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Transfer rumours and football gossip: White, Bellingham, Gakpo, Endrick
By Cameron Pope
09:42 · FRI December 09, 2022

The latest gossip from Friday's back pages, including talk of a bust-up between Ben White and England assistant coach Steve Holland.

An alleged bust-up with assistant England boss Steve Holland was reportedly behind Ben White's return home from the Three Lions' World Cup camp. The Arsenal defender also became unhappy in Qatar and struggled to mix with the squad (Daily Star).

Team-mate Jude Bellingham will reportedly tell Borussia Dortmund he wants to leave the club after the tournament, while French newspaper L'Equipe says Harry Maguire's threat from set-pieces makes him the man France must devise a plan to stop (both Daily Mail).

Kieran Tripper has urged Gareth Southgate to remain as England manager for as long as possible (Daily Star).

Southgate has ordered his players to avoid a silly red card that could sully their World Cup dream (The Sun).

Paper Talk: Thursday's gossip
Out of contract: The best free agents
Done deals: Every completed transfer
Sky Bet's latest transfer odds
England wives and girlfriends have been lending their support to Raheem Sterling's family as he prepares to fly back to Qatar (Daily Mirror).

The World Cup is facing the possibility of a serious crowd incident following a chaotic scenes involving supporters and unprepared security forces, with FIFA embroiled in a series of legal disputes with the Qatari authorities.

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni was left fuming after team news was leaked from his side ahead of their quarter-final clash with Holland (all Daily Mail).

Manchester United are exploring the possibility of signing Cody Gakpo in January but his price tag has doubled since the summer (The Times).

Red Devils wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho is reportedly being lined up for a move by Real Madrid, while United are also reportedly tracking KS Samara starlet Sergey Pinyaev.

Meanwhile in France, Paris St-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is poised to step up his bid to land Marcus Rashford (Daily Telegraph).

Tottenham and Liverpool are reportedly both interested in France star Randal Kolo Muani (all The Sun).

Real Madrid have beaten the field to the £51m signing of Brazilian wonderkid Endrick (Daily Star).

Following the disappointment of missing out on the Palmeiras talent, Chelsea have turned their attention to signing Borussia Dortmund star Youssoufa Moukoko (Daily Express).

Manchester City's Erling Haaland looked in prime condition as he returned to training ahead of the Premier League's restart and insists that missing the World Cup has put him in 'the best possible place', while Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp reportedly asked the board a few months ago to sign a player like Sofyan Amrabat in January.

At Arsenal, Mikel Arteta will wait to see how star striker Gabriel Jesus recovers from knee surgery before deciding on making a new big-name signing in next month's transfer window.

And Manchester United's former assistant Rene Meulensteen has lauded Portugal manager Fernando Santos for his handling of Cristiano Ronaldo (all Daily Mail).

Graham Potter says Chelsea's World Cup players who have already been eliminated will link back up with the rest of the squad in England next week.

Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor has dismissed claims his Lyon takeover has collapsed as "fake news". The French club are confident a sale will "take place shortly" (The Athletic).

And Wolves' Chinese owners are looking for a new investor in the club, but insist they will not entertain any takeover offers despite financial pressures on their main business (The Times).

Juventus will be welcomed back into the fold of Europe's elite clubs at a European Club Association meeting on Friday, following their leading role in the European Super League (Daily Mail).

In Scottish news, Hibernian's Ryan Porteous is a January target for at least six English Championship clubs, however Rangers will not make a move for the defender. At Celtic, Yosuke Ideguchi is set to be offered the option of a return to Japan (Scottish Sun).

The Hoops could be set to add Ferencvaros midfielder Aissa Laidouni to their midfield ranks (Daily Record).

[miri-01]

Transfer rumours and football gossip: White, Bellingham, Gakpo, Endrick
By Cameron Pope
09:42 · FRI December 09, 2022
The latest gossip from Friday's back pages, including talk of a bust-up between Ben White and England assistant coach Steve Holland.

