Tottenham failed with a summer move for a Serie A star as their gaze falls on the Italian top flight again, while Barcelona are after a Wolves man – both in all the latest Euro Paper Talk.
TOTTENHAM FAILED WITH IBANEZ RAID
Roger Ibanez was reportedly a summer target for Tottenham and Newcastle, but Jose Mourinho’s insistence over the Roma star’s new contract helped end the duo’s chances of a swoop.
Spurs – led by manager Antonio Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici – have raided Serie A for their recent signings with success. Conte signed Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur from Juventus in January.
This summer, meanwhile, Ivan Perisic left Inter to reunite with former Nerazzurri boss Conte in north London.
However, reports talked of further Tottenham interest in Serie A players this summer. Roma’s Italy star Nicolo Zaniolo was a key target, with Conte eyeing him as a versatile signing.
But, Spurs also looked at Zaniolo’s team-mate Ibanez as an ideal centre-back target before signing Clement Lenglet.
Tottenham’s ties with Serie A signings are now therefore back in the spotlight. According to Roma Giallorossa, though, Roma boss Jose Mourinho’s prior planning helped ruin Tottenham and Newcastle’s hopes of signing the Brazilian.
Ibanez, who moved to Roma in 2021 after a loan deal from Atalanta, signed a new deal until 2025. And the contract also contains an €80million (£70million) release clause.
Roma Giallorossa claims that Mourinho made the centre-back ‘aware that interest would come’ from the English top flight. Those discussions were enough for Ibanez to sign the new terms.
Consequently, Tottenham and Newcastle did not fancy paying the defender’s new valuation this summer.
Ibanez in fact extended his Roma deal again in December 2021 until 2026. It remains unclear whether his Premier League suitors will go after the 23-year-old again in upcoming transfer windows.
The centre-back has played 110 games for the Italian club, chipping in with seven goals and two assists.
AND THE REST FROM EURO PAPER TALK
Barcelona have made Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves a top target to replace 34-year-old Sergio Busquets. (Marca)
Memphis Depay has revealed he had transfer options in the summer but decided to fight for his Barcelona role. (ESPN Netherlands)
Josko Gvardiol says that while he is “happy” at RB Leipzig, he will “see what happens” in January. Chelsea tried to sign the defender until they recruited Wesley Fofana. (Index)
Newcastle have put the wheels in motion over a deal for Monaco right-back Vanderson. Barcelona, who are also keen on the Brazilian, were quoted €60million (£52million) for his services in the summer. (Sport)
Antony says he has no concerns about adapting to Manchester United and the Premier League following his recent rise. (Globo Esporte)
RONALDO EYES EURO 2024 ROLE
Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted that he wants to play for Portugal at Euro 2024, when he will be 39. (Goal)
Tottenham have postponed talks over Antonio Conte’s future as manager until January after failed discussions over an extension. (Calciomercato)
Aston Villa are concerned about Lucas Digne’s ankle injury, which could be a fracture and keep him out for several weeks. What’s more, he had to withdraw from the final France squad before the World Cup. (L’Equipe)
AC Milan have offered summer Chelsea target Rafael Leao €4.5million (£3.9million) per season in a new contract. The Portuguese’s agent Jorge Mendes, though, wants €7million (£6.1million). (Il Milanista)
Jack Grealish is prepared to fight for his Manchester City place amid criticism of his role under Pep Guardiola. (Fabrizio Romano)
EURO PAPER TALK – TUCHEL TO BAYERN MUNICH
Bayern Munich could trigger a clause to sack under-fire manager Julian Nagelsmann, with former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel a firm target. (Bild)
Poland manager Czesław Michniewicz has growing concerns about Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Klich amid his lack of game time. (Przeglad Sportowy)
Real Madrid are saving funds in case their continued support for a European Super League costs them their Champions League place. (Mundo Deportivo)
Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo felt surprised at his omission from the latest Italy squad – and even more so after manager Roberto Mancini did not contact him to explain the decision. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Zaniolo’s fellow Italian Gianluca Scamacca has made Mancini’s squad and feels his adaptation to West Ham and the Premier League is going smoothly. (Tuttomercatoweb)
