Morning Paper Talk

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Southampton are planning contract talks with Ronald Koeman over a new deal.
Chelsea have begun the search for a new right back as doubts over Branislav Ivanovic's long-term future linger.
Chelsea are following Red Star Belgrade's talented midfielder Marko Grujic. Jose Mourinho wants his scouts to find defensive midfield options after being left disappointed by his squad's start this term.
Striker James Wilson is set to stay at Manchester United, according to Wolves boss Kenny Jackett.
Daryl Janmaat says he and his Newcastle team-mates are feeling the pressure at the bottom of the Premier League and admits they have been 'nowhere near good enough'.

Louis van Gaal can turn Manchester United into the Premier League's first half-billionaires. United's revenue will top £500million - if they bank prize money for reaching the Champions League quarter-finals and finish third in the Premier League.
Gareth Bale hopes to be back from a calf injury within two weeks for Real Madrid - to the massive relief of Wales.
Jose Mourinho hit back at Steven Gerrard's claim of 'friction behind the scenes' at Chelsea.
Steve McClaren has warned his Newcastle flops none of them are safe from the axe.

Arsene Wenger will carry on rotating his squad - even after Arsenal's Champions League disaster in Zagreb.
Jose Mourinho is still facing a dressing-room battle with two of his biggest characters, John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic, unsure of their Chelsea futures.
Ronald Koeman is set to be offered a new deal at Southampton after achieving spectacular success at the club last season.
Sam Byram has been lined up for an £8million switch from Leeds to Swansea in the January transfer window.
Wolves boss Kenny Jackett has claimed James Wilson is set to stay at Manchester United.

Manchester United will offer Luke Shaw counselling to help him recover from his horrific leg break.
Barcelona have revealed that Neymar is on the verge of penning a new contract at the Nou Camp.
Diego Costa has rubbished suggestions that he could leave Chelsea.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has been told to deliver a Champions League quarter-final place to help the club reach their financial targets.
Everton boss Roberto Martinez says Swansea counterpart Garry Monk is good enough to manage England.
Barcelona are interested in signing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan after Rafinha suffered a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament in his right leg.
Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri has told his players: 'If you keep a clean sheet, I'll buy pizza.'

Mikel Arteta has claimed that the disappointment at Arsenal's dreadful start to the Champions League can fuel what would be Arsene Wenger's first Premier League win against Jose Mourinho on Saturday.

The six children of Malcolm Glazer who own Manchester United will be paid more than £15m every year from the club after it was announced that there will be a dividend to shareholders.

Jose Mourinho has ladled pressure on his players ahead of Arsenal's visit to Chelsea on Saturday lunchtime, suggesting that defeat would end any realistic hopes of retaining their Barclays Premier League title.

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Chelsea great John Terry may have to line up among the second string for Wednesday's Capital One Cup tie at Walsall after he was left out of the side to face Arsenal.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is concerned that his team are looking anxious when they play at Anfield.
Saido Berahino's skills at the weekend for West Brom in the 1-0 at Aston Villa have been likened to Zinedine Zidane, according to skipper Darren Fletcher.

Newcastle are already looking to the New Year to address the obvious shortcomings in their squad - namely, defending and attacking.
John Terry will return to the Chelsea team for Wednesday's Capital One Cup tie against Walsall.

Anthony Martial has scored three goals in his first two Premier League games for Manchester United but Van Gaal thinks he will get even better.
Marcos Rojo saved his Manchester United career with clear the air talks with boss Louis van Gaal
Manager Arsene Wenger has urged the FA to ban Chelsea striker Diego Costa for his bust-ups with several of his Arsenal players.
Manchester United are keeping tabs on Heerenveen centre back Jerry St. Juste with a view to a move

Former Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson is determined to get back in to management.

Manager Louis Van Gaal hailed "the confirmation of our philosophy" after Manchester United came from 1-0 down to win 3-2 at Southampton.
INDEPENDENT
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has continued his feud with Arsene Wenger by saying Arsenal have a squad who should win the league every season and that he is mystified by their failure to do so.

PSG are ready to make a world record offer of £109.2million for Cristiano Ronaldo - with a bumper contract offer of more than £15m after tax thrown in.

