Coentrao hasn't ruled out a move

Fabio Coentrao is going to reconsider his future at the end of the season. The Portuguese left-back isn't ruling out a move despite the fact that he still has four years left on his contract. Indeed, there are several reasons that he’s thinking about changing his career path.



Between injuries and taking longer than usual to settle down at the club, he hasn’t connected well with fans and hasn't been able to shine as he did with Benfica. Expectations from the €30 million that he cost the club have also weighed him down.



The player himself has told teammates and technical staff that he'd like to be playing better and that he's not happy with how he's performing. Real Madrid’s interest in Gareth Bale could also have an influence in that Coentrao could have more competition if the Welshman joins the club.



The Portuguese international’s future could include a spell in London. Chelsea, a club that tried to sign him in the past, is still interested in acquiring his services. The Blues recently decided not to extend the contract of their current left-back Ashley Cole, which ends this season.



As with all international players, Coentrao is already looking ahead to the 2014 World Cup and, although he's considered indispensable by manager Paulo Bento, it’s known within his club that he’d like to get more time on the pitch.

Monday's round up of the top transfer stories

- Xabi Alonso has admitted he could return to the Premier League as his ongoing contract talks remain clouded in uncertainty at Real Madrid.



- Crystal Palace will reject Manchester United's opening offer of £8million for star winger Wilfried Zaha, according to Dailymail.



- Mathieu Debuchy's transfer to Newcastle will finally happen once they settle on bonus fees with Lille.



- Liverpool face competition from Manchester City, Everton and Southampton for Birmingham goalkeeper Jack Butland.



- Chelsea are confident of winning the race to sign Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao, according to the Sunday Mirror.



- Chelsea's Frank Lampard says there is no sign of a contract extension at Stamford Bridge despite his good form.



- Theo Walcott, who has been linked with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, says his Arsenal future "will be sorted soon".



- Arsenal boss is ready to raid Southampton for another of their talented ­youngsters as he looks to tie up a January deal for teenage left-back Luke Shaw.



- Everton and Southampton have targeted Italian defender Davide Astori ahead of the opening of the January transfer window.



- Everton defender Seamus Coleman has signed a new five-and-a-half-year contract with the club.



- Eintracht Frankfurt want Everton midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger.



- Roberto Mancini admits he might be forced to consider signing some new players in the January transfer window.



- And believes Mario Balotelli will stay at Manchester City as he has a big admirer in owner Sheikh Mansour, but has warned the striker to improve his attitude.



- Manchester United winger Nani has been told he still has a future at the club following reports linking him with a move to Arsenal.



- Demba Ba’s proposed move to Chelsea is off, according to Agent.



- Goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini looks set for a fresh start in America after Tottenham announced they have reached an agreement to sell the goalkeeper to Major League Soccer outfit the LA Galaxy.



- The agent of Chelsea winger Kevin de Bruyne says there have been no discussions over Werder Bremen trying to sign the Belgium international permanently when his loan deal expires.



- Newcastle are continuing to show interest in West Ham defender James Tomkins.



- Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has admitted he could let Ji Dong-won go out on loan next month.



- Sky Sports sources understand Swansea City are interested in Bolton Wanderers defender Marcos Alonso.



- West Brom defender Jonas Olsson is wanted by Fenerbahce.



- Reading are trying to tie up a January deal for Australian starlet Tomas Rogic.



- Reading have pulled off a surprise coup with a £500,000 deal for Sporting Lisbon defender Daniel Carrico.



- Norwich City will table a £3million offer for Crystal Palace striker Glenn Murray this week.



- Juventus have put together a player-plus-cash package in order to beat Manchester City to Sampdoria star Pedro Obiang.



- Juventus are poised to rekindle their long-standing interest in Manchester City target Stevan Jovetic, according to sources in Italy.



- Juventus are ready to steal a march on a string of Premier League clubs in the race to sign Theo Walcott - and could open talks with the striker’s representatives this week.



- Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill is weighing up a January move for Inter Milan midfielder Joel Obi.



- Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder has moved to dampen speculation linking him with a January move to Liverpool.



- Alexandre Pato's move to Corinthians in Brazil is about to be made official, according to his agent.



- Serie A high-flyers Fiorentina are ready to battle with Juventus and Spurs for Roma hitman Pablo Daniel Osvaldo.



- Lazio are eyeing an audacious January move for Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard, according to Corriere dello Sport.



- Celta Vigo coach Paco Herrera is confident Swansea City target Iago Aspas will not be sold in January.



- Portsmouth have signed striker David Connolly on a one-month deal but top scorer Izale McLeod has departed Fratton Park.



- Bristol Rovers have completed the loan signings of QPR striker Tom Hitchcock and Colchester midfielder John-Joe O'Toole.



- Bristol Rovers have signed Millwall goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall on loan after he was recalled from his stay at Scunthorpe.

Niang better than Balotelli

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi believes teenager M'Baye Niang is better than Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.



The Serie A giants have been heavily linked with the Italy international, whose topsy-turvy temperament and below-par performances have seen him fall out of favour at the Etihad Stadium this season.



The San Siro chief said he had faith in the promising talent at his club, and hopes the team will become a world-class side once more within the next few years.



"We sold (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva for monetary needs, but the others left for age reasons," Berlusconi told Radio Mars.



