UK Back Pages: Sami Khedira Rumours and Louis van Gaal's Axe in the Headlines

Arsenal and Chelsea's pursuit of Sami Khedira, Louis van Gaal's first day on the job at Manchester United and the James Anderson cricket controversy all lead Thursday's headlines. 

Van Gaal has pledged to trim the fat from United's roster, and Khedira remains a hot commodity. 

The Mirror went with the headline "Hatchet Van" to describe the new United boss' plan to shake up their squad.

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MIRROR SPORT: Hatchet Van #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/Dim92gLxKK

— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) July 16, 2014"

The Daily Star also went with a cutting tool to reference Van Gaal. They also infer that Chelsea are ramping up their pursuit of Khedira.

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STAR SPORT: Vn to swing axe #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/Pz59m4jRNR

— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) July 16, 2014"

The Daily Express looks more at the controversy surrounding Anderson and also uses "axe" to describe Van Gaal.   

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EXPRESS SPORT: Stitch-Up #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/LAQPO4q62p

— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) July 16, 2014"

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail takes on Gary Ballance's drunken and shirtless antics, insinuating that England don't care.

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MAIL SPORT: Off the hook #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/PxTs2TcsA5

— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) July 16, 2014"