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[Scouserbychoice]

BREAKING GOSSIP

Manchester City are looking to secure defender Micah Richards on an improved five-year contract despite there being over three years left on his current deal.

Manager Mark Hughes said: "I'm not quite sure where it came from that Micah might leave. He is a big part of what we are doing here."
Full story: Manchester Evening News

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Arsenal have targeted Inter Milan frontman Mario Balotelli, with their scouts believed to have watched the £20m-rated star last week. Manager Arsene Wenger is also understood to be keen on Ajax's 21-year-old defender Gregory van der Wiel.
Full story: The Sun

The Gunners are also tracking Belgian 18-year-old midfielder Eden Hazard, who currently plays for French club Lille.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford could be on for a shock move to Portuguese side Sporting Braga.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has begun talks with Bulgarian midfielder Martin Petrov over a new contract which expires next summer. (Daily Express)

Aston Villa and Birmingham are going head-to-head in trying to grab the services of Cheltenham 18-year-old striker Theo Lewis. (Daily Star)

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool fans, unhappy with co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, are planning a 10,000-strong protest march on Sunday ahead of the Manchester United match.

Fans' group Spirit of Shankly is believed to be drumming up support after hearing the Americans will be attending their crunch game. The Reds are on a run of four successive defeats for the Anfield club amid continuing unrest regarding the club's future.
Full story: Daily Mail

Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina has been assured by referees' chief Keith Hackett that security staff at Anfield are on red alert to deal with any balloons and beach balls.
Full story: Daily Mail

England have tried to revive their bid to host the 2018 World Cup by including Germany captain Michael Ballack on the list of ambassadors. It is a list without any players from England's 1966 World Cup winning squad.
Full story: Daily Express

Sven Goran Eriksson's former assistant Hans Backe is favourite to replace Ian McParland as manager of Notts County. (Daily Mail)

AND FINALLY

Argentina boss Diego Maradona has refused to say sorry for his outburst live on TV, aimed at the media who have criticised the team on their way to scraping into the World Cup finals.

"I don't regret it," he said. "I apologise to the ladies but not to those who talk about football on TV."
Full story: The Sun

And for anybody considering getting hold of a beach ball for the Liverpool match this weekend, you better think again with the news that police have banned all inflatables for the Anfield match.
Full story: Manchester Evening News

[Scouserbychoice]

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has emerged as a £30m target for Real Madrid next summer.
Full story: The Sun

Tottenham are battling it out with Inter Milan for 18-year-old Ghanaian full-back Gladson Awako.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Chelsea are ready to embark on a £60m spending spree in January if Fifa suspends the transfer ban imposed on them, with Inter Milan's Patrick Vieira, Benfica winger Angel di Maria, Valencia's David Villa and Aston Villa's Emile Heskey all being considered.
Full story: Daily Express

Roma's Daniele de Rossi, Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero and Manchester City talisman Robinho could also be on Chelsea's shopping list in January with the Blues losing key men to the African Cup of Nations.
Full story: The Sun

Leeds have slapped a £3m price tag on striker Jermaine Beckford in a bid to keep him at Elland Road until the end of the season.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Arsenal and AC Milan have joined the race to sign West Ham's Swiss utility man Valon Behrami.
Full story: Daily Star Gordon Strachan will target Celtic defender Gary Caldwell when the former Parkhead manager is confirmed as Middlesbrough boss on Monday. (The Sun)
OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is receiving words of wisdom from Reds legend Kenny Dalglish to try to resolve the Spaniard's problems at Anfield.
Full story: The Sun

Benitez maintains he is the right man to lead Liverpool and believes his vision for the club will still result in a golden future.
Full story: Daily Express

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits he regrets letting West Ham's Matthew Upson leave the Gunners and says he has thought about bringing him back to the club.
Full story: The Independent

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has conceded that defender Micah Richards has peaked as a player and currently has little chance of forcing his way into Fabio Capello's plans for South Africa next summer.
Full story: Independent

Meanwhile, Capello has insisted he would not be happy if England won a match courtesy of a dive by one of his players.
Full story: Daily Mail

Capello says the coaching style he hopes will inspire England to World Cup glory draws heavily from techniques he has picked up from an interest in volleyball, baseball, rugby union and ice hockey.
Full story: Guardian

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has urged Capello to take defender Ledley King to the World Cup, despite his chronic knee problems.
Full story: The Sun

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes Michael Owen deserves a hero's reception when he runs out to face his former club Liverpool at Anfield tomorrow and has claimed the striker remains one of the best goal scorers in world football.
Full story: Daily Mail

Manchester United centre-back Nemanja Vidic says he has put his nightmares performances against Liverpool last season behind him and is ready to restore his reputation as one of the Premier League's finest defenders.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Stuttgart coach Markus Babbel admits he could be out of his job by the time his side face Rangers in the Champions League as he has two games to save his job. (Bild)

BBC Alba, the Gaelic language service, is negotiating a deal with the Scottish Football League to broadcast live First Division matches. (The Scotsman)

Referee Chris Boyle, who is emigrating to Australia, has accused Scottish managers of making officials the scapegoats for their own failings. (Daily Record)

Morton will announce Stirling Albion's Allan Moore as their new manager on Monday. (Daily Record)


AND FINALLY

Manchester United fans plan to arrive for their clash with Liverpool at Anfield sporting masks of United legend Eric Cantona, in reference to a banner unfurled in 1994 which read: "Au revoir, Cantona and Man United. Come back when you've won 18." Other fans plan to wear T-shirts showing former Kop idol Michael Owen celebrating a goal with the tag: "Welcome to Manchester".
Full story: The Sun

[Scouserbychoice]

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Liverpool have been stunned with the news that midfielder Javier Mascherano has rejected a new contract, with the Argentine pushing for a move to Barcelona.

It won't help soothe the worries of manager Rafa Benitez as he prepares for the clash with Manchester United on the back of four successive defeats.
Full story: The Star

Meanwhile, with doubts continuing over the future of the American owners, there are growing fears that a lack of trophies this season at Anfield will lead to the exit of Spaniard Fernando Torres.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

Chelsea are considering an £18m move for Napoli's attacking midfielder Marek Hamsik if their transfer ban is lifted in January.
Full story: Sunday Times

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is monitoring 17-year-old Spartak Moscow midfielder Zhano Ananidze - the player dubbed the 'next Georgi Kinkladze'.
Full story: goal.com

Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal have been shocked after being told they will have to pay £86m to land Porto's Brazilian striker Givanildo Vieira de Souza. (Sunday Express)

OTHER GOSSIP

Gerard Houllier is set to return to the Premier League at Birmingham City as new owner Carson Yeung weighs up managerial options, with Alex McLeish currently holding the reins.
Full story: News of the World

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has been invited to end his career at Bournemouth. Cherries chairman Eddie Mitchell said: "He is a legend here and we would love to have him around." (Sunday Express)

Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has rejected the chance to become assistant manager at Portsmouth. (News of the World)

Leicester City have offered Dutch veteran midfielder Edgar Davids a performance-related deal but are awaiting confirmation on his current fitness levels. (News of the World)

AND FINALLY

A happy story for Sunday with West Ham's Calum Davenport - who almost lost his legs following a knife attack in August - being told he will play again despite a 15-inch scar on his leg. (News of the World)

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed why he has succeeded in football in the UK.

