Ange Postecoglou could replace Erik ten Hag at Bayer Leverkusen, Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo attracted Tottenham interest – Paper Round
Just months after delivering Tottenham their first trophy for 17 years, Ange Postecoglou could make a return to management – replacing Erik ten Hag at Bayer Leverkusen. Elsewhere, Kobbie Mainoo was wanted by both Manchester United’s Premier League rivals Tottenham and Serie A champions Napoli, while The Red Devils and Manchester City are closing in on a swap deal described as “unprecedented”.
Leverkusen could move for Postecoglou
Ange Postecoglou could replace Erik ten Hag as Bayer Leverkusen manager, claims a report in The Sun.
Former Manchester United manager Ten Hag was dismissed as Leverkusen boss just two games into his tenure.
And just months after leading Tottenham to UEFA Europa League glory, Postecoglou could be back in management, with Fenerbahce also interested.
“Ange Postecoglou is being lined up for a return to football just months after being sacked by Tottenham,” reads the article.
“The Aussie ace was ditched by Spurs after leading them to glory in the Europa League against Manchester United.
“Postecoglou was replaced by Thomas Frank, who left Brentford for the north London role.
“But Ange could be back in the dugout after the international break.
“Fabrizio Romano claims he is wanted by Bayer Leverkusen, who sacked former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag just two games into the new Bundesliga season.
“However, Postecoglou could have his choice of clubs. That’s because Fenerbahce are also interested following Jose Mourinho’s exit.”
Spurs and Napoli wanted Mainoo
Tottenham and Serie A champions Napoli were just two of several clubs interested in taking Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo on loan, reveals the Daily Mail.
The 20-year-old has reportedly become frustrated with a lack of game time so far this season, having sat out the club’s opening two Premier League matches.
“Kobbie Mainoo didn’t get the loan he wanted before Monday’s transfer deadline, but there was no shortage of interest in the United midfielder,” states the outlet.
“Napoli were leading the chase for Mainoo in the hope of reuniting him with Scott McTominay in Serie A, and Roma, Marseille, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Everton were among the other clubs who enquired.
“United wanted the 20-year-old to stay and fight for his place, and there was little chance of the club sanctioning a move after Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount were injured in the win over Burnley.
“Mainoo played the second half after Bruno Fernandes advanced into a No.10 role, and that could be Ruben Amorim’s chosen formation while Cunha and Mount are out of action.
“It remains to be seen if Mainoo and United can get contract talks back on track after Confidential first revealed in January that negotiations had reached stalemate and he could be sold to help United comply with PSR rules.
“Although a verbal agreement was reached the following month, the contract has not been formally presented to the player or his representatives.”
City and United close to WSL swap deal
Manchester United and Manchester City are on the verge of an extraordinary swap deal, according to various reports.
Grace Clinton will move to City while Jess Park is going the other way, in a move The Times is calling “unprecedented”.
The Women’s Super League transfer deadline closes on Thursday, ahead of the first games of the 2025/26 season this weekend.
The outlet states: “City have been targeting Clinton, 22, all summer and the inclusion of Park, 23, has helped them to close in on a deal with their local rivals. Park is understood to have had a medical with United on Wednesday.
“Lionesses such as Alex Greenwood and Nikita Parris have played for both Manchester clubs, but exchanging Clinton and Park would be unprecedented.
“The signings may be completed separately, rather than as an official swap deal, but the similar profile of the two players would make the moves clearly connected.
“The Times revealed City’s interest in Clinton last week, and while her likely departure means that United have lost one of England’s brightest talents, the arrival of Park would soften the blow.
“Both players were set to be out of contract next summer and had not signed a deal since 2022.”
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