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Friday's papers: Kylian Mbappe, Kalidou Koulibaly, Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola could be returning to Barcelona, according to today's football gossip.

What the papers say

Liverpool are still keen on signing Senegal international Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli, according to Calciomercato. The Reds made enquiries into the 29-year-old over the summer but Koulibaly stayed in Naples. However, Virgil van Dijk's long-term injury has increased Jurgen Klopp's desire to sign a centre-back, and a concerted bid could be on the cards come January.

Pep Guardiola could be on his way back to Barcelona if Victor Font becomes the club's president. Font is the front runner to replace Josep Bartomeu after his resignation, and told Sky Sports he wants to return the Catalan giants to their glory days, including bringing back Guardiola from Manchester City, and keeping Lionel Messi. Guardiola is into the final year of his contract with City.

Tottenham Hotspur v Maccabi Haifa – UEFA Europa League – Play-Off – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Tottenham Hotspur's Toby Alderweireld looks likely to leave the club in 2023 (Clive Rose/PA)

Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld is likely to leave after his current contract expires in 2023, Teamtalk reports. The 31-year-old Belgian's father Viv says the chance of his son moving closer to home "is real", and mentioned Ajax or "an Antwerp club" as likely destinations.

Exciting young Icelandic forward Isak Bergmann Johannesson has dealt a potential blow to Liverpool by saying Manchester United is his "favourite team". The 17-year-old, son of former Premier League star Joey Gudjonsson, has become the topic of intense transfer speculation after a superb start to the season with his Norwegian club Norrkoping, with Liverpool and United said to be keenly interested. The England-born Johannesson told Sportbladet that while Liverpool are playing "good football now", United remained his favourite side.

Chelsea v Southampton – Premier League – Stamford Bridge
Theo Walcott is keen to make his loan spell at Southampton permanent (Ben Stansall/PA)

Theo Walcott may be looking to make his loan spell at Southampton permanent. The attacker returned to his boyhood club on loan on Deadline Day, having fallen down the pecking order at Everton. The 31-year-old has told the Saints' website he is eager to work with Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl on a more long-term basis. Walcott's contract with Everton expires at the end of the season.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

Mauricio Pochettino: The former Tottenham and Southampton boss could have his heart set on a return to management, this time with Manchester United, according to ex-Spurs defender Jan Vertonghen, the Daily Star reports.

Turkey Soccer Champions League
PSG's Kylian Mbappe centre, could be a target for Liverpool (Ozan Kose/Pool/AP)

Kylian Mbappe: Liverpool are said to be working on a strategy to lure the World Cup winner from Paris St Germain to Anfield, Teamtalk reports.

Timothy Weah: The 20-year-old USA forward could move from Lille to Saint-Etienne on loan, L'Equippe reports.

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Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi pictured in October 2020
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CManchester CityMan City38287396346291
2Arsenal38285591296289
3Liverpool382410486414582
4Aston Villa382081076611568
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs382061274611366
6Chelsea381891177631463
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle381861485622360
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd38186145758-160
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham381410146074-1452
10Crystal Palace381310155758-149
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton381212145562-748
12Bournemouth38139165467-1348
13Fulham38138175561-647
14Wolverhampton WanderersWolves38137185065-1546
15Everton38139164051-1140
16Brentford38109195665-939
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3899204967-1832
RLuton TownLuton3868245285-3326
RBurnley3859244178-3724
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd38372835104-6916


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