All the top stories and transfer rumors from Friday’s papers…
THE TIMES
Real Sociedad have told Arsenal they must pay Martín Zubimendi’s €60m release clause if they want to sign the midfielder this month.
Tottenham are close to signing Pedro Porro from Sporting Lisbon in a deal worth €45m (£39.6m). Porro has agreed personal terms with Spurs on a five-year deal, with final details of the transfer fee being the only part still to be agreed.
Wolves have agreed on the acquisition of Brazilian midfielder Joao Gomes from Flamengo. The Premier League club had accepted a £15 million offer for the 21-year-old earlier this month before the move was called off as Lyon approached the Brazilian side.
World Athletics’ long-term strategy is likely to see trans and intersex athletes no longer compete in female categories – instead leading them to compete against elite males in a new “open” classification.
Erling Haaland’s prolific goalscoring is costing bookmakers more than any other player in Premier League history.
DAILY TELEGRAM
Everton are expected to lower the asking price for Anthony Gordon following the striker’s missed training for a third day. Newcastle United are confident of signing Gordon after talks with Everton over England’s U21 international this week.
However, Everton hoped to agree a deal worth up to £60 million for Gordon, threatening to force Newcastle to walk away and pursue other goals.
The Transfer Show’s Kaveh Solhekol says there is a possibility Wout Weghorst’s loan spell to Manchester United will become permanent in the summer
Chelsea have suffered a double setback in their bid to fill two key positions before the transfer window closes next week.
Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas has claimed right-back Malo Gusto, whom Chelsea made a bid this week, will not be sold this month, while an opening proposal over Everton midfielder Amadou Onana has been hit back.
Chelsea could also make new bids for midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, despite offers having already been rejected by Benfica and Brighton.
The legal tackle height will be lowered in all elite rugby worldwide, despite a growing backlash against plans to make the most seismic changes to the way the game has been played since it turned professional.
THE SUN
The Transfer Show’s Dharmesh Sheth and Kaveh Solhekol round up the latest transfer news from all 20 Premier League clubs
Danny Ings has received an injection in his injured knee to speed up his recovery. West Ham’s new £15 million striker suffered a painful blow just 30 seconds after his debut on Saturday.
Leeds are negotiating a fee with Juventus to sign American star Weston McKennie. White boss Jesse Marsch wants to bring in his compatriot, but Leeds’ bid of £20m plus add-ons is lower than Juve’s £30m valuation.
Manchester United are open to letting four more players go before Tuesday’s transfer deadline – plus Charlie Savage. Robbie Savage’s son will be loaned out to Forest Green Rovers for the rest of the season.
Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son have been tipped for a sensational double move to Newcastle.
Everton are considering a move for Dnipro striker Artem Dovbyk in a bid to improve their chances of survival.
A look at Jack Harrison’s best Premier League goals as the Leeds winger continues to be linked with an Elland Road departure
Farhad Moshiri is staring at a financial black hole that could cost him £300 million if he sells Everton.
Mikhail Antonio has been linked with a move to the MLS at the end of January.
Chelsea manager Graham Potter plans to sell three star players this month to rebuild the squad.
DAILY MAIL
Southampton have asked questions about Rennes winger Kamaldeen Sulemana.
Belgium has shortlisted Joachim Low, Mauricio Pochettino and Andre Villas-Boas for their management vacancy following the departure of Roberto Martinez, according to a new report.
South American football pundit Tim Vickery thinks Marcelo Bielsa will have doubts about the Everton hierarchy as their turnover of managers has been high under Farhad Moshiri’s ownership
Lyon have launched an investigation into signing Tottenham right-back Djed Spence until the end of the season.
THE ATHLETE
Erling Haaland has included a €200 million release clause in his contract with Manchester City, which will take effect after two years, in the summer of 2024.
Real Madrid is about to activate Fran Garcia’s €10 million purchase option. Sources close to Garcia and Real have confirmed the move is close, with the 23-year-old left back likely to remain on loan at Rayo Vallecano until the end of the season.
Bournemouth agreed a deal to sign Antoine Semenyo on the third call after seeing two previous bids turned down by Bristol City.
DAILY MIRROR
Pep Guardiola has opened the door to a sensational return to Barcelona, claiming he would leave Manchester City if the opportunity arose.
Ian Wright has called on Manchester United to offer disfavored striker Anthony Martial this summer in a player-plus-cash deal for Harry Kane – but such a plan could face resistance from Joel Glazer.
Arsenal legend David Seaman thinks missing Mykhailo Mudryk will prove to be a blessing in disguise.
Cristiano Ronaldo was mocked with Lionel Messi’s famous Barcelona goal celebration as his new team wrestled Al Nassr in the semi-finals of the Saudi Super Cup on Thursday.
DAILY STAR
Former Everton manager Frank Lampard has broken his silence with a heartfelt message to the club’s supporters.
Jurgen Klopp has admitted he will not get “over 70” with the German quickly turning down and emulating the career of ex-Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson.
EVENING STANDARD
The Guardian’s Jonathan Liew and The Times’ Charlotte Duncker are watching the back pages tonight as the main topic of conversation is what the next Everton manager will be like, as well as Everton’s current financial situation.
Chelsea have cooled their interest in Moises Caicedo as Arsenal prepare for the Brighton fight.
Ibrahima Bamba’s agent has played down rumors that the defender is close to finalizing a move to Arsenal, but declined to rule out any business before the transfer window closes.
West Ham expect Mikhail Antonio to stay at the club beyond the end of this month’s transfer window, despite the striker claiming he has held talks about a potential move.
DAILY EXPRESS
According to reports in Spain, Manchester United have set their sights on a surprise move for Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias.
Leeds are ‘confident’ they are leading the race to sign Juventus star Weston McKennie, while Arsenal and Tottenham are also interested in acquiring his services
Wimbledon leaders have reportedly been told by government sources not to allow pro-Russian protesters to disrupt the match, as they did at the Australian Open on Wednesday night. Flags and T-shirts were seen during the tournament, despite it being made clear beforehand that they were prohibited.
DAILY RECORD
Celtic play hardball with Atlanta United and their pitch for Giorgos Giakoumakis. The Major League Soccer squad has made an offer for the Greek striker, but it is on loan with an option to buy at the end.
Former Hibs boss Shaun Maloney has reportedly been drafted as Wigan’s number 1 candidate to replace Kolo Toure as manager.
Midfielder Joe Aribo faces the prospect of being dumped by Southampton less than eight months after writing his name in Rangers history by scoring in the Europa League final.
Bournemouth and Brentford could open the Premier League door for Scottish star Ross Stewart.
THE SCOTTISH SUN
Rangers will have to shell out around £1.5 million if they want to sign Nicolas Raskin this month. Standard Liège beat back Ibrox’s opening bid.
Fuming Hearts has berated Blackpool boss Mick McCarthy after he accused the Jambos of being ‘unfair’ about his side’s pursuit of Toby Sibbick.
