TRANSFER RUMOURS
Mikel Arteta has shocked Everton fans by claiming he would love to join Atletico Madrid. "One day I will end up at Atletico. It's a club I like and I would love to play there," said the 25-year-old midfielder. (The Sun)
Sunderland boss Roy Keane, who expects to invest heavily in the January transfer window, is chasing Manchester United centre half Jonny Evans. (The Times)
Reading and Derby are battling to sign £2m-rated MLS striker Eddie Johnson. (The Sun)
Out-of-favour West Bromwich Albion midfielder Richard Chaplow is a transfer target for Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town. (Daily Mail)
Manchester United and Manchester City both have their eyes on £7m-rated Partizan Belgrade striker Stevan Jovetic, 18. (Daily Record)
Tell us your transfer rumours
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OTHER GOSSIP
Bayern Munich have earmarked Rafa Benitez as a possible replacement for coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, who is out of contract next May. Discreet enquiries have been made about the Liverpool manager, who has previously rejected overtures from Inter Milan and Real Madrid. (Various)
Scotland manager Alex McLeish will use inspirational words sent by Sean Connery as part of his team talk before facing Italy. (various)
Roberto Donadoni's job as Italy coach is on the line even if they qualify for Euro 2008. (The Scotsman)
Israel's manager has confessed his undying admiration for Russia coach Guus Hiddink. "We all have a warm place in our heart for him," said Dror Kashtan. (The Sun)
David James has told his England team-mates they deserve to be slated if they fail to reach Euro 2008. (The Sun)
Steve Bruce has been given the green light by Birmingham to talk to Wigan about becoming their boss. (Various)
Premier League chairman Dave Richards is leading the fight to back beleaguered England coach Steve McClaren. (Daily Express)
Many of England's 4,000 supporters were forced to leave the Happel Stadium early during England's 1-0 win over Austria because their return flights were diverted via Bratislava. (The Guardian)
Roy Hodgson, the Finland and former Blackburn manager, has been linked with the Republic of Ireland managerial post. (Daily Telegraph)
Dutch midfielder Fernando Ricksen says he has proved a point to former club Rangers after helping Zenit St Petersburg lift the Russian title. (The Sun)
St Johnstone player-boss Owen Coyle is a target for managerless Burnley. (Daily Express)
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AND FINALLY
Bristol City boss Gary Johnson posts "sometimes cryptic, sometimes aggressive and occasionally funny" messages all around the dressing room before games to motivate his players. (Daily Express)
Victor Anichebe is accused of dodging a Nigeria call-up against Australia - to keep the door open for England. (Daily Express)
Manchester City are celebrating Sven-Goran Eriksson's early impact at the club by releasing a new DVD. 'The Sven Revolution' includes footage of the former England coach at a tea dance. (The Times)
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