The top stories and transfer rumours from Wednesday’s newspapers…
THE ATHLETIC
Manchester United have discussed Brentford’s Ivan Toney as they look at striking options.
Arsenal want a central midfielder and one player of interest is Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino.
Kaoru Mitoma has returned to Brighton training as the winger steps up his recovery from the back injury he sustained in February.
Hansi Flick and Thiago Alcantara have met to discuss a possible role on Barcelona’s coaching staff.
Nottingham Forest have announced plans for their women’s side to go full-time professional for the 2025-26 season.
Stoke are fielding interest in midfielder Josh Laurent, who has just one year left on his contract with the Championship side.
Aston Villa will review loan options for defender Kortney Hause.
Brentford are preparing for interest in midfielder Frank Onyeka due to his limited minutes in the second half of last season.
Arsenal may have to sell before they can land Riccardo Calafiori – with some leading lights at the Emirates questioning whether the Bologna man is worth the £45m he will cost.
DAILY TELEGRAPH
Gareth Southgate is in line for a knighthood if England win the European Championship and could receive one even if they do not.
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England head coach Gareth Southgate discusses the morale in the team ahead of their Euro 2024 semi-final against Netherlands and how he will approach substitutions following some scrutiny
Reading are moving closer towards a long-awaited takeover, with former Wycombe owner Rob Couhig in the final stages of ending Dai Yongge’s turbulent reign.
THE SUN
Tyrell Malacia’s return still has no timeframe – 14 months after his last Manchester United game.
Manchester United are in pole position to sign Dan Ndoye, the Switzerland star’s agent has revealed.
Phil Foden and Dan Ndoye battle for the ball
Jobe Bellingham has snubbed a lucrative Premier League move to stay at Sunderland.
Chelsea signing Marc Guiu is set to immediately leave on loan to Sevilla, according to reports.
Chelsea are plotting a shock transfer swoop for Karim Adeyemi, according to reports.
Real Madrid have reportedly agreed terms with Manchester United target Leny Yoro.
Lazio have made contact with Arsenal over the signing of Nuno Tavares.
DAILY MAIL
The mayor of Marseille has publicly opposed Mason Greenwood’s expected move to the Ligue 1 side.
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Manchester United’s pursuits of Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee are both ‘going positively’ according to Sky Sports News’ Dharmesh Sheth
Manchester United have reportedly agreed personal terms for Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt ahead of a potential summer transfer.
Erik ten Hag believes the new set-up at Manchester United has put the club on course to challenge for the Premier League title again.
THE TIMES
Manchester United are expected to return with a third bid for Jarrad Branthwaite after Everton rejected a second offer of £45m, plus £5m in add-ons.
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Dharmesh Sheth says although Jarrad Branthwaite is a top target for Manchester United, INEOS will walk away from a deal if Everton don’t bring down their asking price
The Liverpool owner Fenway Sports Group is in talks to buy the French Ligue 2 side Bordeaux.
DAILY MIRROR
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag’s trusted assistant Mitchell van der Gaag is understood to have left the club.
Manchester United are reportedly set to approach long-time Arsenal target Ferdi Kadioglu.
Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow would be willing to be the back-up goalkeeper at Arsenal or Manchester United.
Benfica have sent a warning to Man United and PSG that they have to up their bids for Joao Neves.
EVENING STANDARD
Spain have suffered an Alvaro Morata injury scare for the Euro 2024 final after a security guard accidentally slipped into the La Roja captain’s knee following the semi-final win over France in Munich.
Arsenal have taken teenage star Coran Madden on trial.
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Watch the best of Arne Slot’s first press conference for Liverpool, as the Dutchman begins the task of taking over from Jurgen Klopp
DAILY RECORD
Minister of Sport for Saudi Arabia Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Saud has declared that Jota will not be leaving Al Ittihad this summer amid speculation over a return to Celtic.
Celtic appear to be inching closer to a deal with Benfica to bring Paulo Bernardo back to the club this summer – with the midfielder keen to get a move sealed imminently.
Ross McCausland reckons Rangers can count on their fans to go the distance no matter where Philippe Clement’s side are forced to play during their Ibrox exile.
Emboldened Rangers recruitment guru Nils Koppen has revealed his side will keep a firm eye on Scottish talent and aim to develop their standout prospects for the biggest teams on the planet.
Jim Goodwin reckons most Scottish Premiership clubs struggle to compete financially with teams in England’s National League.
SCOTTISH SUN
Aberdeen are ready to make a move to land attacking midfielder Jeremy Sarmiento on loan from Brighton.
Kilmarnock have knocked back two bids for star man Danny Armstrong, according to reports.
Standard Liege have reportedly rejected the chance to sign released Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack on a free.
When does the summer transfer window open and close?
The 2024 summer transfer window in the Premier League and Scottish Premiership is officially open.
The window will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time in England and at 11.30pm in Scotland.
The Premier League and Scottish Premiership brought forward Deadline Day to link up with the other major leagues in Europe. The closing dates were set following discussions with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.