The 60-year-old Frenchman said: "My secret is adapting to the country I am in. Here I eat roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. There are people who visit different countries and don't adapt. It is a must."
Full story: Sunday Express

[Scouserbychoice]

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are planning a £12m January swoop for Benfica's Argentine winger Angel Di Maria, who impressed in the Europa League against Everton last month.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are weighing up a January move for CSKA Moscow winger Milos Krasic.
Full story: Daily Mail

German side Hertha Berlin are trying to sign former England defender Sol Campbell, 35, on an 18-month contract.
Full story: Daily Mail

Arsenal's teenage Spanish striker Fran Merida hopes to sign a new contract with the Gunners despite interest from Atletico Madrid and a host of other La Liga clubs.
Full story: The Sun

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce hopes to strike a cut-price £4m deal for Nacional Madeira midfielder Ruben Micael.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Hong Kong striker Chan Siu-ki is set to begin a trial spell with Tottenham. Chan has scored 22 goals in 27 appearances for his club, Hong Kong champions South China.
Full story: Daily Mail

Bolton are ready to launch a £4m bid for Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll, who Wanderers boss Gary Megson sees as a long-term replacement for Kevin Davies.
Full story: The Sun

Birmingham and Middlesbrough will go head-to-head in a battle to sign Hamilton's James McArthur and have already made inquiries about the midfielder. (Various)

Former West Brom defender Pedro Pele is on trial with Falkirk, who are also hoping to sign Plymouth striker Steven MacLean on loan in January. (The Sun)

Notts County have joined Ipswich and Coventry in the race to sign Sheffield Wednesday defender Richard Wood, who is out of contract at the end of the season. (Daily Star)

Norwich and Bournemouth are competing for the signature of Cambridge United striker Chris Holroyd. (Daily Star)

Notts County have handed a trial to 31-year-old former Porto, Deportivo La Coruna and Juventus defender Jorge Andrade.
Full story: Daily Mail

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez insists he does not fear for his job despite the Reds' hopes of progressing in the Champions League looking unlikely following Wednesday's draw with Lyon.
Full story: The Sun

Newcastle United's revenue was halved from £100m to £50m following their relegation from the Premier League last season.
Full story: Daily Mirror

The Magpies will not receive a penny in extra sponsorship before the end of the season as a result of renaming their stadium.
Full story: The Times

Manchester United's Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher hopes a pain-killing injection will allow him to delay an ankle operation until the end of the season.
Full story: The Sun

But Fletcher's United team-mate Rio Ferdinand is out for up to six weeks after finally admitting defeat in his battle with a long-standing back injury.
Full story: The Sun

Ferdinand could still face Chelsea on Sunday but, if he does miss out, the defender will not be considered for England's friendly with Brazil on 14 November.
Full story: Daily Mail

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra admits he has a miserable record against Chelsea, saying "every time I play them something bad happens" and is determined to triumph in Sunday's Premier League showdown at Stamford Bridge.
Full story: Daily Mirror

West Ham striker Carlton Cole and Aston Villa front-man Emile Heskey are both doubtful for England's game with Brazil after picking up injuries in the Hammers' 2-1 win over Villa on Wednesday - and their absence could mean a recall for Manchester United's Michael Owen.
Full story: Daily Mail

Chelsea defender Jose Bosingwa is facing a knee operation which could keep him out for up to a month. (Daily Express)

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce believes key midfielder Lee Cattermole can return from a medial ligament injury a month sooner than expected - and could be back in action by Christmas.
Full story: Daily Star

Hull City owner Russell Bartlett has been forced to pay his own money into the club to fund the Tigers' day-to-day trading. The Tigers, who have an annual wage bill of £38m, are struggling to meet their financial commitments.
Full story: The Guardian

Portsmouth have described the tax evasion charge facing their chief executive Peter Storrie as "a joke" and have vowed to fight it.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Former Notts County defender Sol Campbell has hit back at claims that he walked out on the Magpies halfway through a training session, saying he had a hamstring injury when he left the League Two club in September.
Full story: The Sun

Rangers chief executive Martin Bain has demanded a Uefa probe into violence inside Ghencea Stadium in Romania, claiming that poor stewarding sparked crowd trouble at Wednesday's Champions League game away to Unirea Urziceni. (Various)

Martin Bain says he feared trouble before Wednesday's game between Rangers and Unirea because of poor organisation from the Romanian authorities. (Daily Express)

A number of Rangers supporters wearing Stone Island and Burberry and speaking with Cockney accents were spotted before the match in Romania. (Daily Record)

Police in Hamburg are not expecting trouble from Celtic fans ahead of Thursday's Europa League tie despite home fans trying to stir up a confrontation on websites. (Daily Record)

Celtic striker Scott McDonald has been dropped from Australia's squad for the Asian Cup qualifier against Oman and could miss out on the World Cup. (Various)

Hibernian forward Derek Riordan has been threatened with a lifetime ban for sneaking into a comedy show while serving a five-year ban from all 45 clubs in the capital's Unight security scheme following a string of bust-ups. (The Sun)

Ayr United have been put up for sale by American owner Lachlan Cameron, the millionaire saying that he has taken the struggling First Division club as far as he can. (Various)

AND FINALLY

Cardiff City have been warned not to stay overnight in Swansea ahead of Saturday's South Wales derby. Bluebirds boss Dave Jones said: "The police have advised us to stay out of the Swansea area in case fans set off fire alarms to try to wake us up."
Full story: The Sun

Derby defender Jay McEveley has revealed how he cheated death two weeks ago when his heart stopped for two minutes during a routine operation to repair a fractured cheekbone.
Full story: Daily Star

Burnley defnder Tyrone Mears, who faces his first club Manchester City on Saturday, could have been a rugby league star and signed a contract with Warrington Wolves before switching his attention to football.
Full story: The Sun

