Sterling wants Chelsea stay despite Saudi Arabia transfer interest – Paper Round

Sterling wants to fight on at Chelsea

Raheem Sterling is determined to stay at Chelsea beyond the summer despite facing jeers from his own supporters, the Standard reports. Sterling missed a penalty in the 4-2 FA Cup quarter-final win over Leicester and was subsequently booed when he was substituted.

The 29-year-old missed other chances, but despite interest from abroad he wants to remain at the club and fight for silverware.

The Standard adds: “Blues fans have been critical of Sterling since his £47.5m move from Manchester City in 2022, but it is understood he wants to fight to win them over.

“Sterling is ready to snub reported interest from Saudi Arabia this summer and is determined to win big trophies with Chelsea.

“He still has two-and-a-half years left on his contract and is happy at Stamford Bridge. His £300,000-a-week wages and the asking price Chelsea would seek are also likely to rule out a move to any rival Premier League club.”

Kimmich to the Premier League?

Arsenal and Liverpool are among the clubs in contention to sign Joshua Kimmich from Bayern Munich, The Sun reports. The Germany international’s future is unclear, and it is believed he isn’t ruling out the prospect of a summer move.

The other clubs included in the list are Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The Sun adds: “Bayern tried to flog the versatile midfielder to Newcastle last summer in a deal involving defender Kieran Trippier, who they tabled three bids for.

“And they remain keen to sell the former RB Leipzig man this summer so as not to lose him on a free transfer next year.

“Arsenal are said to be one of five teams keen on acquiring the services of Kimmich, who is said to be open to the idea of potentially moving to the Emirates.”

Man Utd want Dortmund swap

Manchester United would be willing to sell Jadon Sancho to Borussia Dortmund this summer providing Donyell Malen moves in the other direction, The Sun reports. With Liverpool also said to be interested in Malen, United hope the swap deal makes them favourites to sign the former Arsenal player.

Arsenal themselves are also said to want Malen back, the 25-year-old having spent two years at youth level with the Gunners before joining PSV in 2017.

The Sun adds: “Malen, 25, has been in great form for Dortmund this season, scoring 13 goals and racking up five assists in 33 appearances in all competitions.

“Sancho, 23, has scored once and notched one assist in his nine Bundesliga games so far in his second stint with the black and yellows.

“Sancho’s contract with Manchester United expires in the summer of 2026, although the Red Devils have the option to extend it for a further year.”

Rashford to snub PSG and stay at Man Utd – Paper Round

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Dortmund ready to offer £35m for Sancho – Paper Round

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Chelsea eye Yoro and Kerkez to strengthen defence – Paper Round

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing, NBA and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

PSG plot £75m move for Rashford – Paper Round

Paris Saint-Germain plot Rashford bid

The Mirror believes that Manchester United could be ready to sell Marcus Rashford to Paris Saint-Germain, if they reach their asking price.

The Ligue 1 champions are said to be plotting a bid of £75 million – but United are believed to value the England international closer to £100m.

The paper reports: “Paris Saint-Germain are ready to test Manchester United’s resolve to keep striker Marcus Rashford this summer with a £75million bid.

“The French giants are ready to launch a second attempt to sign Rashford to replace Kylian Mbappe, who is set to leave PSG for Real Madrid.

“PSG made a concerted effort to sign Rashford in 2022 and were prepared to hand the England star a lucrative contract worth a whopping £400,000-a-week. Rashford decided to stay at United and hit a career-best 30 goals last season, which earned the 26-year-old a new long-term deal until 2028, worth £350,000-a-week.

“United could be tempted by such an offer – although they value Rashford closer to £100m – particularly against the backdrop of such stringent financial fair play regulations, which have restricted their spending in the transfer market.”

City and Liverpool in for Musiala

The Mail reports that Manchester City and Liverpool are both linked with Bayern Munich youngster Jamal Musiala, who has a contract that expires in two years.

That would give Chelsea a potential transfer windfall as they have a sell-on clause worth 20%, agreed when he left them for the Bundesliga giants.

The paper explains: “Chelsea stand to secure a mega-money windfall if Bayern Munich sell Jamal Musiala, the 21-year-old German sensation who is being linked with an £80million move to the world’s biggest clubs including Manchester City and Liverpool.

“Musiala joined Bayern at the age of 16 from Chelsea’s academy after agreeing a compensation package worth around £170,000 (€200,000).

“No buy-back clause was inserted in that 2019 switch, but sources have told Mail Sport that a sell-on fee worth 20 per cent was included.

“Musiala’s current contract is due to expire in 2026 with rival clubs circling in the hope that Bayern fail to agree an extension with the youngster who scored one goal and assisted two in their last Bundesliga win over Mainz.”

Arsenal look for Ramsdale replacement

Arsenal are considering a move for Patrick Schulte to replace Aaron Ramsdale, who could leave this summer.

