Press Gossip - 2024

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.
Just look for stuff with actual quotes from named people, not 'sources close to' or 'it is understood'. To be fair though I am a total hypocrite, I do read loads of the bollocks myself. Don't tell anyone.
 
Friday's Newspapers:
17th April 2020


Manchester United are holding talks with Real Madrid over a possible move for James Rodriguez



THE SUN
  • Tottenham have approached former boss Mauricio Pochettino about a potential pay cut to his gardening leave salary amid the coronavirus pandemic.
  • The Premier League's 'Big Six' will join forces and dismiss calls to set a cut-off date for the season.
  • Manchester United feel they have not lost out in the race for Jude Bellingham after laying on the charm offensive for the Birmingham wonderkid.
  • Brazil and Barcelona legend Rivaldo admits he would have loved to play for Manchester United had he moved to England.
  • Manchester United join Liverpool and Barcelona as Brazilian starlet Tete's dream destinations, the winger has confirmed.
  • Manchester United are holding talks with Real Madrid flop James Rodriguez over a potential £35m move to Old Trafford.



  • Chelsea and Arsenal have been dealt a major transfer blow with Barcelona expecting Philippe Coutinho to stay at the Nou Camp.
  • Arsenal are reportedly nearing an end to their pay cut saga that will see a 12.5 per cent monthly reduction amid the coronavirus pandemic.
  • Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang "wants to quit this summer" with Real Madrid and Barcelona considering moves for the striker.
  • Diego Costa is set to see out his Atletico Madrid contract until 2021 - before leaving on a free transfer.


DAILY MAIL
  • Borussia Dortmund remain hopeful they can complete a deal for Birmingham youngster Jude Bellingham despite interest from Manchester United.

  • Premier League clubs are worried about receiving instalments of transfer fees worth more than £100m and from European sides because of the collapse of TV deals on the continent.
  • Stan Kroenke will provide Arsenal with a major cash injection to help ease the club through the coronavirus financial crisis.
  • Everton are reportedly interested in signing Torino's Andrea Belotti this summer, with Manchester United and Napoli also pursuing the striker.
  • Former Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has urged the club to stick with Steve Bruce and not return to the 'negative football' under Rafael Benitez once their proposed takeover is complete.
  • Barcelona coach Quique Setien is pessimistic that the Spanish top-flight season will be able to be completed and has called La Liga's conditions for the campaign recommencing 'a non-starter' due to the continued threat of the novel coronavirus.


DAILY EXPRESS
  • Manchester United are lining up a £74m bid for Kalidou Koulibaly after Napoli chief Aurelio De Laurentiis gave the move the green light.
  • Football League players will not be forced to play during the coronavirus crisis when games start again on June 6.
  • Ousmane Dembele has been warned that Barcelona should sell him this summer by club legend Rivaldo.

DAILY MIRROR
  • Manchester United may miss out on Italian hot prospect Federico Chiesa after the Fiorentina chairman claimed that "he wants to stay" with the Serie A club.


  • Trent Alexander-Arnold has revealed that he has not watched back last season's Champions League Final win over Tottenham because he doesn't believe in looking back on past accomplishments.
  • Germany legend Lothar Matthaus has called on Dayot Upamecano to stay at RB Leipzig to continue his development, meaning Manchester United and Arsenal may miss out on the star this summer.
  • The EFL is considering a proposal to scrap the summer transfer window for clubs in the Championship, League One and League Two.

DAILY STAR
  • Premier League clubs fear next season might not start until October due to the coronavirus crisis.
  • Chelsea have reportedly entered the race to sign RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner this summer, with the Blues making direct contact with the player's representatives

  • Manchester United were in the process of preparing to sign a replacement for Odion Ighalo before the coronavirus pandemic changed disrupted their plans.
  • Everton have made a bid to sign Ciro Immobile from Lazio and have offered Moise Kean as part of the deal.


Manchester United are the leading contenders to sign Birmingham's 16-year-old English midfielder Jude Bellingham in a deal worth an initial £35m. Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund are also chasing Bellingham. (Sun)

The agent of Real Madrid and Colombia forward James Rodriguez, 28, has contacted Manchester United over a possible move in the summer. (Sport via Metro)

Everton could move for Aston Villa's English midfielder Jack Grealish, 24, but only if they secure a number of top targets. The Blues are primarily interested in Gremio and Brazil forward Everton Soares, 24. (Sky Sports)

Everton have also made progress in their pursuit of Lille's Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes. Chelsea and Arsenal were also interested in the 22-year-old. (Guardian)

Additionally, Everton want to sign Lazio and Italy striker Ciro Immobile, 30 - and have offered his compatriot, 20-year-old Moise Kean, as part of a swap deal (Teamtalk)

Liverpool are in talks to bring Inter Milan and Croatia midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, 27, to the club. (Libero via Express)

Real Madrid are set to keep Arsenal target Luka Jovic at the club. The Serb striker, 22, has played just one full match for Real this season. (Sport via Sun)

Celtic have approached Manchester City about re-signing English winger Patrick Roberts for £3m. The 23-year-old, on loan at Middlesbrough, previously spent two seasons on loan at Celtic. (Teamtalk)

Barcelona are counting on Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho for next season, says coach Quique Setien. The 27-year-old, on loan at Bayern Munich, has been linked with Chelsea and Tottenham. (Evening Standard)

Italian winger Federico Chiesa could leave Fiorentina for the right price, says the club president. Manchester United, Juventus and Inter Milan are all interested in the 22-year-old. (Sky Italia - in Italian)

RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano has been urged to remain at the club by German legend Lothar Matthaus. The Frenchman, 21, is a target for Arsenal and Manchester United. (Evening Standard)

Barcelona right-back Nelsom Semedo has halted talks with the club over a new contract. The Portuguese, 26, wants a guarantee of regular playing time before signing. (Sport - in Spanish)

Arsenal players are close to agreeing pay cuts of up to 12.5% a month to help cover the cost of the coronavirus pandemic. (The Athletic - subscription required)

Amazon are interested in becoming the main sponsors of Tottenham’s new stadium. (Mail)

Goalkeeper Loris Karius says he received death threats after his mistakes for Liverpool in the Champions League final in 2018. The German, 26, is on loan from Anfield to Besiktas until the end of the season. (Bild - in German)

Former Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher has returned to the club in an informal ambassadorial role. (Manchester Evening News)
 
Saturday's Newspapers:
18th April 2020




DAILY MAIL
  • Chelsea are in talks with their players over taking a pay cut of at least 10 per cent in response to the coronavirus crisis.
  • Players in the Premier League and EFL are braced for their clubs to try and insert 'football shutdown' wage drop clauses into future contracts.
  • Lionel Messi, Frenkie de Jong and Marc-Andre ter-Stegen are the only players safe at Barcelona this summer, according to reports.

