Wednesday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

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

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Manchester United have joined the race for Arsenal's Theo Walcott, 23, in a move similar to Robin van Persie's controversial switch to Old Trafford in August.
Paulinho
Paulinho was a member of the Corinthians side that claimed the Brazilian league title in 2011
Liverpool are set to buy Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge, 23, and 20-year-old Blackpool player Thomas Ince - as well as allowing Joe Cole, 31, to leave - in the January transfer window.
Chelsea will step up their pursuit of Corinthians midfielder Paulinho, 24, after Oriol Romeu was ruled out for the rest of the season.
West Bromwich Albion striker Shane Long, 25, says he is not looking to leave the Hawthorns in the January transfer window.
Manchester City are monitoring developments with Paris Saint-Germain defender Mamadou Sakho, 23, as they consider allowing Joleon Lescott to leave in January.
Wolves manager Stale Solbakken insists that it is "out of the question" that midfielder Bakary Sako, 24, will leave the club in January.

OTHER GOSSIP

Wally Downes has left his position as first team coach at West Ham by mutual consent. The 51-year-old was appointed to the role after Sam Allardyce replaced Avram Grant as manager in 2011.
Wally Downes
Wally Downes, 51, has left his position as first team coach at West Ham by mutual consent
MK Dons manager Karl Robinson, 32, has been left "shaken" after being attacked by Brentford supporters.
Robin van Persie says his impressive start at Manchester United is down to the likes of younger strikers Javier Hernandez, 24, and Danny Welbeck, 22, keeping him fresh.
Burnley defender Jack Errington, 17, has undergone heart surgery as a result of a scan introduced following Fabrice Muamba's on-pitch cardiac arrest in March this year.
Michael Owen, who has only managed 51 minutes since joining Stoke on a free transfer in the summer, says he is eager to make up for lost time and is in contention to face Everton on Saturday after the 32-year-old played in a friendly against Preston.
FA Chairman David Bernstein says he would like to see David Beckham work for the FA in the future. The former England midfielder, 37, ended his spell with LA Galaxy by winning the MLS Cup at the beginning of December.

AND FINALLY

West Ham United have become the first Premier League club to be featured in hit US television series The Simpsons.