Thursday’s newspaper top news and transfer rumors…
football
Cristian Romero’s rant against Tottenham’s hierarchy puts him back in Atletico Madrid’s attention – The Sun
Lionel Messi is being linked with a return to boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys after admitting his dream of playing for the club – Daily Mirror
Crystal Palace agreed a £27 million deal in principle to sell Eddie Nketiah to West Ham United, but the move was abandoned due to injury – The Sun
Feyenoord is one of the clubs contacted regarding free agent former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard – Daily Mail
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has suffered another blow after returning to football. Frenchman has been left out of Monaco’s squad for the Champions League knockout stages – Daily Mirror
Manchester United have brought five young players into training ahead of Saturday’s game against Tottenham, including striker JJ Gabriel – Daily Mirror
scottish football
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain reportedly close to agreeing a contract with Celtic – Scottish Sun
cricket
Lord’s could host Test matches on a drop-in pitch as early as 2029 as part of a drastic response to problems with tired and lifeless grounds at the home of cricket – Daily Mail
rugby union
ITV to air advertising during Six Nations coverage, marking landmark moment for sports television in the UK – The Times
Welsh rugby’s off-field turmoil explodes as Swansea Council launches legal action against Wales Rugby Union (WRU) and Ospreys owners Y11 Sports and Media – The Times
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend joins Newcastle Red Bulls after expiring contract with Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) – Daily Telegraph
Top-end tickets to the inaugural Nations Championship final at Twickenham will cost £280 as part of a weekend billed as the ‘Glastonbury of Rugby’ – The Guardian
winter olympics
Britain’s best chance for Olympic gold at the Milan-Cortina Games suffered a major setback when a new aerodynamic racing helmet intended to be used by the world’s leading skeleton athletes was deemed illegal – The Times
International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry has issued the clearest signal yet that Russia could return to the 2028 Los Angeles Games. guardian paper
Football’s parliamentarians will vote later this month on whether to introduce a countdown and a 10-second substitution rule to avoid wasting time – Daily Mail
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has spoken openly about his relationship with head coach Arne Slott and is “absolutely confident” their big-money deal will pay off, the Daily Mirror reported.


