MX23RW : Saturday, December 14 20:00:07| >> :120:9507:9507:

Friday Papers: Joao Felix, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes

Friday Papers: Joao Felix, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes
© Reuters
Joao Felix could leave Manchester United disappointed.

What the papers say

Manchester United could be left disappointed as striker target Joao Felix reportedly nears completing a deal with Atletico Madrid. According to the Evening Standard, the 19-year-old is close to finalising a 120million-euro (£106.7m) deal with the Spanish side, putting United – who were apparently unwilling to pay over £100million – out of the race.

Sticking with United, and the Red Devils look set to cash in on star man Paul Pogba. The Star says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is prepared to lose the midfielder to raise funds in the summer transfer window. The news could fuel Pogba's reported desire to join Juventus for the 2019/20 campaign.

Meanwhile, United may not be able to dwell over a move for Bruno Fernandes, with Tottenham said to have opened talks with the midfielder's agent. The Telegraph says United were making Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka their main priority, but many have to turn their attention to the Sporting Lisbon star if they want to ward off Spurs' interest.

Everton's Kurt Zouma
Everton's Kurt Zouma looks to have impressed his Everton bosses (Peter Byrne/PA)

At Everton, the Toffees are targeting loanee Kurt Zouma, the Telegraph reports. It comes after Andre Gomes, on loan from Barcelona, is understood to have committed to Everton on a four-year contract – and now Marco Silva is hopeful of signing 24-year-old Zouma from Chelsea on a permanent basis, the paper says.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

Portsmouth's Matt Clarke
Portsmouth's Matt Clarke (Adam Davy/PA)

Matt Clarke: Brighton are on the verge of signing Portsmouth's Matt Clarke, with the 22-year soon to undergo a medical, The Sun says.

Joachim Andersen The Sampdoria defender is being watched by London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal, according to the Star, but may face competition from Lyon if the French side are willing to up their previous £16million bid.

ga('create', 'UA-72310761-1', 'auto', {'name': 'pacontentapi'});
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'referrer', location.origin);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension1', 'By Press Association Sport staff');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension2', '2a7b592b-d0fa-48ad-8d49-1673264de968');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension3', 'paservice:sport,paservice:sport:football,paservice:sport:uk');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension6', 'story-enriched');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension7', 'composite');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension8', null);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension9', 'sport:football');
ga('pacontentapi.send', 'pageview', { 'location': location.href, 'page': (location.pathname + location.search + location.hash), 'title': 'Football rumours from the media'});

ID:362576: cacheID:362576:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:15651:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech claps supporters after his side's Premier League defeat to Manchester City on August 12, 2018
Read Next:
Cech 'on verge of joining Chelsea staff'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City158342721627
6Aston Villa167452425-125
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Fulham166642422224
10Brentford157263128323
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton153661421-715
16Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1512121131-205


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!