gosip

CHELSEA GOSSIP

Chelsea will appoint a new manager within the next 24 hours from a shortlist of two - former Blues boss Avram Grant or Russia manager Guus Hiddink. (Sky Sports, 0920 GMT)

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich wants AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti to replace the axed Luiz Felipe Scolari. The Italian has an agreement to leave the San Siro Stadium at the end of the season. (The Sun)

Abramovich is in discussions with the Russian FA for an agreement so Hiddink can continue his duties as national team boss and take over the reins at Stamford Bridge. (Daily Mail)

Roberto Mancini and Frank Rijkaard head the managerial shortlist as Chelsea only want an experienced coach currently out of work, allowing them to take over immediately. (Daily Telegraph, Times)

Scolari's agent says Chelsea's failure to sign Robinho contributed to his downfall. "He wanted Robinho but Chelsea didn't want to spend the money," said Acaz Felleger. (Daily Mail)

Brazil manager Dunga has backed compatriot Scolari to succeed in his next managerial post. (Guardian, Daily Star)

PORTSMOUTH GOSSIP

Portsmouth are lining up former England and Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson to replace Tony Adams at Fratton Park. (Various)

Ex-Chelsea boss Avram Grant and Alan Curbishley, the bookmakers' favourites, do not figure prominently in Portsmouth owner Alexandre Gaydamak's thoughts. (Daily Telegraph)

Curblishey's ambitions could be complicated by a legal wrangle with former club West Ham, whom he is suing for £1.5m. (Guardian)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce will have £9m-rated Austria striker Marc Janko, who plays for Red Bull Salzburg, watched against Sweden on Wednesday. (Daily Mirror)

OTHER FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs should be knighted. (The Sun)

Rio Ferdinand wants England to emulate Manchester United's defence prowess. (Daily Star)

Arsenal and Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas says Fabio Capello has turned England into genuine World Cup contenders after getting them to play like Italy. (Daily Mirror, Express)

Club team-mate Robin van Persie says Arsenal are not scoring enough goals. (The Sun)

Liverpool striker Andrey Voronin, currently on loan at Hertha Berlin, says he would go back to Anfield to ease the striker crisis after the departure of Robbie Keane. (Various)

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce is backing keeper Paul Robinson to become England's number one once again, despite missing out on Fabio Capello's squad to face Spain. (Express)