What the papers say

Brazilian winger Kenedy’s loan from Chelsea to Newcastle is almost a done deal, according to the Daily Mail. With Antonio Conte close to securing the signature of Roma left-back Emerson Palmieri, it looks like Kenedy will be free to move to St James’ Park, the paper says. Newcastle are thought to be paying a loan fee for the 21-year-old, who has long been on Magpies boss Rafa Benitez’s radar.

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez is hoping to secure Kenedy's signing
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez is hoping to secure Kenedy’s signing (Anthony Devlin/PA)

Manchester City are poised to make a bid for Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte, reports suggest. The Sun says boss Pep Guardiola has long been keen to bring the centre-back to the Etihad and after a failed approach last summer, he looks ready to make a move again. The 23-year-old comes with a £60million release clause but that does not appear to be putting City off the Frenchman, the reports say.

Borussia Dortmund forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang‘s move to Arsenal could be in doubt if the Gunners are not willing to include Olivier Giroud as part of the deal, the Mirror reports. Arsenal have tabled a bid of about £45million with talks ongoing with the German club, but now it is thought Dortmund want £60million for the player as well as striker Giroud in the exchange. After a disappointing Champions League campaign, Giroud could provide them with the goals they need to perform on the European stage.

Atletico Madrid's Kevin Gameiro is wanted by Newcastle
Atletico Madrid’s Kevin Gameiro is wanted by Newcastle (Nick Potts/EMPICS)

Meanwhile, Newcastle are also said to be targeting Atletico Madrid’s Kevin Gameiro. The Express says Benitez has been given a green light for a spending spree during the transfer window, and striker Gameiro is thought to be among the top of the list. The 30-year-old could cost around £16 million – a similar price tag to the club’s transfer record for Michael Owen in 2005.

Manchester United and Arsenal are both interested signing West Brom’s Jonny Evans, the Daily Mail reports. But with a number of other targets on the clubs’ radars, it is unclear if any deal will go through this month. However, West Brom, currently standing in 19th in the Premier League, risk losing the player for just £3million should they be dumped into the Championship this summer as it is reported the 30-year-old has a relegation release clause in his contract.

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Players to watch

West Ham United's Andy Carroll is set for surgery
West Ham United’s Andy Carroll is set for surgery(Richard Sellers/PA)

Andy Carroll: The West Ham striker’s hopes of a loan move to Chelsea look to be dashed after the 29-year-old underwent surgery on a foot fracture. The Daily Mail reports that Antonio Conte had wanted to bring Carroll to Stamford Bridge on an initial loan deal, but the player will now be out of action for around eight weeks with only little more than a week left in the transfer window.

Clement Grenier: The Lyon mdfielder looks set to move to West Ham this month, according to reports. Inside Futbol says Lyon will agree to his departure if contract talks are successful, but the Hammers will have to be prepared to overcome interest from the likes of Inter to secure a pre-contractual agreement.