Euro Paper Talk: Man Utd ponder double midfielder deal as Leeds target eyed

Manchester United weigh up a move for a talented French midfielder on Leeds’ radar, while Valencia look to loan a Tottenham star – all in the latest Euro Paper Talk.

MAN UTD EYE SECOND MIDFIELDER

Manchester United have become ‘very interested’ in Toulouse midfielder Kouadio Kone, according to a report.

Previous speculation has outlined how Leeds and AC Milan are among the clubs looking at a potential deal for the Frenchman.

Indeed, the Whites have retained their interest in the 19-year-old despite his price rising to €15million. His exit fee rose to that figure from €10million because Milan had opened initial negotiations.

However, United have become the latest club to show interest in singing Kone.

Foot Mercato notes that the Red Devils have become contenders, adding that they are keeping a close watch on the player’s profile.

What’s more, the player has a ‘choice’, with Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach keen.

For now, though, Milan reportedly remain the leading candidates for Kone’s signature after making their first offer to Toulouse.

Should United firm up their interest in Kone, he could become the second midfielder to arrive this month. Reports have suggested that the Red Devils are locked in negotiations to sign Ecuadorian Moises Caicedo, also 19.

France Under-19 international Kone, meanwhile, made his Ligue 1 breakthrough with Toulouse in the 2018/19 appearance.

But after one outing in that campaign, he went on to play 13 top-flight games last term. What’s more, he has featured in all but one of Toulouse’s Ligue 2 games this season after their relegation, chipping in with one goal.

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AND THE REST FROM EURO PAPER TALK

Valencia are keen on a loan deal for Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks. However, the Spanish club have made clear that they do not want an option to buy. (Todofichajes)

Manchester City are holding up Rabbi Matondo’s move from Schalke to Stoke because of their option on the player. (Sport 1)

What’s more, they are in talks with Lazio about selling Oleksandr Zinchenko. Indeed, the Italian club have offered €20million for the player’s permanent transfer. (Todofichajes)

Marseille are keen on signing Wolves forward Patrick Cutrone, who has returned from his loan at Fiorentina. (Sky Sport Italia)

However, Wolves are likely to send the Italian straight to their first-team after his recall. (Sky Sports)

ROJO REACHES VERBAL AGREEMENT

Man Utd defender Marcos Rojo has reached a verbal agreement on a deal to sign for Boca Juniors. (ESPN)

United are close to signing Moises Caicedo, who has rejected two other teams’ offers. (TuttoMercatoWeb)

Nice remain keen on Crystal Palace defender Mamadou Sakho, despite bringing in Arsenal‘s William Saliba on loan. (Nice-Matin)

Ajax are working on a deal to sign West Ham striker Sebastian Haller for around €25million. (L’Equipe)

CELTIC MAN WANTS SCOTLAND STAY

Celtic’s on-loan defender Diego Laxalt has rejected a lucrative proposal from Al-Hilal. Indeed, his priority is to stay in Scotland when his loan from AC Milan comes to an end. (Gianluca di Marzio)

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has registered his interest in Tottenham’s Son Heung-min. The winger has reportedly begun initial discussions about extending his Spurs stay. (Defensa Central)

Spurs, meanwhile, are ready to step up interest in Juventus defender Merih Demiral. (Don Balon)

Fluminense are ready to sell forward Marcos Paulo, who was a recent target for Newcastle and Watford. (Globo Esporte)

Crystal Palace are among four clubs looking at a deal for Fiorentina’s Christian Kouame. (Corrierre dello Sport)

WEST BROM IN MIDFIELDER HUNT

Meanwhile, West Brom have joined the Eagles in the hunt for Fenerbahce midfielder Ozan Tufan. (Takvim)

Juventus hero Federico Chiesa says that his side put in a “collective” performance to beat AC Milan on Wednesday. (Sky Sport Italia)

Sergio Ramos’ reluctance to pen a new Real Madrid deal centres on a 10 per cent pay cut. Indeed, the club stalwart feels frustrated at the club’s approach. (AS)