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Manchester United hope Cristiano Ronaldo will return as the Real Madrid superstar 'seeks new challenge', but Paris St Germain have denied preparing a blockbuster end-of-season move for the Portuguese forward.
Chelsea striker Diego Costa is "detestable", says former West Ham midfielder Alou Diarra.
Referee Mike Dean will remain on Premier League duty next weekend, despite his controversial afternoon at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
England boss Roy Hodgson is keeping tabs on Tottenham's Dele Alli over a possible call-up.

Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed his shock at Wayne Rooney being offered double his own salary at Old Trafford.
West Ham's Andy Carroll looks set to start his first match since February against Leicester in the Capital One Cup.
Liverpool's Lucas has told his teammates to relax - despite the Reds' poor start to the season.
Morgan Schneiderlin believes Anthony Martial will only get better after his sensational start to his Manchester United career.
Bournemouth defender Sylvain Distin has no plans to hang up his boots - despite being just 12 days younger than manager Eddie Howe.
Phil Jones has given Manchester United an injury boost by returning to training after his blood clot.

Napoli are set to bid for Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo in January.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas has admitted that he did reluctantly sign a contract with Manchester United on transfer deadline day.
Manchester City star Yaya Toure reckons the Arsenal 'Invincibles' will never be matched.
Arsenal fans have launched a barmy campaign to boycott the Costa coffee shop chain which shares part of its name with controversial Chelsea striker Diego Costa.

Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he considered a move to sign Mario Balotelli before the controversial Italian striker signed for Manchester City.
Arda Turan could make a shock early debut for Barcelona after injury to midfielder Rafinha opened up a potential loophole in the club's FIFA-imposed ban on registering players.
Dick Advocaat says he will quit Sunderland if he feels another manager would do a better job - but for the time being is backing himself to keep the club in the Premier League.
Diego Costa is facing a three-match ban for grappling with Laurent Koscielny during Chelsea's win over Arsenal.
Costa, meanwhile, escaped from the fall-out from Saturday's match by relaxing at Peppa Pig World.
Manchester United are showing an interest in promising Heerenveen centre-back Jerry St Juste.

Barcelona superstar Neymar has intimated his desire to see Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho at the Nou Camp.
Meanwhile, the Spanish giants are preparing a raid on Arsenal for Theo Walcott to replace Pedro who joined Chelsea this summer.
Chelsea are planning a raid on Real Madrid in the January transfer window for right-back Dani Carvajal.
The Blues will also make a renewed effort to sign Kostas Manolas from Roma in January.
Sir Alex Ferguson has blamed Paul Pogba's agent for the player's controversial decision to quit Manchester United.
Manchester United reportedly turned down the chance to re-sign Dimitar Berbatov in the summer.
Arsenal legend Tony Adams has revealed Sir Alex Ferguson made repeated attempts to get him to sign for Manchester United.
Adebayo Akinfenwa has claimed he would "snooze" Diego Costa if the pair ever squared up on the pitch.

David Moyes is fighting to remain as coach of Real Sociedad and says that he will draw on the lessons learned during his time at Manchester United to ensure that his tenure in Spain does not last less than a year.

Sir Alex Ferguson, the most successful football manager of all time, would have stayed on at Manchester United were it not for the death of his sister-in-law, he has revealed.
Arsenal are expected to report on Tuesday that a second £3million payment has been made by the club to a company owned by majority shareholder Stan Kroenke.

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Carlo Ancelotti has been contacted by Liverpool with a view to taking over from the under-pressure Brendan Rodgers.
Chelsea will try to sign France international Alexandre Lacazette, 24, from Lyon in January, although Arsenal and Liverpool are also interested in the forward.
Meanwhile, Blues captain John Terry remains confident of signing a new one-year deal despite being dropped.
Phil Jones is in line for an unexpected comeback after Marcos Rojo failed to flag up an injury and triggered a mini defensive crisis at Old Trafford.

Arsene Wenger has warned Olivier Giroud that he is no longer Arsenal's first-choice striker.
Norwich rebel Lewis Grabban will return to the squad against West Brom as Alex Neil refuses to 'hold grudge'.
Manchester United are facing a defensive crisis after Louis van Gaal falls out with Marcos Rojo again.
Meanwhile, former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to sign Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany back in 2004.

Marcos Rojo plans to stay at Manchester United - despite his summer spat with Louis van Gaal.
Chelsea and doctor Eva Carneiro have parted company with the Blues potentially facing an expensive legal battle.
Arsenal and England winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 22, must have "more confidence in his talent", says Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.
Newcastle United boss Steve McClaren is already looking at strengthening his squad in January, despite spending £50m in the summer.

