Bayern Munich could offer Kalvin Phillips an escape route from Manchester City - Paper Round

Bayern Munich could offer Kalvin Phillips a "shock escape route" from Manchester City.

A report in the Sun states: "Bayern are understood to be closely monitoring his situation with a view to making a move either in the January window or in the summer.

"He is one of the names on the list of chief Thomas Tuchel - as he looks to strengthen his midfield.

"The German giants raided City last winter and took Portuguese full-back Joao Cancelo on loan.

"And a similar arrangement for Phillips, 27, could well appeal to all parties."

Phillips has struggled for game time since his arrival at City from Leeds in the summer of 2022. A three-match suspension for Rodri was expected to give the England international an opportunity in City's midfield but he has managed just 115 minutes during the Spaniard's absence.

Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe has “emerged as an early potential target” for Newcastle this January, according to a report.

The 23-year-old has made just two appearances for Mikel Arteta’s side so far this season and Newcastle could be ready to make a move.

The Northern Echo states: “It is understood that Smith Rowe has already been discussed within Newcastle’s recruitment team as a potential target, with his lack of game time with Arsenal this season potentially opening the door for a transfer.

“The Londoner has also been linked with a possible move to West Ham United, and while Mikel Arteta will be reluctant to lose anyone in January with his side in the midst of a Premier League title challenge, the Spaniard could come under pressure to allow Smith Rowe to leave if an acceptable offer is received.

“It has been suggested that Arsenal value Smith Rowe at around £50m, but FFP rules would almost certainly force Newcastle to be creative when it came to putting together a deal for the attacking midfielder.

"Ideally, The Magpies would almost certainly prefer an initial loan deal with a view to a permanent transfer in the future, which is the arrangement that enabled them to complete Hall’s summer move from Chelsea.”

West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek could join Inter Milan on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Soucek has been a standout player in David Moyes' side so far this season, finding the net four times already in all competitions.

But a story in the Sun states: "The Czech midfielder's contract expires in June 2024 but West Ham do have an option to extend it by another year.

"Corriere dello Sport report that West Ham will not activate the clause should Soucek make it clear that he wants to leave and that could see him join Inter on a free."

Soucek has made 165 appearances for The Hammers since joining the club from Slavia Prague in 2020.

Jack Wilshere has reportedly been given permission to discuss a manager's role with MLS side Colorado Rapids.

Wilshere, 31, is Arsenal's U18 head coach after retiring last summer, but he could be set to land his first managerial job.

The Sun report states: "According to The Athletic, Arsenal have granted Wilshere permission to speak to the MLS side.

"Wilshere is understood to have impressed in an interview with the Rapids but a decision on whether to appoint him has yet to be made.

"The former England midfielder is keen on a senior management role if the right opportunity arises, the report adds."

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