Monday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

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

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United scout Martin Ferguson watched energetic Athletic Bilbao midfielder Oscar de Marcos in action against Barcelona on Saturday, and the Premier League leaders could make a fresh move for the 23-year-old after being put off by his £25m valuation in the summer.
French side Nancy have denied that Tottenham have made a bid for their 20-year-old left-back Massadio Haidara.
De Marcos has scored three goals in 13 La Liga appearances this season
De Marcos has scored three goals in 13 La Liga appearances this season
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has said he would like to sign "two or three players" in January.
Stoke and England centre-back Ryan Shawcross, 25, has revealed that the support of manager Tony Pulis is the reason why he is set to reject interest from Manchester United and Tottenham to sign a six-year contract extension.

OTHER GOSSIP

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich could offer a consultative role to former caretaker boss Avram Grant if current interim manager Rafael Benitez continues to struggle at Stamford Bridge.
Grant's Chelsea side were beaten by Manchester United in the 2008-09 Champions League final
Grant's Chelsea side were beaten by Manchester United in the 2008-09 Champions League final
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is emerging as a target for big-spending French club Paris St-Germain as pressure builds on Carlo Ancelotti following a weekend defeat by Nice.
Assistant manager Steve Bould scolded the Arsenal players after Saturday's loss to Swansea and labelled their performances all season a "let down".
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, 70, says Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho could be the man to replace him at Old Trafford.

AND FINALLY

Thousands of runners in Liverpool have taken part in the city's annual Santa dash but some staunch Everton fans opted to wear blue suits rather than the traditional red.