Euro Paper Talk: Chelsea make first move as Tuchel looks to hijack Man Utd deal

Saul Niguez Atletico Madrid April 2021

Chelsea make the first move in a midfielder transfer tussle with Man Utd, while Everton have a signing in mind if Andrea Pirlo joins as manager – both in all the latest Euro Paper Talk.

BLUES MAKE SAUL TRANSFER CONTACT

Chelsea have made initial forays into a deal for Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez amid Manchester United’s interest, according to a report.

The Spaniard has been the subject of growing links with a move away from the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in recent weeks.

While he signed a mammoth nine-year contract extension in 2017 that only runs out in 2026, he has faced speculation over his future.

United, who were linked with a move last summer, have reportedly reignited their interest in a deal. However, Chelsea have also joined the race, with one report claiming that the midfielder is ‘in their sights’.

According to Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), it is indeed Chelsea who have made the first move.

The Blues have supposedly made initial contact over a deal, but there is no further information on their pursuit.

June 7 Transfer Chatter - Laporte to Barcelona, Wijnaldum deal cools and Aston Villa keen on Ward-Prowse

June 7 Transfer Chatter - Laporte to Barcelona, Wijnaldum deal cools and Aston Villa keen on Ward-Prowse

Barcelona want Aymeric Laporte but are refusing to offer Gini Wijnaldum an improved offer, while Aston Villa are set to make a move for James Ward-Prowse.

Nevertheless, the Spanish newspaper reports (via Sport Witness) that Atletico have dropped their demands for Saul’s exit.

While the 26-year-old has a €150million (£129million) release clause, they would be willing to accept €80million (£69million).

Saul enjoyed another strong season for Atletico, making 33 La Liga appearances to help his side win the Spanish top flight.

However, he did not make it into Spain’s Euro 2020 squad, with fellow Atletico star Marcos Llorente among the midfielders picked by manager Luis Enrique.


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AND THE REST FROM EURO PAPER TALK

Gianluigi Donnarumma Milan keeper

Everton would look to sign goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma if they brought Andrea Pirlo in as their new manager. (Calciomercato)

Maurizio Sarri is waiting on news about his imminent move to the Lazio dugout and has consequently had no contact from Everton or Tottenham. (Il Messagero)

Didier Deschamps has disagreed with Jose Mourinho over the Portuguese’s prediction for France’s Euro 2020 campaign. (TF1)

Manchester United have still not made an official move for Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho. However, the two clubs have the ‘framework’ of a transfer agreement. (Ruhr Nachrichten)

Sancho will form a big part of Dortmund’s plan to sell in order to raise funds, but Arsenal target Julian Brandt could also leave. (Fussball Transfers)

WIJNALDUM TO PSG UNDERWAY

Georginio Wijnaldum, Liverpool goal v Barcelona Champions League semi-final May 2019, TEAMtalk

Talks between Paris Saint-Germain and departing Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum over a free transfer are ‘well underway’. (L’Equipe)

Indeed, the Dutchman performed a U-turn on Barcelona, who are now looking at Roma’s Lorenzo Pellegrini as an alternative. (Fichajes)

Meanwhile, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has hit back at claims that Mauricio Pochettino is considering leaving and returning to Tottenham. (L’Equipe)

Kylian Mbappe’s future is uncertain, though, and PSG are looking for a new sporting director to convince the France striker to stay. (AS)

ARSENAL MOVE ON AFTER LOSING BUENDIA

Arsenal have begun the search for alternative targets after Aston Villa announced a deal for Norwich star Emiliano Buendia. (Fabrizio Romano)

United midfielder Andreas Pereira insists that he wants to play for Lazio again after his recent loan spell. (Tuttomercatoweb)

Celtic and Rangers target Joseph Okumu says that he has reached an agreement with IF Elfsborg for him to take his next career step this summer. (Fotbolldirekt)

WOLVES LEAD MIDFIELDER RACE

Joao Palhinha, Sporting Lisbon vs Benfica TEAMtalk

Wolves are leading Everton and Leicester for the signing of Sporting defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha. (Correiro de Manha)

But Wolves goalkeeper Rui Patricio has made clear his desire to leave this summer in talks with club chiefs. (Corrierre dello Sport)

Southampton have contacted Benfica about a deal for Nuno Tavares, but Napoli are also in the hunt. (O Jogo)