Celtic boss Tony Mowbray has dismissed statistics showing his side are the most shot-shy team in the Europa League with just 13 shots in their three matches so far. Mowbray said: "My first reaction is to say I'm not interested in what Uefa's computer shows up."
Full story: Daily Record

[Scouserbychoice]

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea will move for Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero and Napoli attacking midfielder Marek Hamsik in January now that their transfer embargo has been lifted.
Full story: Daily Mail

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is also interested in strengthening his squad by signing AC Milan's Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato in the next transfer window.
Full story: Daily Mirror

But Carlo Ancelotti will dip into the transfer market in January only if injuries to key players leave his squad depleted.
Full story: Guardian

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce has warned Portsmouth to forget about trying to sign striker Benni McCarthy on the cheap.
Full story: The Sun

Barcelona want to thrash out a deal for Manchester City’s Brazilian superstar Robinho this week and are willing to pay the £34million that City paid Real Madrid last year.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Arsenal are planning life without skipper Cesc Fabregas by lining up a £15million swoop for Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil.
Full story: Daily Star

OTHER GOSSIP

Sunderland striker Darren Bent insists he was never wanted by boss Harry Redknapp at Tottenham.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Harry Redknapp is adamant that his decision to sell Darren Bent to Sunderland last summer will "never haunt" him in spite of the striker's fine start to his career at Wearside.
Full story: Times

Fernando Torres intends to defy doctor's orders over his groin injury in a bid to haul Liverpool out of their slump.
Full story: The Sun

Tottenham have reacted to news Chelsea are seeking a stadium sponsor by claiming the potential commercial interests could get more from giving their name to Spurs' new stadium.
Full story: Daily Telegraph

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti claims Liverpool can no longer win the Premier League title.
Full story: Times

West Ham striker Dean Ashton is set to call time on his injury-wrecked career and lodge a multi-million pound insurance claim against the FA after being injured on England duty.
Full story: Daily Mail

Defender Ryan Shawcross has snubbed a move back to Manchester United by agreeing a new four-year deal at Stoke.
Full story: Daily Mail

AND FINALLY

Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan has hinted to his players they need to get married after discovering only three of his squad have got hitched so far.
Full story: Daily Mirror

[Scouserbychoice]

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United and Chelsea are fighting it out to sign Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell who is valued at £20m.
Full story: News of the World

United are also lining up a £15m January bid for Bayern Munich right-back Philipp Lahm.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez hopes to raise £15m from the sale of defender Andrea Dossena and forward Ryan Babel - and wants to splash some of the cash on Hamburg striker Eljero Elia.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

Liverpool are also keen on Arsenal striker Eduardo and are poised to make a £10m bid for Croatian.
Full story: News of the World

Reds midfielder Javier Mascherano looks set for a £30m move to Barcelona after his advisors agreed the player's personal terms with the Spanish club. (Sunday Express)

Arsenal are preparing a £5m bid for Hoffenheim's Brazilian midfielder Maicosuel.
Full story: News of the World

The Gunners are also keen on Cardiff City full-back Adam Matthews and are planning a £5m swoop for the 17-year-old. (Sunday Express)

Manchester City have agreed a £36m deal to sign Benfica midfielder Angel di Maria in January.
Full story: News of the World

City meanwhile will make a £20m January bid for Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

Manchester United and City are both keen on Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko who is rated at £20m.
Full story: Mail on Sunday

Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea are all battling it out to sign 16-year-old striker Connor Wickham from Ipswich in January.
Full story: Mail on Sunday

Tottenham are set to renew their interest in Sevilla winger Diego Capel.
Full story: News of the World

Chelsea will have to match Atletico Madrid forward Sergio Aguero's huge £6.5m a year wages to land the striker.
Full story: News of the World

The Blues are also leading the chase to sign Anderlecht striker Romelu Lukaku who has already attracted interest from AC Milan, Real Madrid and Manchester United.
Full story: News of the World

Birmingham are lining up a £7m bid for Celtic winger Aiden McGeady.
Full story: News of the World

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is set to raid his old club Swansea City for £2m-rated defender Ashley Williams.
Full story: News of the World

Portsmouth have set their sights on a January double swoop for Nice striker Loic Remy and Marseille winger Hatem Ben Arfa.
Full story: News of the World

Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson has been told he cannot leave the club in January despite interest from Sunderland, Spurs, Chelsea and Everton.
Full story: News of the World

Former England striker Darius Vassell who currently plays for Turkish side Ankaragucu is hoping to secure a January switch to Bolton.
Full story: News of the World

Sunderland will go after Newcastle left-back Jose Enrique if they fail to sign Wigan defender Maynor Figueroa in January. (Sunday Express)

OTHER GOSSIP

Former Manchester United defender and current Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc is being lined up to replace current Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

But former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who is currently in charge at Inter Milan, is confident that Ferguson will recommend him for the job as he is keen for a return to English football. Full story: Sunday Times

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie could be out for the rest of the season after suffering a serious ankle injury in Holland's friendly match against Italy.
Full story: Mail on Sunday

West Ham are set to formally announce the retirement of striker Dean Ashton.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

The Hammers could demand up to £5m in compensation after losing the services of 26-year-old Ashton. (Sunday Express)

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley will put the Championship club back up for sale if they get promoted to the Premier League at the end of the season.
Full story: News of the World

AND FINALLY

The infamous beach ball that diverted Sunderland striker Darren Bent's shot past Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina and into the goal earlier in the season has been sold at auction for £411.77. Full story: News of the World

[Scouserbychoice]

BREAKING GOSSIP

1240 GMT: Real Madrid's Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart dismisses talk of a return to German club Hamburg and vows to stay at the Bernabeu. (Bild magazine)

0940 GMT: AC Milan striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar has been linked with a January move to several Premier League clubs but the Dutch international says he wants to stay with the Serie A outfit. (Press Association)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea are lining up a bid to sign Brazil Under-15 skipper Lucas Piazon, who is seen as the new Kaka, from Sao Paolo.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Egypt striker Amr Zaki, who spent last season on loan at Wigan, is wanted by Portsmouth and could join the Premier League club in January.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Newcastle are monitoring the form of versatile Portugal winger Ukra, who currently plays for Olhanense and was in action against England Under-21s on Saturday.
Full story: Daily Mail

Championship strugglers Reading want to sign Huddersfield striker Jordan Rhodes and are prepared to pay £600,000 for the player, who joined the Terriers for half that amount from Ipswich in the summer.
Full story: Daily Mirror

OTHER GOSSIP

England coach Fabio Capello will not select David James for his World Cup squad unless the 39-year-old keeper is fully fit.
Full story: Daily Mail

