Manchester United weighing up shock move for Ross Barkley, Casemiro could return to Real Madrid - Paper Round

Ross Barkley has emerged as a shock target for Manchester United, claims a report.

Barkley, 30, has been in top form for Luton Town this season and his performances have reportedly caught the interest of United.

An article in The Sun reads: “Manchester United’s new regime are lining up a shock move for Luton star Ross Barkley.

“United supremo Sir Jim Ratcliffe and sidekick Sir David Brailsford are huge fans of born-again Barkley who they took to their other club Nice in France.

“Barkley’s dazzling form for the Hatters has put him on the wanted list at Old Trafford as a surprise and cheap capture.

“Barkley could leave Luton if they go down. And despite his contract being complex there may be a way of signing him for a low fee.

“United, who lost 2-1 to Fulham on Saturday, are looking to strengthen in midfield. And out-of-form Casemiro is set to leave if they can find a buyer. Sofyan Amrabat will also not be kept on when his loan from Fiorentina ends.”

Manchester United pair Raphael Varane and Casemiro could make a return to Real Madrid, according to a report.

Varane, 30, left for Old Trafford in a £41 million switch in 2021, while Casemiro followed him a year later for £70m.

"Real Madrid are planning a shock double swoop for Manchester United stars Raphael Varane and Casemiro, according to reports," states The Sun.

"Both have supposedly been put up for sale by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Ineos are desperate to recoup some of the cash they spent on them to fund their own spending.

"Varane and Casemiro are both among the club's top earners. And according to a shock report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Real Madrid are analysing whether they should re-sign the duo.

"Their experience at the club is considered valuable to manager Carlo Ancelotti. But Real Madrid could face competition from Saudi Arabian clubs in the race to sign Varane and Casemiro."

Bayern Munich are reportedly willing to quadruple Xabi Alonso's salary to persuade him to become the club's new manager.

Alonso - who is also wanted by Liverpool - has guided Bayer Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga table with 19 wins and four draws from 23 matches.

They famously beat Bayern 3-0 to pile pressure on Thomas Tuchel and last week the Bavarians announced the German would be leaving the club at the end of the season.

"Bayern Munich are prepared to break the bank to beat Liverpool to Xabi Alonso," an article in the Mirror reads.

"The Bavarian giants are ready to hand Alonso a staggering £20 million-a-year salary to leave shock runaway Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen in the summer after announcing that Thomas Tuchel will be stepping down as coach at the end of the season.

"That would make Alonso the highest-paid boss in Bundesliga history - and give him parity with the Premier League ’s top-earning manager Pep Guardiola.

"And although the 42-year-old Spaniard is unlikely to make money his No. 1 priority, the huge financial package on offer at Bayern will crank up the pressure on Liverpool as they search for a successor for Jurgen Klopp.

"Klopp, who will leave Anfield at the end of the season, is paid around £15 million-a-year. Alonso is viewed by many at Liverpool as a perfect fit.

"The Spaniard earns around £5 milliion at Leverkusen. That’s half of what Tuchel is paid in Munich when bonuses are factored in. He played for Liverpool and under Guardiola at Bayern during a glittering playing career that also saw him star for Real Madrid."

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