Manchester United will go all out to sign a 119-striker to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, Tottenham fear the exit of a key man could also see Harry Kane quitting the club, while Monday’s Transfer Gossip has details of Liverpool keeping a close eye on a top Chelsea target.
TAMMY ABRAHAM ON MAN UTD SHOPPING LIST
Manchester United will turn their attentions to bringing Tammy Abraham back to the Premier League as they seek a long-term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 37-year-old superstar returned to Old Trafford in summer 2021 on an initial two-year deal. And despite personal success in front of goal, his time back at the club has not exactly gone to plan. Indeed, United’s failure to secure Champions League football this season led to strong speculation that Ronaldo wants out.
And while a number of clubs distanced themselves from his signature, rumours continue to swirl over his future. Indeed, Atletico Madrid were perhaps the strongest side linked, with Diego Simeone citing a Liverpool favourite as to why the move is unlikely.
However, United persuaded Ronaldo to stay, though the move is unlikely to be a long-term one. His deal expires next summer and while United do hold an option for another year, it seems highly unlikely they will take that up.
Instead, their 2023 transfer focus will turn to signing a replacement – and it seems Abraham is top of their list.
Abraham seen as top Man Utd target
Abraham carved out his reputation as a young striker with Chelsea. And his career has blossomed since moving to Roma in summer 2020. In his first season, he scored an excellent 27 goals in 53 games.
And while he only has two strikes to his name this time around, he remains one of the most feared in Serie A.
Now Calciomercato reports United are hot on the 119-goal striker’s trail in 2023.
The 25-year-old will reportedly become Erik ten Hag’s top target in the next two windows, with a summer deal more likely.
That is a view shared by journalist Simon Phillips, who told Givemesport: “I am told that Manchester United are keen on signing Abraham in the summer.”
HARRY KANE TALKS ON HOLD FOR TOTTENHAM
Harry Kane is refusing to engage in new deal talks with Tottenham for the time being, according to a report.
Kane’s deal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium expires in summer 2024 and Spurs are, understandably, keen to tie him to an extension.
Indeed, rumours in recent weeks have indicated Bayern Munich are looking to lure Kane to the Bundesliga next summer. And so loug have those rumours been, that the England captain broke his silence over them earlier this month.
However, efforts to begin dialogue with Kane over a new deal are proving harder than expected.
And as per Football Insider, his delay is in direct relation to the future of Antonio Conte.
They claim Kane has been impressed with the resurgence of the club under the Italian. He has led them back into the Champions League just months after arriving. And they are also celebrating their best start to a Premier League season, having taken 23 points from their opening 10 games.
However, persistent rumours suggest Conte could quit Spurs and return to Juventus next summer.
And were that to happen, it increases the prospects of Kane also quitting Tottenham.
Conte’s deal expires at the end of the 2023 season anyway and Spurs are looking to tie him to a new deal worth £20m a year. That would equate to a whopping £400,000 a week.
Those talks will intensify during the mid season break for the World Cup. And a positive outcome could well also see Spurs broker a new deal with Kane.
LIVERPOOL PLOT LATE SWOOP FOR CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU
Liverpool are keeping close tabs on Christopher Nkunku should his prospective move to Chelsea stall.
The France forward has become one of the world’s most in-demand stars at RB Leipzig, scoring an incredible 35 goals and 20 assists in 52 games last season.
That form has seen speculation over his future grow, though he extended his deal with the Bundesliga side over the summer.
Recent reports, though, claim Chelsea have a deal in place to bring Nkunku to Stamford Bridge in 2023. New owner Todd Boehly has shown money is no object when it comes to attracting the elite stars to Stamford Bridge.
Now it seems the Blues are ready to activate his release clause – set at an estimated £52m.
However, recent reports claim Nkunku has also come under Liverpool’s watch too. Per The Sun, they sent their top scout to watch him in Leipzig’s 2-0 Champions League win at Celtic last week.
That said, it does seem that Liverpool have missed the boat. A move to Chelsea looks well down the line, with the final decision likely to rest with new boss Graham Potter.
However, should they decide against it, the Reds look well placed to take advantage with Jurgen Klopp seemingly a big fan.