Chelsea plan Osimhen move and expect Lukaku sale – Paper Round

Chelsea hope to sign Osimhen

Chelsea are looking to sell Romelu Lukaku next summer as they hope to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this winter.

The Mirror states: “Chelsea are finally optimistic they will net a credible fee for Romelu Lukaku next summer as they prepare to explore a January deal for Victor Osimhen.

“The Belgian frontman has netted three goals in four starts under Jose Mourinho, who is enduring the worst start to a season of his managerial career, since joining the Giallorossi on a straight loan in the final 48 hours of the transfer window.

“Although the deal does not include an option or obligation to buy – Chelsea are encouraged by Lukaku’s recent upturn in form following his return to Italy and there is positivity they will finally be able to move him on at the end of the season. Chelsea have struggled to find a permanent buyer for their £97.5million flop, who was made to train away from Mauricio Pochettino’s first-team squad in pre-season before a last-ditch intervention from Roma in late August.

“Osimhen is now understood to be looking for a way out of Napoli, who were threatened with legal action earlier this week by the Nigeria international’s agent following an offensive post that was shared on the club’s TikTok. Although Napoli have since issued an apologetic statement, relations between the club and player appear to be damaged beyond repair.”

Palace line up Hodgson replacement

With Roy Hodgson likely to step down at Crystal Palace in the summer, The Sun reports that the club have identified Paulo Fonseca as a potential replacement.

“Crystal Palace have put Portuguese coach Paulo Fonseca on their radar as the long-term successor to Roy Hodgson,” the paper states.

“The Eagles will wait for the right time to move for the highly-rated Lille boss, who was on their hit list before they picked Patrick Vieira in July 2021.

“Hodgson, 76, agreed to stay on for this season but Palace are already working out a plan for when he finally leaves.

“Fonseca, 50, is keen to come to the Prem.

“Ipswich chief Kieran McKenna is also on the shortlist at Selhurst Park.”

Real ready for Haaland or Mbappe move

Spanish newspaper Marca claims that Real Madrid lost Karim Benzema a year early, but they have money earmarked for one of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland next summer.

The outlet explains: “Real Madrid’s plans certainly did not include going into the season with Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Joselu and Brahim as their only strikers for the season. The plan drawn up in March and April counted on Benzema as the main centre-forward position and on covering the three departures that could occur in the summer: Asensio, Mariano and Hazard.

“Brahim was chosen to play the role of Marco, and for the replacements for Mariano and Hazard (if these exits were to happen, which there were doubts about) there were several names on the table, with Joselu and Arda Guler eventually being chosen.

“The club were clear that this would be their attack and that the star signing of the season would be Jude Bellingham, a signing that began to simmer more than a year ago and which required a significant financial effort.

“It eventually cost more than 100 million euros. The club had chosen Bellingham and there was no money for another player of that stature. Above all, because the big money was (and is) ready for the summer of 2024 with Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland to be targeted. The club was counting on Benzema’s departure in 2024 and not in 2023, so it had not budgeted for the signing of a big striker for this season.”

Brighton join Williams race

Brighton are the latest side to join the hunt for Nico Williams as his contract runs down.

“The 21-year-old has become one of the most prized talents in La Liga due to his performances for the Basque club since making his first team debut in April of 2021,” the Mail writes.

“Brighton have entered the race to bring Williams to the Premier League, with Liverpool and Man United also keeping tabs on the winger.

“Williams has just twelve months remaining on his current deal at the San Mames Stadium, and the club could look to cash in on their academy graduate to prevent him leaving on a free.

“Barcelona are reportedly interesting in signing Williams in the summer if his contract is to expire, but Bilbao are said to be prepared to allow him to leave for a cut-price fee of £26m should a team come in for him during the January window.”

Chelsea plan Osimhen move and expect Lukaku sale – Paper Round

Chelsea hope to sign Osimhen

Chelsea are looking to sell Romelu Lukaku next summer as they hope to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this winter.

The Mirror states: “Chelsea are finally optimistic they will net a credible fee for Romelu Lukaku next summer as they prepare to explore a January deal for Victor Osimhen.

“The Belgian frontman has netted three goals in four starts under Jose Mourinho, who is enduring the worst start to a season of his managerial career, since joining the Giallorossi on a straight loan in the final 48 hours of the transfer window.

