Real set to beat Arsenal to Reading wonderkid

Real set to beat Arsenal to Vickers

Real Madrid are now leading the race for Reading’s teenage striker Caylan Vickers, according to The Sun.

There had been interest from Arsenal but the Premier League side look set to lose out.

“Reading starlet Caylan Vickers is set for a dream move to join Jude Bellingham at Spanish giants Real Madrid,” the paper writes.

“The 18-year-old forward only turned pro with The Royals in July and made his senior debut against Peterborough United in August.

“Since then he has become an important member of Ruben Selles’ first team, making 17 appearances and scoring three goals.

“Vickers has been a rare bright spark for the struggling Royals, who currently sit third bottom of League One.

“Arsenal have been keeping track of Vickers after he scored and impressed in a 5-2 win over the Gunners’ Under-21 team in the Football League Trophy in November.

“However, in a shock move, Real Madrid have moved ahead of Arsenal after opening talks with Reading this week about a January swoop for their talented teenager.

“Cash-strapped Reading want £1 million plus a percentage of any future sell-on deal.”

Phillips linked with move away

Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips looks likely to leave the club in the January transfer window.

Pep Guardiola has apologised for his failure to use him on the pitch more, and Newcastle and Liverpool are keen.

The Mirror writes: “Pep Guardiola admits he is clueless what the future holds for Kalvin Phillips after issuing a grovelling apology to the England midfielder.

“The former Leeds United man has found opportunities extremely limited since his £45m move to the Etihad Stadium. Phillips has made 29 appearances since then but only five of those have been starts.

“He has already been linked with moving away from City ahead of the January transfer window. Liverpool and Newcastle are among the clubs to have been credited with an interest in him.

“Guardiola was asked about the midfielder’s future ahead of this weekend’s clash with Luton. The Spaniard admitted he is unsure of his future but apologised for not giving Phillips the game time he deserves.”

Barcelona target Cancelo and Felix moves

Barcelona hope to turn the loan moves of Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix into permanent ones.

The Manchester City defender and Atletico Madrid forward have both settled in well in Catalonia.

“Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix are both viewed as a key part of the club’s long-term plans,” the Mail explains.

“Cancelo and Felix are currently on loan at Barcelona from Manchester City and Atletico Madrid respectively, and the duo have made positive starts to the season under Xavi.

“They have scored eight goals between them to help the Catalan giants through to the knockout stages of the Champions League, and kept them in title contention in Spain.

“However, Barcelona’s financial struggles have been well-documented, and they had their salary cap slashed by more than £320m in September, leading to concerns about their ability to sign top players moving forward. Laporta has insisted Barcelona can keep hold of Cancelo and Felix, though, and wants to secure their futures at the club.”

Liverpool linked with Palhinha move

Liverpool face competition from both Arsenal and Manchester United for Fulham’s Portugal international midfielder Joao Palhinha.

The Express says that manager Jurgen Klopp hopes to spend in January.

The paper writes: “Liverpool are reportedly hoping to fight off competition from Arsenal and Manchester United to sign Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha next month. The 28-year-old has been widely tipped to leave Craven Cottage since the end of last season and had his own Nabil Fekir moment in the summer when a proposed move to Bayern Munich fell through at the 11th hour.

“Palhinha arrived in Germany on the final day of the window and was even pictured holding a Bayern shirt, only for the deal to end up collapsing in dramatic fashion. It threw up memories of Fekir’s failed move to Liverpool in 2018, which fell through due to medical concerns after he had completed his first interview for the Reds’ official channels.

“Liverpool are said to be keen on bringing the Fulham ace to Anfield, with Jurgen Klopp widely expected to chase new signings in the winter market.”

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