Press Gossip - 2023

[christinaa]

Monday's Newspapers:
30th March 2020


DAILY TELEGRAPH

• A proposed £340 m takeover of Newcastle United appears to have moved a step closer, with the Premier League having been informed of a bid led by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia.
• Premier League clubs are preparing for a "mini pre-season" lasting a minimum of two weeks before returning to competitive action when the football returns after the coronavirus crisis.
• The Football Association is ready to open Wembley Stadium to the National Health Service as sport mobilises to offer its iconic venues to the fight against coronavirus.

DAILY STAR

• Manchester United are growing increasingly confident of landing Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez this summer in a club-record £135m deal.
• Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has told Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang that he is a target for the Spanish club this summer - albeit not a priority signing.
• Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly prioritising a new defensive midfielder in the upcoming transfer market, as he believes it will allow Gunners fans the opportunity to see the best of Mesut Ozil.
• Chelsea and Tottenham will reportedly battle it out to sign Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope in the summer.
• Manchester City chiefs have reportedly identified up to six candidates that could replace Pep Guardiola as manager.

DAILY MAIL

• Cristiano Ronaldo chose to join Manchester United in 2003 because every other club that was interested in signing the winger wanted to loan him back to Sporting Lisbon, his agent Jorge Mendes has revealed.
• Real Madrid are prepared to battle Arsenal, Barcelona and Bayern Munich to secure the signing of RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano this summer.
• Henrikh Mkhitaryan has fallen in love with life under Paolo Fonseca at Roma after tough spells at Man United and Arsenal - and now he hopes the club can strike a £10m permanent deal, but reports suggest the Gunners are holding out for £18m.
• Real Madrid have declared midfielder Fede Valverde almost unsellable with a staggering reported £448million release clause after interest from Manchester United.

THE SUN

• Aaron Ramsey is set to join Manchester United in a Paul Pogba swap deal with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a big fan of the Juventus star, reports claim.
• Leeds star Kalvin Phillips has delivered a big blow to Jose Mourinho by insisting he wants to stay at Elland Road for the rest of his career.
• West Ham may have to play in front of retracted stands and an athletics track if the Premier League season is extended, with the Anniversary Games set for July 4 and 5 at the London Stadium.
• West Ham could swoop for controversial Barcelona striker Martin Braithwaite.

DAILY MIRROR

• Premier League stars could be put under a strict quarantine lockdown in hotels for a month as English football authorities want to squeeze the remaining games into a confined time frame during June.
• Manchester United's hopes of signing Odion Ighalo on a permanent deal have been given a boost after his parent club Shanghai Shenhua reportedly identified his replacement.
• The Serie A season could be cancelled on Monday as the coronavirus crisis shows no sign of loosening its grip.

OTHER

• Barcelona legend Xavi says he is now ready to manage his former club, and picked out Neymar, Jadon Sancho and Serge Gnabry as transfer targets if he was to take charge at Camp Nou. (STORY HERE)
• The Premier League has developed plans for clubs to play televised games in isolated "World Cup-style" camps in the midlands and London over June and July, in order to try and finish the 2019/20 season amid the coronavirus pandemic. (THE INDEPENDENT)
• Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is a transfer target for Real Madrid and boss Zinedine Zidane has told the striker where he stands in the club's summer priorities. Aubameyang's current contract expires in the summer of 2021. (DAILY EXPRESS)
• UEFA is drawing up plans to finish this season in August and have shortened competitions next season in order to minimise the devastating effect of the coronavirus on European football. (THE TIMES)
• The Premier League is continuing its investigation into alleged breaches of financial fair play by Manchester City despite football shutting down due to the coronavirus pandemic. (THE TIMES)
• An investigation has been launched after pictures surfaced online appearing to show Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish following an incident in which a Range Rover crashed into parked cars. (PRESS ASSOCIATION)
• St Mirren have called in the police after someone flouted lockdown rules by breaking into their stadium and running on the pitch. (PRESS ASSOCIATION)
• England keeper Tom Heaton has revealed he would like to return to former club Burnley in a coaching role when his playing days are over. (iNews)

Real Madrid are interested in signing Arsenal's 30-year-old Gabon forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - but only if they fail to sign Norway's Erling Braut Haaland, 19, from Borussia Dortmund or 27-year-old Senegal international Sadio Mane from Liverpool. (Express)

Real also want to sign 21-year-old Brazilian midfielder Igor Gomes, who could cost £45m from Sao Paolo.(AS - in Spanish)

Borussia Dortmund winger Jason Sancho, 20, has unofficially confirmed he will join Manchester United, with the England player expected to cost £116m. (Irish Independent)

Manchester United are increasingly confident of signing Spain and Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez, 25, in a club record £135m deal. (Daily Star)

Newcastle United are keen on taking Burnley midfielders Robbie Brady and Jeff Hendrick, both 28, on free transfers. The Republic of Ireland internationals are out of contract at Turf Moor in the summer. (Newcastle Chronicle)

Arsenal midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan hopes to turn his loan move to Roma into a permanent one this summer. Arsenal want £18m for the 31-year-old Armenian, but the Italian club only want to pay £10m. (Mail)

The Premier League have been informed of a bid led by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia for the proposed £340m takeover of Newcastle United. (Telegraph - subscription required)

Putting Premier League players in quarantine in hotels for a month is one idea being considered to get the season finished in June. (Mirror)

Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi says he is ready to manage the La Liga club but insists there cannot be any “toxicity” in the dressing room. (La Vanguardia - in Spanish)

Aston Villa's 33-year-old English goalkeeper Tom Heaton wants to go into coaching at the end of his career and is hoping to return to former club Burnley. (Independent)

Everton remain hopeful of getting planning permission for their proposed new stadium this summer, despite the coronavirus pandemic. (Liverpool Echo)

 

[gajender]

Real and these other clubs in Spain and Italy often get away with it as they have buyout clauses, the big 3 in Spain use this to their advantage in particular, with truly looney buyout clauses aimed to either protect their asset or to bleed a potential buyer dry, unfortunately buyout clauses are illegal in the the English game I believe, but we need to stand firm on Pogba and at least get our money back, getting a profit will be hard if he goes this summer as he's barely played.



This is no time for logic good sir, we are short of topics as it is!

It doesn't make sense at all irrespective of absurd Buyout clauses it's still better not to have one rather than have one .

 

[Devil may care]

Real Madrid need him more than we do which should strenght our negotiating but who knows how this is going to work.

I don't think him not playing much this season should reduce his fee but his length of the contract may do but if Juve is also interested will benefit us.

Real Madrid are definitely in a weird spot as they need to buy in all 3 key areas of their team as their striker situation is rocky as well given Jovic hasn't worked out and Ramos is getting past his best.

I don't think we can rely much on using Juve as leverage as they'll likely want to pay in 50p installments.

 

[Devil may care]

It doesn't make sense at all irrespective of absurd Buyout clauses it's still better not to have one rather than have one .

Not for the clubs as it gives them a shield to negotiate from behind.

 

[christinaa]

Tuesday's Newspapers:
31st March 2020


DAILY MAIL

• The Premier League is working on an ambitious plan to restart the season behind closed doors on the first weekend of May with a scheduled finish date of Sunday, July 12.
• Premier League clubs are reconsidering plans to replace their pitches this summer, which could result in poor surfaces next season.

THE SUN

• Shamed Jack Grealish's £70m Manchester United transfer could be off after he defied the government's strict lockdown orders.
• Willian says he would prefer to stay in the Premier League if he ends up quitting Chelsea.

DAILY MIRROR

• Talks between Premier League officials took place to try and get the league trophy in the hands of Liverpool before the season was suspended amid the coronavirus pandemic. (Irresponsible cnuts!)

• Liverpool have made it definitively clear there is zero interest in bringing Philippe Coutinho back to Anfield.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

• Inter Milan are poised to reject the chance to extend Manchester United forward Alexis Sánchez's loan deal at the San Siro following his injury-hit season in Italy.
• Everton are confident of beating Arsenal and Chelsea to Lille's Brazilian centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes when the transfer window opens.
• The Rugby Football Union is facing the prospect of a further major financial blow because of the impact of the coronavirus outbreak after Rugby Australia warned it may be forced to cancel the Wallabies' tour of Europe in November.
• Burnley manager Sean Dyche has given his tentative backing to the prospect of the remaining 92 Premier League games being played behind closed doors during a televised "World Cup style" event this summer.

SCOTTISH SUN

• Rangers could be told to play their Europa League return with Bayer Leverkusen in autumn, six months after the first leg.

• Leicester midfielder James Maddison could be back on top of Manchester United's list of transfer targets after Jack Grealish's 'incident', according to reports. (Leicester Mercury)
• Chelsea should not attempt to replace goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer and must give him time to improve, says former Blues stopper Mark Bosnich. (London Evening Standard)
• President of the Italian Footballers' Association Damiano Tommasi fears the Serie A season could be cancelled due to the outbreak of coronavirus. (London Evening Standard)
• Newcastle United have reportedly identified Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard as their 'top target' for the upcoming transfer window. (Newcastle Chronicle)
• Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has taken the decision to place the majority of his work force on furlough leave 'to safeguard the club's future'. (Newcastle Chronicle)
• Two of Sheffield Wednesday's Sky Bet Championship rivals are circling to sign rejuvenated left-back Morgan Fox as his contract nears an end, according to reports. (Sheffield Star)

Manchester United may turn their attention to Leicester City and England midfielder James Maddison, 23, after long-time target and Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish, 24, was involved in another off-field incident. (Daily Star)

Liverpool are not interested in re-signing Brazil midfielder Philippe Coutinho, 27, who is on loan at Bayern Munich from Barcelona. (Mirror)

Real Madrid are closely monitoring Sao Paulo's 'new Kaka' Igor Gomes, 21, while Barcelona, Sevilla and Ajax are all also interested in the Brazil Under-20 midfielder. (AS)

Chelsea and Brazil midfielder Willian, 31, is keen to continue playing in the Premier League if he leaves Stamford Bridge, putting Arsenal and Tottenham on alert. (ESPN Brazil - in Portuguese)

Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham are keen on Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren, 30, with the Croat out of favour at Anfield. (Teamtalk)

On-loan Arsenal full-back Dani Ceballos, 23, would rather move back to Real Betis than stay at Emirates Stadium, if parent club Real Madrid don't want the Spaniard back. (Estadio Deportivo via Express)

Burnley manager Sean Dyche is open to finishing the Premier League season behind closed doors, with a 'World Cup-style' tournament. (Telegraph - subscription required)

 

[Anustart89]

I'll be very proud of the ones in charge if it turns out that they've dropped interest in Grealish over that incident.

