Tags - ahead

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to step up his pursuit of a new goalkeeper and has set his sights on Birmingham City's Jack Butland, according to reports in the Daily Star. The Gunners currently have Manuel Almunia out on loan with Championship club West Ham and current No.

A host of Premier League and Championship clubs, including Liverpool, have reportedly made enquiries about Hampton & Richmond's teenage striker Richard Thompson. As well as the Reds, Newcastle, Stoke, Queens Park Rangers and Crystal Palace have all been in touch with the Conference South club with regards to Thompson. However, according to skysports.

Everton boss David Moyes is reportedly keen on bringing LA Galaxy star Landon Donovan back to Goodison Park on loan when the MLS season finishes later this month.   Donovan enjoyed a successful period with Everton in 2010, as he looked to maintain fitness and sharpness ahead of the World Cup.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has reportedly contacted Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho directly to discuss a deal for midfielder Esteban Granero. Various reports in recent weeks have claimed the Gunners are edging closer to a move for the 24-year-old Spaniard as Wenger seeks to bolster his midfield options.

Malaga are interested in taking Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku on loan in January for the rest of the campaign, according to reports in Talksport. The 18-year-old joined Chelsea in the summer for £18million from Anderlecht and this season has started just two games for the Blues, both in the Carling Cup.

Arsenal goalkeeper Lukaasz Fabianski could be heading out of the Emirates in order to gain more first-team football ahead of Euro 2012 in his native Poland next summer, according to reports in the Daily Mirror. Polish compatriot Wojciech Szczesny is currently ahead of Fabianski both at Arsenal and in the national side.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is preparing to make a move for Sevilla goalkeeper Javi Varas. Wojciech Szczensy is the current Arsenal number one keeper, however the other two goalkeepers at the Emirates Manuel Almunia and Luukasz Fabianski could both be leaving come the end of the campaign.

*With just 40 weeks to go to the start of the London 2012 Olympics, world marathon champion Abel Kirui will be putting his talent to the test in next weekend’s Great South Run.  * * * The 29-year-old Kenyan, is a favourite for gold in London, having been pre-selected by Athletics Kenya earlier this month.