The top stories and transfer rumours from Saturday’s newspapers…
THE SUN
Liverpool are interested in launching transfer swoops for Joao Pedro and Jeremie Frimpong, according to reports.
Violent football ultras have been organising sick Fight-Club style brawls in forests across Europe to avoid detection by police.
DAILY MAIL
Liverpool’s staff Christmas Party – at the city’s Anglican cathedral – was shut down early after suspected drug paraphernalia was found in the toilets.
England will not now travel to America for two June friendlies after Friday’s World Cup qualifying draw placed them in a five-team group.
Lionel Messi has revealed that Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal reminds him of himself when he was a youngster.
Wayne Rooney gives no thought to a potential sacking by Plymouth and insists he is focusing on improving the squad in January.
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Wayne Rooney responds to criticism following his Plymouth side’s struggles.
Paul Pogba has provided an update on his future with a cryptic Instagram post on the back of his Juventus exit.
DAILY MIRROR
Bruno Fernandes says Manchester United have too many problems of their own to think about Manchester City’s crisis ahead of Sunday’s derby.
Bruno Fernandes says Manchester must focus on themselves ahead of the derby
Regis Le Bris has insisted Sunderland’s “foundations are still strong” after losing Tommy Watson for two months.
THE TIMES
Debbie Hewitt, the chairwoman of the FA and Britain’s Fifa vice-president, is not expected to run for Uefa’s executive committee when the former Manchester United chief executive David Gill steps down in April, having come to the end of this term limit.
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FA chair Debbie Hewitt – who is also a FIFA vice-president – has defended the governing body’s decision to back hosting the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
The exodus of senior executives from Aston Villa shows little sign of halting, with Paul Tyrrell, who had a number of senior roles at the club, the latest to depart to take over as chief operating officer at Nottingham Forest.
Tom Ilube and Bill Sweeney have been told “there is no trust left” as senior figures in the Championship called for a government review into the RFU’s leadership of the game and pressed for clubs in England to support a no-confidence debate.
THE ATHLETIC
England manager Thomas Tuchel has said he needs to “prove himself” after the mixed reaction to his appointment.
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England manager Thomas Tuchel speaks to Sky Sports after discovering his side’s opponents for World Cup qualifying
Marc Skinner said comments made by Sir Jim Ratcliffe were ‘hard’ to hear but insists Manchester United Women’s team are supported.
THE INDEPENDENT
New England manager Thomas Tuchel will speak to Ben White and offer the Arsenal defender a “clean start” when he takes charge in the new year.
Could Ben White return to the England fold?
DAILY TELEGRAPH
Phil Vickery, the 2003 World Cup winner, has revealed his diagnosis of probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and spoken for the first time about the brain damage he has suffered from head injuries during his career.
THE GUARDIAN
Julen Lopetegui has revealed the West Ham squad will visit Michail Antonio over the weekend as the forward continues his recovery after a “miracle” escape from a car accident.
San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said linebacker De’Vondre Campbell won’t be part of the 49ers moving forward after he refused to enter a game after losing his starting job.
DAILY RECORD
Rangers are reportedly set to sign a deal that will see Umbro take over as their new kit suppliers from the start of next season.
