Top Stories and Transfer Rumours: De Ligt's Uncertain Future, Trippier's Top Four Hopes, and Messi's Near Return to Barcelona

Here are the top stories and transfer rumours from Monday's newspapers:

DAILY MIRROR

• Matthijs de Ligt's future at Bayern Munich is uncertain, which has put Manchester United on alert.
• Kieran Trippier believes Newcastle still have a chance to finish in the top four and secure another Champions League spot.
• Kalvin Phillips has criticized Pep Guardiola for his handling of him, claiming the Manchester City boss called him overweight.
• Bayer Leverkusen chief Simon Rolfes is confident that Xabi Alonso will continue as their manager next season, despite rumors linking him with a return to Liverpool.
• Rasmus Hojlund has become the second-youngest player in Premier League history to score in five consecutive games.
• Kevin De Bruyne's impressive return to form after a long injury lay-off has surprised his Manchester City teammates.
• LaLiga president Javier Tebas has revealed that Lionel Messi came close to re-signing for Barcelona last summer before joining Inter Miami.

DAILY MAIL

• Brazilian side Santos is planning to bring Neymar Jr back to the club after he recovers from his knee injury and completes his 'experience in Saudi Arabia'.
• Manchester United will consult their fans before deciding whether to refurbish or demolish Old Trafford.
• Jose Mourinho is reportedly learning German in preparation for a potential role at Bayern Munich.
• A private meeting of Premier League and Championship clubs was organized by Burnley chairman Alan Pace.
• Newcastle United is considering a summer deal for Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly.
• Paul Jewell and other former professionals have written to sports minister Stuart Andrew, urging government intervention in the ongoing dementia scandal.
• Real Madrid's Rodrygo has expressed his desire for Kylian Mbappe to join the club in the summer, praising him as one of the best players in the world.

DAILY EXPRESS

• Man City defender John Stones remains optimistic about the upcoming season, despite doubts from Pep Guardiola.
• Gary Neville believes Arsenal have a good chance at the title if they can maintain composure and control following their recent victories.
• Liverpool and Chelsea have received a boost in their pursuit of Newcastle playmaker Bruno Guimaraes.

DAILY STAR

• West Ham fans left the London Stadium before half-time after their team conceded four goals against Arsenal.

THE SUN

• Declan Rice did not celebrate after scoring against West Ham.
• Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is delighted with his team's record-breaking 6-0 victory over West Ham.
• Anthony Martial may have the opportunity to return to France when his Manchester United contract expires, with Monaco and Marseille showing interest.
• Barcelona is expected to make several high-profile players available for transfer this summer.
• Arsenal and Chelsea have sent scouts to watch Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams.

THE ATHLETIC

• Jude Bellingham is expected to be out until early March due to a sprained ankle.
• Manchester United will assist Norman Whiteside in finding a new seat at Old Trafford after his wife criticized the decision to move him.
• Simon Adingra has been named the best young player at the Africa Cup of Nations.

THE TIMES

• Scotland hooker George Turner made history by being the first elite male player to undergo a head injury assessment after his mouthguard detected a potentially concerning level of head impact.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

• Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada compared Ireland's performance against his team to that of the All Blacks.

THE SCOTTISH SUN

• Brendan Rodgers believes that people want him and his Celtic players to fail, but he is determined to prove them wrong.
• Tony Docherty criticized Liam Gordon for the challenge that resulted in Michael Mellon being hospitalized.

DAILY RECORD

• Sebastien Haller led the Ivory Coast to victory in the African Cup of Nations.
• Mohamed Diomande is determined to prove his worth to Rangers despite his high price tag.