What The Sports Pages Say

Tuesday 5 December 2023 07:44, UK


THE TIMES
David de Gea is open to a surprise move to Newcastle United after their goalkeeper, Nick Pope, was ruled out for at least four months with a dislocated shoulder.
A microchip inside the ball that helps to determine whether there has been a handball in the lead-up to a goal and aids offside decisions will be used at Euro 2024.
Kyle Sinckler believes the support system for England internationals "could be a lot better" and expects other high-profile players to follow Owen Farrell in stepping aside from Test rugby.
Marcus Smith has admitted that playing full-back for England at the World Cup negatively affected his Harlequins form as he struggled to feel comfortable again at fly-half.
Organisers of the Commonwealth Games hope to identify the location of their 2026 event early next year, with dialogue currently ongoing with four potential hosts.

THE SUN
Manchester United are lining up a move for Mike Maignan, according to reports.
James Maddison has admitted that he had never heard of Guglielmo Vicario before joining Tottenham in the summer.
Jadon Sancho is "leaning towards" leaving Manchester United in January but will reportedly wait until the club's ownership situation is sorted.
Marcos Alonso is set to leave Barcelona after a frustrating year with the club, a report claims.
West Ham are aiming to make the London Stadium the second largest in the Premier League.
Neighbours of Kurt Zouma have told of their horror after his home was broken into by an "organised gang" who escaped with £100,000 in cash and jewellery.
Jonny Castro Otto's Wolves future is hanging in the balance after he was excluded from the training ground following an incident.
Olivier Giroud has hinted that he could hang up his international boots next year.

DAILY MAIL
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta is carefully managing his title-chasing squad's training workload to ensure their championship charge stays on track.
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has hit out at Bayern Munich, accusing the Bundesliga champions of not wanting to beat FC Copenhagen in the Champions League, while urging the Bavarians to beat Manchester United on December 12.
Former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has revealed which two players used to anger their team-mates because they were always late to training.
Ronnie O'Sullivan claims the World Snooker Tour want him to hand in his 'resignation' - despite having just become the oldest major champion in the history of the sport.
Neck guards will become compulsory at all International Ice Hockey Federation events including the Olympics and the men's and women's world championships, the sport's governing body has announced.
Yorkshire are trying to re-sign West Indies captain Shai Hope for the start of the 2024 County Championship season.
I'm A Celeb star Tony Bellew opened up about his boxing career during Monday's episode as he confessed he was unable to physically continue with the sport.

DAILY MIRROR
Raphael Varane wants to remain at Manchester United beyond the January transfer window - provided he is wanted.
Chris Wilder is returning to his beloved Sheffield United after convincing the club he is a changed man.
Luis Suarez has hinted that he could retire from football following the former Liverpool star's Gremio exit.

THE ATHLETIC
Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope will undergo surgery on a dislocated shoulder sustained against Manchester United on Saturday - and the operation will leave the 31-year-old facing around four months out.
Jean-Philippe Mateta's future at Crystal Palace is uncertain as he seeks a move in the January transfer window.
The UK government has endorsed the recommendations presented by Karen Carney to help improve the standards of women's domestic football.
Andriy Lunin's Real Madrid contract expires in 2025, not 2024 as was previously understood.
Barcelona and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen are considering surgery as an option to treat the back problem that has kept him out of his side's last three games.


DAILY TELEGRAPH
Reading owner Dai Yongge is set to come under further scrutiny after it emerged Genevra Associates are considering the withdrawal of their takeover bid.
Rehan Ahmed's younger brother, Farhan, has been selected in England's U19 World Cup squad at the age of only 15.

DAILY RECORD
Celtic have been handed a double injury boost with Liel Abada and Daizen Maeda both back in training ahead of Wednesday's clash with Hibs.

SCOTTISH SUN
Scotland's Euro 2024 opponents Hungary have announced their domestic season will end early - to help their preparations for the finals.


Former Manchester United and Spain goalkeeper David de Gea, 33, is open to joining Newcastle as the Magpies consider bringing in the free agent as cover for injured England stopper Nick Pope, 31. (Telegraph - subscription required)

Pope's England team-mate Aaron Ramsdale would also consider a move to Newcastle, but the Magpies are reluctant to meet Arsenal's £50m valuation of the 25-year-old. (Talksport)

Manager Erik ten Hag is battling to retain the support of some of his Manchester United players after Saturday's 1-0 Premier League defeat at Newcastle. (ESPN)

Manchester United players are said to be questioning Ten Hag's playing style and treatment of England winger Jadon Sancho, 23. (Sky Sports)

However, Manchester United manager Ten Hag's future is not in immediate danger. (Mail)

Newcastle and Manchester United are vying to land Guinea forward Serhou Guirassy, 27, from Stuttgart in January. (Football Insider)

Arsenal are willing to listen to offers for England striker Eddie Nketiah, 24, in January. (Football Transfers)

Former France defender Raphael Varane, 30, has expressed a desire to remain at Manchester United beyond the January transfer window. (Manchester Evening News)

Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are keeping tabs on France goalkeeper Mike Maignan, 28, with him stalling on signing a new deal at AC Milan. (Footmercato - in French)

Brighton will not stand in manager Roberto De Zerbi's way should he decide he would like to leave the club in the future. (Football Insider)

Bayern Munich face a battle to hold on to French forward Mathys Tel, 18, with several Premier League clubs interested. (Bild - in German)

Jean-Philippe Mateta is seeking a move away from Crystal Palace in January and Eintracht Frankfurt could offer the 26-year-old French striker an exit route. (The Athletic - subscription required)

Newcastle have taken the first steps towards signing Manchester City and England midfielder Kalvin Phillips, 28, in January. (Rudy Galetti)

Juventus are also keen on former Leeds midfielder Phillips and could attempt to sign him on loan in January. (Metro)

Chelsea and Manchester City are showing interest in River Plate's 17-year-old midfielder Claudio Echeverri, 17-year-old striker Agustin Ruberto and 16-year-old winger Ian Subiabre, who all impressed for Argentina at the recent U17 World Cup. (90Min)

West Ham, Burnley and Sheffield United are set to compete for Derby's 22-year-old English defender Eiran Cashin. (Teamtalk)

A microchip inside footballs used at Euro 2024 will help determine whether there has been a handball in the lead-up to a goal and also help with offside decisions. (Times - subscription required)

Everton are interested in signing Lyon's 22-year-old Irish defender Jake O'Brien in January. (Footmercato - in French)

Wednesday 6 December 2023 07:26, UK


DAILY TELEGRAPH
Bayern Munich will face competition from multiple Premier League clubs in the battle to sign Joao Palhinha from Fulham.
Stephen Darby, the former Liverpool and Bradford defender, has revealed the reality of living with motor neurone disease by posting photographs of a series of head injuries caused by falls.

DAILY MAIL
Three former Premier League stars are among 25 ex-players suing the FA for damages on the grounds they failed to protect them from suffering brain injuries.
Richard Arnold jumped before he was pushed at Manchester United - but football director John Murtough is keen to work within the new set-up when Ineos start moving into Old Trafford next week.
France forward Olivier Giroud has revealed he is 'probably' going to retire from international football next year.
Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn have reignited their war of words, throwing their potential fight into doubt.
Premiership Rugby is exploring plans to move its showpiece end-of-season final away from Twickenham for the first time as part of ambitious plans to grow the league's appeal.
Emma Raducanu has formally entered the Australian Open in January, but it is far from certain she will be able to enter the main draw directly.

THE SUN
Julen Lopetegui rejected an offer from Saudia Arabian side Al Ittihad that would have made him one of the world's top-paid coaches.
Newcastle's iconic St. James' Park stadium could be under threat, depending on the results of a fan study.
Donny van de Beek has offered himself to Barcelona in a bid to get out of Old Trafford in January, a report claims.
Barcelona could hand Aaron Ramsdale or David De Gea a dramatic lifeline to replace injured No1 Marc-Andre ter Stegen, it's claimed.
It was almost a nightmare return to the team for Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale after his hesitation almost lead to a Brentford goal
Arsenal are plotting a January move for Juventus wonderkid Kenan Yildiz, according to reports.
Bournemouth keeper Darren Randolph was surrounded by medics and carried off in worrying scenes BEFORE kick-off.
Former England star Jermain Defoe has thrown his name into the hat of contenders to become Sunderland's next manager.

THE ATHLETIC
Inter Miami are finalising a deal to sign Uruguay forward Luis Suarez on a one-year contract.
West Ham United have triggered Pablo Fornals' one-year contract extension option to keep him at the club until 2025.
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham says Wayne Rooney was his biggest footballing influence growing up.
Jude Bellingham says fellow compatriot and Golden Boy winner Wayne Rooney was his biggest inspiration when growing up as a young boy
Arsenal midfielder Jorginho praised team-mate Kai Havertz saying: "If you know football, it's not possible you don't like Kai."
Four members of Frente Atletico - the radical group of Atletico Madrid fans - are facing charges over the hanging of an effigy of Vinicius Junior from a bridge near the Real Madrid training ground in January.
Girona can select on-loan defender Eric Garcia to play against Barcelona this weekend - but will not be able to play fellow loanee Pablo Torre against his parent club.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen will undergo surgery on a back injury - placing him in a race against time to be fit for Barcelona's Champions League last-16 tie.

THE GUARDIAN
Will Still is on Sunderland's shortlist to replace Tony Mowbray as manager, with the 31-year-old having impressed the owner, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, during his spell at the French club Reims.
Fourteen US cities will play host to the Copa América next summer, with the semi-finals in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and Charlotte ahead of the 14 July championship in Miami.
Scotland's Hollie Davidson will make history this season when she becomes the first female official to be an assistant referee in a men's Six Nations match.
England Women may have to do without Charlie Dean in their Twenty20 series opener against India on Wednesday, after the off-spinner picked up a stomach bug during the recent England A series with India.
Formula One is still considering adopting a reverse grid concept for its sprint race format next season, with the sport announcing on Tuesday the six venues which will hold sprint races in 2024.

DAILY STAR
Lionel Messi became the first individual football player to be named TIME Magazine's 'Athlete of the Year'.
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey could be put on the market in the January transfer window, according to reports.
Sam Blitz spoke to Sky Sports Transfers Co-ordinator Lyall Thomas about Arsenal's potential transfer business in the January transfer window as they look to challenge for the title this season
Harry Redknapp has made a shock return to management - taking charge of the UK's worst football team.

EVENING STANDARD
Tottenham are interested in bringing Juventus winger Samuel Iling-Junior back to England.
Jean-Philippe Mateta is ready to leave Crystal Palace in January, with Eintracht Frankfurt poised to make a move.
Fulham have yet to restart talks with Tosin Adarabioyo despite his deal expiring in just over six months.

THE TIMES
Jon Rahm will not defend his PGA Tour title at The American Express tournament in California next month, adding more fuel to the belief that the Spaniard is heading to LIV Golf.

DAILY RECORD
Sydney van Hooijdonk has welcomed the possibility of a January transfer as rumours of a Celtic move continue to swirl.
Celtic are set to stand their ground in the Old Firm away ticket war and refuse Rangers fans entry into Parkhead for the festive derby showdown.

SCOTTISH SUN
Former Celtic star Paddy McCourt has walked free from court after being cleared of sexual assault.



Bayern Munich will face competition from at least two Premier League clubs for Fulham's 28-year-old Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha in January. (Telegraph - subscription)

Bayern may miss out on Bayer Leverkusen's 20-year-old Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz, with Manchester City and Liverpool determined to sign him. (90min)

Gremio and Uruguay striker Luis Suarez, 36, is close to joining former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi at Inter Miami on a one-year deal. (Miami Herald)

Newcastle United could sign five players in January, with a goalkeeper their top priority. (Sun)

Former Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui, who has been linked with Manchester United, turned down a deal worth 18m euros (£15.4m) per season from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad because he wants to return to the Premier League. (AS - in Spanish)

It would take a bid of at least £60m for Aston Villa to consider selling 25-year-old Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz in January, with Arsenal continuing to show an interest. (Caught Offside)

Villa have put a £110m price tag on Luiz. (Football Transfers)

Arsenal and Liverpool sent scouts to watch Bayer Leverkusen's 22-year-old Netherlands defender Jeremie Frimpong on Sunday. (90min)

Real Sociedad are favourites to sign Manchester United and England forward Mason Greenwood, 22, who is on loan at fellow La Liga club Getafe - but a permanent switch to Getafe is unlikely because of the potential fee involved. (Todofichajes - in Spanish)

Manchester United's 26-year-old Netherlands midfielder Donny van de Beek has offered himself to Barcelona as a replacement for the injured Gavi. (Sport - in Spanish)

Manchester United will be given the opportunity to sign Borussia Dortmund and Netherlands winger Donyell Malen, 24, if England winger Jadon Sancho, 23, leaves the club. (Football Transfers)

Crystal Palace will scrap plans to sign a striker in January following 23-year-old Mali midfielder Cheick Doucoure's potentially season-ending injury. (Football Insider)

Wolves are interested in Sevilla's 32-year-old Argentina defender Marcos Acuna, who is estimated to be worth 12m euros (£10.3m). (Todofichajes - in Spanish)

Sao Paolo are open to offers for Liverpool target Lucas Beraldo. Wolves had a bid rejected in the summer for the 20-year-old Brazil defender. (90min)

Juventus are willing to let 20-year-old English winger Samuel Iling-Junior leave in January, with Tottenham and Newcastle interested. (Tuttomercatoweb - in Italian)

West Ham lead Everton and Brighton in the race for 17-year-old Linfield and Northern Ireland Under-17 striker Aodhan Doherty. (Football Insider)

Thursday 7 December 2023 07:26, UK

DAILY MAIL
Nottingham Forest are set to sack Steve Cooper after the dismal 5-0 defeat to Fulham - with Julen Lopetegui and Marco Silva among the candidates in the frame to take over
Dele Alli is nearing an Everton return after long-term injury as Sean Dyche confirmed the former England and Spurs star is 'back on the grass' and targeting his first Toffees appearance in over a year
Steve Cooper says he'll do what's right for the club after facing questions on his future after his side were thrashed 5-0 against Fulham and suffered a fourth straight loss
Pep Guardiola made a shock claim that he will retire if Manchester City win the treble again this season as the Spaniard targets more silverware at the Etihad.
Eddie Howe says he has never seen a 17-year-old be thrown into such high-profile matches and perform like Lewis Miley, and the emergence of the 'unique' academy star could change Newcastle's plans to sign cover for Sandro Tonali in January.
The disgraced former Spanish Football president Luis Rubiales "forcefully kissed" England defender Lucy Bronze and "cupped and stroked" the face of Laura Coombs after the World Cup final, according to Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt.
The supposed accreditation pass Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis wore at Craven Cottage was allegedly found in a bush outside Fulham's ground.
Patrice Evra has criticised Manchester United players for being 'unprofessional' in their recent defeat against Newcastle and claimed Ryan Giggs "wouldn't have given up" like Marcus Rashford did at St James' Park.
Tiger Woods and Nike's long-time, successful partnership could be coming to an end, according to a report.

THE SUN
Juventus hope to persuade Manchester City to carry on paying most of Kalvin Phillips' wages if he joins them next month.
Manchester City bid for a 21-year-old Lionel Messi, according to former manager Mark Hughes.
Lionel Messi admitted he almost followed Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia.
Roy Hodgson had an object thrown at him by what appeared to be a Crystal Palace fan after their loss to Bournemouth.
Andrew Flintoff will be an assistant coach for England's five Twenty20 games in the Caribbean.

DAILY MIRROR
Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has offered an update on James Maddison's recovery from an ankle injury he picked up against Chelsea last month, describing it as a "slow burner".
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou jokes that he doubts James Maddison's self-diagnosis of his injury
Carl Froch has predicted Deontay Wilder will need less than three minutes to KO Anthony Joshua.
Kevin De Bruyne has been included in Manchester City's FIFA Club World Cup squad, raising hopes of an imminent return to action.
Paul Scholes has moved to quash the animosity between Antony and a group of Manchester United legends.

