Paper Talk
Chelsea are ready to rival Manchester United for Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller.
Cristiano Ronaldo's mum Dolores wants her son to join Manchester United over Paris Saint-Germain if he leaves Real Madrid.
Jack Grealish will learn on Tuesday if he is in line for a recall to Aston Villa's senior team for the Southampton game this weekend.
Southampton want to sign Brighton wonderkid Solly March.
Aston Villa have rejected an approach from Birmingham to loan Libor Kozak.
Tottenham's Andros Townsend is set for a January exit, with Aston Villa, West Brom, Newcastle, Leicester and Swansea interested.
West Ham fear Diafra Sakho will be out for three weeks with a thigh injury.
Tottenham are reportedly willing to offer Harry Kane a new contract, and double his wages to £70,000 a week, to ward off interest from Manchester United.
Chelsea are willing to let Papy Djilobodji go out on loan, with Lazio interested.
Jamie Vardy has all-but ended Manchester United and Chelsea's hopes of signing him in January by saying he wants to stay at Leicester.
Ander Herrera wants showdown talks with manager Louis van Gaal after becoming disillusioned at Manchester United.
Bayern Munich great Lothar Matthaus has told Thomas Muller to stay at the club and avoid a move to Manchester United or Chelsea.
West Ham will step up their interest in Ivory Coast star Gohi Bi Cyriac with fears growing over Diafra Sakho's long-term fitness.
Arsenal fear injured duo Alexis Sanchez and Santi Cazorla will miss the weekend clash with Sunderland and the must-win Champions League showdown with Olympiakos next week.
Chelsea will not be able to send Radamel Falcao back to Monaco, who are reluctant to accept him back.
Emmanuel Adebayor is set to return to England to find a club, with Chelsea and Watford options.
Chesterfield will talk to Mark Cooper about their vacant manager's job.
Barcelona must pay Neymar's former club Santos £1.4m because the forward was named on the Ballon d'Or shortlist.
Andros Townsend's future at Tottenham remains in the balance after he was demoted to the club's under-21 side following his bust-up with fitness coach Nathan Gardiner.
Daryl Janmaat has blasted his Newcastle team-mates, claiming they are mentally weak and lack character.
Manchester United players have taken to calling Louis van Gaal's repetitive training sessions 'Groundhog Day'.
Mark Hughes says 'priceless' Jack Butland - a £20m target for Liverpool - is going nowhere.
Sunderland owner Ellis Short would "appoint the devil" to avoid relegation, a court was told.
BBC
Chelsea are interested in Manchester United target Thomas Muller and see the Bayern Munich and Germany forward, 26, as a possible replacement for Spain striker Diego Costa, 27. (Daily Mirror)
Costa is expected to return to the Chelsea starting XI for the Premier League game against Bournemouth on Saturday despite making his frustrations clear at being dropped to the bench for the draw at Tottenham. (Guardian)
Chelsea are worried they will not be able to return on-loan striker Radamel Falcao, 29, to Monaco in January as the French side are reluctant to recall the Colombia international. (Daily Mail)
Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera, 26, wants talks with manager Louis van Gaal after becoming disillusioned at Old Trafford. (Daily Star)
United's hopes of luring Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford have been boosted by his mother Dolores, who would prefer the 30-year-old to return to the club he left in 2009. (Daily Mirror)
Manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that in 2014 Arsenal just missed out on a deal to sign 19-year-old French winger Kingsley Coman, who is currently impressing on loan at Bayern Munich from Juventus. (Evening Standard)
Arsenal are lining up a £22m January bid for Porto's 18-year-old defensive midfielder Ruben Neves, as cover for the injured Francis Coquelin. (Sun)
Stoke's England goalkeeper Jack Butland is not for sale at any price, says Potters boss Mark Hughes. (Daily Star)
Manchester United, Juventus and Barcelona will compete to sign Basel's 18-year-old Switzerland forward Breel Embolo in January. (Tuttosport - in Italian)
Brazilian striker Neymar's Ballon d'Or nomination has earned former club Santos £1.4m as part of the deal that took the 23-year-old to Barcelona in 2013. (Daily Mail)
Southampton want to sign England Under-21 winger Solly March for about £7.5m from Championship side Brighton. (Daily Mirror)
Tottenham and Arsenal both want to sign Paris St-Germain's France Under-21 midfielder Adrien Rabiot, 20, in the January transfer window. (Buzzsport - in French)
