Benfica Wing Wizard On Manchester United's Radar

Manchester United is set to raid Portugal for another wing wizard - Benfica's Nico Gaitan.

United signed talented widemen Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani from Sporting Lisbon and the Premier League champions are now keeping tabs on the star turn from Sporting's cross-city rivals Benfica.

Argentine winger Gaitan has been in exceptional form so far this season in his side's unbeaten start to the campaign - and caught the eye in Benfica's 1-1 Champions League draw with United in September.

And now, according to reports in Portugal, Sir Alex Ferguson is considering a move for the 23-year-old but he will face competition from a number of top clubs across Europe.

But Jose Iribarren, who is Gaitan's agent, insists his client is happy at Benfica.

"Gaitan still has much more to give at Benfica," he told O Jogo. "He is doing a great job and it is normal that foreign clubs are following him but he is currently happy where he is."

Arsenal Striker Could Be Next To Leave

There could be more bad news for Arsenal fans after big-spending French club Paris Saint-Germain were linked with striker Marouane Chamakh.

The Parisian outfit is backed by a Qatari investor and has already proved their spending power by luring Argentina international Javier Pastore to the club in the summer.

Now, according to reports in France, manager Antoine Kombouare is keen to bring Chamakh back to Ligue 1 where the striker first made his name at Bordeaux.

The 27-year-old was signed by Arsenal after an impressive goal scoring season at Bordeaux, but has since struggled to hold down a place in the Gunners first team.

Chamakh has scored just eight league goals in his time with the club but that has not put off PSG who still believe he has the ability to score plenty of goals in Ligue 1.

Reports in France suggest that sporting director Leonardo has been tracking the striker and believes that because of his lack of first team appearances for Arsenal this season would be willing to move across the channel.

Arsenal is lacking options in attack after Nicklas Bendtner made the move to Sunderland, with Robin van Persie the only other recognized forward in the senior squad.

The Gunners do have Gervinho and Theo Walcott, who both have the ability to play in a front three, but Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger would certainly not want to lose Chamakh in January with the club already struggling.

Juventus Line Up Player Exchange Deal For Cissokho

Juventus are lining up a player exchange offer for Liverpool target Aly Cissokho.

Kenny Dalglish was linked with a move for the Lyon star throughout the summer and reports in France claim he is preparing to go back for the full-back in January.

But the Liverpool boss will face stiff competition from Juventus, who have made the France international their priority New Year target, according to sources in Italy.

Juve are set to offer World Cup winning left-back Fabio Grosso, who joined the Serie A club from Lyon two years ago, in exchange for Cissokho.

But it is understood Lyon will only consider an exchange deal if it includes 31-year-old Juve striker Vincenzo Iaquinta and not Grosso.

Chelsea Defender Alex Again Linked With Move To Juventus

Chelsea defender Alex is once again being linked with a move to Italian giants Juventus.

The Serie 'A' side were thought to be keen on a move for the player in August, with German side Bayern Munich also thought to be keen on a move for the player at the time.

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas was able to keep hold of the Brazilian at the time, but Setanta Sports claims the Bianconeri are once again keen to sign the player in the January transfer window.

The report goes on to state manager Giuseppe Marotta has made the Blues' centre back his number one target for the transfer window as he looks to sure-up his defence.

Alex has only made two Barclays Premier League starts for Chelsea this season, and faces competition from David Luiz and Branislav Ivanovic in the battle to start alongside England skipper John Terry at Stamford Bridge.

With the player's contract set to expire in 2013, Villas-Boas will have to decide if it's worthwhile cashing-in on the player, spending the accumulated transfer funds elsewhere to strengthen his Chelsea squad.

Gunners Linked To Drame

Ousmane Drame's agent has claimed that Arsenal are among a host of clubs interested in the highly-rated forward.

Drame currently plies his trade with Padova in Serie B but his performances in recent times have reportedly alerted clubs higher up the football ladder in Italy.