DAILY TELEGRAPH
Tino Livramento wants to play for England over Scotland after becoming one of Newcastle's best signings since their takeover.
Golf's governing bodies are locked in a row with the PGA Tour and the game's top equipment makers after announcing their decision to rein back how far the ball can travel.
Bath are closing in on an extraordinary double-signing ahead of next season, with Henry Arundell and World Cup winner RG Snyman both on the verge of a move to the West Country club.
Andrew Flintoff will be part of England's coaching team for the Twenty20 series against West Indies as his involvement with the national side continues.

EVENING STANDARD
West Ham and Crystal Palace are both keen on a January move for striker Hugo Ekitike, who Paris Saint-Germain would be willing to loan out or sell for the right price.
West Ham will listen to offers for Pablo Fornals in January, despite triggering a one-year extension on his contract.

THE ATHLETIC
Manchester United are unlikely to make any signings in the January transfer market according to manager Erik ten Hag.
German third division side Saarbrucken have followed up their stunning elimination of Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal with a 2-0 defeat of Eintracht Frankfurt.


Real Madrid are ready to offer 24-year-old France forward Kylian Mbappe, whose Paris St-Germain contract expires next summer, a deal - but he must make a decision by 15 January. (AS - in Spanish)

Brazil forward Richarlison, 26, is a target for Saudi Pro League clubs, but Tottenham are unlikely to sell for less than the £60m they paid Everton for him. (90 Min)

Tottenham are considering signing Everton and England defender Ben Godfrey, 25, in January. (Talksport)

Juventus are set to pull out of a deal to sign Manchester United's 23-year-old England forward Jadon Sancho. (Tuttosport - in Italian)

English forward Noni Madueke, 21, wants to leave Chelsea over a lack of playing time. (TeamTalk)

Former Chelsea and Everton manager Frank Lampard and ex-Aston Villa boss Dean Smith are competing to take over at Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC.(Athletic - subscription)

Newcastle United's 21-year-old defender Tino Livramento, who qualifies to play for Scotland and Portugal, wants to prove he is good enough for England. (Telegraph - subscription)

Liverpool have made an approach for Benfica's 18-year-old Dutch forward Kyanno Lorenzo Silva. (Football Insider)

West Ham will listen to offers for Spain midfielder Pablo Fornals, 27, in January despite triggering a one-year extension to his contract. (Standard)

West Ham must pay more than £40m if they want Inter Milan's 29-year-old Turkey midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu. (Calciomercato - in Italian)

West Ham and Crystal Palace are keen on a January move for Paris St-Germain's 21-year-old French forward Hugo Ekitike. (Standard)

Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper has told friends he has heard he will be sacked. (Football Insider)

AC Milan are prepared to sign Arsenal's 23-year-old Poland defender Jakub Kiwior on loan with an obligation to buy. (90 Min)

Arsenal are tracking 19-year-old USA and Hajduk Split midfielder Rokas Pukstas. (Sun)

France goalkeeper Mike Maignan, 28, may not sign a new AC Milan deal because Manchester United are among the clubs showing an interest. (Corriere della Sera - in Italian)

Manchester City and Manchester United have made moves for Lille's 18-year-old French defender Leny Yoro, whose has a contract until 2025. (Le10 Sport - in French)

Friday 8 December 2023 07:34, UK
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THE INDEPENDENT
Manchester United are willing to listen to offers on a series of high-profile players, as Erik ten Hag seeks to hone his squad and ensure it is fully committed to his approach. Casemiro, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho are available for transfer, although the club will be flexible on other squad members.

DAILY MAIL
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 25 per cent stake in Manchester United is now not expected to be announced until the week after next.
Nottingham Forest have banished club captain Joe Worrall and Scott McKenna from first-team training.
Crystal Palace head coach Roy Hodgson's future is under scrutiny following a worrying run of one victory in eight matches.
Erik ten Hag is refusing to bow to demands from senior Manchester United players for more days off and advanced notice of their training schedule.
Todd Boehly's long absences from Chelsea this season have been noted by players and staff.
The FA have appointed former Manchester United executive James Gray as their new commercial director, with the governing body making digital growth a key priority.
After defeat to Bournemouth, Roy Hodgson asks for the Crystal Palace fans to get behind the team during a tough period for the club


DAILY MIRROR
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is believed to be considering a move for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, which could spell the end of Thomas Partey's Emirates stay.
Jurgen Klopp could be forced into the market for a new centre-half - and Wolfsburg defender Maxence Lacroix is on his radar.
Manchester United winger Amad is back in full training as he nears his comeback from a long-term injury.

DAILY TELEGRAPH
A Liverpool-supporting survivor of the Oct 7 terrorist attack on Israel was ejected from Anfield last week after holding up a banner of a fellow fan held hostage by Hamas.
Fulham have made Brazil midfielder Andre their No 1 target should Joao Palhinha depart in January, with the Fluminense player's representatives travelling to England this week ahead of a potential switch to the Premier League.
Steve Cooper, the Nottingham Forest manager, is under increasing scrutiny after freezing out captain Joe Worrall but is expected to take the game at Wolves this weekend.
Erik ten Hag has revealed friends tried to talk him out of taking the Manchester United job but he insisted on taking the challenge, with the Dutchman also saying he has no regrets over his handling of Jadon Sancho.
Jon Rahm has admitted that signing with LIV Golf in a record deal worth upwards of £450m ($566.4m) is a "big risk" to his Ryder Cup future.
England and Harlequins flanker Emily Robinson has received a five-week ban for headbutting Saracens' Sydney Gregson during their Premiership Women's Rugby match last Saturday.
Sky Sports' Rob Dorsett reports Nottingham Forest are set to sack boss Steve Cooper if they lose to Wolves on Saturday. Forest sit six points above the drop zone and have lost their last four in the Premier League

THE TIMES
The American company which is trying to take over Everton has loaned more than £100m to the club while seeking approval for the deal.
Sunderland are interviewing the 35-year-old Swedish coach Kim Hellberg about becoming their next manager.
Jermain Defoe was interviewed by the FA after a private arbitration found he used an agent who was unlicensed in a transfer, but the governing body has confirmed it took no action against the striker.
The British & Irish Lions will play in Ireland for the first time before the 2025 tour to Australia after arranging a send-off fixture against Argentina.

THE SUN
Dennis Bergkamp has opened the door to an emotional return to Arsenal - after declaring his aim to end a six-year exile from football.

THE GUARDIAN
Julen Lopetegui is on Nottingham Forest's radar as the club explore possible successors to struggling manager Steve Cooper.
The Saudi Pro League's sporting director has declared any superstar player, including Lionel Messi, is welcome in the country.
With the hosts 1-0 up, Al Fateh defender Fahad Al Harbi went to high-five his goalkeeper Jaco Rinne in the penalty area, but instead of finding his team-mate's hand, Al Harbi touched the ball and the referee was forced to award a penalty
Gloucestershire want to build the world's "most environmentally sustainable" cricket ground and host one of the Hundred's possible expansion teams by selling the Nevil Road site that has been their home since the days of WG Grace.
New figures showing that 53 per cent of children and young people in England still do not meet the chief medical officer's guidelines for daily activity are a "national concern", the Youth Sport Trust has warned.

THE ATHLETIC
Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc of INEOS met Manchester United executives at Old Trafford on Thursday as Sir Jim Ratcliffe's acquisition of a 25 per cent stake in the club edges closer.
The Metropolitan Police are investigating after an object was allegedly thrown towards Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson at full-time in his side's 2-0 defeat by Bournemouth on Wednesday night.
The Colorado Rapids are in advanced talks over a deal to sign U.S. national team goalkeeper Zack Steffen from Manchester City.
Steve Cooper expects to be in charge at Wolverhampton Wanderers - and has challenged his Nottingham Forest players to show fans what it means to them to play for the club at Molineux.
The Premier League more than halved its annual funding for the LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall, which is behind the annual Rainbow Laces campaign, in its most recent contract with the organisation while Adidas have also vastly reduced their own financial commitment.
The Union of European Clubs, the fledgling lobby group for non-elite professional teams across the continent, received a significant boost on Friday with the addition of 34 new members from England and Wales.
Burnley winger Luca Koleosho has been ruled out for an extended period with a significant knee injury.

DAILY RECORD
Harry Kewell could be set to leave Celtic, with reports suggesting the coach is the frontrunner for the Yokohama Marinos job.
Leeds United are trying to land Aberdeen's head of recruitment Jordan Miles.
Rangers boss Philippe Clement is ready to sanction a January loan for Leon King.
Derek McInnes has backed Barry Robson to ride out the storm and get Aberdeen back up the table.

SCOTTISH SUN
Alfredo Morelos could be set for shock return to British football with several clubs eyeing up a January swoop, according to a report.


Manchester United are willing to listen to offers for 31-year-old Brazil midfielder Casemiro, 30-year-old French defender Raphael Varane, and England winger Jadon Sancho, 23, as manager Erik ten Hag attempts to trim down his squad. (Independent)

Billionaire businessman Sir Jim Ratcliffe's acquisition of a 25% stake in Manchester United has been delayed because of "legal structure" matters. (Mail)

Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, 21, and Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, 23, are high on Ange Postecoglou's wanted list as the Tottenham boss reshapes the club's squad. (Sky Sports)

Everton midfielder Dele Alli, 27, is close to a return to full training as he steps up his recovery from the thigh injury which has meant he has yet to play this season. (Times - subscription required)

Liverpool are keeping tabs on French defender Maxence Lacroix as they consider making a January move for Wolfsburg's 23-year-old to provide cover for the injured Joel Matip. (Sun)

Chelsea are set to reject any offers that come in for Albania striker Armando Broja, 22, in January with Fulham keen. (Football Insider)

Fulham have made Brazilian midfielder Andre, 22, of Fluminense their number one target should 28-year-old Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha depart Craven Cottage in January. (Telegraph - subscription required)

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is keen to sign Palhinha from Fulham which is likely to spell the end of 28-year-old Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey's time with the Gunners. (Mirror)

Manchester United and Newcastle now lead the race to sign 27-year-old Guinea forward Serhou Guirassy from Stuttgart. (Football Insider)

MLS club Colorado Rapids are in talks over a deal for Manchester City's USA goalkeeper Zack Steffen, 28. (Athletic - subscription required)

France midfielder Adrien Rabiot, 28, will snub a move to the Premier League and sign a new deal with Juventus. (Gazzetta Dello Sport - in Italian)

Inter Milan are set break their wage structure to tie Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez, 26, down to a new long-term contract. (Calciomercato - in Italian)

Lyon are open to selling 20-year-old French forward Rayan Cherki in January amid interest from West Ham and Chelsea. (Footmercato - in French)

Germany forward Timo Werner has been told by RB Leipzig sporting director Rouven Schroder he can leave the Bundesliga club on loan in January, but neither Manchester United nor Real Madrid are likely to sign the 27-year-old. (Bild - in German)

Spain forward Ferran Torres, 23, has told Barcelona manager Xavi that he is committed to the club and does not want to leave in January. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish)

Sunderland are interviewing Swedish coach Kim Hellberg, who has said he is leaving IFK Varnamo, about becoming their next manager following the dismissal of Tony Mowbray. (Times - subscription required)

Spanish defender Jonny Otto, 29, is having ongoing talks with Wolves over his future at Molineux after a recent training ground incident. (Express & Star - subscription required)

France goalkeeper Mike Maignan, 28, is considering his future at AC Milan after contract talks stalled, with Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris St-Germain all monitoring developments. (90min)

Real Madrid have identified Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies as their long-term solution at left-back, with the Bundesliga club concerned they will not be able to meet the 23-year-old Canadian defender's wage demands in the future. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish)

Saturday 9 December 2023 07:43, UK

THE SUN
Jadon Sancho has missed a number of training sessions since being exiled from Manchester United's first team. The winger is understood to still be on full pay and the club have not fined him for missing training as he has always had a reason.
Erik ten Hag has indicated the door is still open for Jadon Sancho to save his Manchester United career but said the winger must buy into the culture he has created at the club.
"It is about a culture and every player has to match certain standards and it was about that," the Man Utd manager said ahead of Saturday's visit of Bournemouth. "What will happen there, he knows what he has to do, if he wants to return it is up to him. He knows what he has to do, it is up to him."
Marcus Rashford is a doubt for Manchester United's clash with Bournemouth.
Wolves defender Jonny Castro Otto has been banned from the first team until the end of January.
Nottingham Forest's woes are piling up - following a litter warning from Fulham's local council. A security lanyard belonging to Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was hurled into a bush outside Craven Cottage on Wednesday after the Midlands club was trashed 5-0.
Sky Sports' Rob Dorsett reports Nottingham Forest are set to sack boss Steve Cooper if they lose to Wolves on Saturday
Mikel Arteta says the fun police are making football soulless and fears managers will have to be fenced in to curb their enthusiasm.
Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes has been linked with a sensational transfer to Barcelona.
Manchester United could decide "in just months" on whether or not to bring back Mason Greenwood, as bosses consider a dramatic U-turn.
Barcelona are considering a swoop for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, according to reports

DAILY MIRROR
Arsenal centre-half William Saliba says Aston Villa's title charge is no surprise to him - and he is bracing himself for one of their toughest games of the season.
Former Arsenal player Mesut Ozil has called Tottenham 'Bottle Job FC' in a brutal swipe at Ange Postecoglou's side.
Valencia are holding out for £34m for midfield talent Javi Guerra amid interest from Manchester United and Juventus, it has been claimed.

DAILY TELEGRAPH
The DP World Tour will not be rushed into ripping up its Ryder Cup eligibility rules and will instead see where the merger negotiations go in the wake of Jon Rahm's £450m LIV move before bowing to Rory McIlroy's demands.
A high ranking official has pointed the finger of blame at Patrick Cantlay for the £450m Jon Rahm defection that has knocked the PGA Tour onto the back foot in the Saudi merger negotiations.
Henry Arundell will not be available for England in the forthcoming Six Nations unless he chooses to leave Racing 92 at the end of the season and sign a hybrid contract with Bath and the Rugby Football Union.

DAILY MAIL
Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United are reportedly set for talks today over a potential swap deal that could see the Red Devils outcast Jadon Sancho return to the German club.
Everton defender James Tarkowski has invited football fans to 'come watch us play' after the Toffees climbed out of the relegation zone in beating Newcastle on Thursday night - but would be 10th without their points deduction.
New footage has emerged from Everton's 3-0 win last night showing Jordan Pickford making an obscene gesture to Newcastle fans.
Jordan Pickford delighted the Everton fans with some light-hearted antics in the closing stages of the 3-0 victory over Newcastle at Goodison Park
Saudi Arabia are weighing up holding the 2034 World Cup in summer, despite the extreme heat expected in the Middle East at that point in the year.
Nottingham Forest captain Joe Worrall is being tracked by Championship duo Leicester and Middlesbrough ahead of the January transfer window.
Richard Cockerill is set to beat his former England boss Eddie Jones to the Georgia head coach position after his shock departure from Montpellier.
Mohammed ben Sulayem was on Friday night hanging on to his position as the most powerful man in world motorsport.
Sky Sports F1's Craig Slater explains how things could now develop after the FIA ended their controversial conflict of interest inquiry into Toto and Susie Wolff.

THE ATHLETIC
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that the club are discussing contract extensions for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Anthony Martial, Victor Lindelof, and Hannibal Mejbiri.
Vinicius Junior is making good progress in his recovery from his hamstring injury and is expected to return to play for Real Madrid in mid-January.
Botafogo owner and president John Textor wants Brazilian league games annulled for 'possible manipulation' after his side missed out on winning the title.
The United States and Mexico have confirmed their joint-bid to host the 2027 Women's World Cup.
Argentina will kick off the 2024 Copa America against one of Canada or Trinidad & Tobago on Thursday, June 20.

