Paper Round: Manchester United to move for Real Madrid's Karim Benzema

United to move for Benzema - Louis van Gaal believes that Karim Benzema could be the answer to Manchester United's goalscoring woes, according to newspaper reports this morning. The Guardian understands that the Red Devils' manager is monitoring the striker and is now prepared to lodge a £40 million bid. Benzema's future at Real Madrid is in serious doubt now that Carlo Ancelotti has been sacked and United would like to take advantage, but they could face competition from Arsenal. However, the paper reports that Old Trafford is his most likely destination with changes set to shift things around at Real Madrid.

Paper Round's view - Benzema would be an immediate improvement to the United strike force. He is an excellent striker, capable of scoring goals and bringing his team-mates into the attack. The problem is that clubs like Real Madrid don't normally sell players like that. Presumed new manager Rafael Benitez would have to find Benzema surplus to requirements for the Merengues to consider selling him. That's possible, but it would be a strange decision. If he is sold, United should be the frontrunners for his services because they have much deeper pockets than Arsenal. This deal seems to make quite a lot of sense, particularly for United.

Liverpool will not bid for Benteke until after FA Cup final - Liverpool are intent on signing Christian Benteke and are ready to submit a bid for the striker, but The Times claims that they will not do so until after the FA Cup final on Saturday. Brendan Rodgers rates Benteke highly and thinks his physical presence will be a huge addition to the team's attack. Aston Villa don't want to sell the Belgian, but he has just two years left on his contract so the Reds think a bid over £20 million could convince them to let the striker go.

Paper Round's view - Liverpool seemed to have locked in on Benteke a long time ago and they appear ready to make their move for him. With their cheque book, that should be enough to get a deal done for a player whose future has never looked secure at Villa. The question is whether Liverpool are ready to go deep into their pockets for Benteke. If they are and eventually submit a bid in the range of £25 million, it's tough to imagine Aston Villa saying no.

Alves could be United's new right back - Manchester United could turn to Dani Alves at right back, per The Telegraph. The Red Devils would prefer to sign Nathaniel Clyne, but they are unsure if they'll be able to land him and if they can't, the out-of-contract Brazilian would be the next man they turn to. Barcelona have been negotiating with Alves over a new deal, but the player has been unimpressed by the offers the club have put in front of him and has said that he has "one foot, my body and nearly my head out of the club."

Paper Round's view - Alves is no longer the dominant player that he once was. He used to be the best right back in the world, but he's certainly not that anymore. Still, he would be better than Antonio Valencia and being an older player and on a free, it's unlikely that he would cost a ton of money or require a long-term deal. As far as fall back options go, Alves isn't a bad choice.

Walcott, Arsenal set for contract talks next week - Theo Walcott's future at Arsenal could be decided next week as the player and club are set to meet over a new contract, according to The Mirror. Walcott's contract at the Emirates has just one year left on it and, while money is obviously a factor, Walcott is especially concerned over how much playing time he has been receiving and could get in the future. That will be at the forefront of talks as Arsenal consider possibly selling the winger, as well as potentially signing Raheem Sterling.

Paper Round's view - If Arsenal are able to sign Sterling, Walcott would really struggle for playing time. The Gunners think they may have a chance at Sterling because the player would like to play in London, but that alone won't get the deal done, especially with complicated factors between Sterling and Liverpool. That leaves Walcott in a tough spot, but it's possible that he and the club could agree to the framework of a new contract next week then let the rest of the summer play out before signing it - so we'll have to see how the Arsenal team shakes out.

Newcastle to take time before choosing manager - Newcastle will not be rushed into hiring their new manager. The Guardian says that the club has no one lined up at the moment and are willing to wait a few weeks to find their new boss if necessary. Newcastle haven't ruled out bringing back John Carver while Steve McClaren, Remi Garde and Michael Laudrup are all on the club's shortlist as the Magpies continue to look for their permanent replacement for Alan Pardew.

Paper Round's view - At this point, there doesn't appear to be a manager available that Newcastle would have to move quickly for or risk losing so there is no reason for them to rush their decision. Bringing back Carver would be insane considering the problems he had as the interim boss, but the other three options would all be legitimate and fine hires. McClaren has to be the favourite after the flirtation he and the club had in the final month of the season, but if the club hasn't hired him by now then there's little reason to think they'll rush into snapping him up now. They can take their time.

Lerner to step down as Aston Villa chairman - Aston Villa will have a new chairman next season regardless of whether they have a new owner. Randy Lerner told The Times that he will step down as the club's chairman, adding that he should have done so "several years back." Lerner confirmed that the club is still for sale, but that it "doesn't necessarily mean it will change hands so fast" and whether it's changed hands by the summer will not affect his decision to find a new chairman. He says he's been too busy with work and family for years and that the club needs a chairman who can tend to the club with a closer eye. 

Paper Round's view - The news of Lerner's impending resignation will undoubtedly be met with cheers from the Villa faithful, many of whom believe that he hasn't been nearly attentive nor knowledgeable enough since buying the club in 2006. That he is being a bit discerning in who to sell to, not just looking to get rid of the club, would also be considered a positive. Of course, Lerner still needs find the right chairman to guide the club and hopefully get it back into the top half of the Premier League, but this is a step in the right direction.