Paper Talk: Man Utd, Tottenham told outstanding Serie A centre-back will cost £51.5m; West Ham still in striker hunt
Manchester United and Tottenham have been told that a Serie A defensive target will cost them £51.5million, while Friday’s transfer gossip claims that West Ham are still in the hunt for a Ligue 1 striker.
MAN UTD, TOTTENHAM TOLD DEFENDER PRICE
Atalanta have reportedly set their asking price for Cristian Romero, who is attracting interest from Manchester United, Tottenham and Barcelona.
The 23-year-old joined Atalanta on loan from Juventus last summer, with an option to buy for just €16million.
The Bergamo outfit are expected to take up that option and will then demand a whopping €60m (£51.5m) to consider his immediate exit, as reported by Calciomercato.
Romero was voted as Serie A’s best defender last season, prompting strong interest from both United and Spurs. A more recent report also claims that Liverpool are in the running for his signature.
The Red Devils previously landed winger Amad Diallo from the Serie A side. However, the report states they are unlikely to get a discount for the impressive Romero.
The four-times capped Argentina star looks likely to leave Juve without making a competitive appearance.
But he made a massive impression for Atalanta as they qualified for the Champions League once again.
Stats back up Romero award
Romero chipped in with three goals and three assists in 44 appearances last season. He also averaged two tackles and three interceptions per game and won the majority of his aerial battles.
United’s need for a new centre-back remains a priority for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with a deal for Raphael Varane proving difficult to pull off.
As for Tottenham, they want at least two new defenders, although they are close to a deal for Bologna star Takehiro Tomiyasu.
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WEST HAM STILL IN STRIKER HUNT
West Ham are still interested in signing Reims striker Boulaye Dia this summer. (The Athletic)
Tottenham director of football Fabio Paratici has placed Jules Kounde at the business-end of his priority list this summer. (Daily Express)
Chelsea winger Kenedy will reportedly not return to the Blues for pre-season training unless his dealings with Brazilian club Flamenco are resolved entirely. (Daily Express)
Tottenham remain in talks with Bologna for Takehiro Tomiyasu – and hope to complete the signing during the Tokyo Olympics. (Daily Telegraph)
Manchester United are close to agreeing a loan deal for Tahith Chong to play at Birmingham City next season. (Daily Telegraph)
Europe’s biggest clubs have been alerted to the possibility of signing Euro 2020 star Mikkel Damsgaard this summer following comments by Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero. (Daily Star)
LIVERPOOL STILL IN SAUL RACE
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are reportedly leading the race to sign Spanish midfielder Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid. (Daily Mail)
Chelsea’s France striker Olivier Giroud is on the verge of signing a two-year contract with Italian outfit AC Milan. (Daily Mail)
Roberto Martinez has confirmed he will not be quitting as Belgium manager in the wake of their frustrating Euro 2020 quarter-final exit. (Daily Mail)
Paris Saint-Germain’s newest big-name signing Sergio Ramos turned down offers from Arsenal and Manchester City this summer, according to reports. (Daily Mail)
Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti has just got started with his new club but looks like he is already weighing up his transfer plans – after hinting he could sign Chelsea left-back Emerson Palmieri. (Daily Mail)
MORE TRANSFER GOSSIP
Gareth Southgate should become a sir if he leads England to Euro glory, according to his former Aston Villa team-mate Ian Taylor. (The Sun)
Arsenal have received a boost in their reported pursuit of Manuel Locatelli after Sassuolo confirmed transfer talks with a ‘club from abroad’. (The Sun)
Didier Deschamps will stay on as France manager until the 2022 World Cup despite their disappointing Euro 2020 campaign. (Daily Mirror)
Sergio Ramos rejected a move to Arsenal in favour of PSG because the Gunners could not offer the defender Champions League football. (Daily Mirror)
Barcelona have been left red-faced after they were forced into cutting Memphis Depay’s wage packet, just three weeks after signing the Netherlands forward. (Daily Mirror)
Celtic are in the hunt for US international Cameron Carter-Vickers as Ange Postecoglou looks to bolster his defence. (Daily Record)
Rangers-linked midfielder Alhassan Yusuf is keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of a potential summer transfer. (Daily Record)
Bologna have booted out Celtic’s £3.5m offer for Aaron Hickey. (Scottish Sun)
Albian Ajeti has vowed he will take the second chance at Celtic given to him by Ange Postecoglou. (Scottish Sun)
Alfredo Morelos will stay at Rangers this summer despite strong speculation surrounding his future, according to Craig Moore. (Scottish Sun)
Rotherham have told St Johnstone they are unlikely to increase their offer for Perth legend Shaun Rooney. (Scottish Sun)
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