Euro Paper Talk: Paratici preps Tottenham move to sign 6ft 4in goal machine as Son Heung-min upgrade; Newcastle lead Liverpool for defensive unit
Tottenham are looking to seal a stunning move for a new striker seen as a dream replacement for Son Heung-min, Leeds are already looking at a potential managerial upgrade on Javi Gracia, while Wednesday’s Euro Paper Talk claims Newcastle are leading Liverpool for a South American defender.
MARCUS THURAM ON TOTTENHAM TRANSFER RADAR
Tottenham are readying a huge approach to convince Marcus Thuram to move to north London, according to a report.
The World Cup finalist is poised to leave Borussia Monchengladbach this summer as a free agent this summer. As a result, the 25-year-old finds himself a man in huge demand.
To that end, the likes of Juventus and Inter Milan are keen on a deal. But there is strong Premier League interest too with Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal all reportedly keen.
However, a surprise report on Tuesday suggested it is Aston Villa who are seemingly in the driving seat.
The Times, though, reports that it is Spurs who lead the way. And the club’s sporting director Fabio Paratici is reportedly preparing a massive contract offer to tempt him to north London.
Currently earning around £54,000 a week at Gladbach, Tottenham are seemingly ready to double his wages to win the transfer race.
In addition, they could also offer him a significant signing-on bonus in lieu of them needing to pay a transfer fee.
Thuram has an excellent record since moving to the Bundesliga.
Standing a powerful 6ft 4in tall, he has registered 14 goals and four assists from 22 matches this season.
And during his four-year stay in the Bundesliga, Thuram has 42 in 124 matches for Gladbach, while also adding a further 15 assists.
That amounts to a goal contribution every 2.17 matches – a fine tally and easy to see why he is a man in demand.
Thuram arrival at Tottenham could spell bad news for Son Heung-min
Per the report, Tottenham want to sign Thuram as an upgrade for Son Heung-min. The South Korean is a massively-popular figure at N17, and his partnership with Harry Kane has been a prominent feature of Spurs’ play for a good number of years.
However, Son has been massively below his best this season and there remains a fear that his best days may now be behind him.
Indeed, he was recently dropped to the bench for the win over West Ham. And while Son stepped into the action as a substitute and managed to add a goal, there appears a growing belief that the 30-year-old is a fading force.
To that end, that goal against the Hammers was only his second strike in his last 15 outings for Antonio Conte’s side.
As a result, Tottenham could reportedly look to surprisingly move Son were they to land Thuram this summer.
Son has 140 goals in 356 appearances for Tottenham and would not be short of admirers. Real Madrid and Liverpool are both reportedly admirers of the forward and could look to pounce if Spurs decide to cash in.
LEEDS UNITED MAKING PLANS TO REPLACE JAVI GRACIA ALREADY
Leeds United have learned that Marcelo Gallardo is open to a return to coaching in the summer. The Argentine coach held talks with the Whites but did not want to take a job mid-season. The former River Plate coach will remain on Leeds’ list in the summer if still a Premier League side. (Ole)
Fenerbahce officials are meeting with Tottenham this week to push through the signing of Lucas Moura. Fener will pay around €2m for the Brazilian, who is out of contract next summer, with the Turkish transfer deadline extended to March 5. (Haber Global)
Everton will return in the summer for Brazilian forward Beto having seen a £22m (€25m) January offer fall short. (SOS Fanta)
Palmeiras remain in talks with Chelsea over a loan deal for Andrey Santos and following claims the two clubs are disagreeing over the length of the move. (various)
AC Milan are ruling out making Tiemoue Bakayoko’s loan permanent this summer with the player facing up to returning to Chelsea. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Tottenham’s chances of signing Alex Meret this summer from Napoli will vanish if Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici leave, according to journalist Ciro Venerato. (1 Station Radio)
NEWCASTLE LEADING LIVERPOOL, TOTTENHAM FOR PIERO HINCAPIE
Newcastle are leading the chase to sign Piero Hincapie after Bayer Leverkusen’s £44m (€50m) valuation scared off Liverpool and Tottenham. (InterLive.it)
Arsenal are facing competition from Real Madrid in the race to sign Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund. (La Repubblica)
Tottenham are ready to turn Clement Lenglet’s loan into a permanent move this summer following news the defender has no future at Barcelona. (Sport)
Brighton will continue to try and sign Sassuolo midfielder Davide Frattesi this summer – but Napoli currently lead the race. (AreaNapoli)
Junior Firpo claims he rejected offers to leave Leeds in summer 2022 as he feels ‘comfortable’ at Elland Road. (Sport)
CHELSEA PREPARE MONSTER OFFER FOR ZINEDINE ZIDANE
Chelsea are preparing a huge £13.2m (€15m) a year deal (£253,000 a week) to lure Zinedine Zidane to the club as their new coach this summer. (various)
Bologna midfielder Lewis Ferguson is the subject of serious interest from AC Milan and Juventus, claims the player’s agent. (Record)
Angel Di Maria is opening to signing a new deal with Juventus amid claims he will be the subject of a huge offer in Qatar. (Tuttosport)
Atletico Madrid and Sevilla are ready to challenge Leicester for the signing of Mahmoud Dahoud following news he is leaving Borussia Dortmund as a free agent. (Estadio Deportivo)
Tottenham have little chance of luring Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret this summer if they lose Antonio Conte as boss. (AreaNapoli)
Arsenal full-back Kieran Tierney will make a decision on his future this summer amid links to Newcastle and Juventus. (Fabrizio Romano)
Weston McKennie’s chances of a permanent move to Leeds are fading with two factors preventing his loan move getting extended. (TuttoJuve24)
