ROUND UP
There’s no sign of transfer speculation involving City diminishing anytime soon and we kick off with Here Is the City’s story linking the Blues with a huge bid for Eliaquim Mangala.
The Porto defender has allegedly been on City’s radar for some time and Dan Coombs writes: “Have Manchester City made their move for Chelsea and Manchester United target Eliaquim Mangala of Porto?
“There is no secret that City need to strengthen their backline, with last night's starter Joleon Lescott regularly linked with an exit.
“Vincent Kompany is a world class performer, and Matija Nastasic is an excellent prospect, with Martin Demichelis bought as a stop gap by Manuel Pellegrini.
“Reports on the continent are claiming City have made their move for Porto man Eliaquim Mangala. French website Le10Sport claim an exclusive, writing: ‘According to our information, the Blues Manchester City in recent hours have passed a new offer of €45 million to FC Port . They had already proposed this sum at the end of the summer transfer window, but the directors of Porto refused. This time it could be different.’”
We move on.
The Blues’ global search for the cream of youth talent could set to be stretch to Nigeria – according toKick Off.com, at least.
They report: “Nigeria Under-17 national striker Musa Yahaya is wanted by both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City according to media reports.
“When Nigeria won the Under-17 Fifa World Cup in November the 16-year-old was one of the star performers at the tournament.
“City look most likely to land the youngster as they have been strongly linked to signing his international teammates Chidiebere Nwakali and Kelechi Iheanacho even though reports have surfaced that Spurs are also chasing the players signature. The deal is thought to be in the region of £400,000.”
Finally, the MuEN’s Stuart Brennan writes about a potential transfer deal that he believes City shouldn’t allow to happen.
As our top story proves, Lescott has been linked to various moves over the past few weeks, but Brennan says letting the popular defender move on this month would be a mistake.
He writes: “So far it seems that the only interest has been from clubs wanting to loan Lescott. Unless there was an extraordinary side to such a deal, that would not make sense for City, who have already found themselves short of cover in central defence this season, with injuries to Kompany, Demichelis and Nastasic at various times.
“Lescott has proved himself a dependable and experienced defender, and has started three of the last five City games. No-one should forget that he formed a partnership with Kompany which helped bring the Premier League title to the Etihad Stadium in 2012, part of the meanest defence in the country.”
Yaya Toure wins African Footballer of Year for third time
Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure landed his third successive African Footballer of the Year award on Thursday to cap a memorable week.
The ManchesterCity player edged out Nigeria's John Obi Mikel and fellow Ivorian Didier Drogba to make it a hat-trick of wins, emulating Abedi Pele and Samuel Eto'o.
Just 24 hours after storming halfway down the pitch to score a goal in City's 6-0 demolition of West Ham United in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final, a teary-eyed Toure was the toast of African football as he picked up the award at a gala ceremony in Lagos.
"I'm very proud and happy to be the winner today," Toure, dressed in traditional Nigerian robes, told the audience.
"I congratulate my brother Obi Mikel who deserved it as well. It's an unbelievable award for all those who helped me through my career a lot and those who supported me for a long time."
Beauty from the Beast! Pellegrini hails Negredo's all-action City impact
Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini believes in-form striker Alvaro Negredo has proved a perfect addition to the squad.
Negredo took his goal tally for the season to 18 with a brilliant hat-trick in City's 6-0 rout of West Ham in the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
The Spaniard, signed last summer from Sevilla for £20million, has also formed effective partnerships with first Sergio Aguero and now - in the injury-enforced absence of the Argentinian - Edin Dzeko.
He also showed against West Ham how hard-working he is all round the field, notably when he chased back to his own area - when City were leading 3-0 - to win a tackle.
Pellegrini said: 'On more than one occasion he ran back to win the ball.
'He recovered balls, he scored three goals, he was the link with the midfielders - it was a complete game.
'I always thought he was the player this team needed. I knew him very well from the nine years I was in Spain, so when he arrived here I was absolutely sure he was the striker we needed.'
Dzeko also struck twice against the Hammers at the Etihad Stadium and Pellegrini was pleased with how the pair combined.
The former Malaga coach said: 'Both of them played very well - and also the midfielders (David) Silva, (Yaya) Toure and (Samir) Nasri did well.
'That's why when we made a squad at the beginning of the season, we brought in important players.
