Morning Report: January 24

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Manchester United almost signed Robin van Persie back in 2004 when the striker was at Feyenoord.

Gareth Bale says Tottenham will bounce back from their defeat to City at the weekend - insisting Spurs are still title contenders.

Elsewhere, Crystal Palace and Cardiff are set for their Carling Cup semi-final second leg clash tonight, with the Eagles leading 1-0.

TRANSFER NEWS

Shaktar Donetsk have confirmed that they have swiftly rejected a €20m bid for Willian received from Chelsea. (Give Me Football)

Despite Arsene Wenger's insistence he will not spend this month, Arsenal are being linked with Florent Malouda. (Footy Bunker)

Manchester City and Tottenham target Mateo Kovacic has played down talks of a move away from Dinamo Zagreb. (Sky Sports)