Tuesday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is keeping tabs on Ajax's 17-year-old midfielder Viktor Fischer. The Red Devils' manager is already considering a £15m summer move for Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen.

Full story: Manchester Evening News

Arsenal were joined by representatives from Bayern Munich and Napoli in scouting 25-year-old Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud during the recent 2-2 draw with Paris Saint-Germain.

Full story: Metro

Giroud has made 59 appearances for Montpellier

Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis says he is open to offers from English clubs for his talented trio Ezequiel Lavezzi, Edinson Cavani and Marek Hamsik. "I don't need the money but if there is an offer, we're here to listen."

Full story: the Daily Mirror

Having let 26-year-old Senegal international striker Demba Ba leave West Ham on a free transfer, co-owner David Sullivan thinks Newcastle risk losing him for as little as £3.5m this summer.

Full story: Newcastle Chronicle

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has admitted to frustration at Newcastle's failed deadline-day move for Watford's 25-year-old defender Adrian Mariappa.

Full story: Sunderland Echo

Everton are close to sealing a deal for rookie midfielder Jake Adelson. The 16-year-old from Australia is ready to pen a three-year contract at Goodison Park having impressed the club's scouts while playing for Blacktown City.

Full story: talkSPORT

Liverpool may look to sign 23-year-old Sampdoria winger Jonathan Biabiany, who has spent this season on loan at Parma, in the summer.

Full story: Caught Offside

OTHER GOSSIP

Chelsea could appoint former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez as boss until the end of the season if owner Roman Abramovich runs out of patience with current manager Andre Villas-Boas.

Full story: Daily Mail

Chelsea are weighing up Athletic Bilbao boss Marcelo Bielsa as a possible replacement for the Portuguese coach.

Full story: Daily Mirror

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has indicated he may be ready to open contract talks with the club over the next month.

Full story: Daily Telegraph

The Arsenal Supporters' Trust are demanding an explanation from the club's board as to why their cash reserves of £50m have not been used to improve the squad.

Full story: the Sun

West Ham have revealed they made an ambitious attempt to sign Chelsea striker Fernando Torres during the January transfer window.

Full story: Daily Mail

Hammers co-owner David Sullivan says midfielder Scott Parker stopped putting in tackles at the start of the season before he sealed a move to Premier League club Tottenham.

Full story: the Guardian

Argentina legend Diego Maradona believes Manchester City could blow their title chances because manager Roberto Mancini is "too defensive."

Full story: Daily Mirror

Carlos Tevez's camp has hinted that the striker will apologise to Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini this week.

Full story: Manchester Evening News

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll believes he is finally ready to deliver a return on his £35m transfer fee after enjoying his best game at the club in the 6-1 FA Cup drubbing of Brighton.

Full story: the Sun

Reading boss Brian McDermott has emerged as a surprise contender for the Wolves job.

Full story: Daily Telegraph

Miyaichi is on loan to Bolton from Arsenal until May

Bolton's on-loan winger Ryo Miyaichi could make his international debut at the end of this month. The Japanese Football Association have contacted Owen Coyle's side about calling up the 19-year-old for their World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan on 29 February.

Full story: Bolton News

Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers says that if striker Danny Graham, 26, keeps on firing for the rest of the season he could stake an England claim.

Full story: South Wales Evening Post

AND FINALLY

Thierry Henry has lodged controversial plans to demolish his £5.9m north London house and replace it with a larger property - incorporating a 40ft high fish tank that will cost £250,000 to build.

Full story: Daily Mail

Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong has been involved in an angry Twitter exchange with celebrity fan Piers Morgan after the TV presenter called for manager Arsene Wenger to be replaced. "Just don't bring your ugly face to the Emirates because we at Arsenal are sick are tired of your abuse towards players and coach," Frimpong told Morgan.

Full story: the Times (subscription required)