Euro Paper Talk: Man Utd scouting classy Ligue 1 midfielder with view to transfer: Everton warned off deal for Atalanta striker

Manchester United are considering a move for a classy Ligue 1 midfielder who they have been scouting recently, while Friday’s Euro Paper Talk claims Everton have been warned to steer clear of trying to sign an Atalanta striker.

RENNES STAR FIRMLY ON UNITED RADAR

Manchester United have reportedly been monitoring the progress of highly-rated Rennes midfielder Lovro Majer with a view to a potential move.

The Red Devils are back on track under Erik ten Hag and are firmly in the title race, despite their disappointing 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening.

Indeed, Ten Hag’s men are currently eight points behind leaders Arsenal. However, they can close that gap to five if they win at The Emirates on Sunday.

And with things going so well, United are keen to bolster their squad to keep up their title challenge.

Striker Wout Weghorst arrived on loan from Burnley last week and now it appears that a move for Croatia international Majer could also be on the cards.

The 25-year-old, who has previously been linked with Arsenal and Liverpool, is viewed as the natural successor to Luka Modric at the heart of Croatia’s midfield and impressed at the World Cup in Qatar as his country finished third.

United see ‘new Modric’ in Croatia star Majer 

The report from French outlet Jeunes Footeux claims that United have been scouting the Rennes star and could end up making their interest concrete.

Despite Majer‘s performances not quite being on the same level as last season, he is still viewed as a potential starter at Old Trafford.

Indeed, the report adds United are ‘convinced’ that he has the potential of becoming the ‘worthy successor of Luka Modric’. Red Devils scouts were also particularly impressed when in attendance as Rennes shocked PSG fairly recently.

It’s certainly a transfer to keep an eye on, although the report does not make it clear if it could happen this month or in the summer.

EVERTON WARNED OFF STRIKER MOVE

Atalanta have told Everton and other English clubs that they are not going to accept any loan bid for Duvan Zapata. (Fabrizio Romano)

French giants Paris Saint-Germain are considering a surprise move for Chelsea forward Kai Havertz. (Media Foot)

Spezia centre-back Jakub Kiwior is likely to join Arsenal in a €25m plus deal. A medical is booked in for the weekend. (Gianluca Di Marzio)

Roma only want to sell Nicolo Zaniolo on a permanent transfer. West Ham and Leicester have now joined Tottenham in the hunt for the striker. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)

Another Spurs target, Milan Skriniar, has informed Inter he will not sign the new contract proposal and is open to evaluate all the other options. (Sky Sport Italia)

Marco Asensio has reiterated his desire to remain at Real Madrid, with his contract running out this summer. (Marca)

MORE EURO TRANSFER GOSSIP

Besiktas have held ‘positive’ first talks with Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey about a move to Turkey this month. (Fanatik)

Barcelona are close to completing a deal to sign Yannick Carrasco from Atletico Madrid this summer. (Sport)

Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic, who is not happy with his situation in Turin, has offered his services to Real Madrid. (various)

Celtic are close to an agreement with K-League side Suwon Bluewings to sign South Korea’s World Cup striker Hyeon-gyu Oh. (Various)

Barcelona’s chances of signing Borussia Dortmund starlet Youssoufa Moukoko have faded. Indeed, the 18-year-old set to sign a new deal in Germany. (Bild)

Clubs from France and Germany as well as two top championship clubs want to sign Fulham right-back Kevin Mbabu on loan. (Various)

Nottingham Forest centre-back Loic Mbe Soh is likely to join Guingamp on loan for the rest of the season. (Various)

Southampton have asked Roma about signing right-back Rick Karsdorp on loan. (Sky Sports)