All the top stories and transfer rumors from Thursday’s newspapers…
THE ATHLETIC
Manchester United CEO Richard Arnold is preparing to leave Old Trafford following confirmation that Sir Jim Ratcliffe will take charge of the club’s football operations.
DAILY TELEGRAM
Newcastle United have held internal discussions with lawyers over the possibility of cutting Sandro Tonali’s wages after his 10-month ban for gambling offenses at AC Milan was confirmed.
THE SUN
Newcastle United are targeting a shock move for former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, one of the high-profile players to leave for Saudi Arabia this summer.
Gary Lineker believes England could use Jude Bellingham as a real striker after his excellent start as a Real Madrid player.
Newcastle United could have a better chance at Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha in January, amid reports in Germany claiming Bayern Munich have cooled their interest due to an alleged knee problem.
Barcelona are trying to ease the cash crunch by selling off parts of the Nou Camp as they become available during the demolition, and that includes creating ethical and sustainable diamonds made from the carbon of the grass from their final match of last season.
DAILY MAIL
Sheffield United are prepared to sack manager Paul Heckingbottom if they lose at Arsenal this weekend, with former boss Chris Wilder in line to replace him.
Aaron Wan Bissaka should be back in Manchester United’s plans within the next ten days after returning to full training.
Burnley are in talks over a talent-sharing deal with Dundee, while Turf Moor club owners ALK Capital are looking to sign a feeder club for Vincent Kompany’s side.
Organizers of The Masters and The Open are ignoring calls to create exemptions for players who continue to represent LIV Golf.
Amir Khan has revealed he is in talks with Manny Pacquiao for an epic fight that could take place in Saudi Arabia.
DAILY EXPRESS
Arsenal’s attempts to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney could be dependent on Real Madrid following up on their interest in Gabriel Jesus due to their desire to remain financially prudent.
THE TIMES
Wasps are considering joining the United Rugby Championship on their return to professional rugby union, rather than playing in the English leagues.
Police in Norway have opened a criminal investigation into allegations that Olympic 1500 meters champion Jakob Ingebritsen and two of his brothers were physically abused by their father, who was also their coach.
THE GUARDIAN
David Datro Fofana has been suspended for a week by Union Berlin after the Chelsea loanee refused to shake hands with head coach Urs Fischer after being taken off against Napoli on Tuesday.
DAILY MIRROR
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett believes the current generation of officials is not up to standards and suggested some have become lazy.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney considered investing in Scottish club Arbroath before ultimately deciding to put their money in Wrexham.
DAILY RECORD
Alistair Johnston says Celtic team-mate Matt O’Riley should be valued at around £50 million after the midfielder’s meteoric rise was highlighted on social media by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.