Paper Talk: Man Utd line up Barcelona winger as Sancho plan B

Manchester United have turned to Barcelona for a cheaper Jadon Sancho alternative, while Chelsea are lining up a new goalkeeper, according to Sunday’s transfer gossip.

 

MAN UTD PLOT MOVE FOR SANCHO ALTERNATIVE

Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a move for Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele if they fail to sign Jadon Sancho.

The highly-rated Borussia Dortmund winger, who remains the club’s top target, is likely to cost United over £100million.

However, a shortlist of other cheaper alternatives is said to include Dembele.

The Athletic reports the 23-year-old may not move to Old Trafford, with Dortmund standing firm over their valuation of Sancho. Although a report on Sunday claimed that they would be willing to compromise over the fee.

United stretched their unbeaten streak to 17 games after defeating Aston Villa on Thursday evening. But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is eager to add reinforcements to this squad to challenge for the title next season.

It is claimed that Solskjaer is keen to recruit at least one central midfielder and a winger at the end of the season.

Jadon Sancho

Reports in Germany also recently suggested a firm deadline of August 10 has been put in place for United to sign Sancho.

But the Mail on Sunday claims that Dembele could prove a shrewd addition, and is likely to cost considerably less than Sancho.

The former Rennes star, who also played for Dortmund between 2016 and 2017, has endured an injury-hit season.

He has been ruled out for the foreseeable future, after making just nine appearances this season.

However, Dembele remains a massive talent who could be available at a fraction of Sancho’s price. Thet would allow United to spend the money saved on other areas of the team.

MORE GOSSIP AS CITY PONDER NEW AGUERO DEAL

Manchester City have not ruled out handing Sergio Aguero a new contract to keep the Argentine striker at the Etihad until 2022 (Sunday Mirror)

Nuno Espirito Santo is close to agreeing a new deal to stay at Wolves (Sunday Mirror)

Didi Hamann reckons Jurgen Klopp has too much unfinished business to be tempted by an offer to manage Germany (Sunday Mirror)

Ray Parlour believes Arsenal would be wise to sell Alexandre Lacazette this summer in order to fund a bid for a goalscoring midfielder in the mould of Aaron Ramsey (Sunday Mirror)

Steven Gerrard has emerged as a shock target for Bristol City’s ambitious billionaire owner Steve Lansdown (Sunday Express)

Chelsea have opened talks over a deal for Lille forward Jonathan Ikone (Sunday Express)

Chelsea have reportedly made their move for Trabzonspor goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir (Sunday Express)

Manchester United are close to agreeing the permanent sale of Chris Smalling to Roma (Sunday Express)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has sent a message to Jadon Sancho in an apparent attempt to persuade the Borussia Dortmund star to join Manchester United (Daily Star Sunday)

The result of Sunday’s north London derby could be pivotal to the future of Harry Kane (Sun on Sunday)

Crisis club Wigan Athletic are ready to move out more players in a desperate rush to tempt a buyer (Sun on Sunday)

Leicester want to sign Serbia striker Luka Jovic from Real Madrid for £31m to partner Jamie Vardy next season (Mail on Sunday)

 

TOTTENHAM REFUSING TO SELL YOUNG STAR

Ryan Sessegnon

Tottenham will reject all offers for English wing-back Ryan Sessegnon this summer despite interest from Barcelona in the 20-year-old (Daily Star Sunday)

Tottenham fans are preparing to fly a ‘Levy Out’ banner over the club’s stadium during the north London derby against Arsenal on Sunday (Mail on Sunday)

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says Scottish defender Kieran Tierney, 23, will not be leaving the club this summer, despite interest from Leicester (Evening Standard)

Leigh Griffiths has been axed from Celtic’s squad for France because of fitness issues (Scottish Sun)

Daniel Stendel has emerged as a shock contender for the vacant post at German third division side SV Meppen (Scottish Sun)

James Forrest has insisted everyone at Celtic desperately wants a deal thrashed out for Fraser Forster’s return (Daily Record)

Lazio have put Alfredo Morelos at the top of their shortlist for a summer transfer, according to a report in Italy (Daily Record)