Manchester United are still hopeful of snatching a Bayern Munich star despite the German giants trying to secure a fresh contract for the striker, while Thursday’s Euro Paper Talk reveals that Tottenham and Everton are fighting AC Milan to land a talented Lecce midfielder.
UNITED TESTING BAYERN RESOLVE WITH STRIKER MOVE
Manchester United reportedly remain hopeful of signing Bayern Munich forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting during the January transfer window.
Erik ten Hag is currently working on bringing a new forward to the club after Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit left them a striker light in their bid to secure a top-four finish.
The Red Devils were first tipped to make a move for the 33-year-old towards the end of 2022, as reported by German journalist Florian Plettenberg at the time.
He claims that while Bayern are pushing the player to sign a new contract, United are pushing even harder to secure a potential January deal.
“News Choupo-Moting: First meeting about a new contract between [Hasan] Salihamidzic, Neppe, Choupos’ father & his agent today. Good talks but no fast decision. He doesn’t want to be the backup next season. Clubs like #MUFC still pushing for a transfer in winter,” read a tweet from the journalist.
Choupo-Moting has been in impressive form for Bayern during the current campaign, scoring 11 goals and adding three assists in 16 appearances in all competitions.
Since arriving at the Allianz Arena from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020, the former Stoke forward has notched a total of 29 goals and added nine assists in 74 appearances for Bayern.
The Cameroon star was also in action at the World Cup in Qatar, scoring once in three games as his country crashed out at the group stage.
Bayern star has Premier League experience
Choupo-Moting also has previous Premier League experience, having played for Stoke during the 2017-18 campaign. He had 10 goal involvements in 32 appearances for the Potters during that season.
The experienced frontman’s current deal at the Allianz Arena is due to expire at the end of June. To that end, United can hold talks over a pre-contract deal in January or try and sign Choupo-Moting for a bargain fee this month.
The latter would certainly suit Ten Hag more, given he only has Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford to call on as central striking options.
An injury to either of those players, particularly the in-form Rashford, could derail United’s season if an adequate alternative is not secured in the winter window.
SPURS, EVERTON CHASING MIDFIELD TALENT
Tottenham and Everton are firmly in the mix to sign talented Lecce midfielder Joan Gonzalez, although they will have to fight off interest from AC Milan. (Calciomercato)
All documents have been finally signed for Benoît Badiashile to become a Chelsea player. The official statement is the next step. (Fabrizio Romano)
Real Madrid’s bid to land Liverpool, Man Utd and Man City target Jude Bellingham is “on track”. (Marca)
Antonio Conte has identified Barcelona’s Franck Kessie as Tottenham’s top midfield target for the January window. (La Repubblica)
Soon-to-be free agent N’Golo Kante, 31, wants to continue his career at Barcelona. (Sport)
VILLA GETTING SERIOUS IN McKENNIE CHASE
Aston Villa are ‘trying to get serious’ in their bid to sign Juventus midfielder and Tottenham target Weston McKennie. (InterLive.it)
Daley Blind is set to undergo medical with Bayern Munich ahead of completing a proposed move as a free agent. (The Athletic)
Liverpool midfield target Ismael Bennacer is proving himself to be irreplaceable for Stefano Pioli’s AC Milan. To that end, the club are now preparing for a new round of contract talks with his agent. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)
Roma are working to try and agree a new deal with 33-year-old centre-back Chris Smalling, amid interest from Chris Smalling. (Il Messaggero)
Newcastle officials are ‘seriously contemplating’ signing Real Valladolid’s Ivan Fresneda. (Guillermo Rai)
MORE EURO TRANSFER GOSSIP
Barcelona are tired of waiting for Ansu Fati to hit form and could explore a loan deal for the injury-plagued 20-year-old.
PSG centre-back Sergio Ramos is the latest player to be added to Al Nassr’s radar. (CBS)
Leicester are in talks over a £6 million deal for Denmark U21 international Victor Kristiansen.
Newcastle’s Garang Kuol is in Edinburgh today for talks over a loan-move to Hearts. (Sky Sports)
Ajax are in talks with Villarreal to sign keeper Geronimo Rulli for a minimum of €10m. (Javi Mata)
