Football rumours from the media: Liverpool's Georginio Wijnaldum going to Barca?

Wijnaldum/Gabriel

What the papers say

New Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has marked Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum as a prime target for the Spanish giants. Citing a report in Algemeen Dagblad, the Daily Express says Koeman has a strong relationship with the 29-year-old from their time together with the Dutch national team and has asked Wijnaldum not to sign a new deal with the Reds.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes has been thrown a curve ball, courtesy of a potential late bid by Manchester United. The Daily Telegraph reports that, while the Gunners remain in pole position for the 22-year-old, Gabriel is believed to have delayed his decision in anticipation of a £22.6million bid from United.

Manchester United have reportedly dropped their pursuit of Douglas Costa (Steven Paston/PA)

Staying with United, the Manchester Evening News says the club has lost interest in a loan deal for Juventus winger Douglas Costa. Instead, the paper reports United are considering a move for Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks.

Liverpool are believed to be interested in Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara. According to The Independent, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of the 29-year-old, while Alcantara is reportedly “enthused” about a move to Anfield.

Meanwhile Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles could soon be calling the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium home. The Daily Mail says Tottenham are set to make a £20m offer for the Gunners defender as doubts grow over Serge Aurier’s future at the club.

Social media round-up

Fulham chief responds to Gerard Pique transfer claims amid Barcelona star's uncertain future https://t.co/eBd7GDJ6h3

— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) August 21, 2020

Fulham complete Antonee Robinson transfer from Wigan on £50k-a-week deal https://t.co/MthbQEFijl

— The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball) August 20, 2020

Players to watch

Dean Henderson and Manchester United are believed to be on the verge of agreeing a new contract (Mike Egerton/PA)

Dean Henderson: Manchester United have entered advanced talks to re-sign the 23-year-old goalkeeper, according to Sky Sports.

Felipe Anderson: The Sun reports the 27-year-old midfielder is considering leaving West Ham.

Diogo Dalot: Paris St Germain are monitoring the Manchester United full-back, says Portuguese newspaper O Jogo.