Saturday’s newspaper top news and transfer rumors…
world cup
The Football Association has informed FIFA – The Guardian of England supporters’ concerns over the high ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup.
transfer
Chelsea have emerged as front-runners in the race to sign highly-rated AZ Alkmaar midfielder Keith Smit, who has also attracted the attention of Newcastle United.
Crystal Palace are interested in signing Bayern Munich right-back Sascha Boii, 25, who is set to leave the Bundesliga side in January, as well as Fabrizio Romano.
West Ham striker Niklas Hulkrug is one of the names AC Milan will consider in the January transfer window, as the 32-year-old Germany international wants to leave the London Stadium, Gazzetta dello Sport reports.
Everton midfielder James Garner has been praised by Nottingham Forest, but the 24-year-old Englishman is unlikely to make a move in January given he is a regular starter for the Toffees, reports the Daily Mail.
premier league
More than half of the Premier League’s 20 clubs are locked in a huge scramble to find new shirt sponsors for next season after they will no longer be allowed to sign contracts with betting companies, The Times has reported.
A Newcastle United supporter is being investigated by German police for allegedly damaging property on a train en route to a Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, The Times reports.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is said to be in talks to outsource Manchester United’s catering, sparking fears that prawn sandwiches will be taken off the menu, The Sun reports.
sports
Epsom Racecourse has announced a £6m, five-year plan to revive the declining fortunes of the Derby, the world’s most famous flat race, the Guardian reports.
Luke Littler will ignore the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year pageant next week to focus on his £1 million campaign with the Daily Express.
