Thursday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has laughed off reports linking him with a loan move for Barcelona and Spain striker David Villa, 31.

Full story: Daily Mail

Neymar says he will remain with Santos despite speculation linking the 20-year-old Brazilian striker with a move to Europe, with Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona said to be keen to sign him.

Full story: Sky Sports

Neymar says he is happy to stay with Santos

Reading's £3m move for defender Stopilla Sonzu, 23, is on hold after he was named in Zambia's African Nations Cup squad.

Full story: The Sun

Napoli have turned down an offer of £45m for Uruguayan striker Edison Cavani who has been linked with Chelsea, Manchester city, Liverpool and Arsenal.

Full story: The Times (subscription required)

Liverpool could be set to bid for Wigan striker Franco Di Santo, 23, in the January transfer window. Reds manager Brendan Rodgers worked with the Argentine at Chelsea.

Full story: Daily Mirror

Newcastle striker Demba Ba, 27, has admitted he would like to play for boyhood idols Paris St-Germain. The Senegalese player is being tracked by Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and QPR.

Full story: Metro

Reading's billionaire owner Anton Zingarevich wants to sign Andrey Arshavin, 31, from Arsenal in January as part of the Royals' bid to stave off relegation from the Premier League.

Full story: Daily Mail

Liverpool are ready to make a bid for Birmingham City goalkeeper Jack Butland, 19. City need to raise funds and both Liverpool and Merseyside rivals Everton are admirers of the England international.

Full story: Daily Mirror

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini said his players are "too soft" following their loss to Sunderland.

Full story: Manchester Evening News

Roberto Di Matteo and Roy Keane have emerged as early frontrunners to take over at Nottingham Forest following the sacking of Sean O'Driscoll on Boxing Day.

Full story: Daily Telegraph

AND FINALLY

The kick-off between QPR and West Brom at Loftus Road had to be delayed after the West Brom team coach was caught in a traffic jam caused by Boxing Day bargain hunters.

Full story: Metro