Euro Paper Talk: Man Utd to beat off rivals for €30m-rated defender while two clubs scrap over disastrous Solskjaer signing; Chelsea balk at €30m asking price for Brazilian sensation
Jarrad Branthwaite is wanted by Man Utd in January while Donny van de Beek is a target for two clubs
Manchester United are looking to beat off several Champions League rivals to the signing of a €30m centre-back in January, while Thursday’s Euro Paper Talk claims Chelsea have cooled their interest in signing a Brazilian sensation to open the door for Barcelona to strike a deal instead.
TEN HAG TARGETS JANUARY RAID ON PREM RIVAL
Manchester United are reportedly on high alert after a report emerged claiming that Champions League clubs are keeping a close eye on Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of a potential move in January.
Sean Dyche’s men have endured a tough start to the new season but the form of Branthwaite has been one of the few positives for them. Indeed, the 21-year-old has featured in two of their four Premier League outings so far.
Branthwaite played the full 90 minutes as the Toffees picked up the first point of their campaign at Sheffield United last weekend.
The young defender has now featured 15 times for the club’s first team, having played 36 times on loan at PSV last season in order to gain valuable experience.
Branthwaite scored four times in Holland, helping PSV win the KNVB Cup and claim a second-place finish in the league.
He is also a regular at England Under-21 level and was a part of the side that won the European Championships earlier this year.
PSV were known to be interested in signing Branthwaite permanently this summer but were unable to meet Everton’s price tag of around £25m.
But United are also following his progress very closely and have taken the next step by ‘making enquiries’ about his potential availability.
However, The Atheltic now reports that several Champions League clubs are queuing up to sign the Everton star, although no names are given.
The Toffees could be set to make a decent profit on the 21-year-old given he still has two years left on his current deal with an option to extend that for one more campaign.
As mentioned, they value Branthwaite at around £25.7m (€30m), although that price is set to rise if he plays more this season.
Turkish duo tussle for Van de Beek
Meanwhile, United look like they have a battle between two clubs on their hands over midfielder Donny van de Beek.
The Dutchman is reportedly wanted by Turkish giants Fenerbahce and Galatasaray before their transfer window shuts on September 15.
The 26-year-old has already been told by Erik ten Hag that he’s unlikely to play a role for United this season following the summer arrivals of Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat.
Sources have told ESPN that United are willing to consider any offer for Van de Beek, although there is more chance of the player leaving on loan st this stage.
CHELSEA STALL TALKS TO SIGN BRAZILIAN STARLET
Chelsea have cooled their interest in signing Brazilian teenage sensation Gabriel Moscardo due to his €30m asking price, leaving the door open for Barcelona to strike a deal for the Corinthians starlet. (Sport)
Aston Villa seriously considered paying €70m for Juventus winger Federico Chiesa this summer. (Goal Italia)
Xavi’s contract renewal talks at Barcelona are being held up by FFP restrictions. (Mundo Deportivo)
Former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter has declined the chance to replace Laurent Blanc as Lyon head coach. (Various)
PSG playmaker Marco Verratti has arrived in Doha ahead of completing his transfer to Qatari club Al-Arabi SC. (Ansa)
BAYERN BACK IN FOR PALHINHA IN JANUARY
Bayern Munich will return for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha in the January transfer window after a proposed deal fell through on deadline day. (Fabrizio Romano)
Joao Palhinha of Fulham celebrates
Al Ittihad have reached an agreement with Real Betis for the transfer of Luiz Felipe. (Rudy Galetti)
Barcelona are assessing multiple options in the search for a midfield pivot. Those options include Real Betis star Guido Rodríguez, Fulham’s Joao Palhinha, Arsenal star Jorginho and Benfica’s Florentino Luis. (Mundo Deportivo)
Marcelo Flores is a ‘matter of hours’ away from sealing a move away from Arsenal and joining Tigres in Mexico. (Milenio)
Trabzonspor are interested in signing Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe. (Foot Mercato)
Juventus have placed Borussia Monchengladbach defensive midfielder Kouadio Kone on their shortlist as a potential option in January. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