"Our goal is to return as a big team in three years' time, to start a new cycle with (Stephan) El Shaarawy – who is an extraordinary player – and Mattia De Sciglio, who will become a champion. Niang is better than Balotelli."



After making the same statement earlier in December, Berlusconi also said he was the greatest president in sport.



"We're the team who won most international trophies, we are the most successful team in the world," Berlusconi said.



"I'm the most successful president in the football history, and in second place there is (former Real Madrid president Santiago) Bernabeu, who has a stadium dedicated to him."

Carlo Cudicini swaps Spurs for the LA Galaxy

Goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini is set for a fresh start in America after Tottenham announced they have reached an agreement to sell the goalkeeper to Major League Soccer outfit the LA Galaxy.



Cudicini moved to White Hart Lane in 2009 but has found his opportunities limited due to the presence of Heurelho Gomes and the arrivals of Brad Friedel and Hugo Lloris.



Indeed, the Italian is perhaps now fourth choice in manager Andre Villas-Boas' plans so it is perhaps no surprise the north London club were looking to offload.



"We have reached agreement for the transfer of Carlo Cudicini to Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy," said a short statement on Tottenham's official website.



"Carlo joined us from Chelsea in January 2009 and went on to make a total of 37 appearances. We wish Carlo all the best for the future."

Carrico heading to Royals

Reading have secured the services of Sporting Lisbon defender Daniel Carrico, the Portuguese club have announced on their website.



The 24-year-old Sporting captain will be out of contract in June and, according to the Primeira Liga outfit, will join Reading next month in a 750,000 euros deal which includes a sell-on clause for a future transfer.



There is no official confirmation on the transfer from Reading yet but Carrico wrote a farewell letter on Sporting's website.



In it, he said: "It is with mixed emotions that I write this farewell message. I'm leaving the club of my heart, where I had the privilege of graduating (through the youth ranks) and serving for several years.



"I'm leaving because I understand that I am at a stage in my career when I have to take chances. Moreover, the proposed project is extremely exciting to me and know I can succeed."

PSG deny contact with Ashley Cole

Paris Saint-Germain have rubbished reports that they will attempt to lure Ashley Cole away from Chelsea during the January transfer window.



Cole is out of contract at Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, and interim boss Rafael Benitez appeared to reveal during one of his opening press conferences as manager that the England defender would depart the Blues in the summer.



Benitez has since moved to clarify those comments, suggesting Cole could stay at Chelsea beyond his existing deal, but neither Cole nor Frank Lampard - another in his final year - have yet agreed new terms.



Big-spending PSG are currently managed by Carlo Ancelotti, who previously coached Cole during his time at Chelsea. But sporting director Leonardo insists any report of a move in the transfer market is based purely on that link.



"We have never spoken with Ashley Cole, there has never been any contact," Leonardo told the media.



"Carlo was his coach at Chelsea, that's why that story is doing the rounds."



Leonardo also quashed talk of a move for Wesley Sneijder, saying: "Sincerely, we have never contacted Wesley Sneijder to come to PSG - we have five players in his position already."



Lampard was Chelsea's match-winner in their Sunday trip to Everton, scoring both goals in a 2-1 win, but says he remains in the dark as to whether he will be offered new terms at the club.



"At the minute there is nothing been said and my contract's till the summer," Lampard told the BBC. "I'm enjoying playing, I'm working hard in training, I'm loving being part of the team and the ability we've got in the team.



"That's all I can tell you at the minute, and that's fair enough for me, I'm happy just to keep playing well and contributing to winning games."

The top stories from papers and websites - 28 December 2012

• Referee Mike Dean has come under fire from his former colleagues for failing to stop Sir Alex Ferguson's tirade.


• Alex McLeish takes over as Nottingham Forest manager on Friday but will face a fans' revolt similar to that he had to deal with at Aston Villa.


• Harry Redknapp is plotting a move for Fulham linchpin Brede Hangeland when the transfer window opens on New Year's Day.


• Joey Barton could extend his stay at Marseille beyond the end of the season.


• Yossi Benayoun is set to return to Chelsea next week after being told his loan spell at West Ham will not be extended.

• Roberto Mancini is plotting a shock bid to beat Chelsea to the signing of Barcelona striker David Villa.


• Furious Sam Allardyce accused referee Anthony Taylor of costing his side vital points after Carlton Cole's red card was overturned.


• Norwich's Javier Garrido says Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini should be unsackable.


• Blackburn wants Mark Hughes to make a shock return to Ewood Park to replace Henning Berg.

• Rafa Benitez is in line to land the Chelsea manager's job permanently.


• Lionel Messi turned down a monster £460,000-a-week offer to quit Barcelona.


• Newcastle will bank just £5million when top scorer Demba Ba leaves next month.


• Leighton Baines has emerged as a shock £15million target for moneybags Paris St Germain.


• Robert Lewandowski is set to complete an £18million move to Manchester United in the summer.


• Salomon Kalou insists he is not interested in joining QPR next month.


• Chelsea want £10million-rated Lyon and France striker Bafetimbi Gomis, who is nicknamed 'Baby Drogba'.


• Jay Tabb is getting a new two-year deal off Reading.