I would, however, question their due diligence if they then go on to target Maddison who's got a reputation for being a bit of a twat on a night out. Not that I'm saying that being a twat = drunk driving during a lockdown, but it's also significant of an attitude that I think we should steer clear from.

 

[christinaa]

Wednesday's Newspapers:
1st April 2020



DAILY MIRROR

• Liverpool have pulled out of the race to sign Jadon Sancho - leaving Manchester United and Chelsea as the two Premier League clubs interested in the England star.
• Roger Federer could boycott the French Open over its decision to reschedule to October.

DAILY MAIL

• Borussia Dortmund want to beat Manchester United to the signing of 16-year-old Birmingham star Jude Bellingham, with the player keen to replicate the success of Jadon Sancho in the Bundesliga.
• Raheem Sterling's representatives have refused to rule out a return to Liverpool after he recently admitted his admiration for Jurgen Klopp's side.
• Premier League clubs hope the league's chiefs will make a decisive call on wage cut plans during a scheduled conference call this week.
• Professional football players in England face being uninsured if their careers are ended because of coronavirus.
• The ECB are considering fielding Test and T20 sides at the same time this summer if the coronavirus pandemic eases.
• Wimbledon's extensive insurance policy will cover £250m of lost revenue with organisers on the verge of cancelling the tennis grand slam.
• Europe Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington says the 2020 event cannot be postponed and must go ahead.
• Premiership Rugby clubs are seeking government help as they continue to try to save themselves from financial ruin.

THE SUN

• Former Chelsea and Arsenal defender Ashley Cole's home was attacked by gang of masked robbers with high value jewellery stolen.
• England winger Chris Ashton believes he may have had coronavirus and fears he may have passed it on to his mother.

DAILY STAR

• Manchester United could bid for Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, with Paul Pogba, going the other way.

THE TIMES

• Manchester City have angered supporters by charging season ticket holders for games despite ongoing uncertainty over fixtures.

• Leicester City are eyeing up an audacious move for Barcelona's Philippe Coutinho, according to reports, but Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers is said to be aware a deal for the Brazilian is unlikely. (Leicester Mercury)
• Leicester City have held "conversations" with Real Betis midfielder William Carvalho, according to reports. (Leicester Mercury)
• Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insists Manuel Neuer's contract renewal will not be impacted by the coronavirus shutdown, amid speculation linking him with Chelsea. (London Evening Standard)
• Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is still believed to be waiting for a concrete offer from Saudia Arabia's Public Investment Group. (Newcastle Chronicle)
• Manchester United are reportedly expected to press on with a deal to sign Jack Grealish despite the Aston Villa captain apologising and being hit with a fine for flouting the government's coronavirus advice. (Birmingham Mail)
• Juventus may be forced to offload former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey this summer, but only if they are unsuccessful in their efforts to sell Cristiano Ronaldo, according to reports in Italy. (Football.London)
• Swansea City are set to miss out on a transfer payment from Sheffield United for former striker Oli McBurnie if the current season is abandoned. (Wales Online)

Manchester United are preparing a bid for Juventus and Netherlands defender Matthijs de Ligt, 20, with France midfielder Paul Pogba, 27, set to leave Old Trafford and go the other way. (Star)

The Red Devils could be forced into paying Chile striker Alexis Sanchez, 31, a £1.1m annual loyalty fee when he returns from his loan spell at Inter Milan. (Sun)

Everton are planning huge summer bids for Real Madrid's Wales forward Gareth Bale, 30, and Juventus' Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey, 29. (90min.com)

Meanwhile, the Toffees are using video conferencing service Zoom to stay in touch with team-mates and medical staff, with injured France midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, 30, set to talk to his surgeon on the platform. (Guardian)

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema, 32, has defended his comments where he compared Chelsea striker and his France team-mate Olivier Giroud, 33, to a 'go kart' on an Instagram live session. (Marca)

Arsenal are interested in Ivory Coast siblings, midfielder Hamed Traore, 20, who is on loan at Sassuolo from Empoli, and his brother Amad, 17, a winger at Atalanta. (90min.com)

 

[christinaa]

Thursday's Newspapers:
2nd April 2020


DAILY MIRROR

• Liverpool will face a battle with the Germany national team in their efforts to persuade Jurgen Klopp to create a Sir Alex Ferguson-style dynasty at Anfield.
• Despite suspending the Champions League, UEFA want to complete it in August and are considering a mini four-team tournament.
• Premier League clubs will push to use up to five substitutes if they are forced to cram all their remaining games into a month.

• Gareth Bale is willing to put aside his differences with Zinedine Zidane to continue to fight for his place at Real Madrid.
• Sheffield United have put all contract talks on hold during the coronavirus pandemic.
• Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly eyeing a reunion with Real Madrid star James Rodriguez.
• Liverpool chiefs have reportedly been left baffled by rumours of Sadio Mane joining Real Madrid - and are confident he sees his long-term future at Anfield.

DAILY MAIL

• The Premier League will hold talks over whether to continue implementing VAR as doubts emerge over its viability after the coronavirus suspension.
• Premier League clubs are in a stand-off over wages with their players, whose agents and union are advising them not to agree any deferrals or cuts ahead of a crucial meeting of top-flight executives on Friday.
• Manchester United are withstanding the fall-out from the coronavirus crisis because of a massive £173m revenue from sponsorship deals.
• Tottenham have shut down their player recruitment operations as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

DAILY STAR

• Arsenal have been given new hope of bringing Dani Ceballos back to the Emirates next season.

THE INDEPENDENT

• Manchester United are monitoring Matthijs de Ligt's situation after the centre-half's difficult first year at Juventus.

THE SUN

• West Ham's shirt sleeve sponsor has gone into administration as coronavirus continues to impact Premier League clubs.
• Harry Redknapp has slammed his old Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy for slashing the wages of non-playing staff.
• Callum Hudson-Odoi has revealed WhatsApp group chats and messages from team-mates helped him get over coronavirus.

SCOTTISH SUN

• Ryan Jack reckons players will need at least a fortnight to get in shape.
• Scotland could play eight massive matches in three jam-packed weeks this autumn.
• Hearts chief Ann Budge is set to battle PFA Scotland over asking players at the club to waive part of their salaries.
• Ex-Celtic defender Ramon Vega has urged the Hoops to join forces with Rangers to help save Scottish football.

DAILY RECORD

• Celtic have confirmed they will place a number of their non-playing staff on furlough but promised to ensure they receive 100 per cent of their wages.
• Rangers are bidding to ease corona cash concerns by selling season tickets from next week.

West Ham are preparing a surprise £15m bid for Barcelona and Norway forward Martin Braithwaite, 28, who has made only three appearances since moving to the Nou Camp in January. (Mail)

Borussia Dortmund are just a signature away from winning the race to land highly rated 16-year-old midfielder Jude Bellingham from Birmingham City.(Bild, via Birmingham Mail)

England striker Marcus Rashford admits he is desperate to play with compatriot and Borussia Dortmund forward Jadon Sancho, 20, at Manchester United next season. (Sun)

Manchester United are monitoring Thomas Meunier's situation at Paris Saint-Germain with the 28-year-old Belgian defender's future remaining unsolved. (90min.com)

Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti is eyeing a reunion with Real Madrid's Colombian 28-year-old forward James Rodriguez. (Mirror)

Manchester United and France midfielder Paul Pogba's priority remains to join Real Madrid when the transfer window opens, because of the 27-year-old's desire to link up with Zinedine Zidane. (90min.com)

Chelsea midfielder Willian thinks Liverpool are so far ahead in the Premier League table because they have not changed manager since 2015. (ESPN Brazil)

Meanwhile, Brazilian Willian, 31, could reunite with former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri at Juventus when his contract at Stamford Bridge expires this summer. (Tuttosport)

Sheffield Wednesday left-back Morgan Fox, 26, is attracting the interest of Championship rivals Middlesbrough. (Yorkshire Post)

Leeds United will sign French goalkeeper Illan Meslier, 20, on a permanent deal from Ligue 1 side Lorient if they win promotion to the Premier League. (Mirror)

 

[Cliche Guevara]

I know it’s the Mirror but what a thoroughly disgusting comparison.

DAILY MIRROR

• Liverpool will face a battle with the Germany national team in their efforts to persuade Jurgen Klopp to create a Sir Alex Ferguson-style dynasty at Anfield.

 

[christinaa]

Friday's Newspapers:
3rd April 2020


DAILY MAIL

• Tottenham are set to significantly reduce Jose Mourinho's transfer budget as the impact of the coronavirus crisis continues to take grip.
• Liverpool have put all contract talks and recruitment plans on hold due to the ongoing uncertainty around the coronavirus pandemic.
• Premier League football grounds could be turned into auxiliary hospitals to aid the fight against coronavirus.
• Raul Jimenez has revealed there is no release clause in his Wolves contract as elite clubs continue to monitor his progress at Molineux.
• On Friday, English football authorities will discuss the prospect of quarantining officials once the season recommences.

