Well footy fans, the domestic seasons may be over in Europe, but that doesn’t mean things aren’t still crazy in England. Redknapp is still running his mouth, rumors about RVP still abound and that’s just in EPL! Check out all the headlines in your Tuesday Daily Kick Around!

English Premier League

Ivan Gazidis, chief executive of Arsenal, has revealed there was a “good discussion” between the club and Robin Van Persie recently about the striker’s future with the club. As you probably know, the rumor RVP is head out of the club has been rising as of late. The contents of the conversation are being kept under wraps, but in an announcement on the club’s Web site, it was clear Gazidis was happy with the outcome.

Welp, Tottenham’s boss Harry Redknapp opened his mouth again and maybe he should have inserted his foot. Today on Sky Sports News, in his weird little way to ease the fears of fans about players leaving over the club missing out on the Champions League, Redknapp said,

“I think it’s overrated what people say about Champions League football and whatever … People would have still gone to Chelsea if they hadn’t won the Champions League this year because they know it’s a club that’s looking to get into the Champions League positions next year.”

What do you think?

I don’t know if Liverpool fans are excited or indifferent to this news, but it seems Joe Cole will be back with the Reds next season after spending this past year with French side Lille. Cole came to Liverpool from Chelsea on a free transfer and didn’t do too much for the Reds. Liverpool fans, what do you think about Joe coming back?

Oh Joey Barton. It just doesn’t really stop with you, does it? It was reported yesterday that Barton was assaulted outside a Liverpool nightclub in the wee hours of Sunday morning. Barton supposedly dropped charges, but two 21-year-old men are being detained by police.

US Open Cup

Fourth round begins tonight folks! Here’s a break down of the matches:

Carolina RailHawks v. Chivas USA
Harrisburg City Islanders v. New York Red Bulls 
D.C. United v. Philadelphia Union
Michigan Bucks v. Dayton Dutch Lions
Sporting Kansas City v. Colorado Rapids
San Antonio Scorpions v. Charlotte Eagles
Seattle Sounders FC v. Cal FC 
San Jose Earthquakes v. Minnesota Stars FC 

Serie A

Lazio captain Stefano Mauri now sits under house arrest after being released from prison. He had been held for his suspected involvement in the ever-growing Italy match-fixing scandal.

International Friendlies

Armenia 3 – Kazakhstan 0
Sweden 2 – Serbia 1
Austria 0 – Romania 0
France 4 – Estonia 0

US Men’s National Team

Kansas City soccer fans get ready! US Soccer announced today the USMNT will play a World Cup qualifying match against Guatemala Oct. 16 at LiveStrong Sporting Park!

Major League Soccer

L.A. was a buzz yesterday as the MLS Cup arrived in town. The final against the Houston Dynamo and the L.A. Galaxy will take place in the Home Depot Center in Carson Sunday, Nov. 20. Who do you have winning the cup?

The overhaul for the New England Revolution continues, with the club announcing yesterday that Brian Bilello would be promoted to president and Michael Burns to general manager.

Speaking of overhauls, Columbus Crew fans are buzzing with rumors recently. Four of the clubs players are up for contract renewals; Eddie Gaven, Robbie Rogers, Emmanuel Ekpo and Kevin Burns. Some think Rogers is about to make an exit while there is no doubt star Gaven will be back with the team.

So, MLS game attendance has been at an all-time high this year. Is David Beckham to thank for that? You be the judge.

La Liga

The debate is still swirling in Spain whether fewer teams in La Liga will create a more competitive league. Barcelona’s manager, Pep Guardiola is following the statement of his club, stating he believes cutting teams will improve one of the biggest leagues in Europe.

Here’s an interesting thought: Is the reason Ronaldo and Messi are both so amazing in La Liga because only Real Madrid and Barcelona have the economic stature to house and hone such great players? Forbes contributor Adrian Melville takes a look at the issue. It’s definitely food for thought.

Serie A

New Fiorentina boss Delio Rossi is promising changes for his new team, including “giving the team a soul.” The Italian team is currently sitting in the 13th spot of the league and are hoping the management change will turn around the season.

Italia giants A.C. Milan announced they would NOT be signing Chelsea star Didier Drogba in the January transfer window. He just costs too much.

English Premier League

Here’s something fun to try; describe each of the top seven teams in EPL with one word? Ready, go!

Liverpool just announced the signing of USMNT U-17 captain Marc Pelosi to a three-year contract. The teen chose the Reds over two MLS squads and two EPL teams.

Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli said he’s not crazy, even though his actions lately have been . . . well, a little crazy.

International games

It’s international break in Europe! Here’s a list of some of the national teams facing off on the pitch in the next few days!
Thursday (today) – Brazil v. Gabon
Friday – Italy v. Poland; Germany v. Ukraine; France v. USMNT; Panama v. Costa Rica; Mexico v. Serbia
Saturday – South Africa v. Ivory Coast; England v. Spain.
Monday – Brazil v. Egypt
Tuesday – Slovenia v. USMNT (a rematch of that nail-biting WC 2010 match); Italy v. Uruguay; Germany v. Netherlands; England v. Sweden; France v. Belgium; Costa Rica v. Spain.