Man Utd linked with Roque, Guehi and Olise deals – Paper Round

Man Utd linked with Roque loan

Manchester United are one of several teams that could make a move for Barcelona striker Vitor Roque.

The Sun reports that due to financial regulations, Barcelona may struggle to register the player for next season, which could technically make him a free agent, though the teenager would prefer to go out on loan instead.

The paper reports: “The Brazilian star has impressed since arriving at Barcelona from Athletico Paranaense.

“Roque, 19, has scored twice for the La Liga giants in his 13 appearances and is expected to get even better.

“However, he could be set for a quick exit from Barcelona due to registration rules.

“This has sparked the interest of Sevilla, Real Betis, Napoli and Nice as well as Man United.

“However, it is claimed that Roque wants to remain at Barcelona and would only consider going out on loan.”

Palace prepare for Olise and Guehi exits

Marc Guehi and Michael Olise are both linked with a move to Manchester United this summer, but Crystal Palace are also weighing up the futures of seven other players.

Contract talks have begun over a host of squad members, who could all move on.

The Evening Standard states: ”Crystal Palace have opened talks with seven players out of contract this summer, including captain Joel Ward.

“Will Hughes has already extended his stay, signing a new one-year deal last week and Eagles’ sporting director Dougie Freedman — wanted by Newcastle — has opened conversations this week with others set to become free agents in July.

“As well as Ward, the futures of Nathaniel Clyne, James Tomkins, Jairo Riedewald, Nathan Ferguson and Remi Matthews are all uncertain.

“A number of major Premier League clubs continue to track Guehi, and he could leave Palace this summer for a new challenge.

“So could Michael Olise, who is enjoying his best campaign in a Palace shirt and is one of the key figures Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Manchester United are considering moving for ahead of next season.”

Wrexham linked with Vardy move

The future of Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy remains unclear, with the veteran yet to sign fresh terms with the Foxes.

Instead, the Daily Mail suggests that Wrexham might offer him a new challenge in League One.

The paper writes: “Wrexham director Humphrey Ker hasn’t ruled out the possibility of the Red Dragons making an audacious move for Jamie Vardy, with the striker out of contract at the end of the campaign.

“The Welsh club, owned by Hollywood A-Listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, saw their fairy tale rise back up the football pyramid continued this season and they enjoyed a second successive promotion.

“Phil Parkinson’s side finished second on their return to League Two and will be playing in the third tier next season.

“The 37-year-old hit 20 goals to see the Foxes bounce straight back to the big time, however, his deal runs out at the end of the season and yet to sign a new contract with the club. “

Newcastle prepare to sell marquee name

Newcastle United could have to sell one of their star players this summer in order to balance the books for Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Alexander Isak had been suggested as one potential sacrifice, but the Mirror seems to think he will be kept on.

The paper explains: “Agents are nervous ahead of the summer transfer window amid fears Premier League clubs will have to be cautious again.

“It is a situation which affects clubs at all levels because big clubs might have to sell and balance the books to bring in significant signings while mid-table teams are even holding off on Championship players who are expecting to move into the Premier League next season.

“Newcastle have admitted that they might have to sell a big name this summer, but that is unlikely to be Alexander Isak as they do not want to lose their star striker. Arsenal are looking at younger targets to compliment their squad while Isak has also had a few injury issues along the way.

“That also goes for Wolves winger Pedro Neto, who appeals to a few Premier League clubs but his recent injury record and his tendency to miss games must be a concern.”

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De Zerbi ‘favourite’ to take over at Bayern – Paper Round

De Zerbi ‘favourite’ for Bayern job

Roberto De Zerbi looks like he could leave Brighton this summer, with a job opening up in Germany at Bayern Munich.

The Daily Mail reports that the Italian has hinted he could leave the south club side this summer, and with Ralf Rangnick staying with Austria, the Bavarian hotseat remains vacant with Thomas Tuchel set to depart at the end of the campaign.

The paper writes: “A Premier League manager has emerged as the favourite to become the next Bayern Munich manager.

“De Zerbi raised concerns over his future earlier this season, refusing to commit to the Seagulls and admitting he needed to ensure he had the same ‘vision’ as the club. He has been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Barcelona, but those sides seem to have settled their futures, with Arne Slot close to being appointed Reds boss and Xavi opting to stay in Spain.

“De Zerbi, 44, could opt to jump ship this summer, with the opportunity to take charge of one of Europe’s top clubs potentially presenting itself.”

Newcastle set to sign Adarabioyo

Newcastle United look likely to beat Manchester United, AC Milan and Tottenham to Tosin Adarabioyo.

