Image source, Getty Images

Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola is a big fan of Southampton's Sadio Mane after he came up against the Senegalese attacker playing for former club Salzburg.

"I met Mane playing for Salzburg and thought: 'Wow!'," said Guardiola.  

Bayern Munich have been linked with a move for the 23-year-old Mane with the Daily Mail reporting that the German giants, external will compete with Manchester United and Chelsea for his signature.

You may remember, just a few entries ago (11:02) we included a photo of Floyd Mayweather's tiger he was given as gift.

He isn't the only sportsperson to have an unsual pet. Another former boxer, Mike Tyson, also had a pet tiger.

Any contributions to unusual pets in sport more than welcome...

Image source, Getty Images

Darren Slater: I once scored 2 goals in 2 minutes from the exact same spot 40 yards out into the same bottom left corner, I was 11 and amazed. 

Daniel Hegarty: I was a centre back. Scored 18 goals 1 season. Won the league. 11 penalties and a hat trick but still. 

Luke Evans: Played for rochdale v shrewsbury fans, dribble past 5 ball onto left into top bag from 35yards, not bad for right footer.

We want to know your tales of goalscoring exploits. Tweet #bbcsportsday,, external text 81111 or post on BBC Sport Facebook.

Image source, Floyd Mayweather

Struggling for ideas for Christmas gifts this year?

Toothbrush? Socks? Gift vouchers?

All a bit boring for you? How about a tiger then?

That's what retired former world champion Floyd Mayweather, external has just received...

Image source, Getty Images

West Ham bossSlaven Bilicsays that Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is is committed to developing young English talent despite his plans to retire from management when his three-year contract at Old Trafford expires at the end of next season.

"He contributed plenty to a discussion about developing young players and how important it is to improve the academies at top clubs to bring more English talent through," said Bilicto the Evening Standard,, externalrecalling a meeting of Premier League managers at the start of the season.

"Van Gaal sounded more like the England coach or the FA chairman than someone just passing through at  Manchester United."

Rob Nothman
BBC Sport

BBC Sport's Rob Nothman was at Arsene Wenger's news conference earlier today.

Arsene Wenger gave a vigorous response to those who claim his Arsenal squad are more injury-prone than their title rivals.

"You could analyse many things, the pitches, the pace, the intensity, mental components, emotions in your private life. Injuries are not as rational and mathematical as you like."

But he was clearly upset by Ryan Bennett's push on Alexis Sanchez which sent the Chile international into the pitchside camera pit at Norwich last Sunday. 

With Cazorla out for some time - possibly March - expect Aaron Ramsey to be moved to his more preferred position in central midfield.

Some more stories from today's newspapers.

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri says he wants to stay at the club for "a long time" and lead the team into Europe. (Leicester Mercury) , external

Image source, Reuters

Former Liverpool managerBrendan Rodgersis set to return to the Premier League - but only as a television pundit.

Richard Keys - a presenter for Middle East broadcaster Bein Sports - claims thatRodgers will be part of their coverage in early January., external

Image source, .

Stephen Porter: Once lobbed the keeper, Stretford End Old Trafford, but I don't like to talk about it much. 

Loving the pictures Stephen... although not seeing evidence of that lob?

Lachlan Keay: Prague u-12s league scored 4 goals in 65 games for my club, was a striker... Clinical. 

Joeee: I scored 80 goals in one season when I was 10 playing for Beechfield United.

We want to know your tales of goalscoring exploits. Tweet #bbcsportsday,, external text 81111 or post on BBC Sport Facebook.

Image source, .

This is a finale.

There was an incredible end to the NFL game between the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers last night. 

The Packers, who were 17-0 down at half-time, secured a 27-23 victory after time was up when Aaron Rodgers' sensational 61-yard Hail Mary pass was pouched by tight end Richard Rodgers in the end zone pass.

It's been dubbed 'The Miracle in Motown' on the other side of the Atlantic and you can watch it here.

Arsenal

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was so impressed by 16-year-old Reece Oxford's performance in West Ham's opening-day win at the Emirates Stadium that he is planning a £8m move for the Hammers midfielder this summer according to the Daily Mirror., external

The Gunners may face competition from Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City who have previously shown interest in Oxford.

Got a bit of time to kill? This is well worth a listen.

Thom Dobbin: My good pal 'Modders' had an own goal scoring record of 4 in 4. Only stopped in the 5th match when he was sent off. 

Craig Weale: Perfect Hat-trick for work team - Mishit cross into top corner, shinned in goalmouth scramble, chipped keeper from 20 yards. 

Daniel Robin Slavin: 10 years of playing junior football at right back, scored 1 goal, volley from the halfway line, still talk about it.

And so you should Daniel...

We want to know your tales of goalscoring exploits. Tweet #bbcsportsday,, external text 81111 or post on BBC Sport Facebook.

Newcastle United

Image source, Getty Images

Manager Steve McClaren says he knows that time is running out to turn around Newcastle's fortunes.

The Magpies are in the relegation zone after picking up four points from their last five league games, the most recent of which was a 5-1 thrashing away to former boss Alan Pardew's Crystal Palace.

"You go into every job knowing the impatience of football and you need results," McClaren said ahead of Sunday's meeting with Liverpool. 

"I wouldn't ask for guarantees and I wouldn't expect to receive that."

Reading have sacked manager Steve Clarke this morning, and he's not the only one going.

Looks like a new broom at the Royals.

Image source, .

Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has praised joker Jurgen Klopp after the Reds registered their seventh win from their last eight games.

“He’s got his humour, which is bit a similar to what I’m used to from Belgium,” Mignolet said of his manager in an interview with BBC World Football.

“He laughs a lot and there is always a smile on his face. That lifts the camp and the training ground. Everyone is then happy to work in that kind of environment.”

Listen to more of the interview

Image source, Getty Images

Perhaps not the most impartial judge, but Spain legend Xavi, who now plays for Qatari club Al Sadd, believes that former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi should win the Ballon D'Or award ahead of fellow nominees Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.

"Leo is the clear favourite now, and he deserves it too for everything he’s achieved at Barcelona," the 35-year-old told Fifa., external

"There’s no comparison in my book. He has total command of every aspect of the game. He’s the best at everything and he shows that in every match." 

West Bromwich Albion

Manager Tony Pulis confirms there are some injuries in his squad that will be assessed ahead of Tottenham's visit on Saturday.

Claudio Yacob is suspended, but fellow midfielder Chris Brunt returns.