Top stories and transfer rumours from Wednesday’s papers.
FOOTBALL
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly weighing up leaving Al Nassr in the summer, with possible returns to Europe or a move to Major League Soccer among the options, according to the Daily Mail. Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol has examined why Ronaldo appears to be in dispute with the Saudi club: the Portuguese striker was omitted from the matchday squad for Monday’s game against Al Riyadh, prompting suggestions he is effectively on strike.
The Sun reports that two previously unsuccessful bidders for Tottenham Hotspur are now teaming up in another attempt to buy Daniel Levy’s stake in the club.
Lawmakers in football are set to vote later this month on measures intended to curb timewasting, including the introduction of countdown clocks and a proposed 10-second rule for substitutes, the Daily Mail says.
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has spoken openly about his partnership with head coach Arne Slot and insists he is “absolutely convinced” that the club’s expensive signings will justify the outlay, according to the Daily Mirror. Liverpool sealed the £60m signing of Jeremy Jacquet on Deadline Day, winning the race against Chelsea, but the move has drawn criticism from former France international Christophe Dugarry, who accused the Reds of “losing their minds,” the Daily Mail reports.
The Times says the FA has put forward significant and controversial reforms to the Women’s FA Cup. Proposals include keeping the Women’s Super League’s top four teams separated until the semi-finals and removing the open draw after the round of 32.
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SCOTTISH FOOTBALL
Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has criticised the rejection of both of the club’s red-card appeals, reporting strong displeasure at the decisions, the Scottish Sun writes.
CRICKET
Brendon McCullum has defended England white-ball captain Harry Brook in The Times, describing Brook as a clever tactician who is misunderstood and a “work in progress” off the field.