Football rumours from the media

What the papers say

Barcelona have their sights on Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, the Mail says. The 25-year-old appears to have the backing of French international team-mates Samuel Umtiti and Ousmane Dembele, and even manager Ernesto Valverde is apparently interested in a potential deal. However the paper says Pogba may still need to prove to club scouts he can fit in with Barcelona’s playing style should he wish a move to go ahead.

With less than a year to go on Olivier Giroud’s Chelsea contract, West Ham look to be positioning themselves to make a swoop for the forward in January, the Mirror reports. The Hammers have shown interest in the forward before but lost out to the Blues. Now, with his deal running down at Stamford Bridge, Manuel Pellegrini looks set to reignite West Ham’s interest.

Real Madrid appear set to ramp up their pursuit of Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, The Sun says. In order to secure a deal, Madrid are willing to offer Gareth Bale and cash, the paper says, but the Chelsea hierarchy look to have plans of their own to keep the 27-year-old at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United and Liverpool both have eyes on PSV Eindhoven’s Steven Bergwijn, The Sun reports. The Premier League rivals are said to have been alerted to the 21-year-old after a recent run of good form, which has seen the winger net four goals in 10 appearances, but the Eredivisie champions seem reluctant to let their star man leave, the paper says.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

Nicolo Barella: Arsenal are said to be tracking the Cagliari midfielder who has left a mark on Serie A and recently made his international debut for Italy. Citing local reports, the Metro says the Gunners are considering entering the race for the 21-year-old, who is reportedly valued at £44million.

Matthijs De Ligt: The Ajax star looks to be in high demand with Manchester United and Barcelona both thought to be keen on making a bid for the defender, but the Express reports that the current La Liga champions would likely be his preferred destination should he choose to leave his boyhood club.