Regional Paper Talk: Jan Vertonghen close to signing new contract at Tottenham

​​​​​​​A round-up of the top football stories and transfer gossip making the back pages of Friday's newspapers.

LONDON EVENING STANDARD

Jan Vertonghen is expected to sign a new contract with Tottenham despite a delay in terms being finalised.

Victor Wanyama insists Tottenham's morale-boosting win over league leaders Manchester City doesn't automatically make them title contenders.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is staying in charge of QPR and will not be punished for comments made to undercover reporters trying to expose corruption in football.

MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS

Inter Milan are set to renew their interest in Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta in January.

LIVERPOOL ECHO

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez was given an emotional round of applause by his team-mates after making a long-awaited return to full training yesterday.

Martin O'Neill has sought to clarify his use of James McCarthy following Everton manager Ronald Koeman's claims the Republic of Ireland were "killing" the midfielder.

NEWCASTLE CHRONICLE

Jonjo Shelvey is confident of playing for England again and feels Rafa Benitez holds the key to his hopes of adding to his collection of international caps.

Former Newcastle United midfielder Remy Cabella has admitted he wasn't cut out for English football.

SUNDERLAND ECHO

Sunderland's injury crisis is beginning to mount after the news that centre-back Lamine Kone is doubtful for Saturday's trip to Stoke.

Jermain Defoe has revealed he thrives on being the main man at Sunderland. 

BIRMINGHAM MAIL

Wolves favourite Matt Murray has stoked tension ahead of the Wolves-Villa derby by claiming Aston Villa 'see themselves as the biggest club in the Midlands'.

West Brom goal-getter Salomon Rondon is likely to be left out against Tottenham following his international exertions with Venezuela.

EXPRESS & STAR

Wolves have announced a ground-breaking deal that will see 10 of their matches screen on pay-per-view television in China.

Wolves winger Jordan Graham has suffered an injury setback after undergoing extra surgery on his knee.

THE SENTINEL

Mark Hughes is remaining fiercely loyal to misfiring striker Wilfried Bony as the Stoke striker heads into Saturday's clash with Sunderland seeking a first goal since Boxing Day.

THE DAILY ECHO

Jay Rodriguez insists he is ready to put his injury woes behind him as he looks to re-cement his place in the Southampton starting XI. 

LEICESTER MERCURY

Leicester must replicate their Champions League form in the Premier League if they are to start picking up more points, especially away from home, says Danny Drinkwater.

DERBY TELEGRAPH

Derby County have lost their way and need to install an identity, according to new Rams boss Steve McClaren.

THE PINK UN

John Ruddy admits he can't complain about playing second fiddle to Michael McGovern this season - but is fit and raring to go when called upon.

EVENING GAZETTE

New Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce says it would be "unfair" if he responded to speculation suggesting he will approach Middlesbrough's Steve Agnew to be his assistant.

WALES ONLINE

New Swansea City boss Bob Bradley has told his players they will have to live with him being hard on them, as he stamps his authority on the squad.

READING POST

Sky Sports pundit Ian Holloway has looked to reignite the age-old argument of who stole whose hoops between Reading and QPR fans.

THE STAR

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has refused to tone down his passionate touchline celebrations, insisting they reflect the emotions of manager the Blades.

EVENING TIMES

Brendan Rodgers has hinted that Craig Gordon could be set for a prolonged spell at his No 1 after a string of improved performances.