Mauricio Pochettino is ready to step up his attempts to sign Ross Barkley from Everton in January because of Tottenham’s mounting injury problems, according to the Daily Mirror.
Already widely tipped to move for Barkley in January, Spurs are apparently determined to sign the England international now the likes of Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele are out injured.
The Mirror say manager Pochettino is keen to add to his midfield options despite the recent performances of youngster Harry Winks.
Meanwhile, Mesut Ozil has not told his Arsenal team-mates he is ready to join Manchester United, The Sun reports.
In response to a Daily Mirror story the previous day suggesting the German was eyeing a move to Old Trafford, The Sun quote a ‘close friend’ of Ozil insisting that is not the case.
The source also says Ozil wants to stay at Arsenal and that reports he is looking to be made the highest-paid Premier League player are untrue.
The source says: “He is not seeking to become the highest-paid player in the Premier League. That’s not his aim.”
Ozil’s contract expires at the end of the season and there has been much speculation about his future.
He previously played under United boss Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid and it was claimed that Ozil had told Arsenal players he was planning a move to Old Trafford.
“Mesut is adamant he has never spoken to any player about going to Manchester United,” The Sun’s source adds.
“He has no idea if United want him but he wants to stay at Arsenal. His intention has always been to remain at Arsenal.”