Schulte is now an American international after establishing himself at Columbus Crew in MLS.

The Telegraph states: “Arsenal are eyeing a summer deal for USA goalkeeper Patrick Schulte as they assess options should Aaron Ramsdale move from the Emirates.

“Ramsdale, 25, has lost his place to summer-signing David Raya in Mikel Arteta’s team and may move for regular football that would cement his place in the England squad.

“Schulte has been on Arsenal’s radar after catching the eye with Columbus Crew upon being selected in the MLS SuperDraft in 2022, breaking into their first-team since and attracting interest from European clubs.

“The 23-year-old has earned a call-up to the US national team, making his debut in January against Slovenia. At Arsenal, he is seen as having a similar profile to Matt Turner, who they recruited from New England Revolution before selling him to Nottingham Forest last summer.

“Arsenal have started looking at keepers as Ramsdale’s departure is a possibility, given he has been a No.1 for four seasons at Bournemouth, Sheffield United and then under Arteta before being usurped by Raya. With strong competition among England goalkeepers, playing regularly is a key consideration for those looking to feature for the national team.”

Mourinho linked with Fenerbahce role

Jose Mourinho could move to the Turkish Super Lig, with The Sun suggesting a move to Fenerbahce could be on the cards.

A number of experienced players with the club could tempt him to move.

The paper suggests: “Mourinho has been out of a job since January when he was sacked as coach of AS Roma.

‘Fenerbahce hope the presence of former Serie A stalwarts Edin Dzeko and Leonardo Bonucci in their squad will help convince the coach to come to Turkey.

“The move would also see him link up with Fred, who he managed as Manchester United coach.”

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media

Man Utd target Merino, Barcelona interested in Liverpool’s Diaz – Paper Round

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Man Utd target Merino, Barcelona interested in Liverpool’s Diaz – Paper Round

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media

Man Utd want £75m Everton defender in summer reshuffle – Paper Round

Branthwaite a top Man Utd target

Manchester United have made Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite one of their transfer priorities in the summer, according to the Mirror. Branthwaite, 21, is tipped to become an England regular and could even be named in Gareth Southgate’s squad on Thursday.

The centre-back is highly thought of, and Everton could therefore demand at least £75m for a player who started his career at Carlisle United before joining the Toffees in 2020.

The Mirror writes: “New United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is in charge of football operations at the club, has already held talks over summer transfer targets and compiled a shortlist. Branthwaite, 21, is at the top of that list, having impressed United scouts and boss Erik ten Hag, despite having only made 31 league appearances for Everton.

“Although Ten Hag’s future remains unclear, after a disappointing second season in charge, United will push ahead with a bid for Branthwaite, even if he is sacked. Against the backdrop of stricter financial fair play rules, Ratcliffe is keen to invest in younger, home-grown talents who can provide United with a maximum return on their investment.

“With Raphael Varane expected to leave Old Trafford this summer and Harry Maguire’s future beyond this season uncertain, United are looking to strengthen in central defence. Branthwaite, signed by Everton from Carlisle in 2020 for £1m, has emerged as one of the most coveted young defenders in Europe, with Real Madrid also monitoring him.”

Dortmund to target Greenwood over Sancho?

Borussia Dortmund could turn to Mason Greenwood instead of Jadon Sancho this summer, the Manchester Evening News reports. With Sancho back on loan at Dortmund from Manchester United until the end of the season, there was a belief the German club would look to sign him permanently once more.

However, with BILD rating those chances as “slim”, it could be a case of Dortmund signing Greenwood – currently on loan at Getafe from United – instead.

The MEN adds: “It has been claimed the German giants are “monitoring the situation” of the academy graduate and “could make an offer” of a loan deal, containing the option to buy at the end of this period.

“Greenwood, currently on loan at Getafe, has scored eight goals and registered five assists in 26 appearances for his current employers. Such performances have led to the likes of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona being named as possible destinations as United prepare to weigh up the future of the 22-year-old at the end of 2023-24.

“New United investor Sir Jam Ratcliffe last month admitted he will make a fresh decision on the most appropriate course of action during the transfer window.”

Arsenal cool Earps interest

Arsenal Women will look to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar in the summer after cooling their interest in Mary Earps, the Telegraph reports. Arsenal had tried to sign the England No 1 from Manchester United, but their approach last summer was rejected.

Earps is out of contract this summer and is yet to decide on her future.

The Telegraph adds: “Netherlands shot-stopper Van Domselaar has a release clause in her contract which is in the region of £200,000 and sources say Arsenal have identified the 24-year-old as a strong target for their summer window.

“Van Domselaar is seen as not only a star of the future but already one of the best goalkeepers in the sport. She played in all five of the Netherlands’ matches at last summer’s World Cup in their run to the quarter-finals, where they were narrowly eliminated by eventual winners Spain after extra time.