An alleged bust-up with assistant England boss Steve Holland was reportedly behind Ben White's return home from the Three Lions' World Cup camp. The Arsenal defender also became unhappy in Qatar and struggled to mix with the squad (Daily Star).

Team-mate Jude Bellingham will reportedly tell Borussia Dortmund he wants to leave the club after the tournament, while French newspaper L'Equipe says Harry Maguire's threat from set-pieces makes him the man France must devise a plan to stop (both Daily Mail).

Kieran Tripper has urged Gareth Southgate to remain as England manager for as long as possible (Daily Star).

Southgate has ordered his players to avoid a silly red card that could sully their World Cup dream (The Sun).

Paper Talk: Thursday's gossip
Out of contract: The best free agents
Done deals: Every completed transfer
Sky Bet's latest transfer odds
England wives and girlfriends have been lending their support to Raheem Sterling's family as he prepares to fly back to Qatar (Daily Mirror).

The World Cup is facing the possibility of a serious crowd incident following a chaotic scenes involving supporters and unprepared security forces, with FIFA embroiled in a series of legal disputes with the Qatari authorities.

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni was left fuming after team news was leaked from his side ahead of their quarter-final clash with Holland (all Daily Mail).

Manchester United are exploring the possibility of signing Cody Gakpo in January but his price tag has doubled since the summer (The Times).

Red Devils wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho is reportedly being lined up for a move by Real Madrid, while United are also reportedly tracking KS Samara starlet Sergey Pinyaev.

Meanwhile in France, Paris St-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is poised to step up his bid to land Marcus Rashford (Daily Telegraph).

Tottenham and Liverpool are reportedly both interested in France star Randal Kolo Muani (all The Sun).

Real Madrid have beaten the field to the £51m signing of Brazilian wonderkid Endrick (Daily Star).

Following the disappointment of missing out on the Palmeiras talent, Chelsea have turned their attention to signing Borussia Dortmund star Youssoufa Moukoko (Daily Express).

Manchester City's Erling Haaland looked in prime condition as he returned to training ahead of the Premier League's restart and insists that missing the World Cup has put him in 'the best possible place', while Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp reportedly asked the board a few months ago to sign a player like Sofyan Amrabat in January.

At Arsenal, Mikel Arteta will wait to see how star striker Gabriel Jesus recovers from knee surgery before deciding on making a new big-name signing in next month's transfer window.

And Manchester United's former assistant Rene Meulensteen has lauded Portugal manager Fernando Santos for his handling of Cristiano Ronaldo (all Daily Mail).

Graham Potter says Chelsea's World Cup players who have already been eliminated will link back up with the rest of the squad in England next week.

Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor has dismissed claims his Lyon takeover has collapsed as "fake news". The French club are confident a sale will "take place shortly" (The Athletic).

And Wolves' Chinese owners are looking for a new investor in the club, but insist they will not entertain any takeover offers despite financial pressures on their main business (The Times).

Juventus will be welcomed back into the fold of Europe's elite clubs at a European Club Association meeting on Friday, following their leading role in the European Super League (Daily Mail).

In Scottish news, Hibernian's Ryan Porteous is a January target for at least six English Championship clubs, however Rangers will not make a move for the defender. At Celtic, Yosuke Ideguchi is set to be offered the option of a return to Japan (Scottish Sun).

The Hoops could be set to add Ferencvaros midfielder Aissa Laidouni to their midfield ranks (Daily Record).

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Transfer rumours and football gossip:

Dusan Vlahovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic have both been linked with Arsenal.Football Transfer Gossip Transfer gossip: Arsenal want World Cup duo amid Juve woes, Real target Man Utd starlet
Arsenal are keen to profit from Juve's misery by taking their star striker and top transfer target, while Chelsea are eyeing a teenage freebie...