DAILY TELEGRAPH
  • Premier League clubs have been told that the 2020-21 season must start by the first week of September at the latest


THE SUN
  • Sadio Mane might leave Liverpool if Real Madrid make a 'sizeable' offer, claims Senegal team-mate Keita Balde.
  • The number of footballers contacting the PFA for help with mental health problems has "spiked" since the game was forced into lockdown.
  • Fiorentina are open to selling Manchester United target Federico Chiesa - but insist the young winger wants to stay at the club.
DAILY MIRROR
  • Manchester United have made 1,000 youth season tickets available for next season in a move to improve the Old Trafford atmosphere.
  • Top-flight clubs fear any hope of completing the season is disappearing with their planning for a restart in chaos.
DAILY EXPRESS
  • Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho will only move to Manchester United if they can guarantee Champions League football next season.
  • Manchester City face a battle to keep Gabriel Jesus this summer after Juventus made the Brazilian a transfer target, according to reports in Italy.


DAILY STAR
  • Chelsea are said to have been interested in Massimiliano Allegri before sealing a deal with Antonio Conte.

THE TIMES
  • Brighton are one of a number of Premier League clubs that have discussed playing artificial crowd noise to generate an atmosphere should the football season resume behind closed doors.

SCOTTISH SUN
  • Ann Budge insists Celtic can't be crowned champions until they've played all 38 Premiership games.


Liverpool forward Sadio Mane could be open to a move to Real Madrid, says Senegal team-mate Keita Balde, who added that Mane, 28, was unlikely to remain at Anfield "forever". (AS - in Spanish)

France midfielder Paul Pogba, 27, is expected to sign a new Manchester United contract and is viewed as a potential leader at the club, says Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague. (Express)

Borussia Dortmund wanted English forward Mason Greenwood, 18, in return when Manchester United approached the club about signing England winger Jadon Sancho, 20. (ESPN)

Tottenham and Brazil forward Lucas Moura, 27, says Spurs would struggle to replace striker Harry Kane if the 26-year-old England captain left the club. (Independent)

Chelsea players would rather take a wage cut of 10% during the coronavirus crisis than the 30% proposed by the Premier League. (Telegraph)

West Ham have discussed selling three first-team players to cope with the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic. (Football Insider)

Barcelona will make a bid to re-sign Brazil forward Neymar, 28, from Paris St-Germain. The Spanish giants are willing to include French trio Samuel Umtiti, Ousmane Dembele and Jean-Clair Todibo as part of a deal after their finances were hit by the coronavirus pandemic. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish)

Argentina forward Lionel Messi, 32, Germany keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, 27, and 22-year-old Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong are the only three players who are safe at Barcelona as the Spanish club plan an overhaul of their squad. (ESPN)

Barcelona manager Quique Setien says Brazil's 27-year-old playmaker Philippe Coutinho, who is on loan at German club Bayern Munich, could still have a future at the Nou Camp. (RAC 1, via Independent)

Veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, 42, has agreed a contract extension with Juventus. It would be the Italian's 19th season in Turin. (Tuttosport, in Italian)

Ajax have put a £35m asking price on Cameroon keeper Andre Onana, with the 24-year-old attracting interest from Chelsea, Barcelona and Paris St-Germain. (Telegraph)

Fiorentina are open to selling playmaker and Manchester United target Federico Chiesa, but they say the 22-year-old Italian does not want to move. (Sun)

Arsenal could miss out on key transfer target Layvin Kurzawa from Paris St-Germain. The French left-back, 27, was set to leave PSG on a free at the end of the season but his contract may now be extended. (Sport)

Hertha Berlin have submitted a provisional contract offer to Paris St-Germain winger Julian Draxler. Arsenal have also been tracking the 26-year-old Germany international. (Foot Mercato - in French)

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has contacted Paris St-Germain striker Mauro Icardi's wife and agent, Wanda Nara, about a deal for the Argentine. Icardi, 27, is currently on loan at Inter Milan from PSG. (Tuttosport - in Italian)

Meanwhile, former Chelsea striker Diego Costa, 31, could leave Atletico on a free transfer at the end of the season. (Marca)

Arsenal, Chelsea and Everton are all attempting to sign Lille's Brazilian defender Gabriel, 22. (ESPN)

Inter Milan want to sign Manchester United and France forward Anthony Martial, 24, if they lose Barcelona target Lautaro Martinez this summer. (Gazetto Dello Sport - in Italian)

France World Cup winner Kingsley Coman, 23, is facing a £44,000 fine from Bayern Munich after turning up to training in his personal car rather than the company one given by the club. (Bild, via Goal)
 


Sunday's Newspapers:
19th April 2020




sunday mirror

Liverpool have made contact with the representatives of Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic over a potential £52m transfer.
Arsenal have made an enquiry for Valencia striker Rodrigo Moreno with doubts over the future of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
Barcelona want to offload Philippe Coutinho in the summer and would prefer him moving back to the Premier League.
Gianluigi Buffon has reportedly agreed a new deal with Juventus to take him into a 26th season as a professional.
Manchester United are recruiting a new head of social media - a role paying up to £100,000 - to promote the club and educate players over their use of various platforms.
Chelsea star Willian has warned Premier League bosses they are in danger of bringing the game into disrepute - and even says Liverpool aren't concerned about the title right now.


mail on sunday

A growing number of EFL clubs are questioning the wisdom of attempting to finish the 2019-20 season with threats of boycotting games even being contemplated.
Everton have interest in Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish but a move would be below Brazil duo Gabriel Magalhaes and Everton Soares in their list of priorities.
Barcelona are looking at Ajax left-back Nicolas Tagliafico as a potential replacement for Junior Firpo.
Kevin-Prince Boateng was keen on a move to Hertha Berlin but says then manager Jurgen Klinsmann ignored his calls.
Manuel Neuer has admitted he is 'annoyed' that details surrounding his contract talks with Bayern Munich have been leaked in the media.
RB Leipzig are yet to speak to clubs about in-demand striker Timo Werner, with Liverpool and Bayern Munich reportedly interested in a summer move.
Sir Bill Beaumont would be open to creating a loophole which would allow Man Utd Tuilagi and other international players to end their careers playing for Pacific Island nations.


sunday express

Jadon Sancho will be offered a massive pay rise by Borussia Dortmund, taking his weekly salary to around £165,000, to tempt him into staying at the club over a move back to England.
Inter Milan are ready to offer Everton's Moise Kean an escape route from Goodison Park this summer.