'You normally have a lot of injuries during the season, and Alvaro and Dzeko have replaced Aguero and (Stevan) Jovetic, who is another important player who can't play at the moment.
'It is important for the team that we don't depend on just one name.'
Negredo believes he is probably enjoying the best spell of his career, although he still thinks he can improve.
The 28-year-old said: 'My feelings and my game make me think this could be the best moment, we just have to wait (on that), but I'm feeling comfortable.
'I score a lot of goals and hopefully I can make some assists. Hopefully I can continue like this for the rest of my career.
'The only goal is to grow, to improve as a player and become better.'
Negredo's value has undoubtedly increased during his short time with high-flying City.
Just 12 months ago he was being linked with a £13million switch to Everton but he feels he moved to England at the right time.
He said: 'There were some rumours but I just wanted to finish the season with Seville. I wanted to wait until it got to the summer before I started looking at other options. I never really considered the possibility of moving in January.'
Blundering Man City keeper to be finally shipped out of Etihad
Manuel Pellegrini seems to have had enough of his keeper's error-prone performances
Manchester City are having no trouble beating opposition keepers at the moment, but it’s the two that they employ to guard their own net which are the root cause of manager Manuel Pellegrini’s main headache this season.
Constantly striving to learn who out of Joe Hart and Costel Pantilimon he can trust, it seems the Chilean, who is 10/11 to win the league in his debut season, has finally made up his mind, with one of the gloved pair set to depart the Etihad this January after a string of error-strewn performances for the club.
Reports in Romania suggest 6ft 8in Pantilimon will be joining La Liga strugglers Real Betis this month, with the 16-cap international keen to flee the 2012/13 champions.
After Joe Hart’s blunder filled performances in the early part of the season, the Romanian was afforded a rare glimpse of Premier League football when debuting in the 7-0 massacre of Norwich.
That was the start of a seven-league-game stint between the sticks for 26-year-old, but the run ended with the thrilling 6-3 win over Arsenal at the Etihad in December.
Many opined that, bar a bemusing lack of confidence under the high ball given his height and a poor showing against West Brom, Pantilimon was unlucky to lose his place to the England number one, but he still wasn’t seen again until the recent cup outings against Blackburn and West Ham.
It was in the FA Cup draw with Rovers that Pellegrini must have decided enough was enough, as the lanky keeper was at fault for the Championship side’s equaliser.
It’s thought Betis will pay €500,00 for the stopper’s services with City, who are 125/1 to win an unprecedented quadruple this season, perhaps looking to nab German youngster Marc-Andre ter Stegen from under the noses of Barcelona.
The Borussia Monchengladbach keeper has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of his current deal and has long been lined up as Victor Valdes’ replacement at the Nou Camp, but City’s oodles of cash could tempt Gladbach into striking a better deal.
Manchester City make €45m offer for defender
Have Manchester City made their move for Chelsea and Manchester United target Eliaquim Mangala of Porto?
There is no secret that Manchester City need to strengthen their backline, with last night's starter Joleon Lescott regularly linked with an exit.
Vincent Kompany is a world class performer, and Matija Nastasic is an excellent prospect, with Martin Demichelis bought as a stop gap by Manuel Pellegrini.
Reports on the continent this evening are claiming City have made their move for Porto man Eliaquim Mangala.
French website Le10Sport claim an exclusive, writing:
"According to our information, the Blues Manchester City in recent hours have passed a new offer of €45 million to FC Port . They had already proposed this sum at the end of the summer transfer window, but the directors of Porto refused. This time it could be different."
So what's the bad news? Well the report claims that the Frenchman is less than keen to change clubs mid-season, but is weighing up the offer.
Mangala played in the Champions League this season with Porto and would also be ineligible to play in the knockout rounds of the competition.
Yet his signing would give City greater options over the title run-in, and with Porto out of the Champions League themselves he has less reason to hang around.
If Vincent Kompany was to go down injured again, Mangala's presence would mean City are better equipped to get by without their captain, and if the Premier League race goes down to the wire, that could be decisive.
Man City boss determined to hang on to out of favour star
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has reiterated his desire to keep hold of out-of-favour defender Joleon Lescott, with the player being strongly linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium this winter.
The Chilean was quoted in The Sun, saying: “He is not going for the moment. Joleon Lescott is a very important player for us. He finishes his contract in June.”
