Paper Talk: Man Utd to jump rivals by moving now for prospective title decider

Manchester United could act early to beat Liverpool to a defensive target, while Arsenal have learned a way they can sign another attacking talent, according to Tuesday’s transfer gossip.

MAN UTD TO MAKE UPAMECANO MOVE

Manchester United could act on their interest in RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano this month, according to reports.

Upamecano is one of the most in-demand defenders in Europe thanks to his performances in the Bundesliga over the past few years.

The 22-year-old has shown great potential and has amassed more than 130 appearances over the past four years. His form has attracted a range of European suitors.

Man Utd were keen in the summer 2020 transfer window, but the France international ultimately signed a new contract with Leipzig.

However, that new deal contains a release clause worth just €42m which will be active at the end of this season. Hence, there will be a lot of competition for his signature.

Two of the main contenders will come from the Premier League. As well as Man Utd, who remain interested, Liverpool also admire the player.

Liverpool are in need of defensive reinforcements, although they are unlikely to arrive in January. Therefore, they may wait and take their chance for a player Jurgen Klopp admires in the summer.

United are aware of this situation, though, and could act quickly to deliver disappointment to their rivals.

According to the Daily Mirror, United could try to sign Upamecano this month. Even though they would have to pay a premium price, they could sneak in ahead of Liverpool.

Upamecano is currently valued at around €62m. Although that is considerably higher than what he will cost in the summer, it may be easier for United to act while others cannot.

Upamecano an ideal Maguire partner

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still searching for the perfect partner to Harry Maguire at centre-back and he knows all about Upamecano.

The defender starred for Leipzig in the crucial Champions League group match which resulted in United’s elimination from the competition in December. Solskjaer was asked about Upamecano before their first group-stage meeting and admitted he would be keeping a keen eye on him.

“There’s always rumours and speculation about good players for Manchester United,” Solskjaer said at the time.

“I’ve always tried to respect [that] they are players for other teams and don’t want to comment on every player we are linked to.

“But since he’s playing against us tomorrow, I know he’s a very good player and we can see him close up tomorrow.”

Should United bid for Upamecano in the final few days of the transfer window, it could be a major boost to their title hopes. They are currently top of the table, six points ahead of champions Liverpool.

Beating their rivals in a transfer battle would be another uplifting factor for the Old Trafford faithful.

There is also interest from Chelsea, who the Mirror claim have been in contact with Upamecano. However, their stance over a January transfer is not yet clear.

ARSENAL OFFERED PSG STAR IN SWAP DEAL

PSG could try to sign Matteo Guendouzi from Arsenal by offering Julian Draxler in a swap deal. (L’Equipe)

Arsenal are in discussions with Shkodran Mustafi, who wants to terminate his contract early. He has been linked with Lazio and clubs in Germany. (Football.London)

Liverpool remain in the hunt for Bayern Munich defender David Alaba. (Daily Mirror)

Udinese are holding talks with Wolves in an attempt to take Patrick Cutrone on loan. (Express and Star)

They face competition from fellow Serie A outfit Parma for the signature of the 23-year-old striker. (Corriere Dello Sport)

Monaco and Benfica will rival Crystal Palace in the race for Leicester winger Demarai Gray. (Guardian)

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UNITED BATTLING CITY FOR BRAZIL FORWARD

Manchester United are trying to beat Manchester City, Barcelona and Juventus to Palmeiras starlet Gabriel Veron, who plays as a forward. (Diario Sport)

Liverpool are close to agreeing a £1m deal to sign teenage Derby attacking midfielder Kaide Gordon ahead of Man Utd and Tottenham. (Liverpool Echo)

Everton and West Ham are interested in former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, who could leave Roma after falling out with head coach Paulo Fonseca. (Gazzetta Dello Sport)

West Ham will try to sign Jesse Lingard after Manchester United decided they will listen to loan offers. However, they have already reached their full quota of players they can have on loan. (Evening Standard)

Aston Villa and Sheffield United are also keen on England international Lingard. (Express)

PSG will continue to back Mauricio Pochettino’s attempts to sign Dele Alli from Tottenham, despite having three bids rejected. (The Athletic)

LAMPARD ALREADY IN LINE FOR NEXT JOB

Frank Lampard has become a contender to take over at Celtic after leaving Chelsea. (Scottish Sun)

Fulham midfielder Stefan Johansen is set to join Queens Park Rangers on loan. (West London Sport)

West Ham are weighing up an offer to RB Leipzig striker Hwang Hee-Chan, who could move to the Premier League on loan. (Daily Mail)

Juventus want to sign Corentin Tolisso and Everton target Joshua Zirkzee in a double raid on Bayern Munich. (Calciomercato)

Rafael Benitez wants to return to Premier League management after leaving Dalian Professional in China. (Independent)

Barcelona still owe Liverpool £29m for when they signed Philippe Coutinho. (Daily Star)