Football rumours from the media
There are claims that Manchester United and his former club Tottenham lead the chase for Gareth Bale
What the papers say
Gareth Bale has reportedly agreed terms to leave Real Madrid next summer. The Daily Mail says reports in Spain suggest the forward reached an agreement during a meeting between president Florentino Perez and his agent Jonathan Barnett. The paper says Manchester United and his former club Tottenham are the front-runners to sign him in a return to the Premier League.
Also at Manchester United, left-back Luke Shaw is reportedly demanding a £5million pay-off if he is to leave the club next month. According to the Sun, the England defender, who has fallen out with boss Jose Mourinho, wants a settlement from the Red Devils as he knows he is unlikely to get as good a wage packet at any other club.
Social media round-up
@TheSunFootball: Daniel Sturridge reportedly set to quit Liverpool after falling out of favour
@MirrorFootball: Olivier Giroud told he will NOT be leaving Arsenal in January despite not starting a league game all season
Players to watch
Josh Eppiah: A number of Premier League and Championship clubs are said to be eyeing up the 19-year-old striker and tracking his progress. ESPN reports that the Belgium Under-19 international has impressed while at Leicester, and is being monitored by sides such as West Ham and Everton.
Giannelli Imbula: Serie A club Torino are said to be ready to launch a third pursuit of Stoke’s midfielder. The Italian side were close to a deal last January and tried again in the summer to cut a deal with the Potters. But according to the Stoke Sentinel, reports in Italy suggest they could be looking to make another bid for the 25-year-old, who is currently on a long-term loan at Toulouse in Ligue 1.