Man Utd winger Jadon Sancho shouts at his team-matesFootball Transfer Gossip Transfer gossip: Chelsea, Man Utd to swap wingers? Liverpool eye Morocco star
In Thursday's gossip: Chelsea could move for Jadon Sancho to replace Christian Pulisic; your daily Jude Bellingham update; and some guff about Gabriel Martinelli...

Cody Gakpo celebratesFootball Transfer Gossip Transfer gossip: Man Utd quoted £65m for World Cup forward; Real Madrid want everybody
Cody Gakpo will now cost a cool £65m apparently, which is about £40m more than Manchester United could have paid in the summer.

Liverpool told of Bellingham alternativesFootball Transfer Gossip Transfer gossip: One club out of Bellingham race, another flounders; Man Utd in keeper talks
Five could become three in the race to sign Jude Bellingham next summer, while Man Utd have opened talks with a World Cup keeper...

Leroy Sane celebrates scoring for Bayern Munich.Football Transfer Gossip Transfer gossip: Arsenal ask about Bayern star as Man Utd hear Gakpo price
Mikel Arteta has apparently asked about the prospect of a reunion with Leroy Sane at Arsenal, while Man Utd's indecision has cost them again...

Man Utd forward Marcus Rashford celebrates his goalFootball Transfer Gossip Transfer gossip: Man Utd to accept £80m bid from Real Madrid for Rashford; Grealish out for Bellingham
Marcus Rashford is good at football again and Madrid want him to replace Benzema, while Grealish could be out on his ear...

Chelsea target Cristiano Ronaldo puts his thumb upFootball Transfer Gossip Ronaldo ‘very tempted’ by Chelsea; Serie A side in ‘control’ despite ‘mind-boggling’ Liverpool offer
Cristiano Ronaldo is 'very tempted' by the prospect of joining Chelsea, while a huge offer from Liverpool will not shake one Serie A club...

Christian Pulisic celebrates putting Chelsea 2-0 up against Wolves.Football Transfer Gossip Transfer gossip: Chelsea star ‘destined’ for Man Utd as two clubs fight over Ronaldo
A battle is being waged over Cristiano Ronaldo, though neither side is likely to appeal to the free-agent, even if their £170million might...

Roma striker Tammy AbrahamFootball Transfer Gossip Transfer gossip: Abraham linked with Prem side as Man Utd target Gakpo and Netherlands team-mate
Roma's stance over Tammy Abraham appears to be shifting, while Man Utd are intent on moving for two Netherlands stars after the World Cup...

Ghana star Mohammed Kudus celebrates scoringFootball Transfer Gossip Liverpool among 12 clubs interested in Kudus but £86m midfielder could be Real target
Mohammed Kudus is going to get one hell of a move on the back of this World Cup, with Liverpool among some big clubs who are interested. They might not get Enzo Fernandez though.

Moises Caicedo in action for Brighton.Football Transfer Gossip Transfer gossip: Man Utd rival Liverpool for World Cup star as Arsenal eye Spain, USA forwards
Man Utd and Liverpool are chasing the same midfield targets, while the Red Devils may be interested to hear of a rift between a World Cup keeper and his manager...

Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic during defeat to ArsenalFootball Transfer Gossip Transfer gossip: Man Utd to borrow Chelsea bit-part man as Spurs eye Uruguayan
Manchester United are going to try for a third time to sign Christian Pulisic while Spurs look towards Uruguay again...

Arsenal-linked MudrykFootball Transfer Gossip Transfer gossip: Mudryk to Arsenal back on after U-turn; Rafa for Ronaldo at Man Utd
Arsenal haven't been priced out of a move for their top target, while Man Utd hunt for a Ronaldo replacement and FSG look to splash some Liverpool cash.

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Transfer rumours and football gossip: Pep Guardiola, Ferran Torres, Thomas Tuchel
By Sporting Life
16:38 · MON December 12, 2022
The latest rumours and gossip from Monday's back pages, including reports that Pep Guardiola is the man Brazil want to be their next manager.

