ENGLAND GOSSIP
Fabio Capello, whose appointment as England boss seems imminent, could make midfielder David Beckham captain for his 100th cap in the friendly against Switzerland in February. (Times)

England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce is in the frame to be the English element of Capello's backroom staff. (Sun)

Alan Shearer is actually the favourite to be part of the 'Team Fabio' set up. (Daily Express)

Blackburn winger David Bentley agrees with Capello that the problems of the England players are of a mental nature. (Sun)

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez says Capello needs to improve his English if he is going to be successful. (Guardian)


TRANSFERS AND GOSSIP
Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has told Newcastle he is not going to try to sign striker Michael Owen from him in January. (Various)

But Allardyce has actually been in contact with Eriksson asking him if he wants to buy Owen. (Daily Mail)

Aston Villa striker Luke Moore wants to leave the Midlands outfit to gain more first-team football. (Times)

Everton defender Joseph Yobo has asked Nigeria coach Berti Vogts to let him and his club team-mate Yakubu play in the Carling Cup semi-final before joining the national team for the African Cup of Nations. (Times)

Birmingham defender Martin Taylor is in talks about a £1m move to QPR. (Sun)

Wolves are mulling over a move for Derby and ex-Manchester United midfielder David Jones. (Sun)

Man Utd midfielder Michael Carrick says Sunday's game at Liverpool will be different to normal as the Reds are actually realistic title contenders this season. (Various)

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has also stoked the fires ahead of his side's game against Chelsea by saying United are a bigger title threat than the Blues. (Various)

Sunderland boss Roy Keane has his sights set on signing defenders Phil Bardsley and Jonny Evans from his former club Manchester United in January. (Sun)

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes has knocked back a transfer requests from Derby target and striker Jason Roberts and midfielder Aaron Mokoena. (Daily Express)

Wigan are leading the chase to sign Crewe midfielder Gary Roberts. (Independent)

Portsmouth want German international and Schalke 04 striker Kevin Kuranyi, who may resist a move with his club still in the Champions League. (Daily Mirror)

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is confident he rebuild the bridges in his strained relationship with club owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks. (Various)

Belgian outfit Anderlecht are back on the trail of out-of-favour Rangers midfielder Thomas Buffel. (Daily Express)

Celtic are weighing up a shock move for Aberdeen defender Michael Hart. (Daily Express)