Manchester United have admitted defeat in their pursuit of Lionel Messi, 29, and believe rivals City would be favourites to sign the forward if he was to leave Barcelona. (Sun)
Gareth Southgate, 46, will be confirmed as England’s next permanent manager before the end of the month on a four-year contract. (Guardian)
England forward Wayne Rooney, 31, is set to be left out of the Manchester United team to face Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday. (Daily Mirror)
United manager Mourinho has targeted £25m Napoli full-back Elseid Hysaj, 22, as he prepares to allow Chris Smalling and Matteo Darmian to leave. (Daily Star)
Mourinho may have to abandon a move for Monaco full-back Fabinho, 23, because of the Ligue 1 side’s likely Champions League progress.(Manchester Evening News)
Chelsea’s out-of-favour defender Branislav Ivanovic, 32, is a potential transfer target for Barcelona. (Mundo Deportivo via Talksport)
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says he plans to use the January transfer window for long-term signings – dampening speculation over a potential short-term move for 36-year-old midfielder Steven Gerrard, who is leaving LA Galaxy. (Daily Mail)
West Ham are trying to cut short the loan deal of Simone Zaza, 25, to allow them to bring in a new striker in January.(ESPN)
Manchester United have stepped up their interest in 23-year-old Paris St-Germain defender Serge Aurier. (Info Canal Plus, via Daily Express)
Chelsea striker Bertrand Traore, 21, is wanted by French side Lyon. (Foot Mercato, via Daily Star)
Sir Alex Ferguson, who retired as Manchester United manager in 2013, is needed to help get Scottish football out of the doldrums, says former Scotland striker Ally McCoist. (Sky Sports)
West Brom are planning a fresh move in January for 23-year-old Leicester winger Jeffrey Schlupp. (Daily Mirror)
Hull City want a takeover to be completed before the start of the January transfer window. Four parties remain interested in a deal. (Sky Sports)
Bournemouth are watching Portsmouth’s 19-year-old striker Conor Chaplin’s progress along with a host of Championship clubs. (Sun)