“Although the deal does not include an option or obligation to buy – Chelsea are encouraged by Lukaku’s recent upturn in form following his return to Italy and there is positivity they will finally be able to move him on at the end of the season. Chelsea have struggled to find a permanent buyer for their £97.5million flop, who was made to train away from Mauricio Pochettino’s first-team squad in pre-season before a last-ditch intervention from Roma in late August.

“Osimhen is now understood to be looking for a way out of Napoli, who were threatened with legal action earlier this week by the Nigeria international’s agent following an offensive post that was shared on the club’s TikTok. Although Napoli have since issued an apologetic statement, relations between the club and player appear to be damaged beyond repair.”

Palace line up Hodgson replacement

With Roy Hodgson likely to step down at Crystal Palace in the summer, The Sun reports that the club have identified Paulo Fonseca as a potential replacement.

“Crystal Palace have put Portuguese coach Paulo Fonseca on their radar as the long-term successor to Roy Hodgson,” the paper states.

“The Eagles will wait for the right time to move for the highly-rated Lille boss, who was on their hit list before they picked Patrick Vieira in July 2021.

“Hodgson, 76, agreed to stay on for this season but Palace are already working out a plan for when he finally leaves.

“Fonseca, 50, is keen to come to the Prem.

“Ipswich chief Kieran McKenna is also on the shortlist at Selhurst Park.”

Real ready for Haaland or Mbappe move

Spanish newspaper Marca claims that Real Madrid lost Karim Benzema a year early, but they have money earmarked for one of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland next summer.

The outlet explains: “Real Madrid’s plans certainly did not include going into the season with Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Joselu and Brahim as their only strikers for the season. The plan drawn up in March and April counted on Benzema as the main centre-forward position and on covering the three departures that could occur in the summer: Asensio, Mariano and Hazard.

“Brahim was chosen to play the role of Marco, and for the replacements for Mariano and Hazard (if these exits were to happen, which there were doubts about) there were several names on the table, with Joselu and Arda Guler eventually being chosen.

“The club were clear that this would be their attack and that the star signing of the season would be Jude Bellingham, a signing that began to simmer more than a year ago and which required a significant financial effort.

“It eventually cost more than 100 million euros. The club had chosen Bellingham and there was no money for another player of that stature. Above all, because the big money was (and is) ready for the summer of 2024 with Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland to be targeted. The club was counting on Benzema’s departure in 2024 and not in 2023, so it had not budgeted for the signing of a big striker for this season.”

Brighton join Williams race

Brighton are the latest side to join the hunt for Nico Williams as his contract runs down.

“The 21-year-old has become one of the most prized talents in La Liga due to his performances for the Basque club since making his first team debut in April of 2021,” the Mail writes.

“Brighton have entered the race to bring Williams to the Premier League, with Liverpool and Man United also keeping tabs on the winger.

“Williams has just twelve months remaining on his current deal at the San Mames Stadium, and the club could look to cash in on their academy graduate to prevent him leaving on a free.

“Barcelona are reportedly interesting in signing Williams in the summer if his contract is to expire, but Bilbao are said to be prepared to allow him to leave for a cut-price fee of £26m should a team come in for him during the January window.”

Barcelona target Sancho and Martial as they face mounting problems – Paper Round

Sancho and Martial targets for Barcelona

Barcelona want Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial and more Premier League players next season.

“BARCELONA have Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial on their six-man transfer shortlist, it’s claimed,” The Sun reports.

“The Spanish champions are also said to be eyeing moves for Arsenal duo Kai Havertz and Jorginho next summer.

“Barca’s financial problems have had a direct impact on their transfer business in recent seasons.

“In order to manage their issues, the club have been forced to look at free agents, flops, and out-of-favour players from top teams in Europe.

“Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt is their sole defensive target, having complained about his playing time with the German giants.”

Barcelona face huge punishment

The Telegraph suggests that Barcelona could be in line for bankruptcy if they scandals and financial problems start to catch up with them.

“Barcelona face a bribery case in the Spanish courts over a refereeing scandal that could potentially lead to the club being banned from football, at a time when their finances are at their most precarious and the Nou Camp has been demolished,” the paper claims.

“The last obstacle to a jury trial for Barcelona’s alleged illegal payments to José María Enríquez Negreira, the former vice-president of the Spanish refereeing committee, was removed on Thursday by a judge who had examined the public prosecutor’s case against the club and key individuals.

