THE TIMES: Fabio Capello has described Wayne Rooney as the key to a successful World Cup qualifying campaign and will be true to this word by playing him in his preferred position in this evening's friendly international against the United States. Also: The England team will travel to Trinidad and Tobago this week in search of a precious vote for the FA's 2018 World Cup bid.

THE SUN: Avram Grant insists Chelsea would have won the title if he had taken over sooner from Jose Mourinho. Also: Blackburn are ready to tell David Bentley: You're going nowhere. The former Arsenal midfielder, 23, has indicated he will only sign a new contract if it includes a get-out clause but Rovers are not interested as they have been stung in the past.

THE GUARDIAN: The United States intends to launch a counter-bid to England's plans to host the 2018 World Cup finals and has warned the Football Association that any attempts to win over the FIFA vice-president Jack Warner during this weekend's visit to his native Trinidad and Tobago would effectively be a waste of time. Also: Kevin Pietersen can anticipate a £2million jackpot from the Indian Premier League after England unveiled a West Indies tour itinerary for next winter that does not clash with the Twenty20 competition.

DAILY MAIL: Manchester United last night threatened to report Real Madrid to FIFA if the Spanish champions continue their very public pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo. Also: John Terry will return as England captain against the USA at Wembley, but Fabio Capello has excused him from Sunday's friendly against Trinidad and Tobago following talks over his fitness.

DAILY STAR: David James is adamant he wants to be a part of England's World Cup fairytale. Also: Peter Crouch has told boss Rafa Benitez he is ready to see out the last year of his Liverpool contract in protest at the £15million price tag the Spaniard has put on him.

DAILY MIRROR: Sir Alex Ferguson will fly out to Euro 2008 for face-to-face talks with Cristiano Ronaldo. Fergie will do everything in his power to prevent Ronaldo turning his back on Old Trafford. Also: Mark Hughes is the man key Chelsea powerbrokers want as their next manager - and they are trying to persuade Roman Abramovich to give him a chance.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Wayne Rooney is to have a hernia operation after playing in England's friendly against the United States tonight. Chelsea checked on Jurgen Klinsmann's availability earlier this week as they continue finalising their shortlist of candidates to succeed Avram Grant as manager.

THE INDEPENDENT: The FIFA president, Sepp Blatter, is determined to take his "six plus five" proposal to restrict foreign players in domestic leagues to the next level after gaining the backing of the European confederation.

DAILY EXPRESS: Chelsea's new manager will be the highest paid in world football on a basic salary of £6million plus a £1million bonus for winning the Champions League and a mouth-watering £100million transfer budget. Also: Manchester United last night issued a damning attack on Real Madrid after a day of brazen flirting by the Spanish club in a bid to woo Cristiano Ronaldo.