All the top stories and transfer rumours from Thursday's newspapers...
MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS
Manchester United could delay the official announcement of Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund as their next new signing to coincide with their pre-season friendly against Lens on Saturday.
THE SUN
Reports suggest that Barcelona is currently in discussions with Manchester City regarding the potential transfer of full-back Joao Cancelo. Meanwhile, it is reported in Belgium that Tottenham is exploring the possibility of acquiring striker Gift Orban from Gent as a long-term option to replace Harry Kane. Previously, Orban has been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea.
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In the Europa Conference League last season, Gent's Gift Orban faced West Ham on two occasions. Interestingly, Royston Drenthe, a former Everton defender, has unexpectedly emerged in betting markets with odds of 500/1 to assume the role of James Bond, following his transition into acting.
Everton is seeking to secure the loan signing of winger Kamaldeen Sulemana from Southampton.
According to reports, Napoli's rising star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is reportedly "annoyed" by the rumors connecting him to a potential transfer to Arsenal.
DAILY MAIL
Manchester United's owners remain in talks with a number of groups with a view to a full or partial sale of the club despite recent silence on movement behind the scenes at Old Trafford.
A column in German newspaper Bild has mocked Tottenham for not winning a title since "the Stone Age" and said Bayern Munich should not spend £85m on "old bone" Harry Kane.
Besiktas is optimistic about the possibility of Nicolas Pepe terminating his contract with Arsenal in order to join them without any transfer fee.
Aston Villa is eagerly awaiting a response from Tyler Adams, the midfielder of Leeds United, regarding his future plans. They are prepared to activate his £25m relegation clause. However, Chelsea is also contemplating making an offer.
At the end of the Ashes, despite England head coach Brendon McCullum's efforts to convince him to join the tour of India, Moeen Ali has chosen to retire from Test cricket once again.
The British Boxing Board of Control has approved a new team format called the Box Off, consisting of four city-based teams. Ricky Hatton has been appointed as the captain of Team Manchester.
Mauricio Pochettino does not think that the Soldier Field pitch is responsible for Christopher Nkunku's knee injury, which is currently being evaluated by Chelsea's medical team.
Galatasaray has been in discussions with Manchester United about a potential agreement for Fred.
DAILY TELEGRAPH
Bournemouth are in advanced talks with Bristol City over a deal to sign teenage midfielder Alex Scott for a fee in the region of £25m.
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Scott was awarded the EFL Championship Young Player of the Season in 2022/23, and he played a crucial role in the England U20 midfield during this summer's European Championships.
Duje Caleta-Car has completed a medical examination with Lyon as Southampton has reached an agreement with the French club for the transfer of the defender.
British Rowing will announce on Thursday that it is abandoning its contentious transgender policy and will now only allow those born female to compete in the women's category.
This weekend, Marcus Smith will have the opportunity to prove himself worthy of starting for England at the Rugby World Cup as he is expected to start against Wales in Cardiff.
DAILY EXPRESS
Liverpool have, according to reports in Spain, made an opening offer for Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga as they seek reinforcements in a central position.
Liverpool target Romeo Lavia has made it clear he wants to join the club, according to reports.
Manchester United have reportedly taken a liking to Santos youngster Marcos Leonardo.
DAILY MIRROR
Darren Bent has urged Chelsea to make a move for Brentford keeper David Raya, who he feels would be making a mistake if he moves to Arsenal.
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Arsenal are pondering their next course of action regarding the goalkeeper position at Brentford, specifically David Raya.
Rio Ferdinand has cautioned Manchester United fans against having excessive expectations for Rasmus Hojlund in his inaugural season in the Premier League.
Lauren James has the potential to earn £1m through sponsorship deals as a result of her impressive performance representing England at the Women's World Cup.
Lionel Messi and his wife Antonella were recently seen in Miami while searching for a new home, exploring a mansion with a unique feature—a putting green on the roof.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, the ex-Manchester United forward, has heaped praise on Jarrad Branthwaite as speculations about the centre-back's potential transfer to the Red Devils circulate.
In regard to Takehiro Tomiyasu, Arsenal has shown no intention of permitting a loan move while Inter Milan has expressed interest.
At Wrexham, Ben Foster reveals that the extent of the verbal attacks he has faced surpasses anything he experienced during his time in the Premier League, and adds that the majority of the insults are distressingly audible.
Chelsea are pondering the idea of recruiting Tyler Adams, the midfielder from Leeds United.
Carles Gil, the captain of New England Revolution, claims that he has never encountered any inappropriate comments from Bruce Arena, who serves as the coach and general manager. However, Arena has been placed on administrative leave while MLS investigates allegations of insensitive and inappropriate remarks.
Middlesbrough's Chuba Akpom, amidst ongoing transfer rumors, expressed his desire to remain at the club but acknowledged that there are numerous aspects beyond his influence.
Bryan Gil from Tottenham Hotspur has recently undergone a groin surgery, leading to his expected absence during the initial phase of the upcoming season.
Newcastle United have amended a controversial new ticket ballot system after its supporters' trust warned that changes would be a "huge financial worry during a cost-of-living crisis".
THE GUARDIAN
Tottenham are on the verge of signing Wolfsburg centre-back Micky van de Ven after being linked with him for much of the summer.
THE TIMES
The Premier League blocked more than 600,000 illegal live streams last season as part of the battle against piracy, which experts have described as an "industry killer".
DAILY RECORD
Six clubs, including Lyon and Reims from Ligue 1 and Turkish powerhouses Trabzonspor and Galatasaray, have shown interest in signing Glen Kamara, the midfielder from Rangers. Additionally, Saudi Pro League clubs have set their sights on Fashion Sakala, the striker from Rangers.
Aberdeen boss Barry Robson is closing in on making Kiwi defender James McGarry his ninth signing of the summer.