Paper Talk: Tuchel bears brunt of transfer blame as Chelsea move spectacularly falls through

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel

A Chelsea deal for a key target has failed after talks with Thomas Tuchel, while Harry Kane is eyeing a big new contract at Tottenham – both in all the latest Paper Talk.

CHELSEA, SAUL TRANSFER FALLS THROUGH

Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez will not be signing for Chelsea this summer after talks with boss Thomas Tuchel hit a major roadblock, a report claims.

The 26-year-old Spaniard has been the subject of heavy transfer speculation throughout the summer. Indeed, he has become frustrated with his lack of a singular role in Madrid, Diego Simeone instead using him as a utility player. As such, Liverpool emerged as the initial contenders.

However, Jurgen Klopp firmly ruled out a move for another midfielder earlier this month, leaving Manchester United and Chelsea in the race.

United, though, have re-signed Cristiano Ronaldo and their spending should now finally finish after the shock transfer twist on Friday.

According to 90min, Chelsea had come close to signing Saul but that progress has ultimately proved fruitless and the move has collapsed.

Atletico de Madrid's Saul Niguez during La Liga match v Elche

In fact, Chelsea had agreed a deal with Atletico Madrid and a clause over a future move for the midfielder was the only issue to be sorted.

However, the lack of assurance from Blues manager Tuchel over his playing time has now seen Saul refuse the move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have a plethora of midfield talent, including Jorginho, N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic. With such players established in the European champions’ lineup, Saul would find it hard to force his way into the team in the long-term.

As a result, 90min adds that Saul will likely stay at Atletico, with whom he signed a nine-year contract in 2017.

AND THE REST FROM PAPER TALK

Harry Kane Tottenham Hotspur v Pacos de Ferreira

Harry Kane has held talks about a new Tottenham contract which he hopes will be worth up to £400,000 per week. (The Times)

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo will earn £480,000 per week following his return to Manchester United. As such, he has become the Premier League’s highest-paid player. (The Sun)

United have no plans to sell Edinson Cavani following the 36-year-old’s re-signing. (Goal)

However, Ronaldo is unlikely to take his iconic no.7 shirt, which Cavani currently wears. Indeed, Premier League rules state the Uruguayan must leave – or United could be given ‘unprecedented’ special dispensation – to change the numbers. (Daily Mirror)

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says that new defender signing Raphael Varane has been “impressive” so far. (The Independent)

EVERTON SET £85M TRANSFER FEE

Pau Torres of Spain and Villarreal, Richarlison of Brazil and Everton

Paris Saint-Germain will target Everton forward Richarlison if Kylian Mbappe seals a transfer away. (Sky Sports)

However, Toffees boss Rafael Benitez says that the club are not considering selling the Brazilian. Furthermore, Everton will demand £85million. (Daily Star)

Still, Everton have made contact with Celtic about a potential deal for striker Odsonne Edouard. (Sky Sports)

Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has hit out at former club Paris Saint-Germain over Sergio Ramos’ contract. (Daily Mirror)

WOLVES SUBMIT DEFENDER BID

Duje Caleta Car of Croatia

Wolves have submitted a £12.8million offer for Marseille centre-back Duje Caleta-Car. (Get French Football News)

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has warned his players not to become obsessed with stopping Blues striker Romelu Lukaku at Anfield on Saturday. (Liverpool Echo)

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has questioned Callum Hudson-Odoi’s decision to snub an England Under-21 call-up. However, the forward knows he can switch allegiances to Ghana in November next year. (The Telegraph)

Kurt Zouma’s transfer from Chelsea to West Ham remains uncertain because of a knee concern raised in his medical. (Daily Mirror)

Young Arsenal pair Miguel Azeez and Ryan Alebiosu are close to sealing permanent deals with Portsmouth and Sunderland, respectively. (Football London)