Tuesday Paper Talk

[Chelmsford_yid]

QPR manager Neil Warnock admits it is "conceivable" that David Beckham could sign for the club, although he doubts whether the midfielder would get in his side.
Full story: Sky Sports
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp also feels he has enough strength in his squad without the former England captain.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Spurs and French side Lille could be in line for a January swap deal involving striker Moussa Sow and Tottenham's out-of-favour forward Roman Pavlyuchenko.
 Full story: Inside Futbol

While Everton are also preparing an offer for the Tottenham and Russia striker.
 Full story: Footylatest.com
Tottenham, Chelsea and Ars*nal will have to pay £25m if they want to sign Palermo midfielder Josip Ilicic, 23.
 Full story: Metro
Chelsea plan to move for Bolton and England defender Gary Cahill in the January transfer window, but will only offer £7m as he is a free agent next summer.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Blues target Diego Godin admits he would be open to a move to Stamford Bridge but the Atletico Madrid defender says he has had no contact with the Premier League club.
Full story: talkSPORT
AC Milan assistant manager Mauro Tassotti has confirmed the club are interested in Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez.
Full story: the Sun
Also at Eastlands, City midfielder Nigel de Jong, whose current deal runs out in the summer of 2013, has reiterated he wants to extend his stay at the club.
 Full story: Manchester Evening News
Liverpool face a batte with Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala to sign Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita, 31, in January.
Full story: the Sun
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce believes on-loan Ars*nal striker Nicklas Bendtner's fantastic international form could scupper the club's chances of signing him on a permanent deal.
Full story: Newcastle Journal
Ars*nal look set to go head-to-head with Serie A side Napoli for the signature of 20-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Patrick Herrmann in the January transfer window.
Full story: talkSPORT
Bolton have joined Blackburn, West Brom and QPR in the race to sign Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha.
Full story: Daily Mail
Leicester City have told Rangers they will renew in January the £7.5m offer for Croatia striker Nikica Jelavic rejected in the summer - and this time the cash-strapped Ibrox club could not afford to turn it down. (the Sun)
Olympiakos could use £2m-rated Greek striker Kosta Migroglou as bait in their bid to land Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor. (Daily Express)
Former Aberdeen forward Sone Aluko will be given 90 minutes to prove himself worthy of a contract with Rangers when the Nigeria international plays as a trialist in today's closed-doors friendly against St Mirren. (Daily Record)
Rangers manager Ally McCoist fears that Aberdeen's demand for compensation could scupper his bid to sign trialist Sone Aluko and the Ibrox club's lawyers are looking for clarification from world governing body Fifa. (the Sun)
Sone Aluko's agent says Aberdeen would not be due any compensation should the Nigeria international sign for Rangers because the Dons paid Birmingham City £50,000 for the 22-year-old, put him straight in their first team and therefore did not develop his talent. (Daily Record)
Rosenborg defender Mikael Lustig, who is also wanted by Espanyol and Fulham, says he is excited at the prospect of joining Celtic after speaking to the Glasgow club's present Swedish centre-half, Daniel Majstorovic. (Various)
Middlesbrough are set to launch a January bid for Dundee United midfielder Danny Swanson. (the Sun)
Wales and Tottenham midfielder Gareth Bale believes Spurs will win the Premier League sooner rather than later if they can keep hold of their best players.
Full story: Evening Standard
Bale has also revealed that he would relish the chance to play abroad should the opportunity present itself in the future.
Full story: Metro
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has reportedly claimed that it would cost Blues owner Roman Abramovich too much money to sack him.
Full story: Daily Star
Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar wants to win Europe's golden boot after scoring 23 goals in 20 league and cup games so far this season.
Full story: Bild (in German)
Manchester City midfielder David Silva believes the club could win the Champions League in their first season in the competition.
Full story: Sky Sports
Recalled West Brom defender Nicky Shorey has praised manager Roy Hodgson for getting him back to his best after being dropped for four Premier League matches.
Full story: Express & Star
Argentina legend Gabriel Batistuta has condemned the actions of Manchester City striker and fellow countryman Carlos Tevez.
Full story: talkSPORT
Meanwhile, City boss Roberto Mancini insists that Tevez will not be sold on the cheap.
Full story: Daily Telegraph
Tottenham first-team coach Joe Jordan believes that striker Jermain Defoe could challenge Aston Villa frontman Darren Bent for a place in Fabio Capello's England squad.
Full story: Independent
Bohemians manager Pat Fenlon expects to find out today if he has been successful in his bid to become Hibernian boss. (Daily Mail)
St Mirren will hold talks today with Danny Lennon as the manager closes in on a new two-year contract. (the Sun)
St Mirren chairman Stewart Gilmour thinks the Scottish Premier League's new £80m television deal kills off any prospect of expanding the number of teams in the top flight. (Daily Record)
The Scottish Premier League's new television deal kills off talk of an expanded league because broadcaster Sky demands four Old Firm derbies. (Various)
The fashion accessory that is the snood is back with a vengeance with Manchester City the latest club to don the customised neck scarfs in training.
Full story: the Sun
One lucky punter scooped a £585,000 jackpot from a bet of less than £1 when defender Glen Johnson slotted in Liverpool's late winner in the 2-1 win at Chelsea.
Full story: Metro