DAILY STAR

• The FA is ready to hand over its showpiece £100m National Football Centre in the fight against the coronavirus epidemic.
• Arsenal and Everton will face competition from Barcelona for £22m-rated Gent forward Jonathan David.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

• A deal was close to being struck on Thursday night to avoid a major clash between the 2022 Commonwealth Games and any rescheduled Women's European Championship and World Athletics Championships.
• Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Leroy Sane are among the Premier League players giving clubs a headache over contract extensions as a result of the transfer window getting pushed back.

MIRROR

• Chelsea have told Willian it is "impossible" for him to secure a new three-year deal in west London.
• Paris-Saint Germain star Neymar secretly donated five million Brazilian Real (around £769,000) to humanitarian agency UNICEF and to a solidarity fund set up by celebrities.

THE SUN

• Eric Dier has escaped any criminal action for climbing up the stands to confront a fan.
• Manchester United have called off their search for a new left-back after the emergence of Brandon Williams.
• Finishing the Premier League in China has been mooted by one club as top-flight chiefs hold a crunch video conference on saving the season on Friday.
• Liverpool have been warned that Mohamed Salah is desperate for a three-month break to play in AFCON and the Olympics by ex-Egypt star Mido.

DAILY EXPRESS

• Roma could turn to Chelsea misfit Pedro after they had two bids for Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the last one of around £10m, turned down by Arsenal.
• Arsenal and Chelsea are set to battle it out for the signing of Barcelona star Samuel Umtiti, and the Catalan giants are expecting both to make bids in excess of £26m.

DAILY RECORD

• SPFL chiefs are set for crisis talks next week to discuss whether or not to follow Belgium's lead and declare the football season over with Celtic as champions.

SCOTTISH SUN

• UEFA have warned that voiding league campaigns could see clubs barred from next season's European competitions.
• Hibs' top earners have agreed to take big hits in the pocket to help save jobs at Easter Road.

Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson, 28, says he does not deserve to be linked with bigger Premier League clubs because of his poor form this season. (Sky Sports)

Gent and Canada striker Jonathan David, 20, says he would love to play in the Premier League in the future. (Guardian)

Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 30, and Manchester City winger Leroy Sane, 24, are among the players giving clubs a headache over contract extensions after the transfer window was pushed back. (Telegraph)

Wolves and Mexico striker Raul Jimenez, 28, has revealed he does not have a release clause, amid interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid. (Marca, via Mail)

Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos, 23, has been placed on a list of players surplus to requirements at Real Madrid, paving the way for Arsenal to make a move. (Mirror)

Aston Villa's English midfielder Jack Grealish, 24, has been told he has no chance of joining Manchester United this summer. (Star)

Meanwhile, Aston Villa are being linked with Marseille's 22-year-old French midfielder Maxime Lopez. (Birmingham Live)

Tottenham and South Korea forward Son Heung-min, 27, is set to complete a four-week national service stint in his native country during the delay in the season caused by the coronavirus pandemic. (Sun)

Manchester City's Belgian midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, 28, warns of injuries to players if authorities rush players' return to action. (Telegraph)

Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti is keen on a reunion with Real Madrid's Colombian 28-year-old forward James Rodriguez, having coached him during his time in charge at the Spanish giants. (Mirror)

 

[top1whoisman]

On Friday, English football authorities will discuss the prospect of quarantining officials once the season recommences.

Hope they do that for good.

 

[christinaa]

Saturday's Newspapers:
4th April 2020



THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

• The Premier League will hold an unprecedented conference call on Saturday involving all 20 club captains to try and get a 30 per cent pay cut agreed amid fears of a financial collapse due to the coronavirus pandemic.
• A significant number of SPFL clubs are considering an option to crown Celtic as Scottish champions, to award Aberdeen the country's spare Europa League place and proceed next season without an expansion of the Premiership, but for the winter break to be axed, for 2021-22 at least.
• EFL clubs want the PFA to approve a deal for their players to give up as much as 50 per cent of their wages during the coronavirus crisis.

DAILY MAIL

• Arsenal target Jonathan David has talked up a move to the Premier League in the near future.
• Marcos Llorente revealed he has named his dog 'Anfield' a month after the Atletico Madrid star's heroics knocked holders Liverpool out of the Champions League.

DAILY MIRROR

• Manchester United youngster Angel Gomes has hinted he will snub interest from Chelsea to sign a new deal at Old Trafford.
• Juventus would not accept the Serie A title if the season was to end now because of the coronavirus pandemic, according to Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina.
• Brazil star Arthur Melo has been told he is going nowhere as Barcelona begin a major shake-up at the Nou Camp.

THE SUN

• Danny Rose was unveiled as the mystery donor who gave £19,000 to a hospital that treated him while at Tottenham.
• DAILY RECORD
• The SPFL are ready to call UEFA's bluff by sticking to their guns and declaring Celtic as Premiership champs.
• Aberdeen are set to unveil a crisis plan as Derek McInnes joins players and coaches in accepting a wage deferral.
• Dundee have announced that all players and staff have been furloughed - but they'll continue to receive full salaries.
• 
  
• THE SCOTTISH SUN
• UEFA supremo Aleksander Ceferin has warned the SPFL that they are jeopardising their teams' spots in next year's European competitions if they cancel the Premiership early and declare the title in Celtic's favour.
• Celtic have extended the deadline for season ticket holders to renew their seat by four weeks.

Real Madrid are set to ignore any summer bids from Manchester City for French international centre-back Raphael Varane, 26. (Star)

Italian giants Juventus are prepared to offer Brazilian winger Douglas Costa, 29, to Manchester City as a makeweight in a deal to sign his compatriot Gabriel Jesus, 23. (Calcio Mercato, in Italian)

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti has launched an ambitious plan to convince Real Madrid midfield pair Gareth Bale, 30, and James Rodriguez, 28, to move to Goodison Park. (Mail)

Chelsea are in negotiations with Brazilian Philippe Coutinho, 27, who is currently on loan at Bayern Munich from Barcelona, over a summer transfer. (Sun)

Manchester United have been told there is no chance of them signing Tottenham and England striker Harry Kane because of the length of the 26-year-old’s contract, which runs until 2024. (Manchester Evening News)

Defender Matthijs de Ligt has emerged as a transfer target for Manchester United with the 20-year-old Dutch centre-back reportedly struggling to settle at Juventus. (Express)

Newcastle United have not yet given up their pursuit of 21-year-old highly-rated Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare, despite Real Madrid also being interested in the Frenchman. (Sport, in Spanish)

But Liverpool are also keen to sign Soumare and have opened talks on a deal. (Teamtalk)

 

[Le Red]

Hope they do that for good.

I have a dream that one day computers will make the call and the official will only be on the pitch to communicate the decision to the players.

 

[christinaa]

Sunday's Newspapers:
5th April 2020


SUNDAY EXPRESS

• England captain Harry Kane is at the centre of a £150m tug of war between Real Madrid and Manchester City.
• Leicester are keeping tabs on Angers midfielder Baptiste Santamaria, who has been dubbed French football's next N'Golo Kante.
• Manchester United target Matthijs de Ligt would prefer to leave Juventus for the Premier League rather than La Liga this summer, reports say.

SUN ON SUNDAY

• Jadon Sancho is ready to reject Manchester United if they fail to secure Champions League football.
• Bournemouth are set to cash in on Callum Wilson, Joshua King and David Brooks this summer in a reversal of their big-money spending policy .

MAIL ON SUNDAY

• Arsenal remain one of the more likely destinations for Jesse Lingard if he is to leave Manchester United in the next transfer window.

SUNDAY STAR

• Manchester United are being tipped to ditch the £100m-rated Paul Pogba in order to seal a £70m Jack Grealish transfer.

SUNDAY MIRROR

• Manchester United defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah has still not been told whether Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to trigger a one-year extension on his contract.

SUNDAY MAIL

• Rangers may never get to play their second leg against Bayer Leverkusen, as the head of the Spanish FA reveals UEFA may skip to the semi-finals.
• Rangers and Hearts could lead a legal revolt against the SPFL if they defy UEFA's orders and end the season now.

England manager Gareth Southgate has agreed to a 30% pay cut. (Sky Sports).

Borussia Dortmund's 20-year-old forward Jadon Sancho's refusal to sign for Chelsea this summer could facilitate Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho, 27, moving to Stamford Bridge. (Sport, in Spanish)

Arsenal are confident of agreeing a deal to sign Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser, 26, when his Cherries contract expires in the summer. (Teamtalk)

Leicester forward Islam Slimani, 31, is being linked with a move to Sporting Lisbon after failing to make an impression with the Foxes. (O Jogo, via Leicester Mercury)

Meanwhile, Leicester are interested in signing Fenerbahce defender Hasan Ali Kaldırım, 30, but will face competition from Galatasaray. (Hurriyet, in Turkish)

Arsenal could attempt to sign Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard, 27, before next season, especially if the loan move of fellow midfielder Dani Ceballos, 23, to the Gunners from Real Madrid is not made permanent. (The Athletic, subscription required)

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has urged the club to send promising forward Ryan Edmondson, 18, out on loan next season. (Football Insider)

Everton defender Jonjoe Kenny, 23, wants to stay at Schalke next season after enjoying his loan spell in the Bundesliga. (Bild, in German)

Rangers have already lined up a list of replacements for forward Alfredo Morelos, 23, who is wanted by a number of clubs in Europe. (Goal, in Spanish)

Everton winger Bernard, 27, has dismissed claims he could move to Italian club Roma this summer. (Liverpool Echo).

West Ham have joined the race to sign highly-rated Freiburg centre-back Robin Koch, 23. (Daily Star).

