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Friday's papers: Kylian Mbappe, Kalidou Koulibaly, Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola could be returning to Barcelona, according to today's football gossip.

What the papers say

Liverpool are still keen on signing Senegal international Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli, according to Calciomercato. The Reds made enquiries into the 29-year-old over the summer but Koulibaly stayed in Naples. However, Virgil van Dijk's long-term injury has increased Jurgen Klopp's desire to sign a centre-back, and a concerted bid could be on the cards come January.

Pep Guardiola could be on his way back to Barcelona if Victor Font becomes the club's president. Font is the front runner to replace Josep Bartomeu after his resignation, and told Sky Sports he wants to return the Catalan giants to their glory days, including bringing back Guardiola from Manchester City, and keeping Lionel Messi. Guardiola is into the final year of his contract with City.

Tottenham Hotspur v Maccabi Haifa – UEFA Europa League – Play-Off – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Tottenham Hotspur's Toby Alderweireld looks likely to leave the club in 2023 (Clive Rose/PA)

Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld is likely to leave after his current contract expires in 2023, Teamtalk reports. The 31-year-old Belgian's father Viv says the chance of his son moving closer to home "is real", and mentioned Ajax or "an Antwerp club" as likely destinations.

Exciting young Icelandic forward Isak Bergmann Johannesson has dealt a potential blow to Liverpool by saying Manchester United is his "favourite team". The 17-year-old, son of former Premier League star Joey Gudjonsson, has become the topic of intense transfer speculation after a superb start to the season with his Norwegian club Norrkoping, with Liverpool and United said to be keenly interested. The England-born Johannesson told Sportbladet that while Liverpool are playing "good football now", United remained his favourite side.

Chelsea v Southampton – Premier League – Stamford Bridge
Theo Walcott is keen to make his loan spell at Southampton permanent (Ben Stansall/PA)

Theo Walcott may be looking to make his loan spell at Southampton permanent. The attacker returned to his boyhood club on loan on Deadline Day, having fallen down the pecking order at Everton. The 31-year-old has told the Saints' website he is eager to work with Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl on a more long-term basis. Walcott's contract with Everton expires at the end of the season.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

Mauricio Pochettino: The former Tottenham and Southampton boss could have his heart set on a return to management, this time with Manchester United, according to ex-Spurs defender Jan Vertonghen, the Daily Star reports.

Turkey Soccer Champions League
PSG's Kylian Mbappe centre, could be a target for Liverpool (Ozan Kose/Pool/AP)

Kylian Mbappe: Liverpool are said to be working on a strategy to lure the World Cup winner from Paris St Germain to Anfield, Teamtalk reports.

Timothy Weah: The 20-year-old USA forward could move from Lille to Saint-Etienne on loan, L'Equippe reports.

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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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