Ashley Cole set to depart Birmingham City for full-time role with the Football Association - Paper Talk

Here are the latest top stories and transfer rumors from Friday's newspapers: 1. Manchester United are reportedly close to completing a deal for Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho. The Englishman has been a long-standing target for the Red Devils and it looks like a move could finally be on the cards. 2. Chelsea are said to be eyeing a move for Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian has been in fine form for the Italian side and could provide some much-needed firepower for the Blues as they look to strengthen their attacking options. 3. Barcelona are rumored to be interested in signing Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum on a free transfer this summer. The Dutchman's contract at Anfield is set to expire and it looks like the Catalan giants could swoop in to secure his services. 4. Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in talks with Southampton over a potential deal for midfielder James Ward-Prowse. The England international has been in impressive form for the Saints and could be a valuable addition to Jose Mourinho's squad. 5. Real Madrid are said to be monitoring the situation of Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman's contract at the Parc des Princes is set to expire in 2022 and it remains to be seen if he will extend his stay or seek a move elsewhere. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest transfer news and rumors as the summer transfer window heats up.

THE ATHLETIC

Ashley Cole is set to leave Birmingham City and join The Football Association (FA) on a full-time basis.

THE SUN

Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur could face up to 12 games on the sidelines following his FA charge.

David Beckham will lead soccer legends and dignitaries saluting England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson at his star-studded funeral in Sweden on Friday.

Arsenal ace Jorginho revealed he is planning to transition to coaching after his retirement.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is not facing punishment from The FA for alleged racist and homophobic chanting, despite Rodrigo Bentancur being charged with aiming a slur at his Tottenham Hotspur team-mate Son Heung-min.

A proposal for an Anglo-Welsh league is being considered by Premiership clubs as part of a consultation to explore ways of increasing the value of future broadcasting deals.

THE GUARDIAN

Celta Vigo's former captain Hugo Mallo has been found guilty of the sexual assault of a woman who was working as the Espanyol mascot in the final moments before a game in La Liga.

The Sale Sharks second-row Jonny Hill is set to learn his fate when he meets with the police on Monday after an investigation was launched following an incident with a Bath supporter at last season's semi-final at the Rec in June.

DAILY MAIL

Erling Haaland can take compassionate leave if the Manchester City striker requires time away after the death of close friend Ivar Eggja.

Manuel Ugarte is in line to make his debut for Manchester United at Southampton on Saturday after returning from international duty with Uruguay.

PSG have refused to pay Kylian Mbappe almost £50m in unpaid wages despite being ordered to do so - with the explosive saga now set to be settled in court.

DAILY RECORD

James Tavernier is set to remain at Rangers after snubbing a move to Turkey.