Gossip

TRANSFER GOSSIP Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard's future looks increasingly uncertain as discussions over a new contract drag on. The 34-year-old former England captain's deal expires in the summer, when he could leave on a free transfer. (Mail on Sunday) Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard Steven Gerrard was dropped to the bench for the victory over Stoke City Arsenal have targeted Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko, 25, as Gunners boss Arsene Wenger aims to add some strength to his side and bring in cover for 22-year-old Jack Wilshere, who could be out until March. (Sunday Times - subscription required) The Gunners will switch their attentions to making an £8m move for Ipswich Town defender Tyrone Mings in January if they are beaten to the signing of Borussia Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels by Manchester United. (Mail on Sunday) Manchester City will hold talks about extending midfielder Frank Lampard's loan at the club beyond January with the club's manager, Manuel Pellegrini, keen to keep the 36-year-old. (Observer) City are also planning to bring in a left-back in January with the Premier League champions lining up a £17m move for Monaco left-back Layvin Kurzawa, 22. (Daily Star on Sunday) Colombia striker Radamel Falcao, 28, has until April to convince Manchester United to pay £44m for him and turn his loan move from Monaco into a permanent switch. (Sunday Mirror) Manchester United face a difficult decision whether to offer striker Javier Hernandez, 26, a new contract after learning Real Madrid will decline a permanent transfer, while Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham are among those believed to be interested in the Mexican. (Sunday Express) Arsenal are willing to put in a £16m offer for Everton's Republic of Ireland midfielder James McCarthy with the 24-year-old pinpointed by Arsene Wenger and his coaching staff as a player who is ready-made for their team. (Mail on Sunday) West Brom boss Alan Irvine will join Everton counterpart Roberto Martinez in the race to sign 22-year-old Costa Rica striker Joel Campbell from Arsenal. (Sun on Sunday - subscription required) Leicester City will compete with QPR as both clubs want to buy 32-year-old Toronto FC striker Jermain Defoe, who is apparently keen on a return to the Premier League. (Sun on Sunday - subscription required) OTHER GOSSIP Premier League bottom side Leicester are considering getting rid of manager Nigel Pearson in favour of Tony Pulis in a bid to keep them in the Premier League. (Sunday Mirror) Sunday's Mail on Sunday back page The uncertainty over Steven Gerrard's future makes the back page of the Mail on Sunday Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was forced to tell Italian striker Mario Balotelli, 24, to get to bed just hours ­before last month's Champions League defeat by Basel in Switzerland. (Sunday People) Bayern Munich are keen to extend the contract of 43-year-old manager Pep Guardiola, who has been linked with some of the Premier League's higher profile clubs. (Sunday Times - subscription required) Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says striker Wayne Rooney, 29, is a different person to the one he believed him to be before taking over at Old Trafford in the summer. (Sunday Telegraph) Southampton manager Ronald Koeman believes his side's disappointment at drawing with Aston Villa on Monday proves his players are developing the mentality they will require to maintain their position in the Premier League top four. (Observer) Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has emerged as a target for Wigan if the club are forced to terminate the contract of current manager Malky Mackay. (Sunday People) Oldham Athletic had a meeting with former Sheffield United striker and convicted rapist Ched Evans last week although no deal has been agreed between the parties. (Sunday Express) BEST OF SOCIAL MEDIA Swansea's 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace did not meet with the approval of Swans goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski. "For sure we cannot be happy with the draw," he tweeted. "But the way we played gives us good confidence to go again all in for a win on Tuesday." AND FINALLY Former Liverpool winger Albert Riera has been sacked by Italian club Udinese after the 32-year-old Spaniard skipped a match to play in a poker tournament. (Sunday Mirror) Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has revealed he is thrilled to be managing Sergio Aguero, 26, - because he has wanted to buy him for 11 years having first spotted him when the striker was a teenager playing in Argentina. (Daily Star)