been reported widely by the British press. Do you think it is a good move for Manchester United? Add your comment below.

The Guardian call the potential move "astonishing" adding that Owen, who had recently been linked with Stoke City and Hull City had been "written off in many quarters as a has-been" but could complete one of the most "unexpected transfers" of the close season.

The Daily Telegraph confirms the rumor saying that despite his strong links with arch-rivals Liverpool, the 29-year-old would "welcome a move to United" because it would give him the chance to prove himself at Champions League level and also bolster his chances of regaining his place in England head coach Fabio Capello's plans for the 2010 World Cup finals.

Elsewhere, The Times rams home the unexpected nature of the move by pointing out that Owen, who joined the ranks of the unemployed on Wednesday, when his contract at Newcastle expired, had been very concerned about a lack of interest in his signature after his former club Liverpool showed no desire to sign him, and Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce had said Owen was too injury prone.

Meanwhile, The Sun calls the move the "biggest gamble of Ferguson's career." The paper adds that the manager who "likes a flutter" considered signing the veteran striker in the January transfer window but has now thought again. Can he resurrect Owen's career as he did with Eric Cantona, Laurent Blanc, Teddy Sheringham and Henrik Larsson? If Owen does sign it will be for a 50 percent pay cut according to the paper.

It looks like Fergie is keen to tie up another deal as well to ensure goals continue to flow next season. Sevilla's 28-year-old Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano is on the shopping list for a fee of $26m, though the Red Devils will have to fight off competition from AC Milan who are keen to replace Kaka.
Daily Mirror

The rumors around Franck Ribery’s departure from Bayern Munich continue to do the rounds. After reporting the French winger’s intentions to leave the Bundesliga to join Real Madrid on Thursday L’Equipe have followed this today with news that Ribery left early from training with his teammates yesterday. Divorce seems likely the newspaper suggests and who are we to argue?

The transfer window that operates during the close season of the European football calendar is a period of fervent business in the buying and selling of some of the world’s most talented players. Goalmouth will keep you up-to-date with the latest spin from the transfer markets until deadline day of August 31.

The transfer window that operates during the close season of the European football calendar is a period of fervent business in the buying and selling of some of the world’s most talented players. Goalmouth will keep you up-to-date with the latest spin from the transfer markets until deadline day of August 31.

Heard any rumors? Let us know by adding a comment at the bottom of the page or check out CNN’s guide to the 20 most wanted football players:

The topic that's getting all tongues wagging today are the reported statements from Franck Ribery that, contrary to the apparent wishes of his club Bayern Munich, the French winger wants to leave Germany to join Real Madrid.

Ribery has made his intentions clear according to L'Equipe

Despite Real adding to their increasingly star-studded squad with compatriot Karim Benzema in the last 24-hours it seems Ribery is optimistic of money still being available to facilitate his move.

L'Equipe report the 26-year-old winger told them in no-uncertain terms he wants out: "It is decided. I wish to leave and it is Real or nothing."

Despite such assertions from the player Chelsea are refusing to give up their chase of  Ribery and plan a last-ditch raid to capture the French-flyer. It is thought the Blues will have to spend $75m to ease the grip of the Bavarian club, according to Daily Mail

The arrival of Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti in London has still yet to happen, and for a very good reason according to British tabloid The Sun.

It seems the wheeler-dealer has some business to tie up before heading for London, namely securing the signature of striker Alexandre Pato with whom he worked at AC Milan. The Rossoneri have priced the Brazil sensation at $65m which may test Chelsea's purse power.

El Mundo Deportivo have news of more imminent moves in Spain. The collapse of Real's pursuit of David Villa has opened to the door to their rivals Barcelona.

"I only want to go to Barca," Villa told Barcelona's technical director Txiqui Begiristain at a secret meeting, the Catalan sports paper said.

Barcelona, which won a unique treble of league, Spanish cup and European Champions League trophies last season, is ready to offer Villa contract of four or five years.

It looks like AC Milan want a man famous for his 'robot dance' goal celebration. The Milan giants are being realistic that Edin Dzeko will be staying in the Bundesliga and that Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor may not move, hence the new target is Portsmouth's Peter Crouch.

According to the Italian television network Studio Sport, the man with the dancing shoes will likely leave but is waiting to see who will be appointed the new manager before making his final decision.

The final destination is Spain, where AS reports are that Milan could snatch up Klaas-Jan Huntelaar as Real clear out the old to make space for the new; which means good news for the Milanistas.

Huntelaar could join on a loan deal, with the Rossoneri having the choice of signing him at the end of the season for around $24m. Stay glued to this blog to see if this deal comes through within the next few days.

The transfer window that operates during the close season of the European football calendar is a period of fervent business in the buying and selling of some of the world’s most talented players. Goalmouth will keep you up-to-date with the latest spin from the transfer markets until deadline day of August 31.

Heard any rumors? Let us know by adding a comment at the bottom of the page or check out CNN’s guide to the 20 most wanted football players:

In a bizarre twist of fate it seems Jose Mourinho wants to be reunited with William Gallas despite famously falling out with the France defender when both men were in England at Chelsea.

Have Mourinho and Gallas buried the hatchet to seal a transfer to Inter?

L’Equipe is adamant that with just one year left on his Arsenal contract a move to the Nerrazzuri is on the cards for the fiery stopper.

Despite Cesc Fabregas reasserting his desire to stay at Arsenal, The Daily Star says the player's bluffing because in fact a $58 million move to Barcelona is going down. It seems it all comes down to money, at this point, and if it can talk loud enough the player may return to his former club.

Real Madrid remain good as ever for fresh gossip with Marca relaying inside knowledge that Karim Benzema will be Bernabeu-bound. The Spanish giants have raised their bid from $45 million to $49 million to push the move through. Looks like the tug-of-war between Los Blancos and Manchester United will continue throughout this transfer season, who will slip first?

La Gazzetta Dello Sport are also reporting on activity at the San Siro with Inter now refusing to pay more than $8m for the purchase of Portuguese duo Ricardo Carvalho and Deco despite Chelsea's higher valuations.

British newspaper The Sun brings good tidings for Everton fans with speculation that Brazil forward Jo will be back with club on another season-long loan from money-bags Manchester City.

Elsewhere, South Africa striker Benni McCarthy is worried that a lack of starts for Blackburn Rovers could jeopardize his chances of appearing for Bafana Bafana at next year's World Cup – consequently a move from the English Premier League to Spanish side Celta Vigo is in his mind according to the Daily Mirror

Ending this rumor day in Germany, Bild reveals that Bayern Munich midfielder Ze Roberto has failed to agree terms with his club and could be on his way to another Bundesliga club.

Despite having offers from Major League Soccer and the United Arab Emirates, it looks like Hamburg may get the golden one in a two-year contract. The Brazilian, who has continuously proven he is still a world-class midfielder, was only offered a one-year contract extension by Bayern.