Arsenal's England Under-21 defender Kieran Gibbs says he has not even thought that he could yet become a surprise late selection in Capello's World Cup squad.
Full story: The Sun

England skipper John Terry insisted his team will fear nobody at the World Cup despite watching his side lose against an under-strength Brazil.
Full story: The Sun

Manchester United defender Gary Neville has called for an elite pool of referees to take charge of high-profile Premier League fixtures.
Full story: The Times

AND FINALLY

There has been a rush for tickets for the final of the Major League Soccer Cup after David Beckham's LA Galaxy defeated Houston Dynamo 2-0 to qualify for next Sunday's match, when they will take on Real Salt Lake.
Full story: Daily Telegraph

[Scouserbychoice]

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas is the number one transfer target for both Real Madrid and Barcelona, who are set to spark a £60m bidding war for the 22-year-old.
Full story: Daily Star

Chelsea are ready to make a £50m double swoop for Valencia striker David Villa and Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos.
Full story: Daily Star

The Blues have been urged by skipper John Terry to spend big in the January transfer window while their transfer ban is suspended. Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell, AC Milan playmaker Andrea Pirlo and Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero are on the wish list.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Tottenham are lining up a £6m bid for Manchester United and England goalkeeper Ben Foster.
Full story: The Sun

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has launched a £5m bid for Middlesbrough centre-back David Wheater.
Full story: The Sun

Liverpool will resist any attempt by Barcelona to prise midfielder Javier Mascherano away during the January transfer window but may accept a £30m package in the summer. Barca may offer midfielder Yaya Toure and striker Bojan Krkic in part exchange. (Daily Express)

Toure, however, has said that Manchester United and Chelsea are his preferred destinations if he is to leave the Nou Camp. (The Independent)

Reds boss Rafael Benitez is lining up a £15m double raid on West Ham for centre-back Matthew Upson and left-back Herita Ilunga.
Full story: Daily Star

Manchester United winger Nani is a loan target for Italian side Fiorentina, who would be tempted to pay £15m to make the deal permanent in the summer.
Full story: Daily Mail

Stoke boss Tony Pulis is planning a January raid in Huddersfield for goalkeeper Alex Smithies, who is valued at £3m.
Full story: The Sun

Tottenham have taken 16-year-old Valarenga striker Havard Nielsen on loan. The teenager has represented Norway at under-16 level and scored in their recent win against Italy.
Full story: The Sun

Bolton are lining up a £250,000 move for Hungary striker Laszlo Lencse, who plays for MTK.
Full story: The Sun

Newcastle and Middlesbrough are chasing Celtic defender Gary Caldwell, who is out of contract in the summer. (Daily Star)

Portsmouth midfielder Matt Ritchie wants to stay at Notts County when his loan deal expires next month. (Daily Star)

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is trying to set up a cut-price deal for Espanyol striker Raul Tamudo.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Northern Ireland striker Warren Feeney plans to leave Cardiff in the January transfer window. (Daily Star)

Sheffield United have joined Coventry and QPR in the hunt for Sheffield Wednesday centre-back Richard Wood.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Notts County director of football Sven-Goran Eriksson has bid £700,000 to sign Coventry centre-back Elliot Ward. (The Sun)

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has threatened to quit if the club sells Spain striker Fernando Torres against his will.
Full story: The Times

Portsmouth keeper David James has told England boss Fabio Capello he will be fit for next year's World Cup but says he does need a rest to protect his troublesome knee.
Full story: The Sun

Former Northern Ireland international Gerry Taggart, 39, is a shock contender to take over at League Two strugglers Grimsby. (Daily Star)

AND FINALLY

Arsenal's injured striker Robin van Persie has flown to Serbia to have treatment which involves rubbing horse placenta into his damaged ankle.
Full story: The Sun

[Scouserbychoice]

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea are closing in on the £40m signing of Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero.
Full story: Daily Telegraph

AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso is hoping to secure a January transfer move to Manchester City.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Manchester City are interested in Tottenham winger David Bentley and could bid £8m for the 25-year-old.
Full story: Daily Mirror

City could tempt Tottenham with a swap deal involving Martin Petrov and cash, in a bid to land former Blackburn winger Bentley. (Daily Star)

Tottenham are set to beat Manchester United to the signing of Plymouth's young defender Jamie Richards.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Barcelona will ask to take Manchester City forward Robinho on loan first before deciding whether to sign the Brazilian permanently.
Full story: Daily Mirror

However, Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has claimed that the Brazilian is not needed at the Nou Camp.
Full story: The Sun

Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham could have their plans to sign Mahamadou Diarra in January scuppered by the Africa Cup of Nations. (Daily Star)

Brighton are hopeful of keeping Arsenal right-back Gavin Hoyte on loan until January.
Full story: The Sun

Liverpool could be forced to sell as many as four players in the January transfer window in an attempt trim the wage bill at Anfield.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Everton have renewed their interest in Standard Liege's Serbian striker Milan Jovanovic.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Wigan are lining up a move for Olimpia's Honduran defender Johnny Palacios, who is the younger brother of Tottenham midfielder Wilson.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Swansea City are set to move for Sheffield United winger David Cotterill. (Daily Mirror)

Veteran striker Paul Dickov wants to extend his loan spell from Leicester City at Derby County. (Scottish Daily Express)

OTHER GOSSIP

Former Birmingham City owner David Sullivan has demanded a free 50% stake in West Ham - in return for saving the club.
Full story: The Sun

Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou and West Brom defender Abdoulaye Meite were kicked out of the Ivory Coast squad after coming to blows in training. (Daily Star)

Crystal Palace will be forced to sell their top stars in a bid to avoid administration with Victor Moses, Sean Scannell and Nathaniel Clyne among the players set to leave. (Daily Star)

Rangers manager Walter Smith does not wish to return to his previous role as Scotland boss. (Daily Record/The Sun)

But Ibrox midfielder Kevin Thomson says he would forget past differences with his old boss at Easter Road, John Collins, if the former Hibs manager replaced George Burley at Hampden. (Daily Record)

Former Scotland central defender Colin Hendry would like to see disgraced duo Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor recalled to the Scotland set-up to end their ban by the Scottish Football Association. (Scottish Daily Mail)

Kenny Black, Craig Levein's former assistant at Leicester City, says the current Dundee United manager's ambitions lie in England where he would like to prove his abilities after being sacked by the Foxes. (Daily Record)

AND FINALLY

At least five other Premier League players have tried the same controversial placenta cure treatment in Belgrade that Arsenal striker Robin van Persie is undergoing.
Full story: Daily Mail