[Chelmsford_yid]

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is believed to have rejected a contract offer to stay at the club. It is understood he does want to remain at Stamford Bridge, but his agent has also hinted at a move to the United States, Russia, Qatar or Asia.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Sporting Lisbon striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel says he is happy to remain in Portugal despite rumoured interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.
Full story: Manchester Evening News
Meanwhile, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson could make a move for AZ Alkmaar's Swedish winger Rasmus Elm in the January transfer window.
Full story: Daily Star
Liverpool are keen on rookie Romanian goalkeeper Valentin Cojocaru, who plays for Steaua Bucharest.
Full story: talkSPORT
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is set to make a move for £9m-rated Villarreal midfielder Borja Valero.
Full story: the Sun

 Spurs have stolen a march on Ars*nal in the race for DC United winger Andy Najar after agreeing to take the promising 18-year-old on trial during the MLS off season.
Full story: Metro
Tottenham defender Vedran Corluka could be on his way out of White Hart Lane. The 26 year-old has only played five times this season wants to leave Spurs to earn a place in Croatia's Euro finals squad.
Full story: the Sun
 Ars*nal scouts are watching Cologne and Germany striker Lukas Podolski, who could be available for £20m as he is out of contract in 2013.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Chelsea are believed to be keen on landing Barcelona youngster as they prepare a swoop for midfielder Sergi Roberto.
Full story: talkSPORT
 Newcastle United scouts have watched Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud and defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.
Full story: Daily Mail
Real Madrid midfielder Royston Drenthe is a summer transfer target for Liverpool as they look to swipe the Dutchman from under the noses of current loan club and Merseyside rivals Everton.
Full story: Footy-latest.com
Morocco international striker Marouane Chamakh could soon be leaving Ars*nal as Paris St Germain are understood to be readying a £10m transfer bid.
Full story: Metro
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is set to discuss his future with owner Ellis Short after the club's poor run in the league.
Full story: Guardian
Bruce admits he would consider his future at Sunderland if he thought it would help the club.
Full story: Newcastle Chronicle
Bolton manager Owen Coyle has urged the club's fans to stick by the team following a torrid run of results which has left his side languishing in the Premier League's bottom three.
Full story: Bolton News
 Chelsea assistant boss Roberto di Matteo says he is happy as Andre Villas-Boas' right-hand man but has refused to guarantee he will stay as assistant manager at Stamford Bridge beyond the end of the season.
Full story: Daily Telegraph

West Brom midfielder James Morrison has admitted the Baggies' pre-Christmas programme could shape the future of their season.
Full story: Express & Star
 Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny insists Ars*nal are not a one man team - despite captain Robin van Persie's recent heroics in front of goal.
Full story: the Sun
Blackburn manager Steve Kean says he is ready to meet with the club's unhappy fans if he is required to do so.
Full story: Lancashire Telegraph
Borussia Moenchengladbach pair Marco Reus and Mike Hanke found a novel way of deciding who will take free-kicks by indulging in a game of 'rock, paper, scissors' during their 3-0 win over Cologne.
Full story: Metro

[Chelmsford_yid]

Tottenham are ready to make a late bid to prise England defender Gary Cahill from Bolton.
Full story: Daily Mail
As he struggles with injuries to his defenders, Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew is planning to sign Montpellier skipper Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and PSV Eindhoven defender Erik Pieters.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has drawn up an £80m wishlist, which includes Tottenham's Luka Modric, Barcelona playmaker Thiago Alcantara, FC Porto defender Rolando and Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira.
Full story: Caughtoffside
Manchester City have given Italian side AC Milan permission to speak with wantaway striker Carlos Tevez. Milan are looking to reinforce their attacking options, with Italy frontman Antonio Cassano ruled out indefinitely after undergoing a heart procedure.
Full story: the Sun
Ars*nal could be set to sign forward Salomon Kalou if Chelsea decide to cash in on their more experienced players.
 Full story: Metro
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger faces a major struggle to sign Borussia Dortmund's teenage sensation Mario Gotze after his close friend and fellow team-mate Kevin Grosskreutz revealed he will see out his contract until 2014.
Full story: talkSPORT
Liverpool are leading the chase to sign Bologna striker Gaston Ramirez. The 21-year-old has already played for the Uruguayan national side.
Full story: talkSPORT
Chelsea are looking to sign £10m Marseille winger Andre Ayew in the January transfer window.
Full story: Footylatest
Striker Didier Drogba is adamant he will not be leaving Chelsea in the January transfer window and is committed to the club until the end of the season.
Full story: Evening Standard
West Brom manager Roy Hodgson has no plans to sell Peter Odemwingie in January.
Full story: Express & Star
Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel has backed Jermain Defoe to replace Wayne Rooney up front for England at Euro 2012 if the Manchester United striker loses his appeal against a three-match ban.
Full story: talkSPORT
Aston Villa midfielder Charles N'Zogbia is in contention to play against Bolton on Saturday after the Frenchman was omitted from Alex McLeish's squad for the weekend defeat by Manchester United on disciplinary grounds.
Full story: the Guardian
Ivory Coast defender Kolo Toure appears to have paved the way for a January exit from Manchester City after claiming he is picked on for playing for his country.
Full story: Daily Mail
Manchester United midfielder Anderson is being driven barking mad after buying two huge Bernese Mountain Dogs - and ending up with 10 after a pet shop mix-up.
Full story: Metro
Newly released Opta stats show that Aston Villa and England striker Darren Bent averages the fewest touches of any Premier League player - just 24 per match.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini was left red-faced when the start of the club's "Santa stroll" was delayed because he couldn't work the air horn.
Full story: Metro
Meanwhile, the Italian has been showing his players who is "boss" by wearing boots with the word written on them.
Full story: Daily Mail

