Football rumours from the media
Pep Guardiola could be returning to Barcelona, according to today’s football gossip.
What the papers say
Liverpool are still keen on signing Senegal international Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli, according to Calciomercato. The Reds made enquiries into the 29-year-old over the summer but Koulibaly stayed in Naples. However, Virgil van Dijk’s long-term injury has increased Jurgen Klopp’s desire to sign a centre-back, and a concerted bid could be on the cards come January.
Pep Guardiola could be on his way back to Barcelona if Victor Font becomes the club’s president. Font is the front runner to replace Josep Bartomeu after his resignation, and told Sky Sports he wants to return the Catalan giants to their glory days, including bringing back Guardiola from Manchester City, and keeping Lionel Messi. Guardiola is into the final year of his contract with City.
Exciting young Icelandic forward Isak Bergmann Johannesson has dealt a potential blow to Liverpool by saying Manchester United is his “favourite team”. The 17-year-old, son of former Premier League star Joey Gudjonsson, has become the topic of intense transfer speculation after a superb start to the season with his Norwegian club Norrkoping, with Liverpool and United said to be keenly interested. The England-born Johannesson told Sportbladet that while Liverpool are playing “good football now”, United remained his favourite side.
Social media round-up
Players to watch
Mauricio Pochettino: The former Tottenham and Southampton boss could have his heart set on a return to management, this time with Manchester United, according to ex-Spurs defender Jan Vertonghen, the Daily Star reports.
Timothy Weah: The 20-year-old USA forward could move from Lille to Saint-Etienne on loan, L’Equippe reports.