Paper Talk: Man City Could Hijack Semenyo Move

Here are Friday’s leading transfer stories and headlines from the national papers.

Premier League

• Liverpool are worried Manchester City might try to swoop in and take Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, potentially hijacking their pursuit.
• A pre-match brawl involving a group of Crystal Palace supporters broke out ahead of the club’s Conference League tie with Strasbourg, with riot police called to the scene.
• Manchester United may take either Jack Fletcher or Shea Lacey with the squad for Sunday’s trip to Crystal Palace.
• Local council decisions have effectively dashed Chelsea’s plans to build a new stadium at Earl’s Court.
• Manchester City have reportedly joined Arsenal in the race for 20-year-old Elche midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza, a player likened to Barcelona’s Pedri.
• Despite pressure to improve results, Arne Slot continues to have the backing of Liverpool’s board.
• Newcastle plan to file complaints with UEFA, the French police, and Marseille authorities after accusing officers of ‘indiscriminately assaulting’ fans during Tuesday’s events.

Also: Sky Sports is carrying Transfer Centre live coverage and the Back Pages podcast for more detail on these stories.

European football

• Kylian Mbappé has urged Real Madrid’s squad to rally around manager Xabi Alonso amid mounting pressure on the coach.
• Atletico Madrid have been fined €30,000 and given a ticket ban after some supporters made racist and discriminatory remarks during the Champions League clash with Arsenal in October.

Scottish football

• Kevin Muscat has spoken publicly for the first time after withdrawing from consideration to become Rangers manager, describing his talks as positive.
• Celtic prospect Dara Jikiemi is said to be high on Liverpool’s summer shortlist.

Rugby Union

• Wales captain Jac Morgan is set to miss the entire Six Nations after undergoing shoulder surgery and being ruled out for at least four months.
• Benhard Janse van Rensburg will be eligible to represent England from autumn 2026 after a World Rugby regulations panel approved his switch from South Africa.

Watch Back Pages on Sky Sports News Monday to Friday for a roundup of national newspaper headlines. If you missed the live show, episodes are available via the Back Pages podcast.