FOOTBALL RUMOURS: Arsenal pair still affected by attacks, Bale ready for El Clasico, Gerrard rules out Kop return

Arsene Wenger fears French duo Laurent Koscielny and Olivier Giroud are still traumatised by the Paris terror attacks.

Wenger will hold heart-to-heart talks with both players as he weighs up whether to leave them out of the side for tomorrow’s trip to West Brom, with both given the option to sit out the clash. (Daily Star)

Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale has claimed he’s “ready for battle” as he heads into a crucial clásico with Barcelona at the Bernabeu on Saturday.

The Welshman has endured a frustrating season in the Spanish capital, with injuries limiting his time on the field. (Mirror)

LA Galaxy midfielder Steven Gerrard says he will not be returning on loan to Liverpool in January.

“I’ve retired from the national team so I don’t have to go and prove myself in Europe,” Gerrard told Eurosport International in an exclusive interview. (Sky Sports)

Leicester Manager Claudio Ranieri has told striker Jamie Vardy, 28, that staying at the club will give him his best chance of making England’s Euro 2016 squad. (Daily Express)

Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes, 33, is set to join Spanish side Espanyol on a free transfer in January.

The ex-Barcelona player has made one Premier League appearance since joining United on a free transfer. (Daily Star)