Monday's gossip column: Football transfers & rumours

For a list of confirmed transfers, check out our transfers page.

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United are considering a January move for Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke. Old Trafford boss David Moyes - who had the 22-year-old watched in Belgium's victory over Scotland on Friday - is interested in adding more height and strength to his striking options.

Full story: Daily Mirror

Celtic plan to make another offer for Peterborough playmaker Lee Tomlin, 24, after having three bids rejected for him in the summer.

Full story: Daily Mirror

Newcastle are set to move for Heerenveen striker Alfred Finnbogason when the transfer window reopens in January. The 24-year-old Iceland international scored 24 goals in the Dutch top flight last season.

Full story: The Journal

OTHER GOSSIP

Football Association chairman Greg Dyke will miss England's World Cup 2014 qualifier in Ukraine on Tuesday because he has a private business meeting, arranged before he took the job. The FA has emphasised that his role is "part time", and that either the chairman or the chief executive/­general secretary represents the organisation at internationals.

Full story: Daily Telegraph

O'Neill was sacked as Sunderland manager following a poor run of results in March

James Milner, 27, may not have started a game for Manchester City so far this season but the midfielder is set to replace the suspended Danny Welbeck for England's game against Ukraine.

Full story: Daily Express

England boss Roy Hodgson could spring a surprise and opt for the more defensive-minded Chris Smalling at right-back ahead of Kyle Walker.

Full story: Daily Mirror

Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke, Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore and Football Association general secretary Alex Horne have held a secret meeting to discuss moving the 2022 World Cup in Qatar from summer to winter.

Full story: Daily Mail

Cardiff striker Craig Bellamy, 34, is ready to retire from playing international football for Wales.

Full story: the Guardian

Bellamy, 34, plans to travel to Argentina and Spain to learn about the coaching techniques used in those countries when he retires as a player.

Full story: Daily Mail

Former Aston Villa and Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill is understood to be the first choice to replace Giovanni Trapattoni as manager of the Republic of Ireland.

Full story: Daily Mail

Sunderland manager Paulo Di Canio has been left furious after his senior side lost a friendly against the club's Under-21s. He was also angered that details of the match were leaked.

Full story: Daily Mirror

AND FINALLY

Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor, 26, says he will apologise to One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson after his forceful challenge saw the 21-year-old limp off the field in a charity football match.

Full story: Metro