A round-up of the top football stories and transfer gossip making the back pages of Thursday's regional newspapers.
BOURNEMOUTH ECHO
David Brooks has distanced himself from speculation linking him with Manchester United and Tottenham - insisting his focus is firmly on his future at Bournemouth.
Bournemouth are one of two Premier League clubs tracking Manchester United youngster Demetri Mitchell, according to reports.
LONDON EVENING STANDARD
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- Moyes wants to change perception of West Ham
- Lampard hoping for Chelsea contract extension
Chelsea are trying to complete the signing of Gonzalo Higuain in time to make his debut against Arsenal on Saturday.
Chelsea are in advanced talks with Atletico Madrid over a deal for Alvaro Morata, who is desperate to leave Stamford Bridge.
Tottenham may attempt to bring in another midfielder this month to replace Mousa Dembele but only if they manage to move on unwanted players Vincent Janssen and Georges-Kevin Nkoudou.
West Ham are increasingly reluctant to let Marko Arnautovic leave this month.
MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS
Manchester United are doing due diligence ahead of the summer transfer window even though they are yet to decide on their next permanent manager.
Manchester City have not agreed a deal for Hajduk Split midfielder Ante Palaversa - but they are very interested.
LIVERPOOL ECHO
Liverpool are open to offers for out-of-favour winger Lazar Markovic.
NEWCASTLE CHRONICLE
Sunderland want to keep young talent Elliot Embleton on Wearside with Jack Ross revealing the club have already decided to offer him a new contract.
BIRMINGHAM MAIL
The agent of Sparta Prague striker Benjamin Tetteh, who has been linked with Wolves, has confirmed his client has received one "serious" offer from England which they are considering.
EXPRESS & STAR
West Brom have taken out a bank overdraft so they can do more business in the January transfer window.
FOOTBALL.LONDON
Edimilson Fernandes looks set to return to West Ham this summer, despite Fiorentina having the option to buy the midfielder.
THE SENTINEL
Turkish media are reporting an apparent interest from Trabzonspor in signing Stoke City midfielder Peter Etebo this month.
Jon Walters reckons his former Stoke team-mate Marko Arnautovic would jump at the chance to join Tottenham.
WATFORD OBSERVER
Francois Kamano's agent has denied that Watford have tabled a bid for the Bordeaux winger, reports claim.
LEICESTER MERCURY
Leicester are keeping an eye on Birmingham striker Che Adams - but so are more than half of the Premier League.
Brendan Rodgers would jump ship from Celtic to Leicester City if offered the manager's job at the King Power Stadium, former Scotland striker Kris Boyd claims.
NOTTINGHAM POST
Nottingham Forest striker Tyler Walker is set to remain on loan at Mansfield Town for the rest of the season.
THE PINK UN
Young defender Timi Odusina is aiming to rise to the challenge after joining National League promotion hopefuls AFC Fylde on loan from Norwich City.
BRISTOL POST
Bristol City assistant Dean Holden has stressed the importance of securing the future of Callum O'Dowda, who has 18 months left on his contract at Ashton Gate.
EVENING TIMES
Celtic are keeping tabs on Scott McTominay as Manchester United contemplate loaning out the Scotland midfielder.
EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS
Hearts will not give up hope of trying to persuade Arnaud Djoum to stay at Tynecastle beyond this summer.
