Cole Palmer considers Manchester City exit as West Ham prepare for Lucas Paqueta switch - Paper Round

Manchester City forward Cole Palmer is ready to leave Manchester City if he feels he will not get regular first-team football under Pep Guardiola, according to the Telegraph.

The paper writes: “Cole Palmer has confirmed that he might have to leave Manchester City if they sign any more forward players this month.

“The 21-year-old followed up his goal in the Community Shield with a vital equaliser that helped City win the UEFA Super Cup, for the first time, after a penalty shoot-out against Sevilla.

“Afterwards Pep Guardiola said Palmer will not go out on loan this season – with West Ham United having been linked – but suggested he could be sold. As Telegraph Sport revealed last week Brighton have already had a £30 million bid rejected for the England Under-21 international.

“With Riyad Mahrez having left City and joined Saudi Pro-League club Al-Hilal then it would appear that Palmer could have more chances this season if he stays and especially with Kevin de Bruyne ruled out for up to four months and probably needing hamstring surgery.

“However, City are pursuing Lucas Paqueta with West Ham braced for an improved offer close to their £85 million asking price for the Brazilian international who wants to leave. City are also interested in Rennes winger Jeremy Doku.”

West Ham are closing in on signing Mohammed Kudus from Ajax, with the player a potential replacement for Paqueta as City are expected to come back with an improved bid.

“West Ham are progressing talks with Ajax over Mohammed Kudus,” claims The Sun.

“Hammers technical director Tim Steidten is in Holland for face-to-face talks to get a deal for the £40m-rated midfielder over the line.

“The Ghanaian ace, 23, was close to joining Brighton earlier in the window only for the move to break down over a release clause request in his contract.

“West Ham are understood to be more flexible, and boss David Moyes is desperate for more depth and pace in midfield with Lucas Paqueta’s future still up in the air.”

Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann remains hopeful that he will play for an MLS side before he retires, where he could be reunited with former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets.

The Daily Mail reports: “Antoine Griezmann insists he still wants to finish his career in the United States, with the France forward revealing he has recently introduced his young son to baseball and basketball.

“Griezmann permanently rejoined Atletico Madrid from Barcelona last year and is contracted to play in the Spanish capital for another three years.

“He will be 35 by the summer of 2026 but the World Cup winner has long outlined his desire to play in Major League Soccer.

“Griezmann and team-mate Koke were courtside for the Miami Heat's victory over the New York Knicks in May, before being spotted at DRV PNK Stadium to watch Inter Miami. He also saw the Miami Marlins play the Atlanta Braves in MLB.”

David de Gea had been linked with a move to Bayern Munich, but manager Thomas Tuchel believes signing him will be unnecessary given Manuel Neuer’s recent improvement.

“David de Gea looks set to lose out on a move to Bayern Munich with Thomas Tuchel vetoing a contract offer,” writes the Mirror.

“The Spanish goalkeeper is still without a club following his exit from Manchester United in the summer at the end of his contract. It was thought that he was set for a move to Bayern Munich.

“The German giants were on the hunt for another goalkeeper after allowing Yann Sommer to move to Inter Milan, whilst Manuel Neuer is still recovering from an injury. Talks had taken place between De Gea's representatives and he had given his approval to a switch to the Allianz Arena.

“However, it now appears that Bayern will not be pursuing his services. According to Sky in Germany, Thomas Tuchel has vetoed a swoop for the former United 'keeper. The ex-Chelsea boss has confirmed that Neuer is set for a return sooner rather than later, alleviating the need to bring in another goalkeeper quickly.”

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