Manchester United starlet Adnan Januzaj is being watched by Barcelona; Rene Meulensteen is set to snub Fulham; and Julian Draxler is staying put - here are the main stories making headlines in this morning's newspapers.
Barca poised to move to Januzaj: Spanish giants Barcelona are ready to snatch Adnan Januzaj if he rejects a new contract at Manchester United,
reports the Daily Mail. The paper says the Belgian wonderkid is happy
at Old Trafford, but "has felt unappreciated at times". And Barca are
"ever more confident that Januzaj will move to the Nou Camp when his
deal runs out in eight months".
Paper Round's view: It's amazing what a couple of goals against the Premier League's worst team will do for a reputation. Januzaj is everywhere in today's papers - not least because he rejected a call from Belgium, prompting speculation he could turn English - but surely he will have to do a bit more before Barca make a swoop for him. It does seem to be his agent, Dirk de Vriese, who is making noises about a move elsewhere, rather than any actual clubs themselves (the Daily Mirror claims Manchester City and Juventus are also interested). Which is hardly surprising, since his client is due for a new contract. Anything to get a better deal...
Draxler staying put: Another tabloid favourite du jour, Julian Draxler, will not be leaving the Bundesliga for the Premier League any time soon, reports the Daily Mirror. The Schalke midfielder, who has a buy-out clause of €45 million is wanted by Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, the paper claims. But Schalke general manager Horst Heldt has said there is no way they will let him go this January.
Paper Round's view: "There will be no fuss regarding him during the January window, as he is committed to our club," were Horst's actual words, which are hopeful at best. Draxler may well end up staying put for next year, but Horst will not be able to stop the speculation. Especially if the 20-year-old continues to play so well.
Meulensteen to disappoint Fulham: Former Manchester United assistant coach Rene Meulensteen is set to pen a lucrative deal with the Qatar Football Association, dashing Fulham hopes that he would join the club to support manager Martin Jol. The Daily Mail reports that the Dutchman will become the Middle East nation's technical director on a seven figure contract.
Paper Round's view: Meulensteen proved his worth under Sir Alex Ferguson at United, and could have been a shrewd acquisition for the Cottagers, given Jol's recent struggles. But money talks, and Meulensteen has recent history of going where the cash is. Well, he didn't go to Anzhi Makhachkala for the football, did he?
Park set for Wigan loan: Arsenal's "forgotten man" Park Chu-Young is ready to join Wigan on loan for the rest of the year, reports the Daily Mirror. The South Korea international is out of the Arsene Wenger's plans at the Emirates and the paper claims the forward "is keen on a move that will put him in the shop window".
Paper Round's view: This seems to be one of those 'need playing time in a World Cup year' moves that suits everyone and because of that, one which is likely to go through.
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