Manchester United winger Gabriel Obertan has revealed he was made to water hanging baskets, prune rose bushes and wash staff cars at the club's Carrington training ground when he first arrived at the Premier League club.
Full story: The Sun

Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez is finally learning English, by watching television drama Coronation Street.
Full story: Daily Star

[Scouserbychoice]

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City forward Robinho has told his team-mates that he wants to quit the club to join Spanish giants Barcelona.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Tottenham and Portsmouth are stepping up their pursuit of Marseille winger Hatem Ben Arfa.
Full story: The Sun

Tottenham could also bid for former Portsmouth and current Al-Arabi striker Lomana LuaLua.
Full story: The Sun

Chelsea have been told that Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero will cost them £50m.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Meanwhile, Napoli insist that Chelsea have not made a bid for £25m-rated midfielder Marek Hamsik.
Full story: The Sun

Liverpool have swooped to sign 14-year-old forward Dave Moli from Blue Square Premier side Luton.
Full story: The Sun

Liverpool, Tottenham and Fulham are monitoring Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy's situation after the Dutchman said he would consider a Premier League return.
Full story: Daily Star

Gillingham have told Wolves they will have to pay more than £1.5m to land Canadian striker Simeon Jackson.
Full story: The Sun

Birmingham are lining up a £1.5m raid on local rivals West Brom for midfielder Graham Dorrans.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Aston Villa are set to part company with defender Nicky Shorey and midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker in the January transfer window.
Full story: Daily Star

Preston are lining up a January loan move for Stoke winger Michael Tonge. (The Sun)

Celtic midfielder Simon Ferry is desperate to extend his loan stay at League One side Swindon. (The Sun)

OTHER GOSSIP

Injured Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has been told he will not play football again this year.
Full story: The Sun

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that he will not quit the club to manage Italy after rumours that current Azzurri boss Marcello Lippi will quit after the World Cup.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Fulham are set to spend £9m to secure the long-term services of manager Roy Hodgson and defender Brede Hangeland.
Full story: The Sun

Former Birmingham chief David Sullivan is plotting a takeover of League One Charlton if his bid to buy West Ham fails.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Manchester City midfielder Vincent Kompany has been expelled from Belgium's squad because of poor timekeeping.
Full story: The Guardian

AND FINALLY

It has emerged that England and Liverpool defender Glen Johnson is the latest Premier League player to be receiving the same horse-placenta treatment in Serbia as Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.
Full story: The Sun

The coaching skills of former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are to be offered to a Sunday league football side as part of Rio Ferdinand's charity auction. (The Sun) Final found his true level

[Scouserbychoice]

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has doubts as to whether to sign Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero as he weighs up if the Argentine is worth £40m.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Chelsea are willing to sign Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson for £4m and loan him back to the Teesside outfit.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Bolton are lining up a £7m January transfer window bid for Celtic midfielder Scott Brown.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Portsmouth manager Paul Hart is not keen on signing striker Amr Zaki, who spent a spell on loan at Wigan, even though a fee has been agreed with Egyptian club Zamalek.
Full story: The Sun

Ipswich are weighing up a move for West Ham midfielder Kieron Dyer. (Daily Telegraph)

OTHER GOSSIP

France striker Thierry Henry was told by his former manager Arsene Wenger that he should have owned up to his handball against the Republic of Ireland.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Hull trio Kevin Kilbane, Paul McShane and Stephen Hunt - all in the Republic of Ireland squad for the controversial game in France - have been urged to see a sports psychologist by club manager Phil Brown. (Daily Express)

England's 2018 World Cup bid team are unlikely to get any more financial support from the Premier League.
Full story: Guardian

Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy fears his career could be over in two years because of his knee problems.
Full story: Times

Newcastle boss Chris Hughton is concerned over Shola Ameobi opting to play for Nigeria and being ruled out during the African Cup of Nations.
Full story: Daily Star

Former Birmingham owner David Gold could end his interest in buying West Ham after opening talks to purchase Crystal Palace. (Daily Star)

AND FINALLY

In the fall-out from Henry's handball, ex-Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy says Fifa stands for Forget Irish Football Altogether. He also says, if he was Richard Dunne, he would not have let Henry sit next to him on the pitch after the game.
Full story: The Sun

Former Manchester United striker Andrew Cole says the Old Trafford club's manager Sir Alex Ferguson made a mistake in not signing Liverpool star Fernando Torres - and adds that his opinion is backed up by United's players.
Full story: Daily Star

[Scouserbychoice]

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Everton's Jack Rodwell is a hot tip to end up in a Manchester United shirt sooner or later - according to his old boss at Birkdale United, at least.
Full story: Daily Mail

But Rodwell's current manager, David Moyes, insists the 18-year-old is going nowhere.
Full story: Daily Telegraph

Inter Milan are keen to hijack Chelsea's £40m move for Atletico Madrid star Sergio Aguero.
Full story: The Sun

West Ham will not be forced into the sale of stars like Carlton Cole, Valon Behrami and Robert Green in January - but skipper Matthew Upson's future is less certain.
Full story: Daily Telegraph

Roman Pavlyuchenko, desperate to leave Tottenham with first-team chances limited, has been told he will not be allowed to sign for Roma on the cheap.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Mark Hughes hopes his Manchester City side impress Fernando Torres during their visit to Liverpool, as the Blues boss is keen to sign the striker in January.
Full story: Independent

And, if City make a move for Barcelona right-back Dani Alves, Aston Villa will come in for Micah Richards.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish will make a January swoop for Rangers pair Steven Davis and Kris Boyd.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Manchester United will not let goalkeeper Ben Foster go out on loan, despite being third choice for his club.
Full story: The Guardian

OTHER GOSSIP

Gael Kakuta, the 18-year-old cause of Chelsea's recent suspended transfer ban, is ready to make his debut from the bench against Wolves.
Full story: Daily Mail

Kakuta's boss at Chelsea, Carlo Ancelotti, has vowed to fine any of his players who show dissent to officials.
Full story: Daily Express

Meanwhile, Guus Hiddink is planning to quit his job as Russia coach having failed to reach the World Cup, with a return to Chelsea as technical director in mind.
Full story: The Guardian

AND FINALLY

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard is the latest convert to the Serbian school of horse placenta massage, having flown to Belgrade seeking treatment for a thigh injury.
Full story: Various BBC report: The new miracle cure for injuries?

