Captain Reece James facing extensive injury setback - Shocking news for Chelsea fans!

All the top stories and transfer rumours from Friday's newspapers...

THE GUARDIAN

Chelsea are concerned that Reece James could be sidelined for several months due to a hamstring injury he suffered during a training session.

West Ham is making progress in their negotiations with Ajax for Mohammed Kudus and also expressing a stronger interest in Elye Wahi, the striker from Montpellier.

Cole Palmer has admitted his Manchester City future is in the balance, with the forward saying it may depend on whether anyone is signed who could reduce his game time.

THE INDEPENDENT

Mohammed Kudus was on the verge of joining Brighton and Hove Albion recently, but the deal fell through due to disagreements regarding his request for a release clause in the contract. Rennes' Jeremy Doku is being pursued by West Ham United, Manchester City, and Tottenham, with the competition expected to persist until the end of the transfer window.

Nottingham Forest have set an initial price of £40m on Brennan Johnson, as Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Brentford consider a move for the young wide player.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal is exploring the possibility of acquiring a new defender following Jurrien Timber's unfortunate season-ending injury. Reports suggest that Ligue 1 club Monaco has set their sights on Tottenham defender Davinson Sanchez as a potential transfer target.

THE SUN

David de Gea's move to Bayern Munich has been called off as Manuel Neuer nears a return from injury.

Fulham are reportedly considering a swoop for Arsenal's Folarin Balogun as a potential replacement for Aleksandar Mitrovic.

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Folarin Balogun could be a target for Fulham

Saudi Arabia are reportedly eyeing up a groundbreaking "wild card" entry into the UEFA Champions League.

DAILY MAIL

Romeo Lavia has successfully completed his medical with Chelsea and is finalizing the last details of a long-term contract, potentially enabling him to participate in the upcoming match against West Ham on Sunday.

Theo Walcott, at the age of 34, is preparing to retire from his illustrious professional football career, having represented clubs such as Arsenal, Everton, and Southampton.

Rachel Riley, co-host of Countdown, firmly states that she will cease her support for Manchester United if the club chooses to reintegrate Mason Greenwood following his allegations of attempted rape.

In light of her outstanding performance in the World Cup, goalkeeper Mary Earps has garnered immense support from England fans. Consequently, these fans are pressuring Nike, one of the club's major sponsors, to make Earps' shirt available for sale. This outcry comes after Earps publicly criticized Nike for their deeply hurtful commercial decision.

Neymar said his goodbyes to his PSG teammates as he completed a £78m move to Al-Hilal. Surprisingly, he even shared a quick hug with Kylian Mbappe, despite rumors of a feud between them.

In an attempt to outdo Brighton, Manchester City is looking to secure Valentin Barco from Boca Juniors by activating his £8m release clause. City wants the 19-year-old left-back before the Seagulls can get to him.

Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann wants to follow Lionel Messi and finish his soccer career in MLS.

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Is Antoine Griezmann MLS bound?

DAILY EXPRESS

Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham are sure to be on high alert as Ansu Fati edges towards a Barcelona exit.

Rangers are currently monitoring Ronnie Edwards, a defender from Peterborough United, as they consider making a bid during this transfer window. Regardless of potential SPFL sanctions, Celtic has made it clear that they will not be providing any tickets to Rangers for the New Year Old Firm derby at Parkhead.

DAILY RECORD

Connor Smith won't be joining Hamilton Accies after the club's director of football, Gerry Strain, revealed he has been told the Hearts ace 'doesn't want to play League One football.'

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