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

THE TIMES

The EFL says all options are being considered around introducing VAR in its competitions and that it is monitoring developments around a challenge system being trialled by football’s lawmakers.

Liam Lawson has revealed that his sisters gave up Irish dancing so that he could be in F1.

DAILY MAIL

Middlesex have launched an audacious bid to sign Kane Williamson for the 2025 season as counties continue to target New Zealanders as overseas players.

John Fury will not be in his son Tyson’s corner for Saturday’s world heavyweight title showdown against Oleksandr Usyk, the Gypsy King’s trainer has confirmed.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Sir Bill Beaumont could make a dramatic return to the Rugby Football Union as a potential interim replacement for Tom Ilube, with the beleaguered chairman expected to step down over the handling of the salary and bonus scandal.

Sheffield United’s takeover by the US consortium led by Steven Rosen is set to be completed, with an announcement imminent on the deal worth more than £100 million.

THE SUN

Dele could be set for a major return to football in Serie A by Premier League legend Cesc Fabregas.

Leicester City ace Hamza Choudhury has switched his national allegiance to Bangladesh after spending his youth in the England national setup.

The quarter-finals of the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship was delayed on Thursday afternoon.

Chris Eubank Jr warned there is nothing Tyson Fury can do to beat his boxing bogeyman Oleksandr Usyk.

DAILY MIRROR

Sean Dyche will be allowed to continue as Everton boss by new owner Dan Friedkin because he has kept the Blues in the Premier League while slashing costs.

Emiliano Martinez claims he would retire if Argentina retained the World Cup in 2026.

Paul Pogba’s brother, Mathias, has been handed a three-year prison sentence after he was found guilty of attempting to extort the former Manchester United star.

Sir Alex Ferguson dined with former Manchester United star Nani whilst on holiday in Portugal. The reunion took place less than a fortnight after the 38-year-old announced his retirement from football.

Trent Alexander-Arnold admits leaving his own legacy as one of the great right-backs is what’s motivating him.

Manchester United fans at Tottenham have made their feelings clear regarding Marcus Rashford as they displayed a banner that read: “Excuses. Ta ra Marcus”.

THE ATHLETIC

Valencia club president Lay Hoon Chan says the club is not up for sale but that owner Peter Lim would study any offers received.

Brighton & Hove Albion have added to their stock of young goalkeeper talent by signing Charlie Wilson-Papps from AFC Wimbledon.

A preliminary hearing in a claim for defamation and harassment brought by TV pundit Eni Aluko against Joey Barton was heard today at London’s High Court.

Saudi Arabia will play in the 2025 and 2027 editions of the Gold Cup as one of 16 teams participating in the tournaments organised by CONCACAF.

EVENING STANDARD

The global sports consortium Sportsbank want to invest in Eagle Football, but would ask John Textor to keep his 45 per cent stake in Crystal Palace.

DAILY RECORD

Ally McCoist urged Rangers not to become paranoid over refereeing decisions like Celtic as he shut down talk of a conspiracy against his old club – and took a swipe at Parkhead chief Michael Nicholson.