the sun on sunday

Chelsea are keen to open talks with Freiburg over striker Luca Waldschmidt, a player who has been dubbed as the "next Gerd Muller".
Arturo Vidal will turn down a move to Manchester United and instead join Newcastle if Massimiliano Allegri takes over as manager at St James' Park.
Chelsea stars have unanimously agreed to take a £10m hit for the next four months to ease the club's cash woes.
Inter Milan are weighing up a move for Manchester United forward Anthony Martial, according to a report in Italy.
Arsenal are ready to offer Alexandre Lacazette as part of a deal to secure the services of midfielder Thomas Partey.
Derby County and Besiktas are keen on signing Joe Hart when his contract at Burnley expires.
Crystal Palace are still keen on Nathan Ferguson after a January move for the West Brom right-back fell through because he needed knee surgery.
Angry Championship clubs want cash-strapped rivals given transfer bans for deferring player wages.


daily star sunday

Rafael Benitez is on the verge of a return to Newcastle when their proposed Saudi takeover is completed.
Southampton are set to become the next Premier League club put up for sale because of the crippling financial impact of coronavirus, with £50m having been knocked off the asking price.
Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford will be fit enough to return to training when Manchester United's squad gets back to work.
Manchester United have more interest in signing Jack Grealish from Aston Villa than any deal for Real Madrid's James Rodriguez.


sunday telegraph

Former Olympics chief Lord Deighton has been put in charge of leading the national effort to produce Personal Protective Equipment in the United Kingdom.


scottish sun

Referee Kevin Clancy has admitted he wishes he had VAR so he could have ruled out Odsonne Eduard's controversial goal for Celtic in the Old Firm derby clash with Rangers.


sunday mail

Rangers switched tactics in their bid for an independent inquiry into votergate - by adding Murdoch MacLennan to their SPFL hitlist.


Borussia Dortmund will give England winger Jadon Sancho, 20, a 4m euro (£3.5m) pay rise if he turns down a move to the Premier League. (Bild, via Mirror)

Newcastle could make a bid for Barcelona and Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal. The 32-year-old is said to be keen on the move if the Magpies replace current boss Steve Bruce with Max Allegri. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish)

Spanish centre-back Pablo Mari, 26, wants to make his loan deal at Arsenal from Flamengo permanent in the summer. (Sky Sports)

Paris St-Germain and France striker Kylian Mbappe, 21, will see his value drop to 35-40m euros after the coronavirus pandemic. (AS)

Arsenal and Everton are interested in signing Celtic’s French striker Odsonne Edouard, 22. (Le10 Sport - in French)

Arsenal have made contact with Reims over a move for French centre-back Axel Disasi, 22. (Goal)

Liverpool have registered their interest in Inter Milan and Croatia midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, 27. (Libero, via Mirror)

But Liverpool have not contacted RB Leipzig over a move for Germany’s 24-year-old striker Timo Werner. (General Anzeiger - in German)

Barcelona want to sell Brazil winger Philippe Coutinho - who is currently on loan at Bayern Munich - and hope a Premier League buyer can be found for the 27-year-old. (Goal)

Liverpool will lower their asking price for Switzerland winger Xherdan Shaqiri, 28, because of the coronavirus pandemic. (Football Insider)
 
Paris St-Germain and France striker Kylian Mbappe, 21, will see his value drop to 35-40m euros after the coronavirus pandemic. (AS)

Knew we'd see a story like this eventually, people really are stupid as feck.
 
Monday's Newspapers:
20th April 2020



THE SUN


  • Manchester United believe they have won the race to sign Jadon Sancho after months of secret talks, with just the agreement of a fee with Borussia Dortmund standing in their way.
  • League Two clubs are to hold emergency talks on Monday about ending the 2019-20 season now.
  • Arsenal have stepped up their pursuit of Reims defender Axel Disasy, who could be available for around £13m.
  • Roman Abramovich's efforts to fight coronavirus have been the key to securing a pay deal with his Chelsea players.
  • Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has accepted James Maddison won't be joining him at Manchester United next season after the midfielder declared his love for Leicester City.
  • Manchester United hope close friend Anthony Martial's position in their squad will boost hopes of signing Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele, according to a report in Spain.
  • Chelsea are set to miss out on Alessio Romagnoli with the AC Milan captain on the verge of signing a new contract at the San Siro.
  • Manchester City have agreed a £1.5m deal to sign Peru wonderkid Kluiverth Aguilar but he will not link up with the club until the summer of 2021.
  • A significant coronavirus outbreak has been discovered less than 20km from the Madeira house where Cristiano Ronaldo is self-isolating with his family.
  • Matty Longstaff is keen to sort out a new deal at Newcastle - if the Saudi takeover goes through.
  • Arsenal are ready to offer forward Alexandre Lacazette to Atletico Madrid as part of a deal to bring Ghanaian defensive midfielder Thomas Partey to the Emirates.


DAILY MAIL


  • Manchester United are confident of beating a number of rivals to the signing of Birmingham teenager Jude Bellingham.
  • Ajax have put a £35m price tag on goalkeeper Andre Onana with Chelsea joining the race to sign Barcelona and PSG target.
  • Inter Milan have leapfrogged Liverpool and Juventus in the race to sign young Brescia star Sandro Tonali.
  • Jaap Stam says Matthijs De Ligt should battle for his place at Juventus rather than take up a possible move to Manchester United.
  • Emre Can says his former team Liverpool definitely deserve to be crowned Premier League champions and feels for his ex-team-mates as they wait to celebrate their title triumph.
  • It is increasingly likely that what is left of the Premier League season will be played at neutral venues behind closed doors, should football return.
  • Olivier Giroud has already agreed personal terms with Inter Milan and will leave Chelsea as a free agent in the summer, according to reports in Italy.


DAILY MIRROR


  • One Premier League giant is losing more than £9m per week - and seeking a £100m loan - as the coronavirus lockdown continues to delay football's return.
  • The Players Together initiative has made its first contribution to the NHS.
  • Chelsea players have agreed to a 10 per cent wage cut after amicable talks with the club's hierarchy.
  • Long-term Liverpool and Chelsea target Timo Werner is edging closer to a move to the Premier League after reportedly taking English lessons.
  • Newcastle will have a further £200m injected in the club by their new prospective Saudi Owners, should the takeover go through. As well as transfers, the cash will also go towards improving the club's training ground, academy and commercial department.

DAILY STAR
  • EFL clubs are on a collision course with the government over potential limits on the amount of coronavirus testing kits available for their players.
  • UEFA could force clubs to play a game every three days in August to make sure the Champions League and Europa League are concluded.
  • Former Arsenal and Manchester City ace Samir Nasri is reportedly set to be sacked by Belgian side Anderlecht after failing to contact them while in lockdown.


DAILY TELEGRAPH
  • Arsenal's proposed agreement on player pay-cuts rather than deferrals has caused concern inside other Premier League squads that they will now face pressure to accept similar deals.
  • Football League clubs who defer players' wages this summer could be subjected to transfer restrictions to prevent them from trying to exploit the situation for competitive gain.



