Transfer talk: Arsenal set to lose Hummels to United but they have a back-up plan

Apologies in advance...

Good news for Arsenal fans this morning to learn that Arsene Wenger has been proactive in planning ahead for January. All the talk was that Mats Hummels would be making his way to the Emirates to solve a chronic defensive crisis but Manchester United are looking clear favourites now to secure the signature of the German. Not to be deterred, Arsene has a contingency plan. If Arsenal are beaten to the purchase of World Cup-winning, double Bundesliga champion they will turn their attentions to 21-year-old Tyrone Mings of Ipswich Town instead (Mail on Sunday). Liverpool have actually got us sitting up and putting our tea to one side for a second as we scour through the papers.  This could actually prove a worthwhile, sensible and prosperous deal.  They've been crying on about needing a striker, they've realised that men like Luis Suarez aren't just lying around the like of Ipswich so, what do you, you make it up in the aggregate.  You make it up with goals. Javier Hernandez scores goals. The Anfield club are on red alert after news that Real Madrid have reportedly decided not to keep on their loan signing from United and, with Fergie out of the picture, the possibility of a switch from Old Trafford to Liverpool is no longer unthinkable.  This is an interesting one (Sunday Express). Whilst the darker corners of the rumour mill are whispering blasphemous links between Ryan Giggs and the Wigan job, Manchester City are closing in on Pep Guardiola. The Bayern Munich boss is being lined up as the next manager of the Premier League champions and the Germans are in a cold sweat with chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admitting that Pep doesn't 'place much value in a long-term contract' (Express). USA hero Tim Howard could be about to end an 11-year Premier League association and it's all thanks to David Bloody Beckham.  Word on the street is that Miami are looking to move heaven and earth to make the American icon one of the first faces of the newest MLS franchise (Sunday Mirror). Real Madrid are said to be 'within hours' of completing the signing of red hot Spanish prospect Marco Asensio.  The 18-year-old sensation has been impressing for Mallorca so Ancelotti wants to waste no time for fear someone else's ears might prick up for the winger. A part of the deal for the Spanish U19 is believed to be that, if Mallorca get promoted to the top flight, Asensio will rejoin the club on loan.  Presumably, otherwise, they're just going to look to loan him out anyway (Football Espana).