Wednesday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

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

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Pepe Reina's future at Liverpool is under threat, with manager Brendan Rodgers considering January moves for Birmingham's England goalkeeper Jack Butland, 19, or German prospect Ron-Robert Zieler, 23.

Swansea striker Michu is a target for Serie A's Napoli and Genoa

Full story: Daily Mail

Swansea striker Michu, 26, is a target for Napoli and Genoa after his fine start to the season.

Full story: Daily Mirror

Spanish striker Fernando Llorente, 27, has paved the way for a move to Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham or Liverpool next year by confirming he will leave Athletic Bilbao when his contract expires in the summer.

Full story: Metro

Chelsea and Liverpool have begun talks over the £15m transfer of Blues striker Daniel Sturridge, 23, who is keen to move to Anfield.

Full story: London's Evening Standard

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly cooled his interest in Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder, 28, which could leave Manchester City free to sign the Netherlands international.

Full story: Daily Star

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, 33, will demand a transfer from Blackburn if Tottenham's Brad Friedel, 41, returns to Ewood Park.

Full story: The Sun

Aston Villa, Newcastle and Norwich will have FC Cluj winger Modou Sougou, 27, watched at Manchester United on Wednesday.

Full story: Daily Mail

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is plotting a £5m bid for Southampton midfielder and captain Adam Lallana, 24.

Full story: Daily Mirror

Brazilian Serie A outfit Sao Paulo are weighing up a January move for out-of-favour Arsenal defender Andre Santos, 29.

Full story: Metro

West Bromwich Albion boss Steve Clarke has laughed off reports of a possible January move from Liverpool for striker and leading scorer Shane Long, 25.

Full story: Express and Star

Arsenal and Chelsea could be forced to step up their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain's midfielder Marco Verratti, 20, after Juventus emerged as serious contenders to sign him.

Full story: talkSPORT

Brighton are ready to strike a deal for Matt Sparrow, 31, to rejoin Scunthorpe United in January.

Full story: The Argus

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho could be the man to succeed him at Old Trafford.

Full story: Manchester Evening News

Stoke's owner Peter Coates thinks manager Tony Pulis is the best defensive coach in the country

Stoke owner Peter Coates believes manager Tony Pulis could be the best defensive coach in the country as his side home in on a clean-sheet record.

Full story: This is Staffordshire

Norwich chief executive David McNally has pledged to press ahead with plans to develop the next generation of young Canaries after the club's academy was officially granted category one status.

Full story: Eastern Daily Press

David Beckham has been earmarked as the prospective owner of an emerging Miami-based MLS franchise.

Full story: Daily Mail

AND FINALLY

FC Twente midfielder Leroy Fer has become a laughing stock among his team-mates after buying his girlfriend a £22,000 pet horse - only to find out she can't keep it as she lives in a block of flats.

Full story: Metro

QPR players have decided not to hold a Christmas party this year because of their position at the foot of the Premier League table. A club spokesman said: "We won't be holding a Christmas party this year" and when asked why this was the case, added: "Have you seen the league table?"

Full story: Daily Telegraph