Paper Round: Manchester United ‘won’t give up on swoop for Real Madrid's Gareth Bale’

‘United won’t give up on Bale’ – Manchester United will not give up on their world record pursuit of Real Madrid star Gareth Bale, according to an ‘exclusive’ report in the Sunday Express. With £59.7 million Angel Di Maria heading for Paris Saint-Germain, Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal’s desire to make a ‘galactico’ signing has apparently grown even stronger. The paper reports: "The club’s new kit suppliers Adidas, who are pumping in a staggering £750m over the next 10 years, are also pushing for Wales international Bale to join United. He is one of the company’s A listers and they believe that Bale and United is the perfect fit in terms of marketing. They are apparently prepared to smash the Bale world record fee to snatch a player they feel could help them win the Premier League."

Paper Round’s view: While it’s a lovely link to make with Bale heading to United because of pressure from Adidas, the fact that Real Madrid themselves have a kit supplied by the company kind of undermines the idea. Van Gaal insists United are missing at least one big piece of his jigsaw – the top player, his 'galactico' to make the title difference – and Bale would certainly fit the bill in that regard. He would clearly make a huge impact to United’s attacking game but whether or not United would seriously pay the reported £86m for the Welshman remains very unclear. It would hardly be surprising if Van Gaal wanted Bale, but what manager wouldn’t?

‘Newcastle and Spurs fight to sign Berahino' – Newcastle United have emerged as shock rivals to Spurs in the scramble to try and sign West Brom’s emerging striker Saido Berahino, that’s according to a report in the Sunday Express. Tottenham are hoping to sign the Baggies’ England U21 star to play him alongside senior Three Lions hit man Harry Kane but now Newcastle, whose owner Mike Ashley has promised to invest heavily on the Toon squad this summer, has reportedly given head coach Steve McClaren his backing in a move for Berahino. Spurs will now have to show their hand if they are to land Berahino, who West Brom boss Tony Pulis admits is a wanted man.

Paper Round’s view: Any eventual asking price is likely to be around the £20m mark – a fee determined to put off Spurs, and now Newcastle. The Baggies would love to tie their coveted striker to a new improved contract but that seems unlikely with interested clubs hovering with intent. Tottenham could do with signing another forward to play alongside Kane and they have to remain the favourites despite Newcastle’s apparent interest.

‘Southampton could beat Liverpool to Barcelona winger’ - Southampton have contacted Liverpool target Adama Traore ahead of a possible transfer move, according to the Metro. Liverpool were thought to be in pole position to secure his signature, with officials allegedly flying out to Barcelona to wrap up the deal. But reports in Spain state that Southampton have contacted the Spain U19 star to discuss a switch to St Mary’s. The La Liga champions are believed to be reluctant to sell Traore, but the lure of more first-team opportunities may ensure the winger pushes a move through.

Paper Round’s view: Several European heavyweights have reportedly expressed an interest in the 19-year-old, who is rated as one of the most promising prospects in Europe. It would clearly represent a coup for Southampton if they could steal in and sign the player, but it does not look to be as simple as that. Liverpool have been heavily linked with Traore this summer and Brendan Rodgers would not want to miss out to a Premier League rival if he is as excited about him as a prospect as is being repeatedly reported.

‘West Ham step up attempts to sign Austin’ - West Ham will this week step up their attempts to bring QPR’s Charlie Austin to Upton Park, according to a report in the Sunday Mirror. So far, the Hammers, Newcastle and Southampton have baulked at QPR’s valuation of the player, but West Ham boss Slaven Bilic is set to go back in again, this time offering winger Matt Jarvis to Rangers as a makeweight in the deal. The winger has only one year left on his contract and would fetch close to £4m - that means a cash outlay of £11m for Austin, a sum the West Ham hierarchy will find more appealing.

Paper Round’s view: The striker is valued at £15m by Rangers – and director of football Les Ferdinand has insisted they will accept nothing less for the man who scored 18 top-flight goals last season. Austin’s proven ability to score goals in England’s top flight would be welcomed by Bilic as he prepares for a vital season with the Hammers moving into the 50,000-seater Olympic Stadium next term. This looks like a move that is definitely going to happen, albeit after frustrating everyone involved in the deal.

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