Regional Paper Talk
Wednesday 5 December 2018 14:38, UK
A round-up of the top football stories and transfer gossip making the back pages of the regional newspapers.
LONDON EVENING STANDARD
Chelsea have begun discussions with Real Madrid about signing midfielder Mateo Kovacic on a permanent basis.
James McArthur admitted the way Crystal Palace surrendered against Brighton was unacceptable after a night that left Roy Hodgson with cause for real concern.
France star Kylian Mbappe has said he is 'following Arsenal from afar' since Unai Emery's arrival in England.
MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS
Axel Witsel has been asked about transfer interest from Manchester United after a report last month suggested Jose Mourinho scouted the midfielder during the recent international break.
A journalist in Spain claims Real Madrid forward Isco has told his teammates that he wants to leave the Bernabeu, with Manchester City his preferred destination.
LIVERPOOL ECHO
Virgil van Dijk feared for his life during his early playing days in Holland - as one former coach recalls how an illness left the defender a 'shrivelled' person.
Steven Gerrard has defended Jurgen Klopp's derby day celebrations - and admits he loves the German boss for his authenticity.
Marco Silva is demanding more goals from Everton's wingers as he refuses to talk about signing a new striker in the January transfer window.
Nikola Vlasic's superb spell away from Everton continues - after being named CSKA Moscow player of the month for the third consecutive time.
BIRMINGHAM MAIL
Aston Villa fans have reacted to those Tom Heaton transfer rumours with a resounding round of thumbs-ups.
Yannick Bolasie has been identified as the player who can push Aston Villa further up the Championship table.
LEICESTER MERCURY
Leicester City boss Claude Puel believes the club are still adapting from their title win ahead of their reunion with Claudio Ranieri.
SUNDERLAND ECHO
Duncan Watmore knows he will have to be patient over a return to league action with Sunderland given the impressive form of Jack Ross' side.
THE ARGUS
Shane Duffy has apologised for his red card against Crystal Palace.
DERBY TELEGRAPH
Derby striker Nick Blackman wants to help his loan club Sporting Gijon "get back where they belong" in Spanish football.
NOTTINGHAM POST
Nottingham Forest could find their plans scuppered if they want to bring back defender Joe Worrall from Rangers in January.
Striker Karim Ansarifard has been impressed by the "passionate" support of Nottingham Forest's fans.
EVENING GAZETTE
Tony Mowbray says Middlesbrough's aspirations are greater now than they were when he was boss.
LANCASHIRE TELEGRAPH
Joe Hart wants to 'pay back' the Burnley fans with two strong home performances ahead of tonight's Turf Moor clash with Liverpool.
BRISTOL POST
Head coach Lee Johnson still hopes to find a solution to the Robins' goal-scoring woes at home from within the club, but if that proves unsuccessful, then City will look to strengthen the squad in January.
BLACKPOOL GAZETTE
Donervon Daniels is satisfied with Blackpool's current position but he believes there's more to come from the Seasiders.
THE STAR
Hillsborough has been described as a "beautiful place to watch football" by Luton Town boss Nathan Jones after the two teams were drawn together in the third round of the FA Cup.
He may have been struggling for a starting place in recent weeks but Mallik Wilks remains firmly in the plans of Grant McCann beyond January.
EVENING TIMES
Daniel Candeias admits the high tempo style and rough and tumble nature of Scottish football suits his game perfectly.
EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS
Former Celtic and Hibernian player Anthony Stokes has left Iranian club Tractor Sazi, despite signing a new four-year contract in October.
Hibernian are running the rule over Canadian trialist Kosovar Sadiki after the player appeared in Monday's reserve game against Falkirk.