Sam Allardyce says he left Bolton Wanderers over their lack of ambition, and knows he could manage "any team in the world".
Full story: Daily Express

In the wake of Thierry Henry's handball, Fifa may fast-track the introduction of two additional referees in each match in time for the World Cup, leading to a total of five officials on the pitch.
Full story: The Guardian

Eric Cantona "would have hit" Henry if he had been wronged in similar fashion by his fellow French star.
Full story: The Sun

[Scouserbychoice]

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Barcelona may their interest in Manchester City's Robinho, having opened discussions with Valencia's David Silva instead.
Full story: Sunday Times

Manchester United face competition from Chelsea for the signature of Everton's Jack Rodwell in January.
Full story: Mail on Sunday

And former United player Steve Bruce hopes to bring their goalkeeper Ben Foster to Sunderland on loan, as Craig Gordon is out with a broken arm. (Sunday Express)

In their own hunt for a goalkeeper, United have been told CSKA Moscow want £25m for stopper Igor Akinfeev.
Full story: News of the World

Bruce has a few other Sunderland targets in mind, including Argentine Diego Buonanotte and Mexican winger Nestor Calderon.
Full story: News of the World

Liverpool will make a bid for Ruud van Nistelrooy, now surplus to requirements at Real Madrid, in January.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

Chelsea are favourites to sign highly-rated Ipswich 16-year-old Connor Wickham.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez is keen on Swansea captain Ashley Williams and Honduras striker Roger Rojas. (Mail on Sunday)

West Ham will continue to pay unwanted midfielder Nigel Quashie £20,000 a week in wages when he joins MK Dons on loan in the coming week.
Full story: Mail on Sunday

Clubs will get an extra day to sign players during the January window - the FA has now extended the deadline to 1700 GMT on 1 February, as 30 January falls on a Sunday. (Sunday Express)

OTHER GOSSIP

Argentina want Guus Hiddink to leave Russia and join up with Diego Maradona for the World Cup.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

Alan Shearer could take over at Sheffield United if boss Kevin Blackwell is sacked.
Full story: News of the World

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Fabio Capello will not be capable of guiding England to World Cup glory in South Africa.
Full story: Mail on Sunday

Meanwhile, Ferguson and United plan to offer striker Wayne Rooney a contract worth £170,000 a week.
Full story: News of the World

England's 2018 World Cup bid team are keen to bring Arsenal's French manager, Arsene Wenger, on board - potentially as the campaign's figurehead.
Full story: Mail on Sunday

Thierry Henry could be banned for the start of the World Cup if a Fifa panel decides his infamous handball constituted "unsporting behaviour". (Sunday Telegraph)

A leading expert in match-fixing believes Asian bookmakers and "fixers" have "strong" contacts in the Premier League. (Sunday Telegraph)

AND FINALLY

The beachball which starred in Sunderland's 1-0 victory over Liverpool last month is to go on display at the National Football Museum in Preston. (Sunday Express)

David Beckham will return to the United States after the World Cup, play for the LA Galaxy until 2011, then invest in an MLS franchise.
Full story: The Observer

Manchester United's French defender Patrice Evra has offered angry Irish fans a replay of their controversial World Cup qualifier - on his Playstation.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

[Scouserbychoice]

BREAKING GOSSIP

1125 GMT: Vedran Corluka's agent has rubbished speculation linking the Tottenham defender with a move to Italian giants Juventus. Mario Mamic told www.tuttomercatoweb.com: "Juventus? He still has a five-year contract with Tottenham to respect." (Press Association)

1124 GMT: Bayern Munich forward Luca Toni is desperate to return to Serie A to revive his chances of making Italy's World Cup squad. (Press Association)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola insists the club will not be forced to sell striker Carlton Cole in January, despite interest in the £20m-rated player from Manchester United and Liverpool.
Full story: The Sun

Chelsea have dropped out of the running to sign Benfica's Ángel Di María after balking at the £36m asking price, leaving the way open for the Argentine winger to join Manchester City next summer.
Full story: Daily Telegraph

Birmingham's £4m bid for Standard Liege's Serbian striker Milan Jovanovic has collapsed, leaving Manchester United, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Everton to battle it out for his signature.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is willing to listen to offers for defender Anton Ferdinand and Spurs are believed to be preparing a £6m bid. (Various)

Manchester City have moved a step closer to signing QPR's Raheem Sterling after the young forward notified Rangers of his desire to leave.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Nottingham Forest are planning a £3m move for Tottenham defender Gareth Bale.
Full story: Daily Mirror

OTHER GOSSIP

Los Angeles Galaxy and England midfielder David Beckham is struggling to be fit for his New Year move to AC Milan after needing three cortisone injections in his right ankle before Sunday's MLS Cup Final defeat to Real Salt Lake.
Full story: The Sun

Beckham is ready to move into club ownership after expressing his wish to buy a Major League Soccer team. He has the right to invest in a future franchise as part of his deal to join Galaxy in 2007.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Liverpool midfielder Ryan Babel says he will leave the club in January if he is not given more opportunities in the first team by manager Rafael Benitez. "I have tried to talk to the manager but it isn't of any use," admitted Babel."
Full story: The Sun

Real Madrid forward Kaka has revealed that he turned down a move to Chelsea in the summer in order to complete his dream move to the Bernabeu.
Full story: Daily Mail

Bolton manager Gary Megson has rounded on some of his players, accusing them of trying to destabilise the club. The Trotters are currently in the Premier League relegation zone following three successive defeats. (Various)

Tottenham defender Jonathan Woodgate has admitted he has no chance of representing England at next year's World Cup in South Africa because of his persistent injury woes.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Ipswich have dismissed speculation that their manager Roy Keane is on the brink of being sacked. A club spokesman said: "The story in a national newspaper that our manager is about to leave is complete and utter nonsense.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Arsenal midfielder Alex Song has agreed to sign a new contract that will keep him at the Emirates until 2015.
Full story: The Sun

AND FINALLY

Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun has revealed that his recent injuries were treated by Serbian healer Marijana Kovacevic with human placenta. Benayoun's team-mate Glen Johnson, Arsenal's Robin van Persie and Chelsea's Frank Lampard have all recently been treated with what was believed to be horse placenta.
Full story: The Sun
Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe says that watching Spurs coach Clive Allen in action during his playing days on YouTube helped him claim his five-goal haul during the 9-1 win over Wigan on Sunday.
Full story: Daily Mirror

[Scouserbychoice]

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Arsenal will make a £17m summer move for Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor if the 23-year-old has a strong finish to the season.
Full story: Daily Star

Or Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger could instead bid £14m in an attempt to lure 20-year-old Nice striker Loic Remy to the Emirates.
Full story: The Sun

