Man Utd face stiff competition for Olmo with Man City, Real interested – Paper Round

Man Utd face competition for RB Leipzig star Olmo

Manchester United are monitoring Dani Olmo but may face competition from neighbours Manchester City as well as Chelsea, Tottenham and Real Madrid for the RB Leipzig star.

That is according to a report in the Mail, which claims the Spain international – who starred in his nation’s 3-3 thrilling draw with Brazil on Tuesday – could be available for £52 million.
The outlet writes: “Manchester United and Real Madrid are among the clubs maintaining a watching brief on Dani Olmo this summer.

“The 25-year-old Spain international is continuing to excel at Red Bull Leipzig and has a clause that becomes active this summer when he can leave for £52 million.

“Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham are also among the clubs who continue to keep an eye on Olmo’s progress, particularly with his ability to play on either flank or off the striker.

“Real are expected to sign Kylian Mbappe this summer and will welcome the arrival of Brazilian Kendrick in July. They may also have to bring forward a bid for Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies which would eat into finances but president Florentino Perez remains open to adding Spain’s best players to his glittering squad if it became financially viable.

“United are in the market for a centre forward, centre-back and full-back this summer plus a central midfielder. Much will hinge on who departs also.”

Alonso ‘likely’ to remain Bayer Leverkusen manager

Xabi Alonso is “now likely” to stay at Bayer Leverkusen, leaving Liverpool and Bayern Munich disappointed.

With both clubs looking for a new manager this summer, it was widely reported that the Spaniard was at the top of their list.

But with Leverkusen leading the way in the Bundesliga, remarkably still unbeaten after 26 games, Alonso has reportedly opted to stay.

An article in the Mail reads: “Liverpool and Bayern Munich have been dealt a blow in their search for a new manager after both received strong discouragement in their quest to appoint Xabi Alonso, with the Spaniard now likely to stay at Bayer Leverkusen.

“Alonso had been strongly mooted as a Jurgen Klopp successor since the German announced he was to leave the club this summer, but Liverpool had been given no reason to believe the former midfielder wanted to leave the Bundesliga leaders.

“It now appears Alonso, 42, is out of the running for the Anfield job, which makes Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim the leading candidate alongside Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi.

“Amorim, 39, will likely get an interview at Liverpool and it is believed he scored well on internal data tests.

“Bayern had been public in their desire to recruit Alonso, perhaps a tactic to unsettle Leverkusen’s title tilt, but president Uli Hoeness on Thursday said it would be ‘probably impossible’ to lure him to Munich this year.”

Joselu linked to ‘shock’ move to Man Utd

Spanish striker Joselu could be in line for a “shock transfer” to Manchester United, claims The Sun.

Formerly of Stoke and Newcastle, the 34-year-old striker is currently on loan at Real Madrid from Espanyol.

“Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a shock transfer move for Stoke flop Joselu,” the report states.

“Relevo claims representatives from Old Trafford have already jetted to Spain to enquire about a summer deal.

“Joselu is technically still tied down to Espanyol, with his contract expiring in 2025.

“And United believe he fits the bill for a back-up role to Rasmus Hojlund.

“However, The Red Devils reportedly face competition from several other English sides.

“A move for Joselu would also depend on the viewpoint of their next sporting director, which could be Dan Ashworth.

“And the fact remains that Joselu’s priority is to remain at Real Madrid.”

Boehly to be replaced as Chelsea chairman

Todd Boehly will be replaced as Chelsea’s chairman in 2027, according to the Mail.

The American, who took the position from Bruce Buck, has been in the role since June 2022.

The report reads: “Chelsea will appoint a new chairman in 2027 to replace Todd Boehly, Mail Sport understands.

“As part of an extraordinary agreement the club’s American co-owners can pass the chairmanship between themselves every five years. And it can be revealed that the intention is to do just that when the opportunity arises at the end of the 2026-27 season.

“Under the terms of the group’s takeover, Boehly is thought to have ‘gone first’ despite holding a minority stake.

“Clearlake Capital, the private equity firm managed by fellow owners Behdad Eghbali and Jose E. Feliciano, have a 61.5% share in the club’s holding company while Boehly has an equal split of the remaining 38.5 per cent with Hansjorg Wyss and Mark Walter.

