What the papers say

The ongoing saga of Paul Pogba at Manchester United continues with the Manchester Evening News reporting the 26-year-old has told his teammates he wants to leave the side at the end of the season. Ankle injuries have kept the France international to just six starts in the current campaign, with dressing room sources telling the paper that Pogba’s “head is not currently at the club”. In June the Frenchman said that he wanted a “new challenge” and former side Juventus, as well as Real Madrid, continue to circle the midfielder.

Staying in the north and 25-year-old England defender John Stones‘ future with Manchester City is in doubt, according to the Times. City manager Pep Guardiola wants to sign two centre-backs at the end of a campaign, which will likely see his side hand over the Premier League title. Pau Torres of Villarreal, Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar and Brighton’s Lewis Dunk are all considered future options by the Spaniard.

Aston Villa v Watford – Premier League – Villa Park
The skills of Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish have seen him become the league’s most-fouled player (David Davies/PA)

Orkun Kokcu has become hot property after impressing with Dutch club Feyenoord, according to the Daily Mail. Arsenal have been watching the 19-year-old for the last 18 months and may scoop him up in the summer transfer window. The Turkey under-21 midfielder’s value is likely to rise after he appears for his country’s senior side at Euro 2020, with Arsenal expecting to hand over in excess of £15 million to secure his services.

Arsenal v Olympique Lyonnais – Pre-Season Friendly – Emirates Stadium
Lyon’s Moussa Dembele (right) could be crossing the Channel in the summer (Nick Potts/PA)

Social media round-up

Players to watch

Luka Reischl: The 16-year-old Austrian striker’s performances with Red Bull Salzburg are being closely watched by Manchester City and Juventus, according to Calcio Mercato.

Chester v Liverpool – Pre-Season Friendly – Deva Stadium
Liverpool’s Loris Karius has attracted the wrong kind of attention at his current home (Mike Egerton/PA)

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