[Chelmsford_yid]

Crystal Palace defender Nathaniel Clyne has been targeted by Sir Alex Ferguson as the ideal replacement for Gary Neville, who retired last season. The England Under-21 international impressed during the recent Carling Cup win over Manchester United.
Full story: Daily Mail
After agreeing a deal to sign Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka, Shanghai Shenhua are now eying a move for his Blues team-mate Didier Drogba.
 Full story: London Evening Standard
Tottenham are poised to make an ambitious January move to take Real Madrid misfit Kaka on loan for the rest of the season. The 29-year-old Brazilian has struggled to find a place in the team under Jose Mourinho and is likely to be sold in the summer, if not sooner.
 Full story: Daily Express
Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cotterill is considering selling £1.5m-rated Lewis McGugan in an attempt to raise funds for a new striker. Full story: Daily Mirror
West Brom manager Roy Hodgson is still unsure whether he will be dipping into the transfer market in January admitting there are still players at the club who are pushing for starts.
Full story: Birmingham Mail
Ars*nal are believed to be preparing to make a move for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.
Full story: footylatest.com
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy expects the form of Steven Fletcher to catch the eye of several managers before the end of January. The Scottish striker has now scored 16 goals in his last 23 matches.
Full story: Birmingham Mail
Manchester United could make a January move for Bolton centre-back Gary Cahill who is out of contract in the summer.
Full story: Manchester Evening News
Tottenham are ready to spend big to sign Lille striker Moussa Sow. The Senegal international has scored 29 goals in 48 games and is expected to cost around £18m.
Full story: talkSPORT
Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish has denied claims in some newspapers that midfielder Stiliyan Petrov will be sold in January.
Full story: Birmingham Mail
QPR are believed to be leading the race to sign Fulham's Bobby Zamora, who is set to leave the club in January. Sunderland and Aston Villa are also said to be interested in the striker who could cost £10m.
Full story: Daily Mail
Liverpool have won the race to sign Wycombe youngster Jordan Ibe. The 16-year-old had also caught the eye of Manchester United and Tottenham after scoring against Sheffield Wednesday in October.
Full story: talkSPORT
Chelsea are now said to have joined the chase for Newcastle midfielder Cheik Tiote, who is already attracting the attentions of both Manchester United and Tottenham.
Full story: Footie-online
Bolton will turn their attentions to Crawley's highly-rated 24-year-old defender Kyle McFadzean if Cahill is sold in next month's transfer window.
Full story: Daily Star
Rangers boss Ally McCoist has opened contract talks with United States international midfielder Maurice Edu, who has been targeted by Blackburn.
Full story: Daily Record
Celtic have been given first refusal on 23-year-old Senegal international striker Baba Diawara, currently top-scorer in Portugal with Maritimo.
(Daily Record)
Celtic are considering an appeal against their £13,000 fine for pro-IRA chants by their supporters.
(Daily Record)
Barnet manager Lawrie Sanchez has denied having any contact with the Irish Football Association about returning to the international fold to replace Nigel Worthington.
Full story: London Evening Standard
Midfielder Steven Reid is warning his West Brom team-mates to beware the threat of his former side Blackburn Rovers when the two sides meet at Ewood Park on Saturday.
  Full story: Birmingham Mail
Stoke are facing a probe by the FA for their use of towels during Sunday's win over Tottenham Hotspur. Ryan Shotton was wearing a towelling top under his shirt which he used to dry the ball, before launching his long throws.
Full story: Daily Mail

[Chelmsford_yid]