THE GUARDIAN
Jadon Sancho is likely to leave Manchester United in January due to his refusal to apologise to Erik ten Hag for questioning the Dutchman's explanation for why he was left out of September's loss at Arsenal.

DAILY EXPRESS
Chelsea have reportedly opened talks with Palmeiras for Estevao Willian and are keen to strike a deal before other sides pounce.
Tottenham and Chelsea target Rayan Cherki has been put up for sale in the January transfer window for just £8.5m by Lyon.
Ange Postecoglou insists he is committed to his football philosophy and believes his approach will bring success to Tottenham.

SCOTTISH SUN
John Park has left Rangers following the arrival of new director of football recruitment Nils Koppen.
Edinburgh City could be forced to field a team of kids against Stirling Albion tomorrow - amid fears they could be heading for administration.

DAILY RECORD
John Lundstram hinted he's had dialogue with Rangers over the possibility of extending his contract beyond the summer, but the midfielder was keen to give little away.
Rangers boss Philippe Clement has confirmed that he will try and sign a striker in January following Danilo's injury.
Brendan Rodgers has called for grass pitches to be one of the minimum standards for playing in the Scottish Premiership.
Hibs have banked a bumper £1.2m transfer fee for Ellias Melkersen after the striker completed a permanent move to Norwegian club Strømsgodset.


Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund are working on a swap deal which would see England winger Jadon Sancho, 23, return to the Bundesliga club - with 24-year-old Netherlands forward Donyell Malen heading in the opposite direction. (Sport Bild - in German)

Dortmund would also accept an offer of 30m euros (£25.7m) from United for Malen. (Christian Falk)

Chelsea are prepared to pay whatever it takes to sign striker 24-year-old Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen from Napoli in January. (Football Transfers)

Manchester United are willing to sell 31-year-old Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen in the January transfer window. (Football Insider)

United and Liverpool have joined a host of top clubs who are targeting Fulham's Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha. (TeamTalk)

However, Bayern Munich are unlikely to make another approach for the 28-year-old Palhinha in January. (Sky Sports Germany - in German).

Tottenham will consider selling Brazil forward Richarlison, 26, in January amid interest from Saudi Arabia. (Football Insider)

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has played down suggestions that the club will look to replace injured defender Joel Matip in the January transfer window. (Mirror)

Former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui is open to replacing under-pressure Steve Cooper as Nottingham Forest manager having recently rejected a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad. (Talksport)

Aston Villa's French midfielder Morgan Sanson, 29, wants to make his loan move to OGC Nice a permanent one. (Get France Football News)

Barcelona want £12.8m (15m euros) from Bayern Munich for France defender Clement Lenglet, with the 28-year-old interested in a move to Germany if Aston Villa are willing to cut short his loan deal given his lack of game time for the West Midlands club. (Sport - in Spanish)

West Ham are open to offers for Maxwel Cornet, 27, with the club ready to cut their losses on the Ivory Coast winger 15 months into his five-year contract. (Talksport)

AC Milan and Napoli face competition from several Premier League clubs for the signature of Monza's Italian goalkeeper Michele di Gregorio, 26. (Tuttomercatoweb - in Italian)

Manchester United are set to battle Manchester City for the signature of Lille's French defender Leny Yoro, 18. (Mirror)

Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth is a target for Manchester United to head up their new footballing department under Sir Jim Ratcliffe. (90min)

Barcelona are keen to sign Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, 26, in January with the Nigerian international's Foxes contract set to expire next summer. (Sport - in Spanish)

Sunday 10 December 2023 07:20, UK

THE SUN ON SUNDAY
Manchester United have made the stunning decision to place Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips at the top of their January shopping list.
Real Madrid have opened talks with cash-strapped Reading over a deal to sign teenage forward Caylan Vickers for their Castilla development squad.
Anthony Martial faced brutal cheers from Manchester United when he was taken off during Saturday's 3-0 humiliation at home to Bournemouth.
Paul Heckingbottom might not be out of work for long, with the sacked Sheffield United boss one of the favourites to replace Tony Mowbray at Sunderland.
Amad Diallo will get six weeks to prove himself worthy of Manchester United's first-team squad on his return from injury or will get another loan move at the end of the January transfer window.
Reports in Spain have hinted that Manchester United want to sign Valencia wonderkid Javi Guerra, but they might be forced to pay his £86m release clause to get a deal done.
Crystal Palace are putting Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera on their list to replace Marc Guehi.
Pape Gueye wants a second crack at the Premier League after his first ended without him kicking a ball.

DAILY STAR ON SUNDAY
Manchester City are looking to sign £50m-rated Club Bruges winger Tajon Buchanan in January, with the Canada international reportedly uninterested in extending his current deal beyond 2025.
Newcastle are eyeing up Crystal Palace shot-stopper Sam Johnstone.

MAIL ON SUNDAY
MLS side Charlotte FC are expected to make a decision this week on their new manager after interviewing both Frank Lampard and Dean Smith.
Joey Barton is facing ridicule on social media after comments he previously made about Chelsea boss Emma Hayes "crossing over to the men's game" were published in the wake of his sexist comments about female pundits.
Real Madrid have drawn up a three-player shortlist to replace Chelsea loanee Kepa Arrizabalaga next season after conceding they might not be able to turn his move into a permanent one. Sporting Braga No 1 Matheus is one of the keepers they are monitoring.
Chris Evert has vowed to make a quick return to the tennis broadcasting booth after revealing she would miss the Australian Open next month after a second ovarian cancer diagnosis.
England supporters may be banned from drinking beer at their Euro 2024 opener in Germany next year, a top officer in charge of policing has warned.
The RFU is set to step in to ensure Maro Itoje continues playing for Saracens and England.

SUNDAY EXPRESS
Liverpool hope they will have the upper hand over Arsenal when they make their play to sign Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha in January.
Liverpool may be forced to wait until the summer to bring Newcastle target Lucas Beraldo to Anfield, according to reports.


SUNDAY MIRROR
Manchester United are ready to make their move for RB Leipzig forward Lois Openda after receiving a series of sparkling scouting reports about the Belgium international.
Newcastle United are weighing up a January move for Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris should Eddie Howe decide he needs more cover for the injured Nick Pope in January.
Tottenham are continuing to track Bournemouth summer signing Illia Zabarnyi as part of their efforts to land defensive reinforcements for Ange Postecoglou in January.

Wolves will try to sign Burnley contract rebel Josh Brownhill for around £7m in January.
Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp has revealed he still dreams of buying an EFL club after failing with a previous venture to take over at Wycombe.
Wolves fans showed their displeasure for VAR during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest after supporters groups handed out thousands of cards bearing the graphic "Enough is Enough - END VAR".
Former Blackburn Rovers midfielder Simon Vukcevic has been arrested and remanded in a Serbian prison after being caught with a gun and 126 bullets in his car as he attempted to cross the border between Serbia and Montenegro.
Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips is a growing loan target for Newcastle in the January window after a potential move to Juventus ran into problems.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
Steve Cooper is set for a stay of execution as Nottingham Forest manager after their battling 1-1 draw at Wolves but his job remains on a knife-edge ahead of a Friday date with Tottenham.

Henry Arundell will not be available to England in the Six Nations this season after he rejected the chance to sign a hybrid contract at Bath that would have made him eligible while contracted to French side Racing 92.
US Ryder Cup player Tony Finau is in talks to join his neighbour Jon Rahm's fledgling LIV Golf team in a deal that could pay him around £50m.

SUNDAY TIMES
Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group are understood to be one of four US-based investors to make a proposal to the PGA Tour ahead of a defining decision over whether it should align itself with the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
England could turn to uncapped Lancashire spinner Tom Hartley as a fourth slow-bowling option for the Test match series in India - the squad is expected to be announced on Tuesday.
Former England forwards coach Richard Cockerill is set to be named as Georgia's new head coach after being sacked by French club Montpellier only seven games into the Top 14 season.
Everton have turned down an offer from Tottenham Hotspur to alter the terms of a £10m deal agreed as part of the transfer of Dele Alli.

SUNDAY MAIL
Rangers could face a severely weakened Real Betis side in their Europa League decider on Thursday with the Spanish side likely to be without six key players in a game the Light Blues realistically have to win to progress.
Mexican side Monterrey have targeted frustrated Celtic Women's boss Fran Alonso after their manager Eva Espejo moved from the dugout to the boardroom.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers admits a host of squad stars are living on borrowed time and will be offloaded in January to make room for new recruits.
Barry Robson has moved to allay any Viaplay Cup final fears over star man Bojan Miovski.


Manchester City's England midfielder Kalvin Phillips, 28, is at the top of Manchester United's shopping list for next summer. (Sun)

Manchester United are keeping an eye on RB Leipzig and Belgium striker Lois Openda, 23, as they look to replace England winger Jadon Sancho, 23, and France forward Anthony Martial, 28, next summer. (Mirror)

Newcastle United are considering a move for Crystal Palace's England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, 30. (Star)

Manchester City are interested in Club Brugge winger Tajon Buchanan in January and will have to pay about £50m for the 24-year-old Canada international. (Star)

Newcastle United are planning to make a number of loan signings from the Saudi Pro League in January. (Football Insider)

Wolves are preparing a cut-price £7m move in January for Burnley's English midfielder Josh Brownhill, 27. (Mirror)

Barcelona president Joan Laporta plans to hold talks over the futures of Portugal duo Joao Felix, 24, on loan from Atletico Madrid, and Joao Cancelo, 29, on loan from Manchester City. (Sport - in Spanish)

Manchester United are leading Tottenham in the race to sign Nice's 23-year-old France defender Jean-Clair Todibo. (Football Insider)

Everton have turned down an offer from Tottenham to alter the terms of a £10m deal agreed as part of the transfer of former England midfielder Dele Alli, 27, to Goodison Park in January 2022. (Times - subscription required)

Reading's 18-year-old forward Caylan Vickers is set for a dream move to Spanish giants Real Madrid. (Sun)

Manchester United have enquired about 27-year-old Guinea and Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy, who could be available for less than 20m euros (£17m). (Sky Sports Germany)

Bayern Munich have made Barcelona's Ronald Araujo, 24, their top transfer target and could pay a "massive" fee for the Uruguay defender. (Sky Sports Germany)

Former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who retired at the end of last season, says he is "talking" to AC Milan about returning to the club in some capacity. (Sky Sports Italia, via Football Italia)

Juventus are monitoring the situation of 30-year-old Brazilian attacking midfielder Felipe Anderson, whose contract at Lazio runs out in the summer. (Calciomercato - in Italian)

Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez is not sure if a contract renewal with Inter Milan will be completed before Christmas but the 26-year-old claims a deal is close. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian)

Barcelona boss Xavi says the club are not looking to bring in a goalkeeper to cover for the back injury suffered by Germany international Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 31. (Marca - in Spanish)

Monday 11 December 2023 07:28, UK


DAILY MAIL
Barcelona are ready to tempt Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso with a move back to Spain in January according to local reports as they look to replace long-term injury victim Gavi.
Erling Haaland faces a race to prove his fitness for Manchester City's tilt at the Club World Cup next week.
Gary Cotterill and Sam Blitz take a closer look at Manchester City's comeback win at Luton and why Pep Guardiola has reasons to be relaxed over the next week or so
UEFA have been plunged into a state of civil war following the emergence of a plot to allow president Aleksander Ceferin to stay in power until 2031.
Former Tottenham and Liverpool talent spotter Steve Hitchen's move to join Unique Sports Group, one of the country's leading agencies, as director of football illustrates the industry's shifting landscape.
The International Olympic Committee has gone into overdrive to try and persuade nations not to compete in the Friendship Games, a rival event in Moscow being organised by Vladimir Putin.

DAILY MIRROR
Former Manchester United defender Eric Bailly says he has become the victim of a sickening campaign of threats, violence and even a curse from an agent who claims to be owed money from the deal which took him to Besiktas in September.
The Gary Neville podcast discusses the problems at Manchester United and how the club is crying out for a competent sporting structure to deal effectively with recruitment
England's potential World Cup base, the luxurious Golfresort Weimarer Land, boasts a staff of more than 130 including a robot waiter called Robbie.
Bayern Munich will be without Serge Gnabry for their Champions League trip to face Manchester United after he suffered a groin strain five minutes after coming on as a sub in the 5-1 humiliation by Eintracht Frankfurt.
Ruud Gullit has told Arsenal they would be better off making a move for Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez than splashing the cash on Brentford's Ivan Toney.

THE SUN
Erik ten Hag has been warned Harry Kane aims to heap on the misery and deliver a Champions League KO.
Fulham are stepping up their interest in Le Havre captain Arouna Sangante, a defender who has been key in the French side's solid back-line.
A number of West Ham fans, who were making their traditional trip down the Thames for their clash with Fulham, were severely delayed after their boat crashed into Hammersmith Bridge.
England's "WAGS" are toying with the idea of booking a German castle as their base for next summer's Euro 2024.
Super Sunday's Jamie Redknapp and Michael Dawson raise concerns about Tottenham defender Cristian Romero who was fortunate to avoid a red card

DAILY EXPRESS
Arsenal's hopes of signing midfield target Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad have improved after it was reported that Barcelona will not be looking to bring him to the Nou Camp.

THE TIMES
Gary Neville believes despite Manchester United's tumultuous start to their Premier League campaign, the club still shouldn't sack manager Erik ten Hag.
Laurie Canter lost his place in LIV Golf on Sunday when a missed putt and a topped approach into the water are estimated to have cost him at least £1.5m in guaranteed prize money.

DAILY RECORD
Alfredo Morelos' agent has poured cold water on talk of the striker returning to Rangers in January and says a move to Russia is more likely at the end of a disastrous spell with Santos which saw him play only three times because of injury and his new club get relegated.
Pat Bonner says Celtic's board are going to have to back boss Brendan Rodgers significantly in the transfer market in January to avoid a second-half slump.


Raphael Varane could leave Manchester United in January as the former France defender, 30, is not on good terms with manager Erik ten Hag. (Nicolo Schira)

Tottenham now lead Newcastle in the race to sign English winger Samuel Iling-Junior, 20, from Juventus. (Football Insider)

Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United are interested in signing Valencia and Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, 23. (Fichajes - in Spanish)

Fulham are stepping up their interest in Le Havre's Senegalese centre-half Arouna Sangante, 21. (Sun)

Fulham have also shown an interest in signing Fluminense's 22-year-old Brazil midfielder Andre. (Nicolo Schira)

Liverpool are among the Premier League clubs interested in 21-year-old German forward Maximilian Beier, who is expected to leave Hoffenheim next summer. (Sky Sports Germany)

Everton are prepared to sell England centre-back Ben Godfrey, 25, to Tottenham in January if a bid is submitted. (Football Insider)

Manchester United have offered to double the wages of Barcelona's 24-year-old Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo, who is not interested in a January move to Bayern Munich. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish)

French forward Mathys Tel, 18, has decided to stay at Bayern Munich at least until next summer, despite many clubs enquiring about a loan, including Manchester United. (Sky Sports Germany)

Chelsea and Liverpool are keeping tabs on Inter Milan and Turkey midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, 29. (Tuttosport - in Italian)

Chelsea have entered talks with Palmeiras over a deal to sign 16-year-old Brazilian winger Estevao Willian, known as 'Messinho', who has also attracted interest from Barcelona. (Goal, via Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish)

Manager Mikel Arteta has invited Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp to return to the club as part of their academy coaching staff. (Football Transfers

Tuesday 12 December 2023

THE GUARDIAN
Chelsea are likely to target a high-profile striker in January, with Ivan Toney, Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres all on their shortlist, but they will probably have to sell players first because of FFP concerns.

