Euro Paper Talk: United aim for cut-price swoop; Fabregas confusion

Manchester United could be finally set to land a long-term target in a cut-price deal, confusion reigns over Cesc Fabregas’ future, while West Ham face a new battle to sign a striker target.

 

MANCHESTER UNITED GIVEN HOPE OF STROOTMAN DEAL

Manchester United could finally be set to land long-term midfield target Kevin Strootman this summer, according to reports in the Italian media.

United have long been linked with a move for the midfielder, with both David Moyes and Louis van Gaal close to pushing through deals to sign him when they were manager at Old Trafford.

The 27-year-old is entering the final year of his current deal in the Italian capital and Calciomercato.com  says the Dutchman has yet to open new contract talks with the Giallorossi.

Strootman’s time in Serie A has been beset by a series of injuries and it’s claimed they are ready to sell him on in a cut-price deal and make room for the arrival of Franck Kessie from Atalanta.

It’s thought a fee of around £7.5million could persuade Roma to sell and give United’s midfield more depth next season for what Jose Mourinho hopes could be a two-pronged assault for Premier League glory and a return to the Champions League.

 

CONFUSION OVER FABREGAS FUTURE

Cesc Fabregas: Staying put

Cesc Fabregas hopes to stay at Chelsea next season, despite reports in the Italian media that he has verbally agreed a move to AC Milan this summer.

Milan’s new Chinese owners are said to have made the 29-year-old their prime transfer target and it’s claimed the Spaniard will become the club’s first signing of the summer, if the Serie A side are able to iron out a few rough edges that could threaten to scupper the deal.

Firstly, there is the player’s salary request; Fabregas is asking for a salary of around €4.5M plus bonus to make the switch to Italy. Then there is the transfer fee itself; Fabregas is currently contracted to the Premier League side until 2019 and his fee is valued at around €25M, which is far more that Milan want to pay. Now the club’s new CEO Marco Fassone, will have to try to thrash out a compromise with Chelsea to try to secure the deal.

However, to further complicate the issue, Sky Sports claims Fabregas, who has made 29 appearances in all competitions under Antonio Conte this season, is settled in London and wants to stay in the Premier League rather than uproot his young family to another country.

 

 

AND THE REST

Gerard Deulofeu: Looks to be heading back to Barca

Barcelona have confirmed their interest in re-signing Everton winger Gerard Deulofeu this summer following his impressive stint on loan at AC Milan (TV3)

Juventus are set to make a summer move for Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian (Tuttosport)

Wolfsburg have contacted Real Madrid to negotiate the signing of striker Borja Mayoral and midfielder Omar Mascarell in a combined deal (Marca)

Fiorentina striker Nikola Kalinic remains a target for West Ham, but clubs in China are also showing an interest (Gazetta dello Sport)

Galatasaray are interested in signing Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano (Sozcu)

Lazio are pushing to sign Vitesse striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel (Corriere dello Sport)

Brazilian midfielder Luiz Gustavo is wanted by AC Milan and has held talks over a summer move from Wolfsburg (Calciomercato)

Paris Saint-Germain are still keen to make Alexis Sanchez their big summer arrival, but are also keeping a close eye on Real Madrid’s Isco (L’Equipe)