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Friday's papers: Paul Pogba, David de Gea, Callum Hudson-Odoi

Manchester United or Real Madrid? The battle for Paul Pogba looks to be heating up.

What the papers say

Manchester United may have to be prepared to break the bank if they want to keep Paul Pogba for the long term. The Sun reports that the club are open to starting negotiations with the Frenchman, but he is said to want a top pay packet of £500,000 a week. With Real Madrid reported to be lining up a summer bid for the 23-year-old midfielder, United may be willing to meet the demands.

Meanwhile, United look poised to agree to David De Gea's wage request to fend off Paris St Germain, the Independent says. The goalkeeper has been in lengthy talks with the club amid a deadlock on a demand for a £350,000-a-week salary, it says, but that could be about to change as the clock ticks down on the Spaniard's current contract – which ends next summer.

Neil Warnock File Photo
Is Neil Warnock considering his future at Cardiff? (Aaron Chown/PA)

Neil Warnock could be set to leave Cardiff at the end of the season, the Mail says. It is reported several players believe the Bluebirds boss may end his reign at the end of the term even if he can save the side from relegation. The club currently hold the final relegation spot, five points adrift of Burnley, Southampton and Brighton.

After Steve McClaren's sacking, attentions are turning to the former QPR boss' replacement. According to the Evening Standard, former Tottenham and Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood looks to be leading the race, with Charlton manager Lee Bowyer and Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth also tipped to be among the shortlist.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

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Countdown to a big day. 🔴 Let's go, United!

A post shared by Eric Bailly (@ericbailly24) on

Eric Bailly: The Manchester United defender could be heading to Real Madrid, The Sun reports, with Zinedine Zidane said to be targeting the 24-year-old for a £35million move in the summer.

Declan Rice and Callum Hudson-Odoi:  In a bid to strengthen his squad with British players, Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is said to be eyeing the England international duo, The Times says.

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Eric Bailly in action for Manchester United on August 19, 2018
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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


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