From the Back Pages, Thursday April 11 - Man U target Falco as signing

Manchester United have made it a three-way Premier League battle to sign Atletico Madrid’s £50million-rated striker Radamel Falcao. United’s interest in the 27-year-old will place another question over the future of Wayne Rooney, who could find himself offloaded at the end of the season. Despite Falcao having a buy-out clause of £50m in his current contract, United believe they could land the in-demand striker for around £35m this summer - ahead of Manchester City and Chelsea. (Daily Mirror)

UEFA yesterday pledged to finally get tough on racism – by closing football grounds and banning players for 10 matches. General secretary Gianni Infantino announced a series of new hardline punishments, which he claimed would help end racism in the European game. They include doubling the ban for players found guilty of racist abuse and even closing an entire stadium if fans chant racist songs. (Daily Star)

SIR BOBBY CHARLTON fears England will not win the World Cup again as foreign players are blocking home-grown talent. Charlton, a key figure when England lifted the 1966 World Cup, cannot see an end to the wait for a major trophy. “Every time I’m asked if England can win the World Cup, I feel obliged to say they have a chance but it’s a fool’s errand,” he told an audience at Soccerex in Manchester. If all the spaces in the English game are taken by foreign players, we don’t have a chance.” (Daily Express)

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ARSENE WENGER is finally ready to break the bank to end Arsenal’s eight-year trophy drought. The Gunners boss has been notoriously reluctant to splash the cash despite the club’s strong finances. But now former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein, Wenger’s best friend in football, says the Frenchman knows it is time to spend — and spend BIG. (Sun)