Transfer news round-up: Mario Mandzukic linked with Manchester United and Arsenal; Salomon Kalou set for England return; Arsene Wenger 'looked into' signing Robert Lewandowski

A look at some of the more eye opening rumours from around the web as the transfer window hurtles on

Mario Mandzukic, an old-fashioned target man, celebrates his goal (Reuters)

Manchester United and Arsenal are interested in Bayern Munich forward Mario Mandzukic after the German champions confirmed that Robert Lewandowski will sign for the club in the summer.

French giants Monaco are reportedly on the verge of making an offer for Blackpool winger Tom Ince, hoping to secure the England Under-21 star cheaply as his contract runs down. Like his dad, Paul, Ince is considering a career abroad.

Sam Rush, Derby County’s chief executive, has told Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal that their 18-year-old playmaker Will Hughes will not be leaving the iPro Stadium in January. His education will be best served at Derby, according to the club.

Cardiff City manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has stolen a march on his Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Crystal Palace in the Bluebirds' attempts to lure Wilfried Zaha to South Wales.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted for the first time that the Premier League leaders tried to sign Robert Lewandowski before he quit Borussia Dortmund for Bayern Munich. He said: "Yes we looked into Lewandowski but honestly he signed for Bayern one and a half years ago, everyone knows that.

Former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou could be returning to the Premier League after reports in France suggested that Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur could be interested in the Ivory Coast international.

Newcastle United have reportedly rekindled their interest in Borussia Monchengladbach's Luuk de Jong after failing with a £10m bid for the striker while he was at FC Twente two years ago.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez is hoping to tie up a pre-contract agreement with Spartak Moscow winger Aiden McGeady - and may agree a fee with the Russian club in order to sign him this month, according to reports.

Norwich are hoping to strike a deal for Everton defender John Heitinga, 30, who last week abandoned a move to Premier League rivals West Ham.

Kevin Phillips is set to join Championship leaders Leicester City as the 40-year-old eyes one last shot at promotion to the Premier League, according to reports in the Midlands. The news only broke after QPR manager Harry Redknapp broke the story last week.