MX23RW : Monday, January 6 12:13:02| >> :60:62:62:

Wednesday's papers: Paul Pogba, Ben Chilwell, Thiago Almada

Ben Chilwell and Matty Longstaff figure among Wednesday's football transfer rumours.

What the papers say

Chelsea have sharpened their focus on Leicester left back Ben Chilwell, according to website The Athletic. Despite the effect of the coronavirus on football finances, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is prepared to back big-money transfers this summer. Chilwell, valued at around £85million, is shaping up as one of their major targets.

Newcastle are set to lose youngster Matty Longstaff – to Italian club Udinese, the Daily Mirror reports. The surprise bidder for the England under-21 midfielder has emerged in recent days, with the Serie A club prepared to offer Longstaff £30,000 a week. That's 30 times what the 19-year-old is currently being paid under his bargain basement academy contract, and double what Newcastle are prepared to offer him under new terms being negotiated.

Manchester United v Newcastle United – Premier League – Old Trafford
Real Madrid are still interested in signing Paul Pogba (Martin Rickett/PA

Real Madrid insist they are still interested in Paul Pogba, as the long-running saga surrounding Manchester United's midfielder continues. France's Le 10 Sport says Real manager Zinedine Zidane has spoken to the French World Cup winner's agent. While Pogba has not ruled out a move to Paris St Germain, Zidane told his agent Real's interest had "not diminished", according to the French report.

Manchester United are set to bid for Argentinian teenager Thiago Almada, the Manchester Evening News reports. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reportedly been keeping an eye on the young winger as a transfer alternative to Jadon Sancho should the club's interest in the Borussia Dortmund man bear no fruit. Almada, 19, is attracting significant interest around Europe after starring for Velez Sarsfield in his homeland in the past year.

Arsenal v West Ham United – Premier League – Emirates Stadium
Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette could be off to Inter Milan (Bradley Collyer/PA)

Alexandre Lacazette could be on his way to Inter Milan, Spain's Mundo Deportivo reports. Inter are prepared for the possibility of losing Argentina forward Lautaro Martinez to Barcelona, in which case 29-year-old Lacazette, whose future at Arsenal is under a cloud, would become a prime target.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

Danny Rose: The 29-year-old Tottenham full-back has been granted permission to stay at Newcastle on loan for the rest of the season, Football Insider reports.

Eric Garcia: The 19-year-old Manchester City centre-back has attracted the interest of Barcelona, according to ESPN.

Lyle Taylor: The Charlton and Montserrat international striker could be off to Galatasaray, the Daily Mail reports.

ID:401228: cacheID:401228:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:8698:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Bournemouth's Ryan Fraser pictured in December 2019
Read Next:
Friday's papers: Ryan Fraser, Djibril Sidibe, Willian
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool19144147192846
2Arsenal20117239182140
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest1911442619737
4Chelsea20106439241536
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle20105534221235
6Manchester CityMan City2010463627934
7Bournemouth209653023733
8Aston Villa209563032-232
9Fulham207943027330
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2061043029128
11Brentford208393835327
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs20731042301224
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd206592328-523
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham206592439-1523
15Crystal Palace204972128-721
16Everton193881525-1017
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1944113142-1116
18Ipswich TownIpswich2037102035-1516
19Leicester CityLeicester2035122344-2114
20Southampton2013161244-326


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!