Football rumours from the media

What the papers say

Real Madrid are reportedly watching England’s Raheem Sterling closely and are monitoring any developments on his contract negotiations with Manchester City. The Daily Mirror says the Spanish giants believe Sterling has the potential to become a huge star and are likely to try and spend big next summer after a disappointing start to their campaign. City are hoping to extend the midfielder’s contract, which expires at the end of next season, but have yet to reach an agreement, the paper adds.

Juventus are interested in signing Aaron Ramsey, the Daily Mail reports. The Arsenal midfielder, who will be a free agent next summer, is also being chased by Liverpool and Chelsea, but Juventus hold an advantage as they can agree a pre-contract with lucrative terms in January, the paper says. Manager Massimiliano Allegri is said to be a huge fan of the 27-year-old.

Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a move for Barcelona defender Jordi Alba. The Mirror says reports in the Spanish media suggest United have been alerted to the 29-year-old’s contract situation, after he stalled on a new deal. The Premier League club are said to be keen to sign a new left-back.

Meanwhile, United defender Eric Bailly has caught the eye of Tottenham, the Daily Star claims. The paper reports that Spurs have joined rivals Arsenal in the race to sign the Ivory Coast international, with boss Mauricio Pochettino keen to land him in the January transfer window. The Gunners, though, could be put off by his price tag, the paper adds.

In other news relating to United, the club are set to initiate contract talks with Jesse Lingard in the coming weeks, the Metro says. The 25-year-old signed a four-year deal in 2017, but it is understood the Red Devils will review his contract with a view to offering him new terms and a boosted salary in 2019, the paper reports.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

Nicolas Pepe: Arsenal and Manchester United could face competition from Bayern Munich in the race to sign the Lille winger, according to reports. TalkSPORT says German outlet SportBild are reporting that Bayern are ready to pull out all the stops to snap up the Ivory Coast international and are set to hold initial talks with the player’s representatives in the coming weeks.

Nathan Trott: West Ham could face a fight to secure the future of the 19-year-old goalkeeper, who is reportedly being monitored by Manchester City, Manchester United and RB Leipzig. The Mirror says the mounting interest comes as the Hammers are trying to tie him down to a new deal.

Alessio Romagnoli: Chelsea are eyeing up the AC Milan defender – who is also a target for Manchester United, The Sun reports. Maurizio Sarri is looking to reinforce his defence, the paper adds.

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