Joe McConnell
The most important news and transfer rumours published in Friday’s newspapers…
THE TIMES
Wilfried Zaha is open to the idea of returning to Crystal Palace after just a year in Turkey with Galatasaray.
U.S. anti-doping officials have allowed three athletes caught doping to go unpunished if they turned whistleblower, accusing their counterparts at the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) of “going soft” following criticism of the decision.
Real Sociedad have launched a prestige offensive to try to keep Martin Zubimendi at the club, despite interest from Liverpool.
THE SUN
Former Manchester United player David de Gea has been contacted by Serie A side Fiorentina, who are looking for a new goalkeeper.
Liverpool are reportedly set to lose Hoffenheim striker Maximilian Beier after the 21-year-old rejected interest from Anfield in favour of staying in the Bundesliga, with a possible move to Borussia Dortmund on the cards.
Lithuanian athlete Mykolas Alekna broke the Olympic record his father had set 20 years earlier during the discus throw final in Paris.
Formula One bosses will hold talks with Rwandan officials next month over a proposal for a Grand Prix that would bring the sport back to Africa for the first time in three decades.
THE ATHLETIC
Chelsea striker Raheem Sterling has said he wants to play for England under the club’s new manager, after almost two years in the dugout under previous boss Gareth Southgate.
Raheem Sterling Wants to Return to the England Field
Former Tottenham and Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino is a top target for the United States men’s national team.
Lamare Bogarde is close to agreeing a new long-term deal with Aston Villa.
THE GUARDIAN
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder urges patience as he begins a rebuilding of the club following the departure of 16 players this summer.
Former British Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies has encouraged women defeated by two boxers embroiled in the Olympic gender controversy to challenge the results of their bouts.
Ethiopian athlete Lamecha Girma has regained consciousness and is talking after a nasty fall in the 3,000-meter steeplechase final at the Paris Olympics on Wednesday night.
THE TELEGRAPH
Rocky Flintoff, the 16-year-old son of England legend Andrew, played his first major match as a professional cricketer, top-scoring 88 for Lancashire against Middlesex.
A police investigation has been launched to establish how Medhi Narjissi, a 17-year-old rugby player affiliated with Toulouse, disappeared at sea while on tour with the French Under-18 team in South Africa.
The I
Former Chelsea and Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino is believed to be open to replacing Gareth Southgate, while Lee Carsley is expected to take over on an interim basis.
Mauricio Pochettino is in demand
DAILY MAIL
Atletico Madrid have reportedly attempted to back out of the signing of Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.
Manchester United came close to breaching the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability (PSR) rules last season, but managed to comply with the restrictions after the club was granted two “exceptional allowances”.
Chelsea announced their eighth signing of the summer on Thursday as Aaron Anselmino joins a growing list.
Liverpool youngster Lewis Koumas has agreed a new deal with the Anfield club after an impressive season in which he swept away Jurgen Klopp’s first-team plans, with the 18-year-old now close to securing a loan move to a Championship side.
THE INDEPENDENT
Olympic swimmers, among the healthiest people on the planet, are turning to an unlikely and unscientific solution to avoid getting sick while competing in the polluted waters of the Seine River in Paris: drinking cans of Coca-Cola.
THE SCOTTISH SUN
Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski is reportedly close to signing for Spanish side Girona.
Celtic are finally on the verge of signing Norwich City striker Adam Idah after making an improved offer of £5.5m.
Celtic are interested in bringing Ben Doak back to the club as part of a double-header by Liverpool, which includes midfielder Bobby Clark.
Rangers manager Phillipe Clement is prepared to let Ianis Hagi leave the club on a free transfer despite his performances at Euro 2024.