  • The £300m Saudi Arabian deal to buy Newcastle United from Mike Ashley is done and is now simply subject to Premier League approval. (THE TIMES)
  • Kai Havertz and Bayer Leverkusen are in "constant communication" as the young German midfielder continues to be linked to Europe's biggest clubs including Manchester United or Liverpool. But the paper reports that United are also keeping tabs on Jack Grealish and James Maddison as they look to bolster their attacking options. (THE EXPRESS)
  • Inter Milan are ready to offer Everton’s £25million flop Moise Kean an escape route from Goodison Park this summer. (THE EXPRESS)
  • While there are suggestions Real Madrid have pulled out of the race for Harry Kane, reports in Italy say Juventus have turned their attentions to the 26-year-old England star. (CORRIERE DELLO SPORT)
  • Dundee United are plotting a shock move for Kilmarnock defender Stephen O'Donnell. (SCOTTISH SUN)

Juventus have turned their attention to signing 26-year-old Tottenham and England striker Harry Kane. (Corriere dello Sport - in Italian)

Real Madrid have pulled out of the race to sign Harry Kane because of the financial effects of coronavirus. (Mail)

Real Madrid are considering selling up to six first-team players, including Wales winger Gareth Bale, 30, and 28-year-old Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez. (AS)

Paris St-Germain are preparing a new deal until 2025 for Brazil forward Neymar. It would see the 28-year-old earn 38m euros (£33m) per year. (Sport - in Spanish)

Arsenal could offer France forward Alexandre Lacazette, 28, to Atletico Madrid as part of the deal that sees Ghana midfielder Thomas Party, 26, join the Gunners. (Sun)

Arsenal have enquired about 29-year-old Valencia and Spain winger Rodrigo Moreno. (Mirror)

Arsenal and Manchester United are weighing up a move for 22-year-old Barcelona and France forward Ousmane Dembele. (Sport - in Spanish)

Manchester United have added Bayer Leverkusen and Germany midfielder Kai Havertz, 20, to their transfer shortlist. (Standard)

Chelsea are preparing a £20m move for 23-year-old Freiburg and Germany striker Luca Waldschmidt. (Sun)

Chelsea and France striker Olivier Giroud, 33, has agreed personal terms with Inter Milan. (Tuttosport via Mail)

Inter Milan are ready to offer Everton £25m for 20-year-old Italy forward Moise Kean. (Express)

Newcastle will have £200m to spend on new players and club improvements if the proposed takeover deal goes through. (Mirror)

Burnley goalkeeper Joe Hart, 33, is a target for Derby and Besiktas. (Sun)

Former Manchester City and Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri, 32, is set to be sacked by Anderlecht after failing to contact the club during the coronavirus lockdown. (Derniere Huere via Mail)

Leeds may be able to buy on-loan defender Ben White, 22, from Brighton for a cheaper price in the summer because of the impact of coronavirus on football finances. (Express)
 
Guardian have just posted story that our budget has been redrawn, and Kane is beyond our means at £150m. If true, where does this leave us for other major signings, I wonder? Sancho is hardly a snip…...
https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...yer-of-harry-kane-cost-out-of-reach-tottenham

That's a direct contradiction to what Ed Woodward was saying just the other day. But who knows, Sancho will happen, we'll find the money for him. We probably won't have a huge amount of new players coming in though, Sancho and maybe 1/2 others on cheaper deals.
 
Any move for Kane would have always been offset by the sale of Martial, who would obviously leave if Kane joined. This needs to be considered in any price. Personally couldn’t care less anyway. Greenwood is the future and Martial/Ighalo will do in the short-term.

Also, this is probably crap anyway, as I strongly doubt Harry Kane was on our pre-Corona shopping list in the first place, as he hadn’t even begun agitating for a move and has 4 years left on a contract at Spurs no less!
 
Tuesday's Newspapers:
21st April 2020



DAILY MIRROR
  • Mesut Ozil is one of the Arsenal players to reject the club's plea to take a 12.5 per cent wage cut from his £350,000 weekly salary.
  • Sylvain Distin has been put off going into management because of the lack of chances for black ex-professionals.
  • Port Vale owner Carol Shanahan fears EFL clubs will start to go bust if rescue packages are not put in place to save them from the financial impact of coronavirus.
  • Paris St-Germain's Kylian Mbappe could be worth as little as £35m because of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a former member of the European Parliament. The forward had been linked with a £250m move to Real Madrid before the pandemic.

DAILY STAR
  • Chelsea have reignited their interest in Napoli forward Dries Mertens.
  • Manchester United have reportedly "held talks" with Jorge Mendes over a possible £110m deal for Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix.


THE SUN
  • Mauro Icardi could become the central figure in a three-way transfer deal involving Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan.
  • Darren Fletcher is returning to Manchester United to become one of the club's ambassadors.
  • Real Madrid might not play any behind closed doors games at the Bernabeu and have asked permission to use their reserve team's Alfredo di Stefano Stadium instead.
  • Manchester United have ended their interest in Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez, but Arsenal and Everton remain interested.
  • Arsenal are keen on 16-year-old Rennes midfielder Noah Francoise, but face competition for his signature from PSG and Sevilla.
  • Steve Bruce will be given until the end of the season to prove to the prospective new Newcastle owners he can deliver European football. Mauricio Pochettino is already being linked to the club.
  • Leaked documents have shown Barcelona's doomsday scenario of £882m losses and the Nou Camp being closed for 10 months because of the coronavirus pandemic.


DAILY MAIL
  • Newcastle's Saudi Arabian buyers told Mike Ashley not to announce the sale of the club until it is fully completed.
  • Manchester United have plans in place to protect their players' mental health should the United Kingdom's lockdown continue.


THE GUARDIAN
  • Manchester United are redrawing their transfer policy because of coronavirus and it will almost certainly leave them unable to afford Tottenham striker Harry Kane.
  • FIFA say a planned £800m investment in women's football between 2019 and 2022 will not be cut despite the impact of coronavirus.

DAILY EXPRESS
  • Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey is a target for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, but the Spanish club believes they can tie the 26-year-old down to a new contract.
  • Manchester City have joined the race for Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid also interested in the striker who is out of contract in the summer of 2021.

SCOTTISH SUN
  • Hibs chief Leeann Dempster has warned a meteor is about to hit Scottish football, calling for a ceasefire within the game and urging clubs to focus on a way to cope with the coronavirus crisis.

