Friday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

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

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Mesut Ozil is back on Manchester United's radar amid claims that the playmaker, 24, is considering his Real Madrid future.
Chelsea have given Fernando Torres a month to prove himself - and are planning a bid for Metalist Kharkiv's Brazilian striker Taison, 24, if he fails.
Miralem Sulejmani
Miralem Sulejmani joined Ajax in 2008
West Ham are planning a move for Ajax winger Miralem Sulejmani, 23, after missing out on him in the summer.
Roma are lining up a shock bid for Newcastle defender Danny Simpson, 25.
The agent of Brazilian prospect Bernard has dismissed claims that Chelsea are in talks to sign the 20-year-old midfielder from Atletico Mineiro.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has urged winger Raheem Sterling, 17, to sign a new contract, with Chelsea and Manchester City ready to move for the England international.
QPR boss Harry Redknapp wants to sign Marseille forward Loic Remy - but the 25-year-old is only interested in Champions League football.
Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway has criticised Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger over plans to sign the Eagles' England attacker Wilfried Zaha, 20.

OTHER GOSSIP

Joleon Lescott, 30, will fight for his future at Manchester City after falling out of favour with manager Roberto Mancini.
Alan Pardew's job as Newcastle manager is secure despite a run of three wins from 13 games since he signed an eight-year contract.
Robert Snodgrass
Robert Snodgrass has scored twice for Norwich this season
Norwich midfielder Robert Snodgrass, 25, insists their failure to win away in the Premier League this season is not putting pressure on their home form.
Swansea defender Neil Taylor, 23, is using the FA's new rehabilitation centre at St George's Park to help him recover from a serious ankle injury.
Sunderland defender Matt Kilgallon is determined to take his chance after being given a rare Premier League start against QPR.
Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, 22, is out for the rest of the season after being told he needs shoulder surgery.

AND FINALLY

Arsene Wenger and Roberto Mancini are 'stripping off' for a novelty calendar - featuring suggestive cartoons of 12 top Premier League managers.