Arsenal are pushing Arsene Wenger to sign a new contract in a bid to head off interest from Real Madrid, according to the Daily Star.

The Gunners will step up their bid to get the Frenchman to agree a new deal, with the current one expiring at the end of the season.

Reports in Spain claim Wenger had lunch with two Real Madrid ‘representatives’ in London yesterday.

But last night Wenger denied the claims, saying: "I am the manager of Arsenal ."

******************

It is widely reported that Steven Gerrard's broken foot could keep him on the sidelines until Christmas.

The Liverpool and England midfielder limped out of Monday’s 2-1 defeat at Manchester United and an X-ray revealed he had broken his fifth metatarsal. Kop insiders fear he will be out for three months.

Gerrard will definitely miss England’s World Cup clashes with Wales and Azerbaijan early next month.

England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson said: "I’ve spoken to Steven personally. It’s very disappointing news."

******************

Roy Keane last night warned £30m new boy Wayne Rooney that Old Trafford hangers-on will try to destroy him.

The Manchester United skipper said: "You have to learn to choose your friends carefully or they will stitch you up.

"Don’t trust anyone new. I’ll meet 100 people in the next two weeks and 99 per cent of them will ask me for something." (Daily Mirror)

******************

Fulham will complete the signing of veteran French World Cup winner Youri Djorkaeff today, report The Sun.

The 36-year-old midfielder has been a free agent since failing to agree terms with Bolton in the summer.

Djorkaeff said: "I wanted to feel that sensation again of playing in English football. The manager Chris Coleman and I shook hands – now it is in the hands of the board."

******************

David O’Leary has urged Aston Villa chairman Doug Ellis to step up negotiations over a new contract that would keep him at the club for another five years.

The Villa boss has 18 months left on his current deal, but is prepared to open discussions on an extension.

O’Leary said: "If they want to offer me a new contract I want to stay here." (Daily Mirror)