Real Madrid have told Chelsea they can sign their out-of-favour Brazilian midfielder Kaka for a cut-price £22m.
Full story: Daily Star
However, Milos Krasic is thought to be the major transfer target for the Blues, and the 27-year-old has been told he is not part of coach Antonio Conte's plans at Juventus.
Full story: Daily Star
Tottenham are determined to tie Luka Modric down to a new contract, which would exceed their usual wage structure and be worth around £100,000 per week, in a bid to finally end interest from Chelsea and Manchester United.
Full story: Metro
Spurs are also thought to be keen to sell fringe midfielders Steven Pienaar and Niko Kranjcar to raise funds for new acquisitions at White Hart Lane.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Harry Redknapp, the Tottenham manager, wants to shake up the Premier League title race with one massive signing next month.
Full story: the Sun
Inter Milan are thought to be ready to sell Wesley Sneijder, a long-term target for Manchester United, to raise funds for rebuilding their squad.
Full story: Daily Mail
Barcelona are allegedly planning a bid for Ars*nal striker Robin van Persie, according to reports.
Full story: Caughtoffside.com
Under-pressure Bolton boss Owen Coyle is keen to recruit at least three players in the January transfer window, with US international defender Tim Ream, from MLS side New York Red Bulls, thought to be on his list.
Full story: Bolton News
Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who said recently that he wants to end his career at the Nou Camp, has revealed he would like to return to Ars*nal.
Full story: Metro
Reports from Germany suggest Bayer Leverkusen are considering a move for their former striker, Manchester United's Dimitar Berbatov.
Full story: Caughtoffside.com
Aston Villa are pondering a move for former Rangers and Newcastle defender Jean-Alain Boumsong, currently with Panathinaikos, reports have suggested.
Full story: insidefutbol.com
Fulham are lining up Nottingham Forest and Wales full-back Chris Gunter, the former Spurs player, who is also wanted by Blackburn and Norwich.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Blackburn owners Venky's have given assurances that they will continue to fund the club next season, regardless of which division Rovers find themselves in.
Full story: Lancashire Telegraph
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has begun talks over a new contract, worth a reported £5m a year, which would make him the Premier League's highest paid boss.
Full story: Daily Mail
Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas admits it will be "very difficult" for his team to win the Premier League after the 1-1 draw with Fulham kept them in fourth place.
Full story: Express & Star
Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish says he will not be tempted to sell Darren Bent in the January transfer window in a bid to raise funds for other signings.
Full story: talkSPORT
Ars*nal manager Arsene Wenger is still weighing up a loan move for former striker Thierry Henry, and hopes to have England midfielder Jack Wilshere back in his line-up at the end of January.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Sunderland striker Connor Wickham hopes to return from a knee injury for the New Year's Day match with Manchester City at the Stadium of Light.
Full story: Newcastle Chronicle
Stoke manager Tony Pulis admits he will never be popular with all the club's supporters.
Full story: Stoke Sentinel
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini deflected talk of a move for Roma midfielder Daniele de Rossi by saying he would also like to sign Lionel Messi.
Full story: Metro

[Chelmsford_yid]

Manchester City look set to miss out on the signing of midfielder Daniele De Rossi, as the 28-year-old is set to agree a five-year contract extension at Roma.
 Full story: talkSPORT
Sunderland midfielder Kieran Richardson has emerged as a shock target for Ars*nal, with the 27-year-old believed to be keen on a move to the capital.
 Full story: Daily Mirror
The Gunners have been alerted to the availability of Lyon full-back Aly Cissokho after Arsene Wenger confirmed his intention to recruit defensive cover. Manchester City's out-of-favour left-back Wayne Bridge is not expected to join them because of previous injury concerns and his £90,000 weekly wage.
 Full story: Metro
Manchester United are monitoring CSKA Moscow's 21-year-old Russian international midfielder Alan Dzagoev, who has been dauntingly likened in playing style to Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.
 Full story: Caughtoffside
Aston Villa are interested in making a move for Steven Pienaar, who has struggled to get games for Spurs this season. They will face competition for the midfielder's signature from Everton and Sunderland.
 Full story: Daily Mail
Juventus are chasing the signature of Chelsea defender Alex, who is thought to prefer a return to Santos, after being told he can leave Stamford Bridge.
 Full story: talkSPORT
Or Alex is keen on a move to Queens Park Rangers and will hold talks with the club on Tuesday.
 Full story: Daily Mail
Juventus are now leading the race to sign Liverpool target Gaston Ramirez. The Italian giants are said to have already made a bid for the attacking midfielder, who currently plays for Bologna.
 Full story: Footybunker
West Ham are keen to take versatile Tottenham defender Vedran Corluka on loan for the remainder of the season.
 Full story: The Sun
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy has opened the bidding for Bristol City striker Nicky Maynard with a £1m offer but it will not be enough to secure his signature.
 Full story: Daily Mirror
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas reportedly said nothing to midfielder Frank Lampard, who scored the winning goal at Wolves, either after the match or on the coach home.
 Full story: The Sun
The Daily Mail report that Joey Barton is likely to face an FA charge for accusing Bradley Johnson of 'conning' the officials after he was sent-off on Monday.
 Full story: Daily Mail
Former England manager Steve McClaren could be set for a return to FC Twente, the team he led to the Dutch title in 2010.
 Full story: Les Rosbifs
Spurs playmaker Rafael van der Vaart has dismissed any speculation about his future, saying that "nobody wants to leave Spurs now".
 Full story: Daily Mirror
Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea insists he can "equal or even surpass" Edwin van der Sar's achievements at the club, despite a series of errors at the start of his career at Old Trafford.
 Full story: Daily Star
Federico Macheda agreed to join QPR on loan on the advice of his Manchester United team-mate Rio Ferdinand, whose brother Anton plays for the club.
 Full story: Metro
Thierry Henry may not have formally completed his loan move to Ars*nal but a photograph of him in his kit somehow appeared on the club's official website.
 Full story: Metro
Bradley Johnson has had his say on the Joey Barton red card row - after a picture emerged on Twitter of him at the World Darts Championship final at Alexandra Palace holding up a sign reading: "Barton your breath stinks".
 Full story: Daily Mirror
 

