Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni has set his sights on a return to Serie A with Roma this winter, although a deal has yet to be concluded.
The 32-year-old is surplus to requirements at the Bundesliga club, who are even considering letting the World Cup winner leave on a free transfer.
"Nothing is certain yet but I want to move to Roma and I will do it," Toni told reporters.
Since Roma are listed on the Italian stock exchange, a transfer can only be completed when the financial details are revealed to shareholders and this may currently be preventing the Italian club from announcing the deal, which should go through in early January.
Serie A matches on Friday?
The Italian Football League is expected to give its green light for teams in the Champions League to play their Serie A matches on a Friday evening to have more time to prepare.
The suggestion was put forward by Inter coach Jose Mourinho a few weeks back but now it seems the football bosses in Italy will seriously consider the move in fixtures given that the nation is close to being overtaken in the UEFA rankings by Germany.
Should that happen then Serie A will see its number of Champions League entrants reduced from four to three teams.
The Champions League resumes in February with Inter-Chelsea, Milan-Manchester United and Fiorentina-Bayern Munich.
No complaints for Newcastle boss
Newcastle manager Chris Hughton admitted his runaway Championship leaders could have no complaints after they were held to a 2-2 draw by struggling Sheffield Wednesday.
Wednesday, now third bottom of the English second tier after 10 games without a win, refused to surrender and were rewarded in the 59th minute when James O'Connor fired home from six yards to make it 2-2.
"We have no given right to win any game and we faced a spirited Wednesday side," Hughton said.
"We didn't start the game well and gave away a poor goal."
Juve set to move for Schelotto
Ezequiel Matias Schelotto, the U-21 Italy international who plays for Cesena in Serie B, could join Juventus this month as the Turin giants are looking to sign a replacement for Mauro Camoranesi.
Reports said Juve are seriously monitoring the performances of Schelotto as Camoranesi, now 33, could soon be hanging up his boots.
Schelotto, like Camoranesi, was born in Argentina but has opted for an international career with Italy after already appearing for the U-21 side.
Juventus, however, may face stiff competition for Schelotto with Fiorentina and Milan also said to be keen for his signature.
James 'flattered' by Spurs talk
Portsmouth keeper David James admits he is "flattered" by reported interest from Tottenham as he looks to boost his World Cup chances.
James, 39, is reportedly attracting the interest of Spurs and former Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp, who has been without an established back-up to Heurelho Gomes since Carlo Cudicini suffered serious injuries in a motorbike accident last month.
"You could say that I'm flattered by a team of Tottenham's stature and that it would be good for my England chances to join an upwardly-mobile club," James said.
Drogba can play against Fulham
Manager Carlo Ancelotti endured more frustration as Chelsea drew 0-0 at Birmingham City on Saturday but the news that top scorer Didier Drogba can play in today's home game with Fulham provided some festive cheer.
Drogba, and fellow Ivory Coast striker Salomon Kalou, have been given clearance to delay their departure for next month's African Nations Cup until after the west London derby.
"We asked the national team and the coach agreed with us," Ancelotti said.
The stalemate with Birmingham represented the London club's first failure to score in 34 matches in all competitions and means they have won just once in seven games.
Throw out throw-ins, says Wenger
Football could be speeded up by replacing throw-ins with kick-ins, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said.
The Frenchman believes some clubs gain an unfair advantage simply because they have a player who can propel the ball long distances with their throws.
"For example at Stoke, for Rory Delap it is like kicking the ball," Wenger said.
"It is a little bit of an unfair advantage. He is using a strength that is usually not a strength in football.
"So (the rule I would change would be) maybe to play throw-ins by foot. Why not? I think it would make the game quicker," added Wenger.