“However, the option to choose the first chairman is thought to have been connected to the terms of the 2022 sale agreement which, while there would be no negative impact or cost or interest payout from club coffers, state that Boehly’s group would be liable to pay any first losses in the event of a realisation or a sale.

“Mail Sport understands that Boehly’s group hold what is termed ‘common stock’, while majority stakeholders Clearlake have ‘preferred stock’ which comes with more protection against any financial downside.

“Eghbali or Feliciano could take the role themselves or may identify a third party to take the reins. No decision on who would take the chairmanship has been made, but Boehly will be removed from the post.

“He would then have the option to return in 2032 should he wish to do so and should he retain his stake at Stamford Bridge. He and his group could also look elsewhere.”

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Man Utd keen to have talks with Wolves boss O’Neil – Paper Round

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Ten Hag in Man Utd plans for next season – Paper Round

Ten Hag set for United stay

The Mirror suggests that current Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag may now stay at the club into next season.

The Dutchman has been under pressure this season, but the club reportedly do not want to make any decision without prospective sporting director, Dan Ashworth.

The paper states: “Erik ten Hag is set to remain in his post beyond this season – even though it was previously claimed some Manchester United players were expecting him to be sacked.

“The Dutchman, 54, has endured a difficult second year at the helm after winning the Carabao Cup and finished third in the Premier League last term. His future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent months, particularly since Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos took charge of sporting operations at Old Trafford.

“A whole host of high-profile names have been touted as potential successors to Ten Hag, with Champions League qualification for next year still far from certain. However, it now seems likely that the former Ajax chief will be granted a stay of execution beyond the summer by the club’s new hierarchy.

“Manchester United are including Ten Hag in their plans for next season following the recent win over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals. The club are keen to have their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, in place before making a final decision over Ten Hag, who is contracted until the summer of 2025.”

Evans could also extend spell

Another figure who could stay on at Old Trafford is defender Jonny Evans.

The 36-year-old Northern Ireland international could be kept on depending on other transfers in and out of the club in the summer.

The Daily Mail claims: “Reports of Jonny Evans’ impending retirement may prove to be greatly exaggerated.

“Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill dismissed the latest speculation on social media ahead of his team’s game against Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday night, and United sources have also cast doubt over the prospect of Evans calling it a day at the end of the season when he will be halfway towards his 37th birthday.

“Whether the veteran defender will get a contract extension at United or have to look for a new club remains to be seen.

“Evans earned a one-year deal when he returned to Old Trafford on a short-term basis last summer, but a new 12-month offer will be dependent on new signings and United’s other centre-backs.”

Arsenal chase Sporting defender

The Sun reports that Arsenal and Chelsea are in the hunt for Sporting Lisbon’s centre-back, Ousmane Diomande.

The Ivory Coast international has impressed in Portugal in front of Arsenal scouts, and he has a release clause of £68.6 million.

The paper writes: “Arsenal are mulling over a summer bid for Sporting Lisbon central defender Ousmane Diomande.

“SunSport revealed earlier this month that the Gunners took notice of the 20-year-old Ivorian during a scouting mission at a Sporting vs Benfica clash out in Portugal.

“The main focus of that trip was to see Sweden’s Viktor Gyokeres, 25, ahead of a potential move for the red-hot forward with 36 goals in 39 games in all competitions so far.

“However, Diomande also stood out – and SunSport understands Arsenal are considering their options regarding an imminent move for the centre-back.

“Chelsea are likely to rival them for the player, who has a release clause of around £68.6million, but that fee could drop to £50m with significant contractual add-ons included.”

Brighton track Cluj winger Philip Otele

Philip Otele has made his name at Romanian side CFR Cluj, and he could move to Brighton in the summer.

However, the Evening Standard believes that he may first be loaned out to Union St Gilloise to gain experience.

The paper reports: “Brighton are tracking CFR Cluj winger Philip Otele, who is one of the stars of Romania’s top-flight.

“The 24-year-old has 13 goals and six assists in 30 league matches, having embarked on a unique pathway that has taken him from the lower leagues of English football to across Europe.

