Ole says no to Eriksen
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is determined to keep hold of Paul Pogba “instead of replacing him with Christian Eriksen”.
That’s the claim in Metro, with the paper reporting that the Norwegian is determined to fight off interest in Pogba from Real Madrid and Juventus.
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The Sun says the same thing, claiming that Solskjaer is “desperate” in his attempt to hang on to the Frenchman and he sees him as the man to lead the Red Devils into a new era and not Eriksen.
Tottenham playmaker Eriksen has been linked with a move away from north London this summer, but Solskjaer isn’t that keen. Metro suggests that if Real Madrid fail to prise Pogba from Old Trafford then they will turn to the Dane instead.
Lukaku set for Inter?
Representatives from Inter Milan are “due to arrive in the UK this week” for talks with Manchester United over a deal for Romelu Lukaku. Sky Sports News claims that Inter have stepped up their interest in Lukaku after learning that Juventus are also now tailing the Belgian frontman. United want a “cash-only £75m fee” for the striker and they are ready to do business with any club who meets their asking price.
Deal for Diaz
Real Madrid have offered to offload striker Mariano Diaz to Arsenal in what the Daily Mirror describes as a “cut-price deal”. The paper says that the Gunners are considering the offer due to the fact they are a striker short after the departure of Danny Welbeck last month. Apparently Diaz is “surplus to requirements” at Real Madrid and Arsenal boss Unai Emery must consider whether to make a bid for the 25-year-old in the event he fails to sign Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace.
Super Mario
Southampton’s Mario Lemina is being pursued by both Arsenal and Man Utd. The 25-year-old midfielder caught the eye last season on the south coast, and Unai Emery in particular is keen on landing Lemina. The Gunners gaffer sees him as a suitable replacement for Aaron Ramsey, but Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may table a bid for the Gabonese ace if he loses Paul Pogba. (London Evening Standard)
Bale’s billions
Gareth Bale could become a billionaire by moving to China. According to reports the unsettled Real Madrid star has been offered a “ludicrous £1.2m a week” by the unnamed Chinese club. The 29-year-old currently pockets £600,000 a week in the Spanish capital, and the Welshman could double his money if he moved east. Manchester United have been linked with Bale in recent months and while their interest is apparently fading, it’s still unlikely that the Chinese club will get their man. That’s because they are unwilling to pay a transfer fee, and while Real are apparently “desperate to offload the winger”, they want to recoup some of the £95m they paid Tottenham for Bale in 2013. (The Sun)
Barca target Lindelof
Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof is a target for Barcelona. The Spanish champions have turned their attention to the Swede because Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt is set to join Juventus. (Mundo Deportivo)
Wilson pay day?
Bournemouth are ready to offer striker Callum Wilson £100,000 a week to stay with the club. England international Wilson has been linked with West Ham, Chelsea and Everton. (Daily Mail)
Toffees keen on Kean
Another striker also linked with Everton is Juventus star Moise Kean. The Toffees will have to pay £31m for the 19-year-old, but Juve will insist on a buy-back clause. (Daily Mail)
Delph in demand
Everton are also among a number of clubs interested in Manchester City midfielder Fabian Delph. The 29-year-old has been told he can leave City this summer. (Sky Sports)
Origi new deal
Liverpool are confident that Champions League hero Divock Origi will accept a contract extension offer. The striker’s current deal expires next year. (ESPN)