The Englishman is understood to be vying for a move away from the Etihad Stadium after failing to carve out a regular place for himself in the manager’s plans this season. The likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, West Ham United and Fulham have already reportedly showcased their willingness to land him this winter and while the north Londoners have distanced themselves from recent reports, the other three sides are still understood to be open to the idea of taking the player aboard.
Meanwhile, Pellegrini is understandably disinterested in parting with Lescott anytime soon and even played him in last night’s game at the Etihad. The Citizens are desperate for defensive reinforcements this season and the last thing on the manager’s mind will be parting with one of the veterans for the position.
Mike Keegan: It looks like City were right to go 'holistic ballistic'...
MuEN reporter Mike Keegan believes the Blues have proved the doubters wrong by fully committing to the "holistic" approach touted during the summer.
It was the word that triggered sniggers on sportsdesks around the country.
But eight months after City announced that the successor to Roberto Mancini would bring a 'holistic' approach to the club the only people laughing are the fans, the players - and no doubt the Blues' battle-hardened officials.
At the time many had to thumb through a dictionary to find out what it meant. Even after doing that, some were still not sure.
But Manuel Pellegrini has delivered his own definition of 'holistic' for the nation to see.
It involves a club singing from the same hymn sheet, a team that plays with a smile on its face and a refreshing approach to football that is at odds with what the tabloids would have you believe.
City's decision to go ballistic for holistic will have stemmed not only from the scars of Mancini's divisive administration but from Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain's time at blueprint Barcelona.
Club staff are wary of harking back to the Italian's turbulent tenure. It was not all tears and tantrums and nobody will forget his part in the Blues revival and the glorious ending of the trophy drought.
But it is impossible not to note the differences.
Whereas assistant David Platt was often used as a go-between, the amiable Chilean's door is always open.
The new faces that have arrived have also lifted spirits. One source, in typically Mancunian fashion, described Alvaro Negredo, Fernandinho and co as 'good lads'.
Many may not have seen it, but a glimpse into the new spirit of harmony was provided at the Etihad in the second half of Wednesday's cakewalk against West Ham.
Negredo, having bagged a brilliant hat-trick, was summoned to the bench to be replaced by Aleksandar Kolarov.
Such a move may have prompted a dummy spit from previous centre forwards.
The Hammers, as poor a side as the Blues will face this season, were not so much on the ropes but lying prostrate in the first row of the ringside seats and chances to score four, five and maybe even six would certainly have come Negredo's way.
But the beast was happy to leave the feast. He embraced his replacement and then shook the hand of every member of the bench.
The only way he could have displayed further dedication to the cause would have been if he had vaulted the advertisement hoardings into the South Stand and started a chorus of Blue Moon.
Off the pitch, the definition of holistic is all around us.
Gone is the noisy neighbours tag. The transfer window is open and there has hardly been a peep out of City.
Sky Sports no longer have a van parked outside the main entrance, just in case.
Paparazzi poised at the Bridgewater Hospital on Princess Parkway will no doubt have been briefed to look out for United targets.
Pellegrini did his business in the summer, and with Sergio Aguero to return and Stevan Jovetic to hopefully prove that he is not the Invisible Man the Blues faithful often sing about, all seems rosy.
The Jovetic situation itself is another reminder of how things have changed.
Perhaps desperate for, at last, a juicy story the manager has been peppered with questions about his £22m capture from Fiorentina.
Is he homesick? Is he unsetlled?
Pellegrini could have stuck the pads on and done a job for England's jumpy middle order in Australia, judging by the straight bat he firmly played his answers with.
After the West Ham mauling a journalist despatched especially from Italy to ask about Jovetic asked him once more.
The poor lad would have been better off staying at home, keeping dry and reading Pellegrini's comments the last time he was asked the same question.
"Jovetic will be fantastic, he has suffered injuries in the first half of the season but we all know what he can do and hope the second half will be better."
It was almost as though he had memorised it.
If holistic can be judged on the pitch by results, with the Blues already at Wembley barring an unthinkable disaster and fighting for glory on four fronts, it appears to be going well.
Off it, column inches at the front of the paper as well as the back are not a bad barometer.
As much as we laughed (and wrote stories), can you imagine Negredo turning up at Xaverian and asking where the toilets are?
Me neither.
The only drama holistic does is of the footballing kind - and there is more on the way in this Happy Blue Year.
Manager to shadow City boss
New York City FC boss Jason Kreis is to shadow Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini and the Blues’ Elite Development Squad head coach, Patrick Vieira this season.
