Regional Paper Talk
Tuesday 31 March 2020 14:35, UK
A round-up of the top stories and gossip making the back pages of the regional newspapers.
LEICESTER MERCURY
Leicester City are eyeing up an audacious move for Barcelona's Philippe Coutinho, according to reports, but Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers is said to be aware a deal for the Brazilian is unlikely.
Leicester City have held "conversations" with Real Betis midfielder William Carvalho, according to reports.
LONDON EVENING STANDARD
Arsenal legend Ian Wright thinks Harry Kane should give Tottenham one more year under Jose Mourinho to win silverware, but insisted the striker is too good to miss out on major honours in his career.
Lionel Messi has tipped Chelsea youngster Mason Mount to be "one of the best", should he fulfil his potential.
Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez is attracting interest from 'many clubs', according to his agent.
Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insists Manuel Neuer's contract renewal will not be impacted by the coronavirus shutdown, amid speculation linking him with Chelsea.
Lukas Podolski has spoken of his admiration for former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and says he would have been "fascinated" to see how the Frenchman fared at another club.
MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS
Manchester United are still working on prospective deals ahead of the transfer window opening in just over two months.
Robin van Persie has lifted the lid on the conversations he held with Sir Alex Ferguson after signing for Manchester United - and how he'd been promised the manager would stay for another three years.
Rio Ferdinand believes Jadon Sancho and Harry Kane would both be perfect transfer targets for Manchester United.
Leeds United loanee Jack Harrison believes that playing for two seasons under Marcelo Bielsa has perfectly prepared him to return to Manchester City and play for Pep Guardiola.
LIVERPOOL ECHO
Former Liverpool star Maxi Rodriguez has admitted he had to "lie" about being able to speak English to convince Rafa Benitez to sign him in 2010.
Harry Kane would be "stupid" not to accept an offer to sign for Liverpool, says former striker Chirs Sutton.
NEWCASTLE CHRONICLE
Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is still believed to be waiting for a concrete offer from Saudia Arabia's Public Investment Group.
BIRMINGHAM MAIL
Manchester United are reportedly expected to press on with a deal to sign Jack Grealish despite the Aston Villa captain apologising and being hit with a fine for flouting the government's coronavirus advice.
FOOTBALL.LONDON
Juventus may be forced to offload former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey this summer, but only if they are unsuccessful in their efforts to sell Cristiano Ronaldo, according to reports in Italy.
Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna hopes that William Saliba can become one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League.
THE SENTINEL
Stoke City could be in place to receive a record fee, should an option be taken up by Bristol City for Benik Afobe.
Stoke City defender Stephen Ward has revealed that he is anxious over the progress of his contract talks with the Potters amid the coronavirus pandemic, but is currently focused on protecting his family and keeping fit.
WATFORD OBSERVER
Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes has said he is unsure of what his future holds, but admitted he would find it difficult to turn down a contract extension at Vicarage Road.
WALES ONLINE
Swansea City are set to miss out on a transfer payment from Sheffield United for former striker Oli McBurnie if the current season is abandoned.
DERBY TELEGRAPH
Derby County are reportedly preparing to make what would be a club-record offer for Fenerbahce forward Ferdi Kadioglu.
THE PINK UN
Norwich City starlet Max Aarons has confessed he didn't understand the enormity of the coronavirus pandemic until the Premier League was suspended.
BRISTOL POST
LA Galaxy are reportedly targeting a move for former Bristol City defender Derrick Williams.
EVENING TIMES
Mark Wilson has urged Peter Lawwell and the Celtic board to go all out to tie down the services of star striker Odsonne Edouard.
