The top stories and transfer rumours from Thursday’s newspapers…
DAILY TELEGRAPH
The rift that led to Ben White’s self-imposed England exile began with a barbed comment from Gareth Southgate’s assistant Steve Holland in front of team-mates at the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
The International Cricket Council has been urged to take control of technology away from broadcasters and introduce greater transparency in ball-tracking by Simon Taufel, one of the game’s most respected umpires.
Liverpool’s hunt for Jurgen Klopp’s successor will accelerate following confirmation of Richard Hughes’ appointment as sporting director.
Timo Werner is very keen to make his move to Tottenham permanent with a deal likely to only cost the Premier League club around £16m.
Louis Rees-Zammit has admitted he was disappointed to only run 4.44 seconds in his 40-yard dash in front of NFL scouts in Florida as he looks to secure a roster spot ahead of the 2024 season through the International Player Pathway.
DAILY MIRROR
New Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has revealed why he won’t be making a fanciful attempt to appoint Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp as their next manager.
Bruno Fernandes has responded to criticism over his leadership style as Manchester United captain, insisting it is just his “intensity” showing on the pitch.
Rasmus Hojlund has hit out at “fake news” after a report emerged that his teammates had questioned him over conducting an interview with a Manchester United fan channel.
Jarrad Branthwaite has revealed his football dream nearly ended before it even began because he suffered with Osgood Schlatter disease as a teenager, a condition which causes knee trouble and sidelined him for 18 months before joining Carlisle.
Former professional Gareth Farrelly has lifted the lid on football’s staggering £1bn bankruptcy crisis with an estimated 40 per cent of players at risk within five years of retirement because of bad investments.
THE SUN
Luke Littler has been forced out of the Nordic Darts Masters in June due to family commitments.
Paul Scholes’ son, Arron, has taken a cheeky dig at England boss Gareth Southgate on social media after he was spotted with Kobbie Mainoo.
Chelsea’s owners have been slammed by their own supporters and warned they face a tide of “irreversible toxicity” unless drastic changes are made.
San Marino missed out on the chance of their first win in 20 years when they gave up an early lead to lose 3-1 to fellow FIFA minnows St Kitts and Nevis – the teams play again on Sunday.
DAILY MAIL
Chelsea and Man City could both be booted out of the Premier League if they are found guilty of Financial Fair Play breaches, according to reports.
World Rugby – the game’s governing body – is considering bringing in a global trial of a 20-minute red card as part of a number of law changes designed to improve its appeal.
Premier League clubs’ attempts to comply with spending rules by selling players this summer could be thwarted by international managers’ refusal to grant access to their squad members at the European Championship.
England plan to take the three special fragrances which permeate the air at their home base St George’s Park with them to their German training base for Euro 2024.
Brazil are set to ditch their classic yellow shirts for Saturday’s friendly against England at Wembley and will instead play in their blue away strip.
Olympic sailing great Sir Ben Ainslie has lifted the lid on what makes Manchester United part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe tick and expects him to have a massive impact on the club.
EVENING STANDARD
Fulham are ready to make Tosin Adarabioyo one of their top earners in a bid to stop him leaving Craven Cottage.
Antonio Nusa has revealed he is over the injury concerns that scuppered a January move to Brentford.
THE TIMES
Kai Havertz should have been shown a second yellow card for diving in Arsenal’s victory over Brentford before he scored the winning goal that sent his team top of the Premier League.
Courtney Lawes believes the RFU should scrap the overseas rule that will soon render Owen Farrell, Manu Tuilagi, Kyle Sinckler and Lewis Ludlam ineligible to represent England.
DAILY STAR
A strange-looking statue of Harry Kane is still waiting for a home after four years sat hidden away in storage.
The first man behind the adored Gunnersaurus has opened up on being made redundant by Arsenal after spending 26 years as mascot.
DAILY EXPRESS
Chelsea could reportedly solve their Romelu Lukaku woes by using him as a makeweight in a swap deal this summer
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter says he does not expect England to host a World Cup in his lifetime because English football is ‘too successful’.
Casemiro was reportedly told he was fit by Manchester United medical staff before eventually missing out on their FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool with a hamstring issue which was picked up when he sought alternative advice in Spain.
Arsenal appear set to miss out on Ajax teenager Jorrel Hato this summer because his recently-signed new contract does not include a release clause.
THE ATHLETIC
The USWNT’s Olympic path was set on Tuesday – the team will face Germany, Australia and either Zambia or Morocco in this summer’s group stage, playing matches in Marseille and Nice. The tournament will be the first under incoming head coach Emma Hayes, following her debut on the touchline at a pair of friendlies in June.
DAILY RECORD
Aberdeen have moved a step closer to making their next managerial appointment.
Former Celtic defender Carl Starfelt, who has struggled with illness since his move to Celta Vigo last summer, has revealed his issues were caused by mould in his home. He has since moved into hotel accommodation while the problem is resolved.
Hearts have been dealt a double blow with both Peter Haring, who is out of contract at the end of the season, and Craig Halkett facing knee surgeries.
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