Real Madrid track Bruno Guimaraes and Trent Alexander-Arnold as transfer targets - Paper Round

The Sun reports that Real Madrid are the latest club to take a look at Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

The Premier League side are looking to balance the books and could raise £100 million from any sale.

“The 26-year-old Brazilian midfielder moved to St. James’ Park in January 2022 for £35m and has become one of Europe’s most sought-after players,” the paper explains.

“The former Lyon ace has scored 13 goals and assisted another 13 in 96 appearances for the Magpies.

“And we revealed earlier this month how Guimaraes is now attracting interest from a host of teams across the continent.

“He remains under contract with Newcastle until 2028 after signing an extension earlier this season.

“However, that deal reportedly includes a £100m release clause on the star’s own insistence.

“The Magpies are also looking at the prospect of having to offload a star name in order to help them remain on the right side of Premier League spending rules.”

Another player who could end up at Real Madrid is Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, according to The Express.

The England international is out of contract at the end of next season, leading to speculation about his future.

The paper writes: “Alexander-Arnold has been one of the shining lights of the mega-successful Jurgen Klopp reign. The 25-year-old has been one of the Premier League's chief creators over the last five years despite spending most of his Liverpool career at right-back.

“He penned his latest Liverpool contract in 2021, a four-year agreement that has cemented him as one of the club's key players. But reports suggest that there have been no discussions over extending his stay with his boyhood team.

“Liverpool haven't shown any interest in selling the player, but Madrid might see an opportunity if no talks happen before next season starts. If no extension is signed by January 2025, Alexander-Arnold can start discussing a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club.

“Spanish giants Real Madrid have been keeping tabs on the supposed lack of progress on a new deal. Liverpool have not indicated any desire to sell the player but Los Blancos might fancy their chances if no negotiations take place between now and the start of next season.”

Leicester City’s potential relegation battle after being charged with allegedly breaking spending rules means that they may have to sell players to raise funds.

The Mirror believes that Manchester United could step in for Leicester City midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

The paper writes: “The 25-year-old has been a standout performer in the Championship this season with Leicester eyeing an instant return to the top-flight. Enzo Maresca's side were in a commanding position and clear at the summit, but a run of one win across their last five matches has seen the chasing pack close in.

“But Leicester might be forced to sell players, even if they are promoted. This is where United could take advantage as the club are reportedly interested in signing Dewsbury-Hall.

“Brighton wanted to sign Dewsbury-Hall in January and supposedly had a £20million bid rejected by Leicester, who were asking for an offer in the region of £45m. If the Foxes are promoted, it's said that they will want around £40m - the same fee Tottenham paid to sign James Maddison last summer.

“But should the Foxes stay in the Championship, then the asking price for Dewsbury-Hall could drop to as low as £25m, which could prove to be a bargain.”

The Athletic reports that Barcelona president Joan Laporta will not look for a replacement for manager Xavi Hernandez yet.

The manager had announced his intention to leave the club this summer but a recent improvement in form has led to speculation he could stay on.

The website reports: “Barcelona president Joan Laporta wants Xavi to stay on as head coach and won’t pursue other options until he makes his ‘final decision’.

“Former midfielder Xavi, 44, made public his intention to leave the club at the end of the season earlier this year.

“Speculation has persisted that he may change his mind, however, with suggestions only growing stronger in recent weeks amid an upturn in form.

“Laporta has been consistent in wanting the former club captain to stay and has communicated that position to Xavi himself.”

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