Latest Football Gist

1. Japan can become the 1st country to qualify for the World Cup, beside host Brazil, when they take on Australia tomorrow, needing only a draw. 2. Jakub Blaszczykowski has signed a new 5 year deal with Dortmund. 3. Palermo chief Maurizio Zamparini has admitted that he’ll appoint Gennaro Gattuso as his next Coach. 4. Mario Gotze is set to miss the start of Bayern Munich's season due to injury according to reports. 5. Liverpool will consider bidding for Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke. (Daily Mail) 6. Official: Neymar has passed the medical tests at Barcelona. 7. Chelsea and Brazil defender David Luiz moved a step closer to a move to Barcelona. (ESPN) 8. Michael Essien has confirmed he will be leaving Real Madrid this summer. 9. Jose Mourinho becomes the first full-time Chelsea manager in history to take charge of the club twice. Mourinho will be joined at Stamford Bridge by Assistant Coaches Rui Faria, Silvino Louro and Jose Morais. [Sky Sports] 10. Official : Atletico madrid have signed Rayo Vallecano striker Leo Baptistao. 11. Stoke's Asmir Begovic is committed to the club and is willing to sit down with Mark Hughes to discuss his future. [Sky Sports] 12. Rio Ferdinand will have a testimonial match against Sevilla in August to celebrate his career at Manchester United. 13. Japan international Keisuke Honda will leave Russian league and cup champions CSKA Moscow in the summer. (Express) 14. Ruud van Nistelrooy believes potential incoming coach Manuel Pellegrini will be a success if he finalises a deal with City. 15. Arsenal have approached Celtic about the signing of Kenya midfielder Victor Wanyama, the player’s former coach has told the Daily Mail. 16. Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge could miss the start of the 2013-14 Premier League season with an ankle injury he sustained on international duty. 17. The ref who was barged into by Leonardo, earning him a 9-month ban, has filed a police complaint after receiving death threats. 18. Denilson's agent has confirmed that the midfielder has agreed to leave Arsenal by mutual consent this summer. 19. Arsene Wenger has suggested he would be interested in making a move for Wayne Rooney should the striker be sold by MUFC this summer. [Sky Sports] 20. Official: Dani Carvajal becomes Real Madrid's first signing of the season after Real Madrid activated the €6.5m buy back clause.