Brazil will attempt to sound out Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola on his plans for the future as they look to find a replacement for national team boss Tite, according to reports in South America (Daily Express).

Arsenal are set to rekindle their interest in Barcelona striker Ferran Torres after missing out on an audacious bid to sign him over the summer (Daily Mirror).

Thomas Tuchel wants the England job - if Gareth Southgate decides to walk away (The Sun).

Erik ten Hag has confirmed Manchester United are activating the one-year extension to Marcus Rashford's contract as he tries to persuade the England international to sign a new long-term deal (Daily Telegraph).

Paper Talk: Friday's gossip
Out of contract: The best free agents
Done deals: Every completed transfer
Sky Bet's latest transfer odds
Kyle Walker could be the first member of England's World Cup squad to confirm his retirement from the international game (Daily Express).

Manchester United have joined the race to sign RB Leipzig's Croatia star Josko Gvardiol but will face huge competition for the 20-year-old's signature (The Sun).

Liverpool's "smash in the face" injury to Luis Diaz could see the striker sidelined for three months (The Times).

David de Gea has warned Real Madrid to remove Manchester United youngster Alejandro Garnacho from their transfer plans as "we won't let him leave" (Daily Mail).

AC Milan are back on the trail of Fulham and United States defender Antonee Robinson (The Sun).

Juventus are reportedly interested in moving three players on in order to launch an audacious bid for Chelsea star Mason Mount (Daily Mail).

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Transfer rumours and football gossip: Enzo Fernandez, Liverpool, Joao Felix, Aston Villa
By Sporting Life
10:25 · TUE December 13, 2022

The latest rumours and gossip from Tuesday's back pages, including reports that Enzo Fernandez is set to join Liverpool.

Super agent Jorge Mendes wants his client Joao Felix to leave Atletico Madrid to join up with Unai Emery at Aston Villa but Arsenal are also interested (Athletic, Mail).

Liverpool have reportedly offered a pre-contract deal to Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez (Star, Mirror).

Meanwhile, Fabinho's wife has laughed about speculation linking him with an Anfield exit (Express).

Paper Talk: Monday's gossip
Done deals: Every completed transfer
Sky Bet's latest transfer odds
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Chelsea could step up their bid to sign AC Milan winger Rafael Leao in January after he reportedly told the club he won't extend his contract (Express).

The Blues may also increase the speed of their pursuit of Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko after Armando Broja suffered a bad injury on Sunday (Athletic).

Arsenal could still move for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhalo Mudryk in January despite potentially needing a striker instead following Gabriel Jesus' knee surgery.

The Gunners are also considering recalling Folarin Balogun from a loan spell at Ligue 1 club Reims (Sun).

The FA are open to appointing a foreign England manager should Gareth Southgate step down, with Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel interested (Telegraph).

Northern Irishman Brendan Rodgers is another potential candidate who interested the FA (Star, Mirror).

Brazil want Carlo Ancelotti to take over from Tite, with the Italian reportedly interested having held informal talks in October (Sun).

Europe's top clubs have rejected a proposal from FIFA to launch a new Club World Cup in the summer of 2025 (Mail).

Amazon are still interested in buying Manchester United but consider the £7bn valuation as unrealistic (Mirror).

Erik ten Hag has praised Harry Maguire and challenged him to turn bring his England form back to Manchester United (Times).

Brighton are expected to make striker Dennis Undav available for loan in January, with Rangers a potential destination - Michael Beale tried to sign him for QPR in the summer (Daily Record).

Cho Gue-sung could leave Celtic in January with numerous European clubs interested as he searches for more regular game time (Daily Record).

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Transfer rumours and football gossip: Goncalo Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mykhaylo Mudryk
By Sporting Life
10:08 · THU December 15, 2022

The latest rumours and gossip from Thursday's back pages, including Manchester United's link with a World Cup star.

