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Friday's papers: James Rodriguez, Bruno Fernandes, Mario Mandzukic

Friday's papers: James Rodriguez, Bruno Fernandes, Mario Mandzukic
© Reuters
Arsenal said to preparing bid for James Rodriguez.

What the papers say

Arsenal are preparing a bid for Real Madrid's Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez, according to Spanish website Eldesmarque. The struggling Gunners are said to be ready to pay 42 million Euros (£35million) for the 28-year-old midfielder, but Real would prefer at least 50 million euros. Rodriguez is said to favour a move to either Paris St Germain or Inter Milan.

Manuel Pellegrini has two games in which to save his future at West Ham, the Daily Mail reports. After their tumble in recent weeks from fifth to 17th in the Premier League table, the Hammers hierarchy have been losing patience with the Chilean. Poor results against Chelsea on Saturday and Wolves next Wednesday could spell the end for Pellegrini, with David Moyes, Eddie Howe and Sean Dyche all said to be options to replace him.

West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur – Premier League – London Stadium
Manuel Pellegrini is struggling to hold onto his job at West Ham (John Walton/PA)

Tottenham target Bruno Fernandes still wants to leave Sporting Lisbon despite signing a new contract with the club, the Daily Mail reports. Fernandes' new deal does include a release clause said to be worth more than £60million.

Willian says he has no plans to speak with other clubs in January despite rumours of disquiet at Chelsea, according to the Daily Mail. This is despite his contract stand-off with Chelsea taking an odd twist, with the Brazilian saying he has not been offered a new contract, and the club insisting he has. Willian's current deal expires at the end of the season.

Manchester City v Chelsea – Premier League – Etihad Stadium
Chelsea's Willian, whose contract wrangling with the club has taken a twist (Nick Potts/PA)

Manchester United have dropped out of the chase to sign 33-year-old Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic, website Inside Futbol reports. The Croatian had been on United's wish list last summer and had been mentioned among January possibilities for the club, but his lack of recent game time has deterred the Old Trafford outfit.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

Kylian Mbappe: The French World Cup winner is set to leave Paris St Germain for Real Madrid, according to Le Parisien.

Jadon Sancho: Borussia Dortmund say they will be willing to listen to offers for the England winger in January, The Independent says, with a host of English clubs interested.

Merih Demiral: Manchester City and Arsenal are keen, but AC Milan head the race to sign the Juventus and Turkey defender, Calciomercato reports.

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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool18143145172845
2Arsenal20117239182140
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest1911442619737
4Chelsea20106439241536
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle20105534221235
6Manchester CityMan City2010463627934
7Bournemouth209653023733
8Aston Villa209563032-232
9Fulham197842825329
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2061043029128
11Brentford208393835327
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs20731042301224
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham206592439-1523
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd196492126-522
15Crystal Palace204972128-721
16Everton193881525-1017
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1944113142-1116
18Ipswich TownIpswich1936101833-1515
19Leicester CityLeicester2035122344-2114
20Southampton2013161244-326


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