Wednesday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

TRANSFER GOSSIP

For updated transfer news and gossip throughout the day, read our breaking news service Sportsday Live.

Juventus are set to beat Arsenal to the signature of Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente, 27, and then try to sign Gunners forward Theo Walcott, 23.

Full story: Daily Mirror

Chelsea midfielder Florent Malouda, 32, could be set for a January move to Brazilian club Santos after being told to train with the youth team.

Full story: Daily Mirror

Florent Malouda has been told to train with the youth team at Chelsea

Manchester United have been told by Kevin Strootman's agent they can make a move to sign the PSV Eindhoven midfielder, 22, in the summer.

Full story: talkSPORT

West Brom are already setting out transfer targets for next summer, according to sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth.

Full story: Birmingham Mail

Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas is bombarding Shakhtar Donetsk playmaker Willian, 24, with messages after his two failed bids to buy the Brazilian.

Full story: The Sun

Birmingham City are speaking to fellow Championship club Blackpool over a loan deal for midfielder Barry Ferguson, 34.

Full story: Daily Mail

OTHER GOSSIP

Reading striker Jason Roberts reveals he was forced not to wear a Kick It Out T-shirt at the weekend because the Professional Footballers' Association has ignored a charter for change he has put to them seven times in the past year.

Full story: The Independent

England and Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott, 30, has defied club boss Roberto Mancini and vowed never to support the Kick It Out campaign again.

Full story: Daily Star

Reading's Jason Roberts says he was ignored by the PFA

Bayern Munich and Netherlands winger Arjen Robben, 28, admits a succession of injuries has led him to consider retirement.

Full story:The Times (subscription required)

Manchester United will be looking to negotiate sports merchandising giants Nike's biggest-ever sponsorship deal when they begin renewal talks over kit supply in February.

Full story: Daily Mail

Manchester United have revealed that discussions are under way over who will eventually replace Sir Alex Ferguson as manager.

Full story: The Sun

Arsenal are planning to put winger Serge Gnabry, 17, into the first-team set-up should midfielder Theo Walcott, 23, leave the club in January.

Full story: London Evening Standard

Wigan coach Graeme Jones has turned down an interview for the managerial vacancy at Burnley.

Full story: Daily Mirror

Everton remain hopeful Marouane Fellaini will recover from a knee injury in time to bolster their midfield for Sunday's Merseyside derby with Liverpool.

Full story: Daily Express

Blackburn have decided against pursuing Fulham first-team coach Billy McKinlay as their new manager following protests from Rovers fans.

Full story: Daily Mail

Bolton caretaker manager Jimmy Phillips believes he will still be in charge of the Trotters for their weekend clash with Middlesbrough despite Crystal Palace claiming Dougie Freedman has taken over.

Full story: Bolton News

Rio Ferdinand could refuse to shake Ashley Cole's hand before Sunday's Premier League clash between Manchester United and Chelsea following Cole's backing of Terry in his racism trial.

Full story: Daily Mail

Willie Miller, captain of Aberdeen when they won the Cup Winner's Cup in 1983, says no Scottish side will ever win a European trophy again.

Full story: Daily Record

AND FINALLY

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has had to defend the club after the Gunners were criticised by green-friendly groups for flying to Norwich last weekend.

Full story: the Metro

Joleon Lescott and Micah Richards played Scrabble aboard a flight to Holland for Manchester City's Champions League clash with Ajax.

Fulll story: The Sun