The defender is out of contract at the end of the season and is not anticipated to remain with his current club Fulham.

The Sun reports: “Newcastle are closing in on a free transfer for Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo.

“The 26-year-old has reportedly been offered a long-term deal at St James’ Park worth more than £100k-a-week.

“The former Manchester City kid recently reiterated his desire to leave Fulham in the summer when his deal expires – which SunSport revealed back in December.

“Numerous clubs from home and abroad have been eyeing up Tosin, including Manchester United, Tottenham and AC Milan.”

Araujo likely victim of Barca sales

Barcelona need to raise money in the summer, according to The Athletic, and the outlet believes that Ronald Araujo is a prime candidate to be sold.

The Uruguayan cost just £3.4 million, meaning that he would provide the club with a healthy profit if they get market value.

The report explains: “Barca, as you might not be surprised to hear, will likely see their summer shaped by how successfully they bring themselves in line with La Liga’s salary limit. They certainly need to sell before they buy, and there are only a few players considered untouchable: Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi and probably Pedri.

“Barcelona paid around €4million (£3.4m; $4.2m at current rates) for Araujo in 2018, signing him for the club’s reserve team from Uruguayan top-flight side Boston River. Transfermarkt now estimates his value at €70m, while the CIES Football Observatory puts it at €80m. That’s a healthy profit.

“Then there’s the 25-year-old’s contract, which expires in the summer of 2026.”

Still poised for Sunderland job

The Mirror reports that Will Still’s immediate departure from Reims means there is no issue of compensation for his next side.

The 31-year-old has been linked with Sunderland before and could yet move to the Championship club.

The paper reports: “Will Still is free to join Sunderland without the Black Cats paying compensation after quitting Reims yesterday.

“The 31-year-old head coach announced he was leaving the French side by mutual agreement and is now a free agent. Still is expected to head to the Championship. He was the leading contender to succeed Tony Mowbray in December.

“However he penned a new deal at Reims and Sunderland limped to the end of the season with Michael Beale and then interim appointment Michael Dodds in charge.

“Sunderland are scouring Europe for a young coach who can develop their promising kids, including Jobe Bellingham, and conjure a promotion push. It is unclear if Still’s departure is related to Sunderland wanting to announce a new boss immediately after the season ends next week.”

Arsenal open to Jesus summer sale to fund new striker bid – Paper Round

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United plan clearout to fund Guehi and Kilman bids – Paper Round

United plan defensive swoops

Manchester United reportedly hope to sign two defenders, Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace and Wolves’ Max Kilman, and a forward in the summer.

To fund their targets, the Mirror reports that almost every player at Old Trafford is up for sale if the right offer comes in.

The paper states: “Manchester United will struggle to overhaul their underperforming squad in the summer transfer window due to financial restrictions.

“Sir Jim Ratcliffe is hoping to make sweeping changes at United in the off-season after completing his takeover in February. Alongside INEOS’ head of sport Sir Dave Brailsford, he has begun to implement his vision to get the club back on track.

“As such, United are likely to focus on offloading unwanted players in the upcoming transfer window.

“They have to sell in order to buy new players and it is open season, with United considering everyone apart from young talents Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Hojlund to be up for sale this summer.

“If they can buy players then a centre-back and a centre-forward are the priorities for United this summer. Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi and Wolves’ Max Kilman are targets, while a replacement for Martial will be sought.”

Ajax want Ten Hag

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is wanted by his former side Ajax, it has been claimed.

However the Dutch side may only be able to secure his signature if he is sacked by his current club.

The Sun writes: “Erik ten Hag could be set for a sensational return to Ajax after the Dutch giants made him their top boss target.

‘The Manchester United boss, 54, is coming under increasing pressure at Old Trafford after a dismal second season at the helm.

“But Ten Hag’s stock remains high in his homeland – with Ajax waiting in the wings to bring him back.

“Ten Hag enjoyed a superb four-and-a-half-year spell with the Eredivisie giants between 2017 and 2022.

“But Ajax are aware Ten Hag would be reluctant to walk away from Man Utd, so they are reliant on him being sacked.”

Chelsea set to lose Gallagher

A lack of progress to extend Conor Gallagher’s contract at Chelsea could see the player leave this summer.

A host of clubs are queuing up to sign the England international, though Mauricio Pochettino wants him to stay.

The Daily Mail claims: “Chelsea are nearing a summer in which they might not only lose a leader in Thiago Silva but also Conor Gallagher, with interested clubs buoyed by the lack of a breakthrough over a new deal.

