Thursday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

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

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Porto's Colombia international striker Jackson Martinez, 27, is said to be on the verge of completing a transfer to Chelsea. His agent has reportedly travelled to London to discuss the terms of a deal that will cost the Blues around £33m.

Porto's Jackson Martinez could be joining Chelsea

Full story: Metro

Chelsea are also thought to be favourites to sign Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic, 25, who prefers the Stamford Bridge club to Manchester United and Liverpool, if he chooses to leave Sevilla instead of signing a new contract.

Full story: Daily Express

Tottenham technical director Fabio Baldini was at Tuesday's Basel-Chelsea match amid reports Spurs are planning a January move for the Swiss club's £20m-rated Egypt international striker Mohamed Salah, 21.

Full story: Daily Mirror

West Ham and Newcastle are vying to sign former Blackburn and QPR defender Christopher Samba, 29, from Dynamo Moscow, with the Congo international wanting to return to England to be with his family.

Full story: Daily Express

Arsenal are interested in Basel right-back Fabian Schar, 21, who was an intern with a Swiss bank a couple of years ago.

Full story: Metro

Manchester United are monitoring Porto's Brazilian international left-back Alex Sandro, 22, as they continue their search for a replacement for Patrice Evra, who is expected to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.

Full story: Daily Express

Another defender being assessed by the current Premier League champions is Sevilla left-back Alberto Moreno, 21, who is also being courted by Real Madrid and Chelsea and has a buy-out clause of £25m.

Full story: Daily Mail

Meanwhile, United are in contact with the Brazilian FA over a deal to sign Cruzeiro's 24-year-old forward Everton Ribeiro, who is is only 60% owned by the club, with the other 40% owned by a third party.

Full story: Daily Star

And another David Moyes target, Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera, 24, says the Spanish club is "the perfect place" for him.

Full story: Talksport

Fulham are confident of keeping 17-year-old French forward Moussa Dembele, despite interest from Manchester United and Liverpool.

Full story: GetWestLondon

Liverpool striker Fabio Borini, 22, currently on loan at Sunderland, could return to Italy in another loan move.

Full story: Daily Star

Real Betis winger Alvaro Vadillo, 19, would be interested in joining Arsenal, according to his agent.

Full story: International Business Times

Wigan will complete the loan signing of Manchester United striker Will Keane, 20, in the next 24 hours but have been thwarted in their efforts to extend Marc Albrighton's loan from Aston Villa.

Full story: Daily Mail

Liverpool are to renew their interest in Chelsea defender Ryan Bertrand, 24, after left-back Jose Enrique was ruled out with a knee injury until February.

Full story: Daily Telegraph

OTHER GOSSIP

Former Roma coach Luis Enrique is being considered by Tottenham if they decide to sack Andre Villas-Boas.

Full story: Daily Mail

Stoke chairman Peter Coates wants goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, 26, who has been linked with a £15m move to Manchester City in January, to remain at the club until the end of the season at least.

Full story: Stoke Sentinel

Former Portsmouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic joined Stoke in a four-and-a-half-year deal in February 2010

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert will wait until Charles N'Zogbia, 27, returns to full fitness before making a decision on the French midfielder's future.

Full story: Sky Sports

Striker Shane Long, 26, has reiterated his desire to stay with West Bromwich Albion - even though the 'option' in his contract has yet to be discussed.

Full story: Birmingham Mail

Yohan Cabaye, 27, has admitted he misses playing in Europe, but insists it will not stop him giving everything for Newcastle this season.

Full story: Newcastle Journal

Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta, 24, says his team should be "embarrassed" by their defeat to Basel, and warns their inconsistency could cost them trophies.

Full story: Daily Star

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet says defender Andrea Dossena, 32, and midfielder Lee Cattermole, 25, will not be allowed to make mistakes similar to their red cards against Hull again.

Full story: Newcastle Chronicle

On-loan Liverpool winger Victor Moses, 22, insists the club will only see his best if he plays games consistently, having been on the bench in the past three games.

Full story: Daily Mirror

AND FINALLY

Mathieu Flamini, who upset some Arsenal fans by cutting off the sleeves of his shirt in Tuesday's Champions League match against Marseille, thus going against a long-standing tradition that players should wear the same style of shirt as their captain, has vowed not to repeat the move.

Full story: Daily Mirror

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed he is a secret fan of Coronation Street, after visiting the programme's set this week.

Full story: Metro

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