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Friday Papers: Eden Hazard, Rafael Benitez, Scott Arfield

Is a Real Madrid deal with Eden Hazard on the horizon?

What the papers say

Real Madrid are close to finalising a deal with Eden Hazard, according to reports. Spanish site Marca says an agreement with Chelsea will be made public in the coming days. The Sun reports that the Blues dropped the Belgian playmaker's price to £90million. His original valuation was reportedly more than £100million. The 28-year-old has a year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge, so Chelsea will have to sell him in the summer to cash in.

Newcastle executives will furnish Rafael Benitez with a £100million transfer kitty for the coming window, the Daily Mirror reports. The Magpies are in a more stable financial situation than they were last season, the Daily Mail says, with turnover up to £178.5million — an increase of £92.8million. Wages are reportedly down by nearly £9million to £103.4million, sending profit up to £18.6million.

Arsenal are chasing Hoffenheim and Germany forward Kerem Demirbay, the Metro reports. The Gunners have reportedly made contact about signing up the 25-year-old midfielder, who is said to be on the market for £22million. He has been tapped up as a replacement for departing Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey, the paper says.

Scott Arfield File Photo
Rangers' Scott Arfield has attracted interest (PA wire)

Southampton are considering a move for Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield, the Daily Mirror reports. The 30-year-old Canada international, who also played for Scotland, has caught the eye of Premier League clubs, who could secure his services for as little as £3million.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

Paulo Dybala: The Argentinian forward's sale by Juventus could herald a move to buy Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, Tuttosport reports.

Matthijs De Ligt: Barcelona and five other clubs are chasing the 19-year-old Ajax captain and Holland defender, Marca report.

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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014


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