[Chelmsford_yid]

Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard could end his career back at his first club West Ham.
 Full story: Daily Express
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes' return followed failed attempts to bring Chelsea's Frank Lampard to Old Trafford.
 Full story: Goal.com
Olympiakos right-back Vasilis Torosidis, 26, is being considered for a move to Mancheter United.
 Full story: Daily Mail
Owen Coyle's Bolton have made a surprise swoop on Lancashire neighbours Blackburn for midfielder Junior Hoilett.
 Full story: Bolton News
Meanwhile, Rovers manager Steve Kean says nothing should be read into the absence of Rovers' in-demand stars in the FA Cup on Saturday - as he looks to add new faces before their match against Fulham this weekend.
 Full story: Lancashire Telegraph
Stoke are giving a trial to Dutch Eredivisie side VVV-Venlo striker Michael Uchebo, who is known as the Nigerian Peter Crouch. At 6ft 8in, Uchebo is even taller than the England international.
 Full story: Daily Mirror
Ars*nal are believed to be planning a move for Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou, 26.
 Full story: talkSPORT
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas insists playmaker Yoann Gourcuff is going nowhere this month, despite continued speculation linking him with Ars*nal.
 Full story: Sky Sports
Mario Gotze has dealt a blow to his Premier League suitors by saying he may extend his Borussia Dortmund contract.
 Full story: The Sun
Striker Daniel Sturridge, 22, has alerted Premier League rivals as Chelsea stall on securing his long-term future at Stamford Bridge.
 Full story: Daily Mail
Chelsea target Hulk will not force a move away from Porto in the January transfer window - although his agent has hinted that a summer move for less than his £83m release clause could be a possibility.
 Full story: Metro
Tottenham defender William Gallas says he has turned down an offer from Paris Saint-Germain.
 Full story: Daily Mirror
Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is believed to ready to make a £30m bid for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.
 Full story: Caught Offside
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney insists he did not wave an imaginary red card to help get Manchester City's Vincent Kompany sent off.
 Full story: The Sun
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has rejected an approach from the Welsh FA to install Ryan Giggs as national team manager.
 Full story: Daily Mirror
Nemanja Vidic is staying at Manchester United - and the defender's agent says the chances of him leaving are as likely as Lionel Messi quitting Barcelona.
 Full story: talkSPORT
Mark Hughes has told QPR he needs £30m to pull them clear of relegation and chase a list of targets headed by Aston Villa's Darren Bent and Chelsea's Didier Drogba.
 Full story: Daily Express
The German Football Association's general secretary Wolfgang Niersbach is believed to be eager to rebuild bridges with former Germany captain Michael Ballack. The 35-year-old lost his place in Germany's 2010 World Cup squad due to injury and was later informed he was no longer in the plans of manager Joachim Loew.
 Full story: Bild (in German)
Former England captain David Beckham was all smiles when he met striker Mario Balotelli at Etihad Stadium during Manchester United's 3-2 win over Manchester City on Sunday but, after the polite exchange, the 36-year-old seemed to wipe his nose with a City shirt.
 Full story: Metro

[Chelmsford_yid]

