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Thursday's papers: Kalidou Koulibaly, Fred, Joelson Fernandes

Kalidou Koulibaly has been linked with Manchester City, while Fred seeks a long-term stay at United.

What the papers say

Kalidou Koulibaly looks set to join Manchester City in the next transfer window following reports Liverpool have dropped out of the running to secure the right-footed defender from Napoli. According to the Daily Express, the Reds are instead looking for a left-footed player that can fit in at either centre-back or left-back, leaving City as the lone front-runner for the 29-year-old's signature.

The Sun says Fred has engaged in talks with Manchester United over a new long-term deal. Though the 27-year-old initially struggled to adapt to the Premier League, his recent turnaround in form has not gone unnoticed by club bosses, with both parties believed to be eager to agree a lengthy stay at Old Trafford.

Tanguy Ndombele File Photo
Tanguy Ndombele is reported to be on his way out of Tottenham (John Walton/PA)

Despite Jose Mourinho's recent insistence that there was no rift between himself and Tanguy Ndombele, there are further reports that the midfielder believes he has played his last game for Spurs. Citing ESPN, the Daily Mirror says the 23-year-old is ready to leave the club this summer following a reported row with Mourinho at training on Monday.

Arsenal are believed to have approached Sporting Lisbon about a deal for 17-year-old Joelson Fernandes. The Daily Star, citing a report in Portuguese publication O Jogo, says the Gunners have joined Barcelona and RB Leipzig in pursuit of the youngster – though Lisbon are determined to lock him down long term.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: Juventus have joined Barcelona and Inter Milan in the chase for the Arsenal forward, according to Le10 Sport.

Sunderland v Charlton Athletic – Sky Bet League One – Stadium of Light
Sunderland's Bali Mumba looks set to join Norwich (Graham Stuart/PA)

Bali Mumba: Sky Sports reports Norwich are set to sign the 18-year-old midfielder from Sunderland.

Thiago Alcantara: Liverpool have received a boost in their pursuit of the Spanish midfielder with the 29-year-old ending negotiations with current club Bayern Munich, Bild reports.

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Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly pictured in October 2019
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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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