Wednesdays Back Pages Headlines

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A round-up of the latest football gossip from Wednesday's newspapers.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

Chelsea are weighing up a January bid to try to hijack Liverpool and Arsenal's interest in Monaco star Thomas Lemar as the club consider ways of increasing head coach Antonio Conte's options.

Manchester City are moving closer to securing Gabriel Jesus to a new, enhanced long-term contract.

Mohamed Salah is likely to be the next Liverpool star rested after Jurgen Klopp revealed the Egyptian's controversial substitution against Everton was precautionary due to a 'little' hamstring issue.

Alan Pardew is set for a transfer summit with West Bromwich Albion's hierarchy on Friday after confirming his interest in Danny Ings.

Claude Puel has issued a firm defence of his record at Southampton and insisted his "boring" reputation is undeserved, ahead of his return to St Mary's.

THE SUN

Chelsea are in pole position to bag Juventus defender Alex Sandro from under the noses of Manchester United.

Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge will ponder a move abroad next month in a bid to save his World Cup hopes with Valencia and Real Betis keen.

West Ham are prepared to offload teenager Reece Oxford in a permanent deal to Borussia Monchengladbach.

Manchester City defender Danilo is wanted by old club Porto on loan for the remainder of the season.

Manchester United starlet Scott McTominay is wanted by a host of Championship clubs on loan next month.

Nigeria will be allowed to play in the World Cup next summer despite playing an ineligible player during qualifying - their 1-1 draw with Algeria was turned into a 3-0 defeat but did not affect their position.

DAILY MAIL

Chelsea have been rebuffed in a £22m move for Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey.

Rafa Benitez has set a deadline of Friday for Mike Ashley to tell him how much money he will have to spend in January.

THE GUARDIAN

Sam Allardyce has cancelled Everton's Christmas party after telling his players their form this season is no cause for celebration.

DAILY EXPRESS

Cristiano Ronaldo said he is excited at being reunited with Gareth Bale on the pitch, indicating that he wants him to stay at the Bernabeu.

DAILY MIRROR

Mauricio Pochettino will keep his players focused on Brighton by picking a full-strength team for Wednesday's match.

Jermain Defoe is set to go head to head with Marcus Rashford at Old Trafford on Wednesday - but does not regard him as a rival for a World Cup 2018 place.

Tottenham and Everton have joined the list of clubs keeping tabs on Hamburg's teenage striker Jann-Fiete Arp.

DAILY STAR

Wolves winger Ben Marshall is a target for Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday.

Aston Villa, Fulham and Wolves all want Bournemouth striker Lewis Grabban, who is currently on loan with Sunderland.