“Gallagher, 24, is set to enter his final year of his contract with the club he joined at the age of eight. Talks over extending his stay have been ongoing for several months, yet Chelsea insiders say the situation remains the same with five games of the Premier League season to go.

“Mauricio Pochettino wants his relentless runner to stay, though the manager himself is not sure how much input he will be allowed into the club’s transfer business this summer. Previous windows were largely handled by sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.

“Chelsea insist their relationship with Gallagher is strong but they have shown a willingness towards selling him in the past and rivals are poised to swoop this summer.

“That includes Tottenham, Chelsea’s opponents this Thursday whose style of play under Ange Postecoglou would suit Gallagher’s box-to-box qualities. Newcastle, Liverpool, West Ham, Everton, Brighton and Fulham have also been linked with the England international previously.”

Brentford chase former Arsenal forward

Amani Richards, once of Chelsea and Arsenal at youth level, is being chased by another London side, Brentford.

The Leicester academy forward is a target for the Bees and QPR as he looks for first-team action.

“The 19-year-old is out of contract at the King Power Stadium this summer and will be available on a free transfer.

“London-born Richards, who can play either as a striker or on the right wing, could return to the capital after emerging from Chelsea’s academy before joining Arsenal and then Leicester.

‘Sunderland and clubs in Germany, Belgium and Denmark are also interested in his services.”

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

Only three Man Utd players not for sale this summer – Paper Round

The big Man Utd cull

Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund are the only Manchester United players “off limits” this summer, with the club prepared to listen to offers for the majority of their squad this summer, the Telegraph reports.

The United rebuild under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos team will likely see Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial leave as free agents at the end of the season, while the future of Marcus Rashford is also in doubt.

The Telegraph adds: “Ratcliffe, incoming chief executive Omar Berrada and new technical director Jason Wilcox are thought to be keeping such an open mind on potential outgoings. Sources have indicated that they are conscious of United’s need to be nimble and flexible in the market in their efforts to reshape the squad in a challenging financial climate.

“Although the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund – around whom United hope to build a highly successful team in the years to come – will be strictly off limits to would-be suitors, the club are believed to be reluctant to narrow their options elsewhere within the squad.

“It means United could be willing to have conversations with interested parties, for example, over Rashford should any offers arrive that warrant serious discussion.”

Rashford to PSG unlikely

Following reports of the potential exodus at Manchester United, the i reports that Paris Saint-Germain will pursue other targets ahead of Rashford.

With Kylian Mbappe set to join Real Madrid in the summer, PSG will be looking to replace the France captain, although Rashford is not on their shortlist.

The i adds: “Having previously been expected to come in with a big-money offer in the coming months, i understands the struggling striker is not part of a shortlist of “three or four” forwards PSG are looking at, a list headed by Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen.

“United insiders have insisted Rashford is part of next season’s plans regardless, as they look to help him rekindle the kind of form that saw him plunder 30 goals in all competitions last term.

“However, given the need to raise funds for Ineos’ on-field transformation, it is believed a substantial offer for Rashford would be considered as part of a wider squad fire sale, something that has been planned from the moment Sir Jim Ratcliffe got his feet under the table at Old Trafford. Money raised from any Rashford exit would be classed as 100 per cent profit in the eyes of financial fair play regulators, making any departure even more appealing.”

Ajax want Ten Hag back

Ajax will look to reappoint Erik ten Hag this summer, according to the Daily Mail. Ten Hag’s future at Manchester United is unclear beyond the end of the season, but should he be sacked then a return to the Netherlands could be forthcoming.

Ten Hag would not leave United for the Ajax role, and so the Dutch club will wait to find out his fate before considering other options.

The Mail adds: “There is a willingness from the Ajax board to see how Ten Hag’s future develops before deciding on their next move, with former Chelsea head coach Graham Potter and Nice boss Francesco Farioli also among the other preferred candidates.

“Having transformed Ajax into one of the most exciting teams in European football ahead of his departure in 2022, the iconic Dutch club have struggled during the post-Ten Hag era.

“They are currently fifth in the Eredivisie, 35 points adrift of leaders PSV. They finished third last season, missing out on Champions League qualification, 13 points behind champions Feyenoord.

“And the fact Ajax are in the midst of a transitional period is unlikely to appeal to Ten Hag.”

Salah and Liverpool set for showdown talks

Liverpool will hold talks with Mohamad Salah at the end of the season amid multiple reports claiming the club expect the player to stay beyond the summer. Salah was the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia last year, and it was thought the Egyptian may leave this summer while Liverpool can still get a fee for the winger.

