Newcastle United are preparing a bid for Manchester City and England midfielder Kalvin Phillips, 27. (Mail)

Barcelona sporting director Deco has contacted Frenkie de Jong’s agents to discuss renewing the 26-year-old’s contract, but the Netherlands midfielder is in no hurry to start talks. (Sport – in Spanish)

Deco says it will be difficult for Barcelona to add to their squad in the January transfer window because of the club’s financial position. (Mundo Deportivo – in Spanish)

Liverpool are among a number of Premier League Clubs interested in 20-year-old Germany forward Jamal Musiala, whose contract at Bayern Munich runs until 2026. (Sport Bild – in German)

Liverpool sent scouts to watch Portugal and Sporting defender Goncalo Inacio, 22, during his country’s victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina. (90min)

Jurgen Klopp’s side are also among several Premier League clubs closely monitoring the progress of Schalke midfielder Assan Ouedraogo, 17. (Sky Sports Germany)

Manchester United’s prospective new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe questioned the club’s recruitment on a visit to Old Trafford in March, using the acquisition of Brazil midfielder Casemiro, 31, from Real Madrid in August 2022 as an example. (Guardian)

Ratcliffe’s purchase of 25% of United is not expected to be voted on by their board on Thursday as the final details of the deal are ironed out. (Telegraph – subscription required)

Manchester United and Sweden defender Victor Lindelof, 29, expects the club to trigger a one-year extension clause in his contract with 12 months left on his current deal. (90min)

Red Devils and Northern Ireland defender Jonny Evans, 35, has said he thought he was going to have to retire from football because of injuries last season before returning to Manchester in the summer. (90min)

Former Tottenham head of recruitment Paul Mitchell is favourite to become the new director of football at Manchester United, putting current football director John Murtough’s job at risk. (The i)