Last month Kreis was put in charge of the MLS franchise, which is majority-owned by Premier League title challengers City. He left rivals Red Salt Lake after a seven-year stint, during which he guided them to the MLS Club Championship.
He will face the press today, when he is sure to reveal more about his plans, but visits to Manchester have already been scheduled.
The aim is for Kreis to learn from the methods of vastly-experienced City chief Pellegrini, and observe Vieira’s approach at close quarters during training sessions and youth team matches.
New York City FC will start competing in the MLS next year
Seven sides still in with PL title chance
Rob Parrish examines the Premier League title hopes of Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Everton, Tottenham and Manchester United.
Three clubs, two points, one trophy.
Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea have come through the first 20 games of a dramatic Premier League season as the key title contenders, but there is no certainty any of the trio will be lifting England's most sought-after piece of silverware on May 11.
Liverpool celebrated Christmas at the pinnacle of the standings before damaging defeats at the Etihad Stadium and Stamford Bridge saw them slip back into fourth with a deficit of six points, but Brendan Rodgers' side remain challengers to end a 24-year wait for the crown in England.
Not since the 2001-02 season, when there were only two points between the top four, has the race been so closely contested at this stage of the season, with three further teams worthy of consideration beyond the leading quartet.
The word 'reigning' is likely to be replaced by 'outgoing' as the prefix of choice for champions Manchester United, such are the difficulties endured by the Old Trafford outfit in the post Alex Ferguson era, but it would be unwise to completely write off a team which has dominated domestically for the past two decades.
Neither Everton nor Tottenham, of course, both ahead of United in the standings as it stands, can be ruled out either.
Arsenal
Points 45 odds 4/1
Why they will win it: Arsenal have not enjoyed the luxury of leading the league at this stage of the season since the 2007-08 campaign and can now match their ambition with the necessary transfer market muscle.
Despite a lengthening injury list over Christmas, they took maximum points from their three festive fixtures following the damp squib of their draw with Chelsea.
Why they won't: Question marks remain over the striking talent available to Wenger behind leading forward Olivier Giroud, who has just three goals in his last nine Premier League outings, particularly with Theo Walcott out for the season.
The pressure to end a nine-year trophy drought will only increase, with their alarming slide of 2011 after losing the League Cup final a warning from history.
Man City
Points 44 odds 10/11
Why they will win it: Manuel Pellegrini's men have moved ominously through the gears in recent weeks with 25 points gathered from their last nine games.
Faultless at home and now much-improved on their travels, even the recent absence of Sergio Aguero through injury has not halted their charge, such is the strength in depth available in most departments at the Etihad.
Why they won't: Joe Hart's man-of-the-match display in the narrow home success against Crystal Palace demonstrates there are still defensive deficiencies in City's squad, despite the return of Vincent Kompany.
Conceding two in the recent victories against both Fulham and Swansea further demonstrates that this is an area of weakness that can be exploited by opponents.
Chelsea
Points 43 odds 7/2
Why they will win it: Don't be fooled by Jose Mourinho's protestations that Chelsea are not contenders.
The Blues boss has more creative players available than he can fit into his squad and his personal record of securing silverware on a regular basis over the past decade cannot be matched, while owner Roman Abramovich is hardly a miser in the transfer market.
Why they won't: Did you know Mourinho wants a new forward? He's hardly mentioned it. Fernando Torres' goal against Southampton was the first time a Chelsea striker has found the net away from home in the Premier League since the Spaniard scored at Sunderland in December 2012.
January may prove interesting, with questions over Juan Mata, David Luiz and Ashley Cole's futures.
Liverpool
Points 39 odds 8/1
Why they will win it: The form of Luis Suarez since his return to action this season has been nothing short of sensational, while his decision to sign a new contract prior to the January transfer window should put an end to speculation over his future - at least until the summer.
The return from injury of Steven Gerrard and Daniel Sturridge will further bolster Brendan Rodgers' squad.
Why they won't: Stop Suarez, stop Liverpool, is the evidence provided by the statistics. Four of the Anfield side's five defeats this season have come when the Uruguay international has failed to find the target - against Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Hull City - while he was still suspended for the home reverse by Southampton.
Everton
Points 38 odds 66/1
Why they will win it: Everton have suffered the fewest defeats of any team in the Premier League this season and their impressive defensive record is only bettered by Arsenal.
