Transfer gossip: Man Utd ‘issue’ could block key exit as Newcastle eye Arsenal, Chelsea stars
West Ham are looking to Bayer Leverkusen if Manchester United fail to shove Harry Maguire through the door in a timely manner, while Newcastle want to borrow a defender from either Arsenal or Chelsea…
MAGUIRE DIGGING IN AT MAN UTD
Manchester United are hardly being subtle in their attempt to usher Harry Maguire towards the exit. The England defender has been stripped of the captaincy and the armband hasn’t been near his bicep, even in pre-season when he had to walk out behind Tom Heaton. In United’s Premier League opener, a barely deserved win over Wolves, Maguire was left on the bench and when Erik ten Hag needed a replacement centre-back, he turned to Victor Lindelof to take the place of walking red card, Lisandro Martinez.
United would happily send Maguire on his way with his bus fare to West Ham after the Hammers agreed to pay £30million for the 30-year-old. But time is running out for the Red Devils to park the world’s most-expensive defender at the London Stadium.
The Telegraph says West Ham are losing patience with Maguire while the defender drags out his exit over ‘an issue’ with United. Most likely the size of his pay-out. It was said that the Red Devils may have to pack off the defender with a £10million pay-off, but some reports suggest Maguire feels he is owed as much as £15million.
The Guardian suggests the Hammers are looking for alternatives at Bayer Leverkusen, with both Germany international Jonathan Tah or Ivory Coast’s Odilon Kossounou being eyed.
West Ham have already strengthened their midfield with the signings of Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse, but Talksport says they fancy their chances of landing Mohammed Kudus from Ajax if Manchester City stump up the cash to take Lucas Paqueta.
NEWCASTLE EYE ARSENAL, CHELSEA OUTCASTS
Eddie Howe has spoken of his desire for one more signing this summer, most likely a left-back. But the Newcastle boss may have to wheel and deal if he is to land either of his top targets.
The Magpies have been keen on Kieran Tierney, who has been squeezed out of the picture at Arsenal. The Gunners are open to recouping around £30million for the Scotland international after their summer spending, but Newcastle want them to believe that they can only afford to borrow Tierney. The Chronicle says the two clubs are talking but if Arsenal don’t fall for it – they are already reluctant to strengthen a potential rival – then Newcastle could turn to Chelsea instead.
The Telegraph says the Toon will make a similar play for Marc Cucurella but they will face a similar problem. Chelsea want some money back on the left-back they signed for £62million only a year ago.
BAYERN BACK FOR DE GEA
It was thought that David de Gea might finally get his move to Real Madrid. But, instead, the Spaniards opted to borrow Kepa from Chelsea to fill Thibaut Courtois’ gloves while the Belgium No.1 recovers from a knee injury that will keep him out for most of the season.
Still, De Gea could yet find himself keeping goal for another of Europe’s biggest hitters. Sport1 says Bayern Munich are hot on the ex-Man Utd stopper’s trail after they lost out to Real in the race for Kepa.
Bayern are looking for an experienced keeper with Manuel Neuer still recovering from a broken leg, while Yann Sommer has been sold to Inter Milan to replace De Gea’s successor at Old Trafford Andre Onana.
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