Gossips

Manchester City could make a £12m bid for Bayern Munich defender Philipp Lahm in January.

Aston Villa striker John Carew is a £5m target for Turkish giants Fenerbahce.

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is planning to make a move for former Inter Milan striker Adriano, who is available on a free transfer from Brazilian side Flamengo.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has played down rumours of a move for Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko next summer.

Tottenham's out-of-favour striker Robbie Keane is a loan target for Celtic.

Portsmouth's Algerian midfielder Nadir Belhadj is frustrated at being on the bench and is willing to quit the club in January in order to make sure of a place at the World Cup.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has arranged a behind-closed-doors match in order to take a look at Angola defender Francisco Zuela, who plays for Russian side FC Kuban. (Daily Mirror)

Liverpool will complete the signing of highly-rated 16-year-old Kristján Gauti Emilsson later this week. Emilsson, who plays for Icelandic champions FH, has also had trials with Manchester United and Rangers.

Barcelona winger Jeffren Suarez, who was once a target for Arsenal, has been offered to Wigan, Blackburn and Everton. (Daily Mirror)

Nottingham Forest are to make a £2m offer for Plymouth striker Jamie Mackie. (The Sun)

England manager Fabio Capello will not allow David Beckham to act as an ambassador for the country's 2018 World Cup bid during next year's tournament in South Africa.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has apologised to his squad following reports of a bust-up with striker James Beattie after the 2-0 defeat by Arsenal.

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is not blaming goalkeeper Petr Cech for the defeat at Manchester City at the weekend, pointing the finger at his midfield instead.

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas admits his side are facing an uphill battle this season, because they are too small. The side that took to the field against Stoke on Saturday had the shortest average height of any of the Premier League clubs.