The transition to the style of play favoured by Roberto Martinez has been largely seamless, with the continued emergence of Ross Barkley this term a real boon for both club and country.
Why they won't: A propensity for drawing matches - Everton's tally of eight is only topped by West Brom - suggests this is a side more hard-to-beat than title challengers.
Even the most ardent fan would admit that top spot is out of reach, but a top-four finish and the riches on offer in the Champions League is an achievable target for Martinez in his first season at Goodison Park.
Tottenham
Points 37 odds 50/1
Why they will win it: The departure of Andre Villas-Boas was a demonstration of the cut-throat nature of Premier League football in a knee-jerk society.
Tim Sherwood has 10 points from his four games at the helm and has instilled a greater freedom in a star-studded squad, while the recall of Emmanuel Adebayor has given Spurs an additional attacking option alongside Roberto Soldado.
Why they won't: With eight points to make up on league leaders Arsenal, an inexperienced new manager at the helm and a hugely remodelled squad which is still to fully gel, Spurs will not be top of the pile in May.
However, as with Everton, they will see fourth place as an attainable target, with Liverpool in striking distance just two points away.
Man Utd
Points 34 odds 25/1
Why they will win it: United have the pedigree, personnel and experience to put together a winning streak to get them back into the title frame and have traditionally been stronger over the second half of the campaign.
This squad took the title by 11 points last season and a return to fitness of Robin van Persie will make their forward line a different proposition.
Why they won't: There is an alarming fragility to United this season under Moyes. Home defeats to West Brom, Everton, Newcastle and Tottenham in the space of a few months would have been unthinkable under Ferguson.
The fear factor the reigning champions used to enjoy has evaporated and they have left themselves no margin for error over the remainder of the season.
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]GOLDEN BOLLOX 10-1-2010
PATRICK VIEIRA has provided an insight into why Roberto Mancini has won over Manchester City’s players so rapidly – he still thinks he is one of them.
But Carlos Tevez warned that despite the new manager’s nice-guy image, he has made it clear there is no room for shirkers.
Mancini is 45 and has been retired as a player for nearly a decade. But he still likes to take an active part in City’s intensive training sessions, apparently holding his own with the stars under his command.
Vieira contrasts Mancini, who was an Italy international, and Jose Mourinho, who never made the grade as a player.
After working under both at Inter Milan, Vieira said: “Roberto is the same kind of manager as Mourinho, very thorough, but he likes to participate on the pitch. “In training, Roberto likes to train with the players. He likes to be close to the players.” City players were dismayed when Mark Hughes was sacked last month, but Mancini appears to have won their respect and banished dressing-room resentment over his appointment. But while Mancini likes to bond with his players, Tevez says he also demands hard work and total concentration in every training session. That could spell bad news for Robinho, who is likely to be on the bench again when City face Blackburn tonight. “He is very strong on us working hard when we do not have the ball,” said Tevez, whose own work ethic has impressed Mancini. “We have not conceded any goals in the last three games so his methods are obviously working. I am enjoying the way he has us playing.” With Mancini being out on the training pitch, Tevez says it enables him to keep a close eye on who is putting in 100 per cent and who isn’t, with no allowances made because of freezing temperatures. “Training in the cold is hard but you have to be at your best in training to get into the manager’s thoughts, so you cannot let that get to you,” he said. “I’m used to the cold – I’ve lived in England for a few years now and it does not affect me too much.”
Tevez may have won the Premier League player-of-the-month award for December after eight goals in his last nine games and made a big impression on Mancini, but he knows he cannot afford to ease up. “I am very happy with my form but what is more important is that the team has been playing well,” he said. “I was delighted to win the award but I want to give credit to my team-mates for all their help. “It is not just down to me, without them I would not get the chances to score. “The squad has the ability for the manager to pick a team to suit a certain game or if there are a few injuries about. He is willing to change things, even during a match, so you have to be alert. “There’s a great spirit in the squad. Everybody has wanted to impress the new manager since he arrived. And it is not easy to stay in the team because there are others ready to take your place.” Meanwhile, Mancini has told Tottenham to forget their hopes of luring Micah Richards away from City. With Joleon Lescott, Nedum Onouha and Wayne Bridge all injured and Kolo Toure away at the African Nations Cup, Mancini says he cannot afford to lose another defender this month. And he still views Richards as part of City’s future. “How could I afford to lose Micah?” he said. “We have only four fit defenders at the moment. Anyway, I rate him very highly. He has played for England and has great potential for the future.” Richards, who limped off at Middlesbrough, is expected to be fit for tonight’s game, which City expect to go ahead despite the weather Vieira will make his debut providing he shakes off a calf strain picked up on his final appearance for Inter, while Mancini’s options have been improved by the return to fitness of Shaun Wright-Phillips and Roque Santa Cruz.
