Arsenal told they must pay £52.8m release clause to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi – Paper talk | Transfer Centre News

All the top stories and transfer rumors from Friday’s papers…

TIMES

Real Sociedad have told Arsenal they must pay Martín Zubimendi’s €60m (around £52.8m) release clause if they want to sign the midfielder this month.

Tottenham are close to completing the signing of Pedro Porro from Sporting Lisbon in a deal worth €45m (£39.6m). Porro has agreed personal terms with Spurs over a five-year contract, with the final details of the transfer fee the only part to be agreed.

Wolves have agreed a deal to land Brazilian midfielder Joao Gomes from Flamengo. The Premier League club had a £15m bid for the 21-year-old accepted earlier this month before the move was called off as Lyon approached the Brazilian side.

World Athletics’ long-term strategy is likely to end trans and intersex athletes competing in the women’s category – and instead lead to the inclusion of elite men in the new ‘open’ classification.

Erling Haaland’s goalscoring streak has cost bookmakers more than any other player in Premier League history.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

Everton are expected to drop their asking price for Anthony Gordon after the forward missed training for a third day. Newcastle United are already confident of signing Gordon after talks with Everton about the England U21 international this week.

Everton hope to agree a deal worth up to £60m for Gordon, but are threatening to force Newcastle to leave and pursue other targets.

Chelsea have suffered a second setback in their bid to fill two key positions before the transfer window closes next week.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has claimed right-back Malo Gusto, who Chelsea bid this week, will not be sold this month, while an open proposal through Everton midfielder Amadou Onana has lost his return.

Chelsea could also make new bids for midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, despite having seen bids rejected by Benfica and Brighton.

The height of the legal interception is set to decrease across all global elite rugby, despite the many protests against the plans to play out the most seismic changes to the way the game has been played since becoming a professional.

SUN

Danny Ings has been given an injection in his injured knee to speed up his recovery. West Ham’s £15m new striker suffered a sickening strike almost 30 seconds into his debut on Saturday.

Leeds are negotiating with Juventus over the fee to sign USA star Weston McKennie. Whites boss Jesse Marsch wants to land his country – but Leeds’ bid of £20m plus add-ons falls short of Juve’s £30m valuation.

Manchester United are open to allowing four more players to leave before Tuesday’s transfer deadline – plus Charlie Savage. Robbie Savage’s son will join Forest Green Rovers on loan for the rest of the season.

Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son have been tipped to make a sensational double transfer to Newcastle.

Everton are considering a move for Dnipro striker Artem Dovbyk in a bid to boost their survival hopes.

Farhad Moshiri is staring into a financial black hole that could cost him up to £300m if he sells Everton.

Michail Antonio has been linked with a late January move to MLS.

Chelsea manager Graham Potter will sell the three-star player this month as he looks to rebuild his squad, according to reports.

daily mail

Southampton have made inquiries about Rennes winger Kamaldeen Sulemana.

Belgium have appointed Joachim Low, Mauricio Pochettino and Andre Villas-Boas for the managerial vacancy following the departure of Roberto Martinez, according to new reports.

Lyon have made inquiries about taking Tottenham right-back Djed Spence on loan until the end of the season.

ATHLETIC

Erling Haaland has a €200m (£175.5m) release clause attached to his Manchester City contract, which expires after two years, in the summer of 2024.

Real Madrid are set to activate Fran Garcia’s €10m (£8.8m) purchase option. Sources close to Garcia and Real have confirmed that a move is imminent, with the 23-year-old left-back set to remain on loan at Rayo Vallecano until the end of the season.

Bournemouth have agreed a deal to sign Antoine Semenyo at the third time of asking, having seen two previous bids rejected by Bristol City.

Mirror every day

Pep Guardiola has opened the door to a sensational return to Barcelona and claims he would leave Manchester City if the opportunity presented itself.

Ian Wright has urged Manchester United to offer out-of-favour striker Anthony Martial in a player-plus-cash deal for Harry Kane this summer – but the plan could face resistance from Joel Glazer.

Arsenal legend David Seaman reckons Mykhailo Mudryk’s absence will be a blessing in disguise.

Cristiano Ronaldo mocked Lionel Messi’s famous Barcelona goal celebration as his new side Al Nassr struggled in the Saudi Super Cup semi-finals on Thursday.

DAILY STAR

Former Everton manager Frank Lampard has broken his silence with a heartfelt message to the club’s supporters.

Jurgen Klopp admits he will never manage “over 70” with the German quick to deny replicating former Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson’s career.

NIGHT STANDARD

Chelsea have taken an interest in Moises Caicedo as Arsenal prepare to battle Brighton.

Ibrahima Bamba’s agent has denied rumors that the defender will complete a move to Arsenal, although did not rule out business being done before the transfer window closes.

West Ham expect Michail Antonio to remain at the club at the end of this month’s transfer window, although the striker says he has already held talks about a possible move.

DAILY EXPRESS

Manchester United are targeting a surprise move for Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias, according to reports in Spain.

Leeds are ‘confident’ they are leading the race to sign Juventus star Weston McKennie, with Arsenal and Tottenham also interested in securing his services.

Wimbledon bosses have reportedly been told by government sources not to allow pro-Russian protesters to disrupt the competition, as they did at the Australian Open on Wednesday night. Flags and T-shirts were seen at the tournament, although it was clear that they were banned beforehand.

DAILY NOTES

Celtic played hardball with Atlanta United and pitched for Giorgos Giakoumakis. The Major League Soccer side have submitted an offer for the Greek forward but the loan is with an option to buy at the end.

Former Hibs boss Shaun Maloney has been tipped as Wigan’s No.1 candidate to replace Kolo Toure as manager.

Midfielder Joe Aribo faces the prospect of being sacked by Southampton less than eight months after writing his name in Rangers history by netting in the Europa League final.

Bournemouth and Brentford could open the Premier League door for Scotland star Ross Stewart.

THE SCOTTISH SUN

Rangers will need £1.5m if they want to sign Nicolas Raskin this month. Standard Liege rejected the Ibrox side’s opening bid.

Fuming Hearts have slammed Blackpool boss Mick McCarthy after he accused the Jambos of being ‘dishonest’ over their pursuit of Toby Sibbick.