The top stories making Wednesday’s back pages in the UK…
The Sun: Romelu Lukaku constantly turns to idol Didier Drogba for advice — but is desperate to step out of his shadow.
Also: Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew is lining up a club record £15million bid for Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi.
And: Manchester United legends branded Louis van Gaal and his flops “embarrassing” after this humiliating Champions League KO.
Plus: Daniel Sturridge’s injury curse has struck again and the Liverpool star is likely to be sidelined until after Christmas.
Daily Mirror: West Ham will refuse to go on a January spending spree even after their injury crisis hit a new low.
Also: Louis van Gaal admitted there was nowhere for him to hide following Manchester United’s humiliating Champions League exit.
And: Daniel Sturridge could be out until the New Year after his injury jinx struck AGAIN.
Plus: Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins has admitted the club are ready to axe Garry Monk after warning: “something needs to change.”
Daily Star: Besiktas are on the verge of agreeing a deal for Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina.
Also: Louis van Gaal came under fire last night after Manchester United crashed out of the Champions League.
And: Thibaut Courtois admits it would be an embarrassment for Chelsea to drop into the Europa League this season.
Daily Mail: A new interpretation of the offside law cost Manchester United their ‘equalising goal’ just before half-time against Wolfsburg in the Champions League at the Volkswagen Arena.
Daily Express: Ronaldinho has revealed he came close to signing for Manchester United in 2003.
Also: Tottenham are leading the race to sign Walsall left-back Rico Henry – dubbed the “new Ashley Cole”.
Metro: Manchester United are in pole position to sign Tottenham star Harry Kane despite a host of other clubs chasing him, say reports.
Also: Lucas Moura could seal a transfer to Arsenal next summer due to his admiration for Arsene Wenger, according to reports.
Daily Telegraph: It would be a staggering and eye-watering deal if Manchester United could pull it off but the likelihood of Neymar joining Old Trafford remains extremely slim.
Also: Saido Berahino threatened to incur further wrath from Tony Pulis by liking a series of tweets criticising West Brom.
The Times: Embarrassing. Manchester United deservedly departed the Champions League because they defended like amateurs, not like elite professionals.
The Guardian: The Red Star Belgrade midfielder Marko Grujic has said he has received an approach from Liverpool but wants to delay a decision until the end of the Serbian Super League season.