Manchester United are set to enquire about Goncalo Ramos' availability after the 2022 World Cup, reports suggest (The Sun).

They're on the lookout for a forward to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, with Al Nassr manager Rudi Garcia revealing he would be "delighted" to coach him ahead of an expected move to Saudi Arabia. (The Sun).

However, Ronaldo could be on for an instant return to the Premier League with Chelsea reportedly set to perform a transfer U-turn (Daily Star).

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Predicting the PDC World Darts Championship with Paul Nicholson!
While he's waiting to find a new club, Ronaldo has begun training at his former club Real Madrid after making a personal plea for help to the president, Florentino Pérez (The Times).

Paper Talk: Wednesday's gossip
Done deals: Every completed transfer
Sky Bet's latest transfer odds
Back to Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea will not be able to recall Romelu Lukaku in the January transfer window despite their current injury crisis (The Sun).

They've been linked alongside Tottenham with Weston McKennie, with the duo eyeing a raid on cash-strapped Italian giants Juventus for the USA World Cup star (The Sun).

Chelsea also face competition from Manchester United and Liverpool for Borussia Dortmund's latest attacking talent, Youssoufa Moukoko, but interested clubs will have to convince the 18-year-old German that he will not be signed to sit on the bench (The Times).

New signings are on the agenda at Old Trafford, and Manchester United have told manager Erik ten Hag that a takeover would give him greater spending power to put the club back at the top of English football (Daily Mail).

DELETE CAPTION World Cup cross-sell image - use link https://www.sportinglife.com/football
He's set to be involved in the signings, as ten Hag has 'directly asked' for the signing of Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries, according to reports in Italy (Daily Express).

Staying in the Premier League, and Arsenal are in a bidding war with Newcastle and a number of other English top-flight clubs over top target Mykhaylo Mudryk (The Sun).

The Gunners and North London rivals Spurs are on red alert with summer transfer target Isco put up for sale by Sevilla after just six months, a report claims (The Sun).

Alongside all that, it's reported that Arsenal are preparing a 'final attempt' to sign Youri Tielemans from Leicester this January (Daily Mail).

Portugal star Joao Felix is being offered to Premier League clubs as he seeks an escape route from Atletico Madrid in January (Daily Mail).

Bayern Munich are reportedly interested in Sevilla and Morocco keeper Bono following his sensational World Cup displays (The Sun).

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Transfer rumours and football gossip: Josko Gvardiol, Youssoufa Moukoko, Jose Mourinho
By Sporting Life
09:54 · FRI December 16, 2022
The latest rumours and gossip from Friday's back pages, including reports that Manchester City will have to stump up a huge fee for Josko Gvardiol.

Manchester City are reportedly willing to increase their offer for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol to £110 million (Daily Mirror).

Manchester United and Liverpool have joined Chelsea in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko, according to reports (The Sun).

Tottenham, Chelsea, Liverpool, West Ham, Newcastle and Atletico Madrid are among those eyeing developments on the future of Sofyan Amrabat (Daily Mail).

Portugal great Maniche says Jose Mourinho would be the ideal candidate to take over from Fernando Santos as the country's national team manager (The Sun).

Paper Talk: Thursday's gossip
Done deals: Every completed transfer
Sky Bet's latest transfer odds
Everton are keen on a move for Villarreal and Senegal forward Boulaye Dia after he impressed at the Qatar World Cup (Daily Mirror).

Arsenal are on red alert after being informed that Sevilla are keen to get rid of playmaker Isco after he was reduced to a fringe role with the Liga side (The Sun).

Cody Gakpo remains Manchester United's prime target for January if they can agree a fee but PSV want a club record of over £40million (Daily Mail).

Real Madrid will reportedly not stand in the way of Karim Benzema flying to Qatar to feature for France in the 2022 World Cup final amid speculation he could still be called upon (Daily Mail).

