What the papers say
Uncertainty is building over Raheem Sterling's future at Manchester City amid reports contract negotiations have reached a deadlock. The Guardian says the forward is looking for a basic wage rise to at least £220,000 a week, and with his current deal due to run out in the summer, both sides are likely to want a resolution soon.
Ex-Dundee defender Steven Caulker could be swapping the UK for the Ukraine. According to the Mirror, the 26-year-old, who has been without a club since leaving Dens Park on transfer-deadline day, is mulling over an offer from Arsenal Kiev, and is said to have held talks with the club's hierarchy.
Marcus Bettinelli looks close to securing his future at Fulham, the Daily Mail reports. The goalkeeper's contract currently runs to the end of next season, but the Cottagers want to hold on to the 26-year-old – who was recently called into the England squad – and are poised to offer a new deal by the end of this month, the paper says.
Good first few days training with the boys. Delighted and extremely proud to have been called up. Thanks so much for everybody's messages 🙌🏻👍🏻 @england pic.twitter.com/lplEyGy2Sc
— Marcus Bettinelli (@marcusbettss) September 6, 2018
Chelsea appear to be the frontrunners to snatch Fiorentina midfielder Federico Chiesa, The Sun reports. It is thought the Blues will make a move for the 20-year-old in the January transfer window and could even beat European clubs such as Napoli to his signature – despite a £63million price tag.
Social media round-up
Focused Marko Arnautovic offers Manuel Pellegrini his clearest West Ham hope. By @JacobSteinberg https://t.co/K6gnqdQWBQ
— Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) September 18, 2018
Liverpool star set for shock recall to face PSG https://t.co/u0vLxbroMR pic.twitter.com/tI7Xv0VrAU
— The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball) September 17, 2018
Players to watch
John Terry: After rejecting a possible move to Russian club Spartak Moscow, the former Chelsea defender is said to be weighing up his playing options. According to the Birmingham Mail, his most recent team, Championship side Aston Villa, could offer the 37-year-old a lifeline if he decides to put off a move into management for another season.
Heung-min Son: The Tottenham forward is being linked with Bayern Munich – weeks after being spared military service for South Korea. The Sun says the 26-year-old has impressed the German club during his time at Spurs.
