FA reached out to Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti before Thomas Tuchel appointment – Paper Talk

The top stories and transfer rumours from Thursday’s newspapers…

DAILY MAIL

The FA reached out to Carlo Ancelotti over taking the role of England manager prior to settling on Thomas Tuchel, it has seemingly been revealed.

Nottingham Forest – fresh from a £750,000 fine for an astonishing online attack on a VAR official – are advertising for a social media manager.

Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia, who has been out of action for 17 months is reportedly nearing a return.

DAILY MIRROR

Trent Alexander-Arnold is top of Real Madrid’s transfer shortlist.

Raphael Varane has revealed he played the final 11 years of his career – including his three seasons at Manchester United – with only “one knee”. And the France World Cup winner admitted: “I haven’t tackled for years”.

Erik ten Hag has ended the international break with a little more breathing space, following Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as England boss and his predecessor Gareth Southgate’s decision to take a prolonged break before returning to management.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Cricket’s governing body is undertaking cost-cutting redundancies as part of a wider plan to decentralise the game.

Gary Lineker claims the Football Association spoke to Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti as part of the process to replace Gareth Southgate, before appointing German coach Thomas Tuchel.

Manchester United are confident their new chief executive Omar Berrada will not be implicated in Manchester City’s legal battle with the Premier League over allegations of financial irregularities.

THE SUN

New England boss Thomas Tuchel might be set to turn to a pair of stars who he is known to admire – Eric Dier and Raheem Sterling.

Zinedine Zidane has been in constant talks with one of Manchester United’s trusted chiefs.

Former Arsenal star Francis Coquelin could be set for a surprise return to England with Leeds United.

THE ATHLETIC

Tensions at academy level between Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have led to scouts being denied access to youth games.

DAILY RECORD

FCSB owner Gigi Bacali has revealed they plan to rest players for their Europa League clash with Rangers as he puts Bucharest derbies at the top of his agenda.

Darren Bent has told Rangers that a return to Sunderland is the only path out of Ajax that “makes sense” for Jordan Henderson.

THE SCOTTISH SUN

A Highland businessman will meet the Caley Thistle board in a last-ditch bid to buy the stricken club and avert administration.