Homesick Cole Palmer open to Manchester United transfer from Chelsea amid Bruno Fernandes uncertainty – Paper Round
Tuesday’s Paper Round leads on Cole Palmer, who is reportedly open to leaving Chelsea and sign for the club he supported as a boy: Manchester United. Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest are keen on adding Jean-Philippe Mateta from Aston Villa this January transfer window, Liverpool are no longer willing to sell Andy Robertson amid Tottenham’s interest, and Lucas Paqueta is close to leaving West Ham.
Palmer open to Man Utd move amid Fernandes uncertainty
Cole Palmer is open to the possibility of joining Manchester United with the Chelsea star currently unsettled in London after two-and-a-half years, The Sun reports.
Palmer, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City, is from Manchester and supported United as a boy – and he is said to miss his hometown of Wythenshawe, where he frequently returns to see family and friends.
The Sun adds: “United director of football Jason Wilcox was the academy head at City when Palmer was breaking through. Wilcox expressed his belief that one of the City academy graduates could go on and win the Ballon d’Or.
“Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada, previously the chief operating officer at City, will oversee recruitment at United again this summer.
“Palmer is a left-footed playmaker and United already have several No. 10s, with two left-footers in Amad and Bryan Mbeumo. Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha arrived in the summer.
“However, there is uncertainty over the long-term future of captain Bruno Fernandes, who has indicated he could leave after the World Cup.”
Forest want Mateta
Nottingham Forest are hopeful of signing Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace before the window closes but are aware that the recent history between the two clubs could prevent them from doing so, The Telegraph reports.
Palace want £35 million for the France striker, with the 28-year-old eager to leave amid interest from Aston Villa and Juventus.
The Telegraph adds: “It would certainly be a surprise if Palace sanctioned a move for Mateta to join Forest, given they are only three points below them in the Premier League table, in 17th place, and could still draw them into the relegation battle.
“There is also acrimony between Palace and Forest from last summer. Forest took Palace’s place in the Europa League after expressing their concerns to UEFA about the FA Cup winners’ ownership structure.
“Palace chairman Steve Parish suggested that Forest played their part in Palace being demoted – they subsequently lost their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport – adding: ‘If there wasn’t somebody that wanted to get in as a consequence, then there wouldn’t be a problem.’
“It may also be a surprise if Mateta is willing to join a club that is fighting relegation, given the others he has been linked to, but it appears that Forest are prepared to make him a highly lucrative offer.”
Robbo going nowhere – for now
Liverpool will no longer entertain the prospect of Andy Robertson joining Tottenham this window after pulling out of talks, the Guardian reports.
Robertson’s contract expires in the summer and so, despite the chance of getting a fee for the full-back, Liverpool have decided against selling the Scot as the club have no cover for him and Milos Kerkez at left-back.
The Guardian adds: “The club have decided against continuing negotiations over the Scotland captain, who turns 32 in March, after considering their options. Robertson had not asked for a move and Liverpool have no cover for him and Milos Kerkez at left-back.
“Robertson has started only four of his club’s 23 Premier League matches this season, having lost his place to Kerkez, but has been in the starting line-up for four of their seven Champions League fixtures, including against Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Inter.
“Liverpool’s vice-captain came off the bench for the start of the second half of Saturday’s defeat at Bournemouth, with Arne Slot saying Kerkez had been withdrawn because he was considered in the “red zone” – when players are at most risk of injury.”
Paqueta close to Flamengo move
Flamengo have verbally agreed a deal for West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta without loaning the midfielder back to The Hammers, the Guardian reports.
West Ham are expected to earn between £36-40m for the Brazil international, and are awaiting a formal offer.
The Guardian adds: “Paqueta has grown disillusioned with life in England since being accused of spot-fixing by the Football Association. He was cleared of the charges by an independent disciplinary commission last summer but has made it clear that he wants to leave West Ham during this transfer window. The former Lyon player has missed West Ham’s past three games. He is nursing a minor back injury.
“Nuno Espirito Santo, West Ham’s manager, has been saying he believes Paqueta will play for the club again but figures within West Ham concluded the best solution was to grant the 28-year-old his wish to go home. The Hammers, who are five points below 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, remain in talks with Fulham over a deal for Adama Traore.”
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