Golden Balls set for sensational return and other red-hot gossip

(01-01-2011) Premiership legend David Beckham is on the verge of a return to England and could sign with an EPL club as early as next week. According to reports, the 35-year-old midfielder’s current club LA Galaxy are likely to grant him permission to go out on loan within the next 48 hours. Elsewhere, Portuguese giants Benfica claim to have turned down a bid of £17m from Chelsea for Brazilian centre-back David Luiz, who they value at a whopping £43m; Aston Villa are set for talks with winger Ashley who is a £15m January target for EPL leaders Manchester United; Swiss international Valon Behrami could be on his way out of Upton Park, with long-time admirers Roma ready to make a £4.5m offer; and Sunderland are planning a £12m offer for Aston Villa's 26-year-old winger Stewart Downing.