Euro Paper Talk: Man Utd favourites to land midfielder as big fee sees rival drop out of race

Boubakary Soumare, Jules Kounde

Manchester United are frontrunners in the race to sign a top midfielder, while an Everton exit remains on the cards – both in all the latest Euro Paper Talk.

 

MAN UTD FAVOURITES FOR MIDFIELDER

Manchester United are leading the race to sign Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare after a rival in the race dropped out, according to a report.

Newcastle wanted to bring the 21-year-old to the Premier League in January. Indeed, they made a club-record bid to do so. However, the deal did not materialise.

Soumare has nevertheless maintained potential suitors across Europe, with Italian journalist Vito Angele claiming that AC Milan have a keen interest in the France Under-21 international.

However, the reporter – speaking to the Italian Football Podcast – claimed that the Serie A side are now out of the race, leaving United as frontrunners.

Angele said: “He is an important player but I don’t think he will be coming to Serie A.

 

 

“Man Utd are working on him and they are the favourites to sign him right now. Lille are also asking a high price for him which is too much for Milan.”

Soumare was also linked with a move away from Lille in the last transfer window. Club president Gerard Lopez said that he had received “concrete” offers in September.

The defensive midfielder has played 16 of his side’s 19 Ligue 1 games this term, as well as all six Europa League group stage games.

However, he will only have a year remaining on his deal at the end of next season.


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AND THE REST FROM EURO PAPER TALK

Bernard TEAMtalk

A swap deal between Everton and Roma for Bernard and Robin Olsen remains on the cards. That is despite Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti rubbishing the rumours (Corrierre dello Sport)

Leeds must pay around €12million if they want to sign Fiorentina midfielder Erick Pulgar. (Fiorentina News)

Meanwhile, Udinese vice-president Stefano Campoccia says that Leeds’ summer interest in Rodrigo de Paul did not meet the club’s asking price of €40million. (Padova Sport)

RB Leipzig chief Markus Krosche says that he will talk with Marcel Sabitzer about his plans in the coming weeks. Tottenham are reportedly keen on the Austrian midfielder. (Sky Germany)

UPAMECANO CONTRACT A SIGN OF INTENT

Dayot Upamecano

Krosche also says that Dayot Upamecano‘s new contract is a sign that the defender will reject “larger clubs” next summer. (Sky Germany)

West Ham and Newcastle are in the running to sign Spezia striker M’Bala Nzola. (Calciomercato)

Reims’ Boulaye Dia is another player who also interests the Hammers, but talks have not advanced. (Le10 Sport)

However, the player has now admitted that he is unsure of his plans this month. (TF1)

Felipe Anderson will return to West Ham from his loan spell at Porto this month. Indeed, he has failed to spark into life in Portugal. (Calciomercato)

MESSI EYES PSG MOVE

Lionel Messi TEAMtalk

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi is keen on moving to Paris Saint-Germain and wants Sergio Aguero there with him. (Don Balon)

Man Utd are keeping tabs on Brest’s 22-year-old midfielder Romain Faivre. (Le10 Sport)

United also want to bring in Sergio Ramos, who would supposedly allow Harry Maguire to develop even further. (Don Balon)

Tottenham would demand Angel di Maria as a ‘bargaining chip’ if Dele Alli moved to PSG. (Don Balon)

CAMAVINGA COY ON FUTURE

Ivan Rakitic, Eduardo Camavinga TEAMtalk

Real Madrid-linked Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga says that he will assess his future at the end of the season. (Marca)

But Los Blancos intend to keep Brahim Diaz next season, following his loan spell at AC Milan. What’s more, the 21-year-old will fill Isco‘s shoes when the Spaniard leaves in the summer. (Don Balon)

Juventus duo Weston McKennie and Paulo Dybala have arrived at the club’s medical centre for assessment on injuries suffered in Sunday’s win over Sassuolo. (Football Italia)