“The Seagulls’s impressive data-driven approach has surfaced Otele as one of Europe’s hidden gems, valued by Cluj at around £3million.

“But the right-footed attacker, who plays on the left wing, would initially spend time on loan at partner club Union St Gilloise in Belgium before getting a chance in the Premier League.”

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Ibrahimovic could scupper Arsenal plan to land Gyokeres – Paper Round

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Chelsea prepare summer transfer window clearout – Paper Round

Chelsea plan clearout

There are seven first-team squad players that Chelsea want to get rid of this summer, The Sun reports.

There are also aims to see out-on-loan pair Kepa Arrizabalaga and Romelo Lukaku move on permanently, while Raheem Sterling, Conor Gallagher, Robert Sanchez, Marc Cucurella, Trevoh Chalobah, Armando Broja and Thiago Silva could depart.

The paper explains: “Chelsea are ready to embark on another epic transfer quest this summer.

“And seven current stars may have just two months to save their Stamford Bridge futures.

“It’s now reckoned Boehly will make another big push in the market to cover specialist areas.

“He wants to land a free-scoring striker, with SunSport exclusively revealing Chelsea’s interest in Brentford star Ivan Toney.

“Boehly hopes to offload wantaway flops Kepa Arrizabalaga and Romelu Lukaku to Saudi Arabian sides once their respective loans at Real Madrid and Roma end.”

United draw up manager shortlist

The Daily Mail reports that Manchester United have nine candidates in mind to replace Erik ten Hag.

Gareth Southgate is not ready to discuss any deal, but there are many other names in the frame.

The paper explains: “Ten Hag’s future is uncertain, with United currently in sixth place in the Premier League.

“England boss Gareth Southgate had emerged as new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s preferred choice as United manager, but the 53-year-old said he will not talk to any clubs while he is in charge of the Three Lions.

“Potential options include former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter.

“Current Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is also on the shortlist along with Brentford manager Thomas Frank.

“Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel is being considered by United, as is ex-Wolves coach Julen Lopetegui.

“Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane, Sporting manager Ruben Amorim and Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann complete the shortlist.

“An ambitious move for Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou also hasn’t been ruled out.”

Barcelona hopes to keep duo

Joao Cancelo of Manchester City and Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix are both on loan at Barcelona until the end of the season, and president Joan Laporta wants to keep them.

Laporto said that a loan deal could be arranged for both players if necessary.

The Athletic writes: “Barcelona president Joan Laporta says that he believes Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix will stay at the club next season.

“Defender Cancelo, 29, is on loan from Manchester City, while forward Joao Felix, 24, is on loan from Atletico Madrid.

“Laporta thinks that the Portuguese duo will remain at Barca after their loan deals expire this summer.

“‘We have an agent there who is working on the issue, Jorge Mendes, and he knows our intention to continue with the players. What I can’t tell you now, because it will depend a lot on the amounts, is whether we’re going to sign them or extend the loan.’”

Bayern confident over Alonso

Xabi Alonso is wanted to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, but the Mirror reports that the Spaniard might instead move to Bayern Munich.

The current Bundesliga champions are looking for a replacement for Thomas Tuchel as he prepares to leave.

The paper states: “Xabi Alonso is more ‘likely’ to chose Bayern Munich over Liverpool if he decides to depart Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

“The Spaniard is wanted by the Reds to replace Jurgen Klopp while Bayern are also eying him up with Thomas Tuchel set to leave at the end of the season. Alonso’s Leverkusen sit top of the Bundesliga table, 10 points clear of second-place Bayern and are unbeaten in 38 matches this season.

“Alonso played for both Liverpool and Bayern during his storied playing career and the temptation to return is obvious, though he could stay at Leverkusen and lead them into the Champions League. However, if he does choose to leave BayArena, then Bayern have a better chance of securing his services for next term.

“Bayern are ‘optimistic’ about luring Alonso over to the Allianz Arena, despite being yet to enter negotiations.”

Real Madrid track Guimaraes and Alexander-Arnold as transfer targets – Paper Round

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Ten Hag offered Bundesliga escape route if he departs from Man Utd – Paper Round

Ten Hag has Bundesliga options

The Daily Star believes that several Bundesliga clubs could make a move for Erik ten Hag if he leaves Manchester United at the end of the season.