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he considered a move to sign Mario Balotelli before the controversial Italian striker signed for Manchester City.
Chelsea skipper John Terry, 34, is refusing to give up on his Chelsea career and believes he can earn a new contract at Stamford Bridge.
A Spanish state prosecutor is investigating midfielders Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano for alleged tax fraud.
The Major League Soccer Players Union has released salary details of players in the league with Brazil's Kaka top earner at $6.6m (£4.3m) a year, while former Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is on $6.2m (£4m).

David Seaman has admitted that he very nearly joined Manchester United before deciding to switch to Arsenal instead.
Newcastle will undertake a major transfer policy review after the club's nightmare start to the season.
Liverpool coach Gary McAllister says the club will manage striker Daniel Sturridge with care as he continues his recovery following a lengthy lay-off.
Former England goalkeeper David Seaman says he was "very close" to joining Manchester United, before opting for Arsenal in 1990.

Angel Di Maria says he 'has a smile on his face every day' now he has left Manchester United.

Barcelona have asked the Spanish federation and FIFA to allow them to play Turkey midfielder Arda Turan because of Rafinha's long-term knee injury.

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Chelsea are lining up a shock £14.5million bid in January for Barcelona full-back Dani Alves.
Southampton are confident of agreeing a new deal with Ronald Koeman - despite the Netherlands keeping tabs on him.
Liverpool or Arsenal could sign Birmingham winger Demarai Gray for just £3.5m this January.
Steve McClaren's Newcastle reign has been plunged into crisis just three months after taking charge of the club.
Liverpool have denied approaching Carlo Ancelotti to replace Brendan Rodgers.

Brendan Rodgers' job as Liverpool boss is hanging by a thread.
Paul Pogba's agent Mino Raiola has told former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson: You don't know what you're talking about.
Chelsea are not giving up on their fight to clear Diego Costa's name.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is facing fresh claims he directed abuse at doctor Eva Carneiro.

Brendan Rodgers was last night under growing pressure at Anfield with Liverpool having to deny they have approached Carlo Ancelotti.
Jose Mourinho has hit out at Diego Costa's three-match ban and the overturning of Gabriel Paulista's red card by insisting: "Retaliation is now allowed."
Arsenal are plotting new contracts for Mesut Ozil and Nacho Monreal as they review the squad's deals.
Liverpool and Bournemouth target Demarai Gray is set to leave Birmingham in January.
Yaya Toure is convinced this Manchester City side can become the most exciting in the club's history.
Mesut Ozil's agent says a Fenerbahce move is a "serious option" in the summer.
Barcelona are continuing to monitor Leicester star Riyad Mahrez as well as Newcastle winger Florian Thauvin.

Arsenal made discreet enquiries about signing Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski in the summer but were told he was not for sale.
Arsenal have started a contract renewal drive with Mesut Ozil one of the stars in line for a new deal.
PFA chief Gordon Taylor says players' health should not be put at risk if team doctors feel any reluctance to go on the field.

Adam Bogdan insists Liverpool played well despite needing penalties to see off Sky Bet League 2 side Carlisle in the Capital One Cup.
Manchester City are closing in on a surprise deal for Australian midfielder Luke Brattan.

Jose Mourinho has fired his first shot at the Football Association over the handling of the fall-out from Chelsea's victory over Arsenal by claiming they have given the green light to retaliation by letting Gabriel off the hook.

Liverpool striker Christian Benteke is not expected to overcome his hamstring injury in time to go up against his former employers Aston Villa on Saturday.

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England chiefs are eyeing Pep Guardiola as the next national boss; the FA would be ready to pay the coach £10m a year if he agreed to succeed Roy Hodgson.
Newcastle manager Steve McClaren has told his shattered troops to come out fighting.
Jurgen Klopp has again been linked with replacing under-fire Brendan Rodgers as Liverpool boss.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is convinced referees favour big clubs when it comes to major decisions.
Brentford manager Marinus Dijkhuizen is already fighting for his job after taking charge in the summer.
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe thinks the pressure on Brendan Rodgers is unfair.

