Man Utd opt against Karim Benzema pursuit, PSG eye £100m Bruno Guimaraes transfer from Newcastle – Paper Round
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Updated 16/01/2024 at 08:15 GMT
Tuesday’s Paper Round leads on Manchester United, who will not attempt to sign Karim Benzema in January but are after a striker of Harry Kane’s level – if Sir Jim Ratcliffe gets his way. Elsewhere, Paris Saint-Germain are closely monitoring Newcastle’s financial concerns, while Chelsea want clubs to pay the full release clause for a defender currently on loan at Dortmund.
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Man Utd won’t pursue Benzema
Manchester United have opted against trying to sign Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad in the January transfer window, the Mirror reports. United are looking for reinforcements up front after a difficult season so far in front of goal, having scored half as many Premier League goals (24) as Manchester City (48).
In total, only three teams have scored fewer goals (Crystal Palace 22, Burnley 21, Sheffield United 15), but they will not seed out former Real Madrid striker Benzema due to his age and wage demands.
The Mirror adds: “Benzema only joined Saudi Pro-League side Al-Ittihad six months ago, after bringing to an end his glittering 14-year spell at Real. But the former France striker has fallen out with manager Marcelo Gallardo, after he failed to report for the team's pre-season training camp.
“Benzema, who scored 12 goals in 20 appearances for Al-Ittihad, is now facing an uncertain future, but is understood to be keen on returning to Europe.
“Chelsea and Arsenal are also in the market for a striker, but it remains to be seen if either are willing to consider offering Benzema an escape route from Saudi.”
Ratcliffe wants a striker like Kane
Staying with Manchester United, the Standard reports Sir Jim Ratcliffe – who expects his deal to buy a 25 per cent stake in the club to be ratified next month – is eager to sign a striker of Harry Kane’s quality.
The report claims a new striker is a priority for Ratcliffe, with a new midfield, centre-back and right-back also wanted.
The Standard adds: “Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise has been identified by United as a key transfer target ahead of a planned overhaul of their squad at the end of the season.
“At centre-back, Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite and Nice's Jean Clair Todibo are admired, although many Premier League clubs are also targeting the defensive duo.”
PSG eye £100m Guimaraes
Paris Saint-Germain could consider a move for Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes if the Premier League club find they need to sell star players to ease financial concerns and better balance their squad, the Daily Mail reports. Newcastle chief executive Darren Eales last week spoke of the need to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules that led to Everton and Nottingham Forest being charged on Monday.
As a result, selling players could benefit Newcastle in the long term, and so they may be willing to offload Guimaraes – who has a £100m release clause.
The Mail adds: “Other players could yet be moved on as they need the financial freedom to obtain targets such as Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips.
“The England midfielder has interest from Crystal Palace and Fulham among others. Juventus, who have considered Jordan Henderson, have gone cool and the opportunity would have been ideal for Newcastle if they can find room for manoeuvre with sales.”
Chelsea want full £35m for Maatsen
Chelsea want £35m for Ian Maatsen should he be sold in the summer, the Standard reports. The 21-year-old defender is currently on loan at Borussia Dortmund but also signed a new contract extension until 2026 with Chelsea when doing so.
The Blues therefore went any club to meet his £35m release clause, although Dortmund will not have first refusal.
The Standard writes: “They expect Maatsen's loan move to Dortmund will help increase his value by playing more matches and hope to bank the full £35m, with that release clause becoming active in the summer.
“Dortmund have no first refusal on Maatsen, and there is no option in the loan deal to make the move a permanent one at the end of the season.”
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