Paper Talk: Wednesday's football transfer rumours and gossip as Real Madrid target Raheem Sterling

Daily Mail

• Real Madrid are set to intensify their interest in Raheem Sterling following the England star's super show in Seville.
• Paul Scholes claims Manchester United have sunk so low that even Lionel Messi would struggle at Old Trafford under Jose Mourinho.
• Celtic have rubbished reports that Daniel Arzani is heading back to Manchester City before the end of his loan spell.
• American investors are lining up a £300m bid for Newcastle but a prospective deal could collapse amid relegation fears.

Daily Express

• Raheem Sterling's sparkling display for England has strengthened his hand in contract negotiations with Manchester City amid continuing interest from Real Madrid.
• Jose Mourinho is set to be in the technical area for Manchester United's visit to Chelsea despite being charged by the FA.
• Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck has revealed he will do all he can to ensure Eden Hazard extends his stay at Stamford Bridge.
• Krzysztof Piątek's agent has confirmed they are yet to receive a formal offer for the Polish international striker amid rumoured interest from Chelsea.

The Sun

• Everton have joined the race for Aaron Ramsey and could offer up to £150k a week for the Arsenal midfielder.
• Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is ready to step up his pursuit of £80m Ajax star Frenkie De Jong.
• Bournemouth are planning contract talks with Scottish sensation Ryan Fraser.
• Angel Di Maria could be open to a return to the Premier League. After departing Manchester United for Paris Saint-Germain in 2015, the 30-year-old midfielder is said to be ready to leave Ligue 1 at the end of his contract next season, with negotiations with foreign clubs a possibility in January.

Daily Star

• Jose Mourinho has demanded Manchester United sort new contracts for Juan Mata and Ander Herrera.

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The Telegraph

• Tottenham have joined the race for former Chelsea defender Nathan Ake. Spurs are looking to reinforce their defensive options, with 23-year-old Ake being targeted as a potential prospect. The Bournemouth player is also said to have attracted interest from Manchester United, but any move next summer hinges on Chelsea, who reportedly have first say whether to bring the Dutchman back to Stamford Bridge.

Evening Standard

• Manchester United are turning their attentions to David de Gea in a bid to keep the goalkeeper at Old Trafford for the long term. The club are expected to trigger a 12-month option on the 27-year-old's contract, meaning he would stay at the Red Devils until at least 2020, but it remains to be seen whether he will commit to a deal.
• Marcos Alonso is near to completing a contract extension at Chelsea. The 27-year-old defender has impressed at Stamford Bridge under both former coach Antonio Conte and now in Maurizio Sarri's set-up, with a deal set be finalised in the next few days.

The Scottish Sun

• Former Ross County manager Jim McIntyre is the front-runner to replace Neil McCann at Dundee.
• Northern Ireland chiefs have blocked Kyle Lafferty from playing for Rangers at Hamilton on Sunday.

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