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Dele Alli's time in Turkey is showing no signs of improving as he is performing "below expectations" at Besiktas (The Sun).

Leicester, Wolves and West Ham are interested in Azzedine Ounahi after he caught the eye for Morocco (Daily Mail).

Manchester United, Tottenham, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Brighton might be cheering on France in Sunday's World Cup final with Argentina's players expected to head to Buenos Aires for celebrations if they secure the Jules Rimet trophy and possibly not back to recover in time for the Premier League's restart (The Sun).

Sevilla have reportedly placed a £26 million price tag on goalkeeper Yassine Bounou following his heroic performances at the World Cup for semi-finalists Morocco (Daily Mail).

Manchester City duo Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne have reunited in training, in what will be a sight that sparks fears into their Premier League rivals (Daily Mail).

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World Cup stars who could move: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Cody Gakpo
By Cameron Pope
16:49 · FRI December 16, 2022

As the World Cup enters its final stages, we pick out 12 players whose performances in Qatar could spell a move come January.

Cristiano Ronaldo
Age: 37
Position: Striker
Club: Unattached
Country: Portugal
By far the most high-profile player set for a January move, Cristiano Ronaldo's free agent status came about not from his form at the World Cup, but through his high-profile fall-out with former club Manchester United.

The former Real Madrid man has excelled in England, Spain and Italy, but could now be set for a move to the Middle East amid reports of a bumper contract offer from Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Nassr.

Developments will likely be on hold until the World Cup is behind us, though the Portugal camp were forced to deny rumours of the forward's threat to leave early.

Cristiano Ronaldo at the World Cup for Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo's club future remains undecided
Lionel Messi
Age: 35
Position: Winger
Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Country: Argentina
Much furore surrounded LIONEL MESSI's move from long-term home Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, but the Argentina icon could be set to leave the French capital for an MLS adventure.

The Albiceleste star's contract at the Parc des Princes ends in June and whispers of links to Inter Miami have surfaced, though he does have the option of extending his current deal by a year.

Lionel Messi celebrates his goal against Saudi Arabia
Lionel Messi celebrates his goal against Saudi Arabia
Cody Gakpo
Age: 23
Position: Winger
Club: PSV Eindhoven
Country: Netherlands
Already on the radar of top sides in both the Premier League and elsewhere, CODY GAKPO’s World Cup form makes him the talk of Europe coming into the January transfer window.

Three group stage matches – left foot, right foot, header – showcased the PSV wide man’s array of skills and reports suggest his club could be looking for upwards of £50 million if they are to let him go.

Manchester United currently lead the pack chasing his signature, after the youngster courted the attention of Arsenal and Leeds United last term.

Rafael Leao
Age: 23
Position: Winger
Club: AC Milan
Country: Portugal
Heavily linked with a move to the Premier League over recent months, coach Fernando Santos’ sparing use of RAFAEL LEAO at the World Cup may have raised some eyebrows, but is arguably more of a reflection on Portugal’s depth than the winger’s shortcomings – and two goals from the bench prove the ex-Lille man’s worth.

With 13 goal contributions – seven goals and six assists – in 20 AC Milan games this term, the Sporting academy graduate’s abilities have sparked interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.

Jude Bellingham
Age: 19
Position: Central midfield
Club: Borussia Dortmund
Country: England
One of Europe’s hottest prospects even before announcing himself at the World Cup with a debut goal, JUDE BELLINGHAM of Borussia Dortmund has long been trailed by a lengthy queue of admirers.

Manchester United have pulled out of the race, meaning Manchester City, Liverpool and Real Madrid are left battling for the midfielder, whose club have priced him in the region of £129million.

Dortmund are seemingly resigned to losing their young star, but should be able to hold onto him until the summer at least.

England midfielder Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham's stock has risen over his time in Qatar
Joao Felix
Age: 23
Position: Striker
Club: Atletico Madrid
Country: Portugal
From one Portugal star to another.