Palermo and Fiorentina are among those thought to be considering a move, while Drame's representative George Atangana says he has also been contacted by the Gunners.

However, Atangana insists Drame will remain at Padova when the transfer window reopens in January and a decision on his future will only be taken at the end of the season.

"Arsenal are interested in him, I'm working on it directly with them," Atangana told mediagol.it.

"I have talked with (Arsene) Wegner. In Italy there are Palermo and especially Fiorentina interested in him.

"Now the important thing is that Ousmane will end the season in Padova, then we'll see.

"I can say that almost (all) the medium-high clubs in Italy and abroad like him."

Newcastle Target Exciting French Starlet

Newcastle are reportedly tracking the progress of Lyon's highly-rated young striker Yannis Tafer ahead of making a move next summer.

Tafer is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in France and has been sent out on-loan this season to Toulouse to gain first-team experience.

And according to tribalfootball.com, Newcastle are keeping a close eye on his performances this season before considering whether to make a move or the 20-year-old at the end of the campaign.

Toon manager Alan Pardew expressed his disappointment at failing to land a sufficient replacement for Andy Carroll, who joined Liverpool in a British record £35m deal in January.

Despite the current goal-scoring form of Demba Ba, Pardew is reportedly still keen to recruit a new centre-forward and has earmarked Tafer as a possible signing.

Adel Taarabt Announces Intention To Leave QPR

Queens Park Rangers midfielder Adel Taarabt has announced his intention to leave the club in the January transfer window.

The Moroccan international has endured a rocky last few months at Loftus Road, having reportedly nearly joined Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain in the summer before being replaced by new signing Joey Barton as club captain.

Despite his near departure, Taarabt has started all seven of QPR's Premier League games so far this season, and cited improved pay as his reason for seeking an exit.

"I want to leave QPR during the January transfer window," Taarabt announced at Morocco's training camp ahead of the Atlas Lions' weekend fixture against Tanzania, according to the Sun. "It is for financial reasons."

Taarabt also insisted he had "no regrets" over his decision to decline an international call-up in the summer, having also previously declared that he would never represent his country again.

"It was a youthful mistake," he admitted. "However, I have no regrets about what I did."

Valencia's Ricardo Costa Admits Possible January move

Valencia centre-back Ricardo Costa says he will consider a move in the winter transfer window if he remains out of coach Unai Emery's first-team plans.

The Portugal international joined Valencia in the summer of 2010 for an undisclosed fee and played a key role in the club's backline in his first season at the Mestalla, making 36 appearances in all competitions.

This term, however, Ricardo Costa has been relegated to the periphery, and he has not featured for Valencia since the club's 4-3 victory against Racing Santander on August 27.

Last month, the former Porto defender said he was not concerned about his lack of playing time, but he has now indicated that he may find himself on the move in January.

"I do not know whether Unai Emery has lost trust in me, he has never discussed that with me, and I do not have to ask him that either," a statement issued by the player reads.

"I had a very good first season, I played well in this pre-season and suddenly something changed.

"But I am here and I will not throw in the towel. If the coach wants me to play, I will play. If he does not, then we will see what the best solution for my career is."

Spanish sources suggest Ricardo Costa's lack of first-team opportunities is related to his poor display in the Racing Santander game, but the defender sees no reason for such stories.

"Was it Valencia who suffered the goals or was it me?," he continued.

"I should remind everyone that I was replaced at half time and that the team had only suffered two goals with me on the pitch. When Racing scored their third, I was no longer playing.

"Moreover, I remember that match well and I do not remember playing alone. There have also been matches in which we could have suffered as many goals as the ones we suffered against Racing or even more, and I was not on the pitch."

United & Chelsea Chase USA Strike Star

Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly pursuing USA international Brek Shea, while Manchester City are also said to be interested in the young forward.

