Manchester United consider Felix Nmecha amid Premier League transfer buzz

The transfer window has only just slammed shut, but the Premier League’s big hitters are already sketching out their next moves.

At Old Trafford, Manchester United are weighing up a move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha, with the 23-year-old emerging as a potential target. United are not alone in tracking him: Manchester City and Newcastle United are also watching the Germany international, setting up the prospect of a three-way Premier League tug of war, according to the Daily Express.

United’s recruitment drive is not limited to established names. They have secured a deal to sign Liverpool teenager Isaac Konde, The Mirror reports, in a rare piece of business between the two historic rivals. The club also remain keen on Leicester City midfielder Louis Page, 18, after failing to get a deadline-day move for the England youth international over the line, says ESPN. That pursuit looks set to roll on into the next window.

Aurier drops into French seventh tier

One of the more eye-catching career turns involves former Tottenham defender Serge Aurier. The right-back is poised to join Montigny-en-Gohelle, a seventh-tier club in France, in a move that underlines just how far his stock has fallen since his Premier League days, according to The Sun. From Champions League nights to the French regional divisions: it is a stark descent.

Villa rocked by Goretzka injury blow

At Aston Villa, the optimism around their reshaped side has taken a hit. Leon Goretzka will be sidelined until at least after the international break, the Daily Mail reports, depriving Unai Emery of a key component in his revamped midfield. Villa, who invested heavily to refine their squad, must now navigate a crucial early stretch without one of their marquee figures.

Fulham forced into £19m commitment

Fulham’s business is not done either, whether they like it or not. Hugo Larsson’s loan move from Eintracht Frankfurt is set to become permanent after just one appearance, forcing the London club to pay in the region of £19m, according to the Daily Express. The clause kicks in early, turning what was framed as a low-risk loan into a major financial commitment almost overnight.

AC Milan target Endrick loan from Real Madrid

Across Europe, AC Milan are plotting an ambitious January move. The Serie A club are preparing to try to bring Brazil forward Endrick, 20, on loan from Real Madrid, report Calciomercato. The youngster, one of the most talked-about talents of his generation, could be handed a key development spell in Italy if Milan can strike an agreement with the European champions.

Jota boost for Celtic, Shankland fears for Rangers

In Scotland, there is mixed news for the Glasgow giants.

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has revealed that winger Jota could return ahead of schedule for the Scottish Premiership champions, according to the Daily Record. His comeback would hand Celtic a timely injection of creativity as the fixtures pile up.

Rangers, though, are bracing for bad news. The club fear skipper Lawrence Shankland might struggle to kick another ball this year after he limped out of Saturday's win over Motherwell with a damaged hamstring, the Daily Record reports. For a side built around his goals, the prospect of a long lay-off is a brutal scenario.

PCB seizes phones amid Pakistan turmoil

Away from football, the Pakistan Cricket Board has taken a hard line during the team’s grim tour of England. The Daily Telegraph reports that the PCB has confiscated and examined the phones of two players as part of an investigation into “discipline and conduct” on the trip. It is a stark move that underlines the level of concern inside the camp as Pakistan search for answers on and off the field.