Rumour Mill

Sportswear giant Nike has said it is "deeply concerned" by rape allegations against superstar footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. Nike, who have a contract worth a reported £768m with the Juventus striker, said it would "continue to closely monitor the situation". (Associated Press)

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho could be sacked as early as next week if his stuttering side lose to Newcastle United on Saturday. (The Sun)

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino is Manchester United owner Ed Woodward's No.1 choice to take over at Old Trafford if Jose Mourinho is sacked. (The Independent)

Manchester United trio David De Gea, Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial were all transfer targets for Zinedine Zidane while he was Real Madrid manager. (Manchester Evening News)

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has promised to take the entire squad on holiday if they avoid relegation from the Premier League this season. (Daily Mail)

David Moyes is now the new bookmakers' favourite to replace Steve Bruce as Aston Villa's next manager. (Daily Express)

Arsenal want Juventus chief executive Giuseppe Marotta, who is leaving the club, but Inter Milan are also keen. (Tuttosport)

Manchester City have fitted their team bus with state-of-the-art surveillance equipment ahead of their visit to Anfield, where it was attacked last season. (Daily Mail)

Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris says his off-field problems - including being charged with drink-driving - were not responsible for his error against Barcelona. (The Guardian)

Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez has had enough of working with Jose Mourinho and has talked with his agent about how to sort out the mess. (Various)

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is among the front-runners to replace Steve Bruce at Aston Villa. (Various)