Newcastle boss Steve McClaren will have to sell before he can buy any new players in January, despite the club's position in the relegation zone. (Daily Telegraph)
Manchester City's Argentine defender Martin Demichelis, 34, whose contract expires in the summer, is planning to discuss his future towards the end of the season, but is likely to return to his homeland to finish his career. (Manchester Evening News)
Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has backed team-mate Diego Costa to come back stronger after the Spain striker was dropped for the first time this season for the Blues' goalless draw at Tottenham on Saturday. (Times - subscription required)
Santi Cazorla and Alexis Sanchez have yet to be ruled out of Arsenal's must-win Champions League tie against Olympiakos next week because the club have not received medical assessments on the pair. (London Evening Standard)
Porto's Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas, 34, has not ruled out finishing his career in Major League Soccer in the United States. (Marca)
Best of 5 live
Former Leicester midfielder Robbie Savage says Manchester United should sign striker Jamie Vardy, who broke the record for scoring in consecutive Premier League matches at the weekend. Speaking on the Monday Night Club, the former Wales international said: "If I was Manchester United I would buy Vardy. He would offer pace." Listen here
Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie is worried about the club's future if they are relegated from the Premier League. Speaking on the Monday Night Club, he said: "That's my fear - if they go down this year I think they'll find it very hard to come back up." Listen here
Best of social media
The wife of Manchester United reserve goalkeeper Victor Valdes has claimed on Instagram that he was not invited to the club's Unicef Gala Dinner at Old Trafford on Sunday night.
Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta has met Status Quo at the Manchester Palace Theatre leg of their European Tour. City posted on Instagram: "Zab meets his musical heroes!"
Sergio Aguero had some reassurance for Manchester City fans by tweeting: "For everyone asking, I'm fine. It's just a harmless bump on the heel. Thanks, all of you, for the support!"
Former Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has been back at the club's Melwood training ground and the Reds were delighted to tell their Twitter followers, even including a video of the moment.
Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva posted an Instagram picture of himself training with the Gerrard, with the caption: "Good to have you back my friend."
Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann answered a Twitter appeal from 10-year-old Archie Palmer, who wanted a Reds player to visit his friend Myles Hemsley, who has been diagnosed with Leukaemia, in hospital.
And finally
France legend Zinedine Zidane was famously sent off for headbutting in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy and now his son, 17-year-old goalkeeper Luca, has suffered the same fate in Real Madrid's youth game against Atletico Madrid. (Sun)
Arsenal were unable to beat Norwich on Sunday but during the match their midfielder Santi Cazorla became the first person to complete 1,000 successful league passes this season. (London Evening Standard)
Guardian Rumour Mill
Nick Ames
José Mourinho, you might have heard, is not exactly enamoured by the form of his centre-forward Diego Costa and is up for getting his hands on a goalgetter who – if nothing else – knows when to keep his bib to himself.
Thomas Müller’s warm-up techniques are probably pretty sound – he’s a hale, hearty, fit and healthy Bavarian – and Mourinho wants Chelsea to beat Manchester United to the signing of a player who already has 20 goals to his name this season yet, inexplicably, seems to be constantly linked with those much worse off than him.
While we’re here, one striker Chelsea can forget about is Jamie Vardy, who might just start breaking meaningful records if he keeps his remarkable goalscoring run up. He’s intent on staying put at Leicester despite interest from Stamford Bridge and, again, Old Trafford.
You might also have heard that Arsène Wenger has a rapidly dwindling number of players to feel unenamoured by. Next up on the Emirates Stadium treatment table’s wishlist is Porto’s exciting defensive midfielder, Rúben Neves, who could roll up for £22m in January. A sensible move to fill the void left by Francis Coquelin’s injury with a battle-hardened pro who can teach a lesson or two, right? No, this is Arsenal. Neves is 18.
