1234: Arsenal forward Andrey Arshavin has explained why his native Russia deserve the 2018 World Cup ahead of England. "Hosting it here would open up new minds and new hearts for the game," he said.
Full story: Goal.com

1038: Arsenal are reported to have opened contract talks with Lorient forward Kevin Gameiro over a possible £10m January move to the Emirates. Tottenham and Liverpool may yet table rival offers for the 23-year-old.
Full story: Metro

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is interested in Bolton's in-form Swedish striker Johan Elmander, who is out of contract in the summer.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Panathinaikos striker Djibril Cisse could be in line for a return to the Premier League with Fulham joining Aston Villa amongst the clubs interested in his signature.
Full story: Inside Futbol

West Ham right-sided midfielder Valon Behrami could opt for a move to German side Hannover 96 instead of taking up offers from either Juventus or Roma.
Full story: IM Scouting

Arsenal keeper Vito Mannone hopes to extend his loan deal at Hull City beyond January after featuring in a run of three matches for the Championship side.
Full story: eatsleepsport.com

Wolves are considering a £200,000 bid for Nice striker Mamadou Bagayoko, who has been on a three-day trial at Molineux.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Manchester United are keeping their goalkeeping options open after admitting that Edwin van der Sar's retirement looks likely this summer. Among those under United's radar are Rangers' Allan McGregor, Bayer Leverkusen's Rene Adler, Manuel Neuer of Schalke and David de Gea from Atletico Madrid.
Full story: Daily Mail

Lille playmaker Eden Hazard has attracted the interest of Spanish giants Real Madrid. The Belgian is also being tracked by Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United.
Full story: IM Scouting

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that he would be "the last to know" if speculation that Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola is being lined up to replace him is true.
Full story: Daily Express

Roma are to offer unsettled Ancelotti the opportunity to escape Stamford Bridge and take up the reins at his former club.
Full story: the Independent

Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish says his 27-year-old centre-half Roger Johnson deserves an England call-up.
Full story: Daily Mail

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson thinks it is "sad" for the game that his team have drawn Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup because of the calibre of the two clubs.
Full story: Daily Telegraph

Aston Villa centre-back Curtis Davies says he has been rescued by Leicester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson as his loan deal is extended until January.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Fifa vice-president, and crucial World Cup 2018 voter, Jack Warner has suffered an embarrassment after a Trinidadian court found in favour of the Trinidad and Tobago World Cup squad of 2006 who claim they are owed about £6m by their domestic association. Warner is a special advisor to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association. (the Guardian)

England and Germany briefly considered launching a joint bid to host the 2006 World Cup. The nations decided to submit separate proposals instead and Germany were awarded the tournament. (the Times)

Chelsea's interest in Barcelona's former sporting director Txiki Beguiristain has been put on hold because of queries over the part he would be expected to play at Stamford Bridge.
Full story: The Guardian

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway may use aerobics classes and sessions on the beach to keep his team on their toes ahead of their clash with Manchester United on Saturday because the Seasiders' training pitch is frozen and they have no proper indoor facilities.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Fulham's Clint Dempsey has revealed that he and his team-mates received a midweek pep talk from club chairman Mohamed Al Fayed. "He's passionate about it and it was a kick up the backside," said the American midfielder.
Full story: Daily Express

Chelsea's players had to endure a six-hour coach trip back from Newcastle following their 1-1 draw at St James' Park, after their plane was stranded in Aberdeen by snow.
Full story: the Sun

Oasis star Noel Gallagher and Kasabian guitarist Serge Pizzorno correctly predicted before the FA Cup third round draw that they would pit their own teams, Manchester City and Leicester City respectively, against each other.
Full story: Daily Mirror

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