Paper Talk: Man Utd target injured Dortmund defender
A Borussia Dortmund centre-back has emerged as a target for Manchester United, while Liverpool could make a surprise move for an Arsenal defender, according to Friday’s transfer gossip.
DORTMUND STAR EMERGES AS MAN UTD TARGET
Manchester United have reportedly identified Borussia Dortmund’s Dan-Axel Zagadou as a potential January transfer target.
The 21-year-old centre-back has spent the last three years with Dortmund, having joined the Bundesliga giants on a five-year contract following his exit from PSG.
The defender has made 60 appearances for Dortmund in all competitions but has not featured this season due to a knee injury he suffered in August.
United continue to be linked with a new year deal for a central defender, as they look for a long-term partner for Harry Maguire.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains unconvinced by Victor Lindelof, despite continually naming the Swede in his starting XI.
That has led to talk of a move for Dayot Upamecano, amongt others, although the RB Leipzig star had a stinker as United recently thumped the German outfit 5-0 in the Champions League.
But now, reports on Friday have claimed that the Red Devils have set their signts on Zagadou.
The France Under-21 international would not cost a fortune, given that he just over 18 months left to run on his contract at Signal Iduna Park.
Zagadou has previously been linked with Arsenal, but they decided to make a move for Brazilian star Gabriel instead.
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ALL GREEK TO LIVERPOOL
Arsenal’s Greek defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos could provide Jurgen Klopp with a centre-back solution in January. (Daily Express)
Chelsea are still determined to sign Declan Rice either during the January transfer window or at the end of the season. (Daily Express)
Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has admitted that he may have made a mistake in letting Thiago Silva go to Chelsea. (Daily Express)
Manchester United have made a ‘formal offer’ to re-sign club legend Cristiano Ronaldo, according to reports in Portugal. (The Sun)
Sergio Aguero will step up his recovery from a hamstring injury next week – meaning he could be fit for Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur next Saturday. (The Times)
ARSENAL REJECTED LACAZETTE BID
Arsenal snubbed a “substantial” Roma bid for Alexandre Lacazette in the summer – and his high price tag will again deter admirers in January. (The Sun)
Georginio Wijnaldum has refused to commit his future to Liverpool amid links with Barcelona. (The Sun)
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is snubbing a string of European giants to sign a new Barcelona contract because “staying is best for me and my family”. (The Sun)
Liverpool will be forced into the January transfer stampede, as they face up to a season without their first-choice central defensive pairing. (Daily Mirror)
Dominic Szoboszlai’s agent has denied suggestions the midfielder is poised to join RB Leipzig giving Arsenal fresh hope over his signature. (Daily Mirror)
MORE TRANSFER GOSSIP
Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham will battle it out to sign Bayern defender Jerome Boateng on a free transfer next summer. (Daily Mail)
Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano is at the top of Liverpool’s wish list following injuries to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez. (Daily Star)
Liverpool have been offered former Newcastle star Daryl Janmaat with the Reds suffering a defensive crisis. (Daily Star)
Lucas Torreira believes that the language barrier ‘cost him’ at Arsenal. (Daily Star)
Slaven Bilic will tread a tightrope at West Brom over the international break with his future still in doubt. (Daily Mirror)
Liverpool keeper Alisson has revealed he wants to return to his former side Internacional in Brazil to finish his career. (Daily Mail)
Former Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has urged Milan Skriniar to stay put at Inter Milan amid interest from the Reds. (Daily Mail)
Rangers are favourites to beat Aston Villa and Fulham to Jack Wilshere’s signature. (Scottish Sun)
Amir Rrahmani has revealed he rejected Celtic to seal a dream switch to Napoli. (Scottish Sun)
Celtic could secure Charlton talent Alfie Doughty for a knockdown price in January after a hamstring injury that will keep him out for up to four months. (Scottish Sun)