Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag might face difficulties in signing Jean-Clair Todibo, as well as getting rid of Jadon Sancho.
Elsewhere, Arsenal are one of several clubs keen on Yarek Gasiorowski, and Liverpool and Real Madrid may look at appointing Xabi Alonso.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are among a posse of Premier League sides who are being linked with Assane Diao.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe could soon find himself at odds with manager Erik ten Hag if they disagree over the future of Jadon Sancho.
The winger has been banished from the first team after a public row with the Dutchman, but prospective new minority owner Ratcliffe could ask the two to reconcile, which Ten Hag is unconvinced by, preferring Sancho to find a new club.
The Mirror writes: “New Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will put himself on a collision course with manager Erik ten Hag if he tries to force the Dutchman to make his peace with Jadon Sancho.
“There have been reports that Ratcliffe will order Ten Hag to take steps to heal his rift with the England international once his £1.4billion deal to buy a 25 percent stake in the Old Trafford club has been sealed.
“Ratcliffe, one of Britain’s richest men, believes it is folly for a £70million asset to be frozen out of the team – especially when United are striving to get their season on track after a miserable start to the campaign.
“There have been reports that Ratcliffe will order Ten Hag to take steps to heal his rift with the England international once his £1.4billion deal to buy a 25 percent stake in the Old Trafford club has been sealed. Ratcliffe, one of Britain’s richest men, believes it is folly for a £70million asset to be frozen out of the team – especially when United are striving to get their season on track after a miserable start to the campaign.
“Ratcliffe’s agreement with the Glazer family is that he will take charge of football operations. But while Ten Hag feels he can work successfully with Ratcliffe’s INEOS team, he will not be dictated to when it comes to having his authority challenged in the dressing room.
“Ten Hag would prefer the 23-year-old to find another club – ideally during the January transfer window. A source close to the United boss said: ‘Ten Hag does not accept challenges to his authority from players. His position at United may not be as strong as it was after his first season in Manchester.’
Ten Hag may struggle to sign Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice if an upcoming Premier League meeting bans related clubs from transfers.
Arsenal target Valencia teen
Yarek Gasiorowski is attracting attention from Arsenal, who have long tracked the teenager at Valencia.
The 18-year-old is a defender, but has scored a hat-trick for the under-19 Spanish national team in the past, and has a release clause of £17.5 million, The Sun reports.
“Arsenal are reportedly planning a transfer swoop for a defender that scored a hat-trick for Spain’s Under-19 side,” the paper claims.
“Mikel Arteta’s team are hoping to once again battle for the Premier League title this term as well as continue their progression in the Champions League.
“Arsenal have tried and failed to land the 18-year-old centre-back in the past due to Brexit regulations regarding foreigners.
“Gasiorowski is under contract at Valencia until 2025 and that package also has the option to be extended until 2027.
“It also contains a release of £17.5m, which will rise once he hits certain appearance milestones.”
Real consider move for Alonso
Xabi Alonso’s success at Bayer Leverkusen has not gone unnoticed, Daily Mail reports.
The Spaniard has brought Bayer into contention for a title challenge in the Bundesliga, but with his links to Real Madrid and Liverpool from his playing days, the Spaniard could soon be at the centre of a tug-of-war between the two clubs.
“The problem with making an unbeaten start to the season, of sitting top of both the Bundesliga and your Europa League group while playing eye-catching football is that people tend to notice,” the paper writes.
“It’s why Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso is top of Real Madrid’s wish list to replace Brazil-bound Carlo Ancelotti next summer and touted as a potential replacement for Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool one day.
“The 41-year-old former midfielder – who won 17 major trophies with Spain, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Bayern Munich during an illustrious playing career – is now the most exciting up-and-coming coach in world football.
“The hope in this particular corner of Germany is that they can shed the club’s cruel ‘Neverkusen’ nickname by winning a first trophy since 1993 before Alonso is spirited away.”
Chelsea target Diao
Chelsea are one of several clubs chasing teenager Assane Diao from Real Betis.
The 18-year-old has two goals already this season and there are clubs across the Premier League who have taken notice and may provide competition.
“Chelsea have joined the race to sign Real Betis youngster Assane Diao after speaking to his family about a potential move to Stamford Bridge,” Express reports.
“Diao has been attracting attention due to his impressive displays so far this season, with the 18-year-old having scored two goals in seven La Liga appearances.
“Diao’s strong performances for Betis have reportedly piqued Chelsea’s interest, with the Blues said to be keen on bringing him to West London in the near future.
“Betis are trying to increase Diao’s release clause, which currently stands at £30million, in anticipation of clubs firming up their interest in January.
“Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester United have also been credited with a desire to land the winger, which could see a bidding war take shape if he ends up signing a new deal over the next few weeks.”
