Odds on Fabregas to United shorten

The odds of Cesc Fabregas joining Manchester United have been slashed amid speculation that the Premier League champions are readying and offer for the Spain international.

The midfielder, who has been linked with a move away from the Barcelona following reports that the La Liga champions are looking to make changes to their squad for next season only moved to the Catalan giants in the summer of 2011.

Elsewhere, a small band of Australia based United fans have created a website where they can pledge money in an attempt to raise funds to meet Cristiano Ronaldo’s buyout clause – of £100 million.

The ‘BringRonaldoHome’ movement is hoping to get 10 million fans to give £10 each, which would be returned should the target not be met.

Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand has called time on his international career ahead of the announcement of Roy Hodgson’s squad for the forthcoming friendlies with the Republic of Ireland and Brazil.

The 34 year old, who has not featured for his country since 2011, won 81 caps, the first of which coming against Cameroon at Wembley back in 1997.

Finally, rumours that Newcastle United are preparing an audacious bid for want away striker Wayne Rooney have been dismissed as being “without authority, merit and untrue”.