Liverpool pushing to land Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount amid contract stand-off - Paper Round
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Updated 18/02/2023 at 09:40 GMT
Liverpool hope to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea with the midfielder far from agreeing a new deal at Stamford Bridge, while Newcastle will face competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid for Napoli's Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Elsewhere, Manchester United have received at least two bids for a takeover: one from British businessman Jim Ratcliffe and the other from Qatar.
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Liverpool pushing for Mount deal
Liverpool are hoping to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea amid contract talk stand-off. The 24-year-old midfielder wants a huge salary raise but the Daily Mail reports that those at Stamford Bridge are starting to believe that there is no agreement to be had.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are planning to strengthen midfield after a poor season so far.
“Liverpool are pushing hard to sign Chelsea's midfielder Mason Mount with their interest coming amid an impasse in his ongoing contract talks,” the report begins.
“Mount's future at Stamford Bridge has been thrown into doubt, as a significant gap exists between the player and club in negotiations.
“The England international is believed to want to treble his £80,000-a-week wages, which would put him in line with the other senior players and new signings.
“Mount has 18 months remaining on his current Chelsea deal, which could force the Blues into a decision this summer.
“Some Chelsea officials have reportedly become resigned to the midfielder not extending his contract.”
Newcastle battle for Kvaratskhelia
Newcastle are chasing Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Napoli but they will face strong competition for the 22-year-old.
The Sun states that there is interest from around Europe, and Napoli - on course to win Serie A this season if they maintain their form - are looking for a hefty bid worth more than £50 million.
The paper claims: “NEWCASTLE UNITED are fighting Real Madrid and PSG in the race for Napoli's hot shot Khvicha Kvaratskhelia according to reports.
“Kvaratskhelia has been in superb form this season and has 23 goal contributions in 23 appearances this season with Napoli 15 points clear at the top Serie A.
“The winger - nicknamed 'Kvaradona' - arrived at the Italian club last summer for around £10million from Georgian side Dinamo Batumi.
“Eddie Howe's men have been linked with a £50m deal but Napoli have no intention for selling anywhere near that price.”
Ratcliffe bids for United
Jim Ratcliffe has submitted a bid for Manchester United ahead of Friday’s deadline, according to the Telegraph.
Ratcliffe supports United and is one of Britain’s richest men, but nevertheless has to turn to banks to help fund any acquisition.
“Ratcliffe, a lifelong fan who was in the stands at the Nou Camp as United completed the Treble in 1999, will be a favourite with fans against Qatar and US consortiums,” explains the paper. “Drawing comparisons with other bidders in the process, a friend told Telegraph Sport: "There's a lot at stake for football more widely, in my view."
“A source close to Ineos added: 'His aim is to be a long-term custodian of Manchester United and set the standard for a progressive approach to club ownership. As locally born, he wants to put the Manchester back into Manchester United'."
“Ratcliffe, Britain’s 27th wealthiest person with a fortune of more than £6 billion according to rich lists, has been working with two prolific investment banks for several weeks to finalise their proposal. Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase & Co are understood to be backing his offer with bonds and loans beyond the value of United’s existing debt of £659 million.”
Qataris submit debt-free United bid
The Mirror offers details from another bid for Manchester United, this time from Qatar. The key difference for many will be the information that there will be no debt placed upon the side.
“Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, the chairman of one of Qatar ’s biggest banks, has confirmed he will bid for a 100 per cent takeover of Manchester United,” relays the story.
“Al Thani is the son of former Qatari prime minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani. The deadline for interested parties is 10pm on Friday night as the Raine Group, who are acting on behalf of the Premier League club, look to finalise their options.
“Al Thani said in a statement: ‘Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani today confirmed his submission of a bid for 100 per cent of Manchester United Football Club.
“‘The bid plans to return the club to its former glories both on and off the pitch, and – above all – will seek to place the fans at the heart of Manchester United Football Club once more.
“‘The bid will be completely debt free via Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation, which will look to invest in the football teams, the training centre, the stadium and wider infrastructure, the fan experience and the communities the Club supports.’”
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