• David Villa wants to quit Barcelona next month - and is targeting a move to Chelsea.


• Cristiano Ronaldo has put Manchester United on red alert by refusing to sign a new contract with Real Madrid.


• Radamel Falcao last night put Chelsea and Manchester City on hold by staying at Atletico Madrid for the rest of the season.


• Bolton boss Dougie Freedman is plotting an ambitious swoop for West Brom's England Under-21 star Craig Dawson.


• Reading contract rebel Simon Church is a £400,000 target for Millwall.

• Alex McLeish has returned to football as the new manager of Nottingham Forest.


• Arsenal have been quoted £16million for Barcelona striker David Villa.


• David Beckham is expected to pick his final club early in the new year.


• Robert Lewandowski will double his earnings as a Manchester United player after moving step nearer to landing his dream move.

• Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski, 24, is on his way to Manchester United this summer in an £18million deal.

• Chelsea will rival Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain in the hunt for Everton and England left-back Leighton Baines, 28, who is valued at around £15m by the Goodison Park club.

Football review 2012

"I swear you will never see anything like this ever again".





The Immortal line from commentator Martin Tyler(Sky Sport) applied to the breathtaking conclusion of last season's Premier League title race, as Sergio Aguero won the trophy for Manchester City with almost the final kick of the campaign.

But, let us be honest, it could have related to 2012's footballing year.

It has been a truly spectacular 12 months for sport as a whole and the Beautiful Game played its part.

There has been title-winning team brilliance and record-breaking individual displays.

At the same, there has been sadness and those instances to forget, when it has felt like off-field events have become more of a focus than the matches themselves.

Away from Aguero reducing grown Manchester City fans to tears.



Chelsea and Spain also had a sense of phenomenal achievement.

The latter were victorious at Euro 2012 to bolster their reputation as the greatest team in football's archive.

Chelsea, meanwhile, lifted the Champions League for the first time, although it was not enough to save boss Roberto Di Matteo's job just six months after also winning the FA Cup.

Di Matteo was not the only manager to become unemployed in a typically frantic year on the merry-go-round.

To name just a few, Pep Guardiola decided to leave Barcelona and Kop idol Kenny Dalglish was shown the door at Liverpool despite winning the League Cup.

Fabio Capello also quit England amid the row surrounding demoted captain John Terry and accusations of racism, for which the defender was later cleared in court but was handed a Football Association ban and fine.



On the back of a tour de force performance from Falcao, Atlético Madrid claimed the Europa League crown with a 3 – 0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in București’s Arena Națională.

On the other hand, Celtic boss Neil Lennon's job security has not been in question after reaching the last 16 of the Champions League with a famous win over Barcelona en route.

A Capello-less England went to Euro 2012 with Roy Hodgson as their boss after he was picked ahead of Harry Redknapp, who himself made a court appearance when being acquitted of tax evasion.

But it was a familiar story of penalty pain in a quarter-final defeat by Italy. Stuart Pearce's Great Britain football team, without the overlooked David Beckham, also crashed out on spot-kicks when making an historic appearance at the London Olympics.

Reassuringly, there has been no shortage of spectacular goals.

Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic's sensational, long-range, overhead-kick against England was arguably the pick of the bunch.

But it is also impossible to forget Peter Crouch for Stoke City against Manchester City, Newcastle United winger Hatem Ben Arfa's mazy dribble to stun Bolton Wanderers, Liverpool's Luis Suarez lobbing Norwich City goalkeeper John Ruddy, or Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse's gravity-defying volley at Chelsea.

Off the field, transfer windows have become as much a part of football as two posts and a crossbar. In January, Cisse's £9m move to Newcastle proved value for money in the second half of last season while the deadline day switch of Nikica Jelavic from Rangers to Everton was also funds well spent.

Swansea City's bargain deal for Michu looks like being the pick of the buys in a summer which also saw Robin van Persie leave Arsenal for rivals Manchester United. A typically hectic 31 August saw Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur keep busy.



But it has not been a year of complete happiness. Bolton's Fabrice Muamba suffered an on-field heart attack which stunned the world in his club's FA Cup game at Tottenham Hotspur before he went on to make a miraculous recovery.

There was also sad news at the end of the year, when coach Tito Vilanova suffered a relapse in his fight against cancer having led Barcelona to a record-breaking start to the season only months after succeeding Guardiola.

The battle against racism in football has also been forced to continue, and perhaps intensify, with the Terry case sadly just one of several reported to authorities and police throughout the year.

Elsewhere, there was more negative news as the unthinkable happened when Scottish giants Rangers were liquidated and had to reform as a newco before beginning this season in the Third Division.

But the year also ended on a good note, as Liverpool supporters, and football fans around the globe, saw original inquest verdicts into the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, when 96 people lost their lives, quashed in the High Court. That followed September's report from the Hillsborough Independent Panel.

The purity of Lionel Messi's year-long radiance cannot be ignored.

The Argentine ripped up the history books to score 91 times, the highest number of goals in a calendar year, and underline his reputation as the best footballer of all time.



So, it has been a year in which Manchester City created the latest of late dramas, Messi chartered new levels of phenomena, Spain reached previously unseen levels of achievement and London hosted an Olympics.

