What the papers say
Ajax boss Erik Ten Tag has emerged as an option to take over permanently at Manchester United if Ralf Rangnick fails to make an impression, according to the Mirror. The paper says Ten Hag, 51, has admitted he wants a new challenge and it is thought the Red Devils are looking for someone who can bring the best out of under-performing players.
The Mail reports Arsenal will struggle to hold onto young forward Khayon Edwards. The 18-year-old is in the final year of his scholarship with the Gunners, for whom he has scored 14 times this season. The paper says Bundesliga clubs Hertha Berlin, RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen are all interested in Edwards.
He has scored an impressive 17 goals in the Championship this term but the asking price for Blackburn striker Ben Brereton Diaz is reportedly just too much for Leeds. The Sun says the Whites have been put off by Rovers wanting £25million for the Chile international, with Spain’s Sevilla also interested in the 22-year-old.
The paper also reports Liverpool will sell defender Nat Phillips, but will not allow him to leave on loan to West Ham. The 24-year-old is being courted by the Irons as cover for the injured Angelo Ogbonna and the Reds will sign off on his departure – though only if it is permanent and the London club pay a £10m transfer fee.
Social media round-up
Arsenal transfer round-up: £68m target told to "choose Guardiola" as Barcelona eye Aubameyanghttps://t.co/00Ap20RVLcpic.twitter.com/PAL6JkyU6S— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) December 13, 2021
Everton, Newcastle or West Ham must pay £42m in wages to snap up Aaron Ramseyhttps://t.co/UPgaZPQGeDpic.twitter.com/aET0ZfANa8— Daily Star Sport (@DailyStar_Sport) December 12, 2021
Players to watch
Divock Origi: Italy’s Tuttomercato reports the Liverpool and Belgium striker, 26, is being targeted by AC Milan and Atalanta.
Rodrygo: The Reds have been heavily linked with a move for the 20-year-old Brazilian, but Fabrizio Romano says Real Madrid do not plan to offload the forward.
Steve Cook: Newcastle have been priced out of a deal for Burnley defender James Tarkowski so will instead attempt to sign the 30-year-old from Bournemouth, according to the Sun.
