FOOTBALL

Arsenal and Tottenham have both made bids for Leandro Damiao, according to the Brazilian striker's agent.

Robin Van Persie has revealed that Theo Walcott is the reason behind his goals, with the striker claiming that the two players have a 'connection' that has allowed them to hit top form and bring Arsenal back to within contention for a Champions League spot.

Laurent Robert has praised his former club Newcastle United for their recent investment in French talent like Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa.

Arsenal target Lucho Gonzalez has concrete plans in place to leave Marseille in the next transfer window, according to his agent, as clubs begin to get ready for January.

Sepp Blatter's controversial views on racism in football has sparked outrage in the sporting world, with many calling for the FIFA president to resign. IBTimes Sport takes a look at the reaction to his remarks:

The agent of Gregory Van der Wiel has not received any offers from Manchester United, Arsenal or Chelsea but admits the Holland international’s future in January will be decided by Ajax.

The fall-out from Sepp Blatter's recent remarks on the state of the world's favourite game - "there is no racism... at the end of the game, we shake hands" - continues to dominate the back-pages this morning. But Blatter's latest blunder is just the most recent in a series of contentious public moments.

Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen, with the 19-year-old revealing he is considering a move to Spain.

Arsenal target Marco Reus believes that he is ready to make the step up to a bigger club than Borussia Monchengladbach, with the midfielder admitting to being flattered by interest to join Bayern Munch.

Jack Rodwell has acclaimed the new wave of England players who have made the transition from the Under-21s to the senior side.

Swansea City will have to play close attention to Manchester United youngster Tom Cleverley when the two sides face in the Premier League this weekend, according to Swans forward Danny Graham.

Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie has credited Arsene Wenger for helping him become one of the finest strikers in the world.

Daniel Sturridge is ready to take over Fernando Torres' position as number one striker at Chelsea, with the youngster hoping to fill the void left by Wayne Rooney in England's European Championship campaign next year.

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has emerged as a £15m January target for Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala, according to the player's agent.

Tom Cleverley and Ashley Young are both expected to be fit for Manchester United’s Premier League encounter with Swansea City this weekend.

Milos Krasic's agent has claimed that he is considering a move to the Premier League, with Dejan Joksimovic insisting that his client is fielding offers in both England and Germany as he weighs up the option of leaving Juventus.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter moved to play down the controversy surrounding his comments after claiming racist abuse between players on the pitch should be settled with a handshake.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes the current predominantly British squad at Anfield can end his agonising wait for a Premier League title.

Manchester United and Liverpool will have to wait until the summer transfer window to land Brazilian youngster Lucas, with a source insisting that only an irresistible offer will tempt Sao Paulo to sell in January.

Martin Johnson has publicly confirmed his decision to resign as the England team manager in a press conference at Twickenham, suggesting it was a considered decision made on the basis that it "was the right time to go".

Treble winner Nicky Butt has revealed that he plans on making a return to football, with the Manchester United star admitting he has been attending training sessions at his old club to get a feel for a management position.

Paul Pogba is set to start talks with Manchester United about a new contract, with the youngster free to start talking to other clubs about a potential move in January.

Manchester City winger Adam Johnson has reportedly signed a new long term contract to remain at the Etihad Stadium until 2015.

Liverpool's on-loan midfielder Alberto Aquilani will make his move to AC Milan permanent, according to his agent, with the star confident that the Italian club will activate the buyout clause in his contract.

Arsenal will turn their attentions away from signing Valencia teenager Paco Alcacer, with the starlet signing a contract extension with the Spanish giants to tie him to the club until 2016.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerard believes Luis Suarez has the ability to be one of the best players in the world.

Former Liverpool defender Glenn Hysen believes that the club need to sign new players in January in order to get to the level of challenging for Champions League qualification.

Former Liverpool captain Jamie Redknapp has praised Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell but believes he needs to get a nasty streak in order to truly realise his undoubted potential.

The Turkish Football Federation have terminated Guus Hiddink's contract by mutual consent, after the manager failed to qualify for the 2012 Euro tournament.