According to the Daily Star, the Barclays Premier League trio are 'locked in a battle' to sign the 21-year-old, who currently plies his trade for FC Dallas.

Shea has been linked with United in the past, with reports two summers ago suggesting Sir Alex Ferguson was keen to bring him to Old Trafford.

And, if recent suggestions are to be believed, the United boss could be about to reignite his interest in the versatile striker to further reinforce his goalscoring ranks.

United can already boast the likes of Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck among their attacking number, and the imposing Shea would be another interesting acquisition.

City and Chelsea, meanwhile, are also looking to bolster respective squads with young talent - something Andre Villas-Boas did in earnest during the summer.

The Chelsea boss spent significant sums on some of Europe's top starlets, with Romelu Lukaku and Oriol Romeu both moving to Stamford Bridge in high-profile deals.

Tottenham To Consider Swap Deal For Lazio Playmaker

Tottenham are considering making a swap-deal bid for Lazio playmaker Hernanes with the Serie A club reportedly keen on Spurs striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.

According to tribalfootball.com, Tottenham have made enquiries into the availability of Brazilian Hernanes, who has struggled to replicate his sparkling form for Sao Paulo in Italy.

Meanwhile, Lazio are reportedly eager to take Russian forward Pavlyuchenko to the Stadio Olimpico and some form of swap deal could be proposed that would see Hernanes heading to White Hart Lane.

With Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermain Defoe forming an effective partnership up-front, Pavlyuchenko's chances are becoming increasingly limited and a move away could occur as soon as January.

Arsenal was also thought to be keen on the 26-year-old midfielder, who was being touted as a possible replacement for Cesc Fabregas, but the Gunners opted for Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal Looking To Land Barcelona Defender In January

Arsenal could be about to make a swoop for the Barcelona left back Maxwell according to reports in the Italian media today.

Maxwell hails from Brazil and has been at the Nou Camp since July 2009, signing from Inter Milan on a five year contract, and has also spent time in Holland with Ajax, and was the Dutch footballer of the year in 2004.

Arsenal has expressed an interest and is in need of players in almost every position, but after the latest injury to Bacary Sagna on Sunday Arsene Wenger is desperately short of experienced defenders.

The reports coming from Italy suggest that the Gunners have upped their interest to an extent they could now make a move as soon as January, as it is common knowledge that Maxwell is free to go should the Catalan club receive a decent price.

Arsenal recently signed another Brazilian in Andre Santos, but in his brief appearances so far it would appear his game is more suited to a more advanced attacking role, and with Kieran Gibbs struggling for form Maxwell could be just the man that Arsene Wenger is looking for.

West Brom Set To Hijack Man United Bid For Dundee United Star

West Brom wants to hijack Manchester United's move for Dundee United star Scott Allan.

Sir Alex Ferguson has sent scouts to watch the impressive midfielder in action this season, having been made aware of his contract status at the club.

Allan only recently made his SPL debut but is out of contract at the end of this season and clubs can approach him in January in a bid to strike a deal.

United remain keen but West Brom have a long-standing interest in the 19-year-old, who has also been watched by Newcastle.

The Baggies are understood to have failed with a bid for Allan last season but Roy Hodgson is expected to go in again for the Scotland Under-21 international in January.

Arsenal Prepare January Move For Everton Starlet Ross Barkley

Arsenal are the latest club to express interest in up and coming Everton midfielder Ross Barkley and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will reportedly test the water with an offer for the youngster in January.

The 17 year old local born Everton battler has impressed many with his mature performances and David Moyes will face a fight to keep prospective suitors from nabbing such a talented youngster. Arsenal are well aware that the current contract Barkley is under is restricted by regulations related to players under 18 and the race is on for the Merseyside club to make an offer that prevents interest from other sides tempting the teenage sensation.

By all accounts Everton are ready to offer Barkley a substantial pay rise when he turns 18 in December but by then a number of other sides may well be ready to pounce.

