Football Rumours

QPR owner Flavio Briatore said he was part of Bernie Ecclestone's bid to buy Chelsea but missed out to Roman Abramovich. He now says he will take QPR into the Champions League in four years.

The Republic of Ireland are keen to make former Liverpool boss Gerrard Houllier their new coach.

Chelsea's recent £15m recruit Nicolas Anelka has told fellow striker Didier Drogba to stay at the club and not to make the same mistake he did in leaving the Premier League.

Wigan want Motherwell forward Ross McCormack, who has been targeted by Middlesbrough

Rangers boss Walter Smith could move for West Ham's out-of-favour defender Christian Dailly now that Ugo Ehiogu looks set to move to Sheffield United. However, Dailly has already turned down a move back to Scotland for family reasons.

Sunderland want Olivier Kapo from Birmingham but Wigan are also interested in the midfielder.

Portsmouth are set to offload defender Djimi Traore to French side Rennes.

Tottenham's hopes of signing Brazilian striker Fred have been dealt a blow after the club and player failed to agree personal terms.

Spurs boss Juande Ramos signed Russia striker Alexander Kerzhakhov while at Seville and could sign the player - offered to West Ham and Manchester City - again.

Charlton have been told to increase their £1m-plus bid if they want to sign Burnley striker Andy Gray.