Gossip column: Walcott, Hummels, De Bruyne, Lloris, Dybala, Cech

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TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea are monitoring Theo Walcott's contract impasse at Arsenal and could make a move to sign the 26-year-old England winger if he becomes available in the summer. (The Times - subscription required), external

Germany and Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels says if he was to leave the Bundesliga it would only be for Manchester United. The 26-year-old is contracted with Dortmund until 2017. (The Sun - subscription required), external

But the centre-back took to Twitter to insist he has not made a promise to move to Old Trafford this summer. (Daily Telegraph), external

Image source, daily mirror
Image caption,

The Daily Mirror back page leads on Andros Townsend's goal for England against Italy

Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao, 29, has vowed that he can still make the grade at Old Trafford after scoring three goals in two international friendly wins for Colombia. (Daily Star), external

Manchester City are eyeing up a move to bring former Chelsea forward Kevin De Bruyne back to the Premier League. The 23-year-old joined Bundesliga side Wolfsburg in 2014 for £18m. (Daily Mirror), external

Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, 28, could leave White Hart Lane this summer for £15m if Spurs fail to make the Champions League. (The Sun - subscription required), external

Ligue 1 club Paris St-Germain are chasing France international Lloris as they seek to replace Italian goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu. (Daily Mirror), external

Cologne defender Kevin Wimmer, 22, says he is ready to make his "dream" move to Tottenham, but a fee has yet to be agreed with the Bundesliga club. (Daily Mirror), external

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla, 30, has played down talk of a summer move to Atletico Madrid. (El Mundo), external

Palermo's prolific striker Paulo Dybala, 21, has made Arsenal his "first choice" should he leave the Serie A club for the Premier League. (Radio Marte), external

The Gunners are also awaiting clarification regarding Petr Cech's future at Chelsea before moving for the Czech goalkeeper, 32. (Daily Mail), external

Southampton owner Katharina Liebherr says there is no financial pressure to sell right-back Nathaniel Clyne, 23, or midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, 25, after lending the club another £20m. (Daily Telegraph), external

Real Madrid left-back Fabio Coentrao, 27, says it would be "an honour" to join Manchester United. (Daily Telegraph), external

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho will renew his efforts to sign Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian midfielder Douglas Costa, 24, with a £20m bid. (Daily Mirror), external

OTHER GOSSIP

Leeds United manager Neil Redfearn claims the club has "sold its soul", but still believes the future is bright, pointing to the success of emerging young players at Elland Road. (Guardian), external

Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby, 28, made his first appearance for the club's reserve team on his way back from serious injury. (Daily Telegraph), external

Aston Villa's American owner Randy Lerner has flown to England for talks with a view to selling the club. (Daily Mail), external

Gary Locke, 39, has been offered the Kilmarnock manager's job, but wants several clauses - including a 'sack clause' - removed before he accepts it. (Daily Express), external

In an interview with MUTV, Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal says being a "slow player" has made him a better manager. (Independent), external

Everton striker Arouna Kone, 31, wants to put his injury-ravaged first two seasons at Goodison Park behind him. (Liverpool Echo), external

West Brom's injured goalkeeper Ben Foster, 31, says his side will be in good hands with understudy Boaz Myhill, 32. (Birmingham Mail), external

Gareth Southgate is reluctant to include players not involved in the qualifying campaign in his Euro 2015 England Under-21 squad. (Talksport), external

BEST OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Image source, Twitter
Image caption,

Tottenham forward Townsend scored as England drew 1-1 in an international friendly with Italy

England winger Andros Townsend responded to criticism from former England and Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson after scoring the equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Italy. The Tottenham 23-year-old tweeted:, external "Not bad for a player that should be 'nowhere near the squad' ay @PaulMerse."

Spurs forward Harry Kane, who started in England's 1-1 draw in Italy on Tuesday, tweeted:, external"Proud night making my first start for England! Great experience for me and one I can only learn from! Hopefully more to come!"

Southampton's 20-year-old midfielder James Ward-Prowse, who scored the winner in England Under-21's 3-2 victory over Germany on Monday, said on Instagram:, external "Thanks for all the support guys! Been a great week, now looking forward to being back with the Saints!"

AND FINALLY....

A Twitter user has provided compelling evidence that a picture of himself aged 12 is the inspiration behind a tattoo on England and Tottenham midfielder Ryan Mason's arm. (Metro), external