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Chelsea set to sign Palmeiras wonderkid Estevao Willian – Paper Round

May 18, 2024

Chelsea set to sign Willian

Chelsea will sign Estevao Willian in 2025 when he turns 18, according to the Mirror.

They have agreed a deal worth £29 million for the forward who is currently playing with Palmeiras.

The paper reports: “Chelsea have agreed a £29 million deal that could rise to £56m including add-ons for Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian.

“The big-spending Blues had club delegates in the stands on Wednesday to watch the 17-year-old attacker in action against Independiente del Valle.

“And now they’re in the process of tying up an agreement with Palmeiras to sign the highly rated generational talent, who would formally complete his life-changing switch to west London in the summer of 2025 following his 18th birthday next April.

“An initial proposal worth £49m including add-ons was originally knocked back by the Brazilian club but Chelsea have since returned to the table with a fresh bid that meets Palmeiras’ valuation and additionally, it could potentially surpass the fee they’ll receive for Real Madrid-bound Endrick. Personal terms have already been agreed between the parties and now it just looks a case of final details.”

Brighton target McKenna

After the announcement that Roberto De Zerbi would leave the club at the end of the season, Brighton have moved onto looking for a replacement.

The Telegraph suggests that Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna could be the man they want.

The paper writes: “Brighton are expected to make a move for Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna after announcing that Roberto De Zerbi will leave the club following their final match of the season on Sunday.

“De Zerbi and Brighton have “mutually agreed” to move in separate directions after months of uncertainty over his future, leaving the Premier League club in need of a replacement head coach before the new season.

“De Zerbi has enhanced his already strong reputation during his time at Brighton and has admirers at some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

“Reports in Germany have indicated that De Zerbi is of serious interest to Bayern Munich, who are still searching for a new manager.”

United and Chelsea could consider De Zerbi

The Express believes that Manchester United and Chelsea may now turn their attention to Roberto De Zerbi.

Both Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino’s futures are uncertain after difficult seasons and De Zerbi may be picked as a replacement.

The paper writes: “Roberto De Zerbi is set to join the pool of available managers amid an array of high-profile vacancies after Brighton and Hove Albion confirmed his imminent exit this afternoon. The Italian’s fresh availability could directly impact Chelsea and Manchester United’s plans, with both clubs potentially on the hunt for a new face in the dugout.

“Mauricio Pochettino has somewhat salvaged his maiden season as Chelsea boss, which looked destined for disaster after February’s Carabao Cup final defeat.

“Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag has endured a nightmare second campaign at United, who are at risk of suffering their lowest-ever Premier League finish in eighth.

“De Zerbi has been among the several coaches linked with replacing him.

“His sudden availability could work in two ways for Pochettino and Ten Hag. Chelsea and United suddenly have an exciting coach on the table for whom they wouldn’t need to pay compensation.”

Brentford lose Cueva to Chelsea

The Evening Standard reports that Brentford’s stats expert Bernardo Cueva will join Chelsea.

The coach is wanted as part of a behind-the-scenes revolution at Stamford Bridge.

The paper reports: “Brentford have confirmed tactical statistician Bernardo Cueva is set to leave the club, with Chelsea poaching the highly rated coach.

“As revealed by Standard Sport in March, The Blues have lured Cueva across London and he has agreed to start a new set-piece department.

“It is one of a number of big-name backroom appointments, which also include Brighton’s head of recruitment Sam Jewell, Swansea’s head of football operations Josh Marsh and former FA culture consultant Owen Eastwood.”

Man Utd may give Fernandes huge new deal after Bayern interest – Paper Round

May 17, 2024

United may need to pay up for Fernandes

Manchester United will have to give Bruno Fernandes a bumper new contract if they are to keep him out of the clutches of Bayern Munich.

The Portuguese could be tempted to leave for the right offer, and so United may have to match any other competing bids.

The Mirror states: “Manchester United may have to hand Bruno Fernandes a new and improved deal if they want to keep the playmaker.

“The Red Devils are keen to retain the Portuguese international, whom they signed in January 2020 from Sporting Lisbon.

“The 29-year-old has a deal at United until 2026 worth £230,000-a-week, but in the last few years he’s seen the likes of Marcus Rashford, Casemiro and Raphael Varane ink deals worth more than his. The latter duo are departing this summer, but Fernandes wants to cash in on what is likely to be the last major deal he signs

“Bayern Munich and outfits from Saudi’s Pro League have been linked with the playmaker, who has scored 79 times since moving to Manchester. United are expected to overhaul their squad in what is the first summer under the stewardship of Sir Jim Ratcliffe.”

Amrabat set for Premier League stay

Despite his Manchester United loan being largely unsuccessful, Sofyan Amrabat could yet stay in England.

Crystal Palace and Fulham are both keen on the player after some recent strong performances.

The Sun writes: “Sofyan Amrabat is set to remain in the Premier League next season – with or without Manchester United.

“The Moroccan star, 27, has impressed in recent weeks and won praise from United boss Erik Ten Hag.

“United have an option to sign the player – who is currently on loan from Italian club Fiorentina – but it is unclear whether they will do so.

“That has put two other Premier League clubs on red alert to his potential availability.

“Sun Online understands Crystal Palace and Fulham have both sent scouts to watch the player in the last four weeks.”

