Transfer Talk: Featuring Drogba and Barkley

All the transfer news and gossip you need to know from the last 24 hours...

The transfer window may be closed, but there is plenty of transfer gossip doing the rounds at the moment, We're here to fill you in with a handy round-up. And there is no better place to start than the rumour Didier Drogba is a target for Arsenal. The striker is contracted to Shanghai Shenhua at present but there have been noises to suggest he could be looking for an exit route with possible financial troubles at the Chinese club, and The Sun are reporting Arsene Wenger is to enquire after the Ivorian's availability. However former Chelsea assistant boss Ray Wilkins says the striker would never move to the Gunners.

David Bentley says moving to FC Rostov full time is a possibility if his loan move goes well. The Tottenham midfielder has joined on loan until January, and is keen not to close any doors.

Rumours concerning both Arsenal and Tottenham relates to the availability of Fernando Llorente. The Spanish striker is out of contract with Athletic Bilbao next summer and will be free to negotiate with clubs from January, making him the hottest property on the free agent market. Both clubs are said to be interested in talks, and they certainly will not be the only ones. Liverpool are also interested in him, along with AC Milan and Juventus. 

Exiting the Gunners in January could be Theo Walcott, who it appears is no closer to signing a new contract. Liverpool remain admirers, but it is Italian champions Juventus who will step up their efforts, with a £10 million bid to test Arsenal's resolve. 

The Mirror report on two starlets being chased by the big clubs. Liverpool are looking at Racing's Luciano Vietto, an 18-year-old Argentine midfielder who is rated at £4 million.  Manchester United are said to be monitoring Italian striker Dominic Berardi, who plays for his country's under-19 side and is currently impressing with Serie B side Sassuolo.

And finally, Everton are set to send teenage starlet Ross Barkley out on loan to allow him to benefit from regular first team football. The midfielder is wanted by Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, and the two clubs are said to be close to agreeing a short term deal. 

image: © Crystian Cruz

Dan Coombs

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Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.

As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.

He grew up wanting to be a Formula 1 driver, but it looks like this dream has passed him by. Instead, he hopes you enjoy reading his writing on our site, as we seek to debate the day's sporting hot topics.