Meanwhile, here is more from BBC Monitoring's round-up of news from the tournament.

According to DR Congo's privately-owned L'Avenir newspaper, a large group of fans will accompany the national team popularly known as The Leopards to Equatorial Guinea. The fans include MPs calling themselves "Friends of The Leopards", journalists, members of the "Let's Go Leopards" group, and a few former Leopards.

L'Avenir described the motley crew of fans as: "...an explosive cocktail to support The Leopards all the way."

The paper continued: "United as one man, the Congolese fans have only one wish: to see The Leopards go as far as possible and why not win the title".

AFP are reporting that opposition parties in host nation Equatorial Guinea have called for residents to boycott matches at the Africa Cup of Nations in protest against the human rights situation in the country.

Wales international George Williams has signed an extension to his contract with Championship club Fulham.

The 19-year-old midfielder will remain at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2018, with his new deal having the option of an extra year.

Williams, who has won five international caps for Wales, made his Fulham debut in August and has featured a total of 15 times this season.

Image source, LAWRENCE LUSTIG

Boxer Anthony Crolla, targeting a May comeback after fracturing his skull and breaking his ankle in December as he tried to apprehend burglars in Manchester, is pictured here en route to London for television interviews.

"The boys rallied round me when they heard and that support is massive," he said of his ordeal. "Without doubt I will be back in the ring and I will be gunning for another world title shot and looking to win it for all the people that have helped me since the attack."

Striker Gozie Ugwu has signed for Yeovil Town until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old joins as a free agent following his release from Scottish side Dunfermline Athletic in December.

Gonzalo Higuain's brother and agent insists he has not spoken to Liverpool and claims the striker is happy at Napoli.

The Argentina international, 27, has been strongly linked with a move to Anfield in the winter transfer market.

Image source, Getty Images

But Nicolas Higuain told Italian radio station Crc: "I have not spoken to any club because they have not contacted me and secondly, it would be disrespectful to Napoli.

"We're not thinking about leaving Napoli. He has a contract and he's happy."

Joe Cole is doubtful for Aston Villa's home game against Liverpool on Saturday, reports BBC WM's Mike Taylor.

Otherwise Villa boss Paul Lambert has no new injury problems to concern him. Fabian Delph returns to the squad after suspension and new signing Carles Gil is available to make his debut.

Two days before the beginning of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, our friends at BBC Monitoring have been dissecting the online press of some of the participating countries.

South Africa's privately-owned Sowetan newspaper made much of the fact that 23 players from South Africa's domestic league have been selected to play in the tournament, not just for South Africa's Bafana Bafana, but also for the Zambian and Ghanaian teams.

"The [South African] Premier Soccer League will be the best-represented league at the tournament in Equatorial Guinea," the paper commented.

The Sowetan quoted player Thulani Hlatshwayo, who will be playing with the South African national team, as saying: "The good thing about this group of players is that we have respect for all the teams in the tournament but are not scared of them."

Swansea manager Garry Monk says Wilfried Bony's move to Man City, which is worth up to £28m, was the "right deal" for Swansea.

The fee for Bony, 26, is almost double Swansea's previous record sale of Joe Allen to Liverpool in August 2012.

Image source, Getty Images

"This decision was best for the player and best for the club," said Monk.

"You have to take a lot of things into consideration when these opportunities come up for players and from a club perspective.

"We always do the best for the club and we felt this was the right deal for us."

BBC Radio Derby are reporting the Liverpool forward Jordon Ibe is set to be recalled from his loan spell at Championship side Derby County after Saturday's East Midlands derby against Nottingham Forest.

The 19-year-old joined on a season-long loan deal and has scored five goals in 20 Championship games to help the Rams to second place in the table.

But the Reds are understood to be keen to take him back to Anfield.

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Another line from the Foxes, Nigel Pearson says he is hopeful of having the paperwork done to allow record signing Andrej Kramaric to play against Stoke at the weekend.

Image source, @LFC

Liverpool's Raheem Sterling in training at Melwood today ahead of Saturday's trip to Aston Villa. The 20-year-old England international has not played since New Year's Day and has had his own winter break in Jamaica.

League One high-flyers Bristol City have completed their second loan signing of the day, bringing in Wigan right-back James Tavernier on a deal until the end of the season.

Former Newcastle full-back Tavernier, 23, won promotion from the third tier while on loan at Rotherham last season - as did midfielder George Saville, with Brentford, who joined the Robins from Wolves earlier today.

Manager Steve Cotterill is clearly packing his side with players who have been there and got the T-shirt.

Ben Smith
BBC Sport

"Altidore definitely part of the deal and talks are ongoing between his camp and the MLS club. He has also had offers from a club in Germany and one in France. His preferred option is Toronto, though and if that goes through it will be a straight swap."

Rotherham United have signed Derby County striker Conor Sammon on loan until the end of the season.

The 28-year-old Republic of Ireland international was on a season-long loan at Ipswich Town but the Portman Road side have allowed the deal to be cut short.

As Jermain Defoe's proposed move to Sunderland moves a step closer, his captain at Toronto has backed his team-mate to be a Premier League success.

Steven Caldwell, who played for Sunderland 81 times earlier in his career said Defoe, 32, was "the type of player who will score goals anywhere, at any level."

He went on to tell BBC Newcastle: "Keep him on the park, keep him fit and give him opportunities. He knows where the net is and he's proved that.

"He's still very fit, he's a forward that thrives on chances."

Image source, PA

British number one Andy Murray has unveiled a new personal logo, which he will display for the first time at the Australian Open next week.

The design, which combines his initials with the number 77, will feature on Murray's on-court bag and training T-shirts in Melbourne.

However, there is no word that he wishes to be addressed as this symbol, a la madcap musician Prince a few years ago.

Here's one to get Liverpool fans talking ... the club's chief executive Ian Ayre has left the door open for Steven Gerrard to return on loan once he moves to Los Angeles Galaxy.

The Reds captain will end his 25-year-long association with his boyhood club this summer when he departs for a new challenge in Major League Soccer.

Image source, Getty Images

"I've said openly to Steven and his representatives, as have Brendan Rodgers and the owners, that we see Steven as part of the family," Ayre told Liverpool radio station City Talk.

"The fact that he's leaving at the end of the season doesn't mean it's the last we'll see of him at Liverpool."

Everton have taken the unusual step of thanking their fans for their support this season by subsidising their tickets for the Premier League match at Chelsea next month.

Image source, Getty Images

The Toffees will put £10 ($15.25) towards the cost of an adult ticket and five pounds for concessionaries for the match at Stamford Bridge on the evening of 11 February as a way of recognising their loyalty.