ARSENAL hope to sign Benfica’s former Bolton striker Rodrigo, 22, but face competition from Valencia and Zenit St Petersburg.

NORWICH CITY are thought to be weighing up a move for Lazio’s France international defender Michael Ciani, 29.

REAL MADRID plan to make a £25m move for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney in the summer when he enters the final year of his contract.

MANCHESTER United are ready to break their transfer record with a £37m bid for Spanish midfielder Mata, but Chelsea are thought to want £40m for the player they bought from Valencia for £23.5m in 2011.

ATLETICO MADRID hope to hijack Manchester United’s attempts to sign Mata by offering David Moyes first option on striker Diego Costa, 25, and Brazilian full back Filipe Luis, 28, if they drop their interest in the Chelsea midfielder.

Centre back Joleon Lescott will be allowed to leave Manchester City before the end of the transfer window if manager Manuel Pellegrini can secure a replacement.

Lille have had a bid rejected for Sochaux full back Sebastien Corchia, who is also wanted by ARSENAL. The 23-year-old is under contract until 2015 but has hinted at a move to a bigger club in Europe.

Republic of Ireland midfielder Wes Hoolahan, 31, says he wants to leave NORWICH CITY, despite the club rejecting his transfer request.

STOKE CITY are considering recalling Cameron Jerome (left) from his loan at Crystal Palace if they fail to attract another striker before the end of the transfer window.

Bayern Munich defender Dante, 30, says MANCHESTER UNITED have shown an interest in signing him in the January transfer window.

STOKE CITY are closing in on the £5m signing of Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole, 25.