Gossip column: Pedro, Reid, Bale, Dempsey, Suarez

For a list of all the latest deals, check out the transfers page.

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Arsenal are moving closer to a deal for Barcelona playmaker Pedro, 27, after he handed in a transfer request at the Nou Camp. (Daily Express)

Barcelona playmaker Pedro has been capped 46 times by Spain

The Gunners also remain keen to bring West Ham defender Winston Reid, 26, to the Emirates in January. (Daily Mirror)

However, Arsenal are set to miss out on Andre-Pierre Gignac with the 28-year-old France striker close to agreeing an extension with Marseille. (Metro)

Bayern Munich are in discussions to sign 32-year-old former Brighton and Manchester United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak.(Daily Mail)

United States captain Clint Dempsey, 31, is ready to make a Premier League loan return from MLS outfit Seattle Sounders in January, with Aston Villa, QPR and Stoke all interested in the forward.(Daily Mirror)

Tottenham are lining up a move for Bayer Leverkusen's World Cup-winning midfielder Christoph Kramer, 23. (Metro)

OTHER GOSSIP

In an extract from his new book, former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez maintains his use of the word "negro" in his row with ex-Manchester United defender Patrice Evra was misunderstood by people who do not speak Spanish. (Guardian)

QPR defender Rio Ferdinand says he has not yet decided on his future. The 35-year-old told ITV's The Jonathan Ross Show that he would "probably" quit next May. (Sun - subscription required)

The Daily Express back page

Ferdinand also says that if he was boss Harry Redknapp, he would leave himself on the bench after the 35-year-old was left out of the QPR team that lost 3-2 to Liverpool earlier this month. (Sun - subscription required)

Tony Fernandes says he will resign QPR if fans are unhappy with his decisions as chairman. (Daily Express)

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers claims Daniel Sturridge, 25, will never become one of the best strikers in Europe unless he can overcome his constant injury problems. (Daily Express)

American businessman Josh Harris' proposed takeover of Crystal Palace will enter its final stages this week, with a deal close to completion.(Daily Mail)

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet says there is a culture of mistakes at the club which he has been unable to halt in his year at the helm. (Sunderland Echo)

Striker Robin van Persie rescued Manchester United with a last-ditch goal, but then got called "stupid" by Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal for getting booked for his celebration.(Daily Star)

Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has responded to claims he left an ageing squad at Old Trafford by insisting that it was an "insult" to suggest he left the club in anything other than rude health. (Guardian)

Ferguson also described Manchester United's season under Louis van Gaal as "one step forward, two steps back" as a result of injuries. (Daily Telegraph)

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert is convinced his side, who are the league's lowest scorers this season with just four goals, will start finding the back of the net. (Birmingham Mail)

BEST OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Newcastle gave an insight into what the club's players use to prepare for matches with a Vine on their Twitter account of a table full of items including cereal bars, chewing gum, toilet roll, vapour rub and a carton of apple juice.

"Great to be back involved," tweeted Michael Carrick, 33, who was back in the Manchester United squad and on the bench for Sunday's game against Chelsea after recovering from an ankle injury. "Boys played well and never give up. Fully deserved something out of it. Good old last minute goal, love them."

AND FINALLY

Aston Villa starlet Jack Grealish says he is proud to be known as a home grown talent, after it transpired his club became the first in the Premier League to own an allotment. (Daily Mail)