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Thursday's paper talk: Dayot Upamecano, Raphael Varane, Georginio Wijnaldum

Thursday's paper talk: Dayot Upamecano, Raphael Varane, Georginio Wijnaldum
© Reuters
The chasing pack for Dayot Upamecano has thinned out, while a move to England may be in Raphael Varane's future.

What the papers say

Liverpool and Manchester United have been given a boost in their pursuit of RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano. The Daily Mirror, citing a report from German publication Bild, says the 22-year-old will be too expensive for Bayern Munich to afford, leaving room for the two Premier League giants to battle it out for his signature.

The Manchester Evening News reports United have an opportunity to sign Raphael Varane from Real Madrid. The 27-year-old centre-back's valuation is believed to have dropped below the £100m-threshold the club previously claimed they would be willing to spend on a suitable fit for the position.

Burnley v Tottenham Hotspur – Premier League – Turf Moor
A number of clubs are believed to be interested in Burnley's Jack Cork (Martin Rickett/PA)

A host of English clubs have reportedly expressed an interest in making a move for Burnley's English midfielder Jack Cork. According to the Daily Mirror, Brighton, Newcastle and Sheffield United are circling the 31-year-old, who is out of contract at Turf Moor at the end of the season.

Real Madrid striker Mariano has reportedly been given the green light for a loan move to West Ham. The Daily Mail says Bernabeu boss Zinedine Zidane is prepared to let the 27-year-old go in January, with the Hammers believed to be a good fit for all the involved parties.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

Manchester City v Liverpool – Premier League – Etihad Stadium
Real Madrid and Barcelona are both seeking the signature of Liverpool's Georginio Wijnaldum (Clive Brunskill/PA)

Georginio Wijnaldum: Real Madrid will challenge Barcelona for the 30-year-old midfielder, according to Italian publication Corriere Dello Sport.

David Alaba: AS reports the 28-year-old defender is Real Madrid's number one target if Sergio Ramos decides to leave the club.

Eric Garcia: Spanish publication Marca says Barcelona's chances of signing the Spanish defender have taken a blow, with Manchester City unlikely to lower their valuation of 20m euros (£17.8m).

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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City32227376324473
2Arsenal32225575264971
3Liverpool32218372314171
4Aston Villa33196868491963
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle321551269521750
7Manchester UnitedMan Utd32155124748-150
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham33139115258-648
9Chelsea31138106152947
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton321111105250244
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves32127134651-543
12Fulham33126154951-242
13Bournemouth32119124757-1042
14Crystal Palace3289153754-1733
15Brentford3388174758-1132
16Everton3298153248-1627
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3379174258-1626
18Luton TownLuton3367204670-2425
19Burnley3348213368-3520
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3237223084-5416


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