Man United keen on Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic? Transfer news and gossip from Wednesday's papers

• Dec 17, 2014 06:44
• By Jack Lang

PLUS: Ashley Cole linked with Premier League return; Spurs step up striker chase; Sunderland eye Danny Ings

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David Ramos

Manchester battle: Both United and City are reported to be keen on Rakitic

The Premier League and Champions League are beginning to hot up, but as winter approaches there is also the icy breeze of transfer speculation beginning to swirl.
A number of questions occupy our attentions as January approaches.
Will Arsenal sign a defensive midfielder? How about a defender for Manchester United? Do Liverpool need someone to score some goals? All will be revealed in time.
Here, then, are the transfer stories from today's newspapers:

Transfer stories from today's Daily Mirror

Liverpool are making an audacious bid to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech on loan.
Burnley and Leicester are eyeing unsettled £5million-rated Crystal Palace striker Dwight Gayle.
Barcelona full-back Martin Montoya will leave the Spanish giants in the January transfer window, according to his agent. Liverpool have been strongly linked with the 23-year-old as Glen Johnson is close to the end of his contract and expected to leave Anfield in the summer.
Lyon forward Alexander Lacazette, 23, has emerged as an option for striker-needy Liverpool in January.

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Other stories from today's Daily Mirror

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers insists he is “relaxed” about Raheem Sterling's future, despite increasing speculation about interest from Europe's big guns.
Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has denied any involvement in match fixing after being named in a case which could see him face a jail sentence.
Jonas Gutierrez is set to be handed an "emotional" final appearance for Newcastle at St James' Park to celebrate him beating cancer before the Argentine winger's contract expires in the summer.

Julian Finney

Rising star: Eddie Howe will be aiming for a scalp against Liverpool on Wednesday night

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe Eddie Howe has warned one-time mentor Brendan Rodgers and his struggling Liverpool side, who visit the Championship leaders in the League Cup on Wednesday: “We don’t fear you.”
Manchester United defender Phil Jones has defended his injury record and insists he is not a crock, even though Sunday's win over Liverpool was just his fifth club appearances this season.
Ross Barkley can be a true England star if he is given the time to develop his immense talent says Everton team-mate Steven Naismith.

Transfer stories from other newspapers and websites

David De Gea's fine recent form has caught the eye of Real Madrid, who could smash the transfer record for a goalkeeper to get the Manchester United man. (Daily Express)
Burnley striker Danny Ings has caught the eye of Sunderland boss Gus Poyet, who may be keen on a deal as early as January. (Daily Star)
Manchester United and Manchester City could be set for a transfer battle when the window opens: Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic is rumoured to be a target for both clubs. (Daily Express)

PA

Early return? Ashley Cole has been linked with Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace could make an audacious move to bring former Chelsea favourite Ashley Cole back to the Premier League on loan. (Daily Mail)
David Moyes is hopeful of bringing Manchester United youngster Adnan Januzaj on loan to his new club, Real Sociedad. (Daily Star)
Spurs are keen on Porto striker Jackson Martinez and are willing to offload both Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado to fund a move. (Daily Express)