“She signed for Villa in June last year from FC Twente on a three-year contract and no decision has yet been made regarding her future. She has repeatedly said how happy she is with the West Midlands outfit.”

Trippier’s ‘crazy’ Bayern story

Kieran Trippier has opened up to Chronicle Live about Bayern Munich’s approach for him in January.

The Newcastle defender revealed he received texts from Harry Kane, telling the paper: “It’s actually crazy, to be honest, because I was in New York and I was woken up at 5am their time saying, ‘Bayern Munich want to sign you’, so I was like, ‘This is a bit random’. I never thought at 33-year-old that Bayern Munich would want to sign me, so it was more of a shock to me than anybody.

“Then I just got on the phone to the manager straight away and to be honest the manager knows the commitment I’ve got for the club. I never once tried to force a move out of the club. I’m here now and the owners know the commitment I have shown to the club.

“I am here now, the owners know the commitment I showed to the club. I speak to Harry (Kane) all the time. Harry was texting me, of course, but it just wasn’t the right thing for me. But I take it as a compliment that a club like Bayern Munich wanted to sign me.

“He wasn’t pushing, he was just texting ‘Is it true?, just little things like that, really, just telling me it’s warmer than Newcastle and having a bit of banter. But no, Harry’s a professional, he wouldn’t try and tap me up, as we say. There as nothing to say, really.”

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media

Man Utd want £75m Everton defender in summer reshuffle – Paper Round

Branthwaite a top Man Utd target

Manchester United have made Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite one of their transfer priorities in the summer, according to the Mirror. Branthwaite, 21, is tipped to become an England regular and could even be named in Gareth Southgate’s squad on Thursday.

The centre-back is highly thought of, and Everton could therefore demand at least £75m for a player who started his career at Carlisle United before joining the Toffees in 2020.

The Mirror writes: “New United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is in charge of football operations at the club, has already held talks over summer transfer targets and compiled a shortlist. Branthwaite, 21, is at the top of that list, having impressed United scouts and boss Erik ten Hag, despite having only made 31 league appearances for Everton.

“Although Ten Hag’s future remains unclear, after a disappointing second season in charge, United will push ahead with a bid for Branthwaite, even if he is sacked. Against the backdrop of stricter financial fair play rules, Ratcliffe is keen to invest in younger, home-grown talents who can provide United with a maximum return on their investment.

“With Raphael Varane expected to leave Old Trafford this summer and Harry Maguire’s future beyond this season uncertain, United are looking to strengthen in central defence. Branthwaite, signed by Everton from Carlisle in 2020 for £1m, has emerged as one of the most coveted young defenders in Europe, with Real Madrid also monitoring him.”

Dortmund to target Greenwood over Sancho?

Borussia Dortmund could turn to Mason Greenwood instead of Jadon Sancho this summer, the Manchester Evening News reports. With Sancho back on loan at Dortmund from Manchester United until the end of the season, there was a belief the German club would look to sign him permanently once more.

However, with BILD rating those chances as “slim”, it could be a case of Dortmund signing Greenwood – currently on loan at Getafe from United – instead.

The MEN adds: “It has been claimed the German giants are “monitoring the situation” of the academy graduate and “could make an offer” of a loan deal, containing the option to buy at the end of this period.

“Greenwood, currently on loan at Getafe, has scored eight goals and registered five assists in 26 appearances for his current employers. Such performances have led to the likes of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona being named as possible destinations as United prepare to weigh up the future of the 22-year-old at the end of 2023-24.

“New United investor Sir Jam Ratcliffe last month admitted he will make a fresh decision on the most appropriate course of action during the transfer window.”

Arsenal cool Earps interest

Arsenal Women will look to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar in the summer after cooling their interest in Mary Earps, the Telegraph reports. Arsenal had tried to sign the England No 1 from Manchester United, but their approach last summer was rejected.

Earps is out of contract this summer and is yet to decide on her future.

The Telegraph adds: “Netherlands shot-stopper Van Domselaar has a release clause in her contract which is in the region of £200,000 and sources say Arsenal have identified the 24-year-old as a strong target for their summer window.

“Van Domselaar is seen as not only a star of the future but already one of the best goalkeepers in the sport. She played in all five of the Netherlands’ matches at last summer’s World Cup in their run to the quarter-finals, where they were narrowly eliminated by eventual winners Spain after extra time.

“She signed for Villa in June last year from FC Twente on a three-year contract and no decision has yet been made regarding her future. She has repeatedly said how happy she is with the West Midlands outfit.”

Trippier’s ‘crazy’ Bayern story

Kieran Trippier has opened up to Chronicle Live about Bayern Munich’s approach for him in January.

