Euro Paper Talk: Price of star Man Utd target set to soar as bid for shock alternative prepared; Chelsea offered midfielder
Manchester United look towards a Plan B with the price of a defender target set to rise, while Chelsea consider an offer for a midfielder – both in all the latest Euro Paper Talk.
MAN UTD EYE KOUNDE ALTERNATIVE
Sevilla will reportedly push Jules Kounde’s asking price back up, amid continued links between the defender and Manchester United.
The Red Devils could swoop for a new centre-back this summer to form a long-term partnership with captain Harry Maguire. While Victor Lindelof plays that role now and Eric Bailly has secured a new contract, neither have fully convinced. Indeed, the drop in quality without Maguire was evident in the recent loss to Liverpool.
As for who they could sign, Kounde reportedly features on their radar and has a €90million (£77million) release clause (via AS).
Previous reports, though, have claimed that Sevilla are willing to drop that figure to £51million.
But La Colina de Nervion now says that the fee will be pushed back up because of Kounde’s appearance in France’s Euro 2020 squad, which will inevitably raise his stock further.
In addition, if he performs well in the tournament, Sevilla will continue to demand more, meaning United could walk away from a deal.
As a result, Todofichajes claims that United to bring Gerard Pique back to the club this summer. The Red Devils let him go in 2008 after he struggled to adapt to English football.
However, he has thrived ever since, playing 556 games for Barca and picking up eight La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns. What’s more, he has 103 Spain caps to his name.
Pique’s La Liga employers are in dire financial straits and the report claims that they could ask the players to take another wage cut next season. However, this could help United’s bid to bring him back.
Pique has only made 18 league appearances this term due to injury. Kounde, though, has played 33 of 35 top-flight games.
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AND THE REST FROM EURO PAPER TALK
Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are considering signing Miralem Pjanic, after Barcelona offered the midfielder. (Le10 Sport)
Arsenal loan star Martin Odegaard has again stressed that he wants to finish the season before deciding whether to return to Real Madrid. (TV2)
Nevertheless, Arsenal still have an interest in Borussia Dortmund’s creative midfielder Julian Brandt. The financial aspects of the deal must be right for a transfer to go ahead, though. (Kicker)
Mauricio Pochettino believes that signing Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum can be the first step in reconstructing PSG’s midfield. (L’Equipe)
WEST HAM EYE BARCA MAN
West Ham have tested the water over a deal for Barcelona’s Junior Firpo, but Roma and Marseille are among his new potential suitors. (Mundo Deportivo)
Arsenal and Tottenham have shown interest in rising Roma star Ebrima Darboe. (Corrierre dello Sport)
Meanwhile, new Roma boss Jose Mourinho is pondering a move for Man Utd midfielder Nemanja Matic. What’s more, the Serbian would gladly follow his former manager to Rome. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
MILAN DRAW UP DE PAUL OFFER
AC Milan have offered winger Jens Petter Hauge and cash to Udinese in a bid to sign midfielder Rodrigo de Paul. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Galatasaray have already held talks about signing Leeds’ Ezgjan Alioski. However, their ‘operation’ to sign the player has now officially begun. (Fanatik)
Bayern Munich can imagine selling centre-back Niklas Sule and would not be against the idea, with Chelsea keen. (Bild)
Andrea Pirlo confirmed himself as Juventus’ manager for next season after winning the Coppa Italia on Wednesday. However, club chiefs will make a final decision on Monday. (Tuttosport)
AGUERO CAMP CONFIDENT ON MESSI
Sergio Aguero‘s representatives believe that Lionel Messi will extend his stay at Barcelona. Aguero himself is close to joining Barca amid his impending Manchester City exit. (Mundo Deportivo)
But Messi has vetoed the club’s decision to bring Jean-Clair Todibo back into the team next season after his loan spell at Nice. (Don Balon)
Meanwhile, departing Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick has emerged as a candidate to take over from Ronald Koeman at Camp Nou. (Marca)
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