Friday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

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

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City are preparing a £15m January bid for Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha. The Premier League champions are offering £12m up front with add-ons and would allow the 20-year-old to remain with Palace until the summer.

Full story: the Sun

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is planning bids for 26-year-old Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao, Porto winger James Rodriguez, 21, and 25-year-old Napoli forward Edinson Cavani.

Radamel Falcao could be one of three new signings joining new manager Rafa Benitez at Chelsea

Full story: London Evening Standard

Tottenham appear to have failed in a second bid to sign 22-year-old Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic.

Full story: Daily Mirror

Tottenham are keen on Blackpool winger Tom Ince but will have to pay £10m to prise the 20-year-old away from Bloomfield Road in January. Manchester United and Ince's former club Liverpool could offer competition to Spurs.

Full story: the Sun

Blackburn have told goalkeeper Paul Robinson that he is no longer required at Ewood Park as Rovers attempt to lure Tottenham veteran Brad Friedel to the club. Robinson, 33, will be allowed to leave for free and may attract interest from Fulham boss Martin Jol, who worked with Robinson at Spurs.

Full story: Daily Mirror

Arsenal are leading the race to sign German side Schalke's Dutch striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar, 29, in January, says former Netherlands forward Erik Meijer.

Full story: Metro

Everton manager David Moyes was in Norway on Thursday, along with assistant Steve Round and coaches David Weir and Andy Holden, to watch Molde defender Vegard Forren, 24, in the Europa League against FC Copenhagen.

Full story: VG (in Norwegian)

Aston Villa are battling Fiorentina to sign 19-year-old Nancy left-back Massadio Haidara.

Full story: talkSPORT

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini will not be given transfer funds to strengthen his side in January unless injuries pile up at Etihad Stadium.

Harry Redknapp is ready to take over from Mark Hughes at QPR say reports

Full story: Independent

Former Spurs and West Ham boss Harry Redknapp, 65, has been lined up by Queens Park Rangers to take over from Mark Hughes after the London side face Manchester United on Saturday.

Full story: Daily Mirror

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has touted fellow Brazilian Leandro Damiao, currently plying his trade with Internacional, as the man to bolster the Reds' forward line.

Full story: FourFourTwo

Manchester United defender Phil Jones, 20, says he has been working hard in the gym to build up his physique and overcome his injury problems.

Full story: Manchester Evening News

Manchester City defender Micah Richards, 24, will start running next week for the first time since knee surgery.

Full story: Daily Mail

Arsenal are set to announce a new kit deal with German sportswear giant Adidas to replace their current agreement with Nike. The Gunners will receive £22m a year, an increase on the £8m a year they earn currently.

Full story: The Times

AND FINALLY

Azerbaijani club Baku FC have appointed Vugar Guloglan oglu Huseynzade, aged just 21, as their new manager in preference to French former European player of the year Jean-Pierre Papin - based on his experience of playing the computer game Football Manager.

Full story: Metro