Transfer gossip column: Vidic closing in on England return, Neymar holds secret meeting

This is not the place for legitimate reports and completed deals. Here, we compile the ludicrous transfer rumours that arise during this month of madness in the football world. Each day until the January window shuts, theScore will provide a rundown of the most outlandish babble from the backpages, briefing you on the transfer gossip throughout Europe.

If you're searching for a list of finalised transfers from each of Europe's top five domestic leagues, the following pages have you covered:

• Transfer Tracker - Premier League
• Transfer Tracker - Bundesliga
• Transfer Tracker - Ligue 1
• Transfer Tracker - La Liga
• Transfer Tracker - Serie A

And now, back to the rumour mill.

Aston Villa keen on former Red Devil Nemanja Vidic

Aston Villa might be bolstering its defensive ranks in the form of a former Manchester United mainstay as Nemanja Vidic eyes a return to the Premier League. The Serbian defender has been let go by Inter Milan and the Villans could be in for his signature in an effort to avoid the drop, according to the Sun.

Vidic would join the team on a short-term deal and apparently also has interest from the United States.

Chelsea new-boy Pedro eyes Spanish return

Former Barcelona winger Pedro is reportedly unhappy at Stamford Bridge and is eyeing a return to Spain just five months after he joined English champions Chelsea.

The Daily Star writes that Pedro wants to leave the Blues at the end of the season, with Spanish outfits Valencia and Villarreal apparently interested in his services. Pedro has scored just three goals this season with Chelsea and does not feature as a starter for the struggling giants. The Blues, meanwhile, are looking at Brazilian star Alexandre Pato, who has apparently reached an agreement to join Chelsea.

Arsenal gunning for Lars Bender

Hampered with a few injuries throughout the season, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is apparently looking at reinforcing his midfielder core with the addition of German battler Lars Bender, according to the Guardian.

The Bayer Leverkusen mainstay, twin brother to Borussia Dortmund midfielder Sven Bender, would command a £28-million figure, but if he chooses to stick around in Germany, Arsenal have alternatives in the form of Granit Xhaka. This Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder has already expressed a desire to make the switch to the Premier League.

Gonzalo Higuain piquing Bayern Munich's interest

Napoli forward Gonzalo Higuain is, perhaps, the most instrumental piece in his side's successful 2015-16 Serie A season, so much so that Bayern Munich might just be ready to flex their financial muscles one more time, according to the Daily Mail.

Just don't bring up these rumours around Robert Lewandowski; the Polish striker is baffled by talk of another forward signing, saying "If I am here, why do Bayern need a new striker?"

Fair point.

Neymar had a secret Swiss meeting with Real Madrid

Here's a fun one: Brazilian star Neymar, Barcelona's prized asset for the present and for the future, apparently held a secret meeting in Switzerland with bitter rivals Real Madrid.

The Mirror cites radio station Onda Cero for this report, which says that Neymar, his father, his agent Wagner Ribeiro and a representative from Real Madrid all met in Switzerland to discuss a possible transfer, as Neymar is currently renegotiating his contract with the Blaugrana.

The Mirror also reports that Manchester United would be interested in purchasing Neymar by activating his buyout clause.

Here are a few more rumours and reports from the last 24 hours:

• Chelsea targets Paris Saint-Germain's Lavezzi
• Manchester United considering bid for PSG's Cavani
• West Ham makes approach for Fenerbahce's Emenike