Gossip column: Advocaat, Aguero, Allardyce, Sanchez, Higuain

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Former West Ham manager Sam Allardyce, 60, is ready to succeed Dick Advocaat as Sunderland manager.(Sunday Times - subscription required)external-link

Daily Star Sunday back page
The back page of the Daily Star Sunday says Nigel Pearson and Sean Dyche are the favourites to succeed Dick Advocaat at Sunderland

Arsenal are set to offer forward Alexis Sanchez, 26, a new five-year contract worth £130,000 a week.(Sunday Mirror)external-link

Liverpool will compete with Arsenal to sign Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain, 27, in January.(Fichajes - in Spanish)external-link

Manager Louis van Gaal sent his Manchester United scouts to watch 23-year-old Porto defender Bruno Martins Indi in their 2-1 Champions League win over Chelsea.(O Jogo via Sunday Express)external-link

Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group could dismiss manager Brendan Rodgers, 42, if they lose Sunday's Merseyside derby against Everton. (Sunday People)external-link

The Anfield club are secretly setting up a home in Formby for a 'surprise guest' to use for an extended stay from November. (Sun on Sunday - subscription required)external-link

Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho says it is "truly an honour" to be praised by former Reds captain Steven Gerrard, who wrote in his autobiography the club should "treasure" the 23-year-old Brazilian. (Sunday Telegraph)external-link

However, according to compatriot and Paris St-Germain defender David Luiz, Coutinho will not stay at Anfield next season if Liverpool do not qualify for the Champions League.(Sunday Express)external-link

Independent on Sunday back page
The Independent on Sunday back page focuses on Sergio Aguero's five goals against Newcastle

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, 65, says he will make an "impulsive" decision on retirement. (Sun on Sunday - subscription required)external-link

Manchester City are favourites to sign Benfica's Brazilian midfielder Victor Andrade, 20, who is valued at £25m by the Portuguese club. (Sunday Mirror)external-link

Out-of-favour Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes, 33, may join Spanish club Sevilla in January on a free transfer. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish)external-link

Everton, Liverpool and Southampton are interested in signing £12m-rated Ajax winger Anwar El Ghazi, 20. (Sunday People)external-link

Former Manchester United defender Denis Irwin believes fellow Irishman Roy Keane should have been on Sir Alex Ferguson's list of world-class players he managed at Old Trafford. (Mail on Sunday)external-link

Despite his side sitting third in the Premier League, Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew, 54, says he "won't ever let it rest" until he gets to manage "one of the big clubs". (Mail on Sunday) external-link

Everton boss Roberto Martinez says he does not "entertain what's happened in the past" as they seek their first Merseyside derby victory for five years against Liverpool.(Liverpool Echo)external-link

Best of social media

No-one had a better day on Saturday than Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero, who scored five goals in 20 minutes against Newcastle. He tweeted:external-link "Very happy about the five goals and the victory. Thank you all for the encouragement and support. C'mon, City!"

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri has promised his team pizza when they keep a clean sheet but, following a 2-1 win at Norwich, defender Christian Fuchs tweeted:external-link "Hey @LCFC. Who cares about a clean sheet? THREE POINTS LADS!!! Have a great trip home!"

Christian Fuchs, Robert Huth and Wes Morgan
Christian Fuchs, Robert Huth and Wes Morgan were delighted as Leicester climbed to fourth in the Premier League

Midfielder James McArthur said everyone is "buzzing"external-link at Crystal Palace after victory over West Brom took the Eagles into third position.

And finally...

Newcastle players will be issued with club suits for the next home game against Norwich after Chancel Mbemba and Florian Thauvin arrived for matches wearing tuxedos. (Newcastle Chronicle)external-link

Bolivia's national team wielded guns and were urged to give everything for the team during a visit to the country's military college before the South American 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign begins. (Guardian)external-link

Wayne and Coleen Rooney spent nearly £150,000 on the kitchen for their Cheshire home - despite not cooking. (Sun on Sunday - subscription required)external-link