Conversely, there have been saddening events and mixed emotions off the pitch which will live long in the memory. In short, you will never see anything like this ever again. Well, apart from England losing on penalties.

Overall moment of the year:

AGUEROOOOOOOOOOOOO! :



"I swear you will never see anything like this ever again". The immortal line from Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler applied to the breath-taking conclusion of last season's Premier League title race, as Sergio Aguero won the trophy for Manchester City with almost the final kick of the campaign.



Chelsea win Champions League



Assist of the year - Nicklas Bärkroth



  Goal of the Year - Zlatan Ibrahimovic



Skill of the year - Bernard



Player of the Year - Lionel Messi:



Manager of the Year - Neil Lennon



Signing of the Year - Michu



Flop of the Year (Team) - Queens Park Ranger



Flop of the Year (Player) - Stewart Downing



Game of the Year - Barcelona 2 Chelsea 2



Controversy of the Year: Capello Resigning



Team of the Year- Spain

Bastos want to remain with the Ligue 1 side

Michel Bastos claims he would be happy to see out the season at Lyon, rather than secure a switch elsewhere in January.

The Brazil international has often expressed a desire to test himself outside of the French top-flight, and came close to making a move to the Middle East over the summer.



Bastos says he is happy a deal failed to materialise on that occasion, with it too soon for him to be heading away from Europe.



He is aware that speculation continues to link him with the likes of Liverpool, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, but insists he will not be pushing for a transfer in the New Year.



Bastos told L'Equipe: "I don't want to leave now. I want to stay.



"During the winter break I will not go back to Brazil, I will stay at Lyon to work with the fitness coach.



"In a transfer both parties have to agree. If I see that it is not good for me, I will not leave.



"At the start of the season I did ask to leave, but things have changed.



"In the summer I wasn't disappointed not to go to Dubai. On a sporting level I would have lost a lot. I know I can still bring a lot to Lyon."


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Villa unlikely to be on the move in January

David Villa's agent says his client's future rests in the hands of Barcelona, who have no intention of selling in January.

Barca came out over the weekend to rubbish reports suggesting they could be tempted to part with the World Cup winner when the transfer window re-opens.



A switch to the Premier League has been widely touted, with Chelsea strongly linked to a move in Wednesday's newspapers, while Arsenal are also said to be among those monitoring Villa'ssituation in Catalunya.



The prolific frontman still has over a year left to run on his contract at Camp Nou, but he is not considered be a guaranteed starter and has suffered serious injury in recent times.



Barca are not prepared to discuss a deal in the New Year, though, and Villa's agent says that that will mean the 31-year-old forward staying put.



"There is always speculation about David because he is a great forward, but his future is in the hands of Barcelona," Victor Onate told Sky Sports.



"They have a contract and it is important to always respect such documents."


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Vela expects a Mexico recall in the New Year

Following a good string of performances in Spain during 2012, the Mexican forward is still highly regarded by the national team coaching staff.

Carlos Vela caused controversy in his native Mexico, when he rejected the chance to represent the national team at the 2012 London Olympics. Whilst Mexico went on to win the tournament, Vela missed out on the opportunity of a gold medal.



Bot the Mexican press and those responsible for squad selections, now seem happy to let bygones be bygones.



Whilst there has been speculation in the Mexican media that Mexican national coach José Manuel de la Torre (El Chepo) still holds a grudge, Selections Director Héctor González Iñarritu, suggests otherwise.



“Obviously we’re following his progress, because we’re not stupid. Said Iñarritu, adding that “if El Chepò feels we should call him up, then we will.”



Of Vela’s refusal to participate in the Olympic tournament, Iñarritu said: “I have a good relationship with him and if he’d been my son, I would have advised him to go to the Olympics, but that’s a personal matter.” In conclusion he added: “I understand his decision and the door is open to everyone, but the coaching staff will decide if he comes or not.”



Carlos Vela has 33 caps and 8 goals for the Mexican national team. His form during 2012 with Real Sociedad has been impressive, which suggests he’ll be welcomed back into a prominent role for his country.


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De Rossi going nowhere

Daniele De Rossi says he has no intention of leaving boyhood club Roma in the January transfer window.



The Italian international has struggled to hold down a regular place with the Giallorossi this season due to his almost constant bickering with boss Zdenek Zeman.

This has prompted speculation that he could leave the Stadio Olimpico but the midfielder says he's never even considered that possibility.

"I was born in Rome. For me, it is the normal thing to play right here. I never tried, or really wanted, to play outside for another team," he said.

"For me, it is amazing, great. I first came to the training centre when I was 12-years-old. It's my home.

"I live for this club. My story is that I live for the club and, for me, leaving would be a drama, a big drama. I would like to stay here."


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Redknapp to ring the changes

QPR will be aiming for just their second win of the league campaign while West Brom returned to winning ways last Saturday.

Harry Redknapp looks set to ring the changes for QPR after his criticism of the side that lost to Newcastle on Saturday.

Julio Cesar may be available after a back problem, while Nedum Onuoha and Armand Traore are doubts with hamstring problems.

Ji-Sung Park (knee), Andrew Johnson (knee) and Bobby Zamora (hip) are still unavailable, while Keiron Dyer remains a long-term absentee

West Brom's Youssouf Mulumbu is available after suspension for the trip to Loftus Road.

