Football rumours: Mykhaylo Mudryk’s signature will cost ‘more than Antony’

And Newcastle are reportedly about to offer Paraguay international Miguel Almiron a new contract.

What the papers say

A host of clubs that are reportedly tracking Shakhtar Donetsk forward Mykhaylo Mudryk have been told by the Ukrainian side’s sporting director that the 21-year-old will cost “more than Antony”, the Daily Mirror says – via Calciomercato.it. Arsenal were linked with the winger in the summer but were unable to get a deal done. Manchester City and Newcastle have also reportedly shown interest.

Another player the Magpies are understood to be investing in is Paraguay international Miguel Almiron with the club set to offer him a new contract. The Daily Telegraph writes that the 28-year-old has improved under Eddie Howe and the club are eager to ward off rival clubs heading into the January transfer window.

Newcastle United’s Miguel Almiron celebrates at the end of the Premier League match at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London — Newcastle United’s Miguel Almiron (Adam Davy/PA)

And Sporting Lisbon midfielder Marcus Edwards is eager to return to English football after time spent away from the UK, the Evening Standard reports. The 23-year-old said he had “grown up” since leaving Tottenham for Portugal after just one senior appearance amid suggestions of attitude problems.

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Players to watch

Celtic’s Anthony Ralston (left) battles for the ball with AZ Alkmaar’s Dani de Wit (back) and Zakaria Aboukhlal during the UEFA Europa League Play-off, first leg match at Celtic Park, Glasgow — Celtic’s Anthony Ralston (left) battles for the ball with AZ Alkmaar’s Dani de Wit (back) and Zakaria Aboukhlal (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Zakaria Aboukhlal: The Southern Daily Echo reports that Southampton and Leicester are keeping close tabs on the 22-year-old Toulouse and Morocco international winger who is expected to feature in the World Cup in Qatar.