Manchester United will not be able to buy a player as expensive as Spurs striker Harry Kane, 26, as they rethink their transfer strategy because of financial uncertainty caused by coronavirus. (Guardian)

But United are now favourites with the bookmakers to sign Kane and Borussia Dortmund's 20-year-old England winger Jadon Sancho. (Evening Standard)

Former Liverpool midfielder and Sky pundit Graeme Souness has warned Manchester United they risk having their "trousers taken down" if they have agreed a deal with Sancho behind Dortmund's back. (Daily Mirror)

Paris St-Germain's 21-year-old forward Kylian Mbappe, who has been linked with a £250m move to Real Madrid, could be worth as little as 40m euros (£35m) because of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a former member of the European Parliament. (Daily Mirror)

Atletico Madrid’s Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey is a target for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, but the Spanish club believes they can tie the 26-year-old down to a new contract. (Express)

Manchester City have been tipped to join the race for Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid also interested in the 30-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer of 2021. (Express)

Manchester United have ended their interest in 28-year-old Real Madrid and Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez, but Arsenal and Everton are both interested. (Sky Sports, via the Sun)

Manchester City midfielder David Silva, 34, is in talks with former club Valencia as his contract is set to expire on 30 June, but the deal has been complicated by the coronavirus pandemic. (ESPN, via Manchester Evening News)

Silva has named four Manchester United players in the side of the best opponents he has faced in his time in England - Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and the Neville brothers, Gary and Phil. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester City target Kalidou Koulibaly, 28, who has also been linked with Paris St-Germain, says he is more interested in a move to England, but staying in Italy is also an option for the Napoli centre-back. (Le10Sport, via Sports Illustrated)

Manchester United fans who are eager to see next season's kit may have been done a favour by Barcelona, who appear to have accidentally leaked it via an online game of Pro Evolution Soccer. (Sun)

Chelsea are set to miss out on left-back Alex Telles, with Paris St-Germain set to buy the Porto player for £21.8m. The Blues will turn their attention to Leicester's Ben Chilwell as a result. (Gauchazh, via the Sun)

Steve Bruce will be "given until the end of the season to prove to the prospective new Newcastle owners he can deliver Europe" with ex-Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino being linked to the club. (Sun
 
Christ, imagine Pochettino at Newcastle.

Could anyone see Jose there, actually? That might be a damn good shout. Unlimited finances, big club/fanbase with a massive underdog mentality and no qualms with winning ugly. Perfect match for the past-his-best Jose?
 
Christ, imagine Pochettino at Newcastle.

Could anyone see Jose there, actually? That might be a damn good shout. Unlimited finances, big club/fanbase with a massive underdog mentality and no qualms with winning ugly. Perfect match for the past-his-best Jose?

And kane as their new Shearer :lol:
 
Wednesday's Newspapers:
22nd April 2020




DAILY MIRROR
  • Newcastle's prospective new owners have identified Mauricio Pochettino as their No 1 target to replace Steve Bruce as manager.
  • Arsenal remain hopeful of agreeing wage cuts with at least two of three players who have thus far rejected their advances.
  • RB Leipzig and Germany forward Timo Werner could be preparing for a move to the Premier League by taking English lessons, with Liverpool and Chelsea both interested in the 24-year-old


DAILY MAIL
  • League One and Two clubs are set to back a radical plan to revert to regional leagues in a bid to stay afloat after the coronavirus crisis concludes.
  • Manchester United's hopes of signing Atletico Madrid's Saul Niguez are diminishing after the Spanish club demanded no less than his buyout clause of £135m.
  • Gareth Southgate has been warned England might have to play three games in two-week international breaks next season as part of FIFA's plans to revive the global football calendar.
  • Lee Charnley will leave his role as Newcastle United managing director after a handover period once the club's new owners complete their takeover.
  • Real Madrid have offered £62m flop Luka Jovic to Napoli in a bid to drive down the price for their target Fabian Ruiz.


THE SUN
  • Arsenal stars 'felt pressured' into taking pay cuts with head coach Mikel Arteta 'leaning' on young players who feel they cannot say no to him.
  • Arsenal could claim an unlikely Champions League spot next year with UEFA being pushed to use coefficient scores to decide which teams play in their 2020-21 competitions.
  • Manchester United are willing to listen to offers for defender Diogo Dalot.
  • The World Health Organisation has reportedly recommended to UEFA that all football is suspended until the end of 2021 to avoid the threat of a second, potentially worse, pandemic.
  • Chelsea are reportedly "close" to a deal with Barcelona to sign former Liverpool forward Philippe Coutinho.
  • Roma have agreed deals with Manchester United and Arsenal to keep loanees Chris Smalling and Henrikh Mkhitaryan beyond June 30.
  • Monaco midfielder Cesc Fabregas has hinted at a move to Major League Soccer, saying he’s a fan of the league.
  • Real Madrid are now set to keep Gareth Bale for another season. The Wales winger looked certain to leave the club because of his uneasy relationship with manager Zinedine Zidane.
  • Loris Karius has complained to FIFA and wants his loan contract with Besiktas ripped up after the Turkish club failed to pay his wages.


THE STAR
  • Chelsea are still keen to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and could include current No 1 Kepa Arrizabalaga in a swap deal.
  • Real Madrid have conceded they will not be able to sell Gareth Bale because his £650,000 weekly wage is highly unlikely to be matched by any other team after the coronavirus crisis ends.


THE TIMES
  • Medical experts are warning professional footballers and other elite athletes could be at greater risk from the effects of Covid-19 if they return to training and competing during the pandemic.


DAILY RECORD
  • Aberdeen defender Ash Taylor has demanded a decision from the SPFL and described their reaction to the coronavirus crisis as a "mess".


Chelsea are close to signing Barcelona and Brazil midfielder Philippe Coutinho, 27, who is on loan at Bayern Munich. (Sun)

England and Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho, 20, who has been linked with Manchester United, was on the verge of a move to Old Trafford from Manchester City back in 2017. (Mirror)

RB Leipzig and Germany forward Timo Werner could be preparing for a move to the Premier League by taking English lessons, with Liverpool and Chelsea both interested in the 24-year-old. (Mirror)

Jorginho's agent says they will enter talks about a contract renewal with Chelsea after there were rumours the Italy midfielder, 28, would follow former manager Maurizio Sarri to Juventus. (Calciomercato - in Italian)

Real Madrid are now set to keep Gareth Bale for another season. The 30-year-old Wales winger looked certain to leave the club because of his uneasy relationship with manager Zinedine Zidane. (Sun)

Real are prepared to offer up Serbia striker Luka Jovic, 22, to Napoli in an attempt to bring down the £70m price of 24-year-old Spain midfielder Fabian Ruiz, who is also a target for Manchester City. (Mail)

Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius, 26, could be set for an early return to Anfield from Turkish club Besiktas after making a complaint to Fifa over unpaid wages by his loan club. (Evening Standard)

Tottenham will target West Ham centre-back Issa Diop, 23, and Wolves and Mexico striker Raul Jimenez, 28, in a £96.9m transfer move. (Football365)

Manchester City are interested in Brighton's 22-year-old centre-back Ben White, who is on loan with Leeds. (The Athletic, via Sports Illustrated)

Ex-Newcastle defender Warren Barton thinks the Magpies' new owners will sack manager Steve Bruce and replace him with former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino. (Express)

Monaco and Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas, 32, has hinted at a move to Major League Soccer, saying he’s a fan of the league. (Sun)
 
Dalot on the way out?

