Paper talk: Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard to Real Madrid, West Ham's Valon Behrami to Arsenal and all of Saturday's transfer rumours

By Richard Aikman in Football Spy

Published 08:35 24/10/09

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There's no let up for Liverpool fans at the moment. Not only are they on their worst run in 22 years and bracing themselves for the taunts of hundreds of travelling Manchester United fans wearing Eric Cantona masks at Anfield tomorrow, but now they are in danger of losing captain Steven Gerrard to Real Madrid . The Spanish giants' president Florentino Perez plans to launch a £30 million raid for the Reds skipper this summer. Perez put out feelers for Gerrard in January - even before he returned as Real president - to see if he would be prepared to sign for Madrid. Back then, Gerrard dismissed any talk of leaving Anfield, but the club's miserable plight might now change Stevie G's mind. (The Sun)

Outgoing Barcelona president Joan Laporta is desperate to sign Cesc Fabregas in January . The Nou Camp chief had been keen to land the Arsenal captain next summer as a parting gift before he steps down. But he is now pushing for a mid-season transfer in case he is out-manoeuvred by political rivals. (Daily Mail)

Barca insiders had been confident a deal can be done for Fabregas next summer, but the team needs strengthening sooner following the dip in form of Thierry Henry , who has been linked with a move to New York Red Bulls . (AS)

Arsenal are looking to add West Ham star Valon Behrami to their ranks next summer, provided they can beat AC Milan for the Swiss international's services.The 24-year-old has impressed at Upton Park since joining from Lazio for £5m last year and the Gunners are monitoring his progress with Bacary Sagna a target for Real Madrid this summer. (Daily Star)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that he almost re-signed West Ham defender Matthew Upson . "He had the potential to be international quality. He was always in my mind. Upson has good quality, good attitude, good spirit. Three, four, five years ago yes, [I would have liked to sign him] but now he is settled and has a good career." (Daily Telegraph)

Meanwhile Gunners forward Andrei Arshavin has admitted he almost signed for Tottenham in January when he became frustrated over Arsene Wenger's quibbling with Zenit St Petersburg, whom he persuaded to drop their asking price.  “I was not against a move to Tottenham,” he said. “If it was down to just me to reach an agreement, the move could have taken place. It could have been so much different if Tottenham had been able to agree a fee with Zenit.” (Daily Telegraph)

Across town in west London Chelsea are ready to embark on a £60million spending spree in January if FIFA suspend the transfer ban hanging over them. Inter Milan midfielder Patrick Vieira has already had talks and could be the first player to be brought in by anxious manager Carlo Ancelotti. Others on the Italian's shortlist include Benfica 's £30m-rated winger Angel Di Maria , long-time target David Villa of Valencia , and even the frustrated Emile Heskey of Aston Villa . (Daily Express)

Roma 's Daniele De Rossi , Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero and Manchester City striker Robinho could also be on Chelsea 's shopping list in January with the Blues losing key men to the African Cup of Nations. (The Sun)

Meanwhile, Joe Cole is refusing to sign a new deal at Chelsea as he grows concerned over his lack of first-team opportunities. Cole wants a significant increase on his current £80,000-a-week wages by moving into the bracket of Chelsea’s highest earners which includes John Terry, Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole who all earn more than £100,000-a-week. (Daily Telegraph)

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