Fulham may lose Tete

Fulham may see Kenny Tete depart if they cannot convince him to sign a contract extension.

He has a year option on his current deal, but lack of playing time has him interested in other options.

The Evening Standard explains: “Talks over Kenny Tete’s future have stalled due to concerns over the Fulham right-back’s lack of game time.

“The Dutchman has started just nine league games this term, due to injury and losing his starting spot to Timothy Castagne.

“While Tete, who joined Fulham from Lyon in 2020, is out of contract this summer, the club retain an option to extend it by a year.

“Fulham have instead offered the defender a completely new deal, but discussions between club, player and agent have not been smooth.

“Tete remains unsure about committing to a deal longer than the existing one-year option should more minutes be available elsewhere.”

Carrick set for Boro stay

Middlesbrough hope to extend Michael Carrick’s contract to keep him out of the clutches of Premier League sides.

Carrick has impressed in the Championship and the club hope to push for promotion once more next season.

The Telegraph writes: “The former Manchester United midfielder, 42, has a year left on his current terms at the Riverside but it is understood there is an agreement in place for an extension having completed his first full season as Boro manager.

“He guided Boro to the play-offs in 2022/23 having taken charge in October, succeeding Chris Wilder, then secured an eighth-place finish in the Championship this season and reached the EFL Cup semi-finals.

“Premier League clubs and Championship promotion candidates have looked at Carrick as a coach with huge potential, with his other work at United where he was on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s coaching staff and was caretaker manager for three games when the Norwegian was sacked.

“But securing his future at Boro will be a huge boost to his club as they look to build on his work over the last 19 months and mount a promotion challenge next season, seven seasons after they were relegated from the Premier League.”

Man Utd target Olise as Bayern consider Fernandes swoop – Paper Round

May 16, 2024

Crystal Palace could lose four stars

Manchester United want Michael Olise, Bayern Munich want Adam Wharton, Tottenham are keen on Eberechi Eze and Paris Saint-Germain could sign Jean-Phillipe Mateta, The Sun believes.

The Crystal Palace quartet have all impressed this season and attracted plenty of interest.

The paper states: “Paris Saint-Germain are eyeing Jean-Philippe Mateta – as Crystal Palace brace themselves for losing up to FOUR key players this summer.

“SunSport can reveal the French giants have joined a list of top suitors for striker Mateta.

“As well as Mateta, playmaker Adam Wharton, winger Michael Olise and attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze are being chased by a string of major clubs.

“Bayern Munich are keen on £60 million-rated ex-Blackburn star Wharton, 21.

“Manchester United are believed to be at the front of the queue for Olise, having put the French flyer top of their summer wish-list.

“Eze is admired by Tottenham as well as teams in Spain, Germany and Italy.”

Tuchel wants Fernandes

The Mirror reports that Bayern Munich may make an attempt to sign Bruno Fernandes from Manchester United.

The Portuguese is a transfer target for the Germans as they look to convince Thomas Tuchel to say.

The paper explains: “Thomas Tuchel wants Bayern Munich to try and sign Bruno Fernandes from Manchester United if he is going to perform a U-turn and commit his future to the German club.

“Tuchel announced back in February that he would be stepping down as Bayern head coach at the end of the season after pressure had grown on the former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss. Since then, Bayern have been working around the clock to try and find a successor.

“Xabi Alonso, Julian Nagelsmann and Ralf Rangnick are among those that have been linked with the vacancy, but Bayern have struggled to find the perfect replacement. That has triggered rumours that Tuchel could decide to stay and continue his role ahead of the new season.”

Barca keen on Toone swoop

Barcelona could have an expensive summer, as they look to keep Lucy Bronze and Alexia Putellas, while also landing Ella Toone.

The Manchester United forward could be subject of a big-money move, according to the Daily Mail.

The paper reports: “Barcelona are interested in signing Manchester United and England star Ella Toone this summer.

“Toone, who is United’s all-time leading goalscorer and record appearance holder, has caught the eye of the Catalans – who already have a number of English players in their ranks.

“Mail Sport understands that no formal approach has been made yet, but Barca are weighing up making a move for the forward at the end of the season.

“Toone, 24, is under contract until 2026 meaning Barca would need to pay a significant fee to prise her away from United.

“Barca will also need to consider whether they can make the move work given they are set to renew Alexia Putellas’ contract and are in the process of negotiating with England defender Lucy Bronze over a new deal.”

Fernandes may be one of many to leave

The Independent believes that Bruno Fernandes could be one of several players to leave Manchester United.

As well as their captain, a number of players are up for sale if the right offer comes in.

The paper says of Fernandes that, “He is a sellable asset, surrounded by the overpaid and the underachieving, the injured and the declining. They are the players United would probably rather lose, the men who may have feared for their futures as they walked around the pitch.

“There is Christian Eriksen, who has lost his place and looks past his best; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, another out of contract in 2025 and a right-back who has lost his battle with Diogo Dalot and is only playing due to a lack of fit left-backs; Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay, who the club were willing to sell last year, who have showed spirit to revive their United careers but who have evidence they may cash in on them if offers arrive; Jonny Evans, who has been valiant when given an unexpected second chance but who is 36 and only has a few weeks left on his deal.”