Euro Paper Talk: Ten Hag serious as Man Utd plan big offer for prolific Cameroon striker; Leeds find midfield replacement for Bielsa favourite
Manchester United are pushing forward with a surprise deal for Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Leeds are chasing a Marseille star to strengthen their midfield options, while Monday’s Euro Paper Talk has news of West Ham and Leicester interest in an Inter Milan star.
ERIC MAXIM CHOUPO-MOTING HOPES GROW FOR MAN UTD
Erik ten Hag is stepping up his efforts to sign Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in January with Manchester United’s interest in the striker described as genuine.
The United manager was allowed to spend well over £200m in the summer as he looked to shake up his newly-acquired squad. And while there have been signs of progress, Sunday’s 3-1 setback at Aston Villa shows that work is still to be done.
Indeed, Ten Hag is busy making plans for the January window and ways to further strengthen his side. His focus will reportedly be on signing a new right-back, while a new No 1 to replace David De Gea is also reportedly being considered.
However, they are also seemingly looking at bolstering their attacking options.
Doubts continue to surround Cristiano Ronaldo’s future. And our exclusive last week revealed a move to Sporting Lisbon is now a growing possibility after a major U-turn by their manager.
And while Ronaldo has not exactly been at his prolific best this season – he has just three to his name this season – Ten Hag knows he will still need a replacement should the player move on.
Bayern Munich striker fits the bill
Reports last week suggessted Ten Hag was exploring a possible deal for Bayern Munich’s experienced striker Choupo-Moting.
The Cameroon striker, 33, is in the final year of his contract at Bayern Munich. However, he’s been a man in rich form and already has 10 goals to his name from just 14 appearances this season. That tally includes five from eight Bundesliga games and three in four in the Champions League.
Following up on last week’s report, BILD insist Ten Hag’s interest in Choupo-Moting is genuine.
With funds for a new striker tight, they claim the Dutchman sees the former Stoke man as the perfect addition to his squad. And the Red Devils are reportedly already in contact over a cut-price switch to United in the new year.
However, Choupo-Moting is in no hurry to make a decision on his future.
His agent Roger Wittmann ‘wants to take their time with contract talks and first wait for the World Cup’. The striker will be on duty in Qatar with Cameroon in Group G alongside Switzerland, Serbia and Brazil.
Furthermore, it’s reported that other clubs are also taking a note of Choupo-Moting’s fine form. And an extension to his contract at the Bayern Munich is also not being ruled out.
However, it’s claimed United could persuade him to sign by the offer of a ‘fat contract’, which is well within their means.
LEEDS UNITED STEP UP HUNT FOR PAPE GUEYE
Leeds United are emerging as favourites to sign Marseille midfielder Pape Gueye as an upgrade for Adam Forshaw with the Senegal star likely to move in January. (Fabrizio Romano)
Liverpool are reportedly exploring a possible deal to sign Deportivo Guadalajara winger Alexis Vega. (Givemesport)
Raphinha admits he has found adjusting to life at Barcelona tough but will continue to do all he can to be a success under Xavi. (Cadena Ser)
Manchester United have no chance of gazumping RB Leipzig to the signing of Slovakian striker Benjamin Sesko in 2023. (Fabrizio Romano)
West Ham, Leicester and Bayer Leverkusen are in the mix to sign Inter Milan full-back Robin Gosens in the January window. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
ARSENAL LEAD BARCELONA IN YOURI TIELEMANS RACE
Arsenal are ahead of Barcelona in the race to sign Youri Tielemans and hope to secure a deal in the new year. (Fijachés)
Philippe Coutinho has a thigh injury and will miss around 10 weeks, ruling him out of Brazil’s World Cup squad. (ESPN Brasil)
Christopher Nkunku may reportedly turn his back on Chelsea were Real Madrid to make a move for the France star. (various)
Manchester City are reportedly ready to rival Arsenal for the signature of Benfica left-back Alejandro Grimaldo. (various)
Unai Emery’s replacement at Villarreal, Quique Setien, is already facing calls to be sacked. (Sport)
Mads Bidstrup insists his objective remains on establishing himself at Brentford despite links over a permanent move to FC Nordsaelland. (Tipsbladet)
NEWCASTLE SENT CHARLES DE KETERLAERE TRANSFER MESSAGE
AC Milan are ready to extend Olivier Giroud’s deal with the 36-year-old continuing to prove himself invaluable to the club. (Corriere della Sera)
Polish journalist Tomasz Włodarczyk is tipping Leeds Utd midfielder Mateusz Klich as one of the unfortunate players to miss his nation’s 26-man World Cup squad. (Meczyki)
AC Milan have no plans of allowing Charles De Ketelaere to depart for Newcastle and believe he will soon come good. (Fabrizio Romano)
Newcastle and Aston Villa are battling to sign Eden Hazard with the Belgian fancying a return to England. (various)
Fran Garcia admits Real Madrid are considering activating a buy-back clause to re-sign him from Rayo Vallecano. (Relevo)
Hector Bellerin hopes to earn a new contract to keep him at Barcelona for the long term. (AS)
Leeds United are preparing a bid to sign Borussia Dortmund left-back Raphael Guerreiro in January. (TEAMtalk cxclusive)
