Football rumours: Newcastle confident of winning race for Kalvin Phillips

What the papers say

Newcastle United are confident of landing England midfielder Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City , reports the Daily Telegraph. Juventus, Everton and Crystal Palace are also interested in the 28-year-old.

Manager Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are prepared to bolster the squad in January after injuries left them “exposed”, according to The Guardian. Arteta said the club would “try to make the right calls”.

Raphael Varane, 30, is being chased by former club Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, according to the Daily Mirror via Spanish outlet Sport. The Manchester United defender can negotiate a summer move from January with his contract up at the end of the season.

Any moves by Manchester United in the January transfer window will need to be cleared by Ineos after the company’s deal to buy a 25% share of the club.

Social media round-up

EXCL: Sevilla and Tottenham are both set to present proposals to sign 2005 born Belgian midfielder Stanis Idumbo Muzambo from Ajax.

Idumbo Muzambo has decided to turn down any new contract bid from Ajax.

Agreement to be sold in January or leaving as free agent in June. pic.twitter.com/lmgWxghCrs

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 27, 2023

Barcelona ‘set to step up Mason Greenwood transfer interest’ – as fans threaten to withdraw support if Man Utd ace joinshttps://t.co/jrY5jtUrIZhttps://t.co/jrY5jtUrIZ

— The Sun Football (@TheSunFootball) December 27, 2023

Players to watch

Matthijs de Ligt: Arsenal are unlikely to make a move for the Dutch defender, 24, from Bayern Munich but he remains on their radar, reports The Athletic.

Antonee Robinson: Liverpool are interested in Fulham’s US full-back, 26, for a potential January signing, says 90 Min.