Real Madrid believes that Jude Bellingham is crucial in acquiring Erling Haaland from Manchester City, according to Paper Talk. Additionally, there are reports suggesting that Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt might leave this summer, putting Manchester United on red alert. Roy Keane states that Man Utd no longer intimidates opponents. Joelinton might have completed his final game for Newcastle United, and Chelsea is experiencing another rearrangement in their backroom staff.
What Do They Say About It in the Newspapers
Here are the top stories and transfer rumors from Friday’s newspapers:
THE SUN
- Real Madrid is reportedly interested in persuading Manchester City’s Erling Haaland to move to the Bernabeu, using his friendship with Jude Bellingham.
- Manchester United’s Raphael Varane might be investigated for holiday photos showing him at a ski resort, which could violate the club’s policy against skiing during the season.
- Chris Smalling responds to former Roma boss Jose Mourinho’s claims, defending his absence due to a knee injury and emphasizing his commitment to the club.
- Manchester United is looking for a food safety officer following an incident where 30 guests were served raw chicken at Old Trafford.
- Sir Andy Murray’s five-star hotel suffered a nearly £1 million loss last year.
- Snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan will participate in a new tournament in Saudi Arabia.
- David Beckham is involved in a secret legal battle over fake products bearing his name.
DAILY MAIL
- Sources from the Qatar-based bid for Manchester United reject claims of not meeting the Glazer family’s asking price and failing to provide proof of funds, considering seeking a corrective statement from the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
- Joelinton may have played his final game for Newcastle United due to a reported season-ending thigh injury and an ongoing contract standoff with the club.
- Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana is expected to start for Cameroon in the Africa Cup of Nations after missing the opening game due to travel issues.
- Everton’s delayed takeover by 777 Partners is impacting key players, including Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whose contracts expire in the next 18 months.
- Manchester United collaborates with Manchester Metropolitan University’s Institute of Sport to leverage their expertise in Artificial Intelligence for a competitive advantage.
DAILY TELEGRAPH
- John Aldridge, a Liverpool legend, has shared his concerns about the football-related dementia issue. He admitted to facing some problems and undergoing tests.
- Chelsea is undergoing changes in its staff, as medical director Dimitrios Kalogiannidis, who served for 13 years, is leaving due to family reasons.
- Joe Schmidt is likely to be confirmed as the new head coach for Australia, replacing Eddie Jones. This could lead to a clash with his former Ireland assistant, Andy Farrell, when the British & Irish Lions visit.
- Warren Gatland, the head coach of Wales, has added his voice to those calling for an Anglo-Welsh rugby union league.
- England spinner Rehan Ahmed turned down the opportunity to play in the IPL to focus on developing a new delivery similar to Shane Warne’s famous flipper.
THE TIMES
- Manchester United is on high alert amid reports that Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt might leave this summer due to a strained relationship with boss Thomas Tuchel and a lack of playing time.
- Fulham has made a £30 million offer for Fluminense’s defensive midfielder André, preparing for the potential departure of João Palhinha this summer.
THE GUARDIAN
- Reading’s financial troubles have forced staff to adjust training plans and cut costs, including avoiding using undersoil heating.
- Additionally, 19 staff members have been made redundant, and the club still owes around £4 million to suppliers.
THE ATHLETIC
- Sevilla was allowed to terminate Joris Gnagnon’s contract because he was deemed ‘severely overweight,’ according to a court ruling.
- Los Angeles FC, a team in Major League Soccer, has bought a 90% stake in Grasshopper Club Zurich, a Swiss club, expanding their network of clubs.
DAILY MIRROR
- Roy Keane believes that Manchester United no longer intimidates opponents, and teams even enjoy playing at Old Trafford. He also accuses his former club of becoming less aggressive.
- Jan Molby suggests that Liverpool should focus on signing Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise to enhance their goal-scoring options and prevent him from joining rivals Manchester United.
DAILY STAR
- Langley FC, a team in the 10th tier of English football, has expressed interest in signing Chelsea striker Armando Broja with a cheeky seven-day notice of approach.
- Brest, a team in Ligue 1, has formally requested the removal of VAR from football, citing previous criticisms from their manager Eric Roy regarding decisions that went against his team.
DAILY RECORD
- Myziane Maolida, a new signing for Hibs, was harshly criticized by his former Hertha Berlin manager Pal Dardai last year, who called him “as lazy as I have seen.”
- Hearts CEO Andrew McKinlay mentioned that the club has exceeded its current wage structure to retain striker Lawrence Shankland at Tynecastle. However, he cautioned fans that overspending now could have consequences in the future.