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Wednesday's paper talk: John Stones, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

An England international who was almost sold by his club looks likely to be retained on a better deal after improved performances.

What the papers say

The defensive capabilities of John Stones have impressed Manchester City bosses so much that negotations over a new deal for the 26-year-old will begin in the summer, according to The Times. The England centre-back was almost sold at the end of the last season but has since become an important part of City's charge to the title.

Former England international Kieran Gibbs could soon be playing in the United States. The Sun reports Inter Miami, the MLS club co-founded by David Beckham and managed by Phil Neville, want to sign the full-back from West Brom. The former Arsenal defender's contract at the Hawthorns finishes at the end of the current campaign.

Dwight Gayle File Photo
Dwight Gayle is desperate for more minutes for the Magpies (Martin Rickett/PA)

A lack of time on the pitch may push Dwight Gayle out of St James' Park. The Newcastle Chronicle reports the 31-year-old could walk away from Newcastle for free if the club do not renew his contract in the next few months. There is ongoing interest from Fulham while a spell in the Middle East is also possible.

Manchester United are ready to wait until the end of the season before talking with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer about his future. The Norwegian has 16 months left on his current deal with the Red Devils, who are five points behind leaders Manchester City in the Premier League. Old Trafford bosses are willing to increase the 47-year-old's wages but they remain very concerned about United's inconsistency.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

Celtic v AC Milan – UEFA Europa League – Group H – Celtic Park
AC Milan could be home for Zlatan Ibrahimovic (left) for a while longer (Jane Barlow/PA)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: The Sun reports the former Manchester United striker, who surpassed 500 career goals on Sunday, will begin talks with AC Milan over a new contract that would take him through to the age of 41.

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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea16104237191834
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
6Bournemouth167452421325
7Aston Villa167452425-125
8Fulham166642422224
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166642625124
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1672736191723
11Brentford167273230223
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham165472129-819
15Crystal Palace163761721-416
16Everton153661421-715
17Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1612131136-255


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