Though a number of others clubs said to be keen on Barkley may be performing better this term, Chelsea and Man United are reportedly two such sides, the fact that Wenger has a reputation for trusting to youth and has no qualms about offering teenagers regular first team football may help in their pursuit of the Toffees starlet.

Already capped at England Under 21 level and labelled by former Arsenal and Everton defender Martin Keown as a player who will “Become one of the best players we’ll ever see in this country” the fear is that Moyes will lose Barkley in much the same way he lost Wayne Rooney to Manchester United.

Clearly the financial hardships that the Merseyside club find themselves in, Everton being the only Premier League who didn’t spend any money on summer additions, may lead to a good offer for Ross Barkley being accepted and Arsene Wenger will hope that he can land a player of such obvious potential.

Wenger is well versed in the art of acquiring youthful players and honing them into household names, his current squad includes a number of internationals who were plucked from across the world to sit alongside those talents coming directly from the Arsenal academy sides.

The likes of Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Carl Jenkinson all came in from English sides and the Emirates Stadium boss hopes to add Barkley to his growing list of future stars.

Javi Garcia Targeted By Manchester United & AC Milan

Manchester United are set to go head-to-head with AC Milan over the signature of Benfica’s £10million-rated midfielder Javi Garcia.

The 24-year-old enforcer has impressed in Portugal since arriving from Real Madrid for £6million in 2009, and now two of Europe’s biggest clubs have reportedly made him a prime January target.

United are well stocked on centre midfielders, with Anderson, Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley and Darren Fletcher all competing for two spots on Sir Alex Ferguson’s team sheet.

However, the reigning champions have been accused of lacking a bit of bite in recent times, and Fergie could well be tempted to make his move for the highly-rated midfielder when the transfer window reopens.

Milan are not short of cover in the centre of the park either, but with Gennaro Gattuso, Mark Van Bommel and Massimo Ambrosini all in their twilight years, a bid for Garcia is on the cards.

The Italian champions will be without ex-Arsenal man Mathieu Flamini for around another five months, as the midfielder continues his recovery from a ruptured knee ligament.

Newcastle Step Up Pursuit Of African Star Forward

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew is set to step up his pursuit of Sochaux striker Modibo Maiga, according to reports in the Daily Mirror.

During the course of the summer transfer window Pardew was tracking the versatile Mali international who can also operate on the wing but nothing materialized.

However it is believed that Newcastle are set to go in for Maiga again in January as they continue there search for another striker to replace the void left by Andy Carroll.

Pardew's side have made a great start to the new Premier League campaign and are sitting fourth in the table and are unbeaten in the opening seven games.

Maiga, 24, has stated his interest in playing for Newcastle, saying: "Newcastle? They are a very good club, I will not finish my career in Sochaux if I am scoring every week - that is the reality of football. I have not invented that!

"At the moment I am here and scoring goals. I do not know when the transfer window opens what there will be interest. It depends also on the club, but in the near future I want to ply my trade in another top league. It is a genuine ambition, I will accept being booed for that!"

Man United Consider £10m Move For Next Van Nistelrooy

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will this summer look to lure Sporting Lisbon striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel to Old Trafford. The Dutch international youngster had been touted as a potential target for the Premier League champions but no deal materialized and the 22 year old moved from FC Utrecht to Portugal in the summer but is still very much on the club’s wish-list.

Ferguson may well lose the services of two of his striking options at the end of the season with Michael Owen expected to move on in the search for regular first team football and Dimitar Berbatov to do likewise after being frozen out of the starting eleven and therefore the addition of another striker may well be on the cards.

Wolfswinkel came to the attention of a number of Premier League clubs last term when he notched up 20 goals despite some time out with injuries. The striker was dubbed by some as the ‘Next Van Nistelrooy’ and though no bids from the English top tier were forthcoming a move to Sporting Lisbon was forthcoming and the Dutchman has not looked back.