DAILY TELEGRAPH
Chelsea's "annus horribilis" is being recognised as a "disaster" inside Stamford Bridge with the club now facing a big decision over whether to stand by their 2023 transfer policy of focusing on younger signings.
Dean Smith appears to have beaten off competition from Frank Lampard and is expected to be confirmed as Charlotte FC manager in the next few days.
Aston Villa have finally received new shirts from kit manufacturer Castore some three months after their men's and women's teams complained they were becoming too heavy with sweat and risked performances being impaired.
Football Supporters Association chief Malcolm Clarke says PGMOL head Howard Webb has not done enough to speed up VAR decisions, which was the biggest frustration from fans polled during the summer.
West Ham remain 100 per cent behind David Moyes as manager after the 5-0 thrashing by Fulham but remain in no rush to offer the Scot a new contract
West Ham David Moyes manager defended the situation around his side's 5-0 thrashing at Fulham on Sunday
Teams in the Gallagher Premiership will have maximum squad sizes imposed on them as part of the new Professional Game Partnership with the Rugby Football Union. The likely proposal will be 35 senior players and a further 12 in a "transition" group.
Strategic Sports Group - a consortium of American financiers led by Liverpool owners John Henry and Tom Werner - have been chosen as the investors the PGA Tour policy board will deal with as they look for private equity investment.

DAILY EXPRESS
Chelsea are set to place seven players on the transfer list in January, with summer signing Axel Disasi - a fairly regular starter in his first season at Stamford Bridge - potentially among them.
Faruk Koca, president of Turkish club Ankaragucu, ran on to the pitch and punched referee Halil Umut Meler in the face after his side conceded a late equaliser against Caykur Risespor on Monday evening. The referee was also kicked while lying on the ground in unsavoury scenes broadcast on live television.
Dwight Yorke says he would love to be considered as Sunderland's next manager but felt it was a "bit of a slap in the face" to not even get a response from the club when he applied for the role eventually given to Tony Mowbray.

DAILY MAIL
Liverpool are set to open the top tier of their new-look Anfield Road Stand when Manchester United visit this weekend, taking their capacity to 57,000.
Mauricio Pochettino will focus on adding height to his Chelsea squad in January and could also bring in another goalkeeper to challenge Robert Sanchez for the No 1 jersey.
Everton duo Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are under serious consideration by England boss Gareth Southgate ahead of Euro 2024.
Tottenham striker Richarlison has revealed the extent of a groin injury which forced him to go as far as not shooting during pre-match sessions and also admitted it had a huge impact on his mental health.
Chelsea may have to consider cashing in on England midfielder Conor Gallagher in January as they struggle to comply with Premier League spending rules.
Mary Earps fever continued on Monday morning as the much-anticipated launch of the latest batch of her England goalkeeper shirt saw them sell out within five minutes.
Liverpool will consider bringing Rhys Williams back to the club from his loan spell at Aberdeen, first to provide cover for an injury-hit defence and possibly then to send him to another team as he has been unable to force his way into the Dons squad.
James Milner has revealed he might have carried on playing for England had Gareth Southgate been appointed before his decision to retire had been made public.
Former Eintracht Frankfurt manager Oliver Glasner, who is currently without a job, has emerged as a leading contender to take over at Nottingham Forest if they move on from Steve Cooper.

THE SUN
Manchester United will allow forward Anthony Martial to leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the season, his ninth at Old Trafford.
Graham Potter is on a "highly ambitious" shortlist to take over as Stoke City manager according to reports in the Potteries media.
Manchester City will not host their traditional big Christmas party this year, in part due to their commitments at the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Jadon Sancho has been offered to Barcelona, according to reports in Spain which claim Manchester United want Raphinha in a swap deal.
Real Madrid's £60m deal to sign Brazil talent Endrick only happened after Chelsea mysteriously pulled the plug on a move the player's father Douglas thought had been agreed.
Everton want to recall Mason Holgate from his loan spell at Southampton because of a lack of playing time with Middlesbrough, Watford and Rangers all keen on taking him in January.

EVENING STANDARD
Reuell Walters, Lino Sousa and Ethan Nwaneri have all travelled with Arsenal for their final Champions League group game against PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday evening.

DAILY EXPRESS
Stefanos Tsitsipas has revealed he was struggling to get out of bed because of the back injury that forced him to withdraw from the ATP Finals in Turin. The Greek star's condition is improving and still hopes to play in the United Cup in early January.

DAILY RECORD
Scott Brown has emerged as the favourite to take over as manager of Queen's Park with former Celtic team-mate Charlie Mulgrew as his main competition.
St Johnstone owner Geoff Brown says no party is anywhere near making an offer to buy the club from him despite interest from the USA.




Chelsea are prepared to consider offers for England midfielder Conor Gallagher, 23, when the transfer window opens next month to raise funds for Mauricio Pochettino, who could make a move for Brentford's England striker Ivan Toney, 27, or Napoli's 24-year-old Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen. (Mail)

France centre-back Axel Disasi and Spanish left-back Marc Cucurella are among seven players Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is willing to sell in January, despite Disasi, 25, only joining the Blues last summer and Cucurella, also 25, costing more than £60m in August 2022. (Teamtalk)

Chelsea are continuing to track Palmeiras' Brazilian midfielder Luis Guilherme but Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United are also keeping tabs on the 17-year-old. (90Min)

Manchester United want to swap England winger Jadon Sancho, 23, with Barcelona's Brazil winger Raphinha, 26. (Sport - in Spanish)

Manchester United do not intend to activate the option to extend the contract of France forward Anthony Martial, 28, when it expires at the end of this season. (Athletic)

Manchester United are open to offers for Brazil midfielder Casemiro, 31, former France defender Raphael Varane, 30, and Netherlands midfielder Donny van de Beek, 26, in January, as well as Martial and Sancho. (Guardian)

If Sancho leaves Manchester United in January, Ivory Coast forward Amad Diallo, 21, could replace him in their first-team squad having just returned from injury. (Football Insider)

West Ham United remain "100%" behind David Moyes, 60, despite the crushing 5-0 defeat away at Fulham. (Telegraph)

England midfielder Kalvin Phillips is seeking a January exit from Manchester City, with Tottenham and Newcastle keen on the 28-year-old. (Football Insider)

Liverpool are considering recalling English centre-back Rhys Williams, 22, from his loan spell at Aberdeen as Jurgen Klopp looks solve his defensive injury crisis. (Mail)

Bayern Munich representatives were at Sunday's game to watch Fulham's Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha, 28, who they almost signed in the summer. (90min)

Tottenham have agreed a new long-term deal for Italian full-back Destiny Udogie, 21. (Fabrizio Romano)

Everton want to recall English defender Mason Holgate, 27, from his loan spell at Southampton because of a lack of game time. (Sun)

Bournemouth have offered Lloyd Kelly, 25, a club-record deal in a bid to persuade him to sign a new contract, with AC Milan and Juventus keen for the English defender to agree a pre-contract deal. (Teamtalk)

Brentford are in the market for a striker in January even if Toney stays at the club, with FC Cincinnati's USA international Brandon Vazquez, 25, among the forwards on their radar. (Telegraph - subscription required)

Red Bull Salzburg's Israel midfielder Oscar Gloukh, 19, is on Aston Villa's radar before the January transfer window. (Football Insider)

Feyenoord's 22-year-old Dutch midfielder Quinten Timber, twin brother of Arsenal defender Jurrien, is emerging as a transfer target for Fulham. (Teamtalk)

Stoke City have approached former Aston Villa and Leicester boss Dean Smith over the Championship side's managerial vacancy. (Football Insider)

Arsenal have held contract talks with English defender Reuell Walters as they bid to fend off interest in the 18-year-old from clubs in the Premier League and in Europe. (Standard)

Wednesday 13 December 2023 07:00, UK

DAILY MAIL
Aston Villa are ready to fight off any interest in midfielder Douglas Luiz next month, with the Brazil international valued at more than £100m.
Alexis Mac Allister is not expected to be a long-term absentee from the Liverpool side with the knee injury he sustained against Sheffield United last week, but he is a serious doubt for Sunday's Anfield date with Manchester United.
Middlesbrough defender Hayden Hackney is being watched by scouts from both Manchester clubs, Tottenham and Liverpool but any move is more likely to happen in the summer.
The Premier League has indicated to Everton's prospective buyers 777 Partners that their takeover will not be approved before the end of the year, raising fears that the club could lose their offer, have to enter administration and face another points deduction next month.
Brighton have lost one of their key backroom staff, with head of medical and performance Adam Brett leaving the club in recent weeks after almost a decade in the role.
Dale Benkenstein is set to be unveiled as the new head coach of Lancashire after Chris Silverwood turned down the county's approach to remain in his role with Sri Lanka.

DAILY EXPRESS
Former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea would be very interested in joining Newcastle United on a short-term deal in January, according to reports.
Injuries to Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw against Bayern Munich on Tuesday could leave Manchester United without 13 first-team players when they take on old rivals Liverpool on Sunday.
Despite comments to the contrary from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola about Erling Haaland's absence being more than short-term, his father Alfie, his brother Astor and girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen have all removed the striker from their Fantasy Premier League teams.

THE GUARDIAN
Chelsea's players are perplexed by Thiago Silva not being made captain in the absence of Reece James and Ben Chilwell, with suggestions that the veteran defender has been disrespected a growing topic in the dressing room.
The government has admitted that a "disagreement" with Roman Abramovich is stopping funds generated from the sale of Chelsea from being used to help victims of the war in Ukraine.
Newcastle's hopes of Champions League progression could rest in the hands of their third-choice goalkeeper Loris Karius at home against Milan after Eddie Howe admitted that Martin Dubravka's fitness is "unclear".

THE SUN
Jose Mourinho is deep in talks with AS Roma over an extension to his contract as manager, but reports in Italy say Newcastle United remain "fascinated" by the 60-year-old.
Chelsea face being without England defender Reece James until March as his hamstring injury is on the more severe end of the scale.
Loris Karius is on standby for Newcastle's do-or-die Champions League clash with AC Milan - over five years after his blunders cost Liverpool in the final.

DAILY TELEGRAPH
Chelsea have bullishly insisted that they plan to keep handing out eight-year contracts, despite Premier League clubs voting to close the loophole that allowed them to spread transfer fees over more than five years.
West Bromwich Albion are edging closer towards a sale with unpopular owner Guochuan Lai set to choose a preferred bidder from three offers, one of which is from the USA and another from Nigeria.
Reims boss Will Still has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Tony Mowbray as Sunderland's head coach although it remains far from certain he will accept the job because of other offers he has received.
Chelsea players went ahead with their Christmas party with the blessings of Mauricio Pochettino even though it was scheduled only a couple of hours after returning to London following their humiliating defeat at the hands of Everton.
Sportswear giant Puma is terminating its sponsorship agreement with Israel's national football team, although the German firm insists the decision was made before Hamas' October 7 attack on the nation and subsequent war.
Professional rugby players are among athletes who have become prime targets for 'sextortion' by social media scammers.

DAILY MIRROR
Richard Arnold has officially left Manchester United after 16 years as the club prepare to announce Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment deal with confirmation coming via his removal from their Companies House documents.
Liverpool are weighing up a decision on whether to recall Nat Phillips from his loan spell at Celtic given the serious knee injury suffered by Joel Matip.

THE TIMES
Billy Vunipola is facing a six-week ban after he was cited for a dangerous clearout during Saracens' defeat by the Bulls in the Champions Cup on Saturday.

DAILY RECORD
Hibs boss Nick Montgomery has admitted his January transfer wish list "isn't very long" and hopes the return of a few players from long-term injuries will feel like new signings. Adelaide United forward Musa Toure is one of his targets.
Juventus and Monaco have reportedly joined the list of clubs interested in signing Celtic's Rocco Vata, who is out of contract in the summer.
Goalkeeper Craig Gordon has opened talks with Hearts over a new deal aimed at ensuring he ends his playing days at Tynecastle.

SCOTTISH SUN
Rangers star Danilo has been given the nightmare news he's facing four months on the sidelines.
Alan Burrows wants to get Celtic target Bojan Miovski tied down on a new contract.
Henrik Larsson has won a battle with a Scots businessman over the rights to his name.


Barcelona are considering a January loan move for Tottenham and Argentina midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, 27. (90min)

Talks are advancing for a deal for Manchester United's Netherlands midfielder Donny van de Beek, 26, to join Eintracht Frankfurt on loan. (Fabrizio Romano on X)

Newcastle's owners continue to admire Jose Mourinho at Roma, with the 60-year-old's contract set to expire next summer, although the Serie A side are keen to retain him as their manager. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian)

Getafe are hoping to buy England forward Mason Greenwood, 22, from Manchester United but stand to profit anyway due to a 20% sell-on clause that was inserted in his loan deal to the La Liga club. (Athletic - subscription)

Arsenal have made an offer of £17.2m plus add-ons for Santos and Brazil Under-20 forward Marcos Leonardo, 20. (Fichajes - in Spanish)

Manchester City could move for a midfielder and striker in the upcoming January window. (Football Insider)

Juventus remain interested in signing Manchester City and England midfielder Kalvin Phillips, 28, on loan in January. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian)

Chelsea are keen on Sporting Lisbon's Sweden forward Viktor Gyokeres, 25. (Ekrem Konur on X)

Former Wolves and Spain boss Julen Lopetegui, 57, is interesting both Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest. The Spaniard has not managed since leaving Wolves in August. (Sun)

Manchester United and Liverpool are among a number of Premier League clubs monitoring Real Betis' 18-year-old Spain Under-21 winger Assane Diao. (TeamTalk)

Saudi Arabian clubs Al Shabab and Al-Qadsiyah are considering a move for 36-year-old former England striker Jamie Vardy when his Leicester contract expires next summer. (CaughtOffside)

Liverpool are considering recalling 26-year-old English defender Nat Phillips from his loan at Celtic after Cameroonian defender Joel Matip, 32, suffered a season-ending knee injury. (Mirror)

Liverpool's France defender Ibrahima Konate, 24, has begun talks over a contract extension with the Reds, despite talks of a move to Paris St-Germain. (le10sport - in French)

Championship side Sunderland are in talks to appoint Will Still but face a battle to win over the Belgium-born English coach, 31, who is in charge of Ligue 1 side Reims. (Telegraph - subscription)

Borussia Dortmund have joined Newcastle in the race for the signature of Serhou Guirassy, Stuttgart's 27-year-old Guinea forward. Guirassy has scored 16 Bundesliga goals already this season. (Sport Bild - in German)

Premier League scouts from Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool are watching Middlesbrough and England Under-21 midfielder Hayden Hackney, 21, with the expectation he will leave the club next summer. (Mail)

Thursday 14 December 2023 07:18, UK

THE SUN
Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter is being lined up to replace Erik ten Hag as Manchester United manager after meeting with incoming investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Barcelona have ruled out a swap deal involving Jadon Sancho and Raphinha, according to reports.
Donny van de Beek's huge wages could block a move to his keenest admirers Eintracht Frankfurt.
Tottenham have no interest in letting Barcelona target Giovani Lo Celso go in January - and certainly not on loan.
Argentina stars have teased Alejandro Garnacho so much over his love for Cristiano Ronaldo that he is too shy to talk.
Arsenal have accumulated a staggering bonus of £66m for qualifying into the round of 16 of the Champions League.
Julen Lopetegui has been earmarked to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, reports suggest.
Manchester United transfer target Serhou Guirassy has rejected a new deal at Stuttgart, reports suggest.

THE ATHLETIC
Raphael Varane could become a free agent in the summer with his contract at Manchester United set to expire a year earlier than previously publicised.
Alexis Mac Allister remains a doubt for Liverpool's game with Manchester United at the weekend as Jurgen Klopp confirmed his knee injury was "more tricky" than first imagined, but not serious.
Former Tottenham set-piece coach Gianni Vio has taken up a role at Championship club Watford.
The four men charged over the hanging of an effigy of Vinicius Junior from a bridge near the Real Madrid training ground will appear in court on January 11.
Nottingham Forest have appointed Simon Rusk as their first specialist set-piece coach.
Liverpool have been granted permission to use their newly-developed Anfield Road Stand for their game against Manchester United on Sunday and attract their biggest home crowd in 50 years.