French side Paris Saint-Germain are believed to have made a £25m bid for Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez, 27, after City turned down a £21m bid from Italian giants Inter Milan.
 Full story: Daily Star
Everton are set to give a trial to 30-year-old USA striker Edson Buddle, who currently plays for German second division side Ingolstadt04.
 Full story: Liverpool Echo
Tottenham have placed a £20m pricetag on England striker Jermain Defoe, 29, who had been linked with a £10m bid from Liverpool.
 Full story: Daily Mirror
Striker Dimitar Berbatov, 30, is at the centre of a battle between Russia and Germany. The £30.75m striker is wanted by CSKA Moscow, Anzhi Makhachkala, Bayern Munich and one of his former clubs, Bayer Leverkusen.
 Full story: Manchester Evening News
Meanwhile, United are set to go head-to-head with Serie A giants Juventus for the signature of 19-year-old Basel midfielder Granit Xhaka.
 Full story: talkSPORT
Lokomotiv Moscow are plotting to scupper Ars*nal's attempts to land Cologne striker Lukas Podolski, 26, by blowing them out of the water with a £20m summer bid.
 Full story: Metro
Marseille striker Loic Remy, 25, has turned his back on a January move to Tottenham.
 Full story: the Sun
Liverpool are eyeing a move for £5m-rated Swansea striker Scott Sinclair, 22.
 Full story: Daily Star
New QPR manager Mark Hughes is stepping up his bid to sign Fulham striker Bobby Zamora, 30.
 Full story: London Evening Standard
Fulham are in talks to sign Peter Odemwingie from West Brom.
 Full story: Goal.com
And Rovers have priced wantaway defender Chris Samba, 27, at £15m - and claimed the defender, a target for QPR and Spurs, owes them money after they gave him a six-figure loan to pay for improvements to his house.
 Full story: Daily Mirror
Freiburg striker Papiss Cisse, 26, says he is "flattered" by the interest shown in him by Premier League side Sunderland.
 Full story: Bild (in German)
Liverpool have stolen a march on a host of European clubs by inviting Swedish side IFK Norrkoping's 14-year-old striker Abdul Aziz for a trial at the club.
 Full story: talkSPORT
Tottenham could be set to make a renewed bid for Atletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente, 26, who could cost up to £24m.
 Full story: Footybunker
Brazilian striker Henrique, 20, has insisted he will be a QPR player soon after agreeing to an 18-month loan deal from Sao Paulo, with a £5m option to buy.
 Full story:the Sun
Bolton boss Owen Coyle is poised to bid £4m for Tottenham's Mexican forward Giovani dos Santos, 22.
 Full story: Daily Star
Manchester City set to pursue shock double swoop for United wonderkids Paul Pogba & Ravel Morrison.
 Full story: Goal.com
Blackburn winger Junior Hoilett, 21, looks likely to remain at the club beyond the January transfer window, despite reported interest from Tottenham and a diminishing contract which expires in the summer.
 Full story: International Business Times
Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti claims he has been offered Chelsea star Fernando Torres in January.
 Full story: Goal.com
Striker Fernando Torres, 27, is believed to have asked Chelsea for extra training sessions to work on his finishing in a bid to end his goal drought.
 Full story: London Evening Standard
Midfielder Joey Barton, 29, has ruled out a move from QPR in January and insists he is happy to fight for his place under new manager Mark Hughes.
 Full story: talkSPORT
Bolton manager Owen Coyle believes the club can beat relegation without defender Gary Cahill, 26, who has joined Chelsea.
 Full story: Bolton News
Declan Rudd's ankle injury could force Norwich manager Paul Lambert to make an unexpected foray into the transfer market for experienced goalkeeping cover.
 Full story: Eastern Daily Press
Defender Jamie Carragher, 33, admits he's flattered that Liverpool want him to stay at Anfield beyond his playing days but insists he is focused purely on winning back a regular place in Kenny Dalglish's side.
 Full story: Liverpool Echo
Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes, 37, was apparently so in need of a new pair of football boots before his surprise comeback from retirement that he had to pop into his local sports shop and buy a pair for £40.
 Full story: Metro
Prince William can only laugh when asked about Alex McLeish's appointment as Aston Villa manager.
 Full story: Birmingham Mail
Robin van Persie has revealed that Ars*nal want his five-year-old son to enter their youth training ranks as a part of the ongoing attempts to bind Van Persie to the club long term.
 Full story: The Guardian

[Chelmsford_yid]

Paris Saint-Germain have made a move to sign Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard, 33.
 Full story: talkSPORT
Championship side Brighton are preparing an audacious bid to land Manchester United and former England striker Michael Owen, 32. Full story: The Sun
Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk claim they have turned down a £16.7m offer from Chelsea for 23-year-old Brazilian midfielder Willian. Full story: The Independent
Mario Balotelli's agent expects the 21-year-old Manchester City striker to stay at Etihad Stadium until 2013 before assessing his future.
 Full story: Sky Sports
Liverpool are believed to be in talks to sign attacking midfielder Esteban Granero, 24, from Real Madrid on loan.
 Full story: Daily Mirror
But the Reds have denied claims from Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic's father that they are interested in signing the 26-year-old. Full story: Liverpool Echo
Manchester United midfield target Wesley Sneijder, 27, has ruled out a move to the Premier League from Inter Milan in the January transfer window.
 Full story: talkSPORT
Tottenham want to sign 24-year-old Mauro Zarate on loan. The Lazio striker caught Harry Redknapp's eye when on loan with Birmingham City three years ago.
 Full story: Daily Mirror
Newcastle United have made a bid for Watford skipper Adrian Mariappa, 25, as boss Alan Pardew looks to strengthen his defensive options.
 Full story: The Times [subscription required]
Swansea keeper Michel Vorm has dismissed speculation of a move to Chelsea or Manchester United, who are thought to have been impressed by the Dutchman. Full story: South Wales Evening Post
Crystal Palace hope to fend off competition from Championship rivals to sign 25-year-old Jamie Vardy from Fleetwood.
 Full story: Guardian
After losing out to Newcastle for the signature of striker Papiss Demba Cisse, 26, Sunderland have switched their attention to another Bundesliga hitman, 26-year-old Hannover 96 star Mohammed Abdellaoue. Full story: Footybunker
Blackburn outcast Jason Roberts, who has been sidelined by the Ewood Park club in a contract dispute, has been offered the chance to revive his career at Championship side Reading.
 Full story: Daily Mirror
Barnsley boss Keith Hill wants to bring ex-Sheffield United midfielder Michael Tonge, 28, back to South Yorkshire from Stoke City. Full story: Daily Star
QPR and Chelsea have asked Anton Ferdinand and John Terry to help defuse tensions ahead of Saturday's FA Cup tie by shaking hands before kick-off.
 Full story: The Times
Manchester City hitman Sergio Aguero, 23, reveals that, as a youngster, he idolised Michael Owen, who proved that small strikers could make it big.
 Full story: Daily Mirror
Jose Mourinho will quit Spanish league leaders Real Madrid in the summer amid reports of a training ground argument between the former Chelsea boss and senior players Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos.
 Full story: The Daily Telegraph
Ars*nal's Robin van Persie insists he did not question Arsene Wenger's judgement to substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the weekend defeat to Manchester United. The Dutchman, caught on camera voicing his disbelief, says he was simply "sad" to see the winger leave the field. Full story: The Sun
But Wenger is close to losing the support of the Ars*nal dressing room.
 Full story: Daily Star
Mick McCarthy is the bookies' favourite to be the next Premier League manager to be sacked - after a flurry of bets on the Wolves boss' departure. Full story: Racing Post
Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva, 25, has returned to the club to continue his rehabilitation from a season-ending knee injury.
 Full story: Daily Express
Sunderland defender John O'Shea has backed Craig Gardner, 25, to overcome his homesickness after experiencing similar problems when he upped sticks earlier in his career.
 Full story: Sunderland Echo
Bolton have offered Sammy Lee the chance to return to the Reebok Stadium. Just over four years since he was axed as manager following a disastrous start to the 2007-08 season, the 52-year-old is being lined up to take a leading role in the club's youth set-up.
 Full story: Bolton News
Veteran Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes admits he is still scared of Sir Alex Ferguson - even at the age of 37. Full story: Daily Express
Preston players are fuming after new boss Graham Westley dropped four of them - in a 2am text message.
 Full story: Daily Mail
Zambia keeper Kennedy Mweene was left red-faced in the Africa Cup of Nations when he caught the ball two yards outside of his area, but escaped a sending-off.
 Full story: Metro
Diego Maradona has become an armchair Manchester City fan, according to son-in-law Sergio Aguero. Full story: Daily Mail

