Arsenal still keen on Cabaye and 'new Ronaldo' Vadillo

DOORS are all the rage right now as far as Arsenal are concerned. While Nicklas Bendtner has been busy allegedly breaking them down, Newcastle star Yohan Cabaye has reportedly "opened the door" to a move to the Emirates.

According to the Daily Star, the French playmaker has dropped his strongest hint yet that he will fleeing the Magpies’ nest at the end of the season. The 27-year-old French international was strongly linked with the Gunners in the summer but that came to rien, as the French would say. But in an interview with French broadcaster RTL, Cabaye was asked if he was still thinking of a move to the Premier League leaders. "I miss the Champions League," he admitted. "I'll finish this season with Newcastle and concentrate on the coming months, and then we'll see."

The Star says Liverpool are also tailing Cabaye but speculates that Arsenal will be first to offer Newcastle the £20m that they apparently want for their gifted midfielder.

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Another player being linked with a move to the Emirates is talented young Real Betis striker Alvaro Vadillo who has been unimaginatively been dubbed the 'new Cristiano Ronaldo', presumably by his own agent.

Caughtoffside explains that news of the Gunners interest in the teenager emerged on Spanish football show Punta Pelota. It adds that the Spanish Under 20 international has impressed since breaking into the Betis first team two years ago and is now regarded as one of the "hottest properties" in European football.

The downside for Arsenal fans is that Betis are not going to let the next Ronaldo leave on the cheap and will demand at least £16m for his services.

More bad news for Spurs fans after their whipping at the hands of Man City at the weekend. Fans have seen their side manage a paltry nine goals this season and now striker Jermain Defoe, who has scored more than 100 times for the club, has apparently been deemed surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane and will join Canadian Major League Soccer outfit Toronto FC in January.

The 31-year-old has agreed an "incredible" £90,000-a-week switch, says the Daily Mirror. However, he may not be off just yet. The MLS season does not start until March, and the loyal striker is hoping to broker a deal that allows him to stick with Spurs until then, says the paper.

In other news, Agence France Presse claims that Musa Muhammed, who skippered Nigeria to success in the recent Under-17 World Cup is being courted by the Premier League's big guns. The strapping defender is apparently being given the once over by Chelsea, Liverpool and the two Manchester clubs with a view to a purchase next year. Asked by AFP about the rumours, Musa’s agent, Adam Mohammed, said: "We have received quite a number of offers from representatives of clubs in the English Premier League for Muhammed." Of course, you have, but when pressed for names he replied: "We would rather not disclose the identities of these clubs now. But we have some meetings planned for England this week and we will then take it from there."

According to Goal.com, Musa Muhammed isn't the only Nigerian wonderkid being pursued by a Premier League outfit. Striker Kelechi Iheanacho, voted the best player at the Under-17s World Cup for his six goals, is being linked with Manchester City following some odd comments by his old man.

James Iheanacho, who seems to be acting as his son's agent, told reporters that his son was going to Manchester City. How does he know? "We prayed and, after due consultations with family members, we came up with Manchester City, believing he has a future there," explained Iheanacho senior. "That is where he will be uplifted."

There is less uplifting news for Manchester United as it emerged that Ander Herrera has apparently ruled out a move to Old Trafford. The Daily Star says that though David Moyes is "desperate" to sign the Athletic Bilbao midfielder, Herrera is having none of it.

"I am tired about this issue," the Star quotes Herrera as saying "People are going to think that I want an exit but it is not true. I have said already that I am happy in Athletic Bilbao and I am going to stay here."

Herrera, formerly with Real Zaragoza, has a £36m release clause worked into his contract and the Star claims "United were ready to activate it in the New Year".