The Gossip

Manchester City are hoping to beat Chelsea and Manchester United to the signing of Barcelona defender Gerard Pique.

City boss Manuel Pellegrini is eyeing defensive reinforcements in January having seen his backline breached far to often for his liking this season.

And he has targeted the signing of the Spain international centre-back.

Starsport revealed earlier this month that United chiefs were confident of securing a deal to bring Pique back to Old Trafford.

Pique, who spent four years at United before joining Barca in 2008, is also attracting interest from Chelsea.

United will splash out £44m to sign loan star Radamel Falcao on a permanent deal at the end of the season.

The Colombia forward is currently on a season-long loan at United, but has already impressed manager Louis van Gaal with his performances and condition.

ON THE MOVE: Manchester City are interested in signing Chelsea and Manchester United target Gerard Pique from Barcelona [GETTY]

United, as part of the agreement with his parent club Monaco, have the option to make the 28-year-old's move a permanent one.

And according to Goal, a deal has been struck which will see him stay in Manchester for the long term.

Arsenal and Liverpool are set to miss out on PSG star Adrien Rabiot.

The 19-year-old is expected to leave the French champs at the end of the season when his current contract expires.

But it is unlikley he will be heading to the Premier League.

A spokesman from Rabiot's management company said: "Paris Saint-Germain would like to extend his contract but Rabiot is willing to leave PSG and join Roma."