Paper Round: Manchester City target £75m Isco
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Updated 28/03/2018 at 08:29 GMT
Manchester City want £75m-rated Isco and offer a new contract to Gabriel Jesus, Marcos Alonso wants to stay at Chelsea, and Everton look for a new manager.
Isco of Spain celebrates after scoring his sides third goal with Sergio Ramos of Spain during the International Friendly between Spain and Argentina on March 27, 2018 in Madrid, Spain
Image credit: Getty Images
Guardiola wants £75m Isco
Pep Guardiola could be the man to bring Real Madrid forward to Isco to the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City have tried twice before, but not been able to get the move over the lline, though the circumstances have changed. The 25-year-old Spanish international wants to work with Guardiola, but also knows that his chances will be limited next season as Real will be raising funds to revamp their forward line after failing in La Liga this year.
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Isco and Alvaro Morata
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Paper Round's view: For £75m, Guardiola and City would get a technically adept and exciting, attack player accustomed to playing with the best players in the world. At 25, he is young enough to improve under the tutelage of Guardiola, and to provide the pace and endurance that Guardiola requires from his squad. He would be an adequate replacement for both Riyad Mahrez and Alexis Sanchez, who they failed to buy in the winter transfer window.
Jesus rejects City contract extension
Gabriel Jesus has turned down the latest contract extension offer from Manchester City. He has been offered £90,000 a week to extend his contract at City to 2023. The 20-year-old Brazilian international is currently on £65,000 a week on his first deal since joining the club, but he is holding out for £100,000. The striker is expected to reach a compromise with the club, but a deal had been expected around the turn of the year.
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Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the game during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Manchester City and FC Basel at Etihad Stadium on March 7, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom.
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Paper Round's view: Jesus could be Manchester City's first choice striker for the next decade, and is only going to go better if everything goes as expected. However, dragging their heels over a deal could open the door for other clubs to let their interest be known. While he is hardly likely to move within the Premier League, both Barcelona and Real Madrid would find space for Jesus, and have the money to offer him a raise. City do not need to waste time here.
Allardyce set to leave Everton
Sam Allardyce and Steve Walsh will be the latest casualties of the overhaul at Goodison Park. Allardyce signed an 18-month contract with Everton, but is expected to leave after half a season following a successful battle against relegation, with Shakhtar Donetsk manager Paulo Fonseca the next in line. Walsh will go after more poor signings in Theo Walcott and Cenk Tosun, the next transfer director is set to be Marcel Brands from PSV Eindhoven.
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Everton manager Sam Allardyce gestures on the touchline
Image credit: PA Sport
Paper Round's view: Allardyce probably knew going into the job that it was an 18-month contract in name only. Marco Silva was clearly their first choice, but when that move blew up they simply needed someone to avoid relegation and give Everton chance to regroup in the summer. Walsh, however, will be disappointed. After his success on a budget with Leicester, all of his big-money signings have been a disappointment, putting his career at risk.
Alonso set for Stamford Bridge stay
Marcos Alonso has emerged at the national team of Spain ahead of the World Cup, but has told Spanish newspaper Marca that he has no regrets about leave, and does not anticipate leaving the Premier League club. The 27-year-old left wing-back played for Real Madrid's senior team in 2009/10 but left to find first-team football elsewhere, away from then-manager Manuel Pellegrini.
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Marcos Alonso - Chelsea 2018
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Paper Round's view: Alonso has played his best football and won the Premier League while working with Antonio Conte at Chelsea, so it is understandable that he is not looking to leave yet. However, if he impresses for the national side in the World Cup in Russia, then the pressure might tell on Real Madrid to bring him back to Spain. At 29, Marcelo might be past his peak at left-back given the physical demands of the position.
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