Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Euro Paper Talk: Transfer solution emerges for Ten Hag as world-class star begs for Man Utd move; Chelsea launch £96m double deal

Jude Bellingham (BVB) and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Lazio) battle for possession in Champions League clash at Westfalenstadion

Manchester United have a golden chance to sign Sergej Milinkovic-Savic with the player pushing for the move, Chelsea are preparing a mammoth £96m double raid for two quality stars, while Thursday’s Euro Paper Talk has details of the lowly wage Charles De Ketelaere has agreed at Milan.

SERGEJ MILINKOVIC-SAVIC DESPERATE FOR MAN UTD MOVE

Manchester United could swiftly move on to Sergej Milinkovic-Savic if they fail to conclude a deal for Frenkie de Jong.

The saga around the capture of De Jong has dragged on for several weeks. Convincing Barcelona to sell has been accomplished, but persuading the player to ditch Catalonia for Greater Manchester has proven a tall order.

To that end, Barca boss Xavi is reportedly trying one last desperate tactic to try and persuade De Jong to move.

Should United fail to land their No 1 target, it would come as a huge blow for Erik ten Hag. He has made clear that his former Ajax prodigy is his No 1 summer target.

However, there could be an instant silver lining in the shape of Milinkovic-Savic.

The Lazio star has long been on United’s radar dating back to the Jose Mourinho days. Back then, Lazio’s inflated valuation meant striking a deal was always unlikely.

Now, though the Biancocelesti are willing to sanction his sale with two years left on his deal. As such, a £60m offer will persuade them to sell.

To grease the wheels, Tuttosport writes that Milinkovic-Savic has let it be known that he wants to join United ahead of all other suitors.

The likes of Newcastle and Arsenal are also reportedly keen. But the Serbian star has reportedly made clear to his agent that he only sees a move to the 20-times English champions.

Milinkovic-Savic one of the world’s best midfielders

Milinkovic-Savic has established himself as one of the world’s best box-to-box midfielders while at Lazio.

Different in style to De Jong, he would bring more energy and more of a forward thrust than the Dutchman.

He also scored 11 goals and added 12 assists from 47 appearances last season. And his overall tally for Lazio is equally impressive, with 58 goals and 51 assists in 294 games.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic wants to move to Manchester United

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic wants to move to Manchester United

Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic wants to move to Old Trafford, with the real stumbling block being the Red Devils' pursuit of Frenkie De Jong.

As such, the Serbian is a player who could thrive in the Premier League.

Surely there comes a time when Ten Hag decides enough is enough with regards De Jong.

And there is little doubt Manchester United would be signing an excellent player in Milinkovic-Savic. At 27, he is peaking and at £60m would cost a very similar fee to the Barcelona man.

CHELSEA FANCY SKRINIAR, DUMFRIES IN HUGE DOUBLE SWOOP

Milan Skriniar Inter Milan May 2022

Chelsea have approached Inter Milan over a double £96m (€115m) raid for Milan Skriniar and Denzel Dumfries. (Tuttosport)

Jorge Mendes is offering Cristiano Ronaldo to Napoli as his efforts to find a new club away from Manchester United continue. (AS)

Arsenal reportedly flat-batted the chance to sign Mauro Icardi this summer after being offered the striker by PSG. (Fabrizio Romano)

Liverpool insist there is no chance of Juventus signing Roberto Firmino after rejecting their  reported (£20.1m) €24m deal. (Corriere dello Sport)

Leicester have hit back at claims that Kasper Schmeichel can leave for free and claims have been played down he’s agreed a move to Nice. (Foot Mercato)

Valencia boss Gennaro Gattuso is exploring the possibility of signing Arsenal target Arthur Melo on a loan deal. (Fabrizio Romano)

MILAN GIDDY OVER CHARLES DE KETELAERE AMID WAGES REVEAL

Charles De Ketelaere pictured during a soccer game between Poland and Belgian national team the Red Devils, Tuesday 14 June 2022 in Warsaw, Poland

Demetrio Albertini insists the signing of Charles De Ketelaere at Milan is one of the most exciting in their history. The Milan great also believes the Belgian can be as good as Toni Kroos or Kevin De Bruyne. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

De Ketelaere will sign a five-year deal worth £36,000 a week at the San Siro, with his signing likely by Thursday. (Tuttomercatoweb)

Paul Pogba is in serious danger of missing the World Cup after suffering a lesion of the lateral meniscus in his right knee. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Tottenham are the only club in the running to sign Nicolo Zaniolo with the club ready to offer Roma a swap deal to twist their arm. (Calciomercato)

PSG remain £8.3m (€10m) short of meeting Inter’s £58.8m (€70m) asking price for Milan Skriniar. (Sportitalia)

Real Madrid are extending the contract of Peter Federico, earning the 20-year-old forward a significant pay-rise. (Marca)

MARCOS ASENSIO LIKELY TO STAY AT REAL MADRID AMID PREM LINKS

Real Madrid forward Marco Asensio

Marco Asensio looks likely to stay at Real Madrid this summer with Newcastle or West Ham yet to table bids. (Fabrizio Romano)

Alex Grimaldo is becoming an option for Manchester City with Benfica setting a £16.7m (€20m) asking price for the left-back. (Marca)

Mario Balotelli hints never playing for Napoli remains a big career regret, explaining Aurelio De Laurentiis never wanted him. (Sky Sports Italia)

Valencia are closing on the signing of Brazilian winger Samuel Lino on a season-long loan from Atletico Madrid. (Marca)

Barcelona will look to sell Marc-Andre Ter Stegen if they cannot convince Frenkie de Jong to join Manchester United. (Cadena Ser)

Xavi, though, is doing all in his power to convince De Jong to leave amid claims he is now fourth-choice midfielder. (various)