Louis van Gaal has been told he is still on trial at Manchester United and must prove he is worthy of a new deal at Old Trafford.
Brazilian Alexandre Pato says he had "a really good offer from Manchester United" on transfer deadline day to move to the Premier League.
Pep Guardiola has been offered a lucrative new deal by Bayern Munich. The Spaniard's contract runs out at the end of the season.
John Aldridge says it is rare to hear spectators booing at Anfield which has happened frequently in recent weeks. The 57-year-old former Reds' striker says: "There is a lot of unrest with the fans with how things are going."
Everton and Tottenham are considered the front-runners for the signature of Inter Milan club captain Andrea Ranocchia, who has reportedly fallen out with Inter boss Roberto Mancini.
Norwich, Stuttgart and Bordeaux are all interested in taking Liverpool striker Divock Origi on loan in January.

Anthony Martial's agent claims Arsene Wenger missed out on the chance to sign the 19-year-old Frenchman who moved to Manchester United in August. Philippe Lamboley said of Wenger: "In football, there are those who follow players and those who buy them."
Arsenal are believed to be lining up a £13m move for Juventus defender Daniele Rugani in January. They reportedly attempted to sign the 21-year-old Italian over the summer window but Juve turned them down.

Danny Ings says it is up to Liverpool's players to start winning matches to ease the pressure on their beleaguered manager Brendan Rodgers.
Former Red Danny Murphy says Liverpool's transfer policy is not helping their manager Brendan Rodgers, who is under pressure following a bad run of results.
The chairman of the Premier League Doctors' Group, Dr Mark Gillett, wants clarification on the role of club doctors following the departure of Eva Carneiro from Chelsea.
Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois says his injury rehabilitation is going well following surgery. The goalkeeper is expected to return to first team action in December.
Watford have turned down the chance to let former Spurs striker Emmanuel Adebayor train with them.
Newcastle want to send 19-year-old Rolando Aarons out on loan despite Steve McClaren's shortage of attacking options.
West Brom keeper Ben Foster has been forced to postpone his latest comeback from injury, a serious setback in his bid to make England's Euro 2016 squad.

Thomas Muller is Bayern Munich's equivalent of Lionel Messi or Wayne Rooney, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has said, insisting the German forward was not for sale at any price.
Manchester United are looking to bolster their defence in January with the addition of Valencia full-back Jose Luis Gaya.
Jurgen Klopp would cut short his sabbatical to take a post in the Premier League.

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley will back under-fire manager Steve McClaren with cash during the January transfer window, but is keeping tabs on David Moyes' situation at Real Sociedad.
Pele says Diego Costa's behaviour during last weekend's match between Chelsea and Arsenal "was not good for football. It is not a good message for children."
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic believes video technology should be used to help referees make the correct calls while adding that bigger clubs get more favourable decisions than smaller teams.

Aberdeen's Graeme Shinnie is set to cap a stunning start to the season with a surprise call up for Scotland's final Euro 2016 double-header.

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Jurgen Klopp will cut short his sabbatical from football if Liverpool make him the right offer.
Yannick Bolasie has agreed a new deal at Crystal Palace - but Alan Pardew does not expect the winger to see out his contract.
Sam Johnstone has been told to forget about a loan switch away from Manchester United.
Ikechi Anya is set to reject a new deal but stay at Watford until the end of the season.
Liverpool plan a second swoop for Croatian starlet Marko Rog.
Chelsea are plotting to beat Manchester United to the signing of young Dutch dazzler Tahith Chong.
Roberto Martinez has ordered his Everton scouts to keep the file open on Burnley centre-half Michael Keane.
Victor Valdes is a shock target for Liverpool.
Spurs have put Jordan Pickford at the top of their wishlist.
Sunderland face financial chaos if Dick Advocaat fails to keep them in the Prem.
Bournemouth striker Yann Kermorgant is a wanted man - with Bolton boss Neil Lennon out in front to land him on loan.

Aston Villa are in the hunt for Mainz keeper Loris Karius.
Emmanuel Adebayor will snub a move to Turkish side Antalyaspor and hold out for a Premier League club.
Everton are ready to open contract talks with Arouna Kone.
Newcastle are on the trail of Newport's young striker Aaron Collins.
Tottenham are keeping track of Port Vale's £2.5million-rated winger Ebo Andoh.
Ron Vlaar has received an offer from Everton to help with his rehab as he fights his way back to full fitness.
James McCarthy could not be happier to have stayed at Everton.
Livewire Yannick Bolasie has singed a new contract at Crystal Palace.
Ikechi Anya is ready to run down his contract at Watford after rejecting new terms on offer at Vicarage Road.

