Chelsea have missed out on a key defensive target, as Bayern Munich have reportedly agreed an undisclosed fee for 22-year-old Germany centre-half Niklas Sule with his current club Hoffenheim. (Bild, via the Sun)
Former England midfielder Frank Lampard would “love” a return to Chelsea. The 38-year-old is now a free agent as his New York City contract expires at the end of 2016. (Sky Sports)
Sunderland manager David Moyes says his “priceless” striker Jermain Defoe, 34, is not for sale. (Sunderland Echo)
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy hopes defender Toby Alderweireld, 27, will sign a new five-year contract. (Mirror)
Italy striker Manolo Gabbiadini is set to leave Napoli, according to the club’s president. Everton and Stoke have been linked with signing the 25-year-old. (Radio Kiss Kiss, via FourFourTwo)
Barcelona have agreed a 30m euros (£25.5m) deal for Valencia and Portugal right-back Joao Cancelo, 22. (Sport.es)
Manager Jurgen Klopp has told fans “not to be surprised” if Liverpool do not sign any new players in the January transfer window. (Liverpool club website)
Former England goalkeeper Ben Foster, 35, is targeting silverware at West Bromwich Albion, after signing a new contract at the club. (Express and Star)
New Birmingham City boss Gianfranco Zola has hinted that he may make a move for Nottingham Forest’s 26-year-old midfielder Henri Lansbury. (Nottingham Post)
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We're not very good #BRFC
— Berwick Rangers (@OfficialBRFC) December 24, 2016
And finally
Watching Liverpool play Arsenal prior to the Olympic 400m final in Rio helped put South African athlete Wayde van Niekerk in the right frame of mind to win gold and smash Michael Johnson’s 17-year-old world record. (Liverpool club website)