Paper Talk: Man Utd consider three Barcelona stars as Koeman asks for Man Utd man

Sergino Dest of FC Barcelona during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Getafe CF played at Camp Nou

Manchester United are ready to ask for one of three Barcelona stars in return for an unwanted squad man, a top Arsenal target has asked to leave his current club, while Monday’s transfer gossip claims there is disbelief at Newcastle after their January transfer budget emerged.

BARCELONA STARS APPEAL TO MAN UTD AMID MATIC MOVE

Manchester United are reportedly consider an approach for one of three Barcelona stars in January.

The report comes amid growing claims that Barcelona are plotting a push to sign Nemanja Matic in the winter window.

The Serbia international is out of contract in 2023 and a renewal looks unlikely at the age of 33.

The rangy midfielder has represented United in 165 matches. However, his time at Old Traffird could be coming to an end. Indeed, this season, Matic has started three of United’s opening eight Premier League games.

Fred and Scott McTominay remain Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s preferred starting duo in the double pivot. In addition, that area seems to be the one United are most likely to strengthen at the next opportunity in the transfer market.

And with Ronald Koeman ready to pay a seven-figure fee for Matic, an exit looks to be on the cards.

However, as per the Daily Express, United could instead look to use Matic as a makeweight to poach away a Barca star.

And the paper claims they have three men on their wanted list, with Sergino Dest the No 1 target.

Solskjaer is desperate to bring in a new right-back as competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka. And USA international Dest may fit the bill.

Barcelona shortlist three Chelsea defenders

Barcelona shortlist three Chelsea defenders

Barcelona have reportedly shortlist Chelsea defenders Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen all as transfer targets, with more news on Ousmane Dembele and Edinson Cavani.

United are also willing to consider Sergi Roberto, who can also cover at right-back. The versatile star, 29, does, however, prefer playing at the base of midfield.

The third player they’re reportedly keen on is experienced midfielder Sergio Busquets. Now 33, there is nothing in the game the midfielder has not won.

Whether he would leave the Nou Camp, however, remains to be seen, though he would provide a like-for-like replacement for Matic.

JANUARY BUDGET REVEALED AT CASH-RICH NEWCASTLE

Steve Bruce Newcastle May 2021

Newcastle’s new owners will make just £50m available for new transfers in January amid a belef it’s the manager, rather than the players, who need upgrading. (Daily Telegraph)

Newcastle United will this week step up their search for a new manager this week with Roberto Martínez, Steven Gerrard and Unai Emery emerging as leading contenders to replace Steve Bruce. (The Times)

One of Arsenal’s top transfer targets, Luka Jovic, has told Real Madrid he wants to leave the club “as soon as possible”. (Daily Star)

Manchester United fear another huge protest by supporters before their Old Trafford date with Liverpool next Sunday, with local police already on red alert. (Daily Star)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is not facing the sack at Manchester United, with the Glazers fully believing in his long-term project. (The Sun)

Jack Wilshere has urged Declan Rice to ignore potential transfers to Chelsea and Manchester United and stay with West Ham. (The Sun)

DUSAN VLAHOVIC TRANSFER LATEST

Christian Kouame, Dusan Vlahovic, Fiorentina

Fiorentina are ready to give up on extending Dusan Vlahovic’s contract with Tottenham and Newcastle ready to go head-to-head. (The Sun)

Chelsea might have to recall Billy Gilmour from his loan spell at Norwich in January with Daniel Farke claiming it’s not his job to develop players for other clubs. (The Sun)

Arsenal are keeping tabs on Southampton forward Mohamed Elyounoussi after his impressive start to the season. (The Sun)

Burnley are hoping to sign Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley in January. (The Sun)

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was up to his old tricks after having West Ham’s penalty takers listed on his water bottle. (The Sun)

Sevilla defender Jules Kounde has reportedly told his agent to open talks with Manchester United. (The Sun)

BARCELONA’S ANSU FATI IMPASSE

Ansu Fati claps the Barcelona fans, August 2021

Barcelona are at an impasse with Ansu Fati and his agent Jorge Mendes over a new contract, with his deal expiring at the end of the season. (Daily Mail)

Manchester United are planning to launch a search for master architects with a view to modernising Old Trafford. (Daily Mail)

Eberechi Eze is closing on a shock return to Crystal Palace training after a quicker-than-expected recovery from a serious Achilles injury. (Daily Mail)

PSG will target Erling Haaland if they lose Kylian Mbappe next summer, with Robert Lewandowski another option. (Daily Mail)

Matthijs de Ligt’s agent Mino Raiola has reportedly been in contact with Chelsea, Manchester City and Barcelona over a possible move. (Daily Mail)

AND MORE TRANSFER GOSSIP

Real Madrid are reportedly hoping to lure Liverpool transfer guru Michael Edwards to Spain when his contract ends next summer. (Daily Mail)

Premier League sides are still having to take two coaches to matches instead of one, causing a shortage of vehicles and drivers lower down the leagues. (Daily Mail)

Top-flight clubs are bracing themselves for a new Covid crisis. That’s amid concerns the Government may soon tell them to only allow supporters who have been double-jabbed into matches. (Daily Mail)

Barcelona believe Ousmane Dembele is already being offered to other clubs, including Manchester United and Liverpool. The France winger can sign a pre-contract agreement with any club outside Spain from Jauary 1. (Daily Mirror)

Lazio defender Luiz Felipe has apologised after jumping on the back of Inter’s Joaquín Correa, a former teammate, as he celebrated after the final whistle in a 3-1 victory for the Rome club on Saturday. (The Guardian)

Aston Villa are tracking former Hearts defender Aaron Hickey, who appears ready to quit Bologna. (The Scottish Sun)