“Judge Joaquin Aguirre Lopez ruled that the trial would go ahead over the payments of €7.7 million to Negreira between 2001 and 2018, for what the club claim were “technical reports” on referees. The club themselves have been named among the defendants as well as former presidents Josep Maria Bartomeu, Sandro Rosell and Negreira’s son Javier Enríquez.

“If found guilty, the sentences for the individuals could be between three and six years in prison. Barcelona themselves could be suspended from trading as a professional football club, which would likely plunge the 124-year-old member-owned entity into bankruptcy.”

Pochettino wants more say on Chelsea transfers

The Mail writes that Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino wants to have more say on the transfer strategy at the club.

“Mauricio Pochettino has said he is already assessing potential targets as he looks to take a greater involvement in Chelsea’s transfer business,” the report details.

“Chelsea spent more than £400million on new signings in the summer after Pochettino was appointed in May.

“The Blues also brought in more than £300million worth of player sales, and the former Spurs boss has confirmed that he expects the club to be active again in the January transfer window.

“Pochettino said: ‘The good thing is the relationship and communication is very good with the sporting directors and owners.

“‘When the transfer window closed I said I need to be more involved now in all the decisions.’”

Dier a target for Mourinho

The Mirror reports that Roma manager Jose Mourinho wants Tottenham’s Eric Dier to join him in Italy.

“Jose Mourinho wants to be reunited with Tottenham defender Eric Dier at Roma,” the paper states.

“The Italian side’s difficult start to the season continued on Thursday night with a heavy 4-1 defeat at newly-promoted Genoa. Only two other teams in the Italian top-flight – Sassuolo and Empoli – have conceded more goals across the first six matchdays than Mourinho’s side (11).

“The Giallorossi lost defender Roger Ibanez to Saudi club Al-Ahli while central defensive kingpin Chris Smalling is also out injured. Ivorian international Evan Ndicka has endured a difficult start to life in the Italian capital since his summer switch from Eintracht Frankfurt.

“Smalling has suffered from tendon issues this season and aged 34, Mourinho is said to be concerned about the lack of depth he possesses in the position. Dier, who impressed under the Portuguese boss at Spurs – has yet to feature this campaign and is an option for the January transfer window.”

Man Utd lining up move for ‘next Iniesta’ Vermeeren – Paper Round

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Heineken Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

Man Utd and Newcastle to battle for £87m Valencia youngster Guerra – Paper Round

United face battle for Guerra

Newcastle United and Manchester United are both keen on Valencia’s Javi Guerra, who is said to be valued at £87 million.

The Sun states: “Manchester United and Newcastle have sent scouts to watch every game involving LaLiga star Javi Guerra.

“The 20-year-old Valencia ace is garnering attention across Europe and has now seemingly caught the attention of the Premier League duo.

“It is easy to see why both Premier League clubs are interested as he would be an upgrade on the likes of Scott McTominay and Sean Longstaff going forward.

“But Guerra has an £87m release clause and has another four years left on his contract.”

Real Madrid consider De Zerbi as Ancelotti replacement

The Mirror reports on two potential replacements for Carlo Ancelotti, who is in his last year of his contract at Real Madrid.

“Real Madrid are weighing up a swoop for Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi as they consider successors to Carlo Ancelotti,” the outlet writes.

“The Italian’s second spell at the Bernabeu will end in 2024, when the current campaign draws to a close. Ancelotti has been at Los Blancos for the past two years, leading them to the Champions League in 2022, but will soon part company with the Spanish giants.

“De Zerbi drew particular praise for his style of football with the likes of Pep Guardiola hailing his qualities. This term Brighton have won five of their six games with the 44-year-old’s stock continuing to rise, capturing the attention of Europe’s most decorated outfit.

“Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is currently seen as the favourite however. The Spaniard, who began his managerial career at former club Real Sociedad, took the jump to the Bundesliga last term and steered the club clear of relegation before impressing in the early part of this season.”

Townsend training at Spurs

Andros Townsend is training at Tottenham as he searches for a new club, though there is no indication that Ange Postecoglou will offer him a deal.

“Former England international Andros Townsend is training at Tottenham – returning to the club he left in 2016,” reports the Mail.

“Townsend is a free agent after leaving Everton in the summer and had a spell at Burnley, who decided against offering the 32-year-old a contract.

“Mail Sport understands Tottenham have opened the door to their state-of-the-art HQ in Enfield to Townsend, who came through their academy after joining as an eight-year-old.

