Football Rumours

Watford midfielder Al Bangura has won his appeal to stay in Britain after being awarded a work permit.

England will begin their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign under new coach Fabio Capello against international minnows Andorra on 6 September.

Spurs, are ready to move for Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing.

Colchester will complete the signing of Walsall left-back Daniel Fox for £350,000.

Manchester United are facing sub-zero temperatures on their 'sunshine break' to Saudi Arabia next week after the Gulf was hit by a severe cold snap.

Superstitious Cristiano Ronaldo keeps a pre-match ritual of getting his hair cut for fear of jinxing his scoring run.

Martin Laursen has revealed he expects to sign to sign a new contract at Aston Villa.

Keith Briggs (Stockport -> Shrewsbury (non-contract))

James Walker (Charlton -> Southend (£200,000))

Miguel Tininho (West Brom -> Barnsley (loan))

Leroy Griffiths (Fisher -> Gillingham (undisclosed amount))

Leon Cort (Crystal Palace - Stoke City, £1.2m)

QPR owner Flavio Briatore has presented each of the club's players with a £3,000 watch as a special thank-you present for their recent good form.

The Special One could be back. Jose Mourinho wants to succeed Rafa Benitez as Liverpool manager, and the former Chelsea boss has contacted owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett indicating that he would love to take over at Anfield next season

Portsmouth have doubled Harry Redknapp's wages to £3m a year after he turned down Newcastle.