Euro Paper Talk: Man Utd open talks for major striker signing as blockbuster double deal nears for Ten Hag; Tottenham eye little-known Argentina striker as Kane successor
Manchester United are looking to sign TWO new strikers with talks for a first held this week, Aston Villa are pushing to sign a star who once cost close to £100m, while Wednesday’s Euro Paper Talk claims Tottenham are eyeing a River Plate attacker to replace Harry Kane.
MARCUS THURAM HOLDS TALKS OVER MOVE TO MAN UTD
Manchester United have strongly entered the race to sign Marcus Thuram after holding talks over a move in recent days, according to reports.
Erik ten Hag is desperate to bolster his squad with the addition of a new centre-forward this summer. And the likes of Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen and Randal Kolo Muani are among those being linked with big-money swoops.
However, deals for all three stars will either be hugely-difficult to pull off, or way too pricey. Certainly in the case of Osimhen, United would face having to pay in the region of €150m (£132m).
However, a cheaper alternative is now beginning to emerge in the form of Thuram.
The France striker, and son of World Cup winner, Lilian, is due to leave Borussia Monchengladbach this summer as a free agent.
He has scored 16 goals in 31 appearances this season – better than a goal every other game – to underline his qualities.
As such, the exit of the €75m-rated frontman as a free agent this summer will come as a bitter blow.
Now the race to sign Thuram is well and truly heating up with Inter Milan of the belief they were in the driving seat.
However, their plans are set to be derailed by United who, according to Calciomercato, see Thuram as a ‘particularly attractive’ option.
Man Utd want Kudus as well as Marcus Thuram
As a result, talks between United and Thuram’s agent have reportedly been held over the last few days.
Worryingly for Inter, they know Manchester United can blow them away economically. The article concludes by suggesting Thuram will ‘soon decide’ where his future lays.
United, however, will not stop at just one striker addition this summer. And it seems the lack of fees involved in signing Thuram will aid their pursuit for a second addition.
Indeed, with Anthony Martial heading for the Old Trafford exit door, Ten Hag is reportedly stepping up his quest to sign Mohammed Kudus from Ajax.
The Ghanaian is well known to Ten Hag having played under him for the Dutch giants.
A third raid on the Amsterdammers would be seen as controverisal, with Lisandro Martinez and Antony having also left for Old Trafford.
However, Kudus’ agent is doing his best to try and facilitate a move, amid claims United are readying an approach.
Per De Telegraaf, Kudus plans to snub a contract extension at Ajax as “now is the right time” for the 22-year-old to leave.
Capable of playing across the frontline, Kudus’ versatility is seen as perfect for Ten Hag.
The star is rated in the €50m (£44m ) bracket, with United seemingly hopeful of sealing both deals.
READ MORE: An XI of Big Seven players who need upgrading this summer
TOTTENHAM TARGET RIVER PLATE STRIKER
Tottenham are ready to make a big-money move to sign River Plate striker Lucas Beltran. The 22-year has 14 goals and five assists in 63 appearances and is seen by Daniel Levy as a possible successor to Harry Kane. Atletico Madrid are also reportedly keen on the Argentine. (TNT Sports)
Arsenal are ready to join the race to sign €50m-rated (£44m) Joshua Kimmich following claims the versatile star can leave Bayern Munich. (various)
Brighton full-back Tariq Lamptey is emerging as a strong target for Sporting Lisbon as they continue seeking a replacement for Pedro Porro. (A Bola)
Ilkay Gundogan will snub any approach from Arsenal in favour of Barcelona if he leaves Man City, with any decision on hold until after the Champions League final. (Sport)
West Ham are considering a summer approach to sign Roma’s USA right-back Bryan Reynolds. (The Athletic)
Kylian Mbappe has no plans to sign a contract extension at PSG with his current deal due to expire in summer 2024. The French striker remains on the radar of long-time suitors Real Madrid. (AS)
CHELSEA, MAN UTD CONSIDERING JULES KOUNDE SWOOP
Chelsea target Jules Kounde wants to leave Barcelona and move to the Premier League this summer. The LaLiga champions will facilitate his sale but only for €80m with Manchester United also reportedly keen. (Sport)
Newcastle United must raise their bid to €20m if they want to sign Flamengo midfielder Matheus Franca. (Lance)
Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest are chasing deals to sign Torino defender Alessandro Buongiorno. (Calciomercato)
Bayern Munich will turn their attention to Julian Alvarez this summer with a deal for Harry Kane out of their price range. (Bild)
Real Sociedad are willing to take three players off Barcelona in exchange for Martin Zubimendi, with Pablo Torre, Ez Abde and Nico Gonzalez in their sights. (Sport)
Fenerbahce are leading the race for Divock Origi following claims the Liverpool old boy will leave AC Milan after one season. (Calciomercato)
VILLA TURN ATTENTIONS TO ROMELU LUKAKU SIGNING
Aston Villa are considering a swoop on Chelsea for Romelu Lukaku with the £97.5m striker too costly for Inter Milan to sign permanently. (various)
Roberto Firmino is pushing to secure a free-transfer move to Barcelona, though Xavi’s side are prioritising Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang first. (Sport)
Newcastle United’s Javier Manquillo is considering offers from four clubs in England, Spain, Germany and France. The star will quit Tyneside this summer following limited game-time this season. (AS)
Cristiano Ronaldo is to inform Al Nassr he wants to leave this summer and return to an elite European side. (Mundo Deportivo)
Luis Enrique is emerging as Napoli’s No 1 choice to succeed Luciano Spalletti following claims the title-winning coach may quit. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Jordi Alba will depart Barcelona this summer after 11 years sterling service. The full-back departs the Camp Nou a year before his contract expires. (various)
