From the Back Pages, December 31: Gareth Bale to Manchester United: Real Madrid won’t sell forward - not even for £120m

Alan Pardew hopes to take charge of his first game as Crystal Palace’s manager at Aston Villa on New Year’s Day after finalising the terms of his departure from Newcastle. (The Guardian)

Tim Sherwood and Tony Pulis have held talks with West Bromwich Albion over their vacant manager’s role as the club attempt to move on swiftly from the sacking of Alan Irvine late last night. (The Times)

Manchester City approach Swansea over £30m Wilfried Bony. City make inquiries for in-form Swansea striker, but he could command £30m transfer fee in January. (The Telegraph)

Chelsea will consider loaning Andrej Kramaric to Leicester City as they look to close a £7.5m deal with his club for the striker on Monday. (Daily Mail)

Swansea City’s Jonjo Shelvey has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association. (The Mirror)

LIVERPOOL forward Raheem Sterling will not face retrospective action for pushing Swansea defender Federico Fernandez in the face after tangling with the Argentinian defender in the closing stages of the game. (The Express)