Thursday 16 December 2021 07:26, UK
All the top stories and transfer rumours from Thursday's national newspapers...
THE SUN
Manchester United are currently reported to be the "only serious bidder" for Erling Haaland but have been told they must qualify for the Champions League to have a chance of signing him next summer.
Alexandre Lacazette has thrown his hat into the ring to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as Arsenal captain.
Arsenal and Tottenham are on red alert after Dusan Vlahovic reportedly turned down a lucrative contract offer from Fiorentina.
Juventus have splurged a record £150m-per-year on wages with seven stars on more than £160k-a-week - double pay of latest signings.
Tommy Fury has been warned he may never get the chance to fight Jake Paul, missing out on what could have been the payday of a lifetime.
DAILY MAIL
English football's leaders are not expecting the government to make good on an Online Harms Bill for at least another 12 months despite promises it would happen much sooner.
The Premier League is going to 'crash' unless players are fully vaccinated, the UK's top sports cardiologist has warned.
Manchester United sent goalkeeping scout Tony Coton to check on Leeds United's Illan Meslier on Tuesday night - and watched him concede seven at Manchester City.
The Football League must introduce mandatory twice-weekly Covid testing this week in order to safeguard the Christmas fixture schedule, say EFL clubs.
Newcastle United are promising to make Kieran Trippier one of their leading earners if he completes a January move to St James' Park from Atletico Madrid.
Arsenal fear stripping Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of the captaincy could end up costing them financially with rivals potentially believing they can play hardball and get the striker in a cut-price deal.
Paris Saint-Germain are "seeking to hijack" Real Madrid's move for Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger, who will be free to speak with European teams in just over two weeks.
Barcelona are keen on Chelsea's teenage left-back Ian Maatsen who impressed last season on loan with Coventry City.
Manchester United target Amadou Haidara has revealed he was a supporter of the Premier League club when growing up.
THE TIMES
The Premier League will insist on daily mandatory lateral flow tests for all players and staff before training, asking people to remain in their cars until they return a negative result.
The organisation representing Europe's top clubs has warned Fifa that they may not release players for the Africa Cup of Nations and potentially other international matches next month.
DAILY TELEGRAPH
Manchester United's Covid-19 outbreak has reached a total of 19 positive cases and there are fears about their Saturday Premier League date with Brighton.
Brendan Rodgers, the Leicester City manager, has accused the Premier League of showing bias towards his club's rivals and being unduly influenced by television companies after a request to postpone Thursday night's game against Tottenham Hotspur was turned down.
England are set to take on New Zealand at Twickenham next November meaning Eddie Jones' side will face all of their France 2023 World Cup pool rivals during their autumn campaign.
DAILY MIRROR
Manchester United's charitable foundation will provide 400,000 meals for local families this winter, repeating their gesture from last year.
Atletico Madrid are ready to capitalise on Anthony Martial's unhappiness by submitting a swap deal for the wantaway Manchester United forward.
Inter Milan could terminate Christian Eriksen's contract six months after his cardiac arrest to allow him to find a club, potentially back at home in Denmark.
Eden Hazard has made a dramatic U-turn on his Real Madrid future as he is now 'open' to a return to Chelsea.
Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger confirmed he was considering leaving the club before Thomas Tuchel was appointed manager in January.
DAILY EXPRESS
Barcelona are reported to be in advanced talks to bring Alexis Sanchez back to the club on loan with the club ending Luuk de Jong's loan spell from Sevilla so he can join Inter Milan.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's demotion as Arsenal captain has presented transfer chief Edu with even greater urgency to complete the signing of Dusan Vlahovic.
DAILY STAR
Jose Mourinho has promised a matchday AS Roma jacket to a 23-year-old fan who suffered two hearts attacks after collapsing during their Serie A clash with Spezia on Monday. The fan remains in intensive care but is reported to be improving.
West Ham United are one of several European clubs keeping a sharp eye on New York City striker Valentin Castellanos who is currently making waves in MLS.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was reportedly already plotting his exit from Arsenal before he was stripped of the captaincy.
Manchester United's new interim boss Ralf Rangnick could be the key to bringing Antonio Rudiger to Old Trafford over the summer.
DAILY RECORD
Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder does not expect Paddy McNair to leave the club as rumours of a return to Celtic continue to swirl.
Hamilton are set to open 2022 by signing defender Danny O'Reilly from Drogheda United.
Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack has insisted Calvin Ramsay is one of the best young right backs in Europe. Liverpool, Manchester United, Leicester City and Everton are amongst a string of top English Premier League clubs who are all keeping a close eye on the teenage defender.
Rangers are set to recall Josh McPake from Morecambe amid interest from a string of English clubs who are keen to take him back down south.
Hibs are expected to confirm the appointment of Shaun Maloney as their new manager over the next 48 hours - but he won't be in place for Sunday's Premier Sports Cup Final.
