Manchester United rejected a surprise approach from Barcelona for Harry Maguire as part of the Frenkie de Jong deal, Chelsea hope to land a World Cup winner this week, while Monday’s Transfer Gossip has news of a club-record Newcastle bid for a striker.
BARCELONA FALL FLAT IN HARRY MAGUIRE MOVE
Manchester United’s delay in getting the Frenkie de Jong deal over the line has been explained.
The Red Devils have been chasing De Jong for most of the summer and are yet to finalise his transfer. That has been a source of frustration for new manager Erik ten Hag, who is eager to rebuild his newly-inherited squad.
And with their top-four rivals all getting in on the transfer act, United have been forced to wait patiently before unearthing their first deal.
They do, finally, appear to have made the breakthrough, however. That’s after a report on Sunday claimed a deal with Barcelona has finally been struck and a date for his arrival potentially revealed.
United will pay something close to £73.8m for the star, who Barcelona were seemingly unwilling to negotiate on.
However, as per The Sun, the Catalan giants were looking to take Harry Maguire to the Nou Camp as a makeweight.
The Manchester United skipper has endured a frustrating 2021/22 season, coming in for some stinging criticism.
But that did not deter Barca, who reportedly asked for Maguire in part-exchange for De Jong.
However, United were not willing to part with their £80m defender. He seemingly has the backing of Ten Hag and will play a key role under the Dutchman this season.
And that news will come as a big boost to the 29-year-old England centre-half.
For United, though, it means they had to work that bit harder to negotiate the signing of De Jong.
However, with an agreement now seemingly in place, United soon hope for good news.
The club will then turn their attention towards their next signings. Meanwhile, they also look to have a found a buyer for Andreas Perreira with a surprise move to a Premier League new boy now on the cards.
NEWCASTLE MAKE CLUB-RECORD VICTOR OSIMHEN BID
Newcastle are ready to make contact with Napoli this week over a bid to sign Victor Osimhen.
The Magpies are looking to strengthen their squad and push into the upper echelons of the Premier League in 2022/23. And they have strengthened their pool by capturing Matt Targett permanently and also bringing in Nick Pope.
However, they really want a top-drawer striker to lead the line and bring more of an attacking threat.
But prising Osimhem from Napoli will not come cheap.
Their club president Aurelio de Laurentiis has tried to ward off suitors by slapping a £85m (€100m) asking price on his head.
But the Gazzetta dello Sport insists that will not be enough to deter Newcastle, who will this week make their move.
They are planning to offer what is described as a ‘significant sum’ to sign Osimhen.
And while that is currently undisclosed, it will comfortably top their club-record £42m signing of Bruno Guimaraes.
The 23-year-old Nigerian has 24 goals from 51 Serie A appearances since signing from Lille.
CHELSEA HOPING FOR GOOD NEWS ON OUSMANE DEMBELE
Barcelona have told Ousmande Dembele they want his contract situation resolved in two days – leading to fresh hopes of a move to Chelsea.
The France winger is yet to decide on his future and is keeping everyone guessing.
He finished the season strongly with Barcelona; so much so that coach Xavi did all in his power to get him to sign a new deal.
That though has still not been signed, leaving the player to hold talks over a move to Chelsea.
And while the Blues have managed to agree terms, the player is still to decide on his future.
Amid talk of a U-turn, it was reported last week that Dembele has now decided to stay at Barca.
Now, it seems both teams are getting tired of the wait.
As per Sport, Barcelona want Dembele to reach a decision by Tuesday – two days before his deal officially expires.
Failure to sign will leave the World Cup winner free to sign for the Blues.