The Newcastle defender revealed he received texts from Harry Kane, telling the paper: “It’s actually crazy, to be honest, because I was in New York and I was woken up at 5am their time saying, ‘Bayern Munich want to sign you’, so I was like, ‘This is a bit random’. I never thought at 33-year-old that Bayern Munich would want to sign me, so it was more of a shock to me than anybody.

“Then I just got on the phone to the manager straight away and to be honest the manager knows the commitment I’ve got for the club. I never once tried to force a move out of the club. I’m here now and the owners know the commitment I have shown to the club.

“I am here now, the owners know the commitment I showed to the club. I speak to Harry (Kane) all the time. Harry was texting me, of course, but it just wasn’t the right thing for me. But I take it as a compliment that a club like Bayern Munich wanted to sign me.

“He wasn’t pushing, he was just texting ‘Is it true?, just little things like that, really, just telling me it’s warmer than Newcastle and having a bit of banter. But no, Harry’s a professional, he wouldn’t try and tap me up, as we say. There as nothing to say, really.”

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media

Man City and Liverpool to do battle over £60m-rated Neto

City and Liverpool ‘admirers’ of Neto

Manchester City and Liverpool are set to battle it out for Wolves forward Pedro Neto, who would cost over £60 million, it has been claimed.

Neto, 24, has stood out for Gary O’Neil’s side so far this season, registering nine assists and helping his side into a top-half position.

The Telegraph reports: “Manchester City and Liverpool are admirers of Wolves forward Pedro Neto ahead of the summer when the Portugal international could be on the market after five seasons at Molineux.

“Neto is expected to be subject of intense interest from several Premier League clubs following his progression since arriving from Braga in 2019, with his fee set to be upward of £60 million.

“It is understood that City and Liverpool are among those who are watching the 24-year-old, although he has also been on the radar of others who are looking to bolster their attack with a proven forward.

“Arsenal have previously had their sights on Neto, two seasons ago, but Wolves were in a strong position with their player having signed a long-term contract until 2027 and his club having no intention to sell.

“At City he is rated highly by the scouting team at the Etihad Stadium, having moved for Neto’s former team-mate Matheus Nunes last summer. Liverpool had success in the market when they moved for Diogo Jota, although their situation is complicated as they are in the middle of the process of appointing a sporting director and will have a new manager next season.”

Brentford could be forced to rethink Toney value

Brentford may have to lower their asking price for their star striker Ivan Toney, who has little over 12 months left on his current deal.

Toney has reportedly attracted the interest of Arsenal and Chelsea, but according to a report in The Mirror, both are struggling to justify meeting the £100m value the Bees are said to be asking for.

The article reads: “Brentford will have to slash their asking price for Ivan Toney if they wish to entice the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea to the negotiating table this summer.

“Mikel Arteta’s side had been showing strong interest in the England international ahead of the winter transfer window but the Gunners were later hamstrung by financial restrictions due to Premier League PSR rules.

“Since then, Toney has returned to action with the Bees following his eight-month betting ban but the landscape has drastically changed as potential alternative striker targets such as Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko have impressed club scouts.

“Thomas Frank, who recently conceded that Toney is poised to leave the club this summer, previously claimed Brentford valued their talisman at £100 million, however, he is due to enter the final 12 months of his current deal in west London this July.

“Meanwhile, Chelsea’s hierarchy are thought to be split on the 27-year-old as they would prefer to sign a younger centre-forward with higher potential. The Blues must also be cautious of PSR rules after recording a £90m loss in their 2022/23 financial records that were published earlier this week.

“Chelsea will do everything they can to ensure they remain compliant, even if that means missing out on top striker target Victor Osimhen. But when it comes to Toney, sources suggest Brentford will now have to soften their stance over a fee to get top clubs talking with £60m deemed a more realistic transfer valuation.

“Toney favours a move to Arsenal but the Gunners intend to carry out due diligence on a number of targets with Osimhen and Joshua Zirkzee also expected to form part of their thinking, amongst others.”

Mainoo set for new deal at Man Utd

Kobbie Mainoo could be set to earn a new deal which would see him earning £60,000-a-week salary at Manchester United.

The 18-year-old has established himself as a regular at Old Trafford this season and the hierarchy are now said to be considering offering the teenager a new contract.

The Sun writes: “Kobbie Mainoo is in line for a treble-your-money pay rise – less than a year after he signed a new deal.

“Manchester United plan to tear up the deal he signed earlier this season and hand him a £60,000-a-week contract.

“Mainoo, 18, is already tied down until 2027, with United having the option of a further year beyond that.

“His pay rocketed to a weekly £20,000 when his first-team appearances hit double figures a couple of months ago, as part of an agreement rewarding his rocket rise.

“But United have already made up their minds about the teenager who has been the shining light in a disappointing season.

“And talks opened earlier this month about fresh terms that would see the young midfielder put out of bounds until June 2030.”

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media