Gossip/Aproko: Sterling, Bale, De Gea, Shaw, Lamela, Berahino

Manchester United have approached Liverpool over 20-year-old forward Raheem Sterling, but the Anfield club instantly rejected their inquiry. (Telegraph) 

Thursday's Daily Mirror back page

United asked Liverpool for an asking price for Sterling, but were told further communication would not be welcomed. (Times - subscription required) 
Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale, 25, is set to stay at the Spanish club, bringing an end to United's hope of a swap deal including goalkeeper David De Gea, 24. (Mirror)  
After meeting with the club's directors Bale was told he remains part of the Real's long-term plans. (Sun - subscription required) 
England Under-21 manager Gareth Southgate made a last-minute U-turn and left Manchester United defender Luke Shaw, 19, out of his squad for this summer's European Championship. (Guardian) 
England manager Roy Hodgson has held talks with United boss Louis van Gaal about Shaw's difficult season at Old Trafford. (Mail) 
Tottenham forward Emmanuel Adebayor, 31, has launched a another attack on his family in a series of posts on Facebook, including a claim that his brother held a knife to his throat in an attempt to gain money. (Telegraph) 
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino says he wants to keep 23-year-old forward Erik Lamela but would like to let several other players go, including striker Roberto Soldado, 29. (Mirror) 

Thursday's Daily Express back page

Manchester City and Chelsea are considering making a bid for Barcelona midfielder Alex Song this summer. The 27-year-old has been on loan with West Ham this season. (Mail) 
City are also preparing an approach for West Brom's 21-year-old forward Saido Berahino. (Daily Star) 
Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola will assess his chances of taking over at Manchester United before making a decision about Manchester City. The Spaniard is the number one choice to take over at the Etihad if Manuel Pellegrini leaves. (Manchester Evening News) 
Liverpool will announce winger Jordan Ibe, 19, has signed a new five-year contract at the club worth £35,000 a week. (Sun - subscription required) 
Steve McClaren's position as Derby manager is in doubt, with the former England boss to meet with the club's chief executive Sam Rush on Thursday. (Mail) 
Newcastle manager John Carver says he is only sleeping four hours a night due to the pressure of keeping the club in the Premier League. (Guardian) 

Best of social media

Phil Neville enjoyed his day golfing with fellow former Manchester United player Paul Scholes, world number one Rory McIlroy and One Direction singer Niall Horan. "Great day at the BMW pro am with these guys!" he posted on Instagram. 

The foursome were competing in the PGA Championship Celebrity Pro-Am at Wentworth

Karim Benzema was clearly in a philosophical mood on Wednesday. The Real Madrid forward posted a photo  of himself pointing to an old passport photo with this quote from French writer Anatole France: "Without lies, truth would perish from boredom and despair." Quite.
Tottenham's 21-year-old forward Harry Kane celebrated his call-up to the England Under 21 squad, tweeting:  "It's always an honour to represent my country! Looking forward to the U21 Euros! It will be a great experience for our team!"
Everton's 21-year-old left-back Luke Garbutt was also called up to Gareth Southgate's squad and tweeted:  "Delighted to be named in the squad for the European Championship. Can't wait to get started!"

And finally

The Liverpool Echo has tracked down every other member of Liverpool's Istanbul line-up

Do you know where Steve Finnan is? Organisers of an event celebrating the 10th anniversary of Liverpool's 2005 Champions League win in Istanbul have issued a plea after failing to track the former Reds right-back down. (Liverpool Echo) 
German police are investigating a tackle made on Borussia Dortmund's 25-year-old forward Marco Reus after deciding it constituted 'grievous bodily harm'. (Metro)