The midfielder was unavailable for the weekend home win over Norwich after incurring five bookings this season.



Baggies boss Steve Clarke will check on the fitness of defender Steven Reid (ankle) and midfielder Claudio Yacob (hamstring) before finalising his side.


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Neymar rules out January move

Neymar has ruled out the possibility of moving during the January transfer window by insisting his short-term future remains with Santos.



The 20-year-old has been strongly linked with a transfer to one of Europe's top teams, with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea thought to be the leading contenders for his signature.

Reports emerged last week that Manchester City director of football Txiki Begiristain had travelled to South America top open talks with Neymar's representatives.

However, the Brazil sensation, who already has 27 senior caps for his country and more than 50 club goals to his name, is keen to remain at his boyhood side for now.

He told TV Bandeirantes: "I am happy at Santos, with my family, son, friends, so it's not the moment to leave.

"That moment will come because I have the dream of playing in Europe since I was a kid, but that moment hasn't come yet. Today, I don't see myself playing for any other team [but Santos]."

Despite Manchester City apparently having stepped up their pursuit, Neymar is keeping his options open.



He said: "I don't have any preference for a specific club or country."


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Nasri feels isolated

Samir Nasri has been left feeling 'isolated' at Manchester City in the wake of derby day criticism aimed in his direction.



Nasri was considered to be at fault for Manchester United's late winner at the Etihad Stadium on 9th December, with a Robin van Persie free-kick deflecting off the Frenchman and past Joe Hart.

City boss Roberto Mancini was openly critical of Nasri in the aftermath of the game, with it felt that the former Arsenal man could have done more to block the winning strike.

He was selected for a victory over Newcastle the following week, but is currently sidelined with a groin injury which looks set to keep him out until the New Year.

It remains to be seen whether Nasri will be drafted straight back into Mancini's plans when fully fit, with his representative revealing that the 25-year-old still feels hard done by.

Jean-Pierre Bernes said: "He's a bit isolated, internally, even though he is a solid man.

"I think that, effectively, he has feelings of inner suffering with regards to that incident (against United) because it was not fair.

"I think you have to be fair in life, you shouldn't be excessive."


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The top stories from papers and websites - 26 December 2012

• Frank Lampard has been told by Chelsea to find another club.


• Rafa Benitez is planning a New Year swoop to bring David Villa to Chelsea and they will offer Barcelona £12million.


• Yaya Toure says Manchester City retaining the Premier League title will be sweeter than their win in May.


• Arsene Wenger says he will only sign a player for Arsenal next month if he is "exceptional".

• Raheem Sterling has pledged his international future to England.


• Yaya Toure wants to finish his career at Manchester City.


• Chelsea are ready to beat Arsenal for out-of-favour Barcelona striker David Villa.

• Raheem Sterling has pledged his allegiance to England despite attempts from the Jamaican Football Federation to convince him to play for his country of birth.


• Harry Redknapp will struggle to offload Jose Bosingwa after he told the defender he will not play for QPR again.


• Peter Odemwingie may call time on his Nigeria career after being sunbbed for the Africa Cup of Nations.


• Tottenham hope Emmanuel Adebayor will not be persuaded to take part in the Africa Cup of Nations.

• Chelsea are set to join the race for Barcelona striker David Villa.


• Mario Balotelli's brother appeared in an Italian court on Christmas Eve accused of assaulting two policemen.


• Raheem Sterling has pledged his future to England ahead of Jamaica.

• Raheem Sterling has dispelled any doubts about his international future by committing himself to England.


• QPR will make the first move to trigger Demba Ba's £7m escape clause from Newcastle when the transfer window reopens.


• Chelsea are ready to gazump Arsenal and Liverpool to snatch Barcelona's David Villa.


• Harry Redknapp says "four or five" experienced campaigners can save QPR from the drop.


• Arsene Wenger has hinted he will not spend big for Arsenal in January.


• Leon Clarke has been told he has no future at Charlton, with Coventry set to pounce.


• Wesley Sneijder has sparked a big January transfer scramble with Inter Milan ready to offload the midfielder.


• Leeds striker Luchiano Beccio is a £3million target for Bolton.


• David McGoldrick has sparked major interest after telling Coventry he won't extend his loan beyond January.


• Leeds are set to sign Dexter Blackstock from Nottingham Forest for £700,000.


• Roger Espinoza faces a race against time to link up with Wigan for a New Year debut.


• Huddersfield are ready to make a new raid for Dundee United's Gary Mackay-Steven.

• John Terry has been told he can leave Chelsea after being informed he won't be offered a new deal by the club.


• Harry Redknapp is ready to put Jose Bosingwa on the transfer list after the veteran defender lost his trust.


• Papiss Cisse insists he is ready to prove he is no one-season wonder in the Boxing Day clash with Manchester United.


• Paul Lambert has warned Tottenham to expect an Aston Villa backlash today.


• Jan Vertonghen is desperate to play at centre-half for Tottenham today - as he believes he's the man most capable of shutting out Belgian compatriot Christian Benteke.

Suarez hails ´hero´ Gerrard

Liverpool forward Luis Suarez has praised Steven Gerrard and says the England midfielder was one of his heroes prior to his move to Anfield.



