Monday’s news and transfer rumour gossip.
Arsenal are moving closer to a deal for Barcelona playmaker Pedro, 27, after he handed in a transfer request at the Nou Camp – (Daily Express)
The Gunners also remain keen to bring West Ham defender Winston Reid, 26, to the Emirates in January – (Daily Mirror)
However, Arsenal are set to miss out on Andre-Pierre Gignac with the 28-year-old France striker close to agreeing an extension with Marseille – (Metro)
Bayern Munich are in discussions to sign 32-year-old former Brighton and Manchester United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak – (Daily Mail)
United States captain Clint Dempsey, 31, is ready to make a Premier League loan return from MLS outfit Seattle Sounders in January, with Aston Villa, QPR and Stoke all interested in the forward – (Daily Mirror)
In an extract from his new book, former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez maintains his use of the word “negro” in his row with ex-Manchester United defender Patrice Evra was misunderstood by people who do not speak Spanish – (Guardian)
Tottenham are lining up a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s World Cup-winning midfielder Christoph Kramer, 23 – (Metro)
Tony Fernandes says he will resign QPR if fans are unhappy with his decisions as chairman – (Daily Express)
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers claims Daniel Sturridge, 25, will never become one of the best strikers in Europe unless he can overcome his constant injury problems – (Daily Express)
American businessman Josh Harris’ proposed takeover of Crystal Palace will enter its final stages this week, with a deal close to completion – (Daily Mail)
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet says there is a culture of mistakes at the club which he has been unable to halt in his year at the helm – (Sunderland Echo)
Striker Robin van Persie rescued Manchester United with a last-ditch goal, but then got called “stupid” by Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal for getting booked for his celebration – (Daily Star)
Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has responded to claims he left an ageing squad at Old Trafford by insisting that it was an “insult” to suggest he left the club in anything other than rude health – (Guardian)
Ferguson also described Manchester United’s season under Louis van Gaal as “one step forward, two steps back” as a result of injuries – (Daily Telegraph)
Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert is convinced his side, who are the league’s lowest scorers this season with just four goals, will start finding the back of the net – (Birmingham Mail)
Queens Park Rangers are reportedly preparing to offload Adel Taarabt to AC Milan in January – after the midfielder’s public falling out with manager Harry Redknapp – (Metro)
Sports stars from around the world have spoken of their shock and sadness at the death of South African goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa –(Daily Mirror)
Sergio Aguero is set to dodge an FA ban for stamping on Mark Noble – (Daily Star)
Arsenal are ready to make a cut-price move for Stephan Lichsteiner in January to beat Chelsea and Real Madrid to the Juventus defender – (Daily Express)
Manuel Pellegrini is confident Joe Hart will sign a new contract at Manchester City – (Sky Sports)
Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk has confirmed his interest in joining Arsenal in January after labeling the club ‘amazing’ – (Metro)
Italy legend Alessandro Del Piero has urged countryman Mario Balotelli to get back to basics and work harder at Anfield – (Daily Mirror)
Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino says there is ‘no chance’ of Paulinho rejoining former employers Corinthians on loan – (Sky Sports)
Alan Irvine has revealed Saido Berahino has been quizzing him about Wayne Rooney’s rise into a superstar and if the West Brom forward maintains his current form, he could soon be partnering him for England – (Daily Express)
Juan Mata has thanked the Chelsea fans for their rousing Old Trafford reception – (Daily Star)