Someone might be leaving north London, in the meantime. Andros Townsend is yet to climb fully off Mauricio Pochettino’s naughty step and, let’s face it, Tottenham are not doing too badly without him. Townsend was obliged to play for their under-21s in a 2-1 win at Middlesbrough on Monday, which should be something straightforward for any player in need of match practice but nowadays seems to be framed as the ultimate humiliation. Chin up, Andros, you can take your pick of Swansea, Leicester, West Brom or – wait for it, because it’s a good one – Aston Villa and Newcastle in a month’s time!
From one winger to another – Southampton fancy upsetting the best-laid plans of their Championship neighbours, Brighton, who are unbeaten so far this season. They have their eyes trained on the winger Solly March, a fresh-faced 21-year-old, although they are said to have competition from elsewhere in the top flight.
The spirit of local goodwill isn’t exactly running deep elsewhere. Libor Kozak does not appear to be rated too highly at Aston Villa but Rémi Garde still won’t deal in the currency of a loan move away. Especially if that move is to their nearest and dearest, Birmingham City, who would like to use him in their ailing bid to stay in the Championship play-off mix but have been rebutted so far.
Stoke lost one first-choice goalkeeper in the summer and are battling to hold onto another. Jack Butland has been in fine form so far this season and Manchester United, Liverpool and Everton are making eyes, but their chairman Peter Coates says that selling the England international is “not on our agenda”.
What do West Ham need? A striker, that’s what, especially with Enner Valencia, Dimitri Payet and now Diafra Sakho laid low. They will look to bring one in pronto when the window re-opens and among the contenders is the Ivorian striker Gobi Bi Cyriac, who is currently banging them in for Belgian club Oostende.
HITC
Alex Song raves about teenage prospect Reece Oxford
Alex Song is impressed with Reece Oxford, and wants to help him.
Dan Coombs
West Ham midfielder Alex Song has told the Sunday Times he wants to help Reece Oxford progress as a footballer.
Song is one of the midfielders blocking Oxford's path to becoming a first team regular, but he draws on his own experience at Arsenal, and believes learning from senior players will aid his development.
The Cameroon international also compares Oxford to himself at a similar age, believing there is a key area the England youth international has an edge.
He said: "I started playing professionally when I was 16 but . . . pfff . . . I was not calm like Reece. He and Chiekhou (Kouyate) have great potential and if they keep doing what they have been doing, training like I see they do, everything will be very good for them.
"At Arsenal I Iearnt a lot from Gilberto Silva: he just wanted me to improve. I’ve been to a good school and I’m 28, helping others is now part of my job. That’s why if I see something I will talk to Reece and Cheikhou."
Song imparting his knowledge could be useful for Oxford. In addition to his experience at Arsenal, he played for Barcelona alongside greats like Xavi and Andres Iniesta, and simply being able to detail small pieces of advice about their preparation for games.
Oxford had a sensational start to the season, impressing against Arsenal on the Premier League's opening day, but has since then been phased out of the first team picture by Slaven Bilic, who has preferred more experienced options.
Star
West Ham to step up interest in Ivory Coast ace amid Diafra Sakho's injury woes
WEST HAM will step up their interest in Gohi Bi Cyriac with fears growing over Diafra Sakho's long-term fitness.
By Paul Brown
WANTED: Gohi Bi Cyriac
Sakho underwent scans yesterday on a thigh muscle injury after limping off during Sunday's 1-1 draw with West Brom.
The Senegal striker faces an anxious wait to find out how long he will be sidelined, but the fear is he will not play again until the New Year.
Sakho has been plagued by injuries since he joined the Hammers from Metz in August 2014, suffering groin, thigh, back and shoulder problems.
West Ham are already without forwards Enner Valencia and Dimitri Payet, who are both on the long-term injured list.
So the Hammers will send scouts to watch Ivory Coast striker Cyriac in action for Oostende as they weigh up a move for the Belgian league's top scorer.
