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Friday's papers: Houssem Aouar, Jose Gimenez, Demarai Gray

Jose Gimenez and Demarai Gray could be set for moves to London, according to the football rumour mill.

What the papers say

Chelsea are considering a bid for Atletico Madrid star Jose Gimenez, The Sun reports. Frank Lampard is keen to strengthen his defence and has identified the 25-year-old Uruguayan as his main target, and as a long-term prospect. Gimenez made 27 appearances for Atletico last season and has attracted interest from several European clubs.

Tottenham are poised to sign Leicester's Demarai Gray on a free transfer in January, the Daily Express says. The 24-year-old winger was part of Leicester's title-winning outfit in 2015-16 but has slipped down the pecking order at the King Power Stadium, having not played for Brendan Rodgers in the current Premier League campaign. He is free to leave next summer, and Spurs are hoping to seal the deal in January.

England U21 v France U21 – UEFA European Under-21 Championship – Group C – Dino Manuzzi
France's Houssem Aouar (left) and England's Phil Foden jostle in an under-21 international (Nick Potts/PA)

Arsenal's chances of signing Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar may have firmed, with relations between the 22-year-old and his club having apparently soured, the Daily Mirror reports. Aouar, who was linked to the Gunners in the summer and remains a target for Mikel Arteta, refused to warm down after being an unused substitute in Lyon's win over Angers on Sunday. The France midfielder retreated to the dressing room a few minutes before the end of his side's 1-0 win, and has now been left out of the club's squad to play Reims this weekend.

Liverpool might look to offload winger Xherdan Shaqiri and forward Divock Origi in January, according to the Daily Express. The pair could fetch a combined total of £30million, giving Jurgen Klopp some room to bring in more recruits to bolster his defence, which was found lacking in this week's Champions League loss to Atalanta.

Everton v Manchester United – Premier League – Goodison Park
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still has his sights on Ousmane Dembele (Clive Brunskill/PA)

Manchester United are still keen to sign Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele, but may now switched to pursuing a loan deal, according to Spanish outlet Sport. The 23-year-old France forward was said to have been close to signing with United last summer but changed course when Ronald Koeman was appointed Barcelona manager. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still wants him on loan, however, and United are reportedly his keenest pursuers among several clubs in Europe expressing interest.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

Timothy Fosu-Mensah: The Dutch 22-year-old utility looks set to stay at Manchester United, after the club offered him a new deal to replace his current contract, which expires next summer, the Manchester Evening News reports.

Aberdeen v Celtic – Scottish Premiership – Pittodrie Stadium
Olivier Ntcham could be set for a move to West Brom (Jeff Holmes/PA)

Olivier Ntcham: The 24-year-old Celtic midfielder could be on his way to West Brom, says Football Insider.

Milot Rashica: The 24-year-old Werder Bremen winger is a target for Aston Villa, as well as several other clubs across Europe, says German's Kreiszeitung.

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Barcelona captain Lionel Messi pictured on November 7, 2020
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City37277393336088
2Arsenal37275589286186
3Liverpool372310484414379
4Aston Villa37208976562068
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs371961271611063
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle361761379572257
7Chelsea361691173611257
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd36166145256-454
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham371410135971-1252
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton361212125458-448
11Bournemouth37139155365-1248
12Crystal Palace371210155258-646
13Wolverhampton WanderersWolves37137175063-1346
14Fulham37128175159-844
15Everton37139153949-1040
16Brentford37109185461-739
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3789204766-1929
18Luton TownLuton3768235081-3126
RBurnley3759234076-3624
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd37372735101-6616


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