Atalanta demand £51m for Manchester United target Giorgio Scalvini - Paper Round

Manchester United will have to pay £51m to sign Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini, according to reports.

The Red Devils have suffered a number of injuries in their defence, most notably to Lisandro Martinez, who has been missing since September.

United are said to have identified Scalvini as a target – but would have to cough up a significant amount of money to land the 20-year-old, who has been capped seven times by Italy.

A report in The Sun states: “Manchester United will have to contend with a "mammoth" price tag if they are to convince Giorgio Scalvini to join them, according to reports.

“Calcio Mercato report that it will take £51million for United to sign the Italian youngster this January.

“Atalanta are in a strong position to hold on to the defender, with him being contracted at the club until 2028.

“The right offer could tempt Atalanta, however, and they have already done business with United this season.

“United are keen to bolster their defence in January, with Raphael Varane linked with a move to the Saudi League.

“Both Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr are keen on signing the World Cup winning defender.”

Jadon Sancho will join Borussia Dortmund on loan after a £2.6m fee was agreed, claims the Daily Star.

Sancho has managed just 12 goals and six assists since his move from Dortmund to Old Trafford in 2021 and he is currently exiled from the squad after a public falling out with manager Erik ten Hag.

"Jadon Sancho's Manchester United nightmare is about to come to an end with a return to Borussia Dortmund close to being concluded," a report in the Star states.

"Bundesliga side Dortmund subsequently opened talks with United over re-signing the winger, who left them back in the summer of 2021 in a deal worth £73m. Sancho will now rejoin the club after a loan fee of £2.6m was agreed.

"The United man will soon travel to Marbella to join up with the Dortmund camp, who are away doing warm-weather training during Germany's winter break from football. He could even be there by Friday (January 5)."

Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Girona full-back Miguel Gutierrez.

Sergio Reguilon departed the club this week after his loan spell was cut short, leaving Erik ten Hag's side exposed at left-back. They could now turn to Gutierrez, who has been a standout player for La Liga surprise packages Girona.

The Sun writes: "SunSport understands that Manchester United have sent a scout to closely observe Spanish left back and Girona’s sensation, Miguel Gutierrez, 22, on multiple occasions in recent few weeks, including in yesterday’s 4-3 thriller against Atletico Madrid.

"Gutierrez proved to be a pivotal part of the side's late win against the Madrid side as they continue their fairytale title challenge.

"Gutierrez is a regular in Girona's first XI, playing 20 games since the beginning of the season.

"In that time he's managed one goal and three assists.

"He's also accumulated the most minutes for the side this season, playing every minute of every game he's featured in and only missing one match.

"SunSport has been told the Red Devils highly value Gutierrez because of his high football IQ and attacking profile.

"His talents have also seen him be tracked by AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund, with the Germans having a £10.5million offer turned down in the summer.

"Gutierrez's contract with Girona lasts until June 2027 but the side could be convinced to part ways with the defender for £22m."

Paris Saint-Germain are leading the race to sign Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps, states a report in the Standard.

Earps, who was fifth in the women's Ballon d’Or voting and won the Best FIFA Goalkeeper award, is attracting interest from some of the best clubs in Europe as her contract expires at the end of the season.

"Paris Saint-Germain have emerged as the new frontrunners to sign Mary Earps after Arsenal cooled their interest in the Lionesses goalkeeper," the outlet writes.

"Earps is out of contract at Manchester United at the end of the season and is attracting interest from top clubs around Europe.

"The 30-year-old has spoken to several clubs about a summer move, including Arsenal, PSG and Barcelona. She is reluctant to join United’s rivals Manchester City.

2"Arsenal had an offer worth more than £100,000 for Earps rejected last summer and they were seen as favourites to sign her on a free transfer this summer.

But the Gunners are now understood to be reluctant to follow up on their move for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award winner.

"Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall is happy with his goalkeepers, with Manuela Zinsberger currently holding the No1 spot.

"Chelsea have also been linked to Earps but signed two goalkeepers last summer when they brought in Nicky Evrard, who is out on loan at Brighton, and Hannah Hampton.

"The Blues also face uncertainty with manager Emma Hayes leaving at the end of the season."

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