Gossip: Lewandowski, Sane, Saponara, Musonda

LEWANDOWSKI TO LIVERPOOL, ARSENAL EYE TRIO
It seems it is not just the English media that gets a little desperate during the international break. German publication Sport Bild have taken the opportunity to chuck around a load of steaming hot transfer bulls**t. Let’s see if any of this sticks…

• Liverpool want Robert Lewandowski and they believe that a deal is possible.
• Manchester United want Wolfsburg left-back Ricardo Rodriguez (poor Luke Shaw) and Bayer Leverkusen star Hakan Calhanoglu.
• Arsenal have already made contact over Bayer Leverkusen attacker Karim Bellarabi and Schalke defender Benedikt Howedes.
• The Gunners will fight Liverpool for Schalke starlet Leroy Sane.

It’s almost as if they’re making it up.

RICCARDO ON REDS’ RADAR
Liverpool are said to be preparing a bid for Empoli attacking midfielder Riccardo Saponara.

Tuttosport says the Reds have had the 23-year-old watched this season, during which he has scored four goals and provided three assists in eight starts.

Jurgen Klopp may have to wait until next summer to make a move, though, with the Empoli sporting director insisting recently: “No-one will move in January.”

The Daily Express says that would suit Saponara just fine, with the former Italy Under-21 international said to be keen to stay in Serie A in an effort to force his way into Antonio Conte’s senior squad in time for Euro 2016.

UNITED AND ARSENAL IN LINE FOR CHARLY
Manchester United and Arsenal both want to sign wantaway Chelsea starlet Charly Musonda.

The Belgian striker has been reported to be unsettled at Stamford Bridge, with the 19-year-old said to be unhappy at the lack of opportunities to step up to the first-team squad.

Arsenal have been linked with Musonda, as have Monaco, who reportedly wanted him as part of the Radamel Falcao deal. But United are also now credited with an interest, according to Foot Mercato.

The French outlet quotes a source close to Musonda, who says the teenager ‘feels like he is wasting his time’ at Stamford Bridge.

Poor lad. Of course, Chelsea are renowned for giving youth players a chance, so there’s no way he could’ve seen this situation coming…

AND THE REST
Diego Costa is facing a fight to maintain his status as Chelsea’s first-choice striker…Paul Lambert is the strong favourite to become Blackburn boss – former Watford boss Slavisa Jokanovic is also linked…Cristiano Ronaldo is uncomfortable at Real Madrid as speculation about his future grows among Spanish press…Ronaldo says Angel Di Maria lacks the desire that has helped make him an all-time great…Pep Guardiola will be offered a staggering £17m-a-year to stay at Bayern Munich – and snub a move to the Premier League…Jose Mourinho is furious with the League Managers’ Association for not giving him more backing…

Chelsea transfer guru Michael Emenalo is the latest senior figure to feel the heat of the club’s disastrous season…Kevin Mirallas has warned boss Roberto Martinez he will look to quit Everton in January if he does not get more time on the pitch…Gonzalo Higuain is loving life at Napoli and currently has no intention of leaving Serie A, according to his brother…Arsene Wenger has refused to rule out managing another club after Arsenal but the Frenchman insists it will not be in England…Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says doping is rife in football…The FA has hired a lawyer to try and reclaim £21m spent on the failed bid for the 2018 World Cup…Michu is hoping to resurrect his career with Spanish fourth division side Union Popular de Langreo after leaving Swansea.