The top stories and transfer rumours from Thursday’s newspapers…
THE SUN
Manchester United are continuing their pursuit of Burnley midfielder Sander Berge this summer. The Red Devils could tie the Norwegian down to a contract worth £100,000 per week.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
After rumours are circling of a potential move to Manchester United, watch all of Sander Berge’s goals and assists in the Premier League during stints at both Sheffield United and Burnley.
Southampton’s pre-season clash with Lazio descended into chaos when players from both sides brawled on the hour mark.
Cole Palmer is back in Chelsea training following his summer holiday to Ibiza.
James Trafford could be a step nearer moving to Newcastle after Burnley signed a replacement.
THE TIMES
Enzo Fernandez is expected to be appointed one of Chelsea’s vice-captains despite having upset some of his team-mates by posting a video singing a racist and homophobic song about France footballers.
Olympic taekwondo champion, Jade Jones, refused to partake in drugs testing then escaped a ban after authorities agreed she bore no blame.
The London Stadium’s owner lost £20.9m in the last financial year according to its latest accounts, underlining the financial burden of West Ham’s home on the capital’s taxpayers.
Tottenham are increasingly confident of ending their search for a striker by signing Dominic Solanke before the start of the season.
THE ATHLETIC
Ange Postecoglou has claimed “you can see the growth” as Tottenham Hotspur’s pre-season tour has “run seamlessly”.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Michael Bridge says Dominic Solanke is on Tottenham’s list of forwards and believes the striker fits the mould of Ange Postecoglou.
Valencia appear to have pulled the plug on Javi Guerra’s proposed move to Atletico Madrid.
Crystal Palace are prepared to sanction the departure of Sam Johnstone if suitable offers arrive after the goalkeeper asked to leave Selhurst Park.
Lewis Grabban and Wes Morgan have returned to Nottingham Forest to take on roles in the academy.
Real Sociedad expect midfielder Martin Zubimendi to agree a move to Liverpool.
Manchester United are negotiating with Arsenal over a compensation fee for Chido Obi-Martin after the Danish youth international completed his medical at Carrington.
Southampton have rejected a bid from Trabzonspor for striker Paul Onuachu.
Aston Villa defender Lucas Digne has rejected a proposal to join Galatasaray.
THE GUARDIAN
Coca-Cola are under fire for the over-use of bottles and cups at the Paris 2024 Olympics despite organisers’ promise of the most eco-friendly Games in history.
The Premier League, English Football League and a number of other major governing bodies attended an emergency call with the government on Wednesday to discuss the potential for sport to be affected by the civil unrest across the country and how they can help to calm the rising tension.
THE I
Hooligans involved in the far-right violence erupting across the UK could be banned from attending football matches, i has learnt.
THE DAILY MAIL
The government have urged the country’s sports clubs to call for an end to the riots that have rocked the nation – and send out a message promoting community cohesion.
Kylian Mbappe has trained with his Real Madrid team-mates for the first time since joining the club this summer and is expected to shortly make his official debut.
Armando Broja will hold talks with Enzo Maresca in London to figure out his future, with Everton and Wolves among those interested in the Chelsea striker.
Novak Djokovic is set to donate the prize money he received for winning Olympic gold to ‘humanitarian causes’ after the Serbian won the men’s singles final against Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz.
THE TELEGRAPH
Crystal Palace eye up Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah in £25m deal to replace Marc Guehi.
The changing of the guard at Lord’s will continue when Guy Lavender leaves his post as MCC chief executive this year.
Kieran Trippier is on West Ham’s radar as they step up attempts to land a right-back ahead of the Premier League season starting next week.
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Oliver Skipp has attracted interest from all three of the clubs promoted to the Premier League last season – Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton.
Former Crystal Palace attacker Wilfried Zaha may now return for a third spell at the club – this time on loan from Galatasaray, who have agreed he can seek a move away.
THE INDEPENDENT
Former England cricket captain Nasser Hussain believes there are not many better options than “serial winner” Andy Flower for the vacant England white-ball head coach role but has doubts over whether he will get it.
Tennis player Sebastian Korda said he had achieved one of the biggest goals of his career by capturing the Washington Open title and emulating his father Petr, who won the tournament 32 years ago.
THE SCOTTISH SUN
Rangers have reportedly contacted Chelsea FC about signing Leo Castledine.
Brighton are poised to bid £25m for Celtic star Matt O’Riley.
Darren O’Dea is wanted by Raith Rovers as their new boss.
THE DAILY RECORD
Hannibal Mejbri has been linked to both Rangers and Celtic but will only be allowed to leave Manchester United this summer if a permanent offer is made for the midfielder.
James McCarthy is no longer listed as a Celtic player on the club’s official website as his Hoops career plunges into further anonymity.
St Johnstone owner Adam Webb wants to join forces with fellow clubs to bring alcohol sales back in Scottish football grounds.