Man United have reportedly had scouts monitor the strikers progress in Portugal and have been impressed with his prolific start to life in Lisbon where he has netted six goals in seven games.

Though Sir Alex Ferguson clearly sees Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez as his preferred first choice pairing and has Danny Welbeck as very able support the Scot knows the value of having four effective attacking options to deal with the rigours of multiple campaigns and is therefore considering a bid for the £10m rated starlet.

Man United have a history of dealings with Sporting Lisbon having signed the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani from the club in the past.

Agyemang Set For Exit

QPR striker Patrick Agyemang is expected to be moving out on loan in the near future with first-team football unlikely at Loftus Road.

The Ghanaian has lost his place in the side due to the summer arrivals of Jay Bothroyd and DJ Campbell and, after failing to make the Hoops' 25-man Premier League squad, a spell away on loan looks to be the preferred outcome for all parties.

Boss Neil Warnock claims they have already received calls from interested parties for the 31-year-old and a deal looks to be on the cards in the near future.

"We've had a couple of enquiries for Pat," he said. "We should know something pretty soon."

Gunners And Toon Chasing French Wonderkid Striker

M’Baye Niang looks set for a transfer tug-of-war in January, according to the Guardian, with both Arsenal and Newcastle hoping to land the wonderkid in the next transfer window.

At just 16-years-old, Niang has shown great potential for both Ligue 1 side Caen and the France Under-21s national team.

Arsenal and Newcastle both have a particular preference for French players, with the clubs boasting tight ties with clubs throughout the country.

And while Niang would be a perfect fit for Arsenal’s youth policy, Newcastle are hoping to bring the youngster in to create a long-term future for the side.

The Toon have made a large amount of signings over the summer, including four Frenchman, and let go of big players including Joey Barton and Kevin Nolan. The side took a very new look when they ran on to the pitch for their opening match this season, and Alan Pardew is clearly hoping to build a legacy at Newcastle that can be sustained in both the short and long term.

But Arsenal have a bigger budget than Newcastle, despite the Toon still holding on to the majority of the £35 million from Andy Carroll’s sale, and the Gunners will be hoping that with the offer of Champions League football, Niang will prefer a move to the Emirates.

Dalglish Sends Scouts For £18m United Target

Kenny Dalglish has sent scouts to check on Shinji Kagawa, Talksport claims, as the Manchester United target continues to star for Borussia Dortmund.

At just 22-years-old, Kagawa has long been attracting attention from numerous European clubs, including Juventus and AC Milan.

And while United were thought to be front runners to sign the Japan international, should Liverpool make the Champions League this season, they could also be in the mix when the next summer transfer window rolls around.

The website is claiming that Liverpool and United would have to fork out £18 million to coax Kagawa into a move. While United were very keen in the past, they have cooled their interest in recent months, giving Liverpool confidence that they may be able to land their man.

Kagawa’s contract with Dortmund runs out in 2013, so next summer transfer speculation will no doubt be surrounding the starlet as he decides where his future lies.

Liveprool have been encouraged by sponsors Standard Chartered to sign more Asian players in order to grow their publicity in that region, and Kagawa could be the perfect fit in terms of skills and marketability.

Redknapp Sends Scouts To Cast Eye Over Spanish Keeper

Tottenham are reportedly tracking Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Roberto Jiminez as Harry Redknapp looks to replace the outgoing Heurelho Gomes.

Redknapp has admitted in recent weeks that Brazilian 'keeper Gomes could be on his way out in the January transfer window after losing his place to Brad Friedel, signed from Aston Villa, this season.

And despite having Carlo Cudicini as his number two, the English manager is eager to recruit another stopper.

According to tribalfootball.com, scouts from Spurs are monitoring £8m-rated Jiminez with the view of making a move next summer.

The 25-year-old Spaniard returned to Spain following a mixed time in Portugal with Benfica. However, the start to his second stint in his homeland has begun well.