Euro Paper Talk: Man Utd ‘stalking’ star as Barcelona change stance on mega sale

Ansu Fati, Antoine Griezmann, Lionel Messi, Sergi Roberto

Manchester United are set to break the bank to sign a Barcelona star as their Jadon Sancho hopes fade, while Leeds are firmly in talks to bring in an exciting €30m striker, according to Monday’s Euro Paper Talk.

 

FATI BACK ON MAN UTD TRANSFER AGENDA

Manchester United are back in the hunt to poach Ansu Fati away from Barcelona this summer.

United were first linked with the teenager earlier this summer as the true cost of signing Jadon Sancho emerged.

While Barcelona indicated at the time they saw the player as their future and would reject any bids, it seems United remain on his trail.

In fact, Mundo Deportivo state United are ‘stalking’ the player and will do whatever it takes to bring him to Old Trafford.

The 17-year-old wonderkid is poised to become a regular in the Barca side this season. Contracted until 2022, with Barca holding an option for an additional two years, he won’t come cheap.

But Mundo Deportivo are adamant United are undeterred. They state the club are even willing to meet the €170m clause that currently exists in his contract. That is due to rise summer by summer and over the duration of its deal until it peaks at €400m by 2024.

Reports indicate that a serious offer from United would give Barcelona much to think about.

 

Ronald Koeman clearly has a serious rebuilding job on his hands. And with the highest wage bill in world football at an estimated €600m annual fee, sales could be enforced.

Barca are actively looking to offload a number of players this summer in order to rebuild their squad. But whether Fati is sacrificed remains to be seen.

Furthermore, given United’s issues with meeting the costs over Sancho, it seems ludicrous they would pay more to sign a Plan B. However, Mundo Deportivo is adamant United’s bid for the Dortmund winger is now over.

Either way, they state Barca could change their stance and would consider their options were United to make a firm approach.

 

LEEDS, VALENCIA TALKS OVER RODRIGO MORENO

Leeds and Valencia are now in firm talks over a deal for Rodrigo Moreno with the price likely to be between €25m – €30m. (Sport)

Ivan Rakitic would opt for a return to former club Sevilla ahead of interest from Tottenham. However, a move to London is not out the question for the Barcelona man. (Sport)

Gabriel Magalhaes is due in London Monday or Tuesday to undergo a medical with Arsenal. The Brazilian will seal a €25m transfer and a five-year deal this week. (L’Equipe)

Thiago Alcantara’s transfer from Bayern Munich to Liverpool is 100% a done deal this summer. (Mundo Deportivo)

Everton are on the brink of agreeing a €30m fee to take Brazilian midfielder Allan to Goodison Park. (Corriere dello Sport)

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is pushing his club’s board hard to secure a permanent deal for former loanee Dani Ceballos. (Calciomercato)

 

KOEMAN HAS FOUR TARGETS FOR BARCELONA

New Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has four top targets in mind. He wants to sign Lautaro Martinez, Eric Garcia, Jose Gaya and Nicolas Tagliafico. (Sport)

Koeman would also like to bring Philippe Coutinho back into Barcelona’s midfield next season. (Mundo Deportivo)

Benfica are considering a move for Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa as they are struggling to secure a finance a deal for Edinson Cavani. (A Bola)

AC Milan have told any deal for Real Madrid star Oscar Rodriguez will cost them €20m. (Calciomercato)

Roma have been offered the chance to sign former Juventus forward Mario Mandzukic on a free transfer. (Tuttosport)

Free-agent forward Jose Callejon is likely to join Villarreal following his decision to reject a new deal at Napoli. (Fabrizio Romano)

 

THIAGO SILVA CONFIRMS TRANSFER TALKS

Thiago Silva Paris Saint-Germain

Thiago Silva has confirmed he is in the process of securing a new move and amid reported interest from Chelsea. (RMC Sport)

Newcastle have offered €5m to Greek club PAOK for 24-year-old Greece left-back Dimitris Giannoulis. (Sports Lens)

Valencia have missed out on signing Milan goalkeeper Pepe Reina after the Aston Villa loanee agreeing to join Lazio. (Marca)

Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick has turned the tables on Thiago Alcantara and has cracked a joke over the midfielder’s rumoured move to Liverpool. (various)

RB Leipzig plan to reopen negotiations with Roma for Patrik Schick and have made it clear they want to keep the striker. (Corriere dello Sport)

 

AND MORE FROM EURO PAPER TALK

Franck.Kessie.Zlatan.Ibrahimovic.AC_.Milan_.TEAMtalk

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is yet to sign a new contract with AC Milan and will become a free agent after the end of August. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Luis Figo does not expect Lionel Messi to follow in his footsteps and swap Barcelona for Real Madrid. (Marca)

Barcelona’s new signing Miralem Pjanic will miss the start of pre-season after the midfielder tested positive for coronavirus. (various)

Samuel Eto’o’s son, Etienne, has agreed to join Segunda Division side Real Oviedo on a free transfer this month. (Mundo Deportivo)

Genoa have joined Fortuna Dusseldorf in the pursuit of Napoli winger Amin Younes. (SportItalia)