Paper Talk: Man Utd to trigger release clause of £50m centre-back; shock Liverpool defender sale mooted
Manchester United are willing to meet the £50million release clause of a Spain international centre-back, while Liverpool could sell a defender who has excelled this season, according to Sunday’s papers.
UNITED CLOSE IN ON NEW CENTRE-BACK
Manchester United are reportedly willing to trigger Pau Torres’s £50m release clause in order to prise the centre-back away from Villarreal this summer.
After striker Edinson Cavani signed on for another season, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s main transfer focus was always expected to be on bringing in a new partner for Harry Maguire – and it would appear that he is closing in on his man.
Solskjaer has used both Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly alongside the England man this season. However, both players have struggled to show consistency in their performances, hence Solskjaer’s search for a new recruit.
The likes of Jules Kounde, Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane have all been linked with moves to Old Trafford. But the Red Devils are looking more and more likely to snap up Torres ahead of Barcelona.
A report on Friday suggested that the Nou Camp outfit were looking to swoop for the 24-year-old, although their financial troubles always made that move look unlikely.
Torres reportedly has a £50m buyout clause in his Villarreal contract. And, according to Spanish journalist Javi Mata, United have told his representatives that they are willing meet that price.
The Red Devils will get a first-hand look at the defender when United go head-to-head with Villarreal in the Europa League final next week.
Napoli have also been credited with an interest in the Spain international, who has three goals and two assists in 43 appearances this season. However, it’s thought the player’s preference is to move to England or remain in Spain.
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PHILLIPS UP FOR SALE
Liverpool will sell centre-half Nat Phillips in the summer – but only if they get a major offer. (Sun on Sunday)
Manchester United’s England stars plan to charm Harry Kane at the Euros and get him to join the club. (Sun on Sunday)
Patrick Vieira has urged Arsenal fans to ensure today’s protest against Stan Kroenke does not turn violent. (Sun on Sunday)
West Brom are facing a tough battle to talk Chris Wilder into leading them back to the Premier League. (Sun on Sunday)
Watford have swooped to sign forward Ashley Fletcher on a free transfer from Middlesbrough. (Sun on Sunday)
Jadon Sancho “loves” the prospect of joining Manchester United this summer having already agreed personal terms with the club with the view to a move 12 months ago. (Sunday Express)
Chelsea have reportedly set their sights on one of Monaco’s most prized assets in young midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. (Sunday Express)
CITY MADE JANUARY KANE ENQUIRY
Manchester City made an enquiry for Harry Kane back in January – setting the wheels in motion for the England skipper to go public with his desire to leave this summer. (Daily Star Sunday)
Bruno Fernandes is on the cusp of signing a new £200,000-a-week Manchester United deal. (Daily Star Sunday)
Manchester City are ready to crank up the pressure on Tottenham to sell Harry Kane after Pep Guardiola admitted he would love a prolific striker to lead his attack. (Sunday Mirror)
Chelsea could face a points deduction after again being charged with failing to control their players. (Sunday Mirror)
Jordan Henderson will be named in Gareth Southgate’s Euro squad – after England medics checked out his fitness at Liverpool’s training ground. (Sunday Mirror)
Jesse Lingard has appeared to hint a permanent move to West Ham might not be on the cards this summer. (Sunday Mirror)
Zinedine Zidane has confirmed he will hold showdown talks with his Real Madrid bosses after the club surrendered the La Liga title to local rivals Atletico Madrid. (Sunday Mirror)
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KEITA WANTS LIVERPOOL EXIT
Guinea midfielder Naby Keita wants to leave Liverpool and his agent has approached Atletico Madrid to gauge the possibility of a move to the new Spanish champions. (AS, Spain)
Everton and Juventus want to sign Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero. (Mail on Sunday)
Patrick Vieira has made a stunning intervention as he backs Daniel Ek’s £1.8bn Arsenal takeover. (Mail on Sunday)
Crystal Palace have shown interest in a summer move for FC Copenhagen’s 22-year-old Danish centre-back Victor Nelsson. (Mail on Sunday)
The Premier League’s 20 clubs will split slightly more than £2.5billion in central funds and prize money for the 2020-21 season. (Mail on Sunday)
Manchester United’s desire to land a new right winger ahead of a title push next season will see them offer a £200,000-a-week contract to Kingsley Coman. (Mail on Sunday)
MORE TRANSFER GOSSIP
Manchester United are ready to compensate Harry Kane for lost earnings at Tottenham Hotspur should the striker be forced to make a written transfer request to leave the north London club this summer. (Sunday Times)
Juventus could move for Barcelona striker Antoine Griezmann as a replacement for Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo. (La Stampa, Italy)
The agent of Inter Milan and Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez has met with Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid. (Marca, Spain)
Southampton have joined the race to sign Scottish star Ryan Gauld. (Sunday Mail)
Queen of the South hit-man Connor Shields is attracting interest from Scottish Premiership clubs. (Sunday Mail)
Sir Alex Ferguson has offered Celtic a glowing recommendation as they close in on making Eddie Howe their new manager. (Scottish Sun)
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