Gossip: Man United target move for Swedish striker

Matt Stead

UNITED WANT SOMEONE
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is presumably a little lonely at Manchester United. It is the only explanation for them scouting a striker playing for a club currently bottom of the Swedish top flight.

The claim comes from Aftonbladet, who report that United have monitored Falkenbergs striker Jesper Karlsson for some time. What’s more, the Swedish side would consider selling him, were the offer appropriate.

They even have quotes. First is the club’s director of football, Hakan Nilsson, who said, of United’s supposed scouting: “It’s a possibility they have expressed an interest. Just like a number of other major clubs.”

And the striker himself has spoken, too. “Of course it’s fun, but I cannot do anything more than just go out, do my best and perform. If they check and they think I’m good, that’s just a plus.”

Lovely. The 18-year-old has made 27 league appearances and scored eight goals this season. So there.

 

 

BOLD FONTE
If you couldn’t tell, it’s not the greatest gossip ever. We only have one other story, but it does at least involve a player you’ve probably heard of.

Jose Fonte was a reported Manchester United target in the summer, but a move to Old Trafford never materialised. Jose Mourinho was a supposed fan of his compatriot, but eventually settled for his current options of Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling, Daley Blind and a broken Phil Jones.

The Southampton centre-half, for his part, remained loyal to the cause at St Mary’s. He was presumably coming to terms with being the only man to win the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and the European Championship.

But the 32-year-old seems a little dissatisfied with his stock at Southampton. His contract expires in 2018, and he is hoping for a new deal.

“There’s nothing on the table, so I’m waiting,” he said. “I’ll see what happens. I’m just focusing on performing above all and we’ll see what happens.

“We haven’t agreed anything, so it’s just talks.”

 

AND THE REST
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