Here’s a round-up of all the top football headlines and transfer-related gossip from Thursday’s newspapers and online…
Patrick Vieira could be returning to Arsenal in the role of manager should Arsene Wenger step down at the end of the season, according to reports. The 41-year-old Gunners legend is currently in charge at New York City. (Daily Mail)
However, it is also reported the Gunners hierarchy are split over who should replace Wenger, with former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique is also in the running. (Daily Telegraph)
Meanwhile, it appears increasingly likely Jack Wilshere will be leaving Arsenal at the end of the season, with newly-promoted Wolves ready to make a move for England midfielder. (Daily Mail)
Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri is reportedlyChelsea’s first choice to replace Antonio Conte. (Daily Mail)
Manchester United have suffered a blow to their summer transfer plans, with reports Barcelona are ready to offer French defender Samuel Umtiti, 24, a new contract with a buyout clause of over €250million (£218million). (Mundo Deportivo)
Anthony Martial appears to be in high demand from overseas clubs after falling out of favour at Manchester United. The 22-year-old has struggled to make the starting XI since the arrival of Alexis Sanchez – but has caught the eye of both Lyon and Juventus. (The Sun)
Manchester United have made in-demand Napoli midfielder Jorginho one of their top targets ahead of the summer transfer window. (The Independent)
Tottenham could face a battle with Chelsea for Paris Saint-Germain defender Layvin Kurzawa. The London rivals are both said to be interested in the 25-year-old as they both seek to strengthen their left-back options. Manchester United are believed to have the Frenchman on their radar too. (Daily Mirror)
Spurs are also considering another attempt to sign 21-year-old Leicester City winger Demarai Gray. Spurs wanted to sign Gray last summer but the Foxes refused to consider offers for the England Under-21 captain. (ESPN)
It is also claimed Tottenham will hand Erik Lamela a one-year contract extension, keeping the 26-year-old Argentina international at the club until 2020. (The Independent)
Newcastle United are ready to open talks with Chelsea in an attempt to sign winger Kenedy, 22, on a permanent deal this summer. The Brazilian is at Newcastle on a season-long loan, but manager Rafael Benitez is concerned that his good form means he will attract interest from elsewhere. (Northern Echo)
Christian Benteke could be set to leave Crystal Palace this summer, with manager Roy Hodgson ready to listen to offers for the club-record £27million signing. (Daily Mail)
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane says 28-year-old Wales forward Gareth Bale is happy at the club despite being dropped for the La Liga win over Malaga on Sunday. (Metro)
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone believes Antoine Griezmann would be convinced to stay at the club if they beat Arsenal in the Europa League and finish runners-up to Barcelona in the LaLiga title race. The 27-year-old French star was linked with Manchester United last summer. (AS)
talkSPORT EXCLUSIVE with Manchester City star Kyle Walker:
‘It would take a miracle for England to win World Cup’, says Three Lions defender
‘Pep Guardiola worked with two of my heroes – that’s why I wanted to join Manchester City’, reveals Citizens ace
Tottenham ‘will be title challengers for years’ thanks to ‘top-class’ Mauricio Pochettino, says former Spurs full-back
Here are the other latest talkSPORT.com headlines:
Liverpool star Roberto Firmino is the Premier League’s most complete striker, says Tony Cascarino
Gus Poyet exclusive: It’s wrong to criticise Arsenal for not winning trophies while it’s fine for Tottenham to do the same
‘I’m really enjoying it’ – Harry Redknapp reveals surprise career change on talkSPORT
Bournemouth 0-2 Manchester United: Jose Mourinho’s men rated and slated
Liverpool FC transfer news: Reds set to move for Wolverhampton Wanderers ace Ruben Neves
Manchester United FC transfer news: Anthony Martial set for Old Trafford exit with Lyon keen
Transfer report: Are these the Benfica and Porto stars watched by half the Premier League?
Transfer report: Chelsea and Liverpool ready to re-ignite interest in Paris Saint-Germain star Javier Pastore this summer
Arsenal FC transfer news: Gunners consider summer move for former Tottenham starlet
Arsenal FC transfer news: Juventus line up Aaron Ramsey as replacement for Emre Can as deal for Liverpool star stalls
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