Tuesday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini was in Spain to watch £45m-rated Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao, 26, just hours after striker Mario Balotelli's latest strop.
Wilfried Zaha
Zaha could be a potential replacement for Theo Walcott should the forward not renew his contract
Arsenal are emerging as serious contenders for the signature of Crystal Palace's forward Wilfried Zaha. Former assistant manager Pat Rice, who still works for the club, watched the 19-year-old score twice in Palace's 4-3 win over Burnley on Saturday.
Liverpool have earmarked Ajax playmaker Christian Eriksen, 20, as a long-term replacement for 32-year-old Steven Gerrard as manager Brendan Rodgers looks for youthful additions to form the nucleus of his team.
Juventus are interested in Manchester United target Robert Lewandowski, 24, scorer of 30 goals for Borussia Dortmund last season as the German club won the league and cup double.
OTHER GOSSIP
England manager Roy Hodgson will have the freedom to decide whether Ashley Cole plays for England in Friday's World Cup qualifier against San Marino after the Football Association ruled out the possibility of banning the full-back for criticising the governing body on Twitter.
England midfielder Jack Wilshere, 20, set up two goals for Arsenal's Under-21s against Reading in what was his second outing in 14 injury-plagued months.
Birmingham want to send former Manchester United forward Ravel Morrison, 19, back to West Ham just three months into a 12-month loan deal because of his unacceptable attitude.

AND FINALLY

Manchester United winger Ashley Young, who is recovering from a knee injury, surprised his team's fans as the 27-year-old decided to watch United's 3-0 win at Newcastle on Sunday from the away stand on the upper tier of St James's Park.