A French striker has prioritised joining Man Utd over two English rivals, though his club are experiencing a change of heart, while Newcastle have tabled a ‘very big offer’ for a Real Madrid regular – both in Sunday’s Transfer Gossip.
WORLD CUP FINALIST FAVOURS MAN UTD
A striker who could be available for a modest fee in the winter window favours Man Utd over any other English side, though what looked a straightforward sale has been complicated by his club, per a report.
It’s no secret Manchester United are seeking a new addition in their forward line this month.
PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo was heavily linked and despite being a left winger, is more than capable of leading the line. However, bitter rivals Liverpool hijacked the move and within a matter of hours, the Dutchman signed on the dotted line at Anfield.
Various outlets have reported Man Utd overspent in Erik ten Hag’s first window in charge. Antony’s deal was the biggest offender, with the ex-Ajax talisman ultimately costing £85m.
That’s thrown up the prospect of United settling for a short-term loan option as they push to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.
The alternative is a more modestly-priced permanent arrival. One player who fits the latter category would be Borussia Monchengladbach’s Marcus Thuram.
The 25-year-old made an impression in Qatar mainly off the bench for France. He earned his place in Didier Deschamps’ squad on the back of a fantastic campaign at club level where he’s notched 13 goals and four assists in 17 matches for Gladbach.
Thuram’s current deal in Germany expires next summer, leading many to believe the Bundesliga side would cash in in January.
However, despite holding a preference for Man Utd, German publication BILD report a deal is no longer a formality.
Monchengladbach have a change of heart
Firstly, they state Thuram is ready to spurn offers from Aston Villa and Newcastle in favour of joining Man Utd.
Thuram has narrowed his next move down to a dream shortlist of PSG, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Man Utd. Villa and Newcastle are seemingly not high profile enough for the lethal forward.
A January sale that would net Gladbach around €12m had been expected. However, via Sport Witness, it’s now claimed they’re having second thoughts.
That’s because Gladbach – who currently sit 8th in the Bundesliga – believe they can recoup the same type of money they’d get for selling Thuram if they qualify for next season’s Europa League. Naturally, Thuram leaving mid-season would greatly reduce their chances of finishing in the top six.
A January sale is thus deemed ‘quite senseless’, though that won’t stop the player from attempting to secure a dream move.
Of all the English suitors, it’s concluded Man Utd are the only ones at present who stand a chance of signing Thuram to begin 2023.
NEWCASTLE MAKE REAL MADRID PLAY
Newcastle are aiming to secure an eye-catching upgrade after launching an offer to sign Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy, per a report.
The 27-year-old was a surprise omission from Deschamps’ World Cup squad with France, though the left-back’s fortunes have fared far greater at club level.
Mendy was signed with a view to becoming Marcelo’s long-term successor back in 2019. He’s assumed the mantle since the legendary Brazilian moved on, starting 12 from a possible 15 in LaLiga this term and four from six in the Champions League.
However, speculation has begun to swirl over a collective of clubs seeking to prise Mendy away from the Bernabeu. Indeed, reports out of Spain put Man City in the mix just a few days ago.
Now, French outlet FootMercato add their take to the situation, claiming it’s actually Newcastle who are acting on their interest.
They report the Magpies have been ‘very interested’ for a while and are understood to have ‘made a very big offer’ to the Frenchman.
The wording of the piece suggests the offer is to the player and therefore centring around personal terms etc, rather than a bid to Real Madrid. PSG are also believed to be in the frame if Mendy is given the green light to leave Real.
Regardless, FootMercato state Real won’t entertain a mid-season sale, though the story could be different come the summer.
Eddie Howe’s side currently boast the Premier League’s meanest defence, though left-back is arguably where they’re weakest.
Dan Burn has superseded Matt Targett for much of the season, but it’s unquestionable a signing the calibre of Mendy would be a sizeable upgrade on both.
MAN CITY GET ‘HERE WE GO’ CONFIRMATION
Finally, Man City are poised to refresh their ranks by signing a rising talent out of Argentina, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The transfer guru gave City’s deal for Velez Sarsfield’s Maximo Perrone his signature ‘here we go’ confirmation late last night.
The 19-year-old is primarily a holding midfielder and will reportedly link up with Man City directly, as opposed to joining another club in City Group first.
Perrone will arrive in Manchester following the completion of the 2023 South American U-20 Championship. The tournament takes place between January 19 – February 12.
Man City will fork out ‘$8m plus taxes’ (approx. £6.6m prior to taxes) for the midfielder.
