TITBITS AND TITTLE TATTLE

‘Rivaldo has rejected an audacious invitation to join Newcastle United, but could yet be persuaded to move to England if Manchester United follow up their longstanding interest,’ writes Oliver Kay in The Times.

The Brazil forward, who on Friday seeks to maintain his record of scoring in every game of this World Cup when the South Americans play England, is available for a cut-price fee of £20 million.

Previously Rivaldo has indicated that he would consider joining United if he is forced to leave Barcelona, who are keen to release the 30-year-old, now approaching the final year of his contract.

Although Rivaldo has no interest in moving to St James' Park, it has emerged that he would be more keen to talk to United if the opportunity arose. Only last year, he said: "There are only three clubs I would leave Barcelona for Manchester United, Juventus and AC Milan."

NEARLY MEN AND HAS BEENS
Like marine salvage vultures Bolton and City comb the football ocean for the flotsam and jetsam cast adrift after wrecked careers.

Nigeria's Jay-Jay Okocha has been snapped up by Bolton on a free transfer and Cameroon's Marc-Vivien Foé has signed a one-year loan deal with Manchester City.

DARWINISM IN ACTION PART 98
Mirror: England fan Dan McGregor can't get St George cross off his face cos he used GLOSS paint. He's from Bradford. of course.

DES KELLY: SUPPORT THE KRAUTS
the top red devotes an amusing Mirror column today to saying we should all cast aside historical prejudice to hope the Germans beat the USA to punish the yanks for their arrogance, stupidity and crap sporting predelictions

LAZIO TO ROBSON: HANDS OFF RIVALDO
the Romans claim they have first refusal on the Brazilian. oh yeah: what you gonna pay for him with? squashed tomatoes? Cragnotti says they also still want Veron

STANDBY FOR GLUT OF 'RONALDO TO NEWCASTLE/MAN UNITED STORIES....

This Rivaldo story has some legs yet

Guardian: "I still have this itch," began the buck-toothed Brazilian at training today before he was drowned out by the sound of ambulance sirens wailing their way towards him. Poor Ron was only trying to get his former boss Robby Bobson's knickers in a twist by telling the world that he quite fancies a move to the Premiership. "I still have this itch," he repeated, "to go and play in England, because I know they have a wonderful league and a different style of playing."

The Guardian fiver column says that United are reported to be tracking Paris St-Germain striker Selim Benachour [see earlier stories].

SCOUSER-MANC LOVE IN PUKE

The MEN reports a disturbing development

THE intense rivalry between Manchester and Liverpool is being forgotten as both cities unite behind the Commonwealth Games.
Artists from Africa, Asia and the Caribbean performed on the banks of the River Mersey as the Spirit of Friendship Festival was launched in Liverpool.
A host of events are being held across the North West as part of the showcase, which aims to raise the profile of the Games in the region.
It will provide an array of summer entertainment, bringing Commonwealth artists to Liverpool for the first time and promote Commonwealth communities within Merseyside.
Manchester is also backing Liverpool's efforts to become the European Capital of Culture.
Sir Bob Scott, chief executive of Liverpool Culture Company, which is funding many of the events at the festival, and the man who led Manchester's Olympic bid, said: "Liverpool has a huge role to play in supporting the Games.

"The programme of events being laid on is world class and the stunning thing is that most are free.
"Manchester is backing our European Capital of Culture bid and with all these celebrations going on I'm sure everyone in Liverpool and the north west is going to be a winner this summer."

TODAY'S BECKS CHARIDEE PUKE STORY

M.E.N. contributes this little billious tale

'SCHOOLBOY William Stewart will be cheering louder than anyone for England captain David Beckham during the World Cup clash against Brazil tomorrow.

The Manchester United soccer star has taken time out of his quarter-final preparations to send the youngster signed photos of himself and pop star wife Victoria to sell in a charity auction.

William, 13, appealed to his football hero after his school, All Saints Catholic College at Dukinfield, Tameside, asked pupils to come up with fund-raising ideas.

He wrote to the Beckhams asking for their help and was amazed when he got a reply - two signed photos as well as a good luck message for the school, which is applying for specialist language status.'

TOPICAL JOKE OF THE WEEK

Q What's the difference between acne and a priest?
A Acne doesn't come on your face until you're 13