Manchester United line up Sofyan Amrabat replacement and two more signings in January - Paper Round
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Updated 30/11/2023 at 08:35 GMT
Manchester United are reportedly already thinking of replacing Sofyan Amrabat, and may also sign a defender and a striker in January. Elsewhere, Al Ittihad have responded to the failure to sign Mohamed Salah by looking for a new sporting director, while Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain battle for Gabriel Moscardo. Victor Osimhen's agent was rumoured to be meeting Real Madrid representatives.
Sofyan Amrabat of Manchester United warms up prior to the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.
Image credit: Getty Images
Manchester United planning on new midfielder
Sofyan Amrabat has failed to impress at Manchester United and the Mirror reports that there are already plans to bring in his replacement in January.
The Moroccan international has not met expectations, and there could also be moves for a defender and a striker.
“Manchester United's recruitment team are planning to sign a new holding midfielder in January to replace Sofyan Amrabat,” the paper explains.
“The Morocco international, 27, was signed on a season-long loan from Fiorentina on deadline day. United paid £8.5million up front for the midfielder and can sign him on a permanent deal for £21.5m at the end of the season, taking the total deal up to £30m.
‘Yet United are unlikely to activate that clause. Amrabat is struggling to nail down a spot in the starting XI and has played just 18 minutes of Premier League football in November. Teenager Kobbie Mainoo was selected ahead of him against Everton last Sunday.
“Yet the move hasn't worked out as hoped, and Amrabat will need to turn things around quickly if he's to secure a permanent move to Old Trafford. It's believed United are also interested in signing a central midfielder, a centre-back and a striker.”
Al Ittihad consider transfer guru move
The Daily Mail believes that Al Ittihad could move for a new sport director, Julian Ward who used to work at Liverpool, after failing to land Mo Salah in the summer.
Bringing him in could help them give new coach Marcelo Gallardo a more competitive squad.
“Former Liverpool sport director Julian Ward has emerged as a target for Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad," the paper explains.
“The Jeddah-based club, who failed with a £150million bid to sign Liverpool striker Mo Salah in August, want a skilled sporting director to aid their recruitment and support new head coach Marcelo Gallardo.
“The 42-year old Ward shocked Liverpool last year by announcing he would be stepping down from his role at the end of last season just months after replacing the revered Michael Edwards.
“Ward continued to help bring in new signings and was key to landing the likes of World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton in the summer.
“He was replaced on a short-term basis by experienced German Jorg Schmadtke and Liverpool are weighing up another appointment for the New Year.”
PSG set to beat Chelsea to teenager
The Evening Standard believes that Chelsea will miss out on Corinthians teenage midfielder Gabriel Moscardo.
Instead, the 18-year-old looks likely to make a switch to Paris Saint-Germain, because the player is worried he will struggle for first-team action.
“Paris Saint-Germain are now favourites to beat Chelsea in the race to sign Corinthians midfielder Gabriel Moscardo,” the paper reveals.
“The 18-year-old Brazilian was the subject of a summer approach from the Blues, who regard him among the best young players in the world in his position.
“But Chelsea now face missing out on Moscardo after PSG made their move. PSG director Luis Campos is due in Brazil this weekend in an attempt to tie up a potential £21million deal.
“PSG's approach comes amid late trepidation from Moscardo about Chelsea's current midfield options.”
Osimhen agent travels to Real
The Sun reports that Victor Osimhen’s agent came to Madrid while the Napoli forward was playing in the Champions League match against Real Madrid.
That has led to speculation that the agent was there to discuss a potential move for the striker.
“Victor Osimhen was joined by his agent in Madrid for Napoli's Champions League clash,” the paper states.
“The striker's future in Italy remains in doubt amid a row with the club but he travelled to Spain for tomorrow's group stage match.
“Osimhen, 24, was captured taking in the Bernabeu stadium all on his own, joined by none of his team-mates.
“And Spanish reports suggest the Nigerian's agent, Roberto Calenda, has jetted in too for transfer talks with Los Blancos after the game.
“And that would come as a huge blow to suitors Chelsea.”
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