Today's Papers / Top Dog / 11 January 2008 / Leave a comment " class="free-bet-btn" rel="external" onclick="javascript: pageTracker._trackPageview('/G4/inline-freebet');" target="_blank">Free Bet

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

Top Dog

Betfair's top dog sniffs around 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:

If Harry Redknapp really hasn't heard from Newcastle yet, then when they do get in touch he'll have a good idea what's in the package. Double his wages, a private jet to fly him to and from the North East from his home in Bournemouth every day, and £30million to spend on players. It's not surprising he's now [1.48] to be the next Toon manager. Will he take it? The Mirror says he's told pals he would be 60-40 in favour. It all depends how hard Portsmouth fight to keep him. That will be tested when Toon make their official approach today.

Cruft's:

Daily Mirror - Me and that umbrella - How's Steve McClaren's luck? He planned a week of big interviews to try to lift his public image and then Sam Allardyce gets the sack and hardly anybody wants to know! The Mirror's Oliver Holt at least gets the space for a proper chat about life after England, and that umbrella. Don't start backing him for big jobs yet, though, even at [70] for Newcastle!

Daily Express - My pal Mike will earn stripes - Harry Harris persuades former Spurs director Paul Kemsley, close pal of Mike Ashley and one of the people advising him, to talk about the once reclusive businessman. Good insight into the thought process behind Big Sam's departure.

Pedigree Chum:

Daily Mail - Ireland eyeing Allardyce - Sam Allardyce has moved on to the Republic of Ireland's short list according to North East man Colin Young - although he then quotes Irish legend John Giles with a scathing attack on Big Sam's credentials. Even so Allardyce has come in to [10] in the betting with Terry Venables still [4.9] favourite. Top Dog's outside tip Mick McCarthy has also shortened to [10].

Daily Mail - A poisoned chalice? No chance - Kenny Dalglish tells Steve Curry about the good points of the Newcastle job. 'The Geordies will take to anybody who can bring them success'

Daily Mail - Five go in Luton fire sale and Blackwell may join them - Luton will have to field a virtual youth side in their FA Cup replay against Liverpool after the administrator ordered the sale of five key players. Captain Chris Coyne and midfielder Dave Edwards have already gone to Colchester and Wolves. Makes leaders Swansea great value at [2.3] to win at Kenilworth Road tomorrow

The Sun - Fergie back in the Hunt - Neil Custis reveals an alternative Manchester United target to Dimitar Berbatov. It's Ajax striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar, a gianst 24-year-old who has scored 53 goals in 65 games for the club. United still [1.96] favourites for the Premier League title

Daily Mirror - Spurs go for Maarten - John Cross names Dutch keeper Maarten Slekelenburg as Tottenham's target to replace Paul Robinson.

Daily Star - I'm gunner win back my place says Gilberto - Brazil's captain Gilberto tells David Woods that he doesn't want to leave The Emirates at least until the summer. Good news for Arsene Wenger who will need his experience in the Carling Cup second leg at Spurs. Arsenal are [2.38] to reach the final.

Daily Express - Anelka move in the balance - The Newcastle story has replaced Nicolas Anelka as the big saga of the week. Only Tony Banks in the Express is keeping tabs on Chelsea's big target and says the deal might not now be done in time for him to face Spurs tomorrow. Without extra firepower Chelsea could be a good lay at [1.85].

Dog' s dinner:

Daily Mirror - Eriksson can only spend £10million - David McDonnell catches up on a story Ian Ladyman wrote two weeks ago for the Daily Mail. Sven Goran Eriksson doesn't have big transfer funds this window while owner Thaksin Shinawatra waits for money to be released from Thailand.

The Sun - Fredi fancies Spurs return - Fredi Kanoute has told reporters in Spain he'd fancy linking up again with Juande Ramos if Spurs make him an offer he can't refuse. Will happen only if Tottenham move out Dimitar Berbatov or Jermain Defoe

Today's other stories:

The Sun - Sam: I'll be back - Harry's £20m deal - Sam Allardyce exclusive interview on his future - Cris not for sale - Steve McClaren

Daily Express - Fly me to the Toon - Ronaldo 'never for sale' - Geordieland wants Shearer back - Business as usual for Harry, but for how long? - Bruce fears Savage backlash - Derby's Eddie Lewis on Rams crisis

Daily Star - £4m deal tempts jet-set Harry - Ashley wanted Harry from day one - Sam was victim of fans says Curbishley - We will never sell Ronaldo say United - Roberto Martinez interview - Cech to return for Chelsea - Jenas on Spurs revival

Daily Mirror - I'm Torn says Harry - I want to manage England again says McCLaren - Now show me sexy football orders Ashley - Ronaldo's priceless - Ash and 'Arry - Robbo's row with Ramos - Big Sam never saw it coming - Hand it to Theo - I'll have bridges to build says Savage - Anelka's a Blue by weekend

Daily Mail - Harry's in Toon turmoil - Is Harry set for take-off? - Ashley wants new boss in place next week - The shadow of Shearer - England fears for Robbo and Cole - Taylor still a fan of scary Jewell - Southgate: Don't sell my star men - Sell Ronaldo? No chance insist United

Tags: Betfair's Top Dog, football betting, Harry Redknapp, next Newcastle manager