THE GUARDIAN
The shirt Lionel Messi wore during Argentina's 2022 FIFA World Cup final victory over France is expected to sell for a record-breaking $10m (£8m) when a set of six shirts he wore go under the hammer at Sotheby's in New York on Thursday.

DAILY TELEGRAPH
Erik ten Hag's long-term future as Manchester United manager is under threat with Ineos waiting in the wings.
Manchester United are facing a financial hit of about £28m after their early Champions League exit.
Uefa disciplinary chiefs have rejected calls from the head of football policing in the UK for Legia Warsaw to be thrown out of the Europa Conference League over the fan violence that left five officers injured before the club's defeat at Aston Villa.
Bayern Munich assistant coach Anthony Barry is a leading candidate for the Republic of Ireland job but it would require a compensation package to land him from the Bundesliga champions after joining them earlier this year.
Fast bowler Josh Tongue appears unlikely to play again until the English summer having been ruled out of the tour of India with a pectoral injury.

THE TIMES
Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek are the two likeliest departures from Manchester United in the January transfer window as the club look to raise funds after their exit from the Champions League - they would also listen to offers for Casemiro and Raphael Varane.
The organisers of the Paris Olympics have been presented with a serious headache over the positioning of the two sandpits for the athletics only seven months before the Games.

DAILY MAIL
Paul Merson looks back at Manchester United's shortcomings in Group A of the Champions League and reflects on a disappointing final matchday against Bayern Munich
Manchester United's failure to qualify for the knockout stage of the Champions League has left a £28m dent in the club's transfer budget and could put more pressure on the club to sell players in January.
Manchester City have released a short statement condemning violence against their supporters in Serbia after attacks on travelling fans took place ahead of their Champions League clash against Red Star Belgrade.
Barcelona have been banned from taking showers at their own home stadium as Catalonia fights to manage a record drought.
Manchester United are overhauling their medical set-up after launching an internal review into the crucial department.
Everton and Burnley are among the clubs keeping an eye on former Derby youngster Archie Brown.

DAILY MIRROR
Chelsea will listen to offers for out-of-favour left-back Ian Maatsen in next month's transfer window.
Around £2.5bn from Roman Abramovich's sale of Chelsea remains frozen due to a "disagreement" over how the money will be used.

EVENING STANDARD
Crystal Palace intend to sign a central midfielder and a left-back in the January transfer window, with Jean-Philippe Mateta ready to leave.
Former Liverpool player Fabinho has backed his old club to fight for the Premier League title after being impressed by their recent late wins.

DAILY RECORD
Stoke City have reportedly "held initial talks" with former Rangers boss Michael Beale to replace Alex Neil.
Lazio have been hit with a suspended stadium ban and bumper UEFA fine following a spate of unsavoury incidents during their acrimonious Champions League clash with Celtic last month.

SCOTTISH SUN
Abdallah Sima has admitted he would love to make his Rangers loan move permanent.
Aberdeen have a major sweat over star man Bojan Miovski for the clash with Eintracht Frankfurt - and Sunday's Viaplay Cup final.
Danny Handling and several of his team-mates have quit Edinburgh City amid fears the capital club is heading for administration.


Manchester United risk losing French defender Raphael Varane, 30, on a free transfer next summer with his contract due to expire a year earlier than originally publicised. (Athletic - subscription)

Barcelona and other top European clubs are tracking 22-year-old Manchester United and England forward Mason Greenwood, who is currently on a season-long loan at Getafe. (Talksport)

Napoli have held constructive talks with Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen's camp about extending the 24-year-old's contract until 2026, including a release clause of about £115m. (Sky Sports Italy)

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is not at risk of the sack as the club do not want to make any big decisions until the expected sale of 25% of the club to Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Ineos group is resolved. (Independent)

However, former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter is being lined up to replace Ten Hag at Manchester United. (Sun)

Ex-Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui is also well placed to succeed Ten Hag if the Old Trafford club decide to part ways with the Dutchman. (Relevo - in Spanish)

AC Milan are in talks with Arsenal over a loan deal for 23-year-old Poland defender Jakub Kiwior. (Calciomercato - in Italian)

Borussia Monchengladbach and Switzerland defender Nico Elvedi, 27, has emerged as a January target for Chelsea following another injury setback to England full-back Reece James, 24. (Teamtalk)

Manchester United's failure to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages has left a £28m hole in their transfer budget and may mean they are more open to listen to offers for 31-year-old Brazil midfielder Casemiro, France striker Anthony Martial, 28, and Varane. (Mail)

Eintracht Frankfurt and Girona are keen on 26-year-old Netherlands midfielder Donny van de Beek, who wants to leave Manchester United. (Fabrizio Romano)

Liverpool are in talks with RB Leipzig about recalling Portuguese winger Fabio Carvalho, 21, from his loan spell because of a lack of game time. (Liverpool Echo)

West Ham's hopes of signing VfB Stuttgart's Guinea forward Serhou Guirassy, 27, have taken a blow as Borussia Dortmund are also keen. (Bild - in German)

Chelsea are willing to listen to offers for Dutch left-back Ian Maatsen, 21, in next month's transfer window. (Mirror)

Aston Villa could sign 19-year-old Red Bull Salzburg and Israel midfielder Oscar Gloukh in January for up to £50m. (Football Insider)

Wolves have agreed a new deal for South Korea forward Hwang Hee-chan, 27, until June 2028 with an option for a further season. (Fabrizio Romano)

Everton, Burnley and Leeds United are among the clubs monitoring 21-year-old English defender Archie Brown, who plays for Gent. (Mail)

Bayern Munich's assistant coach Anthony Barry is a leading candidate to become the Republic of Ireland's new manager. (Telegraph - subscription)

Nottingham Forest have a verbal agreement to sign Brazil and Fluminense defender Nino, 26. (Florian Plettenberg)

Friday 15 December 2023 06:13, UK

THE SUN
Paris Saint-Germain are interested in a move for Casemiro, according to reports.
Manchester United are struggling to shift £73m flop Jadon Sancho.
Millionaire ex-Billericay Town owner Glenn Tamplin, who splashed cash on Premier League stars, is on the run from the cops.
Ivan Toney is said to be "really excited" about the prospect of joining Arsenal, reports suggest.
Juventus are offering Moise Kean in exchange for Arsenal wonderkid Charlie Patino.

DAILY MAIL
Manchester United's women's team have been left frustrated after their head physiotherapist was poached by the men's set-up.
Tosin Adarabioyo's return to fitness and form has stirred interest ahead of the January transfer window.
A host of top European clubs - including Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid - have reportedly sent scouts to watch Mason Greenwood this season.
Andy Farrell has been given the green light to be appointed British & Irish Lions head coach for the first time in Australia in 2025 after he signed a new Ireland deal.

THE ATHLETIC
Liverpool are in discussions with Fabio Carvalho over his future after an unsuccessful loan spell at RB Leipzig.

DAILY TELEGRAPH
Wonderkid Kendry Paez will train with Chelsea's first-team squad next week in the first of a series of settling-in visits to England planned by the Premier League club.
Maro Itoje and Jamie George are to hand Steve Borthwick a major boost ahead of the Six Nations Championship by signing contract extensions at Saracens after a historic financial intervention by the Rugby Football Union, who have offered the pair new 'enhanced hybrid contracts' to remain in England.

DAILY EXPRESS
Arsenal right-back Cedric Soares is reportedly wanted by Villarreal in January.

EVENING STANDARD
Chelsea are unperturbed by Victor Osimhen's new contract at Napoli as a release clause included has set the price for a summer raid.
Ange Postecoglou says Tottenham need a new centre-back in January, despite Ben Davies's seamless adaption to the role.

THE TIMES
A club relegated from the Gallagher Premiership with a parachute payment would not be a welcome addition to the Championship next season.

DAILY RECORD
Tiago Arajuo is likely to arrive at Celtic in the New Year, it has been claimed.
Ann Budge and Andrew McKinlay fielded questions from fuming Hearts fans at the club's AGM - defending Steven Naismith from accusations he plays 'horrific' football.


Paris St-Germain are interested in a move for Manchester United's 31-year-old Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, who has also been linked with Saudi Arabia side Al-Hilal. (Sports Zone, via Sun)

Manchester United are struggling to find a buyer for English forward Jadon Sancho, 23, with his reported £350,000-a-week wages believed to be putting teams off the £73m signing. (Sun)

Manchester United are monitoring 27-year-old Stuttgart and Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy, who can leave the German side in January for less than 20m euros (£17.25m). (Sky Germany via Sky Sports)

The Saudi Pro League's director of football Michael Emenalo believes it would be hard to convince Liverpool's 31-year-old Egypt forward Mohamed Salah to join the league in January. (Sky Sports)

Spanish former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, 33, has once again fuelled speculation of an imminent return to the Premier League with a cryptic social media post. (Mirror)

Villarreal are interested in Arsenal's 32-year-old Portuguese defender Cedric Soares. (ESPN)


Manchester United will consider sales in January if any deal helps ease their Financial Fair Play concerns and does not unduly weaken manager Erik ten Hag's squad. (Manchester Evening News)

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou wants to sign a new centre-back in the January transfer window. (Standard)

The return to fitness and form of Fulham's 26-year-old English defender Tosin Adarabioyo has stirred interest ahead of the January transfer window. (Mail)

Arsenal and Tottenham both sent scouts to watch 18-year-old Belgian midfielder Arthur Vermeeren play for Royal Antwerp in their stunning Champions League win over Barcelona. (90 Min)

RB Leipzig have again contacted Liverpool to express a desire to keep 21-year-old Portuguese winger Fabio Carvalho, despite the Reds wanting him to return from his loan spell through a lack of playing time. (Fabrizio Romano)

Barcelona boss Xavi, 43, is facing the heat at the Nou Camp after punishing back-to-back defeats, with none of the club's boardroom chiefs giving their support to the Spaniard. (AS - in Spanish)

Ecuador's 16-year-old midfielder Kendry Paez will train with Chelsea next week in the first of a number of settling-in visits. The Blues signed him from Independiente del Valle in the summer with the agreement he will join the club on his 18th birthday. (Telegraph - subscription required)

Saturday's newspapers

THE SUN

Tottenham are lining up a stunning move for Brazilian wonderkid Morato after scouting him in the Champions League this week.

Chelsea are in the midst of a goalkeeping crisis with Robert Sanchez set to be out for several weeks.

Premier League sides may not know until April if they will have a fifth Champions League place next season.

Chelsea are tracking the highly rated Torino and Italy defender Alessandro Buongiorno.

Lewis Hall may be heading back to Chelsea after Eddie Howe could not confirm if the left-back will be a Newcastle player next season.

Chelsea are reportedly set to axe Trevoh Chalobah, Ian Maatsen and Noni Madueke in order to fund transfers in January.


DAILY EXPRESS

Arsenal and Tottenham reportedly sent scouts to watch Royal Antwerp starlet Arthur Vermeeren play against Barcelona in midweek.

Casemiro is ready to call quits on his Manchester United career in the January transfer window if a suitable offer for his signature arrives, according to reports.

DAILY MAIL

Thomas Tuchel snapped at a journalist after being asked about whether Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness could one day be his successor at Bayern Munich.

The PGA Tour is close to agreeing a multi-billion-dollar deal with a consortium of owners of major US sports teams including John Henry and Arthur Blank, according to reports.

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is in advanced talks about funding a second IPL to take place every autumn which would represent a major threat to international cricket.

Simona Halep has said that if her four-year doping ban is upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport at her appeal in February, her career will most likely be over.

DAILY MIRROR

Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker has backed Andre Onana to succeed in the Premier League, despite his indifferent start at Manchester United.

Joel Glazer will be the sole power-broker on whether Manchester United sack Erik ten Hag if they suffer their third consecutive defeat against Liverpool on Sunday.

Daniel Farke has warned his Leeds players he will be tough with them, insisting: "I'm not here to win the Nobel Peace Prize."

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Premier League referees will be given the green light to continue freelancing in far-flung countries after it was found doing so played no part in the Liverpool offside goal fiasco.

THE ATHLETIC

Xavi insists he is not considering leaving Barcelona after a difficult week that brought back-to-back defeats against Girona and Royal Antwerp.

Aston Villa's holding company V Sports, jointly controlled by owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, has entered into an agreement with investment company Atairos for it to become a partner.

Real Madrid's new-look Santiago Bernabeu stadium looks spectacular already - but the club do not expect work to be completed until spring - that means the official inauguration is now planned to take place between the end of May and early June.

THE GUARDIAN

Kevin De Bruyne is determined to become the "best player in the world" on returning from a hamstring injury sustained in Manchester City's opening-day win at Burnley.

Wayne Rooney has stressed the importance of him and his Birmingham City players ignoring the "Wagatha Christie" backdrop to their match against Leicester City.

EVENING STANDARD

Marco Silva insists he is "not worried" that Tosin Adarabioyo might leave in January, despite Fulham's failure to convince the defender to sign a new contract on three separate occasions.

THE TIMES

Ross Barkley says he feels that he is good enough to play for England again.

Concerns around the increasing demands on top players will be underlined on Sunday when FIFA is set to announce the dates for the new 32-team Club World Cup in the United States in 2025 - likely to be another summer tournament.

The majority of the 120-strong members of FIFA's legal, compliance and ethics division have rejected an improved relocation offer to move from Zurich to Miami.

There seems little chance of serious opposition threatening UEFA's proposals to allow its president, Aleksander Ceferin, to stand for a fourth term in office and to scrap the age limit of 70 for senior officials.

The FA's legal defeat in its attempt to impose caps on payments to agents could lead to future challenges of some Financial Fair Play (FFP) charges, according to the barrister Nick De Marco KC, who has been involved in a number of cases.

A male British Olympic athlete is the subject of an anti-doping investigation linked to a criminal case in the United States.

Paris 2024 Olympics organisers have been studying Britain's recent royal events such as the Coronation and the Queen's Platinum Jubilee as part of planning for what is likely to be a spectacular but security-testing opening ceremony based on the River Seine.

DAILY RECORD

Juan Miranda says Real Betis are launching a deep inquest into how they tumbled out of the Europa League against Rangers.

Danilo has vowed to return better than before as the Rangers striker updated fans on his knee surgery.



Chelsea could move to sign Arsenal and England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, 25, after confirmation Blues stopper Robert Sanchez will be sidelined with a knee injury. (Talksport}

Barcelona may sell Poland striker Robert Lewandowski, 35, this summer to help fund a move for Newcastle's 26-year-old Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. (Football Transfers)

Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Jude Bellingham's younger brother Jobe off the back of the 18-year-old's impressive start to life at Sunderland. (Sport - in Spanish)

West Ham are hoping to sell 27-year-old Spain midfielder Pablo Fornals to help fund their January spending, with the Hammers keen to sign two full-backs and a striker. (90Min)

Tottenham are lining up a move for Benfica's Brazilian defender Morato, 22, after he impressed scouts watching him against RB Salzburg in the Champions League in midweek. (Sun)

Chelsea are braced for a £34m battle with Italian giants Juventus, Inter Milan and Roma for the signature of Torino and Italy defender Alessandro Buongiorno, 24. (Sun)

United States midfielder Brenden Aaronson, 23, may cut his loan at Union Berlin short and return to parent club Leeds in January because of a lack of regular first-team football. (Teamtalk)

Liverpool face competition from Newcastle, AC Milan and Roma for £60m-rated Bayer Leverkusen and Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie, 21. (Bild - in German, subscription required)

Manchester United will not make a decision about Erik ten Hag's future as manager until Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment deal is complete, even if they were to suffer a heavy defeat at Liverpool on Sunday. (Football Insider)

Luka Modric is set to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as the club is not expected to offer the 38-year-old Croatia midfielder a new contract. (Sport - in Spanish)

Sunday's newspapers

MAIL ON SUNDAY

The Saudi Pro League will make renewed attempts to sign Mohamed Salah next summer with the Liverpool forward the main target in the cash-rich competition's next phase of expansion.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe commended teenager Lewis Miley for his historic performance as Newcastle's youngest Premier League goalscorer.