Nemanja Vidic will leave Manchester United in the summer and head for a club in southern Europe. The 28-year-old defender and his wife Ana have failed to settle in Manchester and will head for sunnier climes.
Full story: Daily Mail

However, Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik could be a summer arrival at Old Trafford. The 22-year-old has been earmarked as a player who can breathe new life into a Manchester United squad that features several stars in their mid thirties.
Full story: Daily Telegraph

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is weighing up a swoop for Honduran striker Melvin Valladeres. The 25-year-old, recommended by Spurs midfielder Wilson Palacios, has been given a two-week trial by the club.
Full story: The Mirror

Derby boss Nigel Clough is hoping to sign DJ Campbell on loan from Leicester before the deadline for emergency signings passes on Thursday. However, Sheffield Wednesday are also keen to sign the 28-year-old striker.
Full story: The Mirror

Sheffield United striker Jamie Ward, 23, is wanted by West Brom. Ward has scored four times for the Blades this season but could move in January for around £1.5m.
Full story: The Mirror

Arsenal are set to beat Manchester United and their rivals Manchester City to the signing of QPR youngster Raheem Sterling. The Gunners will have to pay £750,000 in compensation for the striker.
Full story: The Sun

OTHER GOSSIP

Avram Grant is set to move up from his director of football role to become Portsmouth manager following Paul Hart's exit on Tuesday.
Full story: The Sun

Alternatively, Pompey could chose former Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson and name him in time for Saturday's game against his father's team - Manchester United. (Daily Express)

Manchester United keeper Edwin van der Sar could come out of international retirement to play in the World Cup for The Netherlands next summer. Van der Sar will only be four months short of his 40th birthday when the tournament starts.
Full story: The Guardian

Sunderland striker Darren Bent is set to miss five matches because of a hamstring injury. The Black Cats are already without Kenwyne Jones, who is completing a three-match ban.
Full story: The Sun

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is set to land a bumper £5m-a-year pay deal that will keep him at Craven Cottage until 2012. Fulham currently lie 12th in the Premier League and have already beaten Liverpool this campaign. (Daily Express)

AND FINALLY

Roy Keane has apologised after saying the Republic of Ireland should "get over" France striker Thierry Henry's handball in last week's World Cup qualifier. "I apologise to anyone I offended. I'm only 38 and will make mistakes," he said.
Full story: The Sun

Sam Allardyce's wife, Lynn, will ban him from using his mobile phone tonight to ensure he has no involvement in Blackburn's clash with Fulham. The Rovers manager, 55, is set to undergo heart surgery on Friday.
Full story: Daily Mail

[Scouserbychoice]

Thursday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

Football agent Barry McIntosh says he has an exclusive "mandate" from Belgian club Standard Liege to negotiate a £3.4m move to Birmingham City for striker Milan Jovanovic.

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Out-of-favour Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will reject Arsenal in favour of a move to Liverpool on loan.

Tottenham want to sign Manchester City defender Micah Richards in the January transfer window

Burnley want to sign striker David Nugent on a permanent deal from Portsmouth when his loan deal expires.

Blackburn and Burnley are both keeping tabs on 25-year-old Lincoln goalkeeper Rob Burch.

Southend are keen to sign Crewe defender Billy Jones and Wycombe veteran Michael Duberry. (Daily Mirror)

OTHER GOSSIP

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright's attempts to sell the club have suffered a major blow after planning permission for a new stadium was rejected.

Former Inter Milan goalkeeper Walter Zenga is being lined up as Bolton's next manager.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has laughed off Wigan chairman Dave Whelan's suggestion that the Latics' 9-1 thrashing by Tottenham was partly down to some of Bruce's "dodgy" signings when he was in charge of the side.

Stamford Bridge looks likely to miss out on being one of the grounds included in England's 2018 World Cup bid as there is not enough room around the stadium but the London Olympic Stadium is likely to be included.

Former Sports Minster Richard Caborn wants BBC presenter and former striker Gary Lineker to join the England 2018 World Cup bid, calling him "a modern day Sir Bobby Charlton". (Daily Telegraph).

Former Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson could return to management at Sheffield United - if Kevin Blackwell is sacked. The Blades have won only one of their last nine games.

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo returned to action in the Champions League on Tuesday after two months out with an ankle injury and should be available for the top-of-the-table La Liga clash with Barcelona this weekend.

Rangers midfielder Lee McCulloch fears the team could be broken up after their exit from the Champions League.

AND FINALLY

Arsenal defender Armand Traore will have surgery in the summer to get rid of his tattoos, calling them "one of the biggest mistakes of my life". (that's why you should only get tattooed once you have thought long and hard about it.....or if you love the pain)

[Scouserbychoice]

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp faces a battle with Liverpool to sign former Arsenal favourite Patrick Vieira from Inter Milan in the January transfer window. Full story: Daily Telegraph

The two clubs are also keeping tabs on Atletico Madrid Diego Forlan after the Uruguay striker admitted he would like to return to England. Full story: Daily Mirror

New Portsmouth boss Avram Grant has been promised funds for players in the new year, with the club expecting its transfer ban to be lifted before the January transfer window. Full story: The Sun

Defender Brede Hangeland is set to sign a new deal at Fulham, scuppering Arsenal's hopes of luring the Norwegian to north London. Full story: Daily Mirror

Manchester United have concluded a deal for Cardiff's teenage defender Adam Matthews, who will move to Old Trafford for £5m in the January transfer window. Full story: The Sun

Tottenham have tied up a £4m deal to bring Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra to White Hart Lane. Full story: The Sun

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is tracking Portugal international Miguel after the right-back fell out with Valencia coach Unai Emery. Full story: The Sun

Aberdeen manager Mark McGhee is close to admitting they cannot afford to sign USA midfielder Stuart Holden when the Aberdeen-born player's contract with Houston Dynamo ends this month. (Daily Express)

Falkirk are awaiting international clearance to sign 23-year-old midfielder Toufik Zerara, most recently with Dubai outfit Al Dhafra. (Various)

Midfielder Simon Ferry says he wants to quit Celtic permanently after his loan to Swindon Town was extended until the summer. (The Sun)

Kilmarnock could extend goalkeeper Mark Brown's loan from Celtic if Alan Combe has not recovered from injury by January. (Various)

Motherwell have started talks designed to extend the loans of Lucas Jutkiewicz, John Ruddy (both Everton) and Yassin Moutaoukil (Charlton). (Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP

England manager Fabio Capello wants to go head-to-head with Diego Maradona's Argentina team in a pre-World Cup friendly next March. Full story: Daily Mail

