Chelsea could be set to wreck Liverpool’s hopes of signing Glen Johnson with Portsmouth executive chairman Peter Storrie saying: “Glen has got permission to speak to two clubs”. The Sun

Johnson would be better off long term at Liverpool however if he did sign for Chelsea it may just be a blessing in disguised for Liverpool. Players who cost 15 million plus should have a direct result in the standings or provided cover for a glaring weakness. I wouldn’t proclaim that Liverpool are now the favorites heading into the season with Johnson on board.

The future of striker Carlos Tevez still hangs in the balance with just two weeks remaining on his loan deal at Manchester United, but he could still stay at Old Trafford - if the club make him the highest paid player. The Sun

Carlos Tevez should send Ronaldo a thank you card since his departure now makes signing Tevez an even higher priority.

Manchester City have agreed an £18m deal to sign Blackburn forward Roque Santa Cruz. Daily Mail

Santa Cruz circa 2007 season worth £18m. Santa Cruz circa 2008 season, not quite worth it.

Manchester City still wait anxiously to see if striker Samuel Eto’o will be heading their way from Barcelona, but Inter Milan are keen on ruining Mark Hughes’ party. The Sun

Another failing of Manchester City despite their riches. Top players will only play for Manchester City if it’s their only alternative.

Bayern Munich are closing in on Chelsea defender Jose Bosingwa. The Times

Couldn’t begin to see why Carlo Ancelotti doesn’t rate Bosingwa if he ends up being sold. Bosingwa had a fine first season in England.

Sunderland are close to securing Manchester City defender Richard Dunne for £5m. Daily Mirror

Despite a slip in form last season, Manchester City got a lot of good service from Richard Dunne since signing him from Everton in 2000.

Former Manchester United striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy has told his team-mates Arjen Robben and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to leave Real Madrid and head for Spurs. Daily Star

No, he told them should they receive a massive offer and Real Madrid makes it clear they are not part of their plans going forward to then move.

Newcastle United are committed to paying their players a £10m bonus less than six weeks after relegation from the top flight. Daily Mail

Almost as bad as paying Joey Barton 750k a year in image rights. Basically what it means is that Newcastle is paying Barton three quarters of a million for the right to use Barton in promational/marketing material. As if Barton is going to drive fans/sponsors to flood money into Newcastle United football club.