Look out, Robinho B*ll*x!
Manchester City's Brazil star ambushed by team-mate Micah Richards in training ground snow ball fight
It's usually Robinho who employs the element of surprise to bamboozle opponents, but Manchester City team-mate Micah Richards struck a blow for all defenders on Sunday with this sneaky snowball attack in training.
City sneaker: Richards ghosts up on a heavily armed, smiling Robinho (above) before launching himself within shot of his totally unaware team-mate
The Brazil star, not the most enthusiastic performer once the winter weather arrives, looked surprisingly cheerful until Richards stalked up and, with a leap, hurled a snowball in his friend’s face.
Richards slams the snowball into Robinho's face
Robinho’s thoughts presumably turned to where he might have been — a Rio beach, say, sipping a cocktail.
How former City boss Mark Hughes must wish he had still been around to pin one on the errant forward.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is confident he can sign Manchester United Wayne Rooney, 28, in the summer. Rooney's current contract expires at the end of next season. Daily Telegraph
Arsenal's hopes of signing striker Alvaro Morata, 21, on loan have been boosted after Real Madrid said they are willing to listen to offers. London Evening Standard
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet wants to sign three Argentine players. Estudiantes defender Santiago Vergini, 25, is close to joining the Black Cats and he could be followed by Catania goalkeeper Mariano Andujar, 30, and Internacional midfielder Ignacio Scocco, 28. DSSC
West Ham could miss out on a loan deal for Inter Milan striker Ishak Belfodil after Fiorentina moved for the 21-year-old Algerian. Daily Express
Southampton striker Dani Osvaldo is a target for Inter Milan. The Serie A side could offer Colombian midfielder Fredy Guarin, 27, who is also wanted by Chelsea, for Italy forward Osvaldo, 27. DSSC
Everton manager Roberto Martinez wants Spartak Moscow's Republic of Ireland winger Aidan McGeady, 27, and Swansea forward Thomas Ince, 21, but could wait until the summer to sign the duo for less money. Daily Mirror
Osvaldo has started nine league games since joining from Roma for £15m in the summer.
Manchester United and Liverpool target Ivan Rakitic is set to stay at Sevilla after the Croatia midfielder, 25, made it clear he wants to remain in Spain. Daily Express
Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois wants to meet manager Jose Mourinho and make a decision on his future by April. The Belgium international, 21, is currently in his third season on loan at Atletico Madrid. Metro
Hull manager Steve Bruce has joined the race for Everton striker Nikica Jelavic, 28, after growing frustrated in his pursuit of West Brom forward Shane Long and Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher. DSSC
Manager David Moyes is willing to spend £20m to make Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio, 27, a Manchester United player. Metro
QPR manager Harry Redknapp wants to sign Jermain Defoe on loan despite the Tottenham striker, 31, being on the verge of a move to MLS side Toronto. Daily Mirror
Valencia are considering a loan move for Liverpool forward Iago Aspas. The Spaniard, 26, has scored only once since joining from Celta Vigo last summer. talkSHIT
Newcastle are concerned they could lose Yohan Cabaye, 27 for less than £6m if the midfielder tries to exploit a clause which enables him to buy himself out of the final two years of his contract. Daily Telegraph
West Ham are considering a move for Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies if they sack Sam Allardyce. Daily Telegraph
Former Cardiff manager Malky Mackay is also being considered as an option by the West Ham board should they sack Allardyce. DSSC
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says he tried to convince Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo to return to club last summer but Ferdinand now fears any chance of that ever happening has now gone. Daily Mirror
Manchester United's Netherlands striker Robin van Persie could return from a month out with a thigh injury for the trip to Chelsea on 19 January. Daily Mirror
Everton's Republic of Ireland right-back Seamus Coleman, 25, will be given a new contract at the end of the season. DSSC
Borussia Dortmund's Poland striker Robert Lewandowski, 25, is considering employing bodyguards after signing a pre-contract agreement with Bayern Munich. DSSC
more bollox later
