Thursday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester City are considering a January move for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, 25, and are ready to offload striker Mario Balotelli to make room for the Premier League's leading scorer.
Luis Suarez (left)
Suarez has scored eight goals for Liverpool in the Premier League this season
Balotelli, though, will stay at Manchester City despite interest from AC Milan, says the 22-year-old's national coach Cesare Prandelli.
Liverpool are plotting a £5m move for Blackpool's attacking midfielder Thomas Ince, a little more than a year after they let the 20-year-old academy product leave Anfield on a free transfer.
Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is said to be setting his sights on Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez, 24, and is ready to offer long-term Old Trafford target - 24-year-old forward Karim Benzema - in a swap deal.
Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina, 30, is wanted by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger in the January transfer window.

OTHER GOSSIP

The takeover of Birmingham City by Gianni Paladini's Italian consortium is moving closer - with the former QPR chairman hopeful a deal can be struck within 10 days.
Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, 25, will have talks with manager Andre Villas-Boas as France's number one seeks assurances over his future.
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan believes manager Roberto Martinez is destined for the top of European football.

AND FINALLY

Former Manchester United forward Eric Cantona says he wants to follow in Sir Alex Ferguson's footsteps and manage the Old Trafford club.