All the latest football gossip from Thursday's papers.
Chelsea will go back to Lyon with an �18m bid for midfielder Michael Essien after their offer of �15m was rejected, with Real Madrid also interested in the 24-year-old. (Daily Mail)
Chelsea have agreed in principle a �12m deal with Athletic Bilbao for left-back Asier del Horno. (Independent)
Portsmouth are looking to sign Chelsea's Alexei Smertin for �2m, and Mikael Forssell on loan. (Times)
John Obi Mikel - the 18-year-old Nigerian who is a target for Manchester United and Chelsea - has been reported missing to police in Norway. (Daily Mail)
Birmingham will make a �6m bid for Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy. (Daily Express)
Stuart Pearce will be handed the manager's job at Manchester City on a permanent basis on Thursday. (Sun)
Malcolm Glazer will launch his formal takeover for Manchester United on Friday. (Guardian)
Rangers are interested in Heerenveen's young striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar. (The Herald)
Celtic hope to capture Burnley left-back Mohammed Camara on a free transfer (Scottish Daily Mail)
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