Paper Talk: Chelsea draw up replacement plan as Kante edges closer to Madrid

Chelsea finalise a transfer plan for the potential departure of N’Golo Kante, while Newcastle’s prospective new owners want a Real Madrid star – all in the latest Paper Talk.

 

CHELSEA EYE RICE AS KANTE REPLACEMENT

Chelsea want West Ham midfielder Declan Rice to replace N’Golo Kante if the Frenchman moves to Real Madrid, according to reports.

Kante has been one of Chelsea’s best midfielders since his move to Stamford Bridge – playing a vital role in Chelsea’s Premier League title win in his debut season – but injuries have halted his progress this term.

The 29-year-old has made 22 appearances in all competitions but has stuttered along the way, missing several games due to a sprained ankle and muscle issues.

Previous reports have indicated that Madrid are interested in signing the World Cup winner and according to the Daily Mirror, he has moved ahead of Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba in the Spanish giants’ wish list.

It is unclear whether deals will be able to go ahead given the financial issues hitting the sport across Europe, but the newspaper says that funds could be used to sign replacements.

In Chelsea‘s case, it is claimed that England international Rice is their ideal replacement, the 21-year-old rising as a key Hammers star in recent seasons.

Blues boss Frank Lampard boasts an impressive bunch of exciting young talent in his squad – including Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount – and could look to add to that list with Rice.

 

AND THE REST

The wealthy consortium looking to take over Newcastle have earmarked Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale as top target (Marca via Daily Mail)

Magpies coaches have been wowed by midfielder Jonjo Shelvey’s fitness stats in the past two months (Daily Mirror)

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has named striker Marcus Rashford as the greatest talent he has played alongside (Daily Mirror)

Shanghai Shenhua have told United that they must pay £20million if they want to keep Odion Ighalo at the club beyond the end of the season (Daily Mail)

 

United are keeping tabs on Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani’s situation, the Uruguayan’s contract expiring at the end of June (Manchester Evening News)

Manchester City may play the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Real Madrid in August, as per UEFA’s revised plans (Daily Mirror)

UEFA are therefore planning to axe the qualifiers for next season’s Champions League and Europa League (The Times)

Liverpool are ready to hit back at clubs who suggest they could play a weakened team if they win the Premier League title early (The Telegraph)

 

The government is to give the green light for the Premier League to return on June 12, as part of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s roadmap for the country (The Telegraph)

Premier League players will be told that playing football is safer than visiting a supermarket in a bid to reassure them over their safety (Daily Express)

Atletico Madrid are proposing a swap deal with Liverpool involving Thomas Partey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (The Sun)

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain TEAMtalk

Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has apologised to the club’s fans over email for breaking lockdown rules for a second time (Daily Mail)

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has admitted that it will be difficult for his side to keep hold of striker Moussa Dembele in the next transfer window (Daily Star)