Friday's gossip column - transfers and rumours

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Striker Mario Balotelli wants to leave Manchester City and return to Italy, says the 22-year-old's friend - Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.
Mario Balotelli
Manchester City bought Mario Balotelli from Inter Milan for around £24m in August 2010
Chelsea defender David Luiz hopes Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao, 26, chooses a move to Stamford Bridge in January.
Chelsea expect to finalise the £4.5m signing of Brazilian right - back Wallace, 18, over the weekend and will keep him at Stamford Bridge rather than loan him back to Fluminense.
Everton manager David Moyes was among the scouts watching Norway defender Vegard Forren, 24, during their 2-0 win over Hungary on Wednesday, but Fulham are thought to be favourites to sign the player from Norwegian champions, Molde.

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has denied suggestions of a contract dispute with Raheem Sterling, 17, over a new deal for the winger.
Manchester United are increasingly hopeful that club captain Nemanja Vidic, 31, could return early from a serious knee injury in time for the derby away to Manchester City on 9 December.
Former Queens Park Rangers forward Trevor Sinclair says his former team, who are bottom of the Premier League, have one month to start picking up points or they will leave themselves with too much to do to avoid relegation.

AND FINALLY

Newcastle United players had their own bush-tucker trials at their training ground when the club's chef, Liz Hornsby, hosted her own 'I'm A Celebrity' challenge, as a tribute to Newcastle fans Ant and Dec.
Santa Cruz midfielder Chicao has been banned for two matches for smearing his blood over rival Esley during an ill-tempered match in Brazil.