Soccer gossip column: Chelsea eye Man Utd star Martial

A round-up of Wednesday's transfer rumours from the newspapers.Chelsea are considering making a bid for Anthony Martial if Manchester United cannot convince him to stay, the Telegraph reports.
United forward Anthony Martial (centre)United forward Anthony Martial (centre)
United forward Anthony Martial (centre)

The paper claims Juventus and Tottenham have also shown an interest in the 22-year-old, although Jose Mourinho would prefer to keep him at United.

Meanwhile, Chelsea defender David Luiz could move to Napoli in the summer if Rafael Benitez returns to San Paolo, according to the Sun.

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The Brazilian, who has fallen out of favour with Antonio Conte, could leave Stamford Bridge to be reunited with another former Blues boss, the paper reports. Benitez is said to be among the front-runners to potentially replace Maurizio Sarri at Napoli in the summer.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are reportedly preparing to cough up £31m for German starlet Benjamin Henrichs. The Sun reports that Bayer Leverkusen are resigned to losing the 21-year-old full-back, who has a get-out clause in the two-year contract he signed last summer.

Luis Enrique could be dealt a blow to his hopes of becoming the next Arsenal manager as the club are reluctant to pay as much as Arsene Wenger’s £8.5m-a-year deal, according to the Daily Mail.

The paper says Enrique, one of the leading candidates to replace Wenger, wants a deal worth £15m a year. But the Gunners are said to be apprehensive about making such a significant financial contribution to their next boss.

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West Bromwich Albion are reportedly keen on a move for Everton boss Sam Allardyce should he leave his current post at the end of the season.

The Daily Mail reports that the Baggies have made preliminary enquiries about Allardyce, who is under contract at Goodison Park until 2019 but is unpopular with some fans.

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Players to watch

Hector Bellerin: The Arsenal star is reportedly wanted by Chelsea, Manchester United and Juventus – with the Italian champions said to be leading the chase for his signature. The Mirror says reports in Spain suggest the Gunners are in talks over a £44m deal.

Leonardo Bittencourt: Tottenham could bid for the former Germany Under-21 star this summer, according to reports. The Sun says stories in the German media suggest Spurs are interested in the 24-year-old, with Monaco and Hoffenheim also thought to be monitoring him.