Former England midfielder Paul Gascoigne has warned England not to heap too many expectations on striker Wayne Rooney for the 2010 World Cup.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres insists manager Rafael Benitez is the right man to turn around Liverpool's ailing fortunes. (Daily Express)

Former Manchester United star Fabien Barthez has sparked uproar in France when it was revealed he charged 70 Euro a minute as Raymond Domenech's goalkeeping coach. (Daily Star)

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti says Jose Mourinho's job is safe - despite their uncertain Champions League fate following a 2-0 defeat by Barcelona on Tuesday. Full story: Daily Telegraph

Bolton manager Gary Megson insists there is no "witch-hunt" after suggesting "one or two" players were destabilising the Premier League club. Full story: Daily Telegraph

Celtic midfielder Scott Brown needs a second ankle operation and faces another two months on the sidelines. (Daily Record/Daily Mail)

Madjid Bougherra says he will repay Rangers with good performances after explaining his late return from international duty was because of celebrations in his homeland after Algeria beat Egypt to qualify for the World Cup finals. (The Sun)

Scottish FA chief executive Gordon Smith will propose the use of video replays to help referees when he addresses the International Football Association Board meeting in March. (Various)

AND FINALLY

The mysterious horse placenta healer of Belgrade has won over many England-based footballers, but it seems Frank Lampard isn't one of them. The Chelsea midfielder walked out after an hour of treatment with Marijana Kovacevic, who uses fluid derived from a horse's placenta, in a bid to heal his thigh injury. Full story: The Independent

An email on behalf of John Terry has been sent to prospective sponsors outlining the England captain's suitability to endorse companies for the 2010 World Cup. The email states that Terry was "voted as one of the World's most influencial (sic) people". Full story: Daily Mail

[Scouserbychoice]

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is determined to win the race to sign £50m-rated Spanish striker David Villa from Valencia. Sunday Express

The billionaire owners of Manchester City are to rock ailing Liverpool by launching an audacious £50m bid for star striker Fernando Torres. Full story: Mail on Sunday

Spanish giants Barcelona are tracking Tottenham and England striker Jermain Defoe, 27, who has scored 15 goals already this season. Sunday Express

Chelsea target Sergio Aguero, 21, claims he has no intention of leaving Spanish side Atletico Madrid this summer. Sunday Express

Liverpool are ready to offload Dutch striker Ryan Babel, 22, on loan to German Bundesliga club Bayern Munich with a view to making the move permanent for around £9m in the summer. Full story: News of the World

The Reds are also keen on bringing striker Diego Forlan, 30, back to the Premier League from Spanish side Atletico Madrid, but boss Rafael Benitez has been told he must sell before he can buy. Full story: The People

Manchester City are lining up a £20m bid for Argentina winger Diego Perotti, 21, who plays in Spain for Sevilla. Full story: News of the World

City have also joined the race to sign Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson, increasing the likelihood that Robinho will leave Eastlands. Full story: The People

Chelsea and City will go head-to-head to sign Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery and AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso in the January transfer window. Full story: The People

Tottenham are lining up a £10m bid for West Ham defender Matt Upson with Alan Hutton going the other way. Full story: The People

Manchester United are keen on signing Japanese striker Takayuki Morimoto, 21, who is currently playing for Catania in Italy. Full story: The People

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy could bolster his defence by bringing in Preston's Republic of Ireland international Eddie Nolan, 21, for £500,000. Full story: News of the World

Newcastle manager Chris Hughton is targeting Manchester United's 20-year-old midfielder Tom Cleverley, who is currently on loan at Championship side Watford. Full story: News of the World

Hull manager Phil Brown looks poised to hijack Matt Kilgallon's £2m move to Newcastle. The defender looked set to move to Tyneside after snubbing the offer of a new deal at Sheffield United, but the Tigers hope to lure Kilgallon with a three-year deal worth £25,000-a-week. Full story: News of the World

Newcastle duo Kevin Nolan and Alan Smith are set to snub the chance to return to the top flight in the January transfer window despite interest from Wigan and Everton respectively. Sunday Express

Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies is keen to bring Michael Dawson back to the City Ground from Tottenham, along with his team-mate Gareth Bale. Full story: Sunday Mirror

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce wants to sign Newcastle defender Jose Enrique and is prepared to let Kieran Richardson move in the opposite direction to make the deal go through. Sunday Mirror

OTHER GOSSIP

Mark Hughes' time as Manchester City manager could be coming to an end after a seventh successive Premier League draw. Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho and Guus Hiddink are among those in the frame to replace him. Full story: News of the World

Meanwhile, former Chelsea manager Mourinho has revealed that he is pining for a return to the Premier League. Full story: News of the World

Liverpool have rejected the chance to share a super-stadium with Everton and said "it will never happen". Everton chief Robert Elstone approached the Reds after their plans for a new ground in Kirkby were rejected last week. Full story: Sunday Mirror

Meanwhile, former Germany manager Jurgen Klinsmann will tell Liverpool that he would not turn them down again after rejecting the chance to replace Rafa Benitez as manager two years ago. Full story: The People

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is furious with the Dutch FA for misdiagnosing Robin van Persie's ankle injury - the striker faces five months out after damaging ligaments. Various

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand will learn in the next 10 days whether his bad back has ended his dreams of playing for England in the 2010 World Cup. Sunday Express

Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka is lining up an improved deal at Stamford Bridge that could take his weekly salary from £80,000-a-week to £120,000-a-week. Full story: News of the World

New Portsmouth manager Avram Grant hopes to persuade former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp to give up his TV pundit career and join him at Fratton Park as his assistant. Full story: News of the World

Former Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate will serve court papers on the club this week after failing to his compensation money after being sacked. Full story: Mail on Sunday

Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson says his dream is to lead his League Two side Notts County to Champions League victory. Sunday Mirror

Nicky Shorey, 28, is ready to quit Aston Villa after revealing he has grown "extremely frustrated" at life under Martin O'Neill and will step up his attempts to find another club in the New Year. Full story: Sunday Mirror

AND FINALLY

Frank Lampard will donate £20,000 to Great Ormond Street children's hospital if Chelsea lose to Arsenal after agreeing to a wager with 12-year-old Gunners fan Jake Peach. If Chelsea win, Peach, a leukemia survivor and former patient at the London hospital, will wear a Blues shirt for the day. Full story: Mail on Sunday

AND FINALLY...FINALLY

Manchester City chief executive Garry Cook will write to the club's fans to apologise after announcing at a 60th anniversary dinner for the Official Supporters club at Eastlands: "I'd like to welcome Uwe Rosler into the Manchester United hall of fame." Full story: Sunday Mirror