The highlights and transfer rumors from Thursday’s newspapers…
THE INDEPENDENT
Aston Villa are turning to Conor Gallagher as they attempt to strengthen the squad ahead of next season’s Champions League campaign, with Chelsea willing to do business due to profit and sustainability rules.
Bayern Munich are interested in Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton as the club’s new hierarchy see him as the midfield profile they have been lacking.
THE SUN
Chelsea want to back Enzo Maresca with at least four key signings this summer – but must first resolve their financial problems.
Kalvin Phillips is considering leaving the Premier League altogether in a bid to resurrect his career.
Jude Bellingham has been called the world’s most valuable player – and his value is £238million, according to Switzerland-based CIES Football Observatory.
Manchester United are reportedly ready to sell Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Two-time winner Raphael Wicky is a new name under consideration to become Sunderland’s next manager.
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Dharmesh Sheth and Sam Tighe explain why Arsenal are the Premier League team best placed to sign an important player in the summer transfer window.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette are expected for an incredible reunion, according to reports.
THE TEMPERATURE
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have initiated the biggest shake-up of working practices and the environment at Manchester United’s Carrington training ground in the complex’s 24-year history.
The semi-automatic offside system to be used by the Premier League next season will exploit artificial intelligence and “force fields” to identify when attackers are ahead of defenders.
DAILY MAIL
Jurgen Klopp was spotted boarding a private jet to leave Liverpool after bidding farewell to the Merseyside giants.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is heading into formal contract talks to become one of the highest-paid bosses in the Premier League.
Caoimhin Kelleher has admitted he could leave Liverpool this summer as he pursues his ambition to become a first-choice goalkeeper.
Middlesbrough manager Aaron Danks is wanted by Bayern Munich to be part of Vincent Kompany’s squad.
The Club World Cup will continue to establish itself as a bigger sporting spectacle than the traditional World Cup despite its opponents, according to Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
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Speaking on the Transfer Talk podcast, Sam Tighe suggests Jarrad Branthwaite is a “big prize” for Premier League clubs this summer with Everton’s apparent need to sell players in order to comply with PSR rules.
Aston Villa, West Ham and Arsenal are eyeing US Under-20 international Rokas Pukstas.
DAILY MIRROR
Arsenal are in the market for a new striker – with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko top of their wanted list – and, while they are not expecting any superstar signings this summer, they will be strengthening their squad.
Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has emerged as an option for Leicester as they search for Enzo Maresca’s replacement.
THE ATHLETIC
The Carabao Cup will use a new ranking mechanism to separate Champions League and Europa League teams in the third round of next season’s competition.
West Ham United are close to signing Flamengo central defender Fabricio Bruno.
Manchester City will allow Julian Alvarez to represent Argentina at the Paris Olympics if he is selected.
Aston Villa defender Matty Cash has been left out of Poland’s preliminary squad for this summer’s European Championship in Germany as he continues his rehabilitation from injury.
West Ham United are close to completing a deal for goalkeeper Wes Foderingham.
Franck Haise is set to become Nice’s new head coach after the INEOS-owned club reached an agreement with Lens for his appointment.
Brentford have finalized a deal to sign USA Under-19 goalkeeper Julian Eyestone on a free transfer.
Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels has admitted that Julian Nagelsmann’s decision to exclude him from Germany’s 27-man preliminary list for this summer’s European Championship has left him “bitter”.
Chelsea have announced a new “strategic growth plan” which will see the women’s team sit alongside the men’s team in the club’s sporting structure.
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Speaking on the Transfer Talk podcast, Sam Tighe suggests Liverpool fans might be willing to accept a bid for Mo Salah this summer given his age and contract status.
Esme Morgan is set to join National Women’s Soccer League side Washington Spirit.
Greenland has submitted an application for CONCACAF membership to the confederation that governs international soccer in North America, Central America and the Caribbean, according to social media posts from the Greenland Football Federation and manager of the men’s national team, Morten Rukjaer.
THE GUARDIAN
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has identified Manchester United’s dire injury record as a critical area to address, believing it will significantly improve performances following a season in which the team suffered more than 60 injuries.
THE TELEGRAPH OF THE DAY
Sir Jim Ratcliffe will require the Manchester United manager to prepare for next season under strict Profit and Sustainability (PSR) rules, putting a harsh end to extravagant net spending.
The Saudi Pro League’s general director of football said Jordan Henderson’s sudden departure did not harm their project, but rather damaged the England international “on a personal level”.
Wembley chiefs are on alert to stop pro-Palestinian protests at Saturday’s Champions League final, amid fears of copycats after “miserable” demonstrations at the women’s equivalent.
Roland Garros favorite Iga Swiatek criticized the French crowd for shouting during rallies after saving a match point during a thrilling comeback to beat former world number 1 Naomi Osaka.
DAILY EXPRESS
Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly battling it out this summer against Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich for Leeds teenager Archie Gray.
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Vincent Kompany shares his thoughts following his appointment as Bayern Munich coach
EVENING STANDARD
Premier League clubs will vote next week on a proposal put forward by Crystal Palace aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of English teams in Europe.
Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo has confirmed he had “a little discussion” about his future amid interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.
Tottenham striker Richarlison has said he will play in England next season and dismissed suggestions he is in talks to leave the club, calling them “fake news”.
Crystal Palace are closing in on the signing of Moroccan centre-back Chadi Riad, who is due to undergo a medical ahead of his £14million move from Barcelona.
DAILY CHECK-IN
Rangers will travel to Cancun for a transfer summit this summer, with a representative from Ibrox traveling to the TransferRoom convention in Mexico on June 3-4.
Managing director Carsten V. Jensen has hinted he expects interest in Brondby’s key men to resurface – as well as Celtic’s long-standing interest in Mathias Kvistgaarden.
Rangers have ended their interest in Jose Cordoba as the Ibrox side pulled the plug on a deal for the £3million defender – with South American left Thomas Galdames linked.
SCOTTISH SUN
Kyogo Furuhashi was the target of a shock move from Parkhead this summer – according to a report in his homeland.
Rangers have been linked with a move for Chilean defender Thomas Galdames who is set to play his final game for his Argentine club Godoy Cruz this week.
