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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.

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Bournemouth's Ryan Fraser pictured in December 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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