Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has criticised the lifestyles of some of his players, telling the club's TV channel"Some of them need to rethink the way they live Chelsea, they live football, they live their job. I feel frustrated with some players and I feel that some others give absolutely everything."
The Blues will tell Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola, 44, to name his price to succeed 52-year-old Mourinho. (Sun)
Chelsea are considering offering Guus Hiddink, 69, a second short-term stint as manager should they sack Mourinho. Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone, 45, is their longer-term target. (Daily Telegraph)
Former Tottenham boss Juande Ramos, 61, is the shock candidate being considered as a potential caretaker manager should Mourinho depart before the end of the season. (Times - subscription required)
Daily Telegraph journalist Jason Burt believes the end is "very close" for Mourinho, but only if the club can find the "right replacement". (BBC Radio 5 live)
Transfer gossip
Manchester United are ready to offer Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, 27, £10.9m a year. (Bild via Daily Star)
The Star focus on Mourinho's latest criticism of his Chelsea players
Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea are all tracking Stoke's former Barcelona playmaker Bojan Krkic, 25. (Sun)
Liverpool are considering a move for FC Basel striker Breel Embolo, 18, who is also wanted by Manchester United.(Calciomercato via Metro)
The Reds are also interested in Schalke's Cameroon international defender Joel Matip, 24, who is out of contract next summer. (Daily Express)
Chelsea are likely to bid for Southampton striker Graziano Pelle, 30, in the January transfer window. (CalcioNews24 via Daily Star)
Tottenham will have to put any move for Marseille's Belgium international striker Michy Batshuayi, 22, on hold until next summer at the earliest. (Daily Mirror)
Other gossip
Chelsea captain John Terry, 35, fears he might not be given a new contract. (London Evening Standard)
Manchester United are considering building a 'mini Old Trafford' next to their stadium that could hold about 5,000-10,000 fans and would host under-21 matches and some academy and FA Youth Cup fixtures.(Manchester Evening News)
Best of social media
After WWE performer Triple H declares himself a West Ham fan and tips Andy Carroll as a potential wrestler, the Hammers striker replies with a challenge.
Andy Carroll rises to the challenge
Premier League Bournemouth tweet some breaking news - a darts result as their own Marc Pugh beats BDO world champion and Cherries fan Scott Mitchell with a 114 checkout.
Festive frolics in the Rooney household
And finally
One Leicester City fan stands to win £5,000 from a £5 stake if the Foxes - who barely avoided relegation last season - are still top of the Premier League at Christmas. (Daily Mirror)
A Manchester United fan responded to a Manchester City fan calling the Red Devils' ticket office to request a seat at Old Trafford for the last 16 of the Champions League by asking for a chance to see the Champions League trophy on City's stadium tour. (Metro)