Gossip: Man Utd, Newcastle get Dembele boost; Trippier deal
Ousmane Dembele looks set to leave Barcelona after all, but Newcastle’s first job is to buy three-quarters of a new back-four…
MAN UTD, NEWCASTLE TO POUNCE ON DEMBELE CHANCE
It appeared last week that Barcelona had found some common ground with Ousmane Dembele over a new contract. Now, two days before the winger is free to negotiate with foreign clubs, it seems a parting is more inevitable than ever.
According to Goal and other reports in Spain, talks between Barca and Dembele have broken down again, with the two parties ‘a long way apart’ in negotiations over a salary.
That has seen Matteo Moretto rehash the Manchester United and Newcastle links. Newcastle had reportedly made Dembele an eye-watering offer, while the Red Devils have held a long-term interest in the France winger who seems set to move as a free agent in the summer.
TOON READY TO REBUILD DEFENCE
It’s almost time for Newcastle to buy all the players…
The Telegraph says the Toon intend to complete a deal to sign Kieran Trippier next week, with a forward also on their wishlist amid concerns over Callum Wilson’s fitness. Fabrizio Romano repeats the Trippier line but adds that Atletico Madrid are still waiting for an official bid.
Apparently, in addition to a right-back, they also want a left-back and a centre-back, with Lille defender Sven Botman high on their list of targets.
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CHELSEA ASK ABOUT £50M-RATED MILAN STAR
Chelsea are also looking for a full-back in the wake of Ben Chilwell’s injury.
Yesterday, they were linked with three left-sided defenders, with a new name added to the list by Tuttosport.
This latest report suggests Chelsea have asked AC Milan about Theo Hernandez. But Milan won’t consider a sale for anything less than £50million.
CITY TO WAIT FOR A STRIKER WITH SCHICK ON LIST
With the title race done and dusted according to some people – Thomas Tuchel being one of them – there doesn’t seem a great hurry for Manchester City to sign a striker.
Indeed, ESPN says the Premier League leaders will wait until the summer to recruit a centre-forward, with Harry Kane and Erling Haaland among their targets, though Bild claims Borussia Dortmund are preparing one final attempt to persuade the Norwegian to stay.
Fichajes also links City with Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrick Schick, though Tottenham and West Ham are also keen on the striker who has notched 16 goals in 14 Bundesliga appearances so far this season.
NICE MOVE FOR LLORIS
Despite Hugo Lloris’ fine form, Tottenham appear no closer to securing a new deal for their skipper.
Lloris is out of contract at the end of the season and reports in France suggest he could return to Nice, where he began his career before joining Lyon, prior to moving to north London.
Dean Henderson has been mentioned as a possible replacement, with the Manchester United stand-in being forced to watch David De Gea rediscover some of his finest form.
But the Manchester Evening News says Henderson has been told to forget a move in January, with Ralf Rangnick insisting on keeping the England hopeful.