Sir Alex Ferguson is backing Ryan Giggs to become the next boss of Manchester United.
Brendan Rodgers will seek assurances from Liverpool's owners after making the extraordinary claim last night that he is being forced out of Anfield by a conspiracy.
Manchester United legend Jaap Stam has his heart set on a return to the Premier League - as a manager.
Charlton are going to hand defender Morgan Fox, 22, a new deal - as they fear Manchester United will try to sign him.
Manchester City's George Evans is being pursued by a host of Championship clubs in the hope of getting a loan deal.

Former Sunderland boss Alan Durban expects current manager Dick Advocaat to walk away from the struggling club soon.
West Brom boss Tony Pulis has hailed the impact of record buy Salomon Rondon - despite his disappointing goal return.
Bakary Sako says he turned down offers of 'crazy money' to join Alan Pardew's Crystal Palace adventure.
Chelsea will use Tuesday's Champions League trip to manager Jose Mourinho's old club Porto to check out 18-year-old defensive midfielder Ruben Neves.
Leeds are lining up a £1million move for Sunderland winger Will Buckley in the January transfer window.
Former Borussia Dortmund defender Emmanuel Mbende has agreed to sign for Birmingham City.
Stoke, Bournemouth and Southampton are chasing Ajax starlet Anwar El Ghazi.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have identified two of the Premier League's most creative players as key transfer targets with Eden Hazard and Philippe Coutinho wanted by the Spanish giants.

West Bromwich Albion are ready to block a loan move for teenage forward Jonathan Leko. The 16-year-old became one of the youngest players to appear in the Capital One Cup when he appeared as a late substitute against Norwich City and Swindon Town and QPR are both reportedly keen on taking him on loan.
Shuan Derry is emerging as a leading contender to become the new Doncaster manager.
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is chasing Brondby teen Armend Aslani.

Yannick Bolasie has agreed a new three-and-a-half year contract at Crystal Palace - but manager Alan Pardew admits the winger could still leave.
Brendan Rodgers last night rounded on the high-profile critics - many of them former Liverpool players - who want him sacked.
England boss Roy Hodgson has won his tug-of-war with the Republic of Ireland over highly-rated Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish.

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Chelsea's out-of-favour defender John Terry is a transfer target for several Chinese clubs and Turkish side Fenerbahce.
Federico Macheda has been warned his future at Cardiff is on the line as he battles back from injury.
Manchester United are watching Bayer Leverkusen's Turkish midfielder Hakan Calhanoqlu.
Jack Grealish has been warned he is gambling with his international career by choosing to play for England.
Bournemouth will go back into the transfer market in January after Callum Wilson became their third player to tear knee ligaments in the space of a month.
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard believes young players coming through the club's academy lack responsibility. The ex-England captain, now playing for LA Galaxy, also said he felt youngsters should be given jobs around the dressing room to help them develop.
Wolfsburg's future is in doubt as the diesel emissions scandal could costs owners Volkswagen £12bn in fines.

Manchester United are willing to tear up Victor Valdes' contract, but only if he leaves the Premier League.
Chelsea have invited former AC Milan goalkeeper Marco Amelia on trial as Jose Mourinho considers signing the free agent as emergency cover.
Discussions are gathering pace over plans for the MK Dons to host Premier League side Tottenham for the 2017-18 season. Spurs are looking to reform White Hart Lane into a 61,000-seat arena.

Louis van Gaal admits his wife will decide how long he stays in charge of Manchester United.
Manchester United target Sadio Mane says he is happy to stay at Southampton.
Gonzalo Higuain's agent has dismissed speculation linking his client with a move away from Napoli by claiming the striker is 'happy' at the Stadio San Paolo.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand still thinks John Terry has a future at Chelsea and is far from finished.

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright believes Alexis Sanchez could look to leave Arsenal if they continue to fail in the Champions League.
Crystal Palace are set to make a second offer to try to land Barnet's 17-year-old striker Matt Stevens.

Steve McClaren is growing increasingly frustrated with Newcastle bosses who keeping blocking his transfer targets.
Massimo Cellino has vowed to stick by manager Uwe Rosler at Leeds.

Chelsea are expected to sign the former AC Milan goalkeeper Marco Ameilia on a short-term basis as they seek cover for their experienced first-choice Thibaut Courtois.

Dundee United are interested in snatching John Hughes from Inverness - after a bold bid to lure Michael O'Neill proved a non-starter.
Carlton Cole has returned to Celtic as the champions stay firmly in the hunt to land the hitman.

