Paper Talk: Man Utd closing on huge £103m double deal

Oli Fisher

Manchester United are closing in on two potential deals, while Chelsea are playing hard ball over a £100m man, according to Wednesday’s papers.

 

UNITED CLOSE ON CRUCIAL DOUBLE DEAL

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on sealing two deals, one of which would see them strengthen in a problem area.

After clarifying the future of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, United chief Ed Woodward is expected to back the Norwegian in the summer transfer window.

Solskjaer is expected to be in the market for a new centre-half, with questions marks over the United rearguard this season, which has conceded more goals than any other team in the top seven.

Having been linked with a move for Toby Alderweireld over the past few months, a report from The Sun claims that United are ready to go back in for the Belgian.

Spurs activated a 12-month extension on his existing deal in December after struggling to agree fresh terms on a new contract.

In doing so though, the north London club lowered his release clause to £25m due to a term built into his deal, and the Red Devils are more than happy to pay that amount.

Meanwhile, the an exclusive from the Mirror claims that United are also closing in on a new deal for Marcus Rashford believed to be worth £78million.

It is believed that the 21-year-old has reportedly ‘asked for Wayne Rooney’s old £300,000-a-week terms’ which will see his wages skyrocket from his current £80,000-a-week.

Rashford will put pen-to-paper on a five-year deal, putting an end to speculation that he could join Real Madrid or Barcelona.

 

AND THE REST

Eden Hazard will refuse to sign a new contract at Chelsea, even if the club decide to play hardball with Real. (Telegraph)

The Blues will not budge on their £100m asking price for Hazard. (Star)

Eden Hazard TEAMtalk

Former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is willing to manager Inter, but only if the club make him the highest-paid manager in Serie A. (Daily Mail)

Gareth Bale’s agent says the 29-year-old Wales international is happy at Real Madrid and the winger has no plans to return to the Premier League. (Mirror)

Manchester United players could face pay cuts of up to 25% if they do not reach the Champions League next season. Real Madrid are likely to make a move for France midfielder Paul Pogba, 26, if United drop back into the Europa League. (Sun)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer TEAMtalk

Ivory Coast forward Wilfried Zaha, 26, says his future remains at Crystal Palace, despite reports linking him with a potential return to Manchester United. (Manchester Evening News)

Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers says Turkey defender Caglar Soyuncu, who joined them for £19m from Freiburg in 2018, still has a future at the club. The 22-year-old has made just eight appearances this season. (Mirror)

Southampton will make a second attempt to sign Birmingham City’s English forward Che Adams, 22. (Sun)

West Ham have no intention of allowing Brazil midfielder Felipe Anderson, 25, to leave the club this summer. (Sky Sports)