Manchester United are preparing moves for two quality stars that will cost a combined £98m, Tottenham are looking at signing a talented Club Brugge winger, while Tuesday’s Euro Paper Talk claims Chelsea are going all out to sign a £89m Villarreal duo.
PAU TORRES ON MAN UTD JANUARY WISHLIST
Erik ten Hag is planning for the next phase of his Manchester United rebuild with links emerging for two of the game’s elite defenders.
The Red Devils managed spent some £216m in the summer window, bringing in six new players. That was the most ever spent by any United boss during a single transfer window. However, the early signs are good with Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen both making a telling impact.
Antony and Casemiro have so far only had limited chances to impress, though should soon be up to speed.
As such, hopes are high that United will enjoy a successful season and push for a return to the top four.
Despite the lavish spending, plans are afoot for further additions in January. And it seems two defenders are very much in Ten Hag’s thinking.
Top of his wish list, reports La Razon, is Villarreal centre-half Pau Torres. The 25-year-old’s deal at El Madrigal expires in 2024 and talks over an extention are yet to bear fruit.
As such, reports in Spain claim there is a growing feeling that Villarreal will be forced to cash in. Torres has a £57.9m (€65m) exit clause in his Villarreal deal. But it’s indicated the Yellow Submarine will be willing to accept less than that if a firm proposal comes their way.
Torres has long been an option for United, with the Red Devils twice spurning chances to sign him. Indeed, Raphael Varane last summer and Martinez this were both bought ahead of him.
However, Ten Hag remains a massive fan and is reportedly ready to test the water with a firm January approach.
Napoli fear Man Utd raid for Kim Min-jae
Torres isn’t the only defender on United’s radar either. As per Napoli Piu, there is a reportedly a growing in Naples that they are prepping a move for Kim Min-jae.
The towering Napoli defender only moved to the Diego Maradona Stadium in July as a replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly.
But the South Korean has made an instant impact, catching the eye with a string of commanding displays.
Indeed, the £16m (€18m) fee they paid for him looks an absolute steal, with United quickly casting admiring glances his way.
Per ‘market expert’ at 1 Station Radio, Paolo Bargiggia, there is a growing fear at Napoli that United are planning a move.
Bargiggia told Napoli Piu: “In the Korean’s contract there is a £40m (€45m) clause, active in 2023. Napoli would not be caught unprepared and are already monitoring some possible replacements for Kim.
“Beyond the clause, optimism filters in the Azzurri about staying in Italy for at least another year. He’s a player with a lot of appeal, even if there was no real interest from the British. If a club were to pay the clause next year, it would equally be a great capital gain for the Italian club.”
Deals for both players, albeit unlikely, would cost a combined £98m.
BRUGGE WINGER ANDREAS SKOV OLSEN WANTED BY TOTTENHAM
Tottenham are dreaming of a deal to sign Club Brugge’s Denmark winger Andreas Skov Olsen, who has six goals and three assists this season. (O Jogo)
Eintracht Frankfurst star Jesper Lindstrom is welcoming links with Arsenal but insists he needs to consider the right move for his career. (Tipsbladet)
Roma manager Jose Mourinho is ready to go all out for Jurrien Timber and beat Man Utd to the Ajax defender. (Calciomercato)
Chelsea are considering a meeting the release clauses for Villarreal for Pau Torres and Alex Baena. Torres has a £57.9m (€65m) exit fee, while Baena will cost £31.2m (€35m). (La Razon)
Manchester United are now the sole suitors for Goncalo Ramos with Bayern Munich cooling their interest in the Benfica striker. (Kicker)
Inaki Williams admits he has been a long-term target for Liverpool, after revealing just how close he’s come to signing for the Reds. (AS)
FERRAN TORRES TO ARSENAL LINKS COOL
Barcelona star Ferran Torres is unlikely to sign for Arsenal any time soon, with the forward retaining the trust of Blaugrana coach Xavi. (Fabrizio Romano)
Real Madrid will make Jude Bellingham their top target in 2023 and will rival any offer from Liverpool for the Borussia Dortmund star. (Marca)
Everton midfielder Amadou Onana is being billed a modern-day Marouane Fellaini, but “better with the ball” by Belgium teammate Axel Witsel. (DH Net)
Liverpool and Man Utd target Moises Caicedo claims he owes first club Independiente del Valle his gratitude for making him the star he is today. (Ole)
Ralf Rangnick was keen for Manchester United to sign Manuel Akanji before the Swiss defender agreed a move to Manchester City. (Fabrizio Romano)
Borussia Dortmund are considering a deal for Naby Keita as they ponder replacements for the in-demand Bellingham. (Bild)
INTER LIKELY TO LOSE MILAN SKRINIAR TO PSG
Inter Milan’s hopes of keeping Milan Skriniar are fading amid claims talks over a new deal are stalling again. PSG are readying a fresh January approach. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Juventus have a growing interest in Antoine Griezmann and are giving serious thoughts to his £22.2m (€25m) signing in January. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Santos are continuing to push to install Marcelo Bielsa as their new coach. The Brazilian side are willing to give him total control on all aspects of running the club. (La Nazion)
Tottenham are emerging as a potential destination for Stefan De Vrij in 2023 with the Dutchman’s deal expiring next summer. (Il Interista)
Paolo Maldini is convinced that Rafael Leao is ready to sign a new deal at AC Milan despite links with a move to Chelsea. (Corriere dello Sport)
Victor Lindelof is questioning Sweden’s attitude with the nation facing relegation from Pool B of the Nations League. (Aftonbladet)
LIONEL MESSI PRAISE FOR ‘BEAST’ KYLIAN MBAPPE
Real Madrid are preparing to hand Toni Kroos a new, one-year deal, with his current arrangement expiring in June. (Football Espana)
Lionel Messi has described Kylian Mbappe as a “beast” and reckons the PSG star is in the form of his life. (Marca)
Tottenham are ready to join Manchester United in the race to sign Atletico Madrid keeper Jan Oblak. (Fijachés)
Real Madrid plan to replace Marco Asensio next summer by recalling Brahim Diaz from his loan spell at AC Milan. (Football Espana)
Denzel Dumfries insists he remains focused on Inter Milan despite “flattering” links with Manchester United and Chelsea. (De Telegraaf)