All will be resolved in the summer, when incoming sporting director Richard Hughes and Fenway Sports Group president Michael Edwards speak to several key players.

The Telegraph adds: “A similar situation applies to skipper Virgil van Dijk and vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract situation is identical.

“The club’s immediate priority was replacing Jurgen Klopp. Now that has effectively been done with an agreement in place for Feyenoord’s Arne Slot, attention will shift to the senior players.

“Liverpool and Salah will have plenty to ponder. For the club, there must be a consideration as to whether a player who turns 32 in June should be offered an extended deal on the same lucrative terms.”

Man Utd could secure Branthwaite in cut-price deal – Paper Round

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Man Utd could secure Branthwaite in cut-price deal – 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, Heineken 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

Everton may sell Man Utd target Branthwaite before July – Paper Round

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Arteta, Guardiola in frame to replace Xavi at Barcelona in 2025 – Paper Round

Arteta, Guardiola in frame to take over at Barcelona in 2025

The Mirror reports that Mikel Arteta is one name in contention to take over from Xavi Hernandez at Barcelona next year.

Xavi will stay on at the Camp Nou for one more season, and Arteta, Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique are all linked with taking the reins beyond that.

The paper reports: “Following a meeting at the house of club president Joan Laporta and eating some Japanese takeaway, first-team boss Xavi officially reversed his decision to leave his beloved Blaugrana at the end of the season. Wednesday’s surprise announcement laid out that the legendary Barca midfielder would remain his post until the expiry of his contract in June 2025.

“That’s only 14 months away, so Xavi’s decision begs the question: what then? There’s an option for his deal to be extended for a further year until 2026, but three more names closely associated to FC Barcelona are also out of contract next summer and been linked with returns: Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique and Mikel Arteta.

“There’s a long-standing belief that Guardiola will one day return to Barca for a second stint as manager and the same goes for Enrique, whose Paris Saint-Germain side dumped Xavi and co out of the Champions League last week in their own backyard – their temporary one in Montjuic anyway.

“Yet it’s Arteta who’s most recently been linked with the job, as in January it suddenly surfaced in Spain that the Arsenal boss had already agreed to succeed Xavi. Arteta promptly shut down those rumours, describing the story as ‘fake news,’ but the fact remains that his deal is about to enter its final year.”

Guimaraes has £100m clause time limit

Bruno Guimaraes has a well-publicised £100 million release clause, but clubs will have to act fast to use it.

The Newcastle midfielder could move on for that fee, but the clause only runs until the end of June.

The Daily Mail explains: “Eddie Howe has revealed that the £100 million release clause in the contract of Bruno Guimaraes expires at the end of June, and he believes that is a smart move to avoid a summer of speculation.

“The Brazilian is admired by Manchester City, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, and the club expect enquiries for him following the season’s end.

“Howe is adamant he wants to keep Guimaraes at St James’ Park and feels a hard headline for his release clause to be activated is beneficial.”

Arsenal want to keep Saudi target Gabriel

Arsenal defender Gabriel has been impressive this season, as the Brazilian has established a strong partnership alongside William Saliba.

The player is now in talks with the club about extending his contract, after interest from Saudi Arabia last summer.

“The Brazilian’s current deal is due to expire in 2027, but he is set to be rewarded with improved terms after a string of excellent performances this season.

“Gabriel has been a regular for Arsenal and has helped the Gunners climb to the top of the Premier League.

“Mikel Arteta’s side have the best defensive record in the top flight, largely down to Gabriel’s formidable partnership with fellow centre-back William Saliba.

“Gabriel attracted interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia last summer, but Arsenal showed no interest in letting him go.”

De Gea hints at return

Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea could finally be ready to make his comeback.

The Spaniard has trained with Altrincham, his local side, and suggested that he could be ready to get back to action.

The Sun reports: “David de Gea has hinted he may be about to return to football after taking part in a training session at an English non-league club.

“The Spanish goalkeeper was part of the last title-winning Manchester United squad.

“The 33-year-old was linked with Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Shabab and Newcastle following an injury to their No.1 Nick Pope but neither move materialised.

“More recent reports have emerged that he could be heading back to his homeland to join Real Betis.

“Earlier this week he teased a return by issuing a three-word update on his future as he shared a video of himself training.

“That clip was filmed at his local non-league side Altrincham, who are battling for promotion via the National League play-offs.

“De Gea has now dropped another hint that a move could be on the cards by sharing another video along with a “loading” graphic of himself training on the pitch at their J Davidson Stadium.”

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Palace demand £60m for Man Utd target Olise – Paper Round

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