TRANSFER GOSSIP
Chelsea could move for Patrick Vieira as cover for Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel when they are away on African Cup of Nations duty in January - if the club can challenge its transfer ban.(The Sun)
Fulham are interested in American striker Brek Shea, who plays for FC Dallas.(The Sun)
Fiorentina's protests over Manchester United's alleged poaching of 16-year-old defender Michele Fornasier have been thrown out after Fifa gave him permission to play for United's U18 side(Dail Mail).
Rangers striker Kris Boyd, who is out of contract at the end of the season, will be offered a new deal - but he will have to take a major pay cut to stay at Ibrox(Daily Record)
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Liverpool co-owner George Gillett has told a fans' meeting manager Rafa Benitez is to blame for their faltering progress, not the club's owners(The Guardian)
Hull's record signing Jimmy Bullard is due to make his comeback from a dislocated kneecap in the game against his former side Fulham in a fortnight's time(The Telegraph)
Birmingham co-owner David Sullivan has told West Ham he will only buy the club if the price is reduced because of the debt he would be taking on - and could invest in Norwich, Ipswich, Cardiff, Leicester or Charlton if he cannot strike a deal(Daily Mirror)
Businessman Barry Moat has made a "substantial" offer to Newcastle owner Mike Ashley to buy the club and still plans to install Alan Shearer as manager(The Times)
AND FINALLY
Former Manchester United striker Eric Cantona says he no longer follows football and is unlikely to bother watching next year's World Cup. "I have another life, there are things to do," he said (Daily Express).
Former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson says it is wrong to blame England's failure at the last two World Cups on the presence of players' wives and girlfriends around the squad.(Daily Mail)
Everton's Marouane Fellaini delayed having his wisdom teeth removed because of their injury problems - and as a result picked up a throat infection which has hampered his play so far this season.(Daily Mirror)
A Bulgarian Third Division match had to be abandoned after four minutes after injuries reduced one of the teams to six men.(The Guardian)
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