Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Euro Paper Talk: Ultimate act of betrayal as Rangnick lines up deal to sign rivals’ star

Ralf Rangnick, interim Manchester United boss, image via YouTube / Manchester United

Manchester United are putting the wheels in motion to secure an Antonio Rudiger deal, Liverpool are casting dreamy glances towards an Inter Milan attacker, while Tuesday’s Euro Paper Talk claims Chelsea are planning a surprise full-back signing.

RUDIGER ‘READY’ FOR MAN UTD MOVE

Manchester United are emerging as the new favourites to sign Antonio Rudiger, according to reports in Germany.

Rudiger has become a cornerstone of the Blues’ success over the past year and is one of the first names on Thomas Tuchel’s team sheet. However, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season, Chelsea find themselves in a tricky situation.

Indeed, some reports are suggesting that Rudiger wants as much as £300,000 a week to sign new terms at Stamford Bridge.

And despite his importance to Tuchel, that seems far higher than Chelsea are prepared to spend. Indeed, reports claim he has branded their latest offer a ‘slap in the face’.

As such, it’s no surprise to see the defender linked with mutiple clubs, including PSG, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

However, Sky Deutschland now claims Manchester United are leading the race to sign him in what would be the ultimate act of betrayal.

They report Rangnick sees his countryman as the perfect defensive addition to help bring about his vision at Old Trafford.

He reportedly sees Rudiger as one of the best in the world at present. Furthermore, his signing on a free represents a huge fillip for United.

Rudiger deal on

In addition, United would also reportedly satisfy the wage demands that Rudiger craves at Chelsea.

Rudiger set for a big payday as free agent

Rudiger set for a big payday as free agent

The Chelsea man is out of contract at the end of this season, as is captain Azpilicueta.

Indeed, a Rudiger deal at United would come as a bitter pill to swallow for Tuchel.

He has made clear his wish to tie down the player, with doubts also emerging over a number of his Chelsea teammates.

Reports on Monday claimed Andreas Christensen and  Thiago Silva are closing on contract extensions.

But the loss of Rudiger, who is reportedly ready to make the move, would not sit well with Tuchel or Chelsea’s fans.

LIVERPOOL DREAMING OF LAUTARO MARTINEZ

Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez during pre-season 2021

Liverpool see Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez as their dream long-term replacement for Roberto Firmino. (Calciomercato)

Chelsea are readying an approach to Everton to sign Lucas Digne on loan as cover for Ben Chilwell. (Fijachés)

West Ham are slugging it out with AC Milan to sign Nikola Milenkovic – but his exit at Fiorentina is on hold until the summer. (Calciomercato)

Manchester City and Real Madrid are battling it out to sign Youri Tielemans from Leicester next summer. (Fijachés)

Leeds face competition from Barcelona for 20-year-old Penarol striker Agustín Alvarez. (Mundo Deportivo)

Arsenal defender Konstantinos Mavropanos fancies a permanent move away with loan club Stuttgart and Newcastle his top suitors. (BILD)

EDWARDS WANTS LUIS DIAZ SIGNING

Porto's Luis Diaz

Michael Edwards is planning ‘one last smart move’ for Liverpool and is optimistic of a deal for Porto’s Luis Diaz. (Fijachés)

Manchester City have reportedly cooled their interst in Erling Haaland after learning of the costs involved. (Sport)

Arsenal and Tottenham reportedly face paying an extra £17m for Dusan Vlahovic with Fiorentina now seeking £68m for a January sale. (Corriere dello Sport)

West Ham United are considering a move to sign Hans Vanaken having learned they have a ‘real chance’ of his signing. (Voetbal24)

Mino Raiola is close to finalising a new Juventus deal for Paulo Dybala, having held talks with Pavel Nedved on Monday. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Celtic target Patrick Berg admits he’s likely to leave Bodo/Glimt in the January transfer window. (Daily Record)

AND MORE FROM EURO PAPER TALK

Barcelona are nearing the signing of Edinson Cavani in January with Manchester United giving permission for his move. (Sport)

Agents Fali Ramadani and Pietro Chiodi are under investigation for alleged tax evasion and money laundering over several transfers, including Federico Chiesa to Juventus and Miralem Pjanic to Barcelona. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Brentford are reportedly in contact with Braga over a potential January move for Portuguese left-back Francisco Moura. (Record)

Frenkie De Jong’s father is denying reports his son will be sold by Barcelona in January amid links to Manchester City. (AD)

Newcastle are making Lille defender Sven Botman a January priority after gaining hope a deal may happen. (Fabrizio Romano)