Paper Round: Real Madrid target Andre Villas-Boas, Liverpool to step up Xherdan Shaqiri pursuit

Real Madrid have turned their attentions to Andre Villas-Boas as their search for Zinedine Zidane continues, RMC reports – via The Sun. Mauricio Pochettino and Jurgen Klopp had emerged as two frontrunners for the role, but with both seemingly out of reach, the European champions have reportedly made contact with Villas-Boas, who is a free agent after leaving Chinese side Shanghai SIPG.

Paper Round’s view: The former Chelsea and Tottenham boss does not carry the same reputation in England as he does in the continent, though it would be difficult for Real to ignore his Premier League struggles. But while that sits on the cons side of the list, such pros include his time at Porto, Zenit and his managerial experience with Gareth Bale at Spurs, where the Welshman flourished under his guidance at White Hart Lane.

***

Liverpool will step up their efforts to sign Stoke City midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri after the World Cup is over, the Mirror reports. However, the Reds are not turning to the Switzerland international as a replacement for Nabil Fekir, with whom talks broke down last week following complications during the medical. The report claims Liverpool remain interested in Fekir, but are also looking to bring in Shaqiri for £12m.

Paper Round’s view: Reports of Liverpool’s interest in Shaqiri has done little to excite their supporters, but he would undoubtedly be a solid squad purchase. Liverpool’s bench looked light last season, with little more than Dominic Solanke to turn to when searching for further attacking options. Adam Lallana and Danny Ings came back into the fray later in the campaign, but there’s no denying Shaqiri would sit nicely in their 18-man matchday squad, and prove a more than capable replacement when Klopp looks to rotate.

***

New Everton boss Marco Silva does not want Wayne Rooney at the club, and is targeting Norwich’s James Maddison as his replacement – the Mirror reports. Silva’s wish means Rooney is set to join MLS side DC United after just one season at Goodison Park upon his return from Manchester United, while Maddison, an England Under-21 international, has been identified as his successor at Everton.

Paper Round’s view: As Silva looks to make his stamp on the squad, it’s no surprise to see him push Rooney out the door. The former England captain looked on the verge of leaving anyway, so it’s an easy win for the new manager to get him out and focus on the future.

***

After goalkeeper Rui Patricio told Sporting Lisbon he wants to terminate his contract due to a move to Wolves being stalled, Bruno Fernandes, William Carvalho and Gelson Martins could follow his lead, the Mirror reports. Premier League clubs have been put on red alert with the trio looking to follow Patricio’s lead. Events at Sporting soured after a group of fans attacked players and staff following their failure to secure a Champions League spot.

Paper Round’s view: The situation in Lisbon is unlikely to improve while Sporting president Bruno de Carvalho is still at the club. It’s a crisis which will rumble on throughout the summer, too, and will hardly be helped by the fact the World Cup is around the corner.