Manchester City are eyeing up a potential move form inform Spanish full-back Miguel Gutierrez at table topping Girona.

NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has been hospitalised after breaking his hip.


SUNDAY TIMES

A male British Olympic athlete is the subject of an anti-doping investigation linked to a criminal case in the United States, The Times can reveal.


STAR ON SUNDAY

Manchester City are planning a £50m swoop for Fulham ace Joao Palhinha in January.


SUNDAY MIRROR

Chelsea must cough up £85m if they wish to sign Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Arsenal are set to activate the £51m release clause of Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio in a January swoop.

Borussia Dortmund have made an enquiry for Man Utd loanee Sergio Reguilon.

Chelsea and Manchester City have entered the race for River Plate's teenage sensation Claudio Echeverri.

Fabio Carvalho is open to a shock return to Fulham - if Liverpool are able to recall him from his loan spell at RB Leipzig.


SUNDAY RECORD

Derek Adams reckons the standard of Scottish football is 'shocking' as he tore strips off the quality of the Scottish Premiership.

THE SCOTTISH SUN

Former Rangers managerial target Kevin Muscat is set to take charge of Chinese champions Shanghai Port in a lucrative £3m-a-year deal.

Andy Murray has revealed his favourite athlete growing up was Ronaldinho.

Rangers legend Graeme Souness has issued a warning to former Ibrox boss Michael Beale as he looks set to land the Sunderland job.



The Saudi Pro League will make renewed attempts to sign Liverpool and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah next summer with the 31-year-old the main target in the competition's next phase of expansion. (Mail)

Manchester City are looking at a bid for Fulham's Portuguese midfielder Joao Palhinha, 28, with Bayern Munich and Liverpool also keen. (Star)

Portugal winger Fabio Carvalho is open to a return to Fulham if Liverpool are able to recall the 21-year-old from his loan spell at RB Leipzig. (Mirror)

Brentford and England striker Ivan Toney, 27, is said to be excited about the possibility of joining Arsenal. (Fabrizio Romano, via Mail)

Saudi Pro League director of football Michael Emenalo says a conversation remains "open" with regard to pursuing a deal for Paris St-Germain and France forward Kylian Mbappe, 24. (Marca - in Spanish)

Chelsea and Manchester City have joined Barcelona in the race to sign River Plate's 17-year-old Argentine midfielder Claudio Echeverri. (Mirror)

Burnley are keen to do a £15m deal with Marseille for their Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye, 24. (Sun)

Scouts from Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea, have reportedly watched Sunderland's English winger Jobe Bellingham, 18. (Ekrem Konur)

Eintracht Frankfurt will have the option to buy Manchester United's Netherlands midfielder Donny van de Beek, 26, for less than 10m euros (£8.5m) in the summer, after an initial loan. (Sky Germany, via Florian Plettenberg)

AC Milan have asked Barcelona for information about 28-year-old France centre-back Clement Lenglet's situation at Aston Villa. (Caughtoffside)

Manchester City wanted Everton to pay a £7.5m loan fee for 28-year-old England midfielder Kalvin Phillips in the most recent summer transfer window. (Football Insider)

Middlesbrough are ready to make an initial offer to sign Nottingham Forest's out-of-favour English centre-half Joe Worrall, 26. (Sun)

Barcelona are scouting Djurgardens' 17-year-old Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall. (Football Transfers)

Monday 18 December 2023 07:44, UK

DAILY EXPRESS
Arsenal are monitoring Dominic Solanke's situation at Bournemouth if they are priced out of a move for Ivan Toney.
Virgil van Dijk and Andre Onana were involved in a tasty interaction in the tunnel that highlighted the moods in both dressing rooms after Liverpool and Manchester United played out a 0-0 draw on Sunday.
Ukrainian tennis ace Marta Kostyuk pulled out of a match against Russian rising star Mirra Andreeva in the final of the 2023 Negometal Open de Bourg-de-Peage tournament.
Gerwyn Price has called for the PDC World Championship to be hosted away from Alexandra Palace.
Rap superstar Drake lost a whopping $250,000 (£200,000) betting on Leon Edwards to knock out Colby Covington at UFC 296 in Las Vegas.
Ivan Toney is 'excited' about the chance to join Arsenal, according to reports.
Chelsea may end up with their future captain if they complete a reported £35m transfer for Wolves star Max Kilman.

DAILY MAIL
Manchester United have been given a boost in their pursuit of Newcastle's transfer chief Dan Ashworth as the Magpies themselves step up their efforts to bring Bournemouth's Richard Hughes to the club, according to reports.
Jose Mourinho has revealed why Chelsea sold future Premier League superstars Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah, claiming the pair were 'just kids who couldn't wait' for opportunities.
A review into medical protocol is expected at Luton after captain Tom Lockyer collapsed on the pitch for the second time in seven months.
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique revealed club superstar Kylian Mbappe has the 'liberty to play with freedom' in whatever position he wants within the team but questioned whether he was 'frustrated' in Paris.
Jose Mourinho claims he was once accused of bullying at Manchester United after substituting a player at half-time, as he opened up on how coaching is 'different' nowadays.

DAILY MIRROR
AC Milan are set to make a fresh attempt to sign Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior.
Liverpool have been handed a major boost to their hopes of signing Bayer Leverkusen's star Piero Hincapie.
Leicester plan to hold onto young striker Tom Cannon in the face of numerous loan bids this season.
Nottingham Forest captain Joe Worrall could be set for a move to the Championship with Middlesbrough keen to sign him.
Real Madrid are reportedly set to demand €60m (£51.5m) for David Alaba should he leave the club.

DAILY TELEGRAPH
Liverpool and Manchester United will not be in the newly expanded 32-team 2025 Fifa Club World Cup after the world governing body agreed rules to limit it to two per nation - which will be Manchester City and Chelsea from the Premier League.
Tiger Woods has refused to rule out a sensational split with Nike as he continues his return following another injury-enforced lay-off.
Harry Brook aims to bowl off-spin during The Hundred as he continues to work on expanding his repertoire.
Saudi Arabia is becoming boxing's "new Las Vegas" and the top destination for heavyweight fights, according to legendary promoter Bob Arum.

THE GUARDIAN
Mary Earps has said she thinks Nike learned lessons over the "injustice" of not making her England replica shirt available for sale after the World Cup.
A banner bearing the same messages that Usman Khawaja had written on his shoes has been taken down by security during the first Test between Australia and Pakistan at Optus Stadium.

THE SUN
John Fury has sensationally revealed he is fearing the worst ahead of son Tyson's undisputed title fight against Oleksandr Usyk.
Team-mates have paid tribute to a Sunday league footballer who was killed after a van ploughed into a crowd - with its driver arrested on suspicion of murder.
Marc Cucurella's WAG, Claudia Rodriguez, has shared a snap of the Chelsea star in a hospital bed after falling asleep trying to watch the Blues.

THE ATHLETIC
The first edition of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in 2025 will last 29 days and begin on June 15, finishing on July 13.
Jose Mourinho says he wants to stay at Roma despite his contract with the Italian club expiring next summer.
Endrick watched Real Madrid's game against Villarreal at Santiago Bernabeu, the first game the 17-year-old has attended since signing for the club.

SCOTTISH SUN
Rangers were hit with a £50m body-blow as Fifa chiefs ruled them out of the new expanded Club World Cup.
Cameron Carter-Vickers has urged raging Celtic supporters to keep cool after tempers flared at Parkhead.


Juventus want to sign Manchester City and England midfielder Kalvin Phillips in January, with the 28-year-old said to be open to the move. (Tuttomercatoweb - in Italian)

Crystal Palace have expressed an interest in Arsenal and England striker Eddie Nketiah, 24, during the January transfer window, (Football Transfers)

Arsenal and Manchester City are both targeting Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz, 25, with neither club put off by Aston Villa's £100m valuation. (Football Insider)

English winger Jadon Sancho's representatives are trying to force a move away from Manchester United, but a swap deal involving the 23-year-old and Borussia Dortmund would be too complicated. (Givemesport)

Chelsea and Manchester City have asked to be kept informed about River Plate's Argentine midfielder Claudio Echeverri, 17. (Fabrizio Romano)

Manchester United want to clear players out next summer in order to sign Real Madrid and Austria defender David Alaba, 31. (Fichajes via Football Transfers)

Everton are interested in signing 23-year-old Marseille and Senegal forward Iliman Ndiaye. (Teamtalk)

Fulham are considering a move for 24-year-old Feyenoord and Netherlands midfielder Mats Wieffer. (Football Insider)

Manchester City are set to join Real Madrid in the race for Girona's Spanish left-back Miguel Gutierrez, 22, (Manchester Evening News)

Tottenham and Denmark midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, 28, is also on Juventus' January transfer list. (Tuttosport - in Italian)

Leeds United could sell 20-year-old Italy forward Wilfried Gnonto, who was a target for Everton this summer, in January. (Football Insider)

Manager Carlo Ancelotti says Real Madrid could sign a defender in January after Austria defender David Alaba, 31, suffered a serious knee injury. (ESPN)

Tuesday 19 December 2023 07:45, UK


DAILY MAIL
Manchester United football director John Murtough was in Saudi Arabia for transfer talks earlier this month with the club seeking to sell players to raise funds for January signings, with Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane, Anthony Martial and Casemiro among the United players available for transfer.
Murtough is understood to have left Saudi Arabia without reaching agreement on any transfers, but established some important new relationships for United and further talks are planned after his visit to Riyadh.
Speaking on his podcast, Gary Neville says Manchester United's performance against Anfield was not up to standard, despite picking up a draw
Burnley have launched an investigation after an Everton fan gatecrashed their coaches' room before Saturday's clash at Turf Moor.
Manchester United could finally confirm Sir Jim Ratcliffe's £1.25bn investment before Christmas.
Nuno Espirito Santo has emerged as a contender for the Nottingham Forest job if Steve Cooper pays for poor recent results with his job.
January is not expected to be a mad transfer trolley-dash for Liverpool but the club - as ever - are alert to opportunities and could make moves if the price is right.
Liverpool youngster Ben Doak is subject to interest from the same management agency that looks after Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, with PLG UK trying to tie down the winger as he steps up his first-team involvement.
Seb Coe fears fans are being priced out of attending next summer's Olympics in Paris, which could result in 'unacceptable' empty seats at the athletics.

DAILY EXPRESS
Crystal Palace are among the clubs interested in a January deal for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah.
Manchester United reportedly sent scouts to watch Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy on Sunday eveni
Tottenham have reportedly held talks over a move for Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.
Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior is the subject of strong interest from Napoli, who are using intermediaries to bring him to Italy.
Lyon are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile on loan for the remainder of the season.
Tim Henman has warned Emma Raducanu fans to lower their expectations ahead of the 21-year-old's return to action.
Tim Henman, Laura Robson and Katie Boulter believe the new Sky Sports five-year partnerships with the ATP and WTA to show all-year-round tennis will help grow the sport in the UK
Ronnie O'Sullivan has suggested snooker needs to bring in a new rule to "get rid of boring players".
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has called out the FIA over their handling of the investigation into F1 Academy director Susie Wolff and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.

DAILY MIRROR
Former Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita has failed to make a positive impression at Werder Bremen since joining in the summer, it has been claimed.
Josh Cavallo, one of just two openly gay top-flight footballers, has shared the vile death threats that he has been sent ever since he came out two years ago.
Kevin De Bruyne is refusing to allow the shock of having his family home burgled to halt his bid for a Manchester City return.

THE ATHLETIC
Chelsea are not willing to loan out Noni Madueke in the January transfer window but are prepared to listen to offers over £40m for Conor Gallagher in January.
Paulo Xavier has left his role as Real Madrid's Latin America scout to join Arsenal.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed the club are targeting a midfield signing in January - if they can improve their salary cap situation.
Nat Phillips is set to return to Liverpool from Celtic in January with another loan move likely for the second half of the season.
Quique Sanchez Flores has been appointed as Sevilla's third permanent manager of the campaign and fifth since the start of last season.

DAILY TELEGRAPH
Wolves are poised to report financial losses of £65m but will target up to two new signings in the January transfer window.
Lewis Hall's future is not dependent on the number of appearances he makes for Newcastle United during his season-long loan, with the defender eligible to face parent club Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
James Taylor, the England cricketer forced to retire at 26, has urged sporting authorities to improve heart screenings after footballer Tom Lockyer's second collapse in seven months.

THE TIMES
Martin Dubravka has revealed that he did end up with a winners' medal from last season's Carabao Cup final, when Newcastle United, his club of more than five years, lost to Manchester United, where he had a short loan spell.
Rangers defender Connor Goldson has given a candid assessment of how low the club was only two months ago and claimed some players did not trust each other's ability until the new manager Philippe Clement took over.

THE SUN
Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne's home in Belgium was reportedly ransacked by robbers during a break-in on Saturday.
David Raya says his battle with Aaron Ramsdale has made them both better goalkeepers.
Manchester City are holding talks with Juventus over a potential deal for Kalvin Phillips.
Michael van Gerwen hopes to sink his teeth into the Sid Waddell Trophy at least one more time - before getting his jaw broken next year.
Michael Schumacher's ex-manager says he has no "hope" of seeing the F1 legend again.
Deontay Wilder had confirmed a deal is in place to finally fight Anthony Joshua with "nothing stopping it".

SCOTTISH SUN
The SFA has announced the appointment of Graeme Jones as their new performance director.
Alexandro Bernabei is poised to make a January exit from Celtic.
Michael Beale has opened up on his time at Rangers and insists he never wanted to manage "the whole football club".
Ridvan Yilmaz could be poised to make a January exit from Rangers.
Motherwell chairman Jim McMahon will stand down at the club's AGM in February.

DAILY RECORD
Nat Phillips will not be extending his stay at Celtic with the Liverpool loanee set to return to Anfield in January.
A move in January for reported Rangers target Nathaniel Adjei has not been ruled out by Hammarby's director.
Lawrence Shankland reckons speculation linking him with a January move from Hearts is proof he's at the top of his game.
Lowland League clubs have voted to leave the door open to Premiership B teams for another two seasons.


