Middlesbrough are set to make a �5m bid for Preston striker David Nugent next month. (The Sun)

Andriy Shevchenko fears his first European goal for Chelsea will not be enough to convince Jose Mourinho that he has a future at Stamford Bridge. (Daily Mail)

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is worried defender Jlloyd Samuel has been tapped up by rival Premiership clubs. (Mirror)

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has promised to back Roy Keane's bid to bring in new players in the January transfer window. (The Sun)

Dundee United manager Craig Levein is locked in talks with Cowdenbeath over midfielder Morgaro Gomis. (Daily Record)

Ledley King says Tottenham were dragged into a brawl during their match with Middlesbrough because they were trying to protect "young" Aaron Lennon. (Daily Star)

Meanwhile Boro's George Boateng, who was sent off after the brawl, claims he was just "protecting" himself after being "attacked" by three or four Spurs players. (The Sun)

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack says he has been shocked by Arsenal's failure to mount a serious title challenge this season. (Express)

Gillingham manager Ronnie Jepson apologised to fans during a stop at a service station on the way home from Tuesday's 2-0 defeat at Port Vale on Tuesday. (The Sun)

Chelsea star Ashley Cole will be in the money when he faces former club Arsenal on Sunday, with Gunners fans planning to wave fake �20 notes featuring the defender's face. The notes, supposedly signed by 'chief cashier' Peter Kenyon, have been printed in protest at Cole's controversial summer switch.

Portsmouth players Gary O'Neil and Sean Davis struck a bet at the start of the season not to get their hair cut until they score. (Daily Mirror)