[Chelmsford_yid]

[size=1.077em]Liverpool have told Manchester City that defender Daniel Agger, 27, will cost at least £22m after City made an informal inquiry for the Dane.[/size]
[/size][size=1.077em]Full story: Guardian [/font][/size]
[/size][size=1.077em]Juventus are interested in Liverpool's Luis Suarez as they fear that Robin van Persie will decide not to join them.[/size]
[/size][size=1.077em]Full story: Daily Mirror[/font][/size]
[/size][size=1.077em]Lucas Moura is said to be favouring a move to Paris Saint-Germain rather than Manchester United, with the 19-year-old rumoured to consider Manchester "boring".
Full story: talkSPORT
Inter Milan chairman Massimo Moratti claims his club are out of the running for Moura because PSG have already made Sao Paulo a huge offer to sign him.
Full story: insidefutbol.com
Cardiff City are keen to sign Craig Bellamy from Liverpool, although Mark Hughes would like to add the Welshman to his QPR squad.
Full story: Daily Mail
Bologna are demanding a fee in the region of £16m for Gaston Ramirez, 21, a target for Liverpool and Tottenham. Inter Milan are also said to be looking at the Uruguayan playmaker.
Full story: talkSPORT
Liverpool are set for further talks with Swansea City over midfielder Joe Allen now that the 22-year-old's involvement at the Olympics is over.
Full story: Metro
Swans manager Michael Laudrup has told Liverpool they will have to pay at least £15m or forget about signing Allen.
Full story: Daily Star
Stoke City are in talks to sign Polish international left-back Sebastian Boenisch, 25, who is available after his contract with Werder Bremen expired.
Roberto Mancini has rejected a bid from AC Milan to sign striker Edin Dzeko on a season-long loan.
Full story: Daily Star
West Brom hope to wrap up the signing of Swedish striker Markus Rosenberg later on Tuesday - as Nottingham Forest make a move for Simon Cox.
Full story: Birmingham Mail
Ravel Morrison, now on loan at Birmingham City, was flown home from West Ham's pre-season tour because he needed to have seven teeth removed.
Full story: Daily Mail
Sprint king Usain Bolt yesterday begged Sir Alex Ferguson for the chance to play for Manchester United - but warned he would have to be quick.
Full story: the Sun
Cristiano Ronaldo says he may follow former Manchester United winger David Beckham and play in Major League Soccer in the United States later in his career.
Full story: the Sun[/font][/size]

[Chelmsford_yid]

Liverpool have had a loan bid for Barcelona striker David Villa rejected. The Spanish club want a £16m permanent deal for the 31-year-old.

Ars*nal have offered £10m for Atletico Madrid striker Adrian Lopez. This fails to meet the £14.7m release clause in the 24-year-old's contract though.

Paris Saint-Germain say they have not approached Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole, 32, about moving to France when his contract expires in the summer.

Swansea are ready to make a move for Bolton defender Marcos Alonso, 22, in the January transfer window.
Stoke have told veteran defender Danny Higginbotham, 34, he can leave the club in January, but it's unlikely he will join Ipswich, where he's been playing on loan.