The controversial former Ajax star, who has already notched 11 goals in the English Premier League this season, had words of praise for Gerrard.



Suarez admits he enjoyed controlling Gerrard on the Playstation before joining the 32-year-old on Merseyside almost two years ago.



"It's hard to find words to describe what a great player Steven has been – and continues to be – for the club," Suarez told the club's website.



"It was only four years ago or so that I was playing on the Playstation and I was always Liverpool and to have him in my team was great. Now I'm playing alongside him – he was a hero."



Suarez also reiterated his commitment to the Anfield club, who are eighth in the Premier League after Saturday's 4-0 win over Fulham.



"I'm very, very happy here at the club, I couldn't be happier. Liverpool is a club I've always dreamt of playing at. It's like a dream for me," he said.

Zambia name provisional squad

Orlando Pirates striker Collins Mbesuma is among the 26 players named in a provisional squad by Zambia head coach Herve Renard for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.



‘Ntofontofo' had to settle for being a squad member as Chipolopolo won the 2012 edition, but if reports are to go by then Mbesuma is expected to play a more influential role in South Africa.



There are five PSL players in the squad, including Mbesuma.



Goalkeepers: Kennedy Mweene (Free States Stars, South Africa), Joshua Titima (Power Dynamos) and Kalililo Kakonje (Napsa Stars)



Defenders: Stoppila Sunzu, Hichani Himoonde, Francis Kasonde (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Davies Nkausu (Supersport United), Joseph Musonda (Golden Arrows), Chintu Kampamba (unattached), Salulani Phiri (Zanaco), Emmanuel Mbola (FC Porto)



Midfielders: Rainford Kalaba, Nathan Sinkala (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Mukuka Mulenga (Power Dynamos), Christopher Katongo, Isaac Chansa (Henan Jianje), Chisamba Lungu (Ural Oblast) , Felix Katongo (Petro Athletico, Angola), Noah Chivuta (Free States Stars, South Africa) and William Njobvu (Hapoel Beer Sheba, Israel)



Strikers: Emmanuel Mayuka (Southampton, England) Collins Mbesuma (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Jacob Mulenga (Utrecht, Netherlands), James Chamanga (Liaojing Whowin, China), Jonas Sakuwaha (TP Mazembe, DR Congo) and Evans Kangwa (Nkana)

Monday's round up of the top transfer stories

- Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo is keen on returning to former club Manchester United next summer, according to The Sun.



- Santos striker Neymar, who has been linked with the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United and Real Madrid, has emerged as a target for Manchester City, according to the Sunday Telegraph.



- Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez insists Fernando Torres is fully behind the club's bid to bring in a new striker during the January transfer window, with the Blues widely believed to be preparing to launch a bid for Atletico Madrid star Radamel Falcao.



- Chelsea star Eden Hazard dreams of playing for Real Madrid, international team-mate Christian Benteke has told The Sun.



- Romelu Lukaku hopes Chelsea will allow him to see out a season-long loan at West Brom, rather than recall him in January.



- Tottenham defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto has played down reports that he could join Chelsea, telling Sky Sports: "I have a contract until 2015 with Spurs and I do not know if they want to sell me, so for me it is paper talk."



- Valencia have made a move to snatch Arsenal and Liverpool target Isaac Cuenca on loan from Barcelona.



- Manchester United are among a string of Premier League clubs tracking Sporting Lisbon youngster Carlos Mane.



- Sampdoria have told Manchester City to give up their pursuit of Pedro Obiang - and have warned them they will face competition from Napoli and Juventus when the Serie A side finally decide to cash in.



- Stoke City will sell midfielder Michael Tonge to Leeds United in January.



- Arsenal and Liverpool target Fernando Llorente is expected to leave Athletic Bilbao on a free transfer next summer rather than move clubs in January, according to reports in Spain.



- Denilson says he does not know if he will return to Arsenal when his loan spell at Sao Paulo comes to an end next summer.



- Jack Wilshere is hoping Theo Walcott will become the latest Arsenal player to commit his long-term future to the club.



- Stewart Downing claims he has never wanted to leave Liverpool and hopes his return to form will earn him an extended stay.



- Manchester United target Viktor Fischer says it is too early to contemplate leaving Ajax



- West Ham are set to renew their interest in Charlton defender Chris Solly when the transfer window reopens in January.



- West Ham are set to make a decision in the next week if they are to make a permanent move for Seattle Sounders midfielder Osvaldo Alonso.



- Swansea City could face competition from Atletico Madrid for the signature of Iago Aspas.



- FC Nordsjaelland star Jores Okore is flattered by speculation linking him with a possible move to Manchester United.



- Barcelona director of football Andoni Zubizarreta has rejected reports linking David Villa with a move away from Camp Nou in January.



- AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has confirmed that Brazilian duo Robinho and Alexandre Pato have both asked to leave the club.



- Adel Taarabt has claimed that while his agent has spoken to AC Milan, other factors would have to happen before any move to the San Siro.



- Salomon Kalou is determined to be a success at Lille and is not looking for a move, according to his representative.



- Bastia have announced the signing of goalkeeper Mickael Landreau on a deal until the end of the season.



- Blackburn defender Gael Givet could be set for a return to France in the January transfer window.



- Nicky Weaver has admitted he may have to leave Sheffield Wednesday in the January transfer window.