Newcastle will attempt to sign Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare, 21, again this summer after showing interest in January. (Sport, in Spanish)

 

[christinaa]

Monday's Newspapers:
6th April 2020


DAILY MAIL

• Manchester United are unlikely to take taxpayers' money to fund the wages of 900 non-playing staff.
• Premier League managers are siding with clubs in the battle over wages, with the majority ready to accept a temporary cut.
• Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna says the club would be making a huge mistake if they sold Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer.
• Former Manchester United and Tottenham star Dimitar Berbatov has urged Timo Werner to sign for Bayern Munich instead of Liverpool this summer.
• AC Milan reportedly have hopes of signing Argentine striker Mauro Icardi from arch-rivals Inter Milan.
• Napoli have reportedly lowered their asking price for Fabian Ruiz down to £52m with the midfielder looking set to leave the Serie A side in the summer.

DAILY MIRROR

• The Premier League are in advanced talks with the Government over the possible return of football in June.
• Juventus are weighing up a move for Tottenham's Harry Kane but face a host of potential issues, including the striker's price.
• Arsenal have made moves to sign PSG's Layvin Kurzawa on a free transfer ahead of Barcelona.
• Roma boss Paulo Fonseca has confirmed he wants to sign Chris Smalling from Manchester United this summer - and described the defender as "unbeatable" in one-vs-ones.
• Liverpool have been urged to join Bayern Munich in the race to sign Leroy Sane from Manchester City this summer by former Premier League star Danny Mills.

• The PFA has called for full financial disclosure from clubs and proof that pay sacrifices will be used for good causes. (DAILY TELEGRAPH)
• Anderlecht forward Kemar Roofe hopes English football does not follow in Belgium's footsteps and attempt to call time on the season. (THE SUN)
• The Premier League are in advanced talks with the Government over the possible return of football in June. (DAILY MIRROR)
• Liverpool are reportedly lining up a double swoop on Borussia Monchengladbach for highly-rated duo Denis Zakaria and Marcus Thuram. (DAILY EXPRESS)
• Rangers boss Steven Gerrard could raid Liverpool for Rhian Brewster as a replacement for Alfredo Morelos. (DAILY STAR)
• Jose Mourinho and Manchester City's director of football Txiki Begiristain have both asked about the availability of Rangers loan star Ianis Hagi, according to a top Romanian agent. (THE SCOTTISH SUN)
• Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes reckons SPFL chiefs should let the clubs vote on the outcome of the season - if it can't be completed. (DAILY RECORD)
• Damien Duff looks set to leave Celtic at the end of the season after being named as part of Stephen Kenny's new-look Republic of Ireland coaching team. (DAILY RECORD)

Borussia Dortmund and England forward Jadon Sancho, 20, will reject a summer move to Manchester United if they fail to secure Champions League football. (Sun)

Leicester, Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa are interested in signing Rangers and Colombia striker Alfredo Morelos, 23. (Talksport)

West Ham have been in contact with Alexis Sanchez’s agent as they consider a potential move for the Chile forward. The 31-year-old is currently on loan at Inter Milan from Manchester United. (Sport Witness)

Manchester City's Spanish midfielder David Silva, 34, may be offered a farewell game at Etihad Stadium in the summer if the coronavirus outbreak prevents him from saying goodbye to the club's fans after a 10-year spell that has seen him win the Premier League title four times. (Mail)

Former Manchester United and Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov believes RB Leipzig and Germany striker Timo Werner, 24, would be better off joining Bayern Munich than Liverpool this summer. (Mirror)

Leicester, Tottenham and Everton are all interested in 25-year-old French defensive midfielder Baptiste Santamaria, who plays in France's Ligue 1 for Angers. (Express)

The developers of the Football Manager computer game have tried to simulate the rest of this season's Champions League with the game predicting Manchester City will beat Bayern Munich in the final. (Mirror)

Premier League clubs have bought their own coronavirus testing kits amid fears over behind-closed-doors matches. (Star)

Manchester United’s Dutch defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah, 22, faces an uncertain future as boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ponders whether to trigger a one-year contract extension. (Mirror)

Celta Vigo's Russia international striker Fedor Smolov, 30, has flouted Spain's lockdown to return to his home country, becoming the second Celta player to break the rules of the state of emergency to fight the coronavirus. (AS, in Spanish)

 

[christinaa]

Tuesday's Newspapers:
7th April 2020


THE SUN

• Inter Milan have been tipped to pull off an incredible transfer for Barcelona's Lionel Messi.
• Neymar is reportedly set to stay at Paris Saint-Germain this summer, despite interest from old side Barcelona.

DAILY MIRROR

• Kyle Walker will never play for England again under Gareth Southgate - with the Three Lions boss livid after the defender allegedly hosted a party during lockdown.

DAILY EXPRESS

• Liverpool will be given the Premier League trophy this season "one way or another" - that is according to UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.
• Chelsea are among a host of clubs who are reportedly monitoring Real Madrid's Achraf Hakimi ahead of the summer transfer window.
• Liverpool transfer target Diego Carlos has insisted that he would only consider leaving Sevilla for a "much bigger club".
• Liverpool are considering a double swoop to sign midfielder Denis Zakaria and forward Marcus Thuram from Borussia Monchengladbach.

DAILY MAIL

• Premier League clubs could only have a two-week break before the start of next season as coronavirus continues to cause havoc.
• The Premier League's lesser paid and relegation-threatened stars insist they cannot afford to take the same financial hit as their wealthier counterparts.
• Chelsea and Arsenal will go head-to-head for the signing of German defender Jerome Boateng, who is into the final 12 months of his contract at Bayern Munich.
• Burnley chairman Mike Garlick has vowed to keep all the club's staff on full pay for the foreseeable future.
• Plans to build up a fighting fund for the NHS have been hampered by the desire of some of the Premier League's overseas stars to contribute to the health services in their home countries.

DAILY STAR

• Premier League players want PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor to also take a cut to his £2.2m wages amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

DAILY RECORD

• UEFA boss Alexander Ceferin appeared to open the door to crowning Celtic as Scotland's champions - by hinting Liverpool could lift the English title in a 'league office' instead of a pitch.
• Stoke boss Michael O'Neill has revealed he plans to raid Scotland's cash-strapped clubs as soon as the transfer market opens for business

Manchester United are increasingly confident of signing England forward Jadon Sancho, 20, from Borussia Dortmund this summer. (Standard)

Barcelona are keen to sign Lautaro Martinez, 22, from Inter Milan but know they face competition from Real Madrid and Manchester City for the Argentina striker. (Marca)

Wolves will not sell Adama Troare for less than £70m this summer after the 24-year-old Spanish winger was linked with a move to Liverpool. (Football Insider)

Arsenal have identified Athletic Bilbao defender Unai Nunez as a summer transfer target. The 23-year-old Spain international has a 30m euro (£26m) release clause in his contract. (La Razon - in Spanish)
.
Governing body Fifa plan to extend the 2019-20 season indefinitely in order to allow each country's football authority to determine when its campaigns can finish. (The Athletic - subscription required)

Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United have all enquired about the availability of Valencia's 20-year-old Spanish winger Ferran Torres. (Goal)

Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard, 27, has no intention of leaving the club this summer. The England international has previously been linked with Arsenal and Everton. (Metro)

Liverpool are considering a double bid to sign Swiss midfielder Denis Zakaria and French forward Marcus Thuram from Borussia Monchengladbach. (Express)

France striker Olivier Giroud, 33, has held preliminary talks with Chelsea over a new contract at Stamford Bridge. (Football.London)

The Blues are set to rival Arsenal for the signing of German defender Jerome Boateng, who is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract at Bayern Munich. (Mail)

 

[christinaa]

Wednesday's Newspapers:
8th April 2020



DAILY MAIL

• Juventus are willing to let Cristiano Ronaldo go back to his former club Real Madrid for £50m.
• Tottenham's players are unhappy with the club's decision to furlough non-playing staff, which has increased their resistance to taking pay-cuts.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

• Daniel Levy is considering putting Tottenham's ground staff to work on his private estate.
• Warren Gatland has raised the prospect of a "deciding" match between the Lions and the All Blacks before the 2021 series against the Springboks.

GUARDIAN

• The 2022 World Cup is highly unlikely to be moved from Qatar despite the latest criminal indictment by the US Department of Justice.

DAILY MIRROR

• Everton are tracking the progress of Everton Soares. The Brazil forward has a £104m release clause in his contract at Gremio.

THE SUN

• Mesut Ozil's agent has told Premier League stars not to accept a pay cut during the coronavirus shutdown.
• Middlesbrough and Republic of Ireland U17 forward Calum Kavanagh is attracting interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Celtic.

THE STAR

• Alexis Sanchez is ready to sit tight and see out the remaining two years of his £400k-a-week Manchester United contract in order to avoid a pay cut.
• Chelsea and Arsenal are both 'interested' in signing Jerome Boateng this summer.

DAILY RECORD

• Rangers have given up any hope of a quick-fire restart to this season's title fight - after tractors rolled into Ibrox to dig up the pitch.

