FOOTBALL

Wayne Rooney's protestation over Vincent Kompany's tackle on Luis Nani in Manchester United's FA Cup match-up with Manchester City seems to have stirred up debate amongst football pundits over whether the 'imaginary red card' is indeed an inherent problem in the Premier League.

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand and former Old Trafford stalwart Gary Neville have both added their endorsements to the hugely discussed talent of Ravel Morrison.

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc is planning on entering into contract talks with Mario Gotze in the coming months, with the club hoping to keep hold of the Arsenal target as speculation continues to surround a possible move.

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood insists that failure to qualify for the Champions League would have little impact on the club.

Liverpool target Moussa Sow is fielding interest from Turkish side Fenerbahce, according to French media, with the striker currently considering his future beyond Lille.

Former Fulham manager Chris Coleman is expected to be formally announced as Wales manager on Thursday, according to the BBC.

Chelsea duo Didier Drogba and Alex are both considering their next steps very carefully this week, with the former being offered a lucrative role at Shanghai Shenhua and the latter currently deciding over whether to make the move to QPR.

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher insists he will continue to be respectful of his Anfield teammates currently keeping him out of Kenny Dalglish's starting XI.

West Bromwich Albion manager has played down reports he could sell striker Peter Odemwingie in January.

Liverpool target Nolan Roux has agreed to sign a four and a half year deal for Lille, with Brest president Michel Guyot confirming as much to French media.

Jermain Defoe has clarified reports regarding his Tottenham Hotspur future amid speculation he may endeavour to leave White Hart Lane this month.

Manchester United's protracted pursuit of Inter Milan playmaker Wesley Sneijder looks to have drawn a blank, after his agent revealed his client is likely to remain in Italy past the end of the current transfer window.

Andy Carroll has lauded the efforts of Steven Gerrard, as the Liverpool skipper continues to make his full blown return to the starting line-up.

Esteban Granero "is going to stay at Real Madrid" until the end of the season and possibly beyond, after the management company representing the reputed Liverpool target categorically denied recent comments made by the Spaniard's former agent.

Mame Biram Diouf is considering the possibility of a move to the Bundesliga, according to Hannover director Joerg Schmadtke, with the Manchester United striker said to be very close to saying yes to a loan move to the German side.

SC Internacional are yet to receive an official offer for purported Arsenal and Tottenham target Leandro Damiao, amid speculation the young Brazilian striker is close to finalising a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has praised Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following the Norwegian's impressive start to his fledgling managerial career.

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has admitted he is unlikely to sell any of his current squad during the current transfer window, amid speculation linking Darren Bent with a move to Liverpool.

Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole is more likely than ever to stay at Lille permanently, according to fellow midfielder Rio Mavuba, particularly with the club getting set to lose breakthrough star Eden Hazard.

The agent of Michel Vorm has strongly denied claims made by Swansea City director John van Zweden regarding alleged offers from Manchester United and Chelsea.

Mame Biram Diouf's exit from Manchester United is edging closer, with the striker currently in talks with Hannover 96 for a loan spell in Germany to be set until the end of the season.

The agent of Eric Abidal has informed The International Business Times that the veteran Frenchman "will never sign with Arsenal" following news on Tuesday the Frenchman has extended his contract at Barcelona.

Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham have all been name checked by Swansea director John van Zweden as chasing Michel Vorm, with the keeper currently starring for the newly promoted side.

CSKA Moscow forward Alan Dzagoev has urged Manchester United and Arsenal to make their alleged interest official with a formal offer in the summer.

Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Dimitar Berbatov has been offered for sale by his agent this January, with the Manchester United striker reportedly considering going somewhere where he can receive more game time.

The loan-signing of Thierry Henry is a temporary salve for Arsene Wenger's long-term plan at Arsenal and the Frenchman will use the January transfer window to scout a number of promising youngsters with a view to bolstering his midfield and strike force in the summer.

Mario Gotze is still refusing to rule out a possible move away from Borussia Dortmund, with Arsenal still being connected to the star as the transfer window enters the second half.

Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo has championed the "competitive" nature of the Premier League, suggesting the intensity of the fans and permissive referring makes English football more engaging than its Spanish equivalent.

Manchester United have been dealt a decisive blow in their pursuit of Welsey Sneijder, with Inter Milan insisting that the playmaker will stay in Italy this month.