* The Observer:
Both Arsenal and Manchester United are interested in signing West Ham captain Nigel Reo-Coker before the transfer window shuts on Friday.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is keen to acquire the 22-year-old, a key figure in West Ham's return to the Premiership and run to last season's FA Cup Final, to add some steel to his midfield. But the Gunners may face competition from United, who are expected to turn their attention to the England Under-21 captain if their attempts to sign Owen Hargreaves, which have so far been rebuffed by Bayern Munich, prove fruitless.
Reo-Coker is understood to have a clause in his contract at Upton Park stipulating that he can leave if any of the clubs finishing in the top three places in the Premiership the previous season come in for him. That would open the door to an approach from United, but not Arsenal, who finished fourth in May.
It is understood that Reo-Coker would join either club. He is paid about £15,000-a-week at West Ham, but would see that rise to £40,000 if he went to Old Trafford or £45,000 at the Emirates Stadium. In addition, Hammers manager Alan Pardew is thought to be willing to let his skipper go - if the price is right - despite his pivotal role in the team and popularity with West Ham fans.
The impending closure of the summer transfer window until January may also see United step up their interest this week in Carlos Tevez, the Argentine striker who plays for Corinthians of Brazil.
* Hargreaves:
"I've given everything to Bayern Munich for the last nine years and I want to be treated with respect.
"I simply want it to be accepted that Manchester would be a great step for me. Part of my family lives near Manchester and a lot of things come together."
Bayern's Ule Hoeness says that Hargreaves is gong nowhere despite signing Mark van Bommel:
"We want to get even stronger with Van Bommel and Hargreaves..
"We are in agreement with Barcelona.
"Van Bommel is coming next week. If he gets through the medical without any problems, he will sign a three-year deal.
"We had buried the topic [Hargreaves] 14 days ago - and it will remain buried.
"Owen stays with us. Alex Ferguson has to plan without Owen Hargreaves."
PA:
Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday denied making an illegal approach for England midfielder Owen Hargreaves.
But Ferguson rejects the accusation he has held talks with the 25-year-old. "I have not spoken to the boy," said the United manager. "I have not read the comments and I know nothing about it but that is not right [that United made an illegal approach]."
Ferguson said the move for Hargreaves was no nearer, although he was still waiting to discover whether chief executive David Gill had been able to instigate any fruitful discussions with Bayern officials at Thursday's Champions League draw.
"We know what the situation is," said the Scot. "We just need Bayern to tell us what is happening."
* Senna quoted in the NOTW:
"It went very quiet, then Mr Ferguson's assistant told my agent he was sorry but they had orders from above.
"Quieroz said the sponsor [AIG] preferred English players and although they wanted me, they would have to wait. But they never caled back."
* Gill talks about Bardsley and Martin on loan at Rangers:
"Lee Martin is there for the full season. We've sorted that out now with Rangers.
"As for Bardsley, we can recall him in January as it stands. You have to do these things during the transfer window so he is there for that period at least.
"I have heard all the rumours about us selling Bardsley to Villa but there's simply no chance of that."
* Sunday Mirror on Harry Redknapp:
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is on a collision course with the Football Association.
The FA are threatening to suspend him following their investigation into an alleged betting scam following his appointment at Fratton Park last December.
Redknapp has already handed over all his phone records but the FA's compliance unit are attempting to charge him with failing to assist them with their inquiry. And it centres around demands to see his and his wife Sandra's personal bank records.
Mandaric, Redknapp and Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie appeared voluntarily before the compliance unit on Tuesday and were hijacked by photographers.
Mandaric said last night: "It doesn't take a genius to work out that these people are being tipped off by someone and everything points to the FA.
"And I can understand why Harry's wife wouldn't want their bank records in the public domain because that will be the next thing, the media writing how much and what he spends his money on."
Meanwhile, Pompey star Richard Hughes has been interviewed by the FA over a bet he placed on Redknapp to return to the club.
Scottish defender Hughes admitted cashing in on the move but he escaped with a strong warning and was reminded about the FA's strict rules on betting
.