Euro Paper Talk: Brazil striker to sign for Man Utd as Ten Hag hijacks Barcelona move; Liverpool lock on to €50m-rated Villa midfield target
Vitor Roque is a target for Man Utd and Barcelona
Manchester United are ready to beat Barcelona to an elite Brazilian teenage striker, Liverpool are rivaling Aston Villa to sign an Atalanta star, while Monday’s Euro Paper Talk claims Tottenham are to sign a Serie A defender in a bargain deal.
MAN UTD LOOKING TO BEAT BARCELONA TO VITOR ROQUE DEAL
Erik ten Hag is reportedly on a surprise mission to help Manchester Unted win the transfer race for Barcelona’s priority target Vitor Roque.
The Red Devils boss is looking to add more firepower to his armoury this summer. Indeed, Marcus Rashford (30 goals) was the only United attacker to break into double figures last season. And while Bruno Fernandes (14 goals) proved an able support, Ten Hag knows he needs more of a threat from other areas of his side.
To that end, the United boss could even look to bring in two centre forwards this summer.
As a result, moves for the likes of Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen and Randal Kolo Muani look too costly for United.
And it seems Ten Hag is ready to put the focus on some of the game’s top upcoming talent to fill that void.
First up, a deal for Rasmus Hojlund is seemingly closing in. Il Corriere dello Sport reports that United are now just a few million away from agreeing a deal in the region of €45m.
However, Mundo Deportivo now reports Manchester United are also turning their attentions towards Vitor Roque.
The 18-year-old is regarded as one of Brazil’s brightest talents, having already been capped at senior level.
With 28 goals to his name from 79 appearances, the teenager has made a bright start to his career.
Ten Hag keen on Brazilian teenager
Seven goals and two assists have come for Athletico in 13 outings since the turn of the year.
That has led to interest from both Arsenal and Barcelona, with the latter now leading the way. Indeed, coach Xavi Hernandez reportedly sees the player as the heir apparent to veteran striker Robert Lewandowski.
Indeed, his club Athletico Paranaense are willing to sanction his sale if the Blaugrana meet their €45m asking price.
However, the LaLiga giants’ financial restrictions means they are struggling to meet that price. Instead, they hope to sign him on loan this summer with an obligation to make the move permanent in 2024. Presumably by then, Barcelona hope their financial troubles will have eased further.
Athletico, however, prefer the cash up front – and that may well work to United’s advantage.
The Red Devils are working within a limited budget but can generate additional funds by offloading a string of unwanted stars.
To that end, Wout Weghorst will not have his deal extended. And the Red Devils are also reportedly open to offers for both Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho.
READ MORE: Ten Hag ecstatic as Fabrizio Romano confirms Man Utd deal for £375,000-a-week forward is coming
LIVERPOOL RIVAL VILLA FOR TEUN KOOPMEINERS DEAL
Liverpool are back in the market to sign €50m-rated Teun Koopmeiners, with Aston Villa and Brighton also keen. Interest within Italy also comes from Juventus and Napoli. (Foot Mercato)
Juventus directors will fly to London this week for talks over the sales of Dusan Vlahovic, Arthur Melo and Federico Chiesa. Chelsea are chasing Vlahovic, Liverpool and Newcastle are keen on Chiesa and Brighton want Arthur. (Corriere dello Sport)
Man Utd are reportedly keen on a deal for Sofyan Amrabat with Fiorentina willing to sell for €30m. (Fiorentina.it)
Barcelona are planning to raid Arsenal for talented youngster Miguel Azeez. The deal for the 20-year-old will likely be a free transfer, though Arsenal will claim a huge percentage of any future sale. (Sport)
Nottingham Forest are willing to pay €20m to Stuttgart to bring former Arsenal defender Dinos Mavropanos back to the Premier League. (Bild)
Napoli have seen an opening €35m offer for Max Kilman rejected by Wolves with the Serie A champions looking to replace Kim Min-jae. (The Athletic)
Marc Cucurella’s agent claims it is ‘fake news’ that Chelsea are in talks to sell the full-back to Atletico Madrid. (various)
LEEDS MANAGER ‘TARGET’ FAILS TO REPORT FOR PRE-SEASON TRAINING
Lorient manager Regis Le Bris has failed to show up for the club’s first day of pre-season training, sparking claims of a possible move to Leeds. (Ouest-France)
West Ham United are reportedly ready to rival Crystal Palace for the signing of 19-year-old Flamengo midfielder Matheus Franca. (Football.London)
AC Milan are chasing a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt winger Jesper Lindstrom after losing Brahim Diaz. (Bild)
PSG are emerging as favourites to sign Joao Felix following claims Atletico Madrid are pushing for his permanent sale. (Fabrizio Romano)
Roma are looking into possible deals for Renato Sanches and Marcel Sabitzer after seemingly missing out on Davide Frattesi. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Fenerbahce’s teenage starlet Arda Guler will this week choose between Real Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla following talks with all three. (various)
Former Arsenal star Santi Cazorla is willing to re-sign for Villarreal for a third spell after quitting Qatar club Al Sadd. (various)
Manchester City are closing on the signing of Josko Gvardiol, who is likely to become the world’s most costly defender. (Fabrizio Romano)
TOTTENHAM PUSHING FOR BARGAIN WILFRIED SINGO TRANSFER
Tottenham are readying a move for Torino’s Wilfried Singo following claims he can leave for just €12m. (Tuttosport)
Leeds midfielder Marc Roca expects to finalise a move to Real Betis this week, having been ‘seduced’ by a return to LaLiga. (Mundo Deportivo)
Real Madrid are willing to sell Ferland Mendy amid claims that clubs from the Saudi Arabian Pro League are planning an approach. (AS)
Valencia are keen to sign Porto striker Toni Martinez – but first they need to offload Edinson Cavani, Hugo Duro and Marcos Andre. (Mundo Deportivo)
Cesar Azpilicueta is ready to sign a two-year deal with Atletico Madrid this week following Chelsea’s decision to grant him a free transfer. (Fabrizio Romano)
Aymeric Laporte is attracting attention from Juventus and Arsenal following claims he may leave Man City this summer. (Mundo Deportivo)
Veteran Colombian star Juan Cuadrado is likely to sign for Fenebahce following his exit at Juventus this summer. (Tuttosport)
Sergio Ramos is being identified as the next signing for Inter Miami as they look to reunite with him former PSG teammate Lionel Messi. (various)
Manchester United are closing on a €45m deal for Rasmus Hojlund after seeing their initial offer fall just short. (Corriere dello Sport)
