Thursday's gossip column

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

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Wigan are close to completing the loan signing of Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Joel, 22.
Joel in action against Barcelona
Joel has been reportedly targeted by Wigan
Tottenham are close to signing Schalke's Germany international midfielder Lewis Holtby, 22, on a pre-contract deal.
Fulham are waiting on the results of a medical as they ponder giving Ghana international midfielder Derek Boateng, 29, a deal at Craven Cottage.
Midfielder Jermaine Jenas, 29, is heading back to Tottenham after making one start in three months during a loan stint at Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is reigniting his interest in Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila, 22, with hopes of making him his first signing of the transfer window.
Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill is targeting Paris St Germain striker Guillaume Hoarau, 28, after he was told he can leave in January.

OTHER GOSSIP

Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 31, says Manchester City should persist with his former Inter Milan team-mate Mario Balotelli, 22, because he can retain the title for Roberto Mancini's team.
Defender Rio Ferdinand, 34, says if Manchester United keep their "house in order", the Premier League leaders can ignore rivals Manchester City's title challenge.

AND FINALLY

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, 49, could one day manage in the United Arab Emirates, according to his friend and Al Ahli manager Quique Sanchez Flores.