• Talks over the prospect of Everton's board taking pay reductions to help the club through the coronavirus crisis have taken place. (Liverpool Echo)
• Manchester United want Sergej Milinkovic-Savic as Paul Pogba's replacement. (Manchester Evening News)
• Manchester City have been joined by Premier League rivals Liverpool and Arsenal in the race to sign Lyon star Houssem Aouar, according to reports. (Manchester Evening News)

Real Madrid have delayed their attempts to try and sign France striker Kylian Mbappe, 21, from Paris Saint-Germain until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic. (AS)

Arsenal, Chelsea and Celtic are interested in Middlesbrough and Republic of Ireland U17 forward Calum Kavanagh, 16. (Sun)

Liverpool are the latest club to show an interest in Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare, 21. Real Madrid, Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle are also keen on the France U21 player. (Sport)

Meanwhile the Reds are interested in signing Brazilian defender Diego Carlos, 27, from Sevilla. (Marca)


AC Milan have made an approach to sign Manchester City midfielder David Silva. The 34-year-old former Spain player is out of contract at the end of the season. (Corriere Dello Sport - in Italian)

And the Italian clubare preparing a £35m summer bid for Arsenal's Uruguayan midfielder Lucas Torreira, 24. (Corriere Dello Sport - in Italian)

Manchester United are struggling to find a buyer for Alexis Sanchez, 31, because he is unwilling to take a pay cut. The Chile forward, on loan at Inter Milan, has two years left on his deal at Old Trafford . (Standard)

Yannick Bolasie, 30, will return to Everton from Sporting Lisbon this summer, according to his agent. The DR Congo winger is on a season-long loan at the Portuguese club but they do not want to turn it into a permanent deal. (Record - in Portuguese)

The Toffeesare tracking the progress of namesake Everton Soares. The Brazil forward 24, has a £104m release clause in his contract at Gremio. (Mirror)

 

[christinaa]

Thursday's Newspapers:
9th April 2020


DAILY MAIL

• Barcelona have reportedly turned down the chance to sign Chelsea star Willian in the summer.
• Manchester City are in advanced talks with their players over deferring salaries to help the club navigate through the coronavirus crisis.
• The government have accused Jose Mourinho and some of his Tottenham players of 'endangering people's lives' after they breached coronavirus lockdown guidelines.
• Experts have warned Premier League clubs could go bust as they owe £1.6bn in transfer fees and risk defaulting on loans.
• Premier League stars have called in lawyers as their pay dispute with clubs rumbles on.
• A British tech firm has developed a digital 'health passport' which could help the return of football.

DAILY MIRROR

• The Premier League pay-cut stand-off could last months with clubs accused of panicking too early.
• Philippe Coutinho has reportedly been offered a transfer lifeline by Chelsea, with Blues head coach Frank Lampard keen to sign the Brazilian on loan.
• Alexis Sanchez has been backed to return to Man Utd and become a key player despite his ill-fated spell at Inter Milan.

THE SUN

• Mikel Arteta is plugging his Arsenal players into a GPS network to spy on their fitness levels during the coronavirus lockdown.
• Jadon Sancho has been urged to snub Manchester United and stay at Borussia Dortmund for two more years by team-mate Marco Reus.
• Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus expects Chelsea target Manuel Neuer to leave the Bundesliga champions this summer.
• Ronaldinho is under house arrest in a luxury hotel with rooftop pool, gym and cocktail bar in Paraguay.

• Manchester United and Napoli want Real Madrid's Colombia forward James Rodriguez (AS).
• Besiktas are considering signing Burnley goalkeeper Joe Hart as a replacement for German Loris Karius, who is on loan from Liverpool (Fanatik).
• Brighton are close to signing Sydney FC's Australia Under-17 midfielder Cameron Peupion (Sydney Morning Herald).
• Aston Villa's Jack Grealish remains among Manchester United's main transfer targets (Evening Standard).

Chelsea are in talks to sign Barcelona and Brazil midfielder Philippe Coutinho. The 27-year-old former Liverpool player is currently on loan at Bayern Munich. (Sport)

Manchester United and Napoli want Real Madrid's Colombia forward James Rodriguez, 28. (AS, in Spanish)

Aston Villa's English playmaker Jack Grealish, 24, remains among Manchester United's main transfer targets. (Evening Standard

Barcelona have turned down the chance to sign Chelsea and Brazil forward Willian, despite the 31-year-old being available on a free transfer at the end of the season. (Sport)

However, Chelsea have opened talks with defender Antonio Rudiger. The Blues are keen for the German, 27, to sign a deal until at least 2023. (Sky Sports)

Napoli are interested in West Ham's Brazil winger Felipe Anderson, 26. (Corriere dello Sport, in Italian)

Besiktas are considering signing Burnley's former England goalkeeper Joe Hart, 32, as a replacement for 26-year-old German Loris Karius, who is on loan from Liverpool.(Fanatik, in Turkish)

Brighton are close to signing Sydney FC's Australia Under-17 midfielder Cameron Peupion, 17. (Sydney Morning Herald)

Defender Diego Carlos says he is happy at Sevilla despite interest from Liverpool. The 27-year-old Brazilian has a £64m release clause in his contract. (Estadio Deportivo, in Spanish)

Liverpool and Senegal forward Sadio Mane, 27, says he considered joining Manchester United before moving to Anfield. (Times, subscription required)

 

[Catt]

Any reliable sources linking Coutinho to Chelsea? Not a fan of him so hope it is.

 

[Catt]

Thanks for the effort as always @christinaa.

 

[christinaa]

Thanks for the effort as always @christinaa.

Thank you Catt and always appreciated when i get such nice messages!

You too keep up your good postings here.

 

[Josh 76]

The Mane story about him nearly joining Utd has been over dramatized so much over the years.

What i remember is LVG made a big of 13m. Southampton rejected it. Utd never went back. End of story.

 

[christinaa]

Friday's Newspapers:
10th April 2020



DAILY MIRROR

• Tottenham could join the race for Philippe Coutinho with the Brazilian being offered to Premier League clubs.
• Roma have offered Pedro the chance to join them, with the Spaniard out of contract at Chelsea in July.
• The Premier League's plans include rolling out coronavirus testing machines ahead of potential June return.

DAILY MAIL

• Former Arsenal defender Steve Morrow is on the shortlist to become Tottenham's next academy chief.
• The PFA have recruited top QC Nick De Marco as players and clubs try to break the deadlock over proposed wage cuts.
• Brighton technical director Dan Ashworth is part of a six-strong group who will try to agree a quota system for overseas players with the FA.
• Premier League footballers are winning their battle against proposed pay cuts, despite Southampton players agreeing a marginal wage deferral.

THE SUN

• Football chiefs are planning to complete the season - with an incredible 433 games in just 56 days.
• EFL chief Rick Parry has told clubs the master plan to finish the season with seven key points.
• Arsenal target Houssem Aouar has been tipped to achieve big things in the game by Karim Benzema and Pep Guardiola.
• Former centre-back Johan Djourou has taken Swiss club FC Sion to court - after they sacked him for not taking a pay cut.

THE TELEGRAPH

• Manchester City Joao Cancelo could join Barcelona in a deal seeing his compatriot Nelson Semedo heading the other way.

Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi, 32, has denied reports linking him with a move to Inter Milan in a post on social media. (Instagram)

Everton believe that the prospect of working under manager Carlo Ancelotti can persuade Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish, 24, to sign for them this summer. (Football Insider)

Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has warned current manager Frank Lampard against attempting to sign Brazil midfielder Philippe Coutinho, 27, from Barcelona. (ESPN)

Meanwhile, Roma have offered Chelsea midfielder Pedro, 32, the chance to join the Serie A club, with the Spaniard out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer. (Mirror)

Manchester City and Portugal full-back Joao Cancelo, 25, is wanted by Barcelona in a deal seeing his defensive compatriot Nelson Semedo, 26, going the other way. (Telegraph, subscription required)

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he is planning "two or three different scenarios" when it comes to this summer's transfer window. (Sky Sports)

Former Barcelona forward Rivaldo, 47, has tipped Paris St-Germain's21-year-old France forward Kylian Mbappe to join Real Madrid at the end of this season. (Betfair)

Arsenal and Manchester United are both in the race to sign Bayern Munich's 25-year-old French midfielder Corentin Tolisso. (Foot Mercato, in French)

Former Nigeria goalkeeper Dosu Joseph says compatriot and striker Odion Ighalo, 30, has done enough to secure a permanent move to Manchester United from Shanghai Shenhua - from where he is on loan. (Goal.com)

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Kai Havertz, 21, wants to stay in Germany and join Bayern Munich once the transfer window opens. (Sky Germany)

 

[christinaa]

