MX23RW : Friday, November 8 13:47:28| >> :60:698:698:

Thursday's papers: Lionel Messi, Jadon Sancho, Adama Traore

Thursday's papers: Lionel Messi, Jadon Sancho, Adama Traore
© Reuters
Could one of the world's best be leaving Barcelona for the north of England?

What the papers say

Manchester City believe they are Lionel Messi's first choice as a new club if the Argentinian leaves Barcelona at the end of the season, according to the Manchester Evening News. The 32-year-old has reportedly fallen out with Nou Camp sporting director Eric Abidal and may be looking elsewhere to continue his illustrious career. The forward is close friends with City's chief executive Ferran Soriano and football director Txiki Begiristain, and Sky Blues boss Pep Guardiola knows the player well from their time together at Barcelona.

Manchester United and Chelsea kept a keen eye on Jadon Sancho in January but had to walk away due to a lack of available funds. The Sun reports both clubs are interested in securing the 19-year-old's signature at the end of the current Bundesliga campaign, during which he has scored six goals for Borussia Dortmund.

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Slovan Bratislava – UEFA Europa League – Group K – Molineux
Wolves' Adama Traore (left) started his career with Barcelona (Nick Potts/PA)

Wide forwards are expected to be in demand during the summer window, with Wolves reportedly bracing for heavy interest in Adama Traore. The Daily Telegraph says "record-breaking bids" are predicted for the 24-year-old Spaniard, who has lit up Molineux after spells with Aston Villa and Middlesbrough. He started his career with Barcelona and LaLiga clubs now want to snare him back.

The race for Moussa Dembele's signature is heating up with Manchester United and Chelsea in contention. The French striker could leave Lyon in the summer and Frank Lampard has been given a war chest from Chelsea management to secure the versatile 23-year-old striker, while Old Trafford are also interested, according to the Daily Mail.

View this post on Instagram

No matter what they say Positive attitude always!!! #A⚡️

A post shared by Aubameyang (@aubameyang97) on

The Daily Mirror reports Abidal has hinted Barcelona could attempt to sign Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the summer. The Gunners and Gabon captain was previously linked with a move to the Catalan side, and Abidal expressed his interest in quotes carried by the paper. He said of the 30-year-old striker: "It is good to bring this profile of player who can be in the market and can help you. We'll see what will happen."

Social media round-up

Players to watch

Adrian: The Daily Mail reports the 33-year-old Spaniard's former club Real Betis are interested in the Liverpool custodian.

Manchester City v Cardiff City – Premier League – Etihad Stadium
Manchester City's Leroy Sane has changed agents, frustrating plans to keep him in the north (Martin Rickett/PA)

Leroy Sane: City's plans to re-sign the 24-year-old Germany international have been delayed after the winger changed agents, the Telegraph says.

ID:388889: cacheID:388889:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:15033:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Edinson Cavani in action for PSG on January 5, 2020
Read Next:
Monday's papers: Edinson Cavani, Mesut Ozil, Jadon Sancho
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
FT
Bengals
34-35
Ravens
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona12110140112933
2Real Madrid1173121111024
3Atletico MadridAtletico126511871123
4Villarreal116322019121
5Osasuna126331716121
6Athletic Bilbao125431812619
7Real BetisBetis125431210219
8Mallorca12534109118
9Rayo Vallecano114431210216
10Celta Vigo125161820-216
11Real Sociedad124351010015
12GironaGirona124351517-215
13Sevilla124351217-515
14AlavesAlaves124171419-513
15Leganes122551216-411
16Getafe12174810-210
17Espanyol123181122-1110
18Las PalmasLas Palmas122371321-89
19Real ValladolidValladolid12228924-158
20Valencia11146817-97


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!