Monday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

For updated transfer news and gossip throughout the day, read our breaking news service Sportsday Live.

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer, 42, plans to open talks with Blackburn Rovers - the club with whom he won the Premier League title as a player - about returning as manager.
Hill made 96 appearances for Blackburn as a player before later managing Rochdale and Barnsley
Hill made 96 appearances for Blackburn as a player before later managing Rochdale and Barnsley
However, the Championship side have identified another former player, 43-year-old Barnsley boss Keith Hill, as an alternative target.
Reading's Russian part-owner Anton Zingarevich wants his side to buy compatriot Denis Cheryshev from Real Madrid's second side, the Castilla. Scouts were impressed by the 21-year-old winger when they watched him in action against Barcelona B.

OTHER GOSSIP

Sunderland right-back Phil Bardsley, 27, will play a behind-closed-doors game this week to prove his fitness after an ankle injury, but centre-back Wes Brown, 32, has picked up a calf problem and remains out of action.
Manchester City and Argentina striker Sergio Aguero, 24, says English players have "a privilege" over foreigners when it comes to the way referees treat them.
Middle East company GFH Capital's bid to buy Championship side Leeds United is under threat from a rival American bid.

AND FINALLY

South Korean midfielder Ki Sung-Yueng, 23, made his Swansea initiation ceremony extra embarrassing by singing into a spoon instead of a microphone.