Manchester United face Bayern Munich battle to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham - Paper Round

Updated 30/04/2023 at 07:27 GMT

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is desperate for a striker this summer, and they may soon find out whether Jim Ratcliffe or a Qatari group will become their next owner. Elsewhere, Aston Villa are keen on Feyenoord midfielder Orkun Kokcu, and they are preparing for interest from Bayern Munich for their in-form striker under Unai Emery, Ollie Watkins.

Man Utd need a new striker admits Ten Hag ahead of Villa game

Ten Hag wants Kane up front

The Mail reports that Erik ten Hag is clear that he wants a new striker to lead the line next season.

Cristiano Ronaldo left midway through the season and has not been adequately replaced, so Harry Kane is in line to make the move north.

Champions League

'Mumbling something' - Kane on Bellingham 'trying to put me off' ahead of penalty

01/05/2024 at 07:50

“Erik ten Hag has sent a clear message to the Manchester United board that he needs a striker this summer, with Harry Kane top of his list,” the paper states.

“United travelling fans made their views clear at Tottenham on Thursday night as they sang: ‘Harry Kane, we’ll see you in June.’

“Ten Hag has earmarked Spurs striker Kane as his priority signing for the summer transfer window and knows a lack of a world-class No 9 is the main issue holding United back from challenging for the Premier League title.

“Kane faces a huge decision on his future this summer heading into the final year of his contract at Spurs, with the club unlikely to qualify for the Champions League.

“United, however, are understood to be reluctant to get into lengthy, messy negotiations with Daniel Levy. They have not signed anyone from Spurs since Dimitar Berbatov in 2008.”

Ratcliffe values United higher than Qataris

The Telegraph reports that Jim Ratcliffe is valuing Manchester United higher than the Qatari bid, because he is focusing all his funds on buying the shares that are not publicly traded.

The third bids are in now, and Ratcliffe is also offering to allow the Glazers to stay on as minority shareholders.

: “The battle for control at Manchester United has taken another twist with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos thought to have valued the club higher than their main Qatari rivals.

“Third and final bids for United were submitted before Friday’s 10pm deadline as a six month saga edges closer to a conclusion.

“Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, the chairman of the Qatar Islamic Bank and son of the former Qatar Prime Minister, has been the favourite to land the club.

“But it emerged on Saturday that Ineos were the only bidder to have valued the club above £5 billion and that their proposal equates to more than the offer presented by Qatar.

“Sheikh Jassim is the only bidder offering to buy 100 per cent of the club and a debt free takeover.

“Ineos want to purchase the Glazers’ 69 per cent shareholding but are also understood to have made a proposal that would see them take a controlling stake but allow Joel and Avram Glazer, the co-chairmen, to remain as minority shareholders.”

Villa target Kokcu

Aston Villa are looking to strengthen this summer under Unai Emery, and The Mirror reports that Feyenoord captain Orkun Kokcu is top of the list.

The young midfielder could be available for around £40 million.

"Aston Villa are among the favourites to land Feyenoord skipper Orkun Kokcu this summer," the report begins.

"The 22-year-old midfielder is being chased by six Premier League clubs but it is understood that an offer from Unai Emery is under strong consideration.

"His current contract runs out in 2025 - and although the Eredivisie high-fliers want to keep their man - an offer approaching £40m will force their hand.

"Villa’s scouts have been regular attendees at Feyenoord’s games this year and have returned to Birmingham with glowing reports."

Bayern target Watkins

A surprising report in The Sun, with the paper suggesting that Ollie Watkins is in line for a move to Bayern Munich, who are still to find a convincing long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski,

The forward has already been scouted by Bayern officials.

The Sun claims: "Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is a shock target for Bayern Munich.

"The German giants’ technical director Marco Neppe was at Villa Park on Tuesday to see Watkins’ side beat Fulham 1-0.

"And it is believed he was casting an eye over £60million-rated Watkins as part of Bayern’s search for a No9.

"Tottenham striker Harry Kane is also on the Bundesliga champions’ wishlist."

Champions League