- Leeds United boss Neil Warnock has warned rival clubs that Luciano Becchio will be off-limits in the January transfer window.



- Huddersfield have extended Jermaine Beckford's loan deal from Leicester until the end of the season.

Chelsea trio and Reds duo in Team of Week

Chelsea trio David Luiz, Eden Hazard and Fernando Torres are joined by two Liverpool midfielders in our latest Premier League Team of the Week.



Ali Al Habsi (Wigan): Reading’s Adam Federici and Wigan’s Al Habsi were both unfortunate to end on the losing team at the weekend, and it is the latter who gets the nod for us in goal after making great saves to deny Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott before being sent the wrong way by Mikel Arteta’s penalty.



Carlos Cuellar (Sunderland): Sunderland have not had much to cheer about this season and might not have fancied their chances against a Southampton side that had won two of their last three at St Mary’s. Martin O’Neill’s side claimed a valuable three points, though, and at the heart of their superb defensive display was Cuellar, who was rock solid in the air and made 14 clearances as well as a number of crucial interceptions.



Ryan Shawcross (Stoke): Stoke have now kept clean sheets in half of their 18 Premier League games this season, and it was easy to see why at Tottenham on Saturday. Shawcross, their captain, once again led by example, throwing himself in the way of three goal-bound shots to leave Asmir Begovic surprisingly untroubled.



Ashley Williams (Swansea): Williams has looked back to his best in recent weeks and was superb in helping Swansea to a point against Manchester United on Sunday. Chico was the busier of the Swans’ two centre-halves, but Williams incredibly got in the way of seven United shots and won everything in the air.



Geoff Cameron (Stoke): We could have picked either of Stoke’s other defenders on the day, Robert Huth and Andy Wilkinson, alongside Shawcross and Cameron, but the latter perhaps deserves special praise for the way in which he dealt with Gareth Bale. Spurs might have expected the Welshman to be their match-winner on his return from injury, but Cameron regularly stopped him in his tracks, making five tackles, before Bale switched to the opposite flank in search of more success.



Stewart Downing (Liverpool): Downing has struggled badly since his move to Anfield but produced the best performance of his Liverpool career to date in the 4-0 win over Fulham. He set up Steven Gerrard’s goal with a terrific pass, rifled in the Reds’ third himself and then went close to another with a rasping drive as his confidence clearly flooded back.



David Luiz (Chelsea): Chelsea fans have been calling for Luiz to be played in midfield from virtually the moment he signed for the club, and the Brazilian’s performance in the Blues’ 8-0 rout against Aston Villa showed why. He shielded the defence superbly, making six interceptions, but was also a threat going forward, albeit against a Villa side suffering a major off day. However, there was nothing anybody could have done to stop Luiz’s thunderous free-kick from finding the net.



Steven Gerrard (Liverpool): The statistics show Gerrard has been contributing plenty to the Liverpool cause this season, but Reds fans will tell you he has looked a shadow of the player he once was. Against Fulham, however, he dropped a hint that his best days may not be behind him with a performance he’d have been happy with in his pomp. His goal came from a trademark bursting run into the box which he has not produced enough in recent times.



Steven Pienaar (Everton): Pienaar set up Everton’s equaliser for Victor Anichebe at West Ham and then bundled in their winner himself to cap a Man-of-the-Match display. The South African led the Toffees’ charge after they fell behind, firing in five shots and winning numerous dangerous free-kicks with his trickery down the left flank.



Eden Hazard (Chelsea): We could have picked the entire Chelsea front six, so impressive were they against Villa, but Hazard was undoubtedly one of their star men. His goal was sheer quality.



Fernando Torres (Chelsea): Villa weren’t at the races, but they were full of confidence going into the game and could easily have put up more of a fight had Torres not opened the floodgates so early on. His headed goal was the sort he would not even have attempted a month ago, but his confidence has clearly returned after being reunited with Rafa Benitez.

Pardew excited by Fergie clash

Alan Pardew has warned Sir Alex Ferguson there will be two angry managers in the dug-outs when Newcastle head for Manchester United on Boxing Day.



The Scot was apoplectic after Sunday's 1-1 Premier League draw at Swansea which saw the leaders drop two precious points, but also striker Robin van Persie react furiously after being struck in the back of the head by the ball when defender Ashley Williams blasted it into him as he lay on the ground.



Ferguson later voiced the opinion that the Dutchman could have been killed in the incident and called for retrospective action to be taken, and he was not placated by Williams' insistence that it had been accidental.



All in all, he was not a happy man as he left South Wales, but Pardew has admitted he is still smarting too despite ending a run of six league defeats in seven attempts with a 1-0 win over QPR on Saturday.



He said: "I'm not happy either. Although we have won, the away form hasn't been great, so there will be two teams with a little bit to prove, two managers smarting a little bit with their teams.



"It will make for a really professional game. Sometimes on Boxing Day, you can get a loose game - I don't think this will be."



The Van Persie incident understandably made headlines, although Pardew believes Ferguson's outspoken comments were made in the heat of the moment.



He said: "Retrospective action is important because as we saw with [Everton's Marouane] Fellaini the other day at Stoke, children shouldn't be seeing incidents like that on TV.



