Gossip column: Bale, Ronaldo, Mane, Van Persie, Lingard, Sagna

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Wales forward Gareth Bale's future at Real Madrid is in doubt after his side's 4-0 home defeat by Barcelona on Saturday, with Manchester United preparing to make a bid for the 26-year-old. (The Sun), external

Fellow Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, 30, was furious after that defeat and wants manager Rafael Benitez replaced, reportedly saying: "Either he goes, or I go." (Daily Telegraph), external

Meanwhile, France legend Zinedine Zidane has distanced himself from the possibility of replacing Benitez, claiming he is fully focused on his role as manager of the club's B team, Castilla. (Daily Mail), external

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is keen to sign Lazio midfielder Lucas Biglia, 29, but will face competition from Manchester United for his signature. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external

Southampton are "desperate" to keep hold of forward Sadio Mane, 23, and want him to sign a new contract to end interest from Manchester United and Chelsea. (Daily Express), external

Image source, Daily Star
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The Daily Star back page claims Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has told midfielder Delle Alli to "grow up" after his early booking against West Ham ruled him out of next Sunday's game with Chelsea

Manchester City's France right-back Bacary Sagna, 32, says he should not have played against Liverpool so soon after the Paris attacks last week. (The Sun), external

Manchester United and Arsenal are interested in Juventus defender Daniele Rugani, 21, who is highly-rated despite a lack of first-team opportunities at the Italian champions. (Gazzetta World), external

Argentine midfielder Manuel Lanzini, 22, currently on loan at West Ham from UAE side Al Jazira Club, says it is "an honour" to be linked with a move to Liverpool. (Independent), external

Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard, 23, is to discuss a new deal that could see him double his wages to £50,000 a week. (Daily Mirror), external

Former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie, 32, is set to leave Fenerbahce to return to Dutch club Feyenoord, the team with which he began his career. (Daily Express), external

Arsenal midfielder Gedion Zelalem, 18, is set to extend his stay on loan at Rangers until the end of the season. (Metro), external

However, fellow Gunners midfielder Francis Coquelin, 24, could be out until the New Year after suffering a knee injury during Saturday's defeat against West Bromwich Albion.(Daily Mail), external

Former Newcastle manager John Carver says current boss Steve McClaren needs to sign more English players if the club are to improve in the Premier League.(Chronicle), external

Image source, Daily Express
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The Daily Express back page leads on Tottenham's win over West Ham

Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew hopes ex-Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye will get more protection from the referee in Monday's Premier League game against Sunderland than he did against Manchester United.(Daily Star), external

Sunderland have been linked with moves for Lorient left-back Raphael Guerreiro, 21, and striker Benjamin Moukandjo, 27, after Black Cats boss Sam Allardyce watched the French side's 2-1 loss to Paris St-Germain over the weekend.(Sunderland Echo), external

Southampton have been warned by the Football Association about the behaviour of fans at St Mary's Stadium - with police investigating a flare being thrown on to the pitch during the recent match against Bournemouth. (Southern Daily Echo), external

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish claims the Eagles have the "biggest potential of any single football club in the country" as he prepares to sell a 36% stake to American investors. (Daily Telegraph), external

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel, 30, says the 4-1 victory at Manchester City on Saturday proves that new boss Jurgen Klopp is a winner and that he has instilled more belief in the players. (Liverpool Echo), external

Best of social media

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea praised tennis player Novak Djokovic on Twitter after he claimed the ATP Tour Finals title in London.

Image source, David De Gea
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Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea praised Novak Djokovic after claiming the ATP Tour Finals title in London

Former Tottenham striker Gary Lineker was impressed with the north London club's 4-1 victory over West Ham at White Hart Lane. He tweeted:, external "This is the most promising Spurs outfit for many a year. Pochettino has got them bang on!"

Tottenham striker Harry Kane also tweeted his delight after his two goals in the convincing win over the Hammers.

Image source, Harry Kane
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Tottenham striker Harry Kane was delighted after his two goals in the convincing win.

And finally

When Real Madrid and Wales forward Gareth Bale was asked what thing he craves from home most while playing in Spain, he replied: "Chocolate. Every time I come home, I go back with bags of the stuff. Galaxy, Dairy Milk - anything." (Daily Mirror), external

Liverpool fans are believed to be behind a cheeky Wikipedia edit claiming that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp now owns Manchester City's Etihad Stadium following his team's 4-1 victory there on Saturday. (Guardian), external