Sunday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Arsene Wenger will try to sign Atletico Madrid striker Adrian Lopez, 24, instead of Barcelona's David Villa because he is concerned about paying too much for a 31-year-old.
Athletico Madrid striker Adrian Lopez
Wenger is interested in Adrian Lopez
Newcastle striker Demba Ba, 27, has rejected an £80,000-a week offer from Premier League strugglers Queen's Park Rangers.
Manchester City sporting director Txiki Begiristain flew to Brazil last week for talks to sign Santos' £32m-rated striker Neymar. He spent two days there to open talks to sign the 22-year-old Brazilian.
AC Milan claim they are lining up a £20m bid to sign Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli, 22, in next month's transfer window.
Chelsea will offer Tottenham £6m for Cameroon defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto, 28.
Arsenal are weighing up a January move for Sunderland's Belgian goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, 24.

OTHER GOSSIP

West Ham could let manager Sam Allardyce leave the club in the summer. Talks over a new deal have yet to begin, with his current contract due to expire in six months.
Manchester United are set to offer defender Rio Ferdinand, 34, a one-year contract extension to take his Old Trafford career into a 12th season.
Former England manager Steve McClaren says he would like to work for the FA again in a role "coaching the coaches" in England when his managerial career is over.
Arsenal will lose some of their £30m-a-year sponsorship from main backers Emirates if the club fail to qualify for the Champions League in the future.

AND FINALLY

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez was furious with striker Franco Di Santo, 23, after he was sent off the pitch against Arsenal - because he was wearing an earring.
AC Milan players have recorded a version of Wham's Last Christmas for their fans.