MX23RW : Wednesday, December 18 01:50:04| >> :120:6590:6590:

Friday's papers: Lionel Messi, Jack Grealish, Philippe Coutinho

Friday's papers: Lionel Messi, Jack Grealish, Philippe Coutinho
© Reuters
Manchester City could swap Joao Cancelo for Barcelona's Nelson Semedo as clubs get creative on transfers, according to the rumour mill.

What the papers say

Manchester City's Joao Cancelo could be on his way to Barcelona with Nelson Semedo going the other way, as clubs contemplate player swaps in the next transfer window amid the financial uncertainty of the coronavirus outbreak. The Daily Telegraph says Cancelo, 25, is wanted by Barca, and that a fullback-for-fullback switch for his Portuguese compatriot Semedo, 26, is on the cards.

Arsenal and Manchester United are in the hunt to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso, according the Daily Mirror. The France international has started only seven games at Bayern since Hans-Dieter Flick became manager in November. The 25-year-old is thus contemplating a move, and Arsenal and United are at the top of calculations, ahead of Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Napoli.

Philippe Coutinho
Tottenham have emerged as another leading chance to sign Philippe Coutinho (Mike Egerton/PA)

Tottenham have firmed in the betting in the race to sign Philippe Coutinho, the Daily Mirror reports. While Chelsea emerged as the front-runner to lure the Brazilian this week, Spurs are now also contemplating a move to acquire the midfielder on loan. Coutinho, 27, has fallen out of favour at Barcelona and is currently on loan at Bayern Munich. Manchester United, Tottenham, Everton and Leicester are also reportedly interested.

Lionel Messi says he is going nowhere, despite rumours of a move from Barcelona to Inter Milan. The Argentinean great took to Instagram to deny the speculation, calling it "fake news". The 32-year-old is contracted to Barca until next year.

Pedro
Pedro could be waving goodbye to Chelsea in a move to Roma this summer (Nick Potts/PA)

Chelsea winger Pedro could be on his way to Roma in the summer, says the Daily Mirror. The 32-year-old has appeared surplus to requirements under Frank Lampard of late, making just nine Premier League appearances this season. Roma have been in talks with the Spaniard, who can leave Chelsea on a free transfer in the summer.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

Jack Grealish: Everton have emerged as the latest club keen on signing the Aston Villa star, according to Football Insider, though the Toffees will face stiff competition from a host of clubs, led by Manchester United.

Kai Havertz: The 21-year-old Bayer Leverkusen midfielder has caught the interest of Europe's biggest clubs but wants to stay in Germany and join Bayern Munich, Sky Germany reports.

ID:396018: cacheID:396018:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:8352:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Harry Kane in Spurs training on March 9, 2020
Read Next:
Tuesday's papers: Harry Kane, Adama Traore, Lautaro Martinez
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea16104237191834
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
6Bournemouth167452421325
7Aston Villa167452425-125
8Fulham166642422224
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166642625124
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1672736191723
11Brentford167273230223
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham165472129-819
15Crystal Palace163761721-416
16Everton153661421-715
17Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1612131136-255


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!