Football rumours: Cesar Azpilicueta edging closer to Barcelona move
Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta attempt a cross toward goal during the UEFA Champions League, Group H match at Allianz Stadium, Turin (Fabrizio Carabelli/PA)
Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta is believed to be nearing his exit from Stamford Bridge. The Daily Mail, citing a report from Spanish publication El Nacional, says the 32-year-old is in advanced talks with Barcelona, with manager Xavi reportedly taking a leading role in ensuring a deal is done.
What the papers say
Staying with Barcelona, the Daily Express, via Mundo Deportivo, says Manchester United have joined Newcastle in the race for Ousmane Dembele. The 24-year-old winger is out of contract at the end of the season, with the Red Devils believed to be among a number of clubs to make the France international an offer.
Stoke City’s Tyrese Campbell is on Eddie Howe’s radar (Steven Paston/PA)
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has marked Stoke striker Tyrese Campbell as the first signing of the new era at St James’ Park. The Sun reports the Magpies have £20m set aside to entice the 21-year-old to Tyneside once the transfer window opens.
Newcastle’s spending plans do not stop there however, with the Daily Mirror reporting the club is willing to double the salaries of Burnley defenders Ben Mee and James Tarkowski in a bid to get them to quit the Clarets.
Social media round-up
We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity.
We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity.
Players to watch
Manchester United are keeping an eye on Frenkie de Jong (Mike Egerton/PA)
Frenkie de Jong: The Daily Star, via El Nacional, reports new Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick is eyeing a move for the Barcelona midfielder.
Folarin Balogun: Arsenal look set to agree to a January loan exit for the 20-year-old forward, according to the Daily Express.
Today's Headlines
hearing | Keith Conlon: Tallaght dad who died while hunting killed by gunshot wound to head, inquest hears
NEGATIVE VIBES | Damien Dempsey reveals shock at discovering Ian Bailey is mega-fan of his music
investigation | Body of a man in his 70s found washed up off the coast of Donegal
Rush hour ruckus | Pictured: Two men accused of hijacking Tesco van ‘to get back to their own side of town’
Dramatic rescue | Hero who dragged drowning teen to safety says if he hadn't delayed going home ‘the kid was dead’
Fliuch Sake | M50 floods as Status Orange warning brings thunderstorms and showers
'Upsetting' | Greg O’Shea left Love Island villa in disguise to attend granny’s funeral
RIP | Funeral details for alleged assault victim Paul ‘Babs’ Connolly announced
kitted out | Gardaí report for duty in new uniform from today
CHARGED | GAA star accused of beating man so badly he could lose kidney playing days after court date