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Friday's papers: Paul Pogba, David de Gea, Callum Hudson-Odoi

Manchester United or Real Madrid? The battle for Paul Pogba looks to be heating up.

What the papers say

Manchester United may have to be prepared to break the bank if they want to keep Paul Pogba for the long term. The Sun reports that the club are open to starting negotiations with the Frenchman, but he is said to want a top pay packet of £500,000 a week. With Real Madrid reported to be lining up a summer bid for the 23-year-old midfielder, United may be willing to meet the demands.

Meanwhile, United look poised to agree to David De Gea's wage request to fend off Paris St Germain, the Independent says. The goalkeeper has been in lengthy talks with the club amid a deadlock on a demand for a £350,000-a-week salary, it says, but that could be about to change as the clock ticks down on the Spaniard's current contract – which ends next summer.

Neil Warnock File Photo
Is Neil Warnock considering his future at Cardiff? (Aaron Chown/PA)

Neil Warnock could be set to leave Cardiff at the end of the season, the Mail says. It is reported several players believe the Bluebirds boss may end his reign at the end of the term even if he can save the side from relegation. The club currently hold the final relegation spot, five points adrift of Burnley, Southampton and Brighton.

After Steve McClaren's sacking, attentions are turning to the former QPR boss' replacement. According to the Evening Standard, former Tottenham and Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood looks to be leading the race, with Charlton manager Lee Bowyer and Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth also tipped to be among the shortlist.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

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Countdown to a big day. 🔴 Let's go, United!

A post shared by Eric Bailly (@ericbailly24) on

Eric Bailly: The Manchester United defender could be heading to Real Madrid, The Sun reports, with Zinedine Zidane said to be targeting the 24-year-old for a £35million move in the summer.

Declan Rice and Callum Hudson-Odoi:  In a bid to strengthen his squad with British players, Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is said to be eyeing the England international duo, The Times says.

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Eric Bailly in action for Manchester United on August 19, 2018
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool22165154213353
2Arsenal23138244212347
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2313553327644
4Manchester CityMan City23125647301741
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle23125641271441
6Chelsea23117545301540
7Bournemouth23117541261540
8Aston Villa2310763435-137
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2381053531434
10Fulham238963431333
11Brentford2394104240231
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd2385102832-429
13Crystal Palace236982630-427
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham2376102844-1627
15Tottenham HotspurSpurs2373134637924
16Everton225891928-923
17Leicester CityLeicester2345142549-2417
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2344153252-2016
19Ipswich TownIpswich2337132147-2616
20Southampton2313191653-376


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