Arsene Wenger dismisses van Nistelrooy talk

Arsene Wenger has denied he has any interest in signing Ruud van Nistelrooy as the club seek a goal scorer to replace the injured Robin van Persie. "It would not be the best of starts, bearing in mind our past relationship!" said a smiling Wenger, a reference to the Dutch Striker's antics against Arsenal when he played for Manchester United. In the most infamous incident, van Nistelrooy and Arsenal defender Martin Keown squared up to one another at Old Trafford in 2002.
 
Pressed on who Wenger would like to bring to the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners' boss replied: "We're at the beginning of December, if we are in the same situation with injuries in January then I will see. But we can't dream too much of finding a world-class player because that's what is needed to strengthen our team. But they also need not to be European cup-tied and who is also free so we must hope Father Christmas is good to us!"
 
If Sky Sports is to be believed, Father Christmas might deliver the highly rated Sergio Canales (above) to Arsenal, albeit as a late present, but then again Santa might also take him to Barcelona, Real Madrid or Sevilla. The quartet "are all believed to be keen on the 18-year-old midfielder", who currently plays for Racing Santander in the Spanish premier division. Canales's contract runs out at the end of the 2009-10 season and the player's father Angel – also his agent – has been quoted as saying: "I understand that clubs are keen to do business but for now it is better that we delay making any decision. The future of Sergio does not just depend on money, it will depend on who can offer the best sporting project."
 
Meanwhile, another teenager hoping to catch Wenger's eye in the coming days and weeks is Arsenal's 17-year-old English star Jack Wilshere. The highly-rated midfielder has made only three starts for the North London club this season – all in the Carling Cup – but with Arsenal now out of the competition, Wilshere may be loaned out next month. Celtic, Rangers and Middlesbrough all in the frame as possible destinations.
 
But Wilshere told the Sun he didn't much fancy playing in Scotland or the Championship: "I'd rather stay and be involved at Arsenal though, of course, we'll see what happens. I'd think about a loan move but I think it would have to be in the Premier League"

Manchester City are said to be lining up a £12m bid for Bayern Munich left-back Philipp Lahm. The 26-year-old German international is allegedly unhappy with his club’s bosses and City manager Mark Hughes might make a move for Lahm in next month’s transfer window.
 
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has denied he has any interest in signing Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko, a player who will face United in tonight’s Champions League clash. "It is an age-old story," said Ferguson. "Every time someone does well against Manchester United we are going to buy him the next day. There is nothing from Manchester United at this moment concerning Edin Dzeko."

West Ham could turn to firebrand Brazilian striker Adriano in a bid to stave off the threat of relegation according to the Sun. The 27-year-old is available on a free transfer from Flamengo. The former Inter Milan hitman helped the Brazilian outfit to their first title in 35 years, scoring 19 goals in the campaign. The move would be a risky one for the Hammers though, Adriano walked out on Inter earlier this year and has battled depression and alcoholism during his career.

Liverpool are set to sign 16-year-old Icelandic prodigy Kristjan Gauti Emilsson says the Daily Mail. The young centre-back, who is a Liverpool fan, had also had trials with Manchester United and Rangers, but has been offered a contract after impressing Rafa Benitez. He described the move as a "dream come true". ·