Euro Paper Talk: Woodward unfazed by huge fee as dazzling young Pogba successor lined up

Manchester United identify their ideal Paul Pogba replacement, while Chelsea line up a deal for an exciting youngster – all in the latest Euro Paper Talk.

 

MAN UTD WANT VALVERDE TO REPLACE POGBA

Manchester United have lined up exciting Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde as their ideal replacement for Paul Pogba, according to reports.

Valverde, 21, enjoyed a solid breakthrough season in LaLiga last term with 25 appearances last term but he has stepped his performances up a notch this campaign with 32 outings.

Indeed, with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos in mixed form throughout the season, Valverde has impressed to fill the gap and has become a vital part of Zinedine Zidane’s side.

According to OK Diario (via Le10 Sport), United have made a deal for Valverde a “priority” for the summer transfer window in a deal that will be done to make up for Pogba’s exit.

It is said that United have earmarked the priority signing despite the midfielder boasting a mammoth €500million release clause in his contract, which runs until 2025.

Pogba has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid and Juventus, with Zidane said to be keen on his fellow Frenchman.

The latest report has indicated that the Red Devils are wary of activating the one-year extension in the midfielder’s deal.

 

AND THE REST

Chelsea are among a host of European clubs willing to pay the €8million fee in Espanyol youngster Nico Melamed’s contract (Gianluca di Marzio)

The agent of Gabriel Jesus has said that there is a possibility that the Manchester City striker could join Juventus this summer (Calciomercato)

Everton, Napoli and Inter Milan have contacted Atletico Madrid about the availability of right-back Santiago Arias, who has only made 11 appearances this season (AS)

 

 

Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, who is on loan at Monaco, dreams of moving back to AC Milan, where he spent the 2018/19 campaign (Calciomercato)

Real Madrid winger Eden Hazard has said that he is keen to see the LaLiga season resume following its postponement (RTBF)

Chelsea are readying an offer for AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma (Calciomercato)

West Ham and Wolves are among the Premier League clubs interested in a move for Lille midfielder Morgan Sanson (Le10 Sport)

Tottenham winger Lucas Moura has said that his future plans include a return to Sao Paulo, where he started his career (Lance)

Roma defender Gianluca Mancini has praised the impact on the side of Manchester United loanee Chris Smalling (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Barcelona fended off serious interest from Atletico Madrid and Liverpool to sign Sao Paulo forward Gustavo Maia (Marca)

Barca were knocked back by Borussia Monchengladbach in their January efforts to sign Alassane Plea (Bild)

AC Milan are planning a move for Bayern Munich midfielder Mickael Cuisance (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Emerson Palmieri TEAMtalk

Juventus are not willing to pay more than €30million for Chelsea full-back Emerson Palmieri, who has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge (Calciomercato)

Bayern full-back David Alaba has said that he can see himself “taking a different path”, with his current contract set to expire in 2021 (Calciomercato)

Milan left-back Theo Hernandez has the potential to become one of the best in the world in his position, according to his agent (Calciomercato)