All the top stories in today’s papers handily rounded up…
The transfer window reopens in just over six weeks, and there is plenty of gossip flying around.
Here’s all the latest football news and rumours from Thursday’s newspapers and online…
Arsene Wenger turned down a sensational return to management with Fulham before Claudio Ranieri was appointed. The former Arsenal boss stuck to his insistence he won’t take another top flight job in England out of respect to the Gunners, where he was in charge for 22 years until this summer. (Daily Mirror)
Leonardo Jardim and Andre Villas-Boas also turned down the chance to replace Slavisa Jokanovic as Fulham boss before they appointed Claudio Ranieri. (Daily Telegraph)
Chris Smalling is wanted by Everton on a free transfer when his Manchester United deal runs out next summer. He has held talks over a new Old Trafford contract, and wants improved terms on his £90,000-a-week wages. But the Toffees are hoping to land him next July, despite United having an option to extend his deal by a further 12-months. (The Sun)
Manchester United are pressing ahead with David de Gea’s contract talks amid fears the goalkeeper could leave at the end of the season. The Spanish international is still to commit his long-term future to Old Trafford, despite months of negotiations with the club’s hierarchy. (London Evening Standard)
Roma are tracking Ashley Young and ready to make a bid for the Manchester United star in January. The 33-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and United have offered the versatile star a new one-year deal. However, this time with no 12-month option in play, Young is in control of his own future and is in no rush to agree fresh terms despite being handed the captain’s armband in recent weeks. (The Sun)
Mike Ashley could be offered a £350million route out of Newcastle with claims of another takeover bid. The controversial owner is reported to have visited the United States to discuss the final stages of a sale of the Tyneside club. The claims have been made by a credible US website with reputable contacts in the world of takeovers and acquisitions. (Daily Mirror)
Chelsea face the threat of a two-year transfer ban following a long FIFA investigation into the signing of Bertrand Traore. Officers from FIFA’s Integrity and Compliance unit have spent three years delving into the Traore case and 13 other transfers involving the London club and players aged under 18. (Daily Mail)
Chelsea are prepared to consider loan offers for captain Gary Cahill in January. Cahill’s contract expires at the end of the season and he has made only one Premier League appearance since Maurizio Sarri arrived in the summer. (Daily Mail)
Christian Pulisic has said he is open to moving to the Premier League, with Chelsea understood to be leading the race to sign the forward from Borussia Dortmund next summer. (Guardian)
West Have slammed the door shut on a January exit for Marko Arnautovic after he suggested he could quit the club. (Daily Star)
Manchester United are willing to sell out-of-favour defender Marcos Rojo in January and Wolverhampton Wanderers could make a bid. FULL STORY HERE
Phil Foden is set to sign a new six-year contract at Manchester City by the end of this month. The 18-year-old’s representatives held positive talks with City officials on Wednesday and there is a confidence that he will commit his long-term future to his boyhood club. (Daily Mail)