Man Utd 'monitoring' Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana as possible replacement for Casemiro – Paper Round

Manchester United are reportedly “continuing to monitor” Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana as a possible long-term replacement for Casemiro.

Casemiro has endured a difficult season so far in United’s midfield and the 31-year-old has now been ruled out until the new year with an injury.

Fofana has 13 caps for France and has been a standout player for Monaco since signing from Strasbourg in January 2020.

A report in the Manchester Evening News suggests Erik ten Hag’s side are keeping tabs on the 24-year-old midfielder.

The article reads: “The 75-cap international [Casemiro] was never going to be a long-term solution for United and, as such, they still have an eye on the market. Manchester Evening News understands the club are initially planning to make four big signings next summer, including another midfielder.

“French publication RMC Sport flag up ‘interest’ from United in Fofana as they continue to assess their options. The 24-year-old AS Monaco player is valued at around €25million.”

Newcastle are reportedly “interested” in signing Ferran Torres from Barcelona.

The 23-year-old left Manchester City to join Barcelona in January 2022 and has scored 19 goals in 87 appearances at the Spanish giants.

But a report in The Sun suggests “cash-strapped Barcelona are looking to offload a number of players to help balance the books, and Torres is allegedly one of those they would look to cash-in on”.

The article continues: “And Fichajes claims that Newcastle 'would be interested' in giving the attacker the opportunity to return to the Premier League.

“They state that an offer of around £35m would be enough to secure the services of the star.

“The publication reports that Barca chiefs feel that Torres’ performances 'have been clearly below expectations' and that he 'could be one of the first sales' they make in order to fund a new raft of signings themselves.”

Chelsea and Arsenal are ready to do battle for 18-year-old Brazilian wonderkid Gabriel Moscardo.

That's according to the Standard, which claims the Corinthians midfielder is also attracting interest from Liverpool and Barcelona.

Moscardo is a Brazil U23 international and made 16 appearances in the Brazilian top-flight this season.

"Chelsea had an £18m bid for him rejected in the summer but are set to revisit a move in January," the outlet writes.

"Corinthians will wait until after their presidential elections on November 25 before they discuss any potential deal.

"The Brazilian season finishes in December and Moscardo then looks set to be on the move.

"Chelsea have moved to sign some of the best young talent in the world and Moscardo is viewed as one of the hottest prospects in South America."

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.