The stakes were always going to be high in Qatar for JOAO FELIX. But if the wantaway Atletico Madrid man felt the pressure, it did not show when he opened his account in Portugal’s opening 3-2 win over Ghana, laying on two assists in the 6-1 last-16 rout of Switzerland for good measure.

A strained relationship with coach Diego Simeone seems to have put paid to any hopes of a thriving Atleti future, with Aston Villa the latest club to throw their hat into the ring in the rush to secure his services, along with Manchester United, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.

Josko Gvardiol
Age: 21
Position: Centre-back
Club: RB Leipzig
Country: Croatia
Versatile JOSKO GVARDIOL first appeared on the international scene at Euro 2020 as Croatia’s youngest ever player at a major tournament and the RB Leipzig star’s stock has risen ever since.

Gvardiol battles with Lionel Messi in the World Cup semi-final
Gvardiol battles with Lionel Messi in the World Cup semi-final
A standout star for Zlatko Dalic’s chequered side in their group campaign, the masked defender – capable of playing at centre-half or left-back – had already attracted attention from Liverpool and Chelsea and, after reaching a second World Cup semi-final, is rumoured to now be on the radar of Manchester City and Barcelona and Real Madrid, too.

Mohammed Kudus
Age: 22
Position: Attacking midfield
Club: Ajax
Country: Ghana
Though Ghana’s World Cup jaunt ended in the group stages, it was through no lack of input from MOHAMMED KUDUS. The attack-minded midfield man struck twice for the Black Stars as they gave themselves hope of progression on matchday three.

His spell in Qatar caps off a strong start to the season for a young man who netted his first Champions League goal in September against Rangers.

Barcelona have been mooted as a possible destination, while Tottenham see signing Kudus as a means of encouraging boss Antonio Conte to stay on. Arsenal and Chelsea also have eyes on the Ghanaian, while Liverpool have also been mentioned after cross-city rivals Everton saw a £15million summer bid rejected.

Mohammed Kudus has stood out for Ajax in Europe
Denzel Dumfries
Age: 26
Position: Right-back
Club: Inter
Country: Netherlands
An exit from Inter could be nearing for DENZEL DUMFRIES just a year and a half after the Dutch international joined from PSV, with his white-hot World Cup form catching the eye of Manchester United.

The Italian club have reportedly priced their man at £43million and a one-goal, two-assist performance against the USA in the World Cup last 16 could push the cost up further.

Diogo Dalot
Age: 23
Position: Right-back
Club: Manchester United
Country: Portugal
Manchester United’s DIOGO DALOT may return to his club in an unorthodox position after the World Cup. The Portugal defender has impressed at Old Trafford, but could be on his way out as the Red Devils line up a swap deal for Denzel Dumfries.

With talk of £30million plus Dalot offer having emerged previously, the right-back’s performances in Qatar could certainly strengthen United’s bargaining position with the Dutchman’s club, Inter.

Diogo Dalot has proved a key figure in Manchester United's defence
Jurrien Timber
Age: 21
Position: Centre-back
Club: Ajax
Country: Netherlands
A new contract with Ajax last summer put paid to Manchester United’s chances of landing JURRIEN TIMBER in a bid to reinforce their defence, but the Dutchman’s start to the season has kept him firmly on Europe’s watched list.

The centre-half played every minute of the Netherlands’ draw with Ecuador and wins over Qatar and the USA, just as he did in five of Ajax’s six Champions League group matches, and featured from the entirety of the quarter-final loss against Argentina.

Real Madrid have reportedly entered the race to bring him in, with Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag – who knows the defender well from his time in the Dutch capital – ready to restart his new club’s hunt.

Jurrien Timber celebrates the Netherlands' win over the USA
Jurrien Timber celebrates the Netherlands' win over the USA
Gabriel Martinelli
Age: 21
Position: Winger
Club: Arsenal
Country: Brazil
Brazil’s sheer depth of attacking talent may have meant a reduced role for GABRIEL MARTINELLI in Qatar, but Barcelona are still said to be tracking the Arsenal winger’s progress closely in the Middle East.

