Euro Paper Talk: Man Utd, Tottenham in straight fight to sign £44m Ligue 1 striker after productive agent talks

Manchester United and Tottenham are ready to go head-to-head to sign a Rennes forward who already has 15 goal involvements this season, while Wednesday’s Euro Paper Talk claims Chelsea will act fast to resolve another injury blow to Reece James by raiding Serie A.

UNITED, SPURS CHASING 11-GOAL RENNES FORWARD

Manchester United and Tottenham are both chasing Rennes forward Martin Terrier ahead of a potential January swoop.

A report from Media Foot claims the Premier League duo have been scouting the player for months and have already had discussions with Terrier’s agent.

The 25-year-old has scored 11 goals and added four assists in 20 games for Rennes this season.

The report adds that representatives from United and Spurs have already asked about the forward’s willingness to move, his salary expectations and the conditions needed to carry out the transfer.

For their part, Media Foot adds that Rennes are not keen on letting Terrier leave. However, it’s thought that an offer in the region of £44m (€50m) could be enough to tempt them into a sale.

Terrier was linked with a switch to Chelsea back in November, but it appears they have now cooled their interest.

Ten Hag still chasing a new No.9

United boss Erik ten Hag fully expects to sign a new No.9 in January after Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit. And the fact that Terrier can play centrally or out wide makes the Frenchman an attractive proposition.

The Red Devils were strong favourites to sign Cody Gakpo before PSV agreed a deal with Liverpool. However, they could strike gold with a move for a player who has 15 goal involvements already this season.

As for Spurs’ interest, they are likely to view Terrier as more of a wide option – given they already have Harry Kane and Richarlison to play down the middle.

Tottenham could also opt to offload Lucas Moura and Bryan Gil in January. That, in turn, would create space in Antonio Conte’s squad for another winger.

However, United’s desperation for a new striker must make them favourites to seal the signing of the Rennes man – if they are fully convinced they can get the best out of him as an out-and-out striker.

JAMES BLOW FORCES CHELSEA INTO ACTION 

Chelsea have ramped up their bid to sign Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan in January after Reece James’ latest injury. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)

Inter Milan are reportedly ready to offer €5m per season to France international Marcus Thuram, who will be available as a free agent in July. The Borussia Monchengladbach striker is also a target for Manchester United and Newcastle. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)

Bayern Munich will prepare a new contract proposal for Jamal Musiala in 2023. His current deal expires in June 2026 but Bayern want to seal new, longer agreement as soon as possible. (Fabrizio Romano)

Inter are working on new contracts for Milan Skriniar and Stefan de Vrij. They are also considering the situation around Alessandro Bastoni’s future at the club. (FCInterNews.it)

Sao Paulo made a direct Christmas call to Tottenham winger Lucas Moura revealing their hopes of signing him in 2023. (Sport Witness)

BARCA TURN TO NAPOLI RIGHT-BACK

Barcelona’s hunt for a new right-back has taken them to Napoli as they eye Giovanni di Lorenzo. (Sport)

Arsenal have reportedly had their opening offer for Mykhaylo Mudryk rejected, with Shakhtar Donetsk looking for a higher fee. (Fabrizio Romano)

January is a decisive month to determine the future of AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, who seems willing to sign a contract extension with the Rossoneri. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)

PSG boss Christophe Galtier has denied suggestions of a rift between Lionel Messi and teammate Kylian Mbappe after they faced off in the World Cup final. (ESPN)

Napoli are preparing to part ways with Liverpool target Hirving Lozano in the summer. (Calciomercato)

MORE EURO TRANSFER GOSSIP

Real Betis are aware of Aston Villa’s interest in signing full-back Alex Moreno in January. (Mundo Deportivo)

Veteran defender Marcos Alonso is keen to stay at Barcelona beyond the end of the season. (Relevo)

Villarreal are demanding Aston Villa activate Nicolas Jackson’s £30m release clause if they are to sell him in January. (Football Insider)

Fulham are reportedly ‘pushing hard’ to sign Roma defender Rick Karsdorp in the January window. (Calciomercato)

Real Sociedad are interested in signing Daley Blind after his departure from Ajax. (AS)

Barcelona’s Sergi Roberto wants to extend his contract with the club beyond the summer of 2023. (RAC1)