Plus: Sir Jim Ratcliffe's deal to invest into Manchester United faces another delay; Nottingham Forest have banished club captain Joe Worrall and Scott McKenna from first-team training; Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson's position at the club is under scrutiny
Friday 8 December 2023 07:34, UK
The top stories and transfer rumours from Friday's newspapers...
THE INDEPENDENT
Manchester United are willing to listen to offers on a series of high-profile players, as Erik ten Hag seeks to hone his squad and ensure it is fully committed to his approach. Casemiro, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho are available for transfer, although the club will be flexible on other squad members.
DAILY MAIL
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's 25 per cent stake in Manchester United is now not expected to be announced until the week after next.
Nottingham Forest have banished club captain Joe Worrall and Scott McKenna from first-team training.
Crystal Palace head coach Roy Hodgson's future is under scrutiny following a worrying run of one victory in eight matches.
Erik ten Hag is refusing to bow to demands from senior Manchester United players for more days off and advanced notice of their training schedule.
The price of Everton's new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock is set to rise by up to £150m due to increased construction costs directly attributable to the war in Ukraine.
Todd Boehly's long absences from Chelsea this season have been noted by players and staff.
The FA have appointed former Manchester United executive James Gray as their new commercial director, with the governing body making digital growth a key priority.
DAILY MIRROR
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is believed to be considering a move for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, which could spell the end of Thomas Partey's Emirates stay.
Jurgen Klopp could be forced into the market for a new centre-half - and Wolfsburg defender Maxence Lacroix is on his radar.
Manchester United winger Amad is back in full training as he nears his comeback from a long-term injury.
DAILY TELEGRAPH
A Liverpool-supporting survivor of the Oct 7 terrorist attack on Israel was ejected from Anfield last week after holding up a banner of a fellow fan held hostage by Hamas.
Fulham have made Brazil midfielder Andre their No 1 target should Joao Palhinha depart in January, with the Fluminense player's representatives travelling to England this week ahead of a potential switch to the Premier League.
Steve Cooper, the Nottingham Forest manager, is under increasing scrutiny after freezing out captain Joe Worrall but is expected to take the game at Wolves this weekend.
Erik ten Hag has revealed friends tried to talk him out of taking the Manchester United job but he insisted on taking the challenge, with the Dutchman also saying he has no regrets over his handling of Jadon Sancho.
Jon Rahm has admitted that signing with LIV Golf in a record deal worth upwards of £450m ($566.4m) is a "big risk" to his Ryder Cup future.
England and Harlequins flanker Emily Robinson has received a five-week ban for headbutting Saracens' Sydney Gregson during their Premiership Women's Rugby match last Saturday.
THE TIMES
The American company which is trying to take over Everton has loaned more than £100m to the club while seeking approval for the deal.
Sunderland are interviewing the 35-year-old Swedish coach Kim Hellberg about becoming their next manager.
Jermain Defoe was interviewed by the FA after a private arbitration found he used an agent who was unlicensed in a transfer, but the governing body has confirmed it took no action against the striker.
The British & Irish Lions will play in Ireland for the first time before the 2025 tour to Australia after arranging a send-off fixture against Argentina.
THE SUN
Dennis Bergkamp has opened the door to an emotional return to Arsenal - after declaring his aim to end a six-year exile from football.
THE GUARDIAN
Julen Lopetegui is on Nottingham Forest's radar as the club explore possible successors to struggling manager Steve Cooper.
The Saudi Pro League's sporting director has declared any superstar player, including Lionel Messi, is welcome in the country.
Gloucestershire want to build the world's "most environmentally sustainable" cricket ground and host one of the Hundred's possible expansion teams by selling the Nevil Road site that has been their home since the days of WG Grace.
New figures showing that 53 per cent of children and young people in England still do not meet the chief medical officer's guidelines for daily activity are a "national concern", the Youth Sport Trust has warned.
THE ATHLETIC
Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc of INEOS met Manchester United executives at Old Trafford on Thursday as Sir Jim Ratcliffe's acquisition of a 25 per cent stake in the club edges closer.
The Metropolitan Police are investigating after an object was allegedly thrown towards Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson at full-time in his side's 2-0 defeat by Bournemouth on Wednesday night.
The Colorado Rapids are in advanced talks over a deal to sign U.S. national team goalkeeper Zack Steffen from Manchester City.
Steve Cooper expects to be in charge at Wolverhampton Wanderers - and has challenged his Nottingham Forest players to show fans what it means to them to play for the club at Molineux.
The Premier League more than halved its annual funding for the LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall, which is behind the annual Rainbow Laces campaign, in its most recent contract with the organisation while Adidas have also vastly reduced their own financial commitment.
The Union of European Clubs, the fledgling lobby group for non-elite professional teams across the continent, received a significant boost on Friday with the addition of 34 new members from England and Wales.
Burnley winger Luca Koleosho has been ruled out for an extended period with a significant knee injury.
DAILY RECORD
Harry Kewell could be set to leave Celtic, with reports suggesting the coach is the frontrunner for the Yokohama Marinos job.
Leeds United are trying to land Aberdeen's head of recruitment Jordan Miles.
Rangers boss Philippe Clement is ready to sanction a January loan for Leon King.
Derek McInnes has backed Barry Robson to ride out the storm and get Aberdeen back up the table.
SCOTTISH SUN
Alfredo Morelos could be set for shock return to British football with several clubs eyeing up a January swoop, according to a report.
