FOOTBALL RUMOURS: Sunderland close to Big Sam deal, LVG targets Mane, Barca track ex-Reds veteran

Former Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce, 60, has been offered the job of replacing Dick Advocaat at Sunderland.

The Black Cats, without a win all season, are confident he will join them. (Mirror)

Mario Gotze, the 23-year-old Germany forward thought to be a target for Arsenal, says he has no intention of leaving Bayern Munich. (Daily Star)

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is determined to add Southampton’s Senegal forward Sadio Mane, 23, to his squad. (Metro)

Barcelona are considering a surprise move for Feyenoord’s former Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt, 35 (Metro)