Wednesday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

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

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Pepe Reina's future at Liverpool is under threat, with manager Brendan Rodgers considering January moves for Birmingham's England goalkeeper Jack Butland, 19, or German prospect Ron-Robert Zieler, 23.
Michu
Swansea striker Michu is a target for Napoli and Genoa
Swansea striker Michu, 26, is a target for Napoli and Genoa after his fine start to the season.
Spanish striker Fernando Llorente, 27, has paved the way for a move to Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham or Liverpool next year by confirming he will leave Athletic Bilbao when his contract expires in the summer.
Liverpool and Chelsea have begun talks over the £15m transfer of striker Daniel Sturridge, 23, who is keen to move to Anfield.
Aston Villa, Newcastle and Norwich will have FC Cluj winger Modou Sougou, 27, watched at Manchester United on Wednesday.
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is plotting a £5m bid for Southampton midfielder and captain Adam Lallana, 24.
Brazilian Serie A outfit Sao Paulo are weighing up a January move for out-of-favour Arsenal defender Andre Santos, 29.
West Bromwich Albion boss Steve Clarke has laughed off reports of a possible January move from Liverpool for striker and leading scorer Shane Long, 25.
Arsenal and Chelsea could be forced to step up their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain's midfielder Marco Verratti, 20, after Juventus emerged as serious contenders to sign him.

OTHER GOSSIP

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho could be the man to succeed him at Old Trafford.
Tony Pulis
Stoke's owner thinks manager Tony Pulis is the best defensive coach in the country
Stoke owner Peter Coates believes manager Tony Pulis could be the best defensive coach in the country as his side home in on a clean-sheet record.
Norwich chief executive David McNally has pledged to press ahead with plans to develop the next generation of young Canaries after the club's academy was officially granted category one status.

AND FINALLY

FC Twente midfielder Leroy Fer has become a laughing stock among his team-mates after buying his girlfriend a £22,000 pet horse - only to find out she can't keep it as she lives in a block of flats.