The Catalan giants have been impressed by the 21-year-old’s cameos and could be set to capitalise on the player’s delay in penning a new deal with the Gunners, though the situation lends itself more to a summer move than a January transfer.

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Transfer rumours and football gossip: Mohammed Kudus, Marcus Thuram, Josko Gvardiol
By Sporting Life
09:05 · MON December 19, 2022

The latest rumours and gossip from Monday's back pages, including Manchester United's interest in a World Cup star.

Manchester United will consider a move for Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus in January even though they remain interested in adding Jude Bellingham to an already crowded engine-room roster next summer (The Times).

The Old Trafford club are also reportedly looking to sign Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram during the January transfer window (The Sun).

One potential outgoing from Erik ten Hag's squad, with West Ham keen on a loan deal for full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has played only four minutes under this season (Manchester Evening News).

Paper Talk: Friday's gossip
Done deals: Every completed transfer
Sky Bet's latest transfer odds
Over to the Premier League leaders, and Mikel Arteta says Arsenal's January transfer plans will not be changed by Reiss Nelson's apparent hamstring injury suffered against Juventus on Saturday (Daily Mail).

Chelsea are looking to beat both Real Madrid and Manchester City to the signing of Josko Gvardiol by launching a £45m move next month (The Sun).

Liverpool and Everton are set to do battle over Birmingham teenager George Hall who has been compared to Jude Bellingham (The Sun).

Premier League outright restart
Gareth Southgate changed his mind about staying on as England manager for Euro 2024 after being overwhelmed by the support of his staff, players and the Football Association (The Times).

Newcastle are thinking about possible loan destinations for highly-rated teenage midfielder Jay Turner-Cook in January (Daily Mail).

Into Scotland, and Celtic's interest in Tunisia midfielder Aissa Laidouni could bear fruit in January after Ferencvaros president Gabor Kubatov admitted the Hungarian club might be ready to cash in on him after a series of fine displays at the World Cup (Daily Record).

The club also will have a decision to make over defender Stephen Welsh in the January window - the Scotland U21 star is being tracked by clubs in England, Italy and France and rumours online have also linked Porto with a possible interest (Daily Record).

[miri-01]

Transfer rumours and football gossip: Matheus Cunha, Diogo Costa, N'Golo Kante
By Sporting Life
09:17 · TUE December 20, 2022

The latest rumours and gossip from Tuesday's back pages, including Arsenal's interest in a short term Gabriel Jesus replacement.

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Arsenal are interested in signing Atletico Madrid forward Matheus Cunha as a temporary replacement for Gabriel Jesus in January (Daily Mail).

Manchester United might have to pay Diogo Costa's £65m release clause to land the Porto 'keeper (The Sun).

United defender Raphael Varane is expected to return to club action soon after a report emerged that his injury suffered in the World Cup final isn't serious (Daily Mail).

He was involved at the tournament with France, and their manager Didier Deschamps has suggested he could continue in the role until after Euro 2024 (Daily Mail).

Paper Talk: Monday's gossip
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Another United defender in focus, and West Ham are reportedly interested in signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka on loan in the January transfer window (The Sun).

One final one from Old Trafford, where Alejandro Garnacho has reportedly been approached by Chelsea, who are keen to take the teenage sensation to Stamford Bridge (Daily Express).

N'Golo Kante wants a pre-contract deal with Barcelona in January as he eyes a free transfer in summer, reports in Spain say (The Sun).

Everton are looking to finalise new deals for Anthony Gordon and Alex Iwobi which will secure the long-term futures of two of Frank Lampard's key players (The Times).

Emiliano Martinez's starring role as Argentina won the World Cup has not gone unnoticed, with Bayern Munich reportedly eyeing a move for the goalkeeper (Daily Mirror).