​

Saturday's Newspapers: 11th April 2020 the sun Chris Smalling is heading back to Manchester United with his dream permanent move to Roma on the brink of collapse. West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady fears for players' health and NHS workers if the Premier League returns early Tokyo bosses fear the postponed Olympics may not even happen next year. Tyson Fury has the green light to chase down another mega-money WWE crossover showdown with new champ Drew McIntyre. daily mail Premier League clubs are worried the charity fund set up by top-flight stars will make it harder for them to reach an agreement over deferrals and pay cuts. The Premier League have postponed their adjudication on Everton's deal for stadium naming rights, funded by Alisher Usmanov, until June 30. Brighton expect to find out early next week if their squad have agreed to defer part of their wages to help the club cope with the cost of the shutdown. Heung-Min Son has urged his army of fans not to breach coronavirus guidelines by turning up to get a glimpse of him before and during his military service. daily mirror Arsenal and Manchester United face competition to sign Thomas Partey after Inter Milan and Roma joined the race for the Atletico Madrid star. West Ham could listen to offers for £42m winger Felipe Anderson. Premier League clubs fear they may have to offload players to meet wages, with no end in sight to the pay cuts row. Arsenal are said to have pushed ahead with signing Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Perez in 2016 despite warnings from their head of recruitment that they were not good enough. daily express Jurgen Klopp is prepared to battle Barcelona to sign Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos as the Liverpool boss sees the Brazilian as the ideal partner for Virgil van Dijk. Real Madrid are ready to pounce on the uncertainty surrounding Harry Kane's future with a huge offer including Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez. daily star Man Utd are reportedly chasing Aston Villa's 16-year-old wonderkid Carney Chukwuemeka, but could face a battle with Liverpool and Man City for his signature. Everton are growing more and more secretly confident over a transfer for Aston Villa star Jack Grealish. Tottenham target Geoffrey Kondogbia, who has a release clause of 80m euros (£70.1m) in his contract at Valencia, could leave for significantly less if the 27-year-old French midfielder's Spanish club fail to qualify for next season's Champions League. (Evening Standard) Everton are also interested in signing Kondogbia, who has played for Lens, Sevilla, Monaco and Inter Milan. (El Desmarque - in Spanish) Spurs could be about to enter the race for Barcelona's former Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho. The 27-year-old has attracted interest from Chelsea, who wanted the Brazil player on loan, but their interest has cooled as Barca want to include a clause that would eventually lead to a permanent deal. (Mirror) Manchester United are still weighing up whether to offer Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo, 30, a long-term contract as boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is undecided about signing a striker in the summer. Ighalo is on loan from Shanghai Shenhua until the end of the season. (Evening Standard) Chris Smalling's hopes of clinching a permanent move to Roma from Manchester United have suffered a setback. The 30-year-old England defender is keen to stay in Italy where he has been on loan since the end of August. (The Sun Manchester United and Liverpool are set to battle it out to sign Aston Villa midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka. The 16-year-old England Under-17 international is rated as the best teenager in the country. (The Sun via Athletic) Bayern Munich's France winger Kingsley Coman, 23, is not ruling out a move away from the German champions. (Daily Mail) Chelsea are optimistic about getting an agreement for Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes, 22, with a fee of around £30m expected to secure a deal for the Brazilian, who is also attracting interest from Arsenal and Everton. (Express) Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City targeting RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano, 21, have been dealt a blow, with Real Madrid ready to move for the France Under-21 international. (Mirror) Argentina legend Hernan Crespo believes compatriot and Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, 22, who is a target for Chelsea and Barcelona shares many qualities with prolific Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero. (Metro) Out-of-contract Premier League players are worried about being released before the season, currently suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, finishes. (Telegraph - subscription required)

 

[christinaa]

Happy Easter Folks

12th April 2020



THE MAIL ON SUNDAY

• Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy will sanction the departure of Harry Kane to Manchester United for a world-record fee of £200m because of financial worries and exasperation with England's captain for going off-message during the coronavirus crisis.
• The agent of James Rodriguez has reportedly held talks with Juventus and Manchester United as he seeks a summer move away from Real Madrid.
• Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu has received assurances that no other board members will resign, and several of those who quit on Friday have distanced themselves from the idea that there is high-level corruption at the club.
• Roberto Mancini believes winning the Premier League title with Manchester City is the greatest achievement of his managerial career.

THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

• Arsenal have proposed to their players that they will not have to take a pay-cut for losses incurred by the club during the coronavirus crisis should they qualify for the Champions League - if and when the current Premier League season resumes.
• England U21s are still waiting for confirmation of this year's Toulon Tournament joining the list of events cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

THE SUN ON SUNDAY

• Jose Mourinho wished Dele Alli a very personal happy birthday - after spotting his Spurs star across the road while out for a stroll.
• Manchester United are leading the transfer race for Swansea ace Joe Rodon.
• Arsenal have been dealt a blow as they now have competition with Italian giants Juventus for Dani Ceballos who is on loan at the Emirates from Real Madrid.
• Newcastle want to sign Benfica's midfield playmaker Rafa Silva - but the move is on hold.
• Chelsea have opened Stamford Bridge to allow local players to train amid the coronavirus outbreak.
• Josh Maja has put West Ham and Crystal Palace on alert for a return to English football.

SUNDAY EXPRESS

• Chelsea reportedly still hold an interest in signing Dries Mertens this summer but both Manchester United and Arsenal could now hamper their chances.

SUNDAY MIRROR

• UEFA could finish off this season's Champions League and Europa League competitions in one three-week block during August.
• The Premier League is set to use new rules next season after football's law-making body made changes to the use of pitch-side monitors and an explanation of which part of the arm can be penalised as handball.
• Liverpool failed with a bid for Real Madrid youngster Martin Odegaard last summer, according to the Norwegian midfielder's former boss.

THE SUNDAY TIMES

• Leicester City have put wage deferrals on the back-burner in order to focus on helping the community and the NHS.

THE SCOTTISH SUN

• SPFL clubs could discuss a reconstruction plan for next season following a day of crisis talks.

Liverpool tried to sign 21-year-old Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard last summer, before he made the loan switch to Real Sociedad from Real Madrid, according to his former manager Leonid Slutsky. (Metro)

West Ham and Crystal Palace are interested as Nigeria's former Sunderland striker Josh Maja, 21, considers a return to England from Bordeaux this summer. (Sun on Sunday)

Former Nigeria international Abdul Sule says Manchester United could lose compatriot Odion Ighalo, 30, to one of their major European rivals if they do not sign the striker permanently from parent club Shanghai Shenhua this summer. (Goal)

James Rodriguez's agent has spoken to Manchester United and Juventus over a potential summer move from Real Madrid for the 28-year-old Colombia forward.(AS)

English football's losses could ripple across Europe if the transfer market grinds to halt. (Sunday Telegraph)


Nemanja Matic's upturn in form has left Manchester United with no choice but to offer the 31-year-old Serb midfielder a new deal. (Mail)

Coventry City are keen to secure a new contract for 23-year-old English midfielder Zain Westbrooke, who has been linked with a move to Derby County.(Derby Telegraph)

Liverpool have been priced out of a move for Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho, 20, leaving Manchester United in the leading position to sign the £88m-rated England international. (Football Insider)

Premier League clubs targeting 21-year-old RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano - including Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City -have been dealt a blow, with Real Madrid ready to move for the France Under-21 international. (Sunday Mirror)

 

[christinaa]

Monday's Newspapers:
13th April 2020


DAILY MAIL

• Safe standing at Old Trafford has moved a step closer.
• Senior figures at Manchester City are looking on with interest as UEFA examine whether to relax Financial Fair Play rules in a bid to allow wealthy owners to bail their clubs out of financial turmoil amid the coronavirus crisis.
• Arsenal stars are willing to accept wage deferrals despite rejecting the club's initial proposals of straight pay cuts.
• Diego Godin is reportedly expected to leave Inter Milan this summer, with a move to the Premier League on the cards.
• Mason Mount could be the key to Chelsea securing West Ham star Declan Rice this summer, with the midfielder admitting he wants to play with the Blues youngster again.
• Danny Welbeck has donated £10,000 worth of relief to his maternal hometown in Ghana in their fight against the coronavirus.
• Football League clubs have put their squads on mandatory leave - but told British players not to go abroad.
• Serie A's top clubs are scouring the free-agent market ahead of the summer transfer window as they look to negotiate a way around the financial issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
• Tanguy Ndombele is reportedly considering his future at Tottenham after being left stunned by Jose Mourinho's shock training session last week. Barcelona are said to be monitoring the French midfielder's situation.

DAILY MIRROR

• Manchester United are confident that they will not be left with a £75m hole in their finances after kit manufacturers Adidas hit financial trouble.
• Arsenal players are going to firmly reject proposals which leave them facing a 12.5 per cent pay cut.
• Jose Mourinho fears Tanguy Ndombele is plotting an escape route from Tottenham.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

• The Premier League season may be completed in a frantic five-week period when football is played again with the hope that teams will still use their own stadia, rather than neutral venues, even if all the matches will have to be behind closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic.
• Arsenal are looking to save around £25m by cutting player wages if they do not qualify for next season's Champions League.

THE SUN

• Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has agreed in principle a new contract to stay at St Mary's. The Austrian’s current deal runs out at the end of next season.
• Kylian Mbappe was reportedly set to join Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain before the coronavirus pandemic.
• Midfielder Jack Wilshere has admitted that his move to West Ham from Arsenal ‘hasn’t worked out’. The injury-ravaged star, 28, has made just 16 appearances but he is keen to get his career back on track at the London Stadium.

• Tottenham have no intention of selling striker Harry Kane to Manchester United or any other Premier League rival. (SKY SPORTS)
• Roy Hodgson says this Premier League season must be completed rather than allowing “artificial” means to determine the final table. (CRYSTAL PALACE FC)
• Newcastle are poised with a £30m bid to land Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn. (DAILY STAR)
• Chelsea are considering making a second bid for Napoli's Dries Mertens. The Belgian forward, 32, is out of contract with the Italian club at the end of the season. (GAZETTO DELLO SPORT)
• Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez's agent says he is likely to join compatriot Lionel Messi at Barcelona, ahead of interest from Man City. The 22-year-old striker has impressed at the San Siro, scoring 16 and laying on four assists in 31 appearances this season. (FOX SPORTS MEXICO)
• MLS outfit FC Cincinnati are considering making former Man United defender, more recently Reading boss, Jaap Stam their new manager. (ESPN)
• Everton are interested in signing Real Madrid attacking midfielder James Rodriguez, who looks set to depart the Bernabeu at the end of the campaign. (DAILY EXPRESS)

Borussia Dortmund and England winger Jadon Sancho, 20, is not interested in joining Chelsea, leaving Manchester United in pole position for his signature, although Real Madrid is still an option. (Diario Madridista, in Spanish)

Barcelona are the favourites to sign Tottenham's French midfielder Tanguy Ndombele, 23. (Star)

Everton have joined the race to sign Real Madrid's Colombian forward James Rodriguez. Manchester United and Juventus are also interested in the 28-year-old. (Express)

Chelsea will make a second bid for Napoli and Belgium playmaker Dries Mertens. The Blues made an offer for the 32-year-old in January and were turned down, but Mertens has yet to sign a new deal with his Italian club. (Gazetto dello Sport, in Italian)

Roma are reluctant to meet Arsenal's £22m asking price for midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The Armenian, 31, is on a season-long loan at the Serie A club. (Calciomercato, via Star)

Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, 22, is likely to join fellow Argentine Lionel Messi at Barcelona, says his agent. Manchester City had previously been favourites to sign the 22-year-old. (Fox Sports Mexico, in Spanish)

However, Inter Milan vice-president Javier Zanetti believes Martinez will remain with the club. (ESPN)

Meanwhile, Inter Milan and Uruguay defender Diego Godin is likely to move to the Premier League in the summer. Manchester United and Tottenham are interested in the 34-year-old. (Tuttosport, in Italian)

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy could block any move for Chelsea and Brazil forward Willian, says ex-England defender Danny Mills. The 31-year-old previously turned down a move to Spurs in 2013 after passing a medical there. (Football Insider)

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has agreed a deal in principle to remain at the club for three years. (Sun)

Arsenal are trying to save around £25m by cutting player wages if they do not qualify for the Champions League. (Telegraph, subscription required)

West Ham and England midfielder Declan Rice says he would love to play alongside Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount again. The duo, both 21, were involved in Chelsea's academy set-up. (Copa90)

English defender Phil Jones, 28, says he turned down Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal before joining Manchester United in 2011. (MUTV)

Major League Soccer side FC Cincinnati are considering hiring former Manchester United defender and Reading boss Jaap Stam, 47, as manager. (ESPN)

Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez says he is "open" to a move away from Emirates Stadium. The 27-year-old Argentine suggested that he and Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero could return to their boyhood club Independiente. (TNT Sports, in Spanish)

 

[christinaa]

Tuesday's Newspapers:
14th April 2020



THE SUN

• Zinedine Zidane is determined to drive through a move for Sadio Mane this summer and Liverpool are looking at the possibility of replacing him with Kylian Mbappe.
• Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has offered his hospital as a coronavirus treatment centre with Ivory Coast fearing a rise in cases.
• Jose Mourinho accepts he may not have any money to spend on new players at Tottenham this summer.
• Premier League players will be blocked from switching clubs before the delayed end of the season - even if they are out of contract.

DAILY MAIL

• Premier League clubs are facing combined losses of up to £177m in season ticket and corporate hospitality sales due to the coronavirus crisis.
• Premier League stars have a pact to keep each other in the loop over wage-cut talks with their clubs by using a WhatsApp group.
• Premier League players have been instructed to scale back their schedules ahead of a return to full training by the end of May.
• Premier League clubs hope the introduction of Brexit regulations on signing overseas youngsters will be delayed until next summer due to football's suspension.
• 
  DAILY MIRROR
• Bernardo Silva has revealed it was Cristiano Ronaldo's idea for the Portugal squad to donate 50 per cent of their qualification bonus for Euro 2020 to help during the coronavirus pandemic.
• Liverpool have no intention of loaning out Curtis Jones next season.
• Serie A matches could be played behind closed doors until next year in plans which will be studied by the Premier League.
• Chelsea and Tottenham are tracking Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana but face competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.

DAILY STAR

• The Football League is aiming to resume the season on June 6 - and the Premier League could follow suit.
• Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo will have to take a £200,000-a-week pay cut if he wants to turn his loan move to Manchester United from Shanghai Shenhua into a permanent switch. He is on £300,000-a-week at Chinese Super League side.
• Real Madrid have weighed into the battle with Manchester United to sign England and Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho

DAILY TELEGRAPH

• English football is facing calls for an independent regulator and a unified licensing system to overhaul structural failings that have been "exposed" by the coronavirus lockdown.
• Arsenal's senior players have rejected the terms of a 12.5 per cent pay cut over 12 months in response to the coronavirus crisis, despite the club throwing in some fresh incentives on new contracts in a bid to get them to agree.

DAILY TIMES

• Tottenham reversed their decision to apply for the government's furlough scheme after members of Jose Mourinho's first-team squad were unhappy with the club's controversial move.

SCOTTISH SUN

• SPFL bosses will press John Nelms for his vital vote on Tuesday - but the Dundee chief will demand cash help for clubs who lose out if the season ends now.
• Stoke City could switch their attention from Sam Cosgrove to Livingston's Lyndon Dykes.
• Celtic are set to appoint Gary Penrice as their new chief scout.

DAILY RECORD

• Dundee are on the brink of releasing Scottish football from coronavirus deadlock by finally giving their backing to the SPFL's controversial survival plan.
• Inverness chairman Ross Morrison has accused the SPFL of holding a gun to clubs' heads as he slammed the proposal to finish the season early.

Real Madrid have a plan to sign Norway striker Erling Braut Haaland, 19, from Borussia Dortmund this year and France forward Kylian Mbappe, 21, from Paris St-Germain in 2021. (Marca)

Meanwhile, Real will compete with Manchester United to try to sign 20-year-old England winger Jadon Sancho, who plays for German club Borussia Dortmund. (Star)

Dortmund have bid 40m euros (£34.9m) for 20-year-old Spain and Valencia winger Ferran Torres, who has a release clause of 100m euros (£87m) and a contract that ends in 2021. (Bild, via Sport)

Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo, 30, will have to take a £200,000-a-week pay cut if he wants to turn his loan move to Manchester United from Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua, where he was on £300,000 a week, into a permanent switch. (Star)

Chelsea will have to pay £5m if they want to sign Derby County's 19-year-old English midfielder Max Bird, who impressed Blues boss Frank Lampard when he was manager of the Championship club. (Football Insider)

Paris St-Germain have joined Barcelona in showing an interest in Cameroon and Ajax keeper Andre Onana, 24. (L'Equipe - in French, subscription required)

Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic, 32, has criticised Barcelona's treatment of him and says he refused to move to PSG last year as part of a deal to bring Brazil forward Neymar, 28, back to the Nou Camp. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish)

Real Madrid plan to keep 22-year-old Serbia striker Luka Jovic, who has attracted interest from Arsenal. (AS - in Spanish)

France forward Ousmane Dembele, 22, is set to stay with Barcelona as no club is willing to meet his 60m euro (£52.3m) asking price. (Marca)

Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing 16-year-old Dutch midfielder Lamare Bogarde from Feyenoord. (Football Insider)

 

[Alabaster Codify7]

Seriously, if we pay a 30yr old backup striker more than say £120k a week MAXIMUM, we're bigger idiots than I thought. Ighalo has won me over and I would be happy for him to stay long-term but he also needs to get realistic here - he isn't worth anywhere near his salary in China.

 

[TheReligion]

Seriously, if we pay a 30yr old backup striker more than say £120k a week MAXIMUM, we're bigger idiots than I thought. Ighalo has won me over and I would be happy for him to stay long-term but he also needs to get realistic here - he isn't worth anywhere near his salary in China.

Doesn't that article say we are paying 100k?

 

[Rozay]

Doesn't that article say we are paying 100k?

It clearly does, but if we wanna have a moan, we will anyway!

 

[TheReligion]

It clearly does, but if we wanna have a moan, we will anyway!

Is Pogba leaving by the way? Everyone in the podcast seems to think so. I haven't listened to it.

 

[Rozay]

Is Pogba leaving by the way? Everyone in the podcast seems to think so. I haven't listened to it.

No idea tbh, I haven’t listened to any podcast. From what I see, the situation hasn’t changed much. The whole season has been full of ‘breaking news: Pogba agrees Madrid move’ articles, which peter out to nothing, then are occasionally balanced by ‘Pogba could yet stay at United’ articles.

I have no clue personally, but will not be surprised at either outcome. I do suspect he is more likely to stay than go though, for a number of reasons, but that’s just my personal take on things.

 

[Rick88]

Seriously, if we pay a 30yr old backup striker more than say £120k a week MAXIMUM, we're bigger idiots than I thought. Ighalo has won me over and I would be happy for him to stay long-term but he also needs to get realistic here - he isn't worth anywhere near his salary in China.

Never at anytime was it suggested that he'd be paid around that atrocious a salary. From the reports, it has always been suggested at 120-140k a week.

 

[Alabaster Codify7]

Doesn't that article say we are paying 100k?

Yeah, I'm agreeing with that stance.

 

[christinaa]

Wednesday's Newspapers:
15th April 2020


THE SUN

• Manchester United secretly sent scouts to watch Saul Niguez as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer weighs-up a £70m offer for the Atletico Madrid star.
• Arsenal and Chelsea are set to be offered the chance to sign Barcelona flop Philippe Coutinho this summer.
• Football League players are furious with the PFA - after they agreed a proposal with the EFL to defer 25 per cent of wages for April.
• Arsenal chief Raul Sanllehi has warned the squad they face more wage cuts if the Premier League season is voided - much to the anger of players.
• Donny van de Beek's future is still up for grabs, according to the Manchester United and Real Madrid target's agent.
• Newcastle midfielder Matty Longstaff is donating 30 per cent of his wages to the NHS, despite being one of the lowest-paid players in the Premier League.

DAILY EXPRESS

• Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho wants to bring Inter Milan veteran Diego Godin to North London.
• Manchester United chief Ed Woodward has been offered the chance to sign Torino hitman Andrea Belotti ahead of the summer transfer window.
• Arsenal have submitted a £43m bid to sign Atletico Madrid star Thomas Partey.
• Manchester City have been given a boost in their pursuit of Barcelona full-back Nelson Semedo after contract talks with the Spanish club were put on hold.
• UEFA is coming under pressure to cancel all leagues in Europe because of the COVID-19 crisis.

