FOOTBALL RUMOURS: Chelsea chase former Manchester United striker, cash boost for Bournemouth, Carroll to make a Newcastle return?

Chelsea are considering a summer move for Napoli and Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain, formerly of Manchester United, putting the future of current Blues forward Diego Costa in doubt. (Daily Mirror).

Bournemouth are plotting a January raid for QPR striker Charlie Austin after confirming an American billionaire has bought a 25 per cent stake in the club. (Daily Star).

Patrick Vieira will become the new head coach of New York City football club after signing a three-year deal with the MLS club. The 39-year-old, whose current role is head coach of the Elite Development Squad at Manchester City, will take up his new job on January 1 in advance of pre-season for the team’s second MLS campaign (Sky Sports).

Liverpool will sign former AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato, 26, in January, according to the president of his current club Corinthians. (Independent).

Newcastle want to bring back West Ham striker Andy Carroll to help their relegation battle. (Daily Mirror).

Garry Monk has been handed a stay of execution at Swansea. But after crisis talks with chairman Huw Jenkins, the 36-year-old has has just weeks to save his job. (Daily Star).

Johan Cruyff has said it is “all hands on deck” dealing with his lung cancer. The former Ajax, Barcelona and Holland forward’s illness was made public last month, with the 68-year-old’s official website reporting that he had undergone various check-ups in Spain. (The Guardian).