Man Utd fear Harry Kane will stay at Tottenham, identify Napoli's Victor Osimhen as back-up transfer plan - Paper Round
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Updated 12/05/2023 at 07:18 GMT
Manchester United are lining up Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as an alternative to their top transfer target Harry Kane amid fears the Spurs striker will stay in north London. Elsewhere, the Red Devils will move for Jordan Pickford if David De Gea leaves this summer, Arsenal face competition from Paris Saint-Germain for Moussa Diaby and Barcelona are not giving up on re-signing Lionel Messi.
Ten Hag: 'De Gea has my full belief'
Man Utd line up Kane alternative
Manchester United are insistent on adding a striker to their squad this summer and have lined up Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as an alternative to Harry Kane, should the Spurs striker decide to stay in north London. Tottenham Hotspur believe they can convince the 29-year-old to remain at his boyhood club, so United have added Osimhen to their shortlist as a back-up option. The Nigerian striker is expected to leave Italy this summer after leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years.
The Mirror reveals: "England captain Kane, 29, has been United’s No. 1 transfer target but Tottenham are determined to fight to keep their club record goalscorer, even though he only has a year left on his current deal.
"Kane is unlikely to sign a new deal which means Tottenham run the risk of losing him for nothing next year but Spurs still believe they can play on his loyalty and persuade him to stay.
"[United] have been looking at Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos but Napoli striker Osimhen is also firmly on their radar. PSG have also been after Osimhen and Napoli are bracing themselves for huge bids this summer and the 24-year-old does favour a move to England if he leaves Serie A."
The De Gea replacement
Manchester United are lining up potential replacements for goalkeeper David De Gea, who is yet to reach an agreement with the club over a contract extension. The Spaniard's long-term future as first-choice stopper is under threat due to a recent slump in form and United manager Erik ten Hag has added Everton's Jordan Pickford and Anderlecht's Bart Verbruggen to his summer shortlist.
The Star reports: "De Gea, who will become a free agent next month, will have to accept a significant reduction on his £375,000-a-week wages if he wants to remain at United.
"In the meantime, Ten Hag has been looking at his options should he need a new No. 1 for next season and beyond. It's understood the Dutchman has put Pickford on his wanted list, along with rising Holland and Anderlecht keeper Bart Verbruggen.
"Even if Everton survive [the relegation battle], Ten Hag knows he can offer Pickford bigger wages and the chance to compete for trophies at United."
Arsenal face fierce competition for Diaby
Arsenal are ready to reignite their interest in Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby this summer, but face fierce competition from the Frenchman's former club, Paris Saint-Germain. Both clubs are looking to strengthen in the wide positions as Gunners boss Mikel Arteta hopes to add some depth to his squad ahead of the club's long-awaited Champions League return. Leverkusen will demand around £65 million for Diaby.
The Standard reports: "Arsenal looked at the 23-year-old in January but Leverkusen were reluctant to lose him mid-season.
"He joined Leverkusen from PSG for £13m in 2019 but is expected to go for around five times that figure this summer.
"Paris Saint-Germain are targeting young French players as they plan for life after Lionel Messi and Neymar. Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise is also on their radar, along with Diaby.
Barca not giving up on Messi
Barcelona know they will be blown out of the water by Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal in the battle to sign Lionel Messi, but the Catalan club have not given up on a potential homecoming this summer. Barca believe they will be able to table an offer to the 35-year-old once they offload a number of first-team players from their wage bill, therefore easing their financial restrictions.
Spanish media outlet Marca confirms: "[Messi] would be delighted to return to the Spotify Camp Nou, but the club's financial issues may prevent him from doing so.
"Barcelona are optimistic that a solution could be found, though, because they understand that the talks with LaLiga in their bid to receive the go-ahead for the viability plan are on the right track. In fact, they believe that they have already solved the issue.
"It is necessary that the agreements of the viability plan are applied and that some players leave the club in order to make space in the wage bill."
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