"I think the one with Van Persie was perhaps not as bad as Alex at first imagined. Sometimes from the sideline, it looks a lot worse at the time.



"I'm not sure whether there will be action taken for that, but certainly elbows and off-the-ball incidents, that's a good feature that the FA have brought in."



United were far from at their best at the Liberty Stadium with strikers Van Persie and Wayne Rooney suffering a rare off-day, and Pardew is wary of the potential response.



He said: "I remember [Fulham striker Dimitar] Berbatov not playing particularly well the week before we played him, and he probably put in the performance of the season for him against us.



"It happens. You want to roll into teams when they have off-days, that does help.



"Swansea, I think, did that, Manchester United did have an off-day and fortunately for them, they got a point out of it.



"What we have got to do is try to make it another off-day by making it equally difficult for them to play."



The win over QPR eased the Magpies' immediate fears of being dragged into the relegation zone, but with a trip to Arsenal to follow their date at Old Trafford - where they have not won in the league since February, 1972 - and Everton's New Year visit to St James' Park, they know they will have to be much closer to their best to build on a valuable three points.



Pardew said: "When you looked at the programme at the start, you could see that this was a tough run for us, and it's even tougher now with the results we have had and the injuries we have sustained.



"But I am actually going into it more buoyed than I have been at probably any other period of the season.



"We have definitely picked up, we look a little bit more resilient. We got a very important clean sheet on Saturday and I think we will be in good heart for what is one of the toughest games of the programme, Manchester United away."



Pardew, who will be without the suspended Cheick Tiote, also confirmed that Saturday's match-winner Shola Ameobi will not be joining the Ivorian at the African Nations Cup next month despite being named in the provisional Nigeria squad.



He said: "Shola won't be going to that, and the national team manager knows the reasons behind that, which I am going to keep to myself."

Owen in contention for Stoke return

Stoke striker Michael Owen could make his first-team comeback when Liverpool visit the Britannia Stadium on Boxing Day.



Owen, who has not played for the Potters since October 27 due a hamstring problem, has been working on his fitness and may be ready to feature in the 7.45pm Barclays Premier League kick-off.



It remains to be seen whether or not another former Red, midfielder Charlie Adam, will be involved after he missed Saturday's 0-0 draw at Tottenham having been granted compassionate leave following the death of his father.

The top stories from papers and websites - 24 December 2012

• Brendan Rodgers wants Steven Gerrard to end his career at Liverpool.


• Arsenal target Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has extended his deal with Schalke.


• Reading want Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone.


• Ex-Everton winger Royston Drenthe will snub a Premier League return and join Russian outfit Alania Vladikavkaz.


• Paul Lambert and Norwich have agreed a settlement over his summer exit.


• Cristiano Ronaldo is set to force his way out of Real Madrid in the summer after waiting 11 months for a new contract - just as Fergie is waiting to pounce.


• David Moyes is confident Everton will not sell their best players in January.

• Daniel Sturridge will get an amazing £1.5million golden handshake from Chelsea before joining Liverpool.


• Brendan Rodgers wants Steven Gerrard to stay at Liverpool for life.


• Tottenham supremo Daniel Levy is ready to launch a bid for Derby's teenage sensation Will Hughes - but it will spark a Premier League stampede.


• Roberto Mancini insists Joleon Lescott is still part of his Manchester City plans.


• Wolves are ready to make a January loan swoop for Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong.


• Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy wants to raid old club Wolves for Ronald Zubar, Richard Stearman and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.


• Andy O'Brien is considering joining Huddersfield or Ipswich on loan during the MLS close season.


• Reading are looking to bring in Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone.


• Southampton are set to move for Brighton winger Will Buckley.


• Tottenham are set to offer Brad Freidel a new contract amid interest from Blackburn.


• Paul Lambert is willing to risk the wrath of old club Norwich by making a move for Steve Morrison.

• Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge had a medical at Liverpool yesterday ahead of a £12million January switch to Anfield.


• Reading manager Brian McDermott is ready to send an SOS to Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone.


• Southampton are lining up a January raid on south coast rivals Brighton for winger Will Buckley.


• Pavel Pogrebnyak will have talks with Reading's owners over his future.

• Liverpool's owners will be asked to give Steven Gerrard an extension to his current contract.


• Romelu Lukaku is not interested in returning to Chelsea from West Brom.

• Chelsea are putting together a £1.5million golden goodbye for Daniel Sturridge to make sure he joins Liverpool.


• Harry Redknapp is facing a fight to offload his "over-paid" players as he plans a QPR clear-out.


• Jack Wilshere has pleaded with team-mate Theo Walcott to sign a new deal at Arsenal.


• Fulham have agreed a cut-price deal for Turkey goalkeeper Sinan Bolat of Standard Liege.


• Celtic, West Ham and Norwich all want Kilmarnock midfielder Liam Kelly.

• Sir Alex Ferguson called on the Football Association to hit Ashley Williams with a lengthy ban after claiming the Swansea City defender "could have killed" Robin van Persie.


• Rafael Benitez has warned there is better to come from his Chelsea side after an 8-0 defeat of Aston Villa, the heaviest in their visitors' 138-year history.

• Under Rafa Benitez in December, Chelsea have put six past Nordsjaelland, five through Leeds and now eight in Aston Villa's net.