The top stories and transfer rumours from Thursday’s newspapers…
THE SUN
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has already made his decision on Sofyan Amrabat and will not be looking to keep the struggling summer loan signing beyond the end of the season.
Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo, who previously played at youth levels for Barcelona and Real Madrid, is on Manchester United’s radar as a possible replacement for Antony.
Casemiro is weighing up an offer to join the Saudi exodus, with Manchester United prepared to take a big loss on the midfielder they signed for £70m in the summer of 2022.
Chelsea must beat off strong competition from former manager Jose Mourinho to land Bosnian wonderkid Amar Dedic, with Newcastle also in the transfer tussle for the 21-year-old Red Bull Salzburg star.
Raphael Varane is being lined up for a shock return transfer to Real Madrid, according to reports.
Everton have slapped a huge £100m price tag on star man Jarrad Branthwaite, according to reports.
DAILY MAIL
Sir Jim Ratcliffe will recommend significant cuts to Manchester United’s backroom staff once his purchase of a 25 per cent stake in the club is completed as he believes it to be over-staffed in a number of areas.
Paul Pogba’s anti-doping tribunal hearing has been delayed in order to give his legal team more time to prepare their defence, according to reports in Italy.
FIFA are setting up a £200m fund to help support the professionalisation of women’s football with clubs being rewarded every time they sign a U23 player and an additional bonus when one of those players makes an international debut.
Former Southampton director of performance Mark Jarvis has been appointed as the FA’s new head of performance and will play a lead role ahead of England’s bid to win Euro 2024.
There was a heart-warming moment in Paris Saint-Germain’s 3-1 win over Metz on Wednesday evening as 16-year-old Ethan Mbappe made his first-team debut alongside older brother, Kylian.
Chelsea’s decision over Reece James’s anticipated surgery on a hamstring injury has been delayed amid reservations over whether the procedure is necessary.
EVENING STANDARD
Steve Cooper will be a candidate for a quick return to the Premier League management ranks as Crystal Palace are interested in him as a potential replacement for Roy Hodgson should the veteran call time at the end of the season.