What the papers say
Newcastle have suffered a setback after having a bid for Lille defender Sven Botman knocked back, according to the Telegraph. A fee of £30million had reportedly been discussed to secure the Magpies a statement signing. Botman is said to be interested in the move, but Lille are determined to keep the 21-year-old Dutchman. The same paper reports Newcastle are also chasing Burnley defender James Tarkowski.
The battle for Erling Haaland continues, with the Mirror writing Barcelona are confident in their ability to land the 21-year-old Norway international after signing Ferran Torres. Striker Haaland’s release clause at Borussia Dortmund is a reported £70m.
The Express reports Kieran Trippier is close to making St James’ Park his new home. The paper reports Newcastle have managed to break through in talks with Atletico Madrid, with the clubs set to agree a £25m fee for the 31-year-old England defender.
Social media round-up
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Sven Botman could follow a deal for Kieran Trippier #NUFChttps://t.co/BU6NfDUB5N— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) January 4, 2022
Mauro Icardi 'set to complete £2m loan deal with £30m option for permanent deal’ in summer https://t.co/iMMTgqVvJV— The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball) January 4, 2022
Players to watch
Oliver Skipp: Manchester United are said to be looking at the 21-year-old Tottenham man as a possible signing to bolster their midfield, according to the Daily Star.
Antonio Rudiger: Real Madrid, Paris St Germain, Bayern Munich and Juventus have all opened talks with the Chelsea player over a pre-contract agreement, Sky Sports reports.