Nottingham Forest are set to appoint former Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo in the next few days, with the Portuguese 49-year-old replacing current manager Steve Cooper. (A Bola - in Portuguese)

Manchester United, Fulham, West Ham and AC Milan had scouts at Allianz Arena on Sunday to watch Stuttgart's 27-year-old Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy in his side's 3-0 loss to Bayern Munich. (90min)

Manchester United football director John Murtough was in Saudi Arabia for transfer talks this month with the club willing to sell England winger Jadon Sancho, 23, French centre-back Raphael Varane, 30, French forward Anthony Martial, 28, and Brazil midfielder Casemiro, 31. (Mail)

But Varane is hopeful Manchester United will trigger the one-year extension in his contract. (Manchester Evening News)

Barcelona are ready to listen to offers for Brazil winger Raphinha, 27, with Manchester United considering proposing a swap deal involving the former Leeds United player and Sancho. (Sport - in Spanish)

Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth is the Ineos Group's prime choice to assume the role at Manchester United, although they remain open to retaining Murtough. (Manchester Evening News)

Tottenham have held talks over a potential move for 23-year-old Nice and France centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo. (Football.London)

Wolves are poised to report financial losses of £65m but will target up to two new signings in the January transfer window. Viktoria Plzen forward Rafiu Durosinmi, 20, remains a £7m target, although Eintracht Frankfurt also want the Nigerian. (Telegraph - subscription needed)

Fulham are weighing up a January bid for Montpellier's 23-year-old Nigerian forward Akor Adams. (Football Insider)

Barcelona could terminate Clement Lenglet's Aston Villa loan in the January transfer window and then try to sell the 28-year-old France defender, with AC Milan interested. (Football Insider)

Chelsea are prepared to sell left-back Ian Maatsen in the January transfer window, with Manchester City, West Ham, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli and Roma interested in the 21-year-old Dutchman. (90min)

Chelsea have no intention of letting 21-year-old English winger Noni Madueke leave on loan in January. (Athletic - subscription needed)

Arsenal and England keeper Aaron Ramsdale, 25, has been linked with Chelsea but the Blues are unlikely to sign another stopper in January, despite Spain's Robert Sanchez, 26, facing a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury. (Standard)

Juventus have opened talks with Manchester City about signing England midfielder Kalvin Phillips, 28. (Fabrizio Romano)

Bayern Munich and Germany forward Thomas Muller, 34, is close to signing a new contract with the club. (Bild - in German, subscription needed)

Bayern Munich have called off a January move for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo but could reassess signing the 24-year-old Uruguay international next summer. (Sky Sport Germany - in German)

Paris St-Germain's France forward Kylian Mbappe, 24, and boss Luis Enrique's relationship has deteriorated. (AS - in Spanish)

Barcelona president Joan Laporta says the club will target a loan midfielder in January in a deal similar to the one that brought Edgar Davids to the club in 2004. (EFE, via ESPN)

Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos, 33, is considering coming out of international retirement to play for Germany at Euro 2024. (Bild - in German, subscription needed)

Paulo Xavier has left his role as Real Madrid's Latin America scout to join Arsenal, and will work in South America with two other scouts. (Athletic - subscription needed)

Wednesday 20 December 2023 07:36, UK

DAILY MAIL
It seems increasingly likely Dan Ashworth will replace John Murtough as Manchester United's football director once Sir Jim Ratcliffe moves into Old Trafford.
The Premier League are to urge fans to behave themselves ahead of the festive fixtures - following a spate of incidents at recent matches.
Emma Raducanu is likely to turn to Nick Cavaday, a name from her younger days, to assist her when she comes back in the New Year after nearly eight months away from the game.
Raphael Varane's future at Manchester United should become clearer in the next couple of weeks after he and manager Erik ten Hag appeared to have set aside their differences.
Alexis Mac Allister is set to be out of action until January.
Real Madrid-bound Endrick has revealed his hopes of playing alongside Kylian Mbappe once he joins the Spanish club in the summer.
Neymar has been ruled out of the 2024 Copa America, as he is unable to recover in time from a torn ACL for the start of the tournament, which will be played in the US in June.
Manchester United interim chief executive Patrick Stewart has been holding a series of meetings with staff and fans to update them on the INEOS investment.
Thibaut Courtois has revealed he will miss out on Belgium's Euro 2024 campaign due to his knee injury sustained in August.

DAILY EXPRESS
Raphael Varane reportedly wants to stay at Manchester United and extend his contract.
Liverpool and Arsenal have been placed on red alert following comments made by Brazilian midfielder Andre Trindade.
Manchester United's Dan Gore is reportedly attracting interest from Championship outfit Preston ahead of the January transfer window.
Liverpool's hopes of landing Lucas Beraldo in January have taken a painful hit, with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly closing in on the Brazilian.
Lewis Hamilton was reportedly the only one of the 10 highest-paid F1 drivers not to receive a bonus for his performances in 2023.
Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has claimed Mick Schumacher would have been 'better understood' had he joined Red Bull.
Emma Raducanu has been advised by Tim Henman to drop down into Challenger events to kickstart her career.
UFC 296 star Bryce Mitchell has thanked his opponent Josh Emmett, who he says "could've killed him" after a scary knockout
Jake Paul has announced he will be part of Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

DAILY MIRROR
Aaron Ramsdale "absolutely has to leave" Arsenal according to former player Emmanuel Petit, who can see he is "miserable".
Manchester United and Tottenham are reportedly set for a January transfer battle for Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo.
Aaron Ramsdale has been told being axed at Arsenal has made him a better goalkeeper... by the man who has taken his No 1 shirt.
Granit Xhaka feels he has mellowed significantly since joining Bayer Leverkusen from Arsenal in the summer.


DAILY TELEGRAPH
Craig Levein, the former Scotland manager, wants Rangers and Celtic in the Premier League so they could share increased revenue with other Scottish clubs.
Tottenham are set to step up their pursuit of a centre-back in January and have looked at Genoa's Radu Dragusin as a possible target.
Alexandre Letellier, the Paris Saint-Germain reserve goalkeeper, was held at knifepoint with his young family during a robbery at his home.
Mike Ashley's move for Yorkshire is at risk of being derailed after Colin Graves entered advanced negotiations to secure a sensational return.
Former Chelsea striker Rati Aleksidze played a possible minor role in a global investment crime gang, according to prosecutors investigating a cyber scam worth "billions".
Manchester United are likely to have to tighten their belts in the transfer market next year as the club bid to ensure they do not flout Premier League financial rules like Everton, a senior Old Trafford executive has warned.
The Premier League is facing renewed pressure to make conversations between referees and video assistant referees public after LaLiga agreed to do so.
Newcastle have opened talks over a long-term deal for Lewis Miley when he turns 18 later this season.

THE GUARDIAN
Leading players from Afghanistan's men's team have urged FIFA to investigate allegations of match-fixing against the president of the country's football federation, and confirmed their boycott of the national side will continue until Mohammad Yousef Kargar is removed from his post.
The Masters, which already has the smallest field of the majors, could have even fewer players than usual in 2024 depending on the first three months of the PGA Tour season.

THE SUN
Bukayo Saka has helped to build a container village for earthquake victims in Morocco.
A parrot has learned the words to West Ham's famous song about Jarrod Bowen.
Anthony Joshua and Jarrell Miller were forced apart following a heated clash ahead of this Saturday's stacked Saudi card.
Brentford have admitted Arsenal and Chelsea target Ivan Toney could move "very shortly".
Aston Villa's plans to expand Villa Park have been put on hold for the foreseeable future.
RB Leipzig are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho.

THE TIMES
George Ford has been backed by Alex Sanderson to replace Owen Farrell as England captain because he is a "calming influence" and "exceptionally emotionally intelligent".

THE ATHLETIC
RB Leipzig are in talks over a deal worth €25m (£21.5m) for Napoli midfielder Eljif Elmas.
Real Madrid defender David Alaba has successfully undergone surgery on an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
Granit Xhaka says he hopes Kai Havertz can make his critics "eat their words" after backing the Germany international to enjoy a similar turnaround in fortunes at Arsenal as he did.
Endrick has joined US sportswear brand New Balance ahead of his transfer to Real Madrid.
Xavi has warned against placing too much immediate pressure on Barcelona's incoming teenage forward Vitor Roque, but says he hopes the signing will one day "be at the level" of
Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.
DAILY RECORD
Nick Montgomery reckons Derek Adams might have scored a huge own goal with his stinging attack on the quality of Scottish football ahead of the January transfer window.

SCOTTISH SUN
American billionaire Bill Foley will invest an initial £6m in Hibernian if and when the SFA give their approval to him taking a minority stake in the club.
Derek Adams has said sorry to his Ross County players for claiming his old Morecambe squad was "100 times better".


Tottenham have looked at Genoa centre-back Radu Dragusin, 21, as a centre-back target. He is expected to cost £26m should he move in the January window. (Telegraph - subscription needed)

Real Madrid are set to make shock move to sign Argentina striker Mauro Icardi, 30, from Turkish club Galatasaray.(Marca)

Borussia Dortmund are interested in Tottenham Hotspur's Spanish defender Sergio Reguilon, 27, who is on loan at Manchester United. Reguilon has a clause to end his loan in his contract. (Bild - in German, subscription needed)

Brentford have warned Arsenal and Chelsea they will have to pay a 'decent' fee if they want to sign England striker Ivan Toney, 27. (Talksport)

Tottenham, Aston Villa and Brighton have made contact with Juventus about English winger Samuel Iling-Junior, 20, although no offers have been made yet. (Tuttomercatoweb - in Italian)

RB Leipzig are interested in signing Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, 23, but matching the England international's wages could be a problem for the German club. (Bild - in German, subscription needed)

While Sancho could leave, Manchester United are not expecting to make any major signing in January, director of football John Murtough has told fans. (The Athletic)

Fulham and Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha, 28, is no longer a target for Liverpool in January. Other top clubs want him, however, Bayern Munich consider him to be too expensive. (Sky Sport Germany)

Newcastle United have opened talks with English midfielder Lewis Miley, 17, over signing a long-term deal when he turns 18 later this season. (Telegraph - subscription needed)

Arsenal sporting director Edu has decided to block advances for 23-year-old Poland centre-back Jakub Kiwior in the January transfer window. (Express)

Championship side Preston North End are interested in signing Manchester United's English midfielder Dan Gore, 19, on loan for the rest of the season. (Manchester Evening News)

Copenhagen are ready to sell 18-year-old Swedish winger Roony Bardghji, a target for Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham, in January. (90min)

Thursday 21 December 2023 07:23, UK

THE SUN
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has already made his decision on Sofyan Amrabat and will not be looking to keep the struggling summer loan signing beyond the end of the season.
Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo, who previously played at youth levels for Barcelona and Real Madrid, is on Manchester United's radar as a possible replacement for Antony.
Casemiro is weighing up an offer to join the Saudi exodus, with Manchester United prepared to take a big loss on the midfielder they signed for £70m in the summer of 2022.
Chelsea must beat off strong competition from former manager Jose Mourinho to land Bosnian wonderkid Amar Dedic, with Newcastle also in the transfer tussle for the 21-year-old Red Bull Salzburg star.
Raphael Varane is being lined up for a shock return transfer to Real Madrid, according to reports.
Everton have slapped a huge £100m price tag on star man Jarrad Branthwaite, according to reports.


DAILY MAIL
Sir Jim Ratcliffe will recommend significant cuts to Manchester United's backroom staff once his purchase of a 25 per cent stake in the club is completed as he believes it to be over-staffed in a number of areas.
Paul Pogba's anti-doping tribunal hearing has been delayed in order to give his legal team more time to prepare their defence, according to reports in Italy.
FIFA are setting up a £200m fund to help support the professionalisation of women's football with clubs being rewarded every time they sign a U23 player and an additional bonus when one of those players makes an international debut.
Former Southampton director of performance Mark Jarvis has been appointed as the FA's new head of performance and will play a lead role ahead of England's bid to win Euro 2024.
There was a heart-warming moment in Paris Saint-Germain's 3-1 win over Metz on Wednesday evening as 16-year-old Ethan Mbappe made his first-team debut alongside older brother, Kylian.
Chelsea's decision over Reece James's anticipated surgery on a hamstring injury has been delayed amid reservations over whether the procedure is necessary.

EVENING STANDARD
Steve Cooper will be a candidate for a quick return to the Premier League management ranks as Crystal Palace are interested in him as a potential replacement for Roy Hodgson should the veteran call time at the end of the season.


DAILY TELEGRAPH
Kalvin Phillips will seek guarantees over playing time from Manchester City ahead of a decision on his future at the club, with Newcastle and Juventus both interested in the England midfielder.
Jurgen Klopp took aim at Liverpool fans after the Carabao Cup thrashing of West Ham, telling them to stay at home this weekend for the Premier League title clash against Arsenal unless they generate the right atmosphere at Anfield. :lol:
Ezequiel Lavezzi, the former Paris St-Germain and Argentina striker, was rushed to hospital after being wounded at a house party he hosted in Uruguay.
England and Australia will most likely meet in Barbados in a mouth-watering clash at the World T20 next year, while India and Pakistan will have the latest game in their fierce rivalry at the Eisenhower Stadium, 30 miles east of Manhattan.
England's most-capped men's rugby union international Ben Youngs is set to sign a new deal with the Leicester Tigers to extend his time with the team to a record-equalling 19 seasons, matching the mark held by club legend David Matthews.
Former Bath captain and director of rugby Stuart Hooper is to be named director of cricket operations at the England and Wales Cricket Board.

THE ATHLETIC
Chelsea are close to securing a deal to sign teenage Senegal midfielder Pape Daouda Diong from June, when he will turn 18. Diong was in attendance when Chelsea edged past Newcastle in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday.
USWNT midfielder Kristie Mewis, the fiancée of Chelsea striker Sam Kerr, is set to join West Ham United from Gotham FC.
Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe has signed a new two-and-a-half-year contract.
Former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has lost a legal challenge to rescind sanctions imposed on him by the European Union following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Santiago Solari has replaced Manuel Fernandez as Real Madrid's director of football.

DAILY MIRROR
Borussia Dortmund winger Donyell Malan would welcome a move to the Premier League according to reports, which has led to talk of a possible swap deal involving Manchester United's former Dortmund star Jadon Sancho.
Jarell Quansah is the most recent Liverpool star to sign a 'car clause' in his contract - something all young players at the club are required to do.
Chelsea have vowed to ban the fan who confronted Newcastle keeper Martin Dubravka during their Carabao Cup win.
AlphaTauri chief Peter Bayer has vowed his team will not repeat their 2023 error of not using every part made available to them by sister team Formula One champions Red Bull in their cars, which will again be piloted by Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda.

THE TIMES
Tottenham Hotspur are stepping up their search for a central defender, with Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo high on the club's list of January targets.
Matthew Mott is confident Jofra Archer will be fit to play a part in England's T20 World Cup title defence in June and expects him to be a "massive" presence.


DAILY RECORD
Al Ittihad are reported to have contacted Celtic about the prospect of Jota returning to the club in January but the Scottish champions appear to have been priced out of any deal with Premier League clubs ready to make their move.
Celtic and Rangers are keeping close tabs on Kilmarnock's loanee goalkeeper Will Dennis, who will be out of contract with parent club Bournemouth in the summer and potentially available for free.
Tony Docherty has lifted the lid on the big sell Dundee have given Liverpool loanee Owen Beck over why he should remain at Dens for the rest of the season.
Cyriel Dessers and Abdallah Sima have been rewarded for their recent Rangers resurgence with call-ups to their respective provisional national team squads for next month's Africa Cup of Nations - but it could be a headache for Philippe Clement.


Real Madrid could be interested in re-signing Manchester United's former France defender Raphael Varane, 30, after Austria defender David Alaba, 31, suffered a serious injury. (Cadena Cope - in Spanish)

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag wants to keep Varane, who joined the Red Devils from Real in 2021, and Brazil midfielder Casemiro, 31, in the January transfer window. (ESPN)

Arsenal are leading Chelsea in the race to sign 27-year-old England striker Ivan Toney from Brentford. (Independent)

Manchester United are interested in Real Sociedad's Japan winger Takefusa Kubo, 22, as a potential replacement for Brazil winger Antony, 23. Kubo has scored six and provided a further three assists in La Liga this season. (Sun)

German sides Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig and Stuttgart are exploring a deal to sign Manchester United and England winger Jadon Sancho, 23. (90 Min)

Juventus could hold a slight advantage over Newcastle United in their attempts to sign Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips as the 28-year-old wants to know about the playing time he would get before deciding which club to join, with potentially more opportunity in Italy. (Telegraph - subscription required)

Brentford, Brighton and Nottingham Forest are interested in Hoffenheim's 21-year-old Germany Under-21 forward Maximilian Beier. Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen are also watching developments. (Christian Falk on X)

Chelsea are not interested in signing Arsenal's England keeper Aaron Ramsdale, 25, in January. Ramsdale has been linked with a move away after making just five Premier League starts this season. (Fabrizio Romano on X)

Ramsdale will not be allowed to leave Arsenal in January, despite his lack of playing time. (Football Insider)

Everton have placed a record £100m price tag on England Under-21 defender Jarrad Branthwaite, 21, amid interest from Manchester United and Tottenham. (i newspaper)

Fluminense's Brazil midfielder Andre, 22, has reiterated his desire to play in the Premier League amid interest from Fulham. (Standard)

Tottenham have a long standing interest in English defender Tosin Adarabioyo and could make a move for him in January, but Fulham hope the 26-year-old extends his contract with them beyond next summer. (Standard)

Tottenham have opened talks to sign 23-year-old Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo in January, with Manchester United also linked with the France international. (Talksport)

Steve Cooper, who was sacked by Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, is a contender to succeed Roy Hodgson when the 76-year-old leaves Crystal Palace. (Standard)

Chelsea and Liverpool are interested in signing 26-year-old Inter Milan and Italy midfielder Nicolo Barella. (Fichajes - in Spanish)

Liverpool are yet to find a replacement for sporting director Jorg Schmadtke, with the German set to leave the club at the end of the season having only joined in May. (Express)

Friday's Newspapers.

