Valencia set for swift return and other red-hot gossip

(07-11-2010) Antonio Valencia could be set for a swift return to football three months ahead of schedule after breaking his ankle playing for Manchester United against Rangers in the Champions League in September. According to reports, Valencia is going through two gruelling rehab sessions a day at United’s Carrington training complex rather than taking the opportunity to return home to Ecuador for a family trip. Initially ruled out for the season, he is now expected to be back in February. Elsewhere, Tottenham midfielders David Bentley and Niko Kranjcar could be set for a January exit to help fund new signings; Manchester City are being linked with former Real Madrid and Roma striker Antonio Cassano, who turned round his troubled career playing at City boss Roberto Mancini's former side Sampdoria; and Chelsea are lining up Newcastle's 21-year-old striker Andy Carroll as a £15m long-term replacement for Didier Drogba.