Football rumours from the media: Chelsea eye Mauro Icardi and Krzysztof Piatek

What the papers say

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is looking to his home country for reinforcements, according to the Mail. The Italian has reportedly identified Inter Milan striker Mauro Icardi as a main target, although the Argentinian apparently has a £97.9million release fee that is not active until the summer. The paper also claims Sarri wants to bring Genoa forward Krzysztof Piatek to Stamford Bridge and he is seen as a more realistic January addition.

Real Madrid have approached former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, reports the Mirror. The Champions League holders are struggling under Julen Lopetegui and it is claimed they have sounded out Conte. The paper adds that Real hiring Conte would boost Chelsea’s hopes of keeping Eden Hazard, with it being claimed the duo had a difficult relationship at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester City have their eyes on midfield duo Ruben Neves and Frenkie de Jong, says ESPN. Wolves’ Neves has impressed in his first season in the Premier League while fellow 21-year-old De Jong has been linked with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United. The website claims City boss Pep Guardiola wanted to boost his midfield in the summer but the club is willing to wait until the end of the season to make additions.

Fulham are ready to offer Ryan Sessegnon a new contract, claims the Mail. The 18-year-old is highly rated and scored his first Premier League goal at the weekend. And now the paper writes he will be offered a long-term deal to keep him at Craven Cottage.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers could cost any potential suitor £9million to secure his services, according to the Sun. The former Liverpool manager has been linked with Newcastle and Leicester but the compensation figure the Scottish club will ask for could prove a problem.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

Morgan Gibbs-White: Wolves’ 18-year-old midfielder is on England manager Gareth Southgate’s radar, according to the Mail.

Divock Origi: Reports in Turkey claim the Liverpool forward is wanted by both Galatasaray and Besiktas.

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