You know what, it would make some sense really. He seems too injury prone to make it here plus we're well stocked in his position. AWB is the man, he isn't getting displaced anytime soon and Ethan Laird seems an excellent prospect in his own right. In a real emergency, we can also Brandon Williams there or even someone like Lindelof in a massive tight spot.

We can probably get £20m for Dalot, surely?
 
Dalot on the way out?

You know what, it would make some sense really. He seems too injury prone to make it here plus we're well stocked in his position. AWB is the man, he isn't getting displaced anytime soon and Ethan Laird seems an excellent prospect in his own right. In a real emergency, we can also Brandon Williams there or even someone like Lindelof in a massive tight spot.

We can probably get £20m for Dalot, surely?

Yea, have to agree. A potential sale would help to fund other key areas within the team. Only thing is, Laird hasn't yet got the experience needed to be a back up quite yet. Maybe Dalot is sold in 2021?
 
Yea, have to agree. A potential sale would help to fund other key areas within the team. Only thing is, Laird hasn't yet got the experience needed to be a back up quite yet. Maybe Dalot is sold in 2021?

This time last year, Williams didn't have the experience either. I think Laird is good enough to make the step up once he gets his chance.
 
This time last year, Williams didn't have the experience either. I think Laird is good enough to make the step up once he gets his chance.

Very true. It's always easier to play a youth player when you have to throw them in, rather than planning their introduction into the team.
 
L’Equipe has linked us with Faitout Maouassa, he appears to be a left winger - although its a position that we are already stacked in but none of them is left footed.

L’Equipe reports that both United and Newcastle have already had an €8m offer knocked back by the Ligue 1 side in January, but both remain keen on a deal.

The player also falls out of contract in the summer of 2021 and it’s reported that an offer of €10m – €12m could now be enough to persuade them to sell after efforts to pin the 21-year-old down to a new deal failed.
 
Dalot on the way out?

You know what, it would make some sense really. He seems too injury prone to make it here plus we're well stocked in his position. AWB is the man, he isn't getting displaced anytime soon and Ethan Laird seems an excellent prospect in his own right. In a real emergency, we can also Brandon Williams there or even someone like Lindelof in a massive tight spot.

We can probably get £20m for Dalot, surely?

Seems like it would be dumb to not get a buyback. We thought he had great potential and he's not very old, but yeah, this would be fine as a depth chart if the LWB can actually provide us some serious offense

LWB, Shaw, Williams
AWB, Williams, Laird
 
I still like Dalot and don't think we should pull the plus on him unless we're signing a world class LB to sign Shaw.

Dalot can play RB and RWB reasonably well for his age. Should be given atleast another season yet.
 
I still like Dalot and don't think we should pull the plus on him unless we're signing a world class LB to sign Shaw.

Dalot can play RB and RWB reasonably well for his age. Should be given atleast another season yet.
Will Laird overtake him though anyway?
 
Will Laird overtake him though anyway?

Laird is still at a stage in his career where there's no guarantee he'll even get chances yet, let alone make it as a first team player. It's not about his talent, just the numerous obstacles to successfully making it from academy to first team, and the low statistical likelihood of pulling it off. We can't sell players based on the presence of a kid who hasn't even appeared for the first team, barring that quasi-U18 side we started against Astana.

I wouldn't rule out selling Dalot but I'd be very reluctant. We bought him for £19m and although he's suffered badly with injuries he's not actually done anything to undermine his reputation as a young player with huge potential. If Jose wants him he can pay £30m. By all accounts that's what we're going to have to pay for a 16-year-old from the Championship so it seems more than fair.
 
Thursday's Newspapers:
23rd April 2020




THE SUN
  • Arsenal are holding talks with £50m-rated Thomas Partey over a move, the player's dad has confirmed.
  • Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could reportedly be the subject of a "cheeky" bid from Chelsea at the end of the season.
  • The scale of the operation required to play a single Premier League match behind closed doors has been revealed by official documents in Germany, with Bundesliga chiefs saying that a minimum of 322 people are needed.
  • David Beckham has reportedly entered negotiations to bring James Rodriguez to Inter Miami from his former club Real Madrid.
  • Alexis Sanchez has endured a "traumatic" year while on loan with Inter Milan, according to Chile boss Reinaldo Rueda.
  • Watford could be reported to FIFA after allegedly failing to pay the clubs that trained Ismaila Sarr.
  • The career of former Stoke striker Jese Rodriguez has been left in limbo after he had his contract at Sporting Lisbon terminated.


DAILY STAR
  • Mauricio Pochettino is interested in holding talks with Newcastle United when the club's takeover is complete, according to reports.
  • Liverpool could miss out on £18m in bonus payments if Barcelona offload playmaker Philippe Coutinho to Chelsea this summer, it has emerged.


DAILY MAIL
  • The Premier League has drafted in a group of cardiologists to provide a report on the potential effect on players of coronavirus, amid concerns over the harm a potential return to football may cause.
  • Tottenham will be on the lookout for a new right-back in the next transfer window leaving Serge Aurier's future in doubt.
  • West Ham manager David Moyes hopes the over-indulgent football industry will 'reset' itself after the coronavirus pandemic left multiple clubs facing financial oblivion.
  • Michael O'Neill has turned his back on a £500,000 Euro 2020 bonus after stepping down as Northern Ireland manager on Wednesday.

DAILY EXPRESS
  • Liverpool have reached an agreement with Wolves to loan Loris Karius to Molineux next season, according to reports in Turkey.

DAILY TELEGRAPH
  • Wayne Rooney is leading talks with Derby County over wage reductions as the club race to reach an agreement before April 30.
  • Queens Park Rangers players have been asked by the club to consider a 50 per cent paycut, the largest yet for a Championship team and a signal of the pressure that some in the division are feeling in the grip of the coronavirus crisis.
  • A growing pool of Football League clubs are trying to budget for the prospect of behind-closed-doors games for the remainder of this year due to the coronavirus crisis.

THE SCOTTISH SUN
  • Rangers icon Ronald de Boer has urged UEFA to give the SPFL board approval to hand Celtic the Premiership title.
  • Brendan Rodgers insists he still has no regrets over walking out on Celtic's 10-in-a-row bid.

