By Tim Stannard 

1) French press renew reports of Neymar nonchalance at PSG

Statistically speaking, this week in the annual football cycle is the lowest in terms of decent juicy stories for and the highest when rating the yawn factor.  

Merciful Zeus, David Moyes taking over West Ham was seen as a major story, when it would normally warrant something worth a quarter of a tweet. At the old 140 characters length.  There is no club football and only a limited number of meaningful games - World Cup qualifying play-offs, mainly on beIN SPORTS, of course. 

  French paper, l'Equipe, spotted this click-vacuum on Wednesday and have dusted off a topic that has been dormant for a couple of weeks - Neymar. "A chasm between them" claims the front cover on a story that the relationship between Neymar and PSG boss, Unai Emery, is all but non-existent, probably because the Spaniard does not have enough Instagram followers to pique the Brazilian footballer's interest.   Other issues to cause this PSG power-struggle are familiar wants and needs - Neymar wants to train as Neymar wants and Neymar does not like video tactical reviews, something that the former Sevilla boss absolutely adores.  beIN SPORTS has a happier version of Neymar in action with Brazil on Friday morning from 6:50AM ET / 3:50AM PT.   

2) Bayern ponder Pulisic poach 

Christian Pulisic to Bayern Munich anyone?  Not just speculation on Wednesday, there is an actual path. Former Bayern playing legend, Lothar Matthaus, has called on the Bundesliga giants to poach the American 'Wonder Boy' from rivals Borussia Dortmund, especially as Arjen Robben and Frank Ribery age and whither.  "He is 19 and has high quality." It seems that Bayern Munich were listening with club Sporting Director, Hasan Salihamidzic, giving a 'so there is a chance?' indication of a move by promising to take Lothar's musings into consideration. Done deal then.  

  Pulisic was not part of the USMNT latest squad to take on Portugal next week, a squad that is largely made up of uncapped players. Tune into the XTRA from 7PM ET / 4PM PT to hear the thoughts of Phil Schoen on this bold move from interim US coach, Dave Sarachan, as well as the Pulisic poach.  

3) Ronaldo a changed man as Suarez promises rampant return

This is a handy little bunch of stories, the theme being La Liga strikers that are not as prolific as they normally are, although a sexier title is probably in order there. First up is Cristiano Ronaldo, who says in an interview with Hola! that fatherhood – and Egyptian steel perhaps - has given him a new perspective on life, not that you could tell with his face-like-thunder vibe on the pitch these days. 

Luis Suarez says that a fortnight’s rest will do him no end of good as the footballer continues to struggle with a knee injury picked up at the beginning of the campaign. “I will be spectacular,” promises the Barca man, who is skipping international duty with Uruguay. But don’t forget to catch Peru in action on Friday night in their World Cup qualifying play-off first leg with New Zealand from 10PM ET / 7PM PT.   

4) Madrid might make Mata matter in winter move

Time for some fun transfer rumors to wrap things up. Juan Mata might be making a return to Real Madrid, where the footballer saw some early days action. This could actually happen as soon as January according to the English press.

Another move that could take place in the winter window is Ben Arfa moving from PSG to Leicester City, especially if Riyad Mahrez gets the big transfer the footballer is clearly after. And speaking of unwanted midfielders, Arsenal might give a lifeline to Arda Turan. And Diego Simeone to Everton anyone? Thought not.   

WHAT IS SPORTS BURST?

The life philosophy of Sports Burst is that if you are not upsetting someone, then you are not trying hard enough. SB is a daily trawl and troll through the morning's sports news to bring you fact-nuggets to make you both smile and swear. Hopefully at the same time.