THE TIMES
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's deal to buy 25 per cent of Manchester United was in final negotiations on Thursday night after work was undertaken all week to try to complete the paperwork in order to start the process of approvals.
The European Super League has used a landmark court ruling to relaunch with a new format but the UK government says it would block Premier League teams from signing up to another breakaway competition.
West Ham manager David Moyes says Erik ten Hag needs to be given time to make his mark on Manchester United

THE SUN
Interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona in Mason Greenwood has convinced Manchester United the time is right to sell the striker, currently on loan in Spain with Getafe.
Tottenham have received a boost in their pursuit of centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo as he is reported to have told Fulham he wants to leave on a free transfer in the summer.
Arsenal are keeping tabs on Sporting defender Goncalo Inacio because of their injury problems at the back, but they remain unlikely to make any significant moves in January.
Former Chelsea and West Ham starlet Pierre Ekwah, now plying his trade in the Championship with Sunderland, is attracting interest from Premier League clubs including Fulham and Crystal Palace.
Arsenal could reportedly make a January swoop for the man many believe will be Rodri's long-term successor for Spain.
Tosin Adarabioyo has told Fulham he wants to leave at the end of the season as a free agent.

DAILY MAIL
Barcelona and Real Madrid will be due a loyalty bonus of £870m should plans for a European Super League finally get the go-ahead.
Manchester United will have to bide their time or pay big compensation if they are determined to appoint Dan Ashworth as sporting director, because he has a 12-month notice period in his contract at Newcastle.
Wasps, London Irish and Worcester have been granted the chance to apply for a place in a new Premiership 2 despite opposition from current Championship clubs, with the radical changes being revealed by the RFU in a bid to save domestic rugby in England.
The RFU will give England head coach Steve Borthwick the power to allocate 25 central contracts in a bid to stem the exodus of players to France.
Everton manager Sean Dyche says previous protests from fans about a European Super League have demonstrated how they feel about the proposal.

DAILY TELEGRAPH
Jesse Marsch has revealed Leeds' owners admitted to him in private that they sacked him too soon and he says he now regrets not taking the chance to become Leicester manager before Enzo Maresca's appointment.
Jan Vertonghen believes he suffered from mental health problems at Tottenham and has revealed he spent the entire 2019 Champions League final counting down to the final whistle.
Former Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones has revealed a heart condition found during a medical check ahead of a short-term move to Toulon was his reason for quitting rugby union.
Fluminense's midfielder Felipe Melo made the sensational claim that he had never heard of the Daily Telegraph on Thursday as the build-up to the Club World Cup final developed into a debate about the ages of the South American champions who face Manchester City for the title of world champions.
Australia opener Usman Khawaja has been charged by the International Cricket Council for wearing an unsanctioned black armband to show solidarity with people affected by conflict in Gaza.

DAILY MIRROR
European Super League organisers A22 say Manchester United and other Premier League clubs have been made new offers to sign up despite their statements on Thursday that they remain committed to UEFA competition.
McLaren chief Zak Brown has conceded tensions are likely to rise between his drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri "sooner rather than later" because of their combined ambition for Formula One success.
Ivan Toney has increased speculation about his future by liking a social media comment about joining Arsenal in January.
Jarell Quansah is the most recent Liverpool star to sign a 'car clause' in his contract - something all young players at the club are required to do.
Wolves boss Gary O'Neil has confirmed that Pedro Neto is back training - and could even be on the bench against Chelsea on Christmas Eve.

DAILY EXPRESS
Gary Neville has revealed he thought he was "going to die" after claiming he had a drink spiked during a Christmas party while a teenager at Manchester United.
Manchester United are reportedly on the lookout for a 'low-cost' striker and right-sided centre-back in the New Year.

DAILY RECORD
Kieran Dowell insists Rangers' injury crisis will not derail the club's Christmas charge towards the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Celtic's Green Brigade could be back in their Parkhead seats on Saturday for the visit of Livingston after a two-month stand-off with the club.
Bournemouth owner Bill Foley is edging closer to a deal for a non-controlling stake in Hibernian after his representatives visited Easter Road.
Celtic and Rangers could battle it out for the signature of Wolves flop Fabio Silva, who is set to be loaned out again by the Premier League side.


Juventus have entered talks with Manchester City over a loan deal for England midfielder Kalvin Phillips. (ESPN)

The 28-year-old has told Manchester City he wants to leave the club next month, with Newcastle United also interested in a loan move. (Guardian)

Arsenal are considering a £52m-move for Sporting Lisbon and Portugal defender Goncalo Inacio, 22, in January. (Sun)

Chelsea will block any advances from Tottenham for their 23-year-old England midfielder Conor Gallagher in the January transfer window despite uncertainty over his contract situation. (Football Insider)

Tosin Adarabioyo, 26, has told Fulham he wants to leave the club next summer on a free transfer. The former England youth international defender has previously interested Tottenham and Monaco. (Sun)

Tottenham will turn to other targets if they do not get any encouragement from France and Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo in the next few weeks. The 23-year-old has also been linked with a move to Manchester United. (Teamtalk)

Rennes are open to parting ways with midfielder Nemanja Matic, 35, in January. The former Serbia international only joined the Ligue 1 side from Roma last summer. (L'Equipe)

Barcelona and Real Madrid are leading the chase to sign Mason Greenwood, 22, with Manchester United currently having no plans to bring him back to Old Trafford permanently once his loan spell at Getafe ends. (Talksport)

Having been sacked by Nottingham Forest, Steve Cooper is top of Crystal Palace's managerial shortlist and the Welshman, 44 could now be approached by the London club, with current boss Roy Hodgson, 76, considering retirement again. (Football Insider)

Juventus and England Under-21 winger Samuel Iling-Junior, 20, is attracting interest from Tottenham, Aston Villa and Brighton. (Fichajes in Spanish)

Juventus have not ruled out signing former Portuguese defender Tiago Djalo, 23, from French side Lille in January, although a deal next summer looks more probable. (Gazzetta dello Sport in Italian)

West Ham and Fulham are keen on Nigerian forward Akor Adams, 23, who could leave Montpellier in January for a fee of around £15-20m. (Football Insider)

West Ham are yet to hold talks with manager David Moyes, 60, about renewing his contract, which runs out at the end of the season. (Football Insider)

Nottingham Forest have accepted a bid of more than 5m euros (£4.3m) from Atletico Mineiro for Brazilian attacking midfielder Gustavo Scarpa, 29. (Fabrizio Romano)

Bournemouth are remaining strong in their stance that English striker Dominic Solanke, 26, is not for sale in the January transfer window. (talkSPORT)

Brentford, Crystal Palace and Fulham are keen on Getafe's 26-year-old Spanish striker Borja Mayoral, 26. (Fichajes - in Spanish)

Chelsea have agreed a deal with Darou Salam to sign their 17-year-old Senegalese midfielder Pape Daouda Diong. (90min)

West Ham and Everton are interested in a January deal for Peterborough and England Under-21 defender Ronnie Edwards, 20. (Sun)

Saturday 23 December 2023 07:56, UK

THE SUN
Manchester United are tracking Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri as a possible January signing after learning Stuttgart's Serhou Guirassy would prefer a move to Tottenham.
Cristiano Ronaldo's plans for a luxury £27m hotel in Manchester have been left in ruins after his planning permission was allowed to expire, leaving the Grade II listed building derelict.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 21st goal of the season in Al Nassr's 3-1 win against Steven Gerrard's Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League
Eric Bailly could be handed an escape route from his Besiktas nightmare as he is being linked with a return to Villarreal.
Man Utd side are tracking Moroccan striker Youssef En-Nesyri, as target Serhou Guirassy has his eye on a move to rivals Tottenham.
Chloe Kelly showed off her glittering diamond ring after getting engaged under Northern Lights.
Gareth Southgate has also shown great management off the pitch - with his property company adding £2.5million of assets in a year.

EVENING STANDARD
Chelsea have contacted Sporting Lisbon about signing defender Ousmane Diomande and striker Viktor Gyokeres but have been told a double deal will cost them £156m.

DAILY MIRROR
Napoli are close to agreeing a 12-month contract extension with striker Victor Osimhen which will include a £112m buyout clause to try and fend off Premier League interest.
Injured Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven has revealed he will be back in training early in the New Year after a hamstring issue curtailed a promising first season in the Premier League.
Liverpool have PSV winger Johan Bakayoko on their list of transfer targets ahead of the January window.
Luton could be about to cut short Albert Sambi Lokonga's loan.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is prepared to sanction Jean-Clair Todibo's move from Nice to Tottenham, despite interest from Man Utd in the defender.
Roma have enquired about the possibility of signing Trevoh Chalobah from Chelsea in January.

DAILY TELEGRAPH
Lasse Lempainen, the surgeon who operated on Chelsea defender Reece James' hamstring, is convinced he will be in top shape by the time Euro 2024 gets under way in Germany this summer.
Saudi Arabia is set to rule out a LIV Golf-style financial backing for any European Super League despite monitoring the project closely when it was first mooted in 2021.
Justin Kluivert has admitted he had flashbacks to what happened to close friend Abdelhak Nouri, who was left in a coma for a year and emerged with limited cognitive ability after waking up, when Luton skipper Tom Lockyer collapsed during their game with Bournemouth last weekend.
England are set to bring in West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard as a consultant coach for the Twenty20 World Cup, which is being co-hosted in the Caribbean and United States.
Clubs in rugby union's Championship have firmly rejected RFU plans for a "Premiership 2" competition saying they are not interested in a league which "follows a franchise or selection-based model".

DAILY MAIL
Games in the FA Cup third round being played at Premier League grounds will have a third VAR official - a Support VAR - joining the officiating team rather than the usual two.
Crystal Palace's head of sports medicine Zafar Iqbal is leaving the club at the end of the season to join Premier League rivals Arsenal.

TALKSPORT
Bournemouth are remaining strong in their stance striker Dominic Solanke will stay at the club in the long-term.

THE ATHLETIC
Scouts working for then Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer valued winger Antony at only £25m months before his arrival at the club for £85m.

DAILY EXPRESS
Manchester United are willing to pay Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo more than seven times what he is earning in Spain to secure his signature in January.

DAILY RECORD
Celtic are reported to have an interest in Ipswich Town's former St Mirren goalkeeper Vaclav Hladky but his agent says their focus is firmly on helping his club into the Premier League.
Lee McCulloch has urged Rangers to go all out in January for Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland to boost their Scottish Premiership title bid.


Manchester United are weighing up a move for Sevilla and Morocco striker Youssef En-Nesyri, 26, because another target, Stuttgart's 27-year-old Guinea international Serhou Guirassy, prefers a switch to Tottenham. (Sun)

Tottenham could offer Denmark midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, 28, to Chelsea as part of a deal to sign their England international Conor Gallagher, 23. (Sky Sports)

Aston Villa want Germany forward Timo Werner, 27, on loan from RB Leipzig as they look to strengthen their attacking options. (Football Insider)

Chelsea have approached Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon about the possibility of signing their Ivory Coast defender Ousmane Diomande, 20, and Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres, 25, in January. (Evening Standard)

Arsenal are interested Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi but the 24-year-old Spain international is reluctant to switch clubs in January. (Football.London)

Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is close to being appointed as the new boss of Turkish top-flight side Besiktas. (NTV Spor, via Goal)

Manchester United and Netherlands midfielder Donny van de Beek, 26, will join Eintracht Frankfurt on loan in January and the deal includes an €11m (£9.5m) plus add-ons option to make the switch permanent. (Athletic - subscription required)

Inter Milan are preparing an offer for Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley - a loan in January with an obligation to buy at the end of the season - but Aston Villa and West Ham are also keen on the 23-year-old England-born Denmark international. (Sky Sports)

Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah, 21, is attracting attention from Crystal Palace, Fulham and Nottingham Forest, but the Black Cats are keen to keep the Frenchman as they target the Championship play-offs. (Evening Standard)

Luton Town are considering cutting short the season-long loan of Arsenal and Belgium midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga, 24, in order to reinforce other positions. (Teamtalk)

European Super League organisers are still hopeful of persuading Premier League clubs to sign up to their new proposals despite several sides publicly distancing themselves from the latest plans. (The i)

Everton are considering a move for Burnley's 28-year-old English midfielder Josh Brownhill in January. (Football Transfers)

Fulham have agreed a deal with Fluminense for midfielder Andre and it is now up to the 22-year-old Brazil international to decide whether he wants to move to Craven Cottage. (Football Insider)

Sevilla are considering a January loan move for Bournemouth's Ivory Coast midfielder Hamed Traore, 23. (AS - in Spanish)

Fulham will demand a fee of up to £60m in January for 28-year-old Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha, who has been linked with Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Arsenal. (Football Insider)

Arsenal have contacted Ivan Toney's representatives as they consider making a firm offer to Brentford for the 27-year-old England forward. (Rudy Galetti)

France striker Kylian Mbappe does not want to leave Paris St-Germain in January despite the 25-year-old's contract expiring at the end of the season. (L'Equipe - in French)

PSG have a verbal agreement to sign Liverpool target Lucas Beraldo, with the 20-year-old Brazilian centre-back set to leave Sao Paulo for £17m in January. (Fabrizio Romano via Goal)

Manchester City's Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva, 29, is not expected to leave in January even if his £50m release clause is met by another club. (Star)

Inter Milan are hopeful of beating Manchester City to the signature of Club Bruges' 24-year-old Canada forward Tajon Buchanan. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian)

Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen, 24, has a release clause of 120m euros (£104m) in his new Napoli contract, but it could increase depending on conditions such as when it is activated. (90 Min)

Strasbourg are considering a January move for Boca Juniors' 19-year-old Argentina youth left-back Valentin Barco, who is also a target for Chelsea. (Evening Standard)

Brighton have also expressed an interest in Barco and have met with his representatives. (TYC Sports - in Spanish)

Arsenal have added Sao Paulo's 21-year-old Brazilian midfielder Pablo Maia to their list of potential January targets. (Football Transfers)

Tottenham are monitoring Radu Dragusin after sending scouts to watch the 21-year-old Romania defender play for Genoa against Juventus last week. (Fabrizio Romano)

Lyon are targeting West Ham's 28-year-old Algeria winger Said Benrahma in January. (Talksport)

Aston Villa have joined Tottenham in the race to sign Juventus winger Samuel Iling-Junior, 20, with a bid of about £17m likely to be enough to land the England Under-21s international. (Football Insider)

Barcelona are keen to keep Atletico Madrid's Portugal forward Joao Felix, 24, beyond this season but will pursue another loan deal as they cannot afford a permanent transfer. (Goal)

West Ham have entered the race for Bayer Leverkusen's 27-year-old Germany defender Jonathan Tah, who prefers a move to the Premier League over Bayern Munich. (Bild via Fussball Transfers - in German)

Lille are considering a move for Southampton's 21-year-old France Under-21s forward Sekou Mara in January. (L'Equipe - in French)

Barcelona's Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo, 24, wants to stay with the La Liga champions amid interest from Bayern Munich. (Sky Sports Germany)

Tottenham and Monaco want to sign 26-year-old English defender Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer when his Fulham contract expires at the end of the season. (90min)

Newcastle are ending English midfielder Joe White's loan deal with Crewe so the 21-year-old can join Stockport County for the rest of the season on loan. (Football Insider)

Brazil forward Roberto Firmino's future at Al-Ahli is in doubt. Fellow Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, managed by Steven Gerrard, could be interested in signing the 32-year-old. (Mirror)