Euro Paper Talk: Man Utd eye surprise Ligue 1 replacement for De Gea
Arsenal and Spurs are set to do battle over a Portuguese midfield star, while Man Utd have found David De Gea’s replacement, according to Wednesday’s European papers.
MAN UTD LINE UP SHOCK LIGUE 1 REPLACEMENT FOR STAR
Manchester United have identified Mike Maignan as they man they want to replace David De Gea should he leave this summer, it is claimed.
De Gea’s long-term future at Old Trafford is once again in doubt after the club activated the one-year extension to his contract – but with just 12 months remaining on his existing deal there is a growing fear among United’s hierarchy that the Spaniard’s time at the club is drawing to a close.
By his own high standards, De Gea suffered an alarming drop in form this season, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hinting he came close to being axed.
The Spain stopper continues to be linked with Real Madrid, while PSG also remain keen and if he does depart this summer then United will need a ready-made replacement.
All this uncertainty has seemingly forced United to spring into action, and they have scouted Lille stopper Maignan extensively with the view to him being a potential replacement, Duncan Castles claims.
“The player in question is Mike Maignan, the goalkeeper at Lille, who’s just been voted the best goalkeeper in Ligue 1 for his performances in their campaign where they finished second,” Castles is quoted as saying, via Goal.com.
“Potentially, we could actually see Maignan, with the quality of his play, as a potential replacement for Manchester United, who have scouted him a lot.”
The Cayenne-born 23-year-old had an incredible season for Lille, keeping 15 clean sheets in 38 Ligue 1 appearances, conceding just 18 goals in the process.
AND THE REST
Arsenal could battle with rivals Tottenham to sign Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes. (RAC1)
Bayern Munich have lodged a bid of £80million for Juventus attacker Paulo Dybala. (Corriere dello Sport)
Paris Saint-Germain are ready to compete with Barcelona and Manchester United for the signature of Matthijs de Ligt this summer. (De Telegraph)
Manchester United and Belgium forward Romelu Lukaku is willing to take a pay cut in order to secure a move to Inter Milan this summer. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Barca have offered 26-year-old Brazil midfielder Philippe Coutinho or France forward Ousmane Dembele to Paris St-Germain in a part exchange deal for Brazil striker Neymar. (Record)
Inter Milan striker Andrea Pinamonti is a transfer target for Wolves. (FC Inter News)
Real Madrid are close to agreeing a deal to sign Lyon midfielder Ferland Mendy. (Marca)
Antoine Griezmann has been left outraged with the Barcelona squad after rumours they vetoed the decision to sign the French international. (Sport)
Ernesto Valverde will remain Barcelona manager despite rampant rumours that he was set to be sacked. (Sport)
Former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has signed a deal to become Inter Milan boss to 2022 – five years after the Italian last managed in Serie A. (Tuttomercatoweb)
Napoli are interested in a move for Valencia star Rodrigo, but the Italian side has been priced out of a deal. (Di Marzio)
Arsenal manager Unai Emery wants to sign Belgium full-back Thomas Meunier from former club Paris Saint-Germain. (France Football)
Barcelona want to sign Wolfsburg’s French left-back Jerome Roussillon, after the 26-year-old came to the attention of scouts monitoring Belgian goalkeeper Koen Casteels. (Mundo Deportivo)
PSG boss Thomas Tuchel has admitted his interest in Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Weigl.
Atletico Madrid have chosen Paris St-Germain’s Uruguay international Edinson Cavani, 32, as their replacement for 30-year-old Spain striker Diego Costa. (Cadena Ser)
Newcastle United have contacted Benfica over a move for Greece goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, 25, and are believed to have been quoted £13.2m. (O Jogo)
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Serbia striker Luka Jovic is unlikely to return to the Bundesliga club after clearing his locker before the European Under-21 Championships. (Bild)
Napoli remain interested in signing Mexican winger Hirving Lozano, though the deal looks to be “complicated”. (Di Marzio)
AC Milan chief executive Ivan Gazidis wants to appoint Paolo Maldini as technical director following Leonardo’s departure.
Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos and president Florentino Perez must clear up talk surrounding a potential transfer to the Chinese Super League, according to Dani Carvajal.