Here are the top transfer-related stories in Friday's newspapers...
Vincent Kompany is set to become the latest high-profile casualty of Pep Guardiola’s ruthless reign after the Manchester City captain was left out of the squad for the Champions League defeat in Barcelona. Guardiola has already marginalised two of City’s title-winning team, sending Joe Hart on loan to Torino and freezing out Yaya Toure ahead of an expected departure in January. (Daily Mail)
Sergio Aguero could also be on his way out of City. There is believed to be tension between the striker and manager Guardiola after he was surprisingly dropped for the Champions League defeat at Barcelona. (Daily Mirror)
Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano says the club would ‘open the doors wide’ for Lionel Messi if he leaves Barcelona before the end of his career. (Daily Mail)
Inter Milan are considering making a move for Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta in January. The Italian club sent a delegation to City's Champions League clash with Barcelona on Wednesday night to watch the Argentina defender. (ESPN)
Chelsea will check on Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson on Saturday as Antonio Conte steps up his search for defensive reinforcements. Blues spies are scheduled to run the rule over the promising 23-year-old against in-form Arsenal this weekend. (Daily Mail)
Diego Simeone has set his heart on moving to the Premier League to join its battle of the superstar bosses. The former Argentina midfielder is most likely to move to England in 2018, when his contract expires and Atletico Madrid have completed their move into a new stadium. Chelsea made a determined effort to get Simeone before appointing ex-Italy boss Antonio Conte this past summer. (Daily Mirror)
Tottenham hope to finally agree a new contract with Jan Vertonghen in the coming weeks. Spurs are keen to conclude the matter as Vertonghen’s deal expires at the end of next season. (London Evening Standard)
Liverpool youngster Joe Gomez is a January loan target for both Bournemouth and Huddersfield after returning to fitness. (Liverpool Echo)
Manchester United will try to offload Matteo Darmian in the January transfer window after it emerged that José Mourinho has earmarked Timothy Fosu-Mensah as the club’s potential first-choice right back. (The Times)