ARSENAL LAUGH OFF CHINESE WHISPERS

In the most bizarre story of the year so far, Shenyang Jinde general manager Wang Dezhong announced to a press conference that Vieira was on the verge of leaving London for China for a seven-month loan deal.

"25-year-old Arsenal and France midfielder Patrick Vieira is set to visit C-League side Shenyang Jinde on January 10 to discuss the terms for a possible move," said Wang.

Inevitably, Arsenal have dismissed the reports out of hand, with a spokesperson telling planetfootball: "As a rule we don't comment on speculation, but I think we can tell you that this is one of the funnier stories we have received."

It remains to be seen if Wang's prediction becomes one of the most unexpected happenings of the decade, but he did insist that the player was top of their wanted list.

"We are not sure how much Vieira will require for his salary, but he really is an outstanding player that we want."