Wednesday's gossip column: Ferguson to leave Manchester United and other transfer news
Sir Alex Ferguson is considering retiring as Manchester United manager before the end of the week, reports the Daily Telegraph's Mark Ogden.
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As rumours of the 71-year-old's imminent retirement swept Manchester senior figures at the club failed to respond to repeated attempts to confirm or deny the story, which emerged following United's player versus coaches golf day near Altrincham on Tuesday afternoon.
With United now forced to adhere to the strict regulations of the New York Stock Exchange in terms of the release of significant information relating to the running of the club following last August's partial flotation, any change of management would fall within those requirements.
As of Tuesday night, no statement over Ferguson's future had been issued by United.
Ferguson had appeared to brush aside the prospect of standing down this summer when he insisted in his programme notes prior to Sunday's Old Trafford defeat against Chelsea that "I certainly don't have any plans at the moment to walk away from what I believe will be something special".
'Ferguson to quit' rumour rocks United - Daily Mail
United failed on Tuesday night to quell suggestions inside and outside the club that manager Ferguson is about to announce his retirement.
The speculation is also believed to have been aired among the United first-team squad. The club refused to comment on Tuesday night and, although that is not unusual, the club were not even returning calls on the matter.
Fergie to retire? Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson's future under intense speculation - Daily Mirror
Ferguson's future as United boss was under intense speculation on Tuesday amid claims of a major announcement at Old Trafford on Sunday.
United's players, who were involved in a golf match with Ferguson's coaching staff on Tuesday, were told to expect an announcement on Ferguson's future while MUTV, the club's in-house TV station, was also primed to broadcast a major development on Sunday.
United stunner: Fergie future in doubt - Manchester Evening News
Ferguson is reportedly considering his future as Reds boss as rumours of an imminent retirement announcement swirled on Tuesday night.
Since last August's partial flotation on the New York Stock Exchange, United would be expected to disclose significant information such as a change of manager. And the Reds will likely make a statement soon to avoid uncertainty that could affect investor confidence.
Transfer gossips
Arsenal and Liverpool will have to stump up at least £10m if they are to capture Swansea captain Ashley Williams, 28, at the end of the season. Full story: Metro
Atletico Madrid are believed to be preparing a £40m bid for 26-year-old Liverpool striker Luis Suarez. Full story: Daily Mirror
West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie, 31, can leave The Hawthorns if a suitable agreement can be reached with another club as the Nigeria international still has 12 months left to run on his current deal. Full story: Birmingham Mail
Former Arsenal midfielder Alex Song, 25, has insisted that he will not return to England despite failing to hold down a regular first-team place at La Liga giants Barcelona. Full story: London Evening Standard
Juventus are ahead of Tottenham in the race to sign 25-year-old Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain, after opening talks with the Argentine's representatives. Full story: talkSPORT