With the Dutchman under pressure, Bayer Leverkusen, Stuttgart and Bayern Munich are all interested.

The paper reports: “Erik ten Hag will be offered an escape route to the Bundesliga if Manchester United sack him this summer.

“Ten Hag is battling to keep his job at Old Trafford following a disappointing season with United. United have failed to challenge for the Premier League title and crashed out of the Champions League at the group stages.

“The Dutchman has to secure Champions League qualification to stand a chance of surviving, with new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe targeting England boss Gareth Southgate as his replacement should he decide to make a change.

“Bayern Munich have been keeping close tabs on the Ten Hag situation and are admirers of the 54-year-old, although Xabi Alonso remains their No.1 choice to replace the outgoing Thomas Tuchel.

“But German rivals Bayer Leverkusen and VFB Stuttgart also like Ten Hag – and could be willing to hand him a swift return to management. Leverkusen will need to replace Alonso, who is weighing up offers from Bayern and Liverpool, who want him to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.”

Chelsea and Arsenal face higher fee for Gyokeres

Sporting Lisbon want to insert a £102 million release clause into a new contract for striker Viktor Gyokeres.

The Sun reports that with Arsenal and Chelsea two of the clubs keen on the Swede, his current side want to warn off any clubs from thinking they will land him on the cheap.

The paper states: “Sporting Lisbon are opening talks on a new transfer release clause for Viktor Gyokeres to “protect” them from the Premier League clubs circling.

“The Swedish striker cost a club-record £17m last summer from Coventry City but he has already repaid that faith with his scintillating form.

“The 25-year-old has scored 27 goals in 33 appearances, as well as recording double figures in assists, to catch the eye of Europe’s big guns.

“Both Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with the hotshot – with the latter allegedly having a £74m approach rejected in January.

“Previous reports had claimed that Sporting Lisbon were holding out for the £87m release clause fee that was part of his package.

“Sporting Lisbon are hoping that the reward of a pay rise would see Gyokeres pen his new contract and agree to a release clause of a whopping £102m.”

Man Utd target Wolves’ Gomes

The Mirror believes that Manchester United have added Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes to their list of transfer targets for the summer.

The player, valued at around £40 million, could be in line to replace Casemiro, who is regularly linked with an Old Trafford exit.

The paper explains: “Manchester United are weighing up a move for Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes – who could make his Brazil debut against England.

“United are looking to sign a holding midfielder this summer – with Casemiro likely to leave – and have identified £40million-rated Gomes as a potential replacement for his fellow Brazilian. Gomes has been watched by United on several occasions this season, most recently earlier this month, when Wolves beat Fulham 2-1 at Molineux in the Premier League.

“The 23-year-old, signed by Wolves for £12m from Flamengo in January 2023, is expected to be handed his first cap for Brazil against Gareth Southgate’s side at Wembley on Saturday.

“Gomes, a combative central midfielder nicknamed ‘The Pitbull’ in his homeland, has also attracted interest from United’s Premier League rivals Tottenham and Newcastle.”

Lunin set for Real stay

Real Madrid’s Ukrainian goalkeeper, Andriy Lunin, looks set to stay with the Spanish club as the two parties discuss fresh terms.

The Athletic reports that the club want to keep hold of the 25-year-old and he wants to stay.

The website writes: “Real Madrid and Jorge Mendes, Andriy Lunin’s agent, have begun talks for the 25-year-old goalkeeper’s renewal.

“Lunin’s current contract runs out in 2025, as by The Athletic reported in December. Until then it was understood to end in 2024, as the club had not announced a renewal since the Ukrainian’s signing in 2018, when he signed for six seasons.

“Negotiations are still at an early stage, but Real Madrid wanted to make it clear to Lunin that they count on him and that their intention is for him to renew. The goalkeeper will have to analyse what to do when he has the definitive proposal, but he has always been in favour of staying according to sources with knowledge of his thinking.”

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Southgate ‘veering towards’ extending England spell amid Man Utd links – Paper Round

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Southgate backed by Man Utd players to replace Ten Hag – Paper Round

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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.”