Football rumours from the media

What the papers say

Manchester City have emerged as the leading candidates to sign Aston Villa’s most in-demand player Jack Grealish, according to the Daily Mail. The 25-year-old England midfielder has been the subject of keen interest from several clubs, including Manchester United. But now their rivals are said to be best poised to swoop for Grealish, who could fetch as much as £100m.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has reportedly dropped a hint he can see a finish line to his time at Anfield. The German, in his sixth year with the Reds, has told the Bild newspaper he plans on taking a year-long sabbatical from management when he leaves the club. Klopp, 53, has been tight-lipped on his intentions for when his current contract expires in the summer of 2022.

Manchester City are also keen on young Swedish full-back Gabriel Gudmundsson, according to Calciomercato. The 21-year-old son of former Blackburn and Ipswich striker Niklas Gudmundsson has been making a name for himself this season at Dutch club Groningen. Juventus are also said to be interested in Gudmundsson, who is under contract until next year.

Liverpool are poised to bid for Inter Milan and Italy centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, Gazzetta dello Sport reports. The 21-year-old has caught the eye of several European rivals this season, with Bayern Munich and Barcelona said to be Liverpool’s main competition. Signing him would likely cost in the region of £43million.

Leicester could be set to further strengthen their Turkish brigade with a move for 20-year-old Feyenoord midfielder Orkun Kokcu, according to Spainish outlet La Razon. The Foxes, already with Caglar Soyuncu and Cengiz Under in their ranks, would need to part with a reduced fee of around £10m for the 20-year-old, who has also attracted the interest of Sevilla, Arsenal and Leeds.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

Edinson Cavani: The Uruguay striker could be leaving Manchester United after just one season to join Boca Juniors in Argentina, Infobae reports.

Emiliano Martinez: The 28-year-old Aston Villa keeper is being eyed off by Manchester United, Football Insider says.

Matthew Hoppe: The 20-year-old American striker could switch from Schalke to Tottenham, although Liverpool are also interested, according to Transfermarkt.