Paper Talk: United and Arsenal scouting in Europe

Mark Holmes
Andre Gomes: Valencia midfielder linked with Arsenal

Manchester United have scouted Red Star Belgrade midfielder Marko Grujic, while Arsenal have checked out Valencia midfielder Andre Gomes.

UNITED SCOUT CHELSEA TARGET GRUJIC

Manchester United have joined Chelsea in checking out Red Star Belgrade midfielder Marko Grujic, according to the Daily Mail.

The Old Trafford club are said to have watched their Belgrade scout to watch Grujic in the local derby against FK Rad Beograd last Saturday and may well have been left impressed as the 19-year-old opened the scoring with a spectacular 30-yard effort.

However, Chelsea have strong ties with Red Star and have made regular checks on Grujic’s progress, possibly putting them in the driving seat to sign a player valued at around £3million by his club.

ARSENAL TRACKING VALENCIA MIDFIELDER

Arsenal, meanwhile, had scouts in Spain over the weekend to watch Valencia midfielder Andre Gomes, according to Fichajes.

The Spanish website claims the Gunners have been tracking the Portugal international for ‘some time’ and had representatives in attendance at the Mestalla on Sunday to see Gomes score in a 3-0 win for Valencia over Malaga.

Los Che do not want to lose the 22-year-old, however, and are confident of keeping hold of a player who they believe can become one of the best players in his position.

AND THE REST

  • Juventus are keen to push through a £16million permanent deal to sign Juan Cuadrado from Chelsea in January (Daily Telegraph)
  • Bournemouth will launch a new bid to sign Jermain Defoe in January (Daily Mirror)
  • Reading will offer in-demand striker Nick Blackman a new contract (Daily Star)