Transfer gossip: Pavard problem for Man Utd; Chelsea, Spurs eye Newcastle star
Man Utd and Chelsea are keen on Benjamin Pavard – but there’s a problem, despite Bayern’s willingness to sell. And Barca could turn to City if Jules Kounde chooses Chelsea…
CHELSEA, SPURS EYE ASM
We are a fortnight away from the start of a make-or-break season for Allan Saint-Maximin at Newcastle. Assuming he stays at St James’ Park…
It’s possible he might not since a few clubs are sniffing around the French flier. The Athletic says Chelsea and Tottenham have made ‘tentative enquiries’ over Saint-Maximin’s status in the hope of landing the winger on the cheap.
A few European sides have also put the feelers out, and Newcastle might be receptive to offers. But only if they are worth at least £40million.
The Magpies have also been looking to bag themselves a bargain in Jack Harrison. Football Insider says the Toon made a bid of £18million which, unsurprisingly, was rejected by Leeds.
The top 20 biggest transfers in Europe in the 2022 summer transfer window
CITY OFFERED BENFICA FULL-BACK AS CUCURELLA CONTINGENCY
Manchester City aren’t all that keen either on paying the asking price for Marc Cucurella. Brighton want £50million for the player of the year; City reckon he’s worth £30million.
The champions are attempting to squeeze the Seagulls by insisting they are not prepared to enter a negotiation and if their demands aren’t lowered, Pep Guardiola will shop elsewhere for a left-back.
It won’t be David Raum because the Hoffenheim defender looks set to join RB Leipzig. But the Independent says City have been offered the chance to take Alejandro Grimaldo from Benfica.
UNITED, BLUES TRACK BAYERN DEFENDER
Manchester United are also on the look out for a full-back for their right flank. And Benjamin Pavard’s name has cropped up in recent days.
The France international is set to be made available by Bayern Munich, and L’Equipe says United and Chelsea are interested.
One problem: Pavard fancies playing as a centre-back, which would likely scupper any possible United move since they have already moved to strengthen the heart of their defence by signing Lisandro Martinez.
KOUNDE TRAVELS WITH SEVILLA WHILE WAITING FOR BARCA
Chelsea have finally agreed to cough up for Jules Kounde. But rather than head for a medical with the Blues, the centre-back has joined Sevilla on their pre-season trip to Portugal.
A fee in the region of £55million had been agreed between the Spaniards and Chelsea, but Kounde could be playing for time by training with his current club.
Because Sport says Barcelona are making one final effort to land the defender, despite acknowledging that they can’t match Chelsea’s offer. So it seems they are coppering up or searching for trinkets to sell to raise an acceptable amount, while Kounde sits tight.
Apparently, the player would be content with either move, but Barca will need him to be firm about his intention to move to the Nou Camp if they are to pull off a third big-money signing of the summer.
If they can’t then Fichajes says they will make a play for Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte.