Brazil striker Neymar, 26, will have to take a pay cut of around £26m if he wants to move to Barcelona from Paris St-Germain this summer. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish)

Paris St-Germain have made tying down France striker Kylian Mbappe, 21, to a new contract their number one priority this summer despite suffering a drop in income because of the coronavirus pandemic. (ESPN)

Chelsea are set to step up their interest in Leicester's England full-back Ben Chilwell, 23. (Sun)

Inter Miami owner David Beckham has spoken to Real Madrid about the possibility of signing Colombia forward James Rodriguez, 28. (Goal)

Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius, 26, is set to join Wolves on loan for next season. (Fantatik - in Turkish)

Karius is close to cancelling his two-year loan contract at Besiktas and returning to Anfield early after a dispute over unpaid wages. (Guardian)

Newcastle's prospective new owners have made Paris St-Germain's Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani, 33, a prime transfer target and also hope to appoint Massimiliano Allegri or Mauricio Pochettino as manager. (ESPN)

Arsenal have opened talks with Atletico Madrid over a deal to sign Ghana international Thomas Partey, 26, according to the midfielder's father. (Mail)

Tottenham are interested in signing Real Betis' Brazilian full-back Emerson, 21, who is co-owned by Barcelona. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish)

Tottenham are also set to rival Inter Milan in a bid to sign Barcelona's Brazilian midfielder Arthur, 23. Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish)

Chelsea are competing with Atletico Madrid for the signing of 16-year-old Netherlands U21 striker Mohamed Sankoh from Stoke. (Goal)

Premier League clubs are aiming to resume training on 9 May with a number of managers telling their players to prepare for a return to work. (Sun)

DR Congo winger Yannick Bolasie, 30, is to return to Everton after Sporting Lisbon cut his loan spell short in an attempt to cut costs. (A Bola - in Portuguese)

A group of League One and League Two sides have told the Football League that a salary cap will need to be introduced next season in order to avoid a number of clubs going out of business. (Mail)

Schalke boss David Wagner says the club cannot afford to sign Jonjoe Kenny, 23, from Everton on a permanent deal but would like to extend the defender's loan for another season. (Sky Sports)

Leeds will still sign Portuguese winger Helder Costa, 26, from Wolves on 1 July despite the financial uncertainty caused by the coronavirus crisis. (Football Insider)
 
You just look at some of the reports and shake your head :lol:
Surely a football journalist needs only an imagination on their CV to get the job.

Chelsea make cheeky bid for Aubameyang
Inter Miami want James Rodriguez
 
Friday's Newspapers:
24th April 2020


Manchester United's determination to sell Paul Pogba



DAILY STAR
  • Manchester United have refused to trigger the 12 month extension in Paul Pogba's contract - and remain determined to sell him in the next transfer window.
  • Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius looks likely to turn down the chance of a £7m move to Wolves.

DAILY MAIL
  • Ajax star Hakim Ziyech will be free to join Chelsea in a planned £36.6m move in June with the Eredivisie set to be cancelled - but the midfielder won't be able to play for his new team this season even if it is delayed.
  • Manchester United have slapped an astonishing £35million price tag on Paris Saint-Germain target Diogo Dalot.
  • British billionaire Alki David is confident he will attain the naming rights for Barcelona's Nou Camp stadium in a potentially record-breaking deal.
  • Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi would reportedly prefer to rekindle his partnership with Neymar than for the club to sign Lautaro Martinez from Inter Milan in the summer.

THE SUN
  • Kyle Walker and Jack Grealish will avoid being frozen out by England manager Gareth Southgate despite their lockdown antics.
  • Philippe Coutinho can get back to his best by leaving Barcelona and joining Chelsea, Brazil legend Rivaldo insists.
  • Sol Campbell is on the brink of quitting as Southend boss.

DAILY TELEGRAPH
  • Sabri Lamouchi is in talks over a new contract at Nottingham Forest while the head coach, his staff and the board are taking significant pay cuts to assist the club during the coronavirus pandemic.
  • The coronavirus crisis has left some Women's Championship and National League players homeless and unable to negotiate new contracts.

DAILY EXPRESS
  • Real Madrid have been tipped to sign Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba this summer.
  • Wolves star Adama Traore is being monitored by Liverpool and Arsenal.
  • Manchester United target Jadon Sancho has had his transfer value slashed by Borussia Dortmund ahead of the summer window, reports say.


DAILY MIRROR
  • Borussia Dortmund are confident they can ward off transfer interest from Man Utd to convince Jadon Sancho to sign an extension to his contract.
  • Chelsea are struggling to come to a decision on the future of goalkeeper and record-signing Kepa Arrizabalaga.
  • Liverpool have reportedly made contact with Philippe Coutinho over transfer speculation linking the 27-year-old with a return to Anfield.
  • Man Utd and Man City have been given a free run at Atletico Madrid's Saul Niguez after Barcelona decided against taking up their first option to buy the midfielder.
  • Atletico Madrid star Thomas Partey has denied his father's claim that the Gunners were in negotiations to sign the midfielder.
  • Liverpool's controversial Champions League match against Atletico Madrid is the subject of an official inquiry into whether there is a link between the game and a rise in coronavirus cases.
  • Inter Milan have reportedly entered the race to sign Man Utd midfielder Paul Pogba.

SCOTTISH SUN
  • Celtic fans have been told to stay away from Parkhead if the Hoops are crowned nine-in-a-row league champions during lockdown.
  • Jason Naismith insists it would be an honour to wear a Hibs shirt hailing our NHS heroes next season.


DAILY RECORD
  • Aberdeen's plan to restart the season behind closed doors is set to be rejected after UEFA bosses effectively green lighted the SPFL's plan to crown Celtic champions.


RB Leipzig and Germany forward Timo Werner, 24, is ready to join Liverpool if the Premier League side pay his £52m release clause. (Sky Sports)

Chelsea and Brazil playmaker Willian, 31, is in talks with Liverpool over a move when his contract expires. (Sport, via Mirror)

Borussia Dortmund are ready to make England winger Jadon Sancho, 20, their second-highest earner in order to keep him at the club despite interest from Manchester United and Chelsea. (Forbes)

Manchester United are considering selling Portuguese defender Diogo Dalot, 21, to Paris St-Germain. (Daily Mercato)

Philippe Coutinho could get back to his best if the 27-year-old Brazilian midfielder leaves Barcelona and joins Chelsea, according to Brazil legend Rivaldo. (Sun)

Liverpool have told Coutinho they do not intend on buying him back from Barcelona. (Sport Witness)

Former Liverpool and Chelsea defender Glen Johnson has urged the Blues to sign Coutinho. (Talksport, via Express)

Leicester City are prepared to rival Manchester United to chase the signing of Borussia Monchengladbach and France striker Alassane Pea, 27. (Le10 Sport, via Leicester Mercury)

Manchester United will deploy Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish as a right winger if they complete a deal for the 24-year-old Englishman. (Athletic, via Birmingham Mail)

Juventus are weighing up a summer bid for Napoli and Poland striker Arkadiusz Milik, 26. (Calcio Mercato)

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been dealt a boost in his pursuit of Feyenoord midfielder Orkun Kokcu, 19, with the Eredivisie side set to have to sell players to land their top summer target. (Voetbal International, via Express)

Arsenal's Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan, 31, hopes to stay in Italy with Roma next season following a spell on loan, while Manchester United's English defender Chris Smalling, 30, is also a key part of the Serie A club's transfer plans after his successful loan spell. (Mail)

Arsenal are set to complete a permanent move for Flamengo's Spanish defender Pablo Mari, 26, who joined the Gunners on loan in January. (Athletic)

Jamie Carragher says Liverpool players were 'shocked' their club managed to sell Fernando Torres to Chelsea for £50m in 2011 and says they knew they had "kidded" their rivals. (Sky Sports, via Mail)

Juventus are looking for a buyer for Italy winger Federico Bernardeschi, 26. (Goal - in Italian)
 
If we get a Pogba who wants to play for us, I'd definitely keep him, but I just don't know if we'd ever get that.
I'd deffo be interested in Martinez of Inter in some sort of deal.
 
