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Friday's papers: Lionel Messi, Pep Guardiola, Olivier Giroud

Manchester City have been given a boost in their pursuit of Lionel Messi, while Olivier Giroud may look for a move away from Chelsea.

What the papers say

Pep Guardiola's commitment to Manchester City has reportedly re-energised the club's pursuit of Lionel Messi. The Daily Mirror says Guardiola agreeing to a new deal will add extra incentive for Messi to swap the Nou Camp for the Etihad Stadium next year. The paper adds club bosses believe the 33-year-old Argentinian is the final piece needed for City to claim Champions League glory.

The Guardian reports Olivier Giroud is ready to leave Chelsea in a bid to get more playing time under his belt in the lead-up to the European Championship with France. The 34-year-old striker is believed to be willing to consider offers for a move in January, with another Premier League club or Italy his preferred destinations.

England v Republic of Ireland – International Friendly – Wembley Stadium
England goalkeeper Dean Henderson may be weighing up a loan move away from Manchester United (Nick Potts/PA)

Dean Henderson has reportedly been linked with a loan move to Celtic. According to the Daily Mirror, the Manchester United goalkeeper's position as choice at the club may lead him to seek playing time elsewhere ahead of England's Euro 2020 bid, with Celtic already inquiring about his services.

Manchester United are believed to be in a three-way battle for 18-year-old France and Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga. The Daily Mail, citing a report from Marca, says Paris St Germain and Real Madrid have also expressed interest in Camavinga, who has been valued by Rennes at about £62million.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

Sergio Ramos: A host of Premier League clubs are ready to battle for the signature of the Real Madrid defender if he decides not to renew his contract, according to 90min.

Chelsea v Bayern Munich – UEFA Champions League – Round of 16 – First Leg – Stamford Bridge
Real Madrid are believed to be set on making a move for Bayern Munich's David Alaba (Adam Davy/PA)

David Alaba: Marca reports Real Madrid will move for the Bayern Munich defender regardless of Ramos's decision.

Vladyslav Supriaha: AC Milan have expressed interest in the 20-year-old Dynamo Kyiv forward, according to Calciomercato.

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Barcelona captain Lionel Messi pictured on November 7, 2020
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


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