Manchester United are set for a pivotal meeting over a top midfield signing for Erik ten Hag, while Arsenal could perform a swap deal – both in all the latest Euro Paper Talk.
MAN UTD, MILINKOVIC-SAVIC MEETING
Manchester United will hold a meeting with the agent of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic next month with the aim of beating Paris Saint-Germain to the Lazio midfielder, a report has claimed.
United are preparing for a busy summer transfer window as they look to turn the club’s fortunes around. They have already taken what they hope will be a successful first step in making Erik ten Hag their new manager.
And the 52-year-old, currently in charge of Ajax, reportedly has eyes on new signings in all key areas of the pitch.
In midfield in particular, Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong has emerged as a target amid the former Ajax star’s strong relationship with Ten Hag.
However, Lazio’s Serbia international Milinkovic-Savic is a more long-term target.
And according to Corriere dello Sport, the 27-year-old’s agent will outline an offer from United to Lazio next month. Mateja Kezman will subsequently hold meetings with Man Utd chiefs over a transfer.
However, PSG are also in the hunt for Milinkovic-Savic and will also have a meeting with the star’s agent.
As for the fee, Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Lazio president Claudio Lotito wants as much as €100million (£84million) for the player.
In contrast, the midfielder’s agent reckon between €65million (£55million) and €70million (£59million) is a more realistic figure.
Milinkovic-Savic has two years left on his current Lazio contract and so would command a sizeable fee.
He is closing in on 300 appearances for the club and has only missed one Serie A game this term.
AND THE REST FROM EURO PAPER TALK
Arsenal are showing interest in Udinese right-back Nahuel Molina. They could use current Udinese loanee Pablo Mari in a swap deal to get the new signing over the line. (Il Messaggero Veneto)
Tottenham are willing to spend as much as €40million (£34million) on Inter centre-back Stefan de Vrij this summer. The Dutchman’s contract expires next summer and Inter are therefore fretting over his future. (Calciomercato)
Meanwhile, France star Jules Kounde only has eyes for Chelsea and the centre-back will request a summer exit from Sevilla. (Sport)
Villarreal’s Pau Torres is a third centre-back who could be on the move this summer. Indeed, the Blues are willing to pay his €60million (£50million) release clause. (La Razon)
Palmeiras are in fact not trying to sign Man Utd midfielder Andreas Pereira, following initial reports of interest. (Goal Brazil)
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREVIEWS AND REVIEWS
Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema credited his high level of confidence for allowing him to stun Manchester City with a Panenka penalty in Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg. (Marca)
Nevertheless, Madrid’s 4-3 defeat has left them with work to do and boss Carlo Ancelotti insisted his side must defend better at the Santiago Bernabeu next Wednesday. (Marca)
Liverpool play Villarreal in the other semi-final and Etienne Capoue has described Anfield – which hosts Wednesday’s first leg – as “hell”. (Yahoo Sport)
Meanwhile, Arnaut Danjuma has explained Villarreal’s confidence after “the rest of the world” didn’t expect their progress. (ESPN)
EURO PAPER TALK – XAVI PLANNING BARCELONA CLEAR-OUT
Barcelona head coach Xavi is losing faith in Wolves loanee Adama Traore following his recent drop-off in form. As such, a permanent Camp Nou deal for the 26-year-old is now in doubt. (AS)
In fact, Barcelona are planning a major clear-out this summer in which Philippe Coutinho, Memphis Depay and Clement Lenglet could also leave. (El Nacional)
Arsenal have made Tammy Abraham a top striker target, but the England international wants to stay at Roma. (Calciomercato)
Newcastle are after Atletico Madrid man Renan Lodi and are ready to invest in the Brazilian. What’s more, he is good friends with fellow countryman and January Magpies signing, Bruno Guimaraes. (Mundo Deportivo)
New PSV Eindhoven manager Ruud van Nistelrooy could persuade star forward Cody Gakpo to stay, following interest from Liverpool and Arsenal. (Eindhovens Dagblad)
AC Milan are in advanced talks to sign Sassuolo and Italy forward Domenico Berardi. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