We are refusing to take up our option on Pogba thus radically reducing our bargaining power and dramatically dropping his value in the market.

fecking idiots.
 
Saturday's Newspapers:
25th April 2020



DAILY TELEGRAPH
  • Arsenal's Premier League and European rivals believe the club will be forced to sell Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the next transfer window.
  • Kepa Arrizabalaga could get another season to try to impress Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard following the coronavirus crisis.

THE SUN
  • Alexis Sanchez is facing a footballing limbo with neither Inter Milan nor Manchester United wanting him.
  • Burnley boss Sean Dyche has revealed he gave Arsene Wenger a glass of "rubbish" red wine after a game - and had to apologise.
  • Bury owner Steve Dale has amazingly revealed he is waiting for  the  FA to put his club into the National League for next season.
  • Cedric Soares is keen to secure a permanent move to Arsenal despite failing to complete a single minute for the Gunners since joining them on loan.
  • Manchester United have been offered flop Angel Di Maria back as part of a swap deal with Paul Pogba, according to sensational reports.

DAILY MIRROR
  • Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has been told to stop waiting and make his move for Paul Pogba this summer.
  • Everton are reportedly considering a stunning bid to bring Barcelona's Philippe Coutinho to Goodison Park.
  • La Liga president Javier Tebas has suggested there will be no matches played in front of supporters in the division until next year amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
  • Bundesliga stars may have to wear masks on their return to football - with games stopped if they slip off.
  • Liverpool have earmarked Lazio forward Joaquin Correa as a potential transfer target, according to reports from Italy.

DAILY STAR
  • Saudi Arabian investors were reportedly interested in buying Manchester United before turning their intentions to Newcastle.
  • Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's father has appeared to back calls from Arsenal fans for his son to extend his contract with the club beyond next summer.
  • Barcelona are set to test Manchester United's position on Diogo Dalot after a strong assessment of the right-back.
  • Barcelona and Manchester City are among the leading candidates interested in signing Benfica defender Ruben Dias, according to reports.
  • Newcastle United have reportedly made contact with Barcelona about the prospect of signing Emerson - and the Catalan club are ready to sell.


DAILY MAIL
  • Brighton hired a mental health specialist to speak with players and staff after a survey found the number of footballers reporting symptoms of depression has doubled since the sport's shutdown.
  • Liverpool's Champions League quarter-final clash with Atletico Madrid will be the focus of an inquiry by the city council amid concerns it could have led to a high number of coronavirus infections in the area.
  • Real Madrid will take their interest in Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland no further after being put off by the fees of agent Mino Raiola, according to reports in Spain.
  • Atletico Madrid could be left clinging to the faint hope that UEFA will come up with a 'wildcard' system for next season's Champions League, in the event of this season's competitions not being able to be finished.


THE TIMES
  • The Premier League is planning to resume the season with matches at "approved" stadiums when the government grants permission for clubs to return to action.
  • The former Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre has emerged as a contender for a key position at Newcastle United if the Amanda Staveley-led takeover of the club is allowed to go through.


DAILY RECORD
  • West Ham are on the trail of Rangers keeper Robby McCrorie.
  • Aberdeen have put plans for their new £50m stadium on hold.

Chelsea are keeping an eye on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's situation at Arsenal and hope to make a summer move for the 30-year-old Gabon striker. (ESPN)

Barcelona and Inter Milan are also keen on Aubameyang, with clubs believing the Gunners will be forced to sell him at a knock-down price this summer. (Telegraph)

Arsenal have put contract talks with Aubameyang on hold and are ready to listen to offers for the striker. (Mail)

Chelsea have agreed a one-year contract extension with French striker Olivier Giroud, 33. (Di Marzio - in Italian)

The Blues have made contact with Lille over Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, 21. (Le10Sport - in French)

Barcelona want to sign French midfielder Tanguy Ndombele, 23, from Tottenham and have offered a part-exchange deal that would see French centre-back Samuel Umtiti, 26, and Portuguese right-back Nelson Semedo move the other way. (Sky Sports)

Chelsea are preparing to keep Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, 25, despite being keen on AC Milan's Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma, 21. (Mail)

Paris St-Germain have offered Argentina midfielder Angel di Maria, 32, back to Manchester United, along with 26-year-old Germany winger Julian Draxler, as part of a swap deal for France midfielder Paul Pogba, 27. (Calciomercato, via Sun)

RB Leipzig sporting director Markus Krosche has no transfer approaches have been made for Germany striker Timo Werner in recent weeks despite strong reported interest in the 24-year-old from the likes of Liverpool and Barcelona. (Goal)

Manchester City, PSG and Juventus are all chasing Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, 21. (RMC Sport - in French)

Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has named the price at which bidding can start for the club's Spanish midfielder Fabian Ruiz, 24, with Manchester City keen on his signature. (Teamtalk)

Chelsea midfielder Callum Hudson-Odoi, 19, says he would love his club to sign fellow England international Jadon Sancho, 20, from Borussia Dortmund. (Mirror)

Everton have contacted Barcelona over the availability of 21-year-old Brazilian defender Emerson, who is currently on loan at Real Betis. (Sport - in Spanish)

The Toffees have made a loan move for Barca's Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho, 27. (Sport - in Spanish)

Roma are ready to offer a three-year contract to 32-year-old Napoli and Belgium forward Dries Mertens. (Corriere dello Sport, via Goal in Italian)

Arsenal's 23-year-old Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos, who is on loan from Real Madrid, says he has been assured his future is at the Bernabeu. (Evening Standard)

Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are eyeing former Liverpool striker Fabio Borini. The 29-year-old Italian now plays for Hellas Verona. (L'Arena, via Birmingham Mail)
 
Paris St-Germain have offered Argentina midfielder Angel di Maria, 32, back to Manchester United, along with 26-year-old Germany winger Julian Draxler, as part of a swap deal for France midfielder Paul Pogba, 27. (Calciomercato, via Sun)

:lol: Imagine that, feck off rat boy.
 
the only way I’d be happy with Di Maria coming back is as a toilet cleaner.

more likely we will bring in Steven Gerrard as our next manager than bring this rat back to the club.
Wholeheartedly agree. I would pick myself in goal and let us get battered before letting that rat grace our pitch in Red ever again.