Premiership football news and latest transfer rumours

Stoke City midfielder Liam Lawrence is building up to a first-team return after undergoing surgery on an ankle injury.

Stoke striker Dave Kitson and defender Ryan Shawcross are out of Saturday's trip to Newcastle United.

Elano could be out for at least two weeks after sustaining a groin strain in City's goalless draw with Paris St Germain in the UEFA Cup

Newcastle stars Steven Taylor and Mark Viduka are expected to start on the bench when United take on Stoke City on Saturday.

Cesc Fabregas has re-affirmed his desire to stay at Arsenal after reports suggested he fancied a move to AC Milan one day.

Portsmouth boss Tony Adams has admitted he is considering a formation switch for tonight's clash with Wolfsburg.

Former Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has emerged as the early front runner to replace Roy Keane as the next Sunderland boss.

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has thanked Roy Keane for the 'winning mentality' he brought to the club following his resignation.

Sir Alex Ferguson says none of his squad will be available on loan in January as United face a congested fixture list next year.

Both West Brom boss Tony Mowbray and Derby County chief Paul Jewell are considering loan moves for Arsenal striker Jay Simpson.

Gareth Barry has said he will wait to see if Aston Villa reach the Champions League before deciding whether to stay at the club.

Fulham winger Lee Cook will complete a £850,000 move back to his old club QPR once the transfer window re-opens in January.

Gunners youngster Jay Simpson is close to agreeing a new three-year deal while Derby and West Brom want to take him on loan.

Andrew Taylor has admitted that several Boro players have been texting old boy George Boateng ahead of Saturday's trip to face Hull.

Luiz Felipe Scolari is reportedly set to bolster his Chelsea strikeforce with a loan swoop for CSKA Moscow's Vagner Love.