Saturday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

TRANSFER GOSSIP

New Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez hopes to beat former club Inter Milan to Brazil international Paulinho  by making the 24-year-old Corinthians midfielder his first signing at Stamford Bridge.
Michael Dawson
Michael Dawson has not started a Premier League game for Tottenham this season
Harry Redknapp's first transfer target when he is appointed Queens Park Rangers manager will be to raid his old club Tottenham for centre-half Michael Dawson, 29.
Liverpool and AC Milan are set to battle it out for Barcelona winger Christian Tello, 21, who is out of contract at the Nou Camp in the summer.
Arsenal are ready to fight Italian side AC Milan for FC Copenhagen's 19-year-old Danish striker Andreas Cornelius,  who is dubbed 'the new Nicklas Bendtner'.
Marseille's Ghana international winger Andre Ayew,  23, has admitted he would welcome interest from West Ham.
The agent of Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Douglas Costa  has welcomed Tottenham Hotspur's reported interest in the 22-year-old Brazilian but insists that he is not looking to move.

OTHER GOSSIP

Mark Clattenburg
Mark Clattenburg will return to officiating on Wednesday when he referees Southampton against Norwich
Chelsea will hold talks with referees' chief Mike Riley as part of a reconciliation attempt with Mark Clattenburg.
Wigan's Ivory Coast striker Arouna Kone, 29, has revealed he decided to move to the DW Stadium despite interest from other Premier League clubs.
Arsenal's 20-year-old midfielder Jack Wilshere believes he is improving with every appearance but thinks it will be Christmas before he is 'back to his best'.
Tottenham goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini, 39, believes Italian football must follow the example set by the English game if the hooligan element in his home country is to be eradicated.

AND FINALLY

A hotel in west London has changed the name of its top floor suite to Rafa Benitez to 'honour' the new Chelsea coach - saying the room is perfect for short stays.