Paper Round: Chelsea to beat United for Dutch wonderkid

Chelsea have moved in front of United in pursuit of the prodigiously-talented Netherlands U21 star, with the London club now in ‘advanced talks’.

Returning Blues boss Jose Mourinho is said to be “desperate to tie up a deal” for the 20-year-old Vitesse Arnhem midfielder, with the Daily Express reporting that a £7.2 million transfer has been all but signed.

The latest developments would come as a big blow for new United boss David Moyes, who had been optimistic of landing the Dutch Footballer of the Year, even being prepared to trump Chelsea’s deal with a £15m move, according to the paper.

Various newspapers report that Moyes had dispatched chief scout Jim Lawlor to take a final look at the midfielder before United made their move, but it appears to be too late with Chelsea having already nipped in.

Van Ginkel has already racked up 93 league appearances for Arnhem and Mourinho reportedly targeted the 20-year-old as being a key signing upon his return to Stamford Bridge.

One man who used to enjoy such a billing was Wayne Rooney, and the United forward could deal Moyes another blow if he decides to leave Old Trafford and the pair are set to meet early next week to discuss his future.

The Daily Mirror reveals – with a very generous use of capital letters – that BOTH Chelsea AND Arsenal are set to pounce if Moyes does not give Rooney the promises and reassurances that he is seeking.

Rooney has already said "I'd love to join Jose!" according to an incredibly excited Daily Star, and is poised to move to London as soon as he has informed Moyes of his decision.

The 27-year-old will reportedly tell Moyes that only a new long-term deal and assurances about his future role at the club would convince him to stay at the club, with the new United boss having to put his cards on the table.

Sir Alex Ferguson has, according to the Mirror, ‘strongly advised’ Moyes that now is the best time to cash in on Rooney, whose value would drop dramatically in 12 months’ time, while the England striker is still “hurt and angered” by his recent treatment.

The Express are even more decisive as they report that Rooney is “set to leave Old Trafford” and has “let it be known to Chelsea that he wants to come to Stamford Bridge”. The paper clearly has had proverbial flies on all the right walls.

According to the Daily Telegraph, Manchester United have contacted Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski’s representatives to insist that they are kept fully informed about his situation ahead of his much talked about exit from the Champions League finalists..

United are in the hunt for Lewandowski’s signature, along with Real Madrid, Manchester City and Bayern Munich, according to the paper, but he is still only being seen as an alternative for their top target - one Cristiano Ronaldo.

Let’s now go to the opposite end of the spectrum from such flash stars as the Mirror report that Sunderland have told midfield hacker and card-loving captain Lee Cattermole that he is free to leave the club.

The 25-year-old is “surplus to requirements” at the club under the management of Paolo Di Canio and he is not part of the Italian’s plans going forward.

Tottenham have agreed a deal to sign Brazil and Corinthians midfielder Paulinho, according to the Telegraph, while Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert is to return to former club Norwich City to sign winger Elliott Bennett (Daily Mail).

Finally, Cardiff have now dropped out of the race to sign Celtic star Victor Wanyama, with a valuation of £10m putting the Welsh club off a move, but Southampton are holding their nerve and face competition to sign the Kenyan from Arsenal, Liveprool and Inter Milan, so say the Daily Mail.