Arsenal line up Wenger replacement

GettyImagesArsenal are ready to replace Arsene Wenger if they fail to agree terms on a new contract.

When Arsene Wenger said recently that he is "in no hurry" to sign a new contract with Arsenal, it seemed the Frenchman dealt the first hand in a tricky game of blackjack with the club's board. But while Wenger smirked at his pair of Kings, in the corner of the room sat Ivan Gazidis sniggering -- Ace and Jack.


With Arsene reluctant to extend his deal beyond its conclusion in June 2014, the Gunners are not prepared to take any chances on their future and have reportedly set their sights on Juventus coach Antonio Conte if an agreement cannot be reached with their current boss, the Daily Star reports. Should Wenger give an indication his 17-year career at the Emirates is coming to an end, the Arsenal board are ready to make a play for Conte, despite the Italian appearing settled with the Italian champions.

The Daily Mirror says QPR boss Harry Redknapp could make a hurried dip into the transfer market ahead of Saturday's trip to Yeovil, with Rangers suffering an attacking shortage following Bobby Zamora's injury. Andy Johnson is also struggling to recover from a knee injury and Redknapp is eager to rush a new attacker on loan immediately. QPR have been linked with Tottenham youngster Harry Kane, but the former England manager could look elsewhere in a bid to find a reinforcement immediately.

Marc Albrighton was once touted as Aston Villa's brightest prospect, but the 23-year-old, who made his first team debut in 2009, has fallen out of favour at Villa Park and is about to be sent out on loan, the Mirror reports. Derby are set to benefit from Paul Lambert's decision and could have the winger for the remainder of the season.