Transfer gossip: Man United looking to offload Rafael da Silva

Selling family Silva

As Manchester United scour the globe for a right-back who could possibly improve on Antonio Valencia, they look set to flog Rafael da Silva. The right-back, who can play right-back, and won things under Fergie playing right-back, is persona non-grata at Old Trafford. Sky Sports report that Louis van Gaal will listen to offers for the Brazilian, who clearly did something to offend Big Lou in a previous life.

Christian value

The Guardian have an exclusive track on the future as they predict how Christian Benteke's first day back at training will work out. Apparently the Belgian international will say hello to Ted the security guard, before informing Tim Sherwood he wants to leave. At first Tim will think it's just pre-season banter, but it will soon dawn on him that Christian is deadly serious.

Mikel's gunner stay

Whilst the revolution from win-nothing artisans to genuine competitors takes place at Arsenal, one haircut remains. Mikel Arteta is still there, looking beautiful with that magnificent head of hair, and it seems as though he's staying put. The Daily Mirror report that the Spaniard has verbally agreed a one-year extension to his current deal and will continue to set the standard in conditioning at the Emirates.

Wait, there's more...

*Steve McClaren wants to make Schalke's £10m-rated Cameroon defender Joel Matip his first signing at Newcastle. (Evening Chronicle) *Everton have emerged as rivals to Southampton and West Ham to sign Juventus' Italy defender Angelo Ogbonna. (Liverpool Echo) *Southampton want Feyenoord's Jordy Clasie as a replacement for Morgan Schneiderlin, should the Frenchman leave the club. (Southern Daily Echo) *Sunderland and Middlesbrough are competing to sign West Ham winger Stewart Downing. (Daily Mail)