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Top Dog: Transfer talk begins in earnest as season comes to a close

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Betfair's top dog sniffs out the truth behind the latest tabloid tales

Cruft's champion - Top stories that can dominate the news agenda
Pedigree chum - Insights that tell you something you don't know
Dog's dinner - Speculation, guesswork, or ideas that just don't come off.

Top Dog says: The action on the pitch in the Premier League might have finished, but that means the transfer window's open and the agents are clambering through it. This morning's papers are full of stories that have been set up by people trying to do business. Real Madrid have let the Mirror believe they've got £100million ready to sign Cristiano Ronaldo and there's a chance of it happening. Michael Owen's people have told the Mail he'll quit Newcastle rather than take a pay cut. Petr Cech's agent has suggested to the Sun that a top European club is ready to pay £32million for him if he doesn't get a thumping pay rise at Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, Chelsea have got in first by completing the £16million signing of Portugal international Jose Bosingwa. That's a lot of money for a right back, especially when you've already spent upwards of £20million on left back Ashley Cole.

Cruft's: Daily Mail - Owen alert - Newcastle leaked the news last week that if Michael Owen wants a new contract he'll have to take a pay cut. Not surprisingly Owen's people are leaking back the view that he'll look for another club rather than drop £2million a year in earnings. It's the first shots in the summer contract negotiations, but does suggest that other clubs will be watching closely. Significantly Owen's people are suggesting he would move to another ambitious team outside the top four.

Daily Mail - Johnson's faith in the Palace old boy on line - Turns out that Darren Cann, assistant referee at Ashton Gate tonight, began his football career as an apprentice at Crystal Palace. City boss Gary Johnson says he's got no problem with that. He wouldn't have. After being outed as an ex-Eagle, Cann will be under pressure not to give any decision that might suggest bias towards Neil Warnock's side.

Pedigree Chum:Daily Express - Wary Redknapp is playing for time - Harry 'down to the bare bones' Redknapp is never slow to grumble about injury problems, but he could have a point. David James still hasn't trained, and Sol Campbell has a hamstring injury. Pompey have lost their impetus since reaching Wembley, but are still [1.8] to win the Cup in 90 minutes.

Daily Star - Jonno's our special one - Bristol City midfielder David Noble (did you see that sensational Selhurst Park goal?) says Gary Johnson is every bit as special as Jose Mourinho. He's got to prove it tonight by protecting a 2-1 play-off lead at Ashton Gate. City are [2.8] to win over 90 minutes, virtually the same price as Neil Warnock's palace. City are [3.3] to be promoted with Hull [2.1] favourites

Daily Star - Deano's in dark over deal - The Star were first to report that Dean Ashton is unsettled at West Ham, and stay on the ball with the story. Ashton wants talks with boss Alan Curbishley this week to know how he fits in the club's future plans.

Daily Mail - Queudrue showdown as the air turns blue - Birmingham owner David Sullivan went on Sky Sports News to accuse Steve Bruce of signing rubbish last summer and named Franck Queudrue as the worst of them. The former Middlesbrough defender rang a radio station to air his views about Sullivan. Not exactly a club going down with dignity!

Daily Mail - You can all go, rants Jewell - Master of motivation Paul Jewell told his team they could all leave for nothing at the end of Sunday's 4-0 drubbing by Reading. Neil Ashton has the lowdown on his dressing room explosion.

The Sun - Megs hits £750k jackpot - Here's the other side of the relegation coin. Gary Megson collected a cool three quarters of a million bonus for keeping Bolton in the top league.

Dog' s dinner: Daily Express - Moscow or die - Top Dog got a first edition of the Express and hopes somebody changed the back page headline, and story, later. Why lead on mundane quotes from Mikel John Obi about 'do or die' in the Champions League final on the day Chelsea had spent £16million on Jose Bosingwa.

Daily Express - £1bn deal as League cashes in on drama - Harry Harris pulls off one of his favourite tricks, making routine look like a story. Talks about the next foreign TV rights deal are due to begin next year and, guess what, Premier League boss Richard Scudamore will be looking for even more money for them!

Today's other headlines: The Sun - Chelsea beat United to £16m star - Giggs drove us to glory - Fergie: this side will get better and better - Ian Wright column - Leeds Doug out of a hole - Batch of beery blokes won't drive us out says Karren Brady

Daily Express - Cruellest cut hurts Ferguson - Alan Curbishley column - Distin out to avoid any more shocks - Fowler given a final deadline - Sullivan: My boys will have final say

Daily Star - Fergie's 7 'n hell - Blues steal in for £16m Bos - We'll be kicking lumps out of each other in Moscow says Ryan Giggs - You'll feel Ful force promises Bullard - I want to hit Cup final winner says Cardiff's Joe Ledley

Daily Mirror - Real chief: We'll sign £100m Ronaldo - You can Av it - Wags to riches - I can be United's supersub like Ole and Teddy in '99 says Ryan Giggs - Rubbish and a waste of space is Sullivan verdict on Bruce signings - Freedman gives Leeds hope - Spurs get Woodgate warning

Daily Mail - Class of 08 is best ever - Sir Alex puts the party on hold and aims for final - Chelsea go for another Jose - Carlisle hit top form to leave Leeds trailing