Arsenal have been given encouragement in their pursuit of Julian Alvarez, with Atletico Madrid reportedly prepared to sell the striker after changing their previous position, according to Saturday’s Daily Express.
The Spanish club had not been willing to consider Alvarez’s departure, but are now said to be open to a deal with the Gunners. The report makes the striker the leading transfer story in the day’s newspapers.
Brighton, meanwhile, have rejected a second offer from Liverpool for winger Yankuba Minteh. The Daily Mirror says the Seagulls are holding out for £70m before they will consider selling the player.
Chelsea are continuing efforts to reduce the size of their group of centre-backs before the summer transfer window closes, reports the Daily Mail. New manager Xabi Alonso is only interested in working with a maximum of five central defenders during the coming season.
Manchester United are working hard to complete their remaining signings as the new Premier League campaign gets under way, according to the Daily Star. The report says the club are trying to get deals over the line at the start of the new season.
Premier League record-breaker Max Dowman has received his GCSE results and is leaving school to begin his first season as a full-time professional footballer, the Daily Mail reports.
Away from the transfer market, Prime Minister Andy Burnham is exploring a bid for the United Kingdom to host the men’s World Cup. The Independent says the proposal is being considered alongside plans for a Northern Olympics.
Former Liverpool hero Mohamed Salah has also been reunited with inspirational Liverpool supporter Isaac Kearney in Turkey. The Daily Mirror describes the meeting as a heartwarming reunion.
In Scotland, Rangers could turn to Lens striker Rayan Fofana as a short-term replacement for Youssef Chermiti, who has been ruled out through injury, according to the Scottish Sun.
Celtic have suffered a significant injury setback involving Alistair Johnston. The right-back is facing an extended period on the sidelines, forcing manager Martin O’Neill to examine several alternatives in the final two weeks of the transfer window, the Scottish Sun reports.
Dundee manager Jim Goodwin has confirmed that Will Ferry will miss the Dundee derby. However, Ferry is not expected to leave Tannadice at this stage, despite the speculation surrounding the United left-back throughout the summer transfer window.
The newspapers also report developments in tennis. Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the US Open while continuing his recovery from a right knee injury, according to the Daily Express.
Jack Draper will also miss the US Open because of a long-running bone-bruising injury. The Independent says the problem has disrupted the last season and a half of the British player’s career.