Pickford for De Gea?
Manchester United are targeting Jordan Pickford as the gloveman to replace David de Gea.
The future of De Gea remains a hot topic in the Spanish media with the latest rumours suggesting the goalkeeper could be on his way to Italian champions Juventus, “who may try to buy him in the summer”.
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The Sun says that United manager Jose Mourinho has begun the search for a replacement and Pickford is at the top of his wish list. Apparently Mourinho has been a fan of the England keeper “for some time”. The 24-year-old is seen as having all the right attributes to fit in at Old Trafford.
Although Pickford signed a new deal with Everton in the summer, the Sun says that a move to United may be “too hard to resist”. As for what the Toffees would want in return for releasing him, it’s believed £60m would be acceptable.
Bailly set to bail
Paris Saint-Germain are the latest club to show interest in Eric Bailly, reports the Daily Mail. The 24-year-old Ivory Coast international is primed to make a decision on his future between now and the opening of the January transfer window.
The Mail claims that the defender is “increasingly frustrated” by his lack of game time at Old Trafford, and this has attracted interest from Arsenal and Tottenham. The two north London clubs are ready to exploit any discontent on Bailly’s part but so are PSG. The Mail says that the French champions are “monitoring developments”.
Among these developments is a fresh round of discussions between Bailly and the Old Trafford club. The Sun says that he’ll meet United’s “top brass” this week to discuss their plans and whether he’ll be sold in January.
Bailly hasn’t started a game since Mourinho subbed him before half-time against Newcastle last month. While the Sun doesn’t list PSG as among the Ivorian’s suitors, they do confirm the Mail’s report that Arsenal and Tottenham are on his tail.
City prepares to secure De Jong
Metro is one of several outlets to report that Manchester City are “close to signing” Ajax midfielder Frenkie De Jong.
If confirmed, the capture of the 21-year-old will be a blow to United, who have been tracking De Jong for a while. But Metro says that Pep Guardiola, who sees the Dutchman as the man to replace Fernandinho, has beaten Jose Mourinho to his signature.
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