Cyriac has scored ten times in 16 games this season and recently hinted he could be open to a move to the Premier League.
He said: "I was told about the interest. I would be happy to play in the best league in the world one day."
West Ham have been watching Cyriac for weeks with a view to a summer swoop, but could now be tempted to make a move in January.
Hammers keeper Adrian said: "Of course it's a shame to lose any player, no matter who it is.
"We lost Payet for a long time. Probably now Sakho.
"But we have a good squad, with Nikica Jelavic, Andy Carroll and soon Enner coming back in the next few weeks to the team.
"We have to concentrate on the players that are fit to play, just keep going and stay in the top half of the table.
"The competitiveness in the team is very good. When you play you need to give 120%. Sometimes you need to put on new players and they have the opportunity also."
C&H
Striker boost for Hammers
West Ham are hoping that Enner Valencia will be back in action earlier than expected and be ready for the Christmas programme!
The Ecuador international is recovering from a new ankle injury sustained in the clash against Everton but hopes are high that he will be back for the crowded programme against Villa, Southampton and Liverpool over Christmas and the New year.
Early thoughts had been that the player would be sidelined for eight to ten weeks but that has now been revised and hopes are on the rise that he will players his part and give the Irons a Christmas present!
We were told by a reliable source: “It’s impossible to be absolutely spot on with these things but the report is he is making very decent progress.
“We would be hopeful of having him back for the festive programme which after all the recent problems would be a massive result for us.”
OS
Swansea City U21 0-1 Dev Squad
The West Ham United Development Squad continued their fantastic run of form with a 1-0 away against Swansea City.
Jordan Brown’s strike just after the hour mark proved to be the difference between the two sides, after Sam Howes had saved a penalty early on.
In a blustery day in South Wales, conditions were nearly unplayable yet both sides ploughed on manly fully.
Terry Westley made several changes to the side that beat Derby County last week. Luka Belic made his first start for the Hammers since signing in the summer while youngsters Noha Sylvestre and Vashon Neufville made the step up from the U18s.
It was the hosts Swansea who made the most of the early exchanges going close after just two minutes.
It got better for the Swans when they were awarded a penalty for a trip on the edge of the box.
Upstepped Henry Jones yet Sam Howes read it and got quickly down to his right to make a great save.
This seemed to act as a wakeup call for the Dev Squad who looked to create a number of chances of their own. Jordan Brown was a willing runner while Belic looked to add a touch of glass acting as a number 10.
Despite the conditions, both sides played remarkably well. Sylvestre’s shot on the turn was deflected narrowly wide while Neufville delivered an excellent cross which Tremmel collected well.
Just before half-time, the Hammers had a strong shout for a penalty of their own after Belic was hauled down, however the referee was unmoved.
The second half started much like the first, with plenty of hard work and attrition but little to show for their efforts.
Amos Nasha tested Tremmel’s reflexes with a free-kick from 25-yards before Jordan Brown fired narrowly wide from the edge of the box.
Having had a sight on goal, Brown made no mistake with his next chance just minutes later. The powerful forward did well, at an awkward height to steer it back past Tremmel following superb work from Alex Pike. With seemingly little on, the right-back beat his man before bursting into the box and cutting it back to Brown.
In an effort to see the game out, Westley bought on Kyle Knoyle in place of the impressive Luka Belic while Lewis Page replaced the impressive 16-year-old Vashon Neufville.
The Swans rallied late on but could not find the all-important equaliser as the Hammers held on to secure their fourth win in five games. The Dev Squad now face a quick turnaround as they play Exeter City in the Barclays U21 Premier League Cup on Wednesday.
Swansea City U21: Tremmel, Shephard (c), Hanley, Jones, Rodon, Kingsley, Jones, Maric, Biabi, James, Hedges
Subs: Copp, Zabret, Gogic, Dyson, Davies
West Ham United U21: Howes, Pike, Neufville (Page 81), Nasha, Onariase, Hendrie, Sylvestre, Makasi, Brown, Belic (Knoyle 76), Mavila
Subs: T.Brown, Dobson, Gordon
Goal: J.Brown 59
