Paper Talk: Man Utd still want £75m star with double swap deal mooted

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Man Utd are still keen on sealing a deal for a £75m Premier League playmaker, while the Lionel Messi rumour mill has gone into overdrive, according to Thursday’s paper gossip.

 

VILLA STAR REMAINS ON UNITED RADAR

Manchester United are reportedly still in contact with Aston Villa over a potential £75million deal for Jack Grealish.

A report in the Daily Mail claims that the two clubs have spoken over the past week, as talk of a deal refuses to go away.

Grealish remains open to the challenge of playing for a club in the Champions League, but only if the price is right for Villa.

United’s main focus over the summer has been sealing a deal for Jadon Sancho. But despite reports claiming the move is dead, one transfer expert thinks it will still happen.

Grealish created the most chances by an English player in the Premier League last season as Villa avoided the drop, but he was still omitted from Gareth Southgate’s England squad again on Tuesday.

There remain questions over his off-field behaviour, but the report adds that United still believe his skill and energy could benefit their squad.

Villa have wealthy owners and do not need to sell, however, United could offer a number of players in a swap proposal.

 

Dean Smith is chasing a new goalkeeper and right-back this summer, and the Red Devils could fill their needs in those departments.

United signed up Dean Henderson for another six years on Wednesday, while Sergio Romero could also be available. Full-back Diogo Dalot has also been nemtioned as part of a swap.

Villa could also use any funds generated from the sale of Grealish to pursue Brentford targets Said Benrahma and Ollie Watkins, while they also want Chelsea youngster Conor Gallagher.

 

MESSI’S DAD HEADS TO MANCHESTER

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi’s dad is already in England to discuss a two-year deal with Manchester City after the Argentina forward, 33, said he wants to leave Barcelona. (The Sun)

Chelsea stars Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori and Christian Pulisic, are in quarantine following government guidelines after returning from their summer holidays. (The Sun)

Jose Mourinho says he is now learning an incredible seventh language, Korean, with a view to communicating with Heung-Min Son in his native language. (The Sun)

Brighton look set to win their fight to keep defender Ben White at the club. (The Sun)

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire may have to wait three years for his retrial to be heard in a Greek court following his arrest last week. (The Sun)

Aaron Wan-Bissaka could miss the start of Manchester United’s pre-season after ignoring club advice and flying to Dubai. (The Sun)

 

AND MORE GOSSIP

Andy Carroll is Steve Bruce’s only available striker with the Newcastle boss braced for bad news on an injury to Dwight Gayle. (Daily Mail)

AC Milan are showing an interest in Bournemouth striker Josh King, who saw a move to Manchester United fall through in January. (Daily Mail)

Free agent Edinson Cavani has rejected a summer move to Juventus due to his loyalty to former club Napoli. (Daily Mail)

Lionel Messi could cost Manchester City half a billion pounds if they go ahead with what would be the biggest signing in Premier League history before the start of the season. (Daily Telegraph)

Roberto’s disappointing spell at West Ham is set to end after Real Valladolid reached an agreement to sign the goalkeeper for an undisclosed fee. (The Guardian)

Newly promoted West Brom have approached Queens Park Rangers regarding the possibility of signing 22-year-old English winger Eberechi Eze. (Birmingham Live)

Alfredo Morelos will be back and available for selection for Rangers’ trip to Hamilton – as he waits for Lille to return to the table. (Daily Record)

Olivier Ntcham, Kristoffer Ajer, Odsonne Edouard, Ryan Christie and Leigh Griffiths are five Celtic players on alert after Neil Lennon’s rant at wantaway stars following their Champions League exit to Ferencvaros. (Daily Record)