FOOTBALL

Newcastle United are ready to offer Andy Carroll an escape from his Liverpool nightmare according to the Times.

As Paul Scholes makes his comeback to Manchester United after his career appeared over at the end of last season, pundits are jumping on the bandwagon left right and centre to highlight that the midfielder being back only shows that the club has huge weaknesses as they fight Manchester City for the title.

Manchester United Transfer Rumour: United are interested in signing Newcastle striker Demba Ba but the club are yet to make an official approach, according to a member of the player's management team.

Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre has called on the club to work with Manchester United to ensure that their FA Cup tie is a positive affair, despite controversy engulfing the sides' relationship off the pitch.

Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted that Pep Guaridiola is a very unlikely candidate to take his place as manager at Manchester United, with the Barcelona gaffer very happily settled in Spain.

French media are claiming that Arsenal lead the race in the fight to sign left back Aly Cissokho in the January transfer window, with the Frenchman a long-term target for a Premier League move.

Exclusive: Chelsea have been encouraged in their pursuit of Racing Genk's Kevin de Bruyne after the player's agent confirmed the highly-rated winger was likely to leave Belgium at the end of the season.

Arsenal midfielder Andrey Arshavin is reportedly closing in on a return to his former club Zenit St Petersburg, according to Russian newspaper Sport Express.

Former France coach Raymond Domenech believes Samir Nasri's perceived problems at Manchester City following his acrimonious departure from Arsenal in the summer, are indicative of the midfielder's "excessive individualism".

Mark Hughes has been confirmed as the new manager for Queens Park Rangers, with the former Fulham gaffer confirming a two and a half year contract has been agreed to.

Sir Alex Ferguson has had to put up with some crazy transfer rumours in his 25 years in charge of Manchester United, including a link to Chelsea legend Frank Lampard.

Guangzhou Evergrande have refuted speculation they are poised to complete a move for Chelsea's Didier Drogba, after the Chinese side claimed they have had no contact with the Cote d'Ivore international.

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Liverpool talisman Luis Suarez in a £30 million deal, according to the Daily Mail.

Jamie Redknapp believes Paul Scholes' return highlights the dearth in top-quality replacements coming through in the Premier League but insists it should also challenge those young players on the fringes of the Manchester United first XI to work harder to improve.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson rubbed shoulders with Barcelona counterpart Pep Guardiola and pop princess Shakira, at the Ballon d'Or awards.

Three Bayern Munich players visited the Audi pavilion at the ongoing Delhi Auto Show.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright admits he would dearly love to interview the notoriously shy Manchester United icon Paul Scholes; such is his admiration for the evergreen midfielder.

Jan Vertonghen has insisted that he is staying with Ajax for the short term future, but the defender has hinted that he is planning to leave the club in 18 months as Manchester United continue to be linked with the star.

Manchester United Transfer Rumours: Sir Alex Ferguson has been told there is money available in the January transfer window, as Manchester United lose ground to fierce rivals Manchester City in the title race.

Manchester United star Wayne Rooney has reiterated his commitment to the club by claiming he would happily remain under Sir Alex Ferguson's management for the remainder of his career.

The agent of Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has ruled out the prospect of the Serbian leaving Old Trafford, by claiming the towering centre-half is as important to the Red Devils as Lionel Messi is to Barcelona.

Liverpool Footbal Club have released a statement apologising for the alleged racist abuse suffered by Oldham Athletics' Tom Adeyemi during Friday's FA Cup third round draw.

Manchester United transfer news: When Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United for a record £80 million fee in 2009, it seemed he would never walk onto the pitch at Old Trafford in a red and black shirt again.

Chelsea Transfer Rumours: Andre Villas-Boas has admitted Chelsea are in the market for one more player during the January transfer window amid renewed speculation linking Porto striker Hulk with Stamford Bridge.

The agent of Keisuke Honda has told The International Business Times UK that reports of Liverpool and Arsenal's interest in the highly rated Japanese international are only "rumours".

The Football League today announced that it has agreed headline sponsors for three of its key categories for the Football League Awards 2012. The Perform Group, Football Manager and Mitre will sponsor the Best Marketing Campaign, Outstanding Managerial Achievement and Goal of the Year categories respectively.

Liverpool transfer rumour: Reds face a battle to sign reputed long-term CSKA Moscow target Keisuke Honda after the Russian side's coach warned the midfielder was unlikely to be sold in the January transfer window.

Arsenal transfer news: Matias Suarez has insisted he will not leave Anderlecht in the January transfer window, even if the forward were given the option of moving to Arsenal.

Liverpool transfer rumour: Liverpool are chasing 17 year old Nantes striker Jawad Boukabous, according to French media, with the youngster drawing the attention of numerous European clubs with his performances.