As glamorous signings go, Manchester United’s latest target may not have the name of Memphis Depay, Ilkay Gundogan or Mats Hummels but he’s certainly got the potential.
Fulham’s Patrick Roberts is one of the hottest properties in the Championship and it’s understood that the Red Devils are currently front-runners for his signature.
The 18-year-old can play as a winger or second striker and is sought after by both Manchester United and Manchester City but, according to this morning’s Telegraph, Old Trafford looks like the most likely destination for England U19 international.
Fulham have offered the player a 600% wage increase in an attempt to keep him but United would obviously be able to offer even more plus a reported €14m transfer fee could sweeten the deal for the Cottagers.
Liverpool are reportedly looking at bringing in a trio of attackers this summer in their desperate pursuit of goals.
Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke, Burnley’s Danny Ings and PSV’s Memphis Depay are being targeted by the Reds as they look to rebound from an altogether underwhelming season in which they have struggled in front of goal.
The fact that Brendan Rodgers’ side will, in all likelihood, fail to qualify for the Champions League could be a significant stumbling block in their persuasion power and Manchester United would likely beat the Anfield club to Depay’s signature due to their place in Europe next season and the fact that Depay knows Louis van Gaal so well. (Daily Mail)
Liverpool are also looking at shoring up their midfield in the summer and have been linked with a move for West Ham’s Alex Song, who is on loan from Barcelona.
They will face stiff competition from Song’s former club Arsenal and a tug-of-war for the defensive midfielder between these two clubs is expected after the Cameroon international has highlighted his desire to stay in the Premier League.
The Daily Star quotes Song as saying: “I definitely want to stay here (in England). I don’t know (if I can sign a permanent deal at West Ham). I can’t say anything now because I want to focus on the rest of the season and then we will see.”
Chelsea are also focusing their gaze on a holding midfielder with the Premier League leaders taking their pursuit of Marseille’s Giannelli Imbula up a notch.
Jose Mourinho is reported to be seeking a deep-lying midfielder to accompany Nemanja Matic when The Special One is trying to Mourinho his way to 1-0 victories and Imbula fits the bill.
The Blues’ first choice is Morgan Schneiderlin but Imbula is an alternative if a deal for the Southampton man falls through.
The Sun report that Chelsea are willing to offer Marseille €28m for the 22-year-old.
Imbula could be used as a replacement for John Obi Mikel who is supposedly a target for Real Madrid.
Metro report that Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is keen on a reunion with the Nigerian international with whom he worked for two years at Stamford Bridge.
Mikel has struggled with playing time this season, with just 12 appearances in the league this season so a move to the Bernabeu could be welcomed by the 28-year-old.
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