“For now Townsend is training with a view to maintaining his fitness as he seeks a return to professional football and there is no indication that head coach Ange Postecoglou is even considering handing him a contract.”

United target Gnabry as Sancho wanted by Roma manager Mourinho – Paper Round

Ten Hag looks for January reinforcements

The Daily Mail reports that Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag hopes to sign Serge Gnabry from Bayern Munich this winter.

The paper notes: “Erik ten Hag is already looking at bolstering his options in attack ahead of the winter window and according to reports has identified a familiar face as one of his top targets.

“It could see the Red Devils enter the transfer market to sign German international Serge Gnabry from Bayern Munich.

“While at international level the 28-year-old has 22 goals in just 42 caps for Germany and played for his country at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.

“Gnabry, who scored against Man United in Bayern’s 4-3 Champions League win last week, is contracted until 2026 and the Premier League side could face competition from Real Madrid for his signature.”

Roma keen on Sancho

The Sun reports that former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho wants to bring Jadon Sancho to Roma.

“Jadon Sancho has been handed a career lifeline to end his Manchester United hell,” the article states.

“Sancho, 23, is facing an uncertain future at Old Trafford after falling out with Erik ten Hag.

“But Sancho could now be thrown a lifeline by Roma boss Mourinho.

“He believes Roma need a versatile wide-man who can link up play alongside Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku.

“The player himself could jump at the chance of a move, having received an offer to play in Saudi Arabia earlier this month.

“However, Sancho will have to take a huge cut on his current £250,000-a-week wages to complete a move to the Stadio Olimpico.”

Class of ‘92 line up former United player

Salford City could offer former Manchester United player Ro-Shaun WIlliams the chance of league football after he became a free agent last season.

“Former Manchester United academy star Ro-Shaun Williams is set to return to football, having been released by Doncaster Rovers at the end of last season,” the Mirror writes.

“Williams joined United at the age and came through the ranks alongside Marcus Rashford, with the pair becoming close friends. They also played together at Fletcher Moss Rangers before signing with United and Williams was Rashford’s guest at Hampden Park when England beat Scotland 3-1 in an international friendly earlier this month.

“The 25-year-old defender left United in 2019, signing for League One outfit Shrewsbury Town where he made almost 100 appearances. He then joined Doncaster in 2021 on a free transfer, but left the League Two side this summer after two seasons.

“Salford City and Stockport are said to be eyeing a move for the former England youth international. Salford are, of course, co-owned by Red Devils legends David Beckham, Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt and will know all about his qualities with Butt part of the academy coaching setup during Williams’ time at Old Trafford.”

Reading risk further punishment

League One side Reading are now under a transfer embargo after missing a payment to HMRC, and they could now face more punishment if they fail to pay their players this week, according to the Telegraph.

“Reading’s cash crisis is under further scrutiny after the League One club were placed under a transfer embargo for failing to pay HMRC on time,” the Telegraph explains.

“After missing another deadline for the tax bill to be paid, Reading will be placed under restrictions by the Football League and are also facing a fourth winding up order in another embarrassment for owner Dai Yongge.

“Reading are also in danger of sustaining another points deduction if they fail to pay wages to players and staff this Friday.

“Yongge is under huge pressure to sell up after racking up 16 points in deductions for breaching the EFL’s financial rules. Fans are set to protest this weekend during the home match against Burton Albion, as Yongge’s turbulent tenure lurches from one crisis to another.”

Arsenal step up Toney interest, Sancho exiled and told to say sorry – Paper Round

The Mirror adds: “Sancho is said to be unhappy he has been forbidden from accessing all first-team areas, but is refusing to apologise to Ten Hag, despite having deleted the controversial social media post. United sources have admitted the situation between Sancho and Ten Hag has reached an “impasse”, with no way back for the player until he decides to apologise to his boss.”

Arsenal step up Toney interest, Sancho exiled and told to say sorry – Paper Round

The Mirror adds: “Sancho is said to be unhappy he has been forbidden from accessing all first-team areas, but is refusing to apologise to Ten Hag, despite having deleted the controversial social media post. United sources have admitted the situation between Sancho and Ten Hag has reached an “impasse”, with no way back for the player until he decides to apologise to his boss.”

Spurs sign teenager Vuskovic from Hajduk Split, will join in 2025

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Man Utd and Newcastle eye Rabiot deal in January – Paper Round

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media