NEWSFEEDZONE

Real Madrid will insert a 1bn euro release clause when they renew the contract of Brazil forward Vinicius Jr, 21, at the end of the season. (AS in Spanish)

Newcastle United’s move to appoint Eddie Howe as their new boss has stalled after they failed to reach an agreement with Jason Tindall to be his number two. (90 Min)

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has been linked with returning to former club Inter Milan to sign some of their players but the Serie A club’s manager Simone Inzaghi says “it’s too early to think about January”. (Football Italia)

Frank Lampard has emerged as the early favourite to replace Daniel Farke as Norwich City manager, with Steven Gerrard, Roy Hodgson and Lucien Favre also among contenders. (Mail)

Real Sociedad and Spain midfielder Mikel Merino, 25, is an option Liverpool are considering in order to strengthen their midfield next summer, with Borussia Dortmund and England’s Jude Bellingham, 18, appearing too expensive for the Reds. (Fichajes.net – in Spanish)

Everton manager Rafael Benitez has played down the chances of a spending spree in January. (Times – subscription required)

Former Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko is set to be named as Genoa’s new manager after the Italian club sacked Davide Ballardini. (La Gazzetta dello Sport, via Mirror)

Liverpool are leading the race to sign Dundee United wonderkid Kerr Smith. The 16-year-old Scottish defender is reportedly also a target for Manchester United, Everton and Aston Villa. (Sun)

Former Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has agreed to take over at Middlesbrough following the departure of Neil Warnock. (Teesside Live)

Juventus could make a move for Borussia Dortmund and Belgium midfielder Alex Witsel, 32, in the January transfer window. (Bild, via 90 Min)

Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis says it is up to Italy forward Lorenzo Insigne if he stays at the Serie A club, with the 30-year-old’s contract running out next summer. (Calciomercato)