Sergio Aguero is facing a long spell out, while Jurgen Klopp may not have his top coach for his first Liverpool match. That and more from Wednesday's papers.
Valdes would welcome Newcastlemove
Victor Valdes wouldn't rule out a move to Newcastle, reports The Mirror. Valdes has been frozen out at Manchester United and doesn't expect to get back in the mix. He's ready for a transfer and would like to stay bin the Premier League, but Louis van Gaal refuses to let the Spaniard join a direct rival. Valdes doesn't care much and just wants to play again. Newcastle are perilously short of goalkeeping cover following Tim Krul's season-ending knee injury sustained on international duty, with back-up Karl Darlow also injured.
Paper Round's view - Valdes has been completely frozen out by Louis van Gaal and reportedly does not even have a locker at United's Carrington training ground. Fortunately for him, that means he could be released from his contract and join Newcastle as a free agent in January - unless the FA can be persuaded to sanction an emergency loan. This obviously makes sense for beleaguered Newcastle, and also for Valdes who just needs some football, having played only two competitive fixtures since March 2014. If Mike Ashley can afford Valdes's wages, this looks like the best deal for all parties.
Aguero may be out until December
Sergio Aguero could be out for more than a month. The striker, who suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Argentina last week, said "I have to recover without rushing" and made it clear that he would sit out however long he needs to get completely fit. The Mail say that his absence could stretch into December, which would keep him out of the World Cup qualifier against Brazil, as well as crucial Champions League clash with Juventus next month.
Paper Round's view - Aguero might be the best striker in the world when he's fit. The problem is he's not fit nearly often enough and he's gone down yet again. Aguero is wise to make sure he's fully fit before returning because hamstring injuries can become chronic and land him on the sidelines for even longer down the line, but it is a killer for Argentina and Manchester City. Both lean very heavily on the striker and have huge matches coming up next month.
Sergio Aguero stretchered off, Argentina v Ecuador - Imago
Klopp may begin reign without top assistant
Jurgen Klopp may not have his No. 2 for his first match at Liverpool. The Mirror believe that Zeljko Buvac has not yet received his work permit and, if he doesn't get it by Saturday, he won't be with the Reds when they square off against Spurs on Saturday. Buvac is key to Klopp's operation and the manager calls the Bosnian his "brain."
Paper Round's view - Klopp obviously doesn't want to start his time at Liverpool without the man he feels is so crucial to things, but it's only one match. If Buvac doesn't get his work permit in time, it's not going to be a killer by any means and it won't be a huge deal to Klopp's reign at Anfield. It's a minor inconvenience at the start. If Buvac never gets his work permit, which is highly unlikely, then this could be problematic.
West Ham rule out selling Tomkins
James Tomkins won't be leaving West Ham for Sunderland. Hammers co-chairman David Sullivan said that the defender "loves the club. He won't be going anywhere." Tomkins has been linked to a Sunderland move, where his former manager Sam Allardyce has taken over. Tomkins also happens to share an agent with the Black Cats manager, but Sullivan has put an end to any speculation that the defender will leave.
Paper Round's view - Tomkins just signed a new contract with West Ham, is a regular starter and West Ham are sixth in the league. There is absolutely no reason for the Hammers to sell him, and certainly not to a club like Sunderland, who aren't going to offer them huge money. Sullivan came out, batted away the rumour and made it clear that Tomkins will be staying a Hammer. That's just wise.
James Tomkins, West Ham United (PA Photos) - PA Photos
Wilson will join Celtic on loan
James Wilson will join Celtic on loan in January, according to The Mail. Wilson has only played once for Manchester United this season and van Gaal gave him the go-ahead to leave the club so he can develop elsewhere. Celtic have been eyeing Wilson for a while and tried to get him in the summer, but couldn't. Now the Red Devils will let him go and the forward will get to play in Scotland.
Paper Round's view - Wilson needs to get away from Old Trafford and somewhere that he will play regularly. Celtic should offer him that chance. It's not ideal, seeing as the Scottish Premier League isn't particularly good, but it's plenty good enough for him to continue his growth. The worst thing he could do is waste a year on the bench and this loan ensures he won't.
Man United battling Spurs for Pickford
There's a fight brewing for Jordan Pickford. The Star claim that Manchester United have joined the race for the 21-year-old goalkeeper, pitting them against Tottenham for one of the best prospects in England. Meanwhile, Sunderland are hoping to keep the England Under-21, who is on loan atPreston North End.
Paper Round's view - The goalkeeper situation at Manchester United is cloudy, at best. David De Gea is their No. 1, but there are still questions about his long-term future at the club. Sergio Romero is an established backup and prospect Sam Johnstone can't even get a look. That doesn't appear to be a great situation for Pickford to join, but what if De Gea leaves and he is more impressive than Johnstone. Spurs aren't exactly in the clear with Hugo Lloristhe starter, but he too could leave, and a new manager at Sunderland has complicated that situation.
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