Manchester United are told of a price drop for a key target, while Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum replacement is potentially a Premier League player – both in all the latest Paper Talk.
MAN UTD INFORMED OF NEW DEFENDER FEE
Sevilla have indicated to Manchester United that they will be able to sign centre-back Jules Kounde for less than previously thought, according to a report.
Kounde emerged on Manchester City’s radar last season, but interest in his services has not waned.
In fact, United have joined the hunt ahead of this summer’s transfer window.
According to The Sun, the 22-year-old has an £87.4million release clause in his contract. Previous reports have suggested that his La Liga employers wanted around £70million for him.
However, the newspaper now claims that Sevilla have dropped their asking price to ‘around £50million’.
Should Kounde move to Old Trafford for such a price, he would also be in line for a bumper pay rise.
The Spaniard earns £70,000 per week on his current terms, but United would be willing to ‘at least double’ that figure.
Furthermore, the Manchester giants would include potential bonuses for appearances, clean sheets and picking up silverware.
Kounde‘s move to City collapsed last summer after the Etihad club demanded that Nicolas Otamendi form part of the deal.
Nevertheless, another strong season in La Liga has risen his profile further and United are firmly in the hunt.
Kounde has appeared in 22 of Sevilla’s 26 top-flight games, helping to keep 12 clean sheets and put the club fourth and in the race for more Champions League football next season.
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AND THE REST FROM PAPER TALK
Liverpool have eyes on Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge as Georginio Wijnaldum‘s potential successor. (Eurosport)
Some Reds players have become frustrated with the constant windy weather at their new training facilities. (The Sun)
Midfielder Jesse Lingard has returned to England boss Gareth Southgate’s radar amid his impressive West Ham form. As such, he could earn a call-up in Thursday’s squad announcement. (Daily Mirror)
But Borussia Dortmund do not want Southgate to call up midfielder Jude Bellingham through fear that he will have to quarantine upon his return to Germany. (The Times)
MAN UTD TRANSFER WHEELS IN MOTION
Manchester United will discuss a contract extension for manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this week. However, his reported pay rise will keep him below the figure Jose Mourinho earned at Old Trafford. (Eurosport)
What’s more, United want to tie Solskjaer down to keep him in line with the re-organisation of their recruitment team. (Eurosport)
Indeed, Red Devils recruitment chiefs have already identified Sporting’s Pedro Goncalves as an ideal back-up to Jadon Sancho. (The Telegraph)
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich wants to make signing Erling Haaland his ‘personal mission’ this summer. (Daily Star)
LEVY, BALE CLAUSE REVEALED
Tottenham will have first refusal over signing Gareth Bale at the end of the season. (Eurosport)
However, Spurs are looking to offload centre-back Davinson Sanchez and are eyeing up a replacement. (Football Insider)
A ‘strong desire’ from Cristiano Ronaldo to return to Spanish capital Madrid is driving his Juventus to exit rumours. (Eurosport)
Leeds will approach former Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri as part of their Marcelo Bielsa succession plan. (Transfer Window Podcast)
LEICESTER TITLE WINNER EYEING NEW CLUB
Former Leicester defender Danny Simpson has begun trials at Sheffield Wednesday as he looks to find a new club. (Leicester Mercury)
Scotland boss Steve Clarke opened the door to a deal with Celtic this summer by refusing to rule himself out of the running for the vacancy. (Daily Record)
Meanwhile, pundit Noel Whelan feels that Celtic could go back in for centre-back Ben Davies. Indeed, the former Preston man came close to signing for the Hoops before joining Liverpool. (Football Insider)
