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Friday's papers: James Rodriguez, Bruno Fernandes, Mario Mandzukic

Friday's papers: James Rodriguez, Bruno Fernandes, Mario Mandzukic
© Reuters
Arsenal said to preparing bid for James Rodriguez.

What the papers say

Arsenal are preparing a bid for Real Madrid's Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez, according to Spanish website Eldesmarque. The struggling Gunners are said to be ready to pay 42 million Euros (£35million) for the 28-year-old midfielder, but Real would prefer at least 50 million euros. Rodriguez is said to favour a move to either Paris St Germain or Inter Milan.

Manuel Pellegrini has two games in which to save his future at West Ham, the Daily Mail reports. After their tumble in recent weeks from fifth to 17th in the Premier League table, the Hammers hierarchy have been losing patience with the Chilean. Poor results against Chelsea on Saturday and Wolves next Wednesday could spell the end for Pellegrini, with David Moyes, Eddie Howe and Sean Dyche all said to be options to replace him.

West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur – Premier League – London Stadium
Manuel Pellegrini is struggling to hold onto his job at West Ham (John Walton/PA)

Tottenham target Bruno Fernandes still wants to leave Sporting Lisbon despite signing a new contract with the club, the Daily Mail reports. Fernandes' new deal does include a release clause said to be worth more than £60million.

Willian says he has no plans to speak with other clubs in January despite rumours of disquiet at Chelsea, according to the Daily Mail. This is despite his contract stand-off with Chelsea taking an odd twist, with the Brazilian saying he has not been offered a new contract, and the club insisting he has. Willian's current deal expires at the end of the season.

Manchester City v Chelsea – Premier League – Etihad Stadium
Chelsea's Willian, whose contract wrangling with the club has taken a twist (Nick Potts/PA)

Manchester United have dropped out of the chase to sign 33-year-old Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic, website Inside Futbol reports. The Croatian had been on United's wish list last summer and had been mentioned among January possibilities for the club, but his lack of recent game time has deterred the Old Trafford outfit.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

Kylian Mbappe: The French World Cup winner is set to leave Paris St Germain for Real Madrid, according to Le Parisien.

Jadon Sancho: Borussia Dortmund say they will be willing to listen to offers for the England winger in January, The Independent says, with a host of English clubs interested.

Merih Demiral: Manchester City and Arsenal are keen, but AC Milan head the race to sign the Juventus and Turkey defender, Calciomercato reports.

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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14131032122040
2Leicester CityLeicester1410223392432
3Manchester CityMan City1492339162329
4Chelsea148242820826
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs145542421320
6Wolverhampton WanderersWolves144821917220
7Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd144731713419
8Arsenal144732021-119
9Manchester UnitedMan Utd144642117418
10Burnley145362020018
11Crystal Palace145361318-518
12Bournemouth144461820-216
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham144461723-616
14Newcastle UnitedNewcastle144461322-916
15Aston Villa144372122-115
16Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton144371621-515
17Everton144281422-814
18Southampton143381532-1712
19Norwich CityNorwich143291530-1511
20Watford14158928-198

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