Paper Talk: Man Utd in advanced talks over €80m Real Madrid star

Oli Fisher

Manchester United are in advanced talks to sign an €80m Real Madrid star, while Chelsea are set to confirm the signing of a €60m Serie A sensation, according to Saturday’s papers.

 

MAN UTD CLOSE IN ON BALE DEAL

Manchester United are closing in on sealing a deal for Real Madrid star Gareth Bale, according to reports.

The 28-year-old Wales forward is a man in demand this summer after he admitted, following his two-goal display in the Champions League final, that he “needs to play more regular football”.

The likes of United and Tottenham have both been heavily linked to the player, while there has been interest on the continent with Bayern Munich reported to have had an approach rejected.

According to the Manchester Evening News, talks over the Red Devils signing Bale are at an advanced stage.

The report claims that Jose Mourinho is intent on making the Welshman his next summer signing, and that he is prepared to pay the fee required to land him.

Bale’s Champions League final exploits have done United no favours, any deal for the Welshman is likely to cost in excess of €80million (£70million).

 

AND THE REST

Chelsea hope to announce former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri as their new manager over the weekend, with the 59-year-old agreeing a two-year contract with the option of a 12-month extension. (Times – subscription required)

Sarri and Napoli midfielder Jorginho, 26, were at Stamford Bridge on Friday evening to complete their moves to Chelsea from the Italian club. (Guardian)

Antonio Conte has been left “disgusted” by the way his sacking as Chelseamanager has been handled. (Telegraph)

Chelsea have been offered a cash-plus-player deal by Barcelona for France midfielder N’Golo Kante, 27. Portugal midfielder Andre Gomes, 24, is the player Barca are willing to include. (Sky Sports)

Chelsea have held talks about a signing Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain, 30, and want any deal to involve Blues striker Alvaro Morata, 25, going the other way. (Mail)

Tottenham look set to miss out on Bordeaux forward Malcom, 21, with Inter Milan favourites to sign the Brazilian on an initial loan deal. (Times)

Leicester are ready to offer England defender Harry Maguire, 25, an improved contract – taking his weekly wage from £45,000 to about £75,000 – in an attempt to ward off interest from Manchester United. (Mail)

Lazio’s Brazil midfielder Felipe Anderson, 25, is expected to complete a move to West Ham in the next few days, after having a medical on Friday. (London Evening Standard)

Arsenal manager Unai Emery says Germany international Mesut Ozil is a “very important player” for the club and he wants the 29-year-old to come back with a “a good mentality” after his summer break. (Guardian)

Newcastle’s hopes of signing Crystal Palace’s English winger Andros Townsend, 26, depend on whether Stoke can agree a deal for the Magpies’ Scottish winger Matt Ritchie, 28. (Newcastle Chronicle)

Manchester United full-back Matteo Darmian could be set to return to Italy, with Inter Milan having made a loan offer for the 28-year-old Italian. (Mirror)

Kyle Bartley is expected to complete his move to West Brom in the next 24 hours after the Baggies agreed a £4m fee with Swansea for the 27-year-old English defender. (Express and Star)

Reports Watford have rejected a bid in excess of £20m from Everton for French midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, 25, are wide of the mark. (Watford Observer)

Brighton are keen to sign Mali midfielder Yves Bissouma from Lille, withFulham also thought to be interested in the 21-year-old. (Argus)

Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi says he has never thought about leaving Leicester, and the club are set to offer the 21-year-old a new contract. (Leicester Mercury)

Premier League clubs are set to receive £30.75m as Fifa pay £6,460-per-day in compensation for every player released for the tournament. (Mirror)

France striker Antoine Griezmann responded to criticism at his country’s tactics by Belgium keeper Thibaut Courtois by asking: “Does Thibaut Courtois think he plays Barcelona football at Chelsea?”. (Telegraph)