Thursday's gossip: Guardiola, Mourinho, Vardy, Pogba

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

Manchester United are ready to make a move for Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola as executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward looks to get in ahead of Manchester City and Chelsea. (Daily Mail)

But Guardiola, 44, would become the highest-paid manager in football history, earning £21m a year, if he joins Manchester City. (Sun)

Louis van Gaal will never quit Manchester United, says Raymond Verheijen, who has worked with the Dutchman. (BBC Radio 5 live)

Chelsea are planning to move for Leicester striker Jamie Vardy, 28, after new interim boss Guus Hiddink was given the approval to make new signings in January. (Daily Mirror)

Chelsea would have to continue paying Jose Mourinho, who was sacked as Blues manager earlier this month, even if he became Manchester United boss. (Telegraph)

The Sun reacts to Louis van Gaal demanding an apology from media after speculation about his future

Meanwhile, Chelsea have sounded out Chile manager Jorge Sampaoli as Hiddink's potential successor next season. (Sun)

The Blues are also considering bids for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, 22, and Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann, 24, in a deal worth £110m and could finance the move by selling forward Eden Hazard, 24. (Daily Star)

Liverpool's hopes of signing Fiorentina striker Giuseppe Rossi, 28, have improved after the player's agent told Italian radio station Radio Marte he is 99% certain to leave in January. (Football Italia)

The father of reported Liverpool target Marko Grujic has confiscated the passport of the 19-year-old Red Star Belgrade midfielder in an attempt to block a move despite the Serbian club saying they have accepted a £5.14m bid. (Daily Mail)

Jordi Cruyff could delay Fulham's plans to appoint Maccabi Tel Aviv boss Slavisa Jokanovic before 26 December. (GetWest London)

Tottenham are likely to rekindle their interest in West Brom striker Saido Berahino after Clinton Njie suffered an injury. (Guardian)

Former Liverpool and England keeper David James could be a surprise appointment as the new Luton Town boss. (Sun)

Arsenal full-back Calum Chambers, 20, is heading back to Southampton on loan - 17 months after joining the Gunners from the Saints for £16m. (Sun)

Swansea caretaker boss Alan Curtis may stay in charge for the rest of the season. (Daily Mirror)

Newcastle forward Ayoze Perez, 22, has claimed both Manchester United and Tottenham are interested in signing him but says he wants to stay with Steve McClaren's side. (Radio Club Tenerife, via Metro)

Best of social media

Former Wales, Arsenal and West Ham striker John Hartson reacts to Louis van Gaal's demand for an apology from the media in his own way.

Tottenham striker Harry Kane was told he can match Lionel Messi's scoring record for the year with 21 goals against Norwich on Saturday. "No problem," he said on Twitter.

And finally

Manchester City's new badge may have been leaked accidentally by the Intellectual Property Office before its intended Boxing Day launch date. (Manchester Evening News)

Leicester City's owners will reward the club's fans at their last home game of the year against Manchester City by giving them all a free beer. (Leicester Mercury)