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Thursday's papers: Kante open to Man Utd, Chelsea trio to leave, Spurs want Vinicius

Chelsea could be set for a three-player clear-out, according to the latest football gossip.

What the papers say

Chelsea are on the verge of a deadline day clear-out, with defenders Marcos Alonso and Antonio Rudiger and midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek possibly leaving the club, according to the Daily Star. With manager Frank Lampard having added heavily to his Blues squad for this season he is now said to be in the business of offloading. Alonso, 29, and Rudiger, 27, appear to have fallen out of favour at the club, while 24-year-old Loftus-Cheek may be loaned out to gain more playing time.

Tottenham are moving closer to securing a loan deal for Benfica striker Carlos Vinicius, the Daily Mail reports. As Spurs look to bring in support up front for Harry Kane, manager Jose Mourinho is said to have trained his sights on the 25-year-old Brazilian, who moved from Napoli last summer for £15million. The paper claims he has an £89million release clause, but that Benfica are willing to negotiate a loan with an option to buy for £36m.

West Ham United v Chelsea – Premier League – London Stadium
N'Golo Kante's surprise move to Manchester United could still be on the cards (Michael Regan/PA)

The Daily Star claims Manchester United could make a surprise move for Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante. While Kante is said to be happy at Chelsea, he would also be open to a move to United, sources told the paper. The France World Cup winner has also been linked with a move back to his home country, but reportedly would prefer to stay in England.

Matteo Guendouzi could be on his way from Arsenal to Marseille on loan, French outlet Telefoot reports. The 21-year-old midfielder was a regular under Mikel Arteta following his appointment as manager last December, but has fallen out of favour.

Burnley v Arsenal – Premier League – Turf Moor
Arsenal's Matteo Guendouzi might be shown the door at Arsenal (Martin Rickett/PA)

Arsenal are closer to filling any gap created by Guendouzi departing by bringing in Houssem Aouar from Lyon, Metro says. The Gunners have already had two offers for the 22-year-old turned down, the latest worth £32m. Arteta is said to be preparing another bid, with Lyon apparently holding out for £46m, while other clubs such as Juventus and Manchester City have also been linked with the Frenchman.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

Kerr Smith: Dundee United's 15-year-old defender could be set for a move to Aston Villa, the Daily Telegraph reports.

Everton v Manchester United – Premier League – Goodison Park
Manchester United's Chris Smalling (left) could move to Roma permanently (Matin Rickett/PA)

Chris Smalling: The centre-back could be sold to Roma after his successful loan spell there last season, with the Serie A club offering Manchester United around £10.9m plus add-ons according to the Daily Mail.

Daniele Rugani: The 26-year-old Juventus and Italy defender could be on his way to Newcastle, according to Sportitalia.

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Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante pictured on July 4, 2020
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool18143145172845
2Arsenal19116238172139
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest1911442619737
4Chelsea19105438231535
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle1995532211132
6Manchester CityMan City199463226631
7Bournemouth198652923630
8Fulham197842825329
9Aston Villa198562831-329
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton196942928127
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1973941281324
12Brentford197393335-224
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham196582335-1223
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd196492126-522
15Crystal Palace194872027-720
16Everton183871524-917
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1944113142-1116
18Ipswich TownIpswich1936101833-1515
19Leicester CityLeicester1935112242-2014
20Southampton1913151239-276


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