World Football Gossip Roundup: Modric, Lewandowski, Jordi Alba, Beckham, Blanc

Michael Cummings@MikeCummings37X.com LogoWorld Football Lead WriterJune 8, 2012

World Football Gossip Roundup: Modric, Lewandowski, Jordi Alba, Beckham, Blanc

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    With Euro 2012 kicking off literally hours from now, the gossip takes a much-deserved break from the limelight today.

    Make no mistake, though. There's still gossip to be digested, starting with a reported deal to send Tottenham's Luka Modric to Manchester United.

    Elsewhere, UEFA will not take action over an ugly incident during a Netherlands training session in Krakow, and Laurent Blanc joins the chorus of voices doubting Roy Hodgson's motives.

    All the details are inside.

Modric to United?

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    Luka Modric is on his way to Manchester United in a £25 million deal, according to The Sun.

    In an exclusive, Neil Custis writes that Modric, 26, will sign a four-year, £26 million deal. The transfer fee could rise to £30 based on incentives.

    Just last summer, Tottenham rejected a £40 million bid for Modric from Chelsea, according to The Independent.

    In other United news, the Daily Mail reports that the Red Devils have agreed on a £3 million fee to sign 18-year-old Chilean forward Angelo Henriquez.

Lewandowski Too?

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    Poland manager Franciszek Smuda has said Poland and Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski (pictured) is "going to Manchester United," according to several reports.

    Also, Smuda has said Poland and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jakub Blaszczykowski is moving "somewhere in England."

    The Guardian quotes Smuda as saying: "In my opinion, in a moment they will be gone from Borussia Dortmund. Lewy is going to Manchester United, Jakub also somewhere in England, Lukasz Piszczek to Real Madrid. They have a goal and they want to grow."

Alba Talks Postponed?

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    Any potential deal to take Jordi Alba from Valencia to Barcelona will have to wait for now.

    According to El Economista (cited by Goal.com), Valencia president Manuel Llorente has postponed a meeting with Barcelona. The meeting reportedly would have dealt with the potential transfer of Alba.

    According to the article, Valencia want €15 million for Alba, who can play as a left back or left midfielder.

    Alba, 23, has earned five senior caps with Spain.

Magpies Want Kalou?

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    Salomon Kalou is out of contract with Chelsea, and a number of clubs are said to be interested in the Ivorian's services.

    The latest is Newcastle, according to talkSPORT.

    Citing sources close to the player, talkSPORT reports that Kalou is interested in "offers from across Europe," possibly including one from Schalke.

Ramirez Ready for a "Big Club"

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    Uruguayan midfielder Gaston Ramirez wants to play for a "big club" but is willing to stay with Bologna, according to Goal.com.

    Inter Milan and Manchester City are though to be interested in Ramirez, 21, but Goal.com reports that Bologna want €20 million for him.

Beckham for Great Britain?

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    Iconic English midfielder David Beckham will represent Great Britain at the 2012 Summer Olympics, according to a Daily Mail exclusive.

    Beckham, 37, would be one of Great Britain's three over-age players. All others must be under the age of 23.

UEFA to Take No Action

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    UEFA will take no action over alleged racial abuse directed at black players on the Netherlands' national team.

    According to The Guardian, UEFA officials said there are "no plans" to investigate an incident that occurred during the team's training session in Krakow.

    The report quotes Dutch captain Mark van Bommel (pictured) as calling the incident "a real disgrace."

Blanc Surprised by Rio Snub

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    Finally, another famous name has joined the long list of people weighing in on Roy Hodgson's exclusion of Rio Ferdinand from the England squad.

    According to the Daily Telegraph, France manager Laurent Blanc was "surprised" by the decision.

    Of course, this might be a case of mind games on the part of the French manager.

    "I know Rio Ferdinand well and it's true that it looks from my point of view that the choice not to pick him is not a footballing choice," said Blanc.

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