Top stories and transfer rumours from Thursday’s newspapers.
PREMIER LEAGUE
– Barcelona will ask Manchester United to extend Marcus Rashford’s loan for a further season in a bid to avoid paying the full £26m transfer fee this summer (Daily Mail).
– Max Dowman’s father and brother have secured FIFA agent licences as the family prepares to manage his career long-term (The Guardian).
– A split-screen comparison has been drawn between Dowman’s recent goal for Arsenal and a 16-year-old Wayne Rooney’s famous strike against the Gunners in 2002.
– Manchester United hope to submit a planning application for the redevelopment of Old Trafford within the next 12 to 18 months (Daily Mail).
– United interim boss Michael Carrick has expressed a wish to see Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo considered for England recalls when the final squad selection is made (The Independent).
– After United’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa, Roy Keane voiced that despite improved results he remains unconvinced Carrick should be given the job on a permanent basis.
SCOTLAND
– Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel fears his playing career could be in serious doubt after being told he may be sidelined for more than a year following shoulder surgery (Daily Mail).
– SFA VAR manager Martin Atkinson says the focus on what he called “sinister reasons behind decisions” in Scotland is worse than anything he experienced in England (Daily Record).
EUROPE
– Borussia Dortmund are optimistic they can tempt Jadon Sancho back for a third spell once his Manchester United contract expires this summer (The Times).
– Sky Sports News’ Keith Downie reacted to Newcastle United’s heavy 7-2 defeat by Barcelona in the Champions League.
– Hansi Flick has said the Barcelona head coach role would be his final job in management (The Athletic).
– Barcelona are reportedly set to move away from the Camp Nou to a much smaller 8,000-seat venue while further work is carried out on the stadium (The Scottish Sun).
WORLD FOOTBALL
– The Senegalese government has called for an inquiry into alleged corruption at African football’s governing body after Senegal were stripped of the Africa Cup of Nations title (The Athletic).
– A feature by Sam Blitz looks at the key questions around the unprecedented decision that saw Senegal lose the AFCON crown and Morocco declared winners.
– Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal have identified Liverpool sporting figure Richard Hughes as a top candidate to become their new sporting director (The Athletic).
– Dick Advocaat has agreed to act as an adviser to Feyenoord boss Robin van Persie, a month after stepping down as Curacao manager (Daily Mail).
NON-LEAGUE
– Veteran manager Neil Warnock has left his role as Torquay United boss after just 18 days in charge (The Sun).