DAILY MAIL

• Manchester United and Real Madrid's hopes of signing Erling Haaland have been dealt a severe blow after it emerged the striker's release clause does not come into effect until 2022.
• Harry Maguire has sent a video to every Manchester United member of staff, thanking them for their hard work during the coronavirus crisis and vowing to see them all soon.
• Football Association disciplinary proceedings against Tottenham duo Dele Alli and Eric Dier are still ongoing despite the footballing calendar grounding to a halt.
• Barcelona legend Xavi has backed his former club's pursuit of Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez and has also tipped Neymar to make a sensational return to the Nou Camp.
• Premier League and Championship clubs could sign a historic truce which would stop them poaching players from each other in the event that the wage cuts situation turns into a war.
• Football League clubs are growing closer to voting for the introduction of salary caps to safeguard the futures of stricken institutions.
• Leeds United and their goalkeeper Kiko Casilla are yet to apologise to striker Jonathan Leko despite Casilla being found guilty of racially abusing him.

DAILY MIRROR

• Premier League clubs are warning their players they will not be able to afford to spend big this summer.
• Argentine club Independiente are ramping up their efforts to snatch Sergio Aguero back from Manchester City this summer, according to reports in South America.
• Manchester United's on loan defender Marcos Rojo says he doesn't want to return to Old Trafford despite his temporary switch to Estudiantes turning into a nightmare.
• Liverpool have been put on alert after the agent of highly-rated forward Milot Rashica confirmed that "something will definitely happen" with his client once the coronavirus pandemic has passed.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

• Football League clubs have been told to stop trying to poach rival players amid concerns it "completely undermines" pleas of financial distress and jeopardises moves to agree collective wage cuts.

THE TIMES

• England face the prospect of being without a game until next March after a FIFA executive warned that international football may not be able to return to the calendar until next year.

SCOTTISH SUN

• SPFL chief Murdoch MacLennan is set to order a probe into Dundee's mystery email.
• Hearts have slashed season ticket prices as they reluctantly prepare for the 'possibility' of life in the Championship.
• Celtic are keeping tabs on Atletico Madrid winger Rodrigo Riquelme.

DAILY RECORD

• Discussions are taking place over the creation of an SPFL taskforce charged with looking into revamping the leagues.

Inter Milan will ask for France forward Antoine Griezmann, 29, in exchange for striker Lautaro Martinez if Barcelona try to sign the 22-year-old Argentine from them. (La Gazzetta dello Sport, via Marca)

Barcelona will try to sign Sweden forward Alexander Isak, 20, from Real Sociedad if they fail to land Martinez. (Marca)

Chelsea and France midfielder N'Golo Kante, 29, is part of a three-man shortlist of transfer targets in his position drawn up by Real Madrid. (AS, via Mail)

Former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp says Spurs striker Harry Kane would not be making a step up by moving to Manchester United but the England captain "might fancy a move" to Barcelona or Real Madrid "one day". (Talksport)

Arsenal and Chelsea will be offered the chance to sign Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho this summer, with Bayern Munich set to turn down the chance to turn the 27-year-old Brazil international's loan spell with them into a permanent move. (Sun)

Manchester United have watched Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez but would only be willing to pay £70m for the Spain international, who has a £132m buy-out clause. United hope to tempt the 25-year-old by increasing his wages from £115,000-a-week to nearer £200,000-a-week. (Sun)

The agent of Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek, says the 22-year-old Dutch international, who has been linked with Real Madrid and Manchester United, is attracting interest from "several clubs". (Voetbal International, via Metro)

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero's former side Independiente are increasing their efforts to try to bring the 31-year-old Argentine back to the club. (Mirror)

Manchester United and Real Madrid will not be able to activate Borussia Dortmund and Norway striker Erling Braut Haaland's £65m release clause this summer because it does not come into effect until summer 2022. (Mirror)

Italy forward Lorenzo Insigne, 28, is set to extend his contract with Napoli until 2025. (Calciomercato)

 

[christinaa]

Thursday's Newspapers:
16th April 2020


Man Utd have made an approach for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.


THE SUN

• Odds have been slashed on Massimiliano Allegri becoming Newcastle United manager when their long-awaited takeover is completed.
• AC Milan have rejected the chance to sign Liverpool forward Adam Lallana on a free transfer, according to reports in Italy.
• Manchester United are in "constant contact" with Napoli over a deal to sign central defender Kalidou Koulibaly whenever the transfer window reopens.
• Atletico Madrid are ready to make their move for Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette after the Premier League club reportedly gave him the green light to leave.
• Arsenal have joined Tottenham in the race to sign highly-rated Feyenoord teenager Lamare Bogarde.
• Jurgen Klopp's plans to meet Timo Werner and convince him to come to join Liverpool are being derailed by the coronavirus pandemic.

DAILY MIRROR

• Leroy Sane is moving closer to a Manchester City exit this summer and a dream move to Bayern Munich.
• Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz has admitted he is "ready to take a big step" in his career, comments that will undoubtedly put European giants on red alert.

DAILY MAIL

• Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still keen on signing Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish despite his high-profile breach of coronavirus lockdown rules.
• Amazon is eyeing up a possible naming rights deal for Tottenham's new stadium, with chairman Daniel Levy aiming for a record £250m deal.
• Chelsea's Olivier Giroud is willing to take a massive cut from his £135,000 weekly wage in order to force through a move to Inter Milan.
• Arsenal are in talks to sign £15m-rated Reims centre-half Axel Disasi.

• Christian Fuchs is torn over his future at Leicester City as he weighs up the possibility of moving to the United States.
• Lazio director Arturo Diaconale has warned Serie A of nightmare legal battles should the 2019/20 campaign be cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
• Championship clubs are pushing increasingly hard for the introduction of a permanent salary cap amid the ongoing battle to force their players into accepting wage cuts for the remainder of the season.
• The FA has lined up Tottenham's academy guru John McDermott as technical director to replace Les Reed, who will step down next summer.
• The SPFL task force charged with delivering league reconstruction aims to have a new-look 14-team Premiership in place within six weeks.

DAILY EXPRESS

• Manchester United have approached Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ahead of the summer transfer window.
• Suitors including Manchester United and Chelsea will have to find £70m if they want to sign Barcelona forward Philippe Coutinho in the summer.

DAILY STAR

• Liverpool made the first move to sign young Real Madrid star Rodrygo in 2017 while he was still a Santos player, according to his agent.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

• A DCMS select committee is turning an eye towards the way football has dealt with the issue of furloughing members of staff.
• Newcastle United staff are hopeful they will immediately be taken out of furlough once the Saudi takeover of the club is concluded.
• Thomas Meunier appears set to disappoint Chelsea and Tottenham by moving to Germany at the end of the season - both Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich are interested in the PSG right-back.

DAILY RECORD

• SPFL chiefs are sweating over possible legal challenges before £9.3m in prize money is dished out to Championship, League One and League Two clubs at 10am on Thursday.
• Ayr United chairman Cameron Lachlan is planning to vote against reconstruction of the Scottish league system which he has branded as "insane".

Manchester City's German international winger Leroy Sane, 24, is moving closer to a £70m move to Bayern Munich.(Mirror)

Premier League clubs will meet on Friday to discuss whether the season can be completed by 30 June. If put to a vote, 14 of the 20 clubs would need to agree. (Guardian)

Bayer Leverkusen and Germany midfielder Kai Havertz, 20, says he is open to a move abroad, with Liverpool among the Premier League clubs interested. (Sport Bild - in German)

Chelsea and France striker Olivier Giroud, 33, is willing to take a pay cut to secure a move to Inter Milan this summer. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian)

Manchester United and Argentina defender Marcos Rojo, 30, wants to extend his current loan spell in his homeland at Estudiantes as he has been limited to one appearance for them - a result of injuries and the league being suspended because of coronavirus. (Manchester Evening News)

Italian giants AC Milan have decided not to make an offer to sign England midfielder Adam Lallana this summer. The former Southampton player, 31, is out of contract at Liverpool at the end of June. (Mirror)

Arsenal could cash in on French striker Alexandre Lacazette at the end of the season, with Atletico Madrid keen to take the 28-year-old. (AS - in Spanish)

However, Arsenal could also lose Gabonese strike Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is wanted by Real Madrid. The 30-year-old is wanted by Zinedine Zidane as an alternative to Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez - who is only interested in leaving Italy for Barcelona.(Sport - in Spanish)

Arsenal are close to completing a transfer, though, with 27-year-old French left-back Layvin Kurzawa close to finalising a free transfer from Paris St-Germain.(Daily Star)

Leicester's Austrian defender Christian Fuchs, 34, is torn over whether to extend his stay at the King Power Stadium or move to the United States and rejoin his family. (Daily Mail)

Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius says he is still in touch with Jurgen Klopp while out on loan at Turkish side Besiktas but does not know where his future lies. The German, 26, is under contract at Anfield until 2022. (Sky Sports)

 

[Cliche Guevara]

Thursday's Newspapers:
16th April 2020

Ayr United chairman Cameron Lachlan is planning to vote against reconstruction of the Scottish league system which he has branded as "insane".

Love seeing that in here and we are right to reject it.

 

[Alabaster Codify7]

Love seeing that in here and we are right to reject it.

What's the proposal??

On United - what does everyone think about these Aubameyang links? Surely, if we are interested, wouldn't that mean no more Ighalo at the end of his loan?

I can't see us targeting two strikers this summer given what else we need. Or could there be a slight possibility of PEA being employed (if true of course) as a RW of sorts in a three-man frontline?

 

[711]

What's the proposal??

On United - what does everyone think about these Aubameyang links? Surely, if we are interested, wouldn't that mean no more Ighalo at the end of his loan?

I can't see us targeting two strikers this summer given what else we need. Or could there be a slight possibility of PEA being employed (if true of course) as a RW of sorts in a three-man frontline?

There aren't any links, it's just newspapers that have to fill column inches.

 

[Alabaster Codify7]

There aren't any links, it's just newspapers that have to fill column inches.

Well then lock this and any other thread until football comes back, right?
Because all football is now is speculation and nonsense to fill column inches. There isn't actually a need for the football forum at present, in this case.