What the papers say
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is being linked with a return to Manchester United after his exit from MLS side LA Galaxy. The Daily Mail, which cites TuttoMercatoWeb, says the 38-year-old forward has tempted Old Trafford bosses as they search for back-up strike power. The Swede scored 29 goals during his two years in north America after leaving the Red Devils.
Burnley have not been impressed with Danny Drinkwater and are preparing to send him back to Chelsea at the end of his loan deal in January, according to The Sun. The former England midfielder, 29, has failed to turn heads at Turf Moor and has only played one game, appearing in the Carabao Cup.
The father of Neymar says he will not be sitting down with Barcelona over his son returning to La Liga. The Mail cites ESPN Brazil as saying the 28-year-old forward will be staying in France with Paris St Germain.
Chelsea have been given a pre-Christmas gift with N’Golo Kante indicating he is committed to Stamford Bridge, despite reports linking him to Real Madrid. “So, in my head, I hope to continue to have great seasons with Chelsea until 2023,” the midfielder told Telefoot, according to the Daily Mail, in reference to the end of his current contract.
Social media round-up
Players to watch
Hakim Ziyech: Tottenham are set to target the Ajax and Morocco winger, 26, if Christian Eriksen leaves in the summer, according to 90min.
Kalvin Phillips: The 23-year-old Leeds midfielder is being considered by Manchester United, Football Insider reports.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here