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West Brom scouts checked on Liverpool left-back Jose Enrique this week.
Everton are giving a trial to Brazilian right-back Felipe Mattioni. The 26-year-old played for the club's U21 side in their 3-1 win over Norwich City at Southport on Tuesday night.

Wales want the future of manager Chris Coleman sorted out early in the new year.

Chris Ramsey has been warned he is skating on thin ice at QPR.

Celtic owner Dermot Desmond believes a new British Premiership will be formed in the next decade, with the 46-time Scottish champions competing alongside the giants of English football.

Aston Villa midfielder Joe Cole has held talks with manager Tim Sherwood over arranging a loan move to the Championship.
Walter Mazzarri's agent has revealed the former Inter Milan coach is learning English ahead of a possible move to the Premier League.
Arsenal and Liverpool transfer target Martin Montoya is not looking for a quick escape from Inter Milan, according to his agent.
Jimmy Bullard says Liverpool should have moved for Brazilian forward Neymar when they offloaded striker Luis Suarez to Barcelona.

Dermot Desmond has described Celtic and Rangers moving to England's top flight as an "inevitability".
Inverness chairman Kenny Cameron has issued a hands-off warning to Dundee United over boss John Hughes.

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Brendan Rodgers is facing D-Day in the Merseyside derby, with Liverpool's owners ready to pull the trigger if they lose at Everton.
Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo is a January target for Zenit St Petersburg. Argentina international Rojo fell out of favour with manager Louis van Gaal in the summer after failing to report for the club's pre-season tour of the United States over problems with his passport.
Everton boss Roberto Martinez has stepped up his interest in £12m-rated Swiss sensation Breel Embolo.
Manchester City are leading the chase for Benfica midfielder Victor Andrade.
Newcastle are weighing up a January move for Wolves striker Benik Afobe.

Brendan Rodgers faces the axe if Liverpool lose the Merseyside derby to Everton.
Emotional Dick Advocaat shed a tear on the touchline during his last match as Sunderland boss.

Jose Mourinho told Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich that he will have to sack him if he wants to make another managerial change after watching the club slump to a 3-1 defeat to Southampton.

Sunderland sporting director Lee Congerton has handed in his notice and is set to follow Dick Advocaat out of the Stadium of Light
Real Madrid's Gareth Bale and Sergio Ramos are fit to return for Sunday's derby at Atletico Madrid but James Rodriguez has been ruled out.
Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney claims it is harder to win the Premier League now than in any of his five championship-winning seasons.
West Ham have refused to allow Reece Oxford to represent England at the U17 World Cup. They fear their 16-year-old midfielder risks burnout if he plays too much football at a tender age.
Bayern Munich are more confident that Pep Guardiola will agree to extend his time at the club though they have yet to hold detailed contract talks with the Catalan coach.

Man United boss Louis van Gaal is urging Roy Hodgson to rest Wayne Rooney.
Sean Dyche and Nigel Pearson are the favourites for the Sunderland job If Dick Advocaat finally quits.
Newcastle are considering a move to buy back defender Mathieu Debuchy from Arsenal.
Chris Smalling has revealed he could have been playing against Man United at The Emirates today. The England centre-half, 25, was an Arsenal target when he joined United from Fulham for £11m five years ago.
Liverpool are keen on Portsmouth's highly-rated striker Conor Chaplin. The 18-year-old has just signed a new three-year contract with Portsmouth, who want to protect their asset as big clubs circle.

Arsenal are ready to offer Alexis Sanchez a five-year, £130,000-a-week new contract. Chile international Sanchez - who helped the Gunners win the FA Cup last season and scored the winner for his country in the summer's Copa America final - has proved to be an outstanding buy for manager Arsene Wenger.
Dick Advocaat is expected to leave Sunderland on Sunday after saying farewell to his players after Saturday's 2-2 draw with West Ham. The veteran Dutch coach is believed to have quit after sporting director Lee Congerton's departure.

Sean Dyche will be back in the frame to become Sunderland manager if Dick Advocaat quits - having come within minutes of landing the job in the summer.
Philippe Coutinho has told his big mate Neymar that he is staying put at Liverpool - the grandeur and riches of Barcelona will have to wait.
Juventus' fresh pursuit of Arsenal defender Mathieu Debuchy is the result of a sudden injury problem within Massimiliano Allegri's squad.
Barcelona will not pursue their interest in Celta Viga star Nolito after hearing his transfer fee.