Manchester United, Ars*nal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur will fight it out for the signature of Crystal Palace's £10m-rated forward Wilfried Zaha, 20.

Sunderland are weighing up a move for 21-year-old Inter Milan midfielder Joel Obi, who is rated at £5m but has made just one Serie A appearance this season in a campaign blighted by injury.

Juventus are ready to offer £5m plus full-back Paolo De Ceglie in order to beat Manchester City to 20-year-old Sampdoria midfielder Pedro Obiang.

Tottenham, Fulham, Stoke, West Brom, West Ham and Aston Villa all turned down the chance to sign Michu. The Spaniard, 26, instead moved to Swansea for £2.2m and is the joint-second top scorer in the Premier League, with 13.

Midfielder Joe Allen believes his Liverpool team-mate Luis Suarez is "unstoppable" in his current form.

Chelsea's Victor Moses is glad he chose to play international football for Nigeria instead of England.

Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla, 28, believes he has achieved "great things" since moving to Ars*nal in the summer

Former Dutch international Clarence Seedorf gave an excellent rendition of Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay on Portuguese television.

[DC76]

Former Dutch international Clarence Seedorf gave an excellent rendition of Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay on Portuguese television.

Nice!  I wonder if this'll turn up on Youtube. EDIT: Already has.

Clarence Seedorf's excellent rendition of Sitting on the dock of the bay < starts at roughly the 11min mark.

[Chelmsford_yid]

Chelsea have identified 25-year-old Marouane Fellaini as their preferred replacement for Frank Lampard, 34, and are planning to trigger a £22m buyout clause in the Everton midfielder's contract at the end of the season.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is lining up a summer move for England international Lampard.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich could lose out on £11m target Taison after Manchester City tried to hijack the deal for the 24-year-old Brazilian midfielder, who plays for Metalist Kharkiv

Luka Modric has alerted Chelsea and Manchester City to a potential January transfer after the 27-year-old Real Madrid midfielder admitted he is unsettled in Spain.

Former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has put Premier League clubs on red alert by admitting he is eager to get back into football. The 41-year-old has at least eight offers but insists he has not yet decided where his next job will be.

MLS side Toronto FC will announce at a media conference on Tuesday that Paul Mariner his been sacked as coach and replaced by 35-year-old former Blackburn, Tottenham and QPR defender Ryan Nelsen.

[/color]Ars*nal forward Theo Walcott, 23, is poised to sign a new contract with the club this week, keeping him at Emirates Stadium until 2017 and increasing his salary from £60,000 to £90,000-a-week.Former Brazil striker Ronaldo, 36, is preparing for a move to England after enrolling as an advertising student.

[Chelmsford_yid]

Roberto Mancini will step up Manchester City's search for a new defender if Vincent Kompany loses his red card appeal, and the champions could target Borussia Dortmund pair Neven Subotic, 24, and Mats Hummels, 24.

Liverpool are considering a move to sign Barcelona's highly-rated 31-year-old keeper Victor Valdes.

As well as beating Newcastle to the signing of Marseille striker Loic Remy, QPR boss Harry Redknapp is hoping to secure a £8m move for Rennes' midfielder Yann M'Vila in the next 24 hours.

West Brom's Nigerian striker Peter Odemwingie, 31, is still a target for Premier League basement side QPR. The Baggies have already rejected a £2m offer for Odemwingie - who they value at £6m - from Rangers boss Harry Redknapp, as well as his £5m bid for their centre-back Jonas Olsson.

Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez admits he would like to play for Argentinian Boca Juniors again, especially with Carlos Bianchi as manager.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew hopes that the "love" shown towards Fabricio Coloccini from the Toon Army can help him keep his influential skipper on Tyneside.

[Chelmsford_yid]

Liverpool are poised to snap up Inter Milan midfielder Philippe Coutinho, 20, after offering an improved fee of £8m.

Mario Balotelli's agent Mino Raiola claims Manchester City will not sell the 22-year-old striker to AC Milan this month.

New Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino has joined the chase for Anderlecht's £8m-rated midfielder Lucas Biglia, 26.

John Terry's long-term future at Chelsea remains in doubt, with the club unlikely to open discussions about an extension to the 32-year-old's contract until the end of the season.

Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez, 28, has not ruled out staying at City beyond the end of his contract in 2014, but admits he would love to return home to play for his boyhood idols Boca Juniors.

France international Moussa Sissoko, 23, is ready to spurn interest from across Europe to push through a move to Newcastle United - although QPR could look to hijack the Magpies' bid for the midfielder.

Fulham are considering a move for Blackpool midfielder Ludovic Sylvestre, 28.

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina's father says his son, 30, would love a return to Barcelona.

Ars*nal striker Theo Walcott, 23, who signed a new three-and-a-half-year deal last week, admits he was distracted by his drawn-out contract saga.

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill, 27, believes Ars*nal are no longer a threat to the Blues in the race for Champions League places and is more concerned with catching Manchester United in the title race.

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard, 32, says he has set his sights on catching David Beckham's England haul of 115 caps.