Man Utd’s Harry Kane alternatives, Tottenham want James Maddison in Ange Postecoglou’s rebuild – Paper Round

ByMichael Hincks

Updated 06/06/2023 at 08:23 GMT

Tuesday’s Paper Round leads on Manchester United, who look likely to give up their pursuit of Tottenham’s Karry Kane and chase cheaper alternatives – among them, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani. Elsewhere, Tottenham want James Maddison to join Ange Postecoglou through the arrivals’ door, Aston Villa are keen on Youri Tielemans, and Atletico Madrid are hoping to sign Wilfried Zaha.

Man Utd’s alternatives to Kane

Manchester United are extending their search for a striker beyond Harry Kane with a deal for the Tottenham forward looking increasingly unlikely this summer, the Daily Mail reports. Spurs are adamant Kane is not for sale despite having just one year remaining on his contract, and while that stance could be tested by a substantial offer, United – like Real Madrid given Karim Benzema is departing – are also looking elsewhere given that it could take more than £100m to sway Daniel Levy and Spurs.

The Mail writes: “Randal Kolo Muani of Eintracht Frankfurt, another target for Bayern Munich and Paris St Germain, has re-emerged on United's list of options as has Goncalo Ramos of Benfica.

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“Brighton's highly-regarded Evan Ferguson is expected to stay at Brighton till at least next January after signing his contract.”

Randal Kolo Muani of Eintracht Frankfurt celebrates towards the crowd after teammate Daichi Kamada (not pictured) scores the team's second goal during the DFB Cup semifinal match between VfB Stuttgart and Eintracht Frankfurt at Mercedes-Benz Arena on May

Image credit: Getty Images

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Ange’s wishlist

With Ange Postecoglou on the verge of becoming Tottenham’s new head coach, multiple outlets including the Mirror are claiming a shake-up could include the arrival of Premier League trio James Maddison, David Raya and Max Kilman. Spurs will face big competition from Newcastle for £40m-rated Maddison, while Brentford goalkeeper Raya could replace Hugo Lloris, who is expected to leave this summer. Wolves’ Kilman, meanwhile, has been a long-standing target at centre-back.

On Postecoglou’s imminent appointment, the Mirror writes: “Tottenham plan to announce the appointment within the next 48 hours after agreeing terms and also a compensation package with Celtic.

“Spurs are expected to pay less than £5m to get Postecoglou who was on a rolling contract in Scotland and the Aussie is now keen to start working immediately.”

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Tielemans to Villa?

Youri Tielemans has emerged as a target for Aston Villa after the Belgian was listed among seven players leaving Leicester this summer along with Daniel Amartey, Ayoze Perez, Caglar Soyuncu, Papy Mendy, Ryan Bertrand and Tete. Tielemans has been linked with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United in the past few years, but now Villa are said to be interested as head coach Unai Emery looks to strengthen his squad before a season in the Europa Conference League.

“Emery wants to have two top quality players for every position in his squad and is considering Tielemans ahead of their first appearance in Europe since 2010,” the Mirror adds.

“Emery also admires Villarreal's Pau Torres, 26, at his old club, where the goalkeeper is entering the final year of his deal at the La Liga side.”

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Atleti eye Zaha

Atletico Madrid are looking to tempt Wilfried Zaha away from Crystal Palace as the forward ponders his options this summer, the Daily Mail reports. Zaha is out of contract soon but is giving serious consideration to a £200,000-a-week offer from current club Palace, who are determined to keep the 30-year-old. However, Atletico remain keen on a player they tried to sign in 2020, and will hope the lure of the Champions League can sway the Ivory Coast international.

“The formal offer from Palace expires at the end of month, meaning Zaha has just under four weeks to decide whether to extend his stay in south London,” the Mail writes.

“But given his contractual status, Zaha is free to discuss potential moves away from Selhurst and does not want to rush his decision.

“In addition to Atletico’s interest, Zaha has several offers from the Middle East, mainly in Saudi Arabia.”

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