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Friday's papers: Lionel Messi, Jack Grealish, Philippe Coutinho

Friday's papers: Lionel Messi, Jack Grealish, Philippe Coutinho
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Manchester City could swap Joao Cancelo for Barcelona's Nelson Semedo as clubs get creative on transfers, according to the rumour mill.

What the papers say

Manchester City's Joao Cancelo could be on his way to Barcelona with Nelson Semedo going the other way, as clubs contemplate player swaps in the next transfer window amid the financial uncertainty of the coronavirus outbreak. The Daily Telegraph says Cancelo, 25, is wanted by Barca, and that a fullback-for-fullback switch for his Portuguese compatriot Semedo, 26, is on the cards.

Arsenal and Manchester United are in the hunt to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso, according the Daily Mirror. The France international has started only seven games at Bayern since Hans-Dieter Flick became manager in November. The 25-year-old is thus contemplating a move, and Arsenal and United are at the top of calculations, ahead of Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Napoli.

Philippe Coutinho
Tottenham have emerged as another leading chance to sign Philippe Coutinho (Mike Egerton/PA)

Tottenham have firmed in the betting in the race to sign Philippe Coutinho, the Daily Mirror reports. While Chelsea emerged as the front-runner to lure the Brazilian this week, Spurs are now also contemplating a move to acquire the midfielder on loan. Coutinho, 27, has fallen out of favour at Barcelona and is currently on loan at Bayern Munich. Manchester United, Tottenham, Everton and Leicester are also reportedly interested.

Lionel Messi says he is going nowhere, despite rumours of a move from Barcelona to Inter Milan. The Argentinean great took to Instagram to deny the speculation, calling it "fake news". The 32-year-old is contracted to Barca until next year.

Pedro
Pedro could be waving goodbye to Chelsea in a move to Roma this summer (Nick Potts/PA)

Chelsea winger Pedro could be on his way to Roma in the summer, says the Daily Mirror. The 32-year-old has appeared surplus to requirements under Frank Lampard of late, making just nine Premier League appearances this season. Roma have been in talks with the Spaniard, who can leave Chelsea on a free transfer in the summer.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

Jack Grealish: Everton have emerged as the latest club keen on signing the Aston Villa star, according to Football Insider, though the Toffees will face stiff competition from a host of clubs, led by Manchester United.

Kai Havertz: The 21-year-old Bayer Leverkusen midfielder has caught the interest of Europe's biggest clubs but wants to stay in Germany and join Bayern Munich, Sky Germany reports.

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Harry Kane in Spurs training on March 9, 2020
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal36265588286083
2Manchester CityMan City35257387335482
3Liverpool36239481384378
4Aston Villa36207973532067
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs351861169581160
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle351751378562256
7Chelsea351591170591154
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd35166135255-354
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham361310135670-1449
10Bournemouth36139145263-1148
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton351211125357-447
12Wolverhampton WanderersWolves36137164960-1146
13Fulham36128165155-444
14Crystal Palace361110154957-843
15Everton36129153849-1137
16Brentford3699185260-836
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3689194563-1829
18Luton TownLuton3668224978-2926
19Burnley3659223974-3524
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd36372635100-6516


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