City ready to move for Real trio and other red-hot transfer gossip

Manchester City are ready to raid Real Madrid by making bids for three of their star players. According to reports, the Arab-backed club will move for striker Gonzalo Higuain, and midfielders Rafael Van der Vaart and Fernando Gago. All three players are likely to be surplus to requirements at the Bernabeau once new manager Jose Mourinho arrives. Elsewhere, West Ham have made a £3m offer for Lyon striker Frederic Piquionne, who spent last season on loan at Portsmouth; Everton are ready to swoop for Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford; Chelsea's out-of-contract midfielder Joe Cole has been told he must lower his £5m-a-year pay demands if he wants to join Tottenham; Liverpool and Tottenham are battling to sign Croatia goalkeeper Marijan Antolovic; and Everton want Marseille's £10m-rated France winger Hatem Ben Afra.