Man Utd have made contact over a shock Atletico Madrid signing, although they face competition from Newcastle, while Liverpool concerns have paved the way for Tottenham to complete a £30m coup – both in Wednesday’s Euro Paper Talk.
MAN UTD, NEWCASTLE CONTACT JOAO FELIX
The Red Devils and Magpies are well placed to bring Joao Felix back to England and a report claims calls have been made to the Atletico ace’s camp.
Felix, 23, became the most expensive signing in football history last season when he joined Chelsea on a six-month stay.
The Portuguese experienced mixed fortunes at Stamford Bridge, although according to widespread reports they grew to love the English game.
Felix has since returned to Atletico, but according to reports in Spain, he may not stay for long.
As quoted by Sport Witness, Felix, Atletico and manager Diego Simeone have agreed on the idea that Felix should leave again. Simeone and Felix are known to share an extremely strained relationship.
However, Atletico’s hopes of securing a blockbuster fee have been dashed as Felix failed to set the world on fire at Chelsea. As such, and with his transfer value reduced, another loan move is on the cards.
To that end, it is claimed that Man Utd, Newcastle and Aston Villa have all made contact with Felix’s camp.
Villa’s interest is expected to come to nothing as Felix’s primary requirement for his next club is that they have Champions League football on offer. Man Utd and Newcastle can meet this demand for the 2023/24 campaign.
Man Utd are known to be on the hunt for a new centre-forward and speculation that they will sign Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund continues to grow.
However, Manchester Evening News claimed Ten Hag also want another striker who can play anywhere across the front line. His original idea was to sign Cody Gakpo in January, although Man Utd’s hesitation opened the door for Liverpool to act quickly.
Felix can operate up top as another forward or even on the wings if required. The fact that he will not cost a transfer fee as he would arrive via the loan route will also increase his appeal at Old Trafford.
Newcastle, meanwhile, would no doubt love the European experience Felix would bring. Ahead of a first return to the UCL since 2003, European experience could be key and is something the majority of Eddie Howe’s squad lack.
So far, it is noted that Atletico have not yet received any concrete proposals. However, Atletico and Felix are open to parting again, and Man Utd and Newcastle have initiated contact with the player’s camp.
LIVERPOOL CONCERNS PAVING WAY FOR 30M TOTTENHAM COUP
Tottenham have a clear attempt to buy Wolfsburg’s £30m. assessed Micky van de Ven after his fellow Liverpool ended their chase. To explain why, it was revealed that Reds bosses have concerns over the Dutchman’s ‘physical robustness’ should they move to the tougher and tougher Premier League. (West German Allgemeine Zeitung)
Van de Ven’s potential move to Tottenham will be met with cheers at Bayer Leverkusen, with the German side dead set on selling alternative Spurs target Edmond Tapsoba. (PICTURE)
Leeds Utd will sell Rodrigo to Qatari side Al-Rayyan, with the Spaniard undergoing a medical today. The fee is expected to be just £3m thanks to a relegation clause in Rodrigo’s contract. (Fabrizio Romano)
Aston Villa have opened bids for Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby. The Frenchman is also wanted by Newcastle, although their attention is on Harvey Barnes. (L’Equipe)
Tottenham are looking for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher. The England international is considered a viable replacement for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who could join Atletico Madrid. (Telegraph)
HARRY KANE SAGA AIDS LIVERPOOL TRANSFER HOPE
Bayern Munich are hoping to fund their Harry Kane move sells a total of seven first-team stars. Among those up for sale are Liverpool target Ryan Gravenberch, ex-Man Utd loanee Marcel Sabitzer and Sadio Mane. (Sky Sports Austria)
Christian Pulisic has landed in Milan before completing his £17m move. from Chelsea. The American international will undergo a medical examination this afternoon. (Christian Pulisic and Fabrizio Romano)
PSG are pushing to sign Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus in a move they hope can help convince Kylian Mbappe to stay. (Le Parisien)
Sheffield United could be without their best player for their return to the Premier League after Iliman Ndiaye agreed personal terms with Marseille. The livewire forward scored 14 and assisted 11 in the Championship last season and was named Sheff Utd’s player of the year. (FootMercato)
TAKE TWO FOR EVERTON AND MAN UTD WINGER
Everton will make another attempt to sign Man Utd striker Anthony Elanga. A loan approach was rejected in January, although the story could be different six months on. (FootMercato)
Juventus have inquired about signing West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca. However, the Italian apparently has his heart set on a return to Roma and is being linked with Jose Mourinho. (Gianluca Di Marzio and Gazzetta dello Sport)
PSV Eindhoven are the latest to show interest in signing Tottenham flop Davinson Sanchez. Galatasaray have made a verbal offer worth €9m, while Spartak Moscow are another in the mix. (Eindhoven Dagblad)
Juventus directors Cristiano Giuntoli and Giovanni Manna have reportedly met with counterparts at Liverpool, Chelsea Newcastle over a Federico Chiesa transfer. (Gazzetta dello Sport)