Manchester City’s Erling Haaland emerges as Barcelona’s ‘top target’, Manchester United eye West Ham star – Paper Round
Victor Font and Joan Laporta are set to go head-to-head in the battle to become Barcelona’s new president, and should the former win, Erling Haaland could be the Catalan giant’s top transfer target. Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid star and Arsenal target Julian Alvarez has opened up about his future in Spain, and Khadija Shaw could turn down Chelsea to sign a new contract at Manchester City.
Haaland is Barca’s ‘top target’
Erling Haaland will be Barcelona’s “top target” should Victor Font become the club’s next president, claims the Mirror.
Haaland signed a new deal with City last year which keeps him at the Etihad Stadium until 2034, but speculation about his future continues.
Barcelona’s club members will vote to choose between Font and Joan Laporta as their next president this Sunday, as reported by The Athletic.
“Erling Haaland was the subject of talks between Manchester City and would-be Barcelona chiefs on Wednesday,” states the Mirror.
“Victor Font, who’s aiming to become Barca’s next president, intends to make City striker Haaland his top target if he beats the incumbent Joan Laporta in Sunday’s election.
“Barcelona are looking to sign a striker this summer, with Robert Lewandowski on course to leave the La Liga champions when his contract expires in June. Haaland has long been touted as Laporta’s dream signing, but potential successor Font is looking to get ahead of his rival.
“Catalan outlet Sport reported that two members of Font’s team, Carles Planchart and Xavier Aguilar, held talks with City’s Ferran Soriano and Hugo Viana in Madrid, where City later lost their Champions League round-of-16 first leg 3-0 against Real. The two parties discussed a clause which would give Barcelona a preferential buy option on Haaland.
“Any deal this summer would be difficult, as Barca continue to be financially restrained and still haven’t completed their £1.25billion renovation of the Nou Camp. However, a member of Laporta’s board recently insisted that Barcelona are ‘ready’ to sign the likes of Haaland and Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.”
Man Utd scout Fernandes
West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes is on the radar of Manchester United this summer, it has been claimed.
The Red Devils are said to be in the market to boost their midfield, with Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton just some of the players being linked with a move to Old Trafford.
The Mirror claims United have also been looking at Fernandes.
The outlet writes: “Manchester United have reportedly been scouting West Ham star Mateus Fernandes ahead of a summer where they will overhaul their midfield.
“United are known to be scouring the market for midfielders and it seems that Fernandes has been added to their shortlist of options.
“talkSPORT notes they have scouted Fernandes, who will seek to leave West Ham if they are relegated.
“Fernandes only joined the Hammers in a £42million deal from Southampton in the summer following the Saints’ relegation from the Premier League.
“It seems that the 21-year-old has no appetite for playing in the Championship, having contributed three goals and three assists in 27 Premier League games this season.”
Shaw to extend Man City stay despite Chelsea interest
Khadija Shaw is set to extend her stay at Manchester City despite interest from Chelsea, according to The Guardian.
With 15 goals so far this term, Shaw is on course to win the Women’s Super League Golden Boot for the third consecutive season.
The Guardian states: “Talks between City and the Jamaica striker are understood to have progressed positively in recent weeks and, although the fine details of an extension are being worked on and nothing has been signed, there is confidence that she will stay with the league leaders.
“Her irrepressible form means there has been plenty of interest, and the Times reported on Wednesday that Chelsea were eyeing up Shaw, but multiple sources have said Shaw and City are progressing well towards a new deal.
“Renewing the 29-year-old’s deal has been a high priority for City. She has been their star player again this season and has been integral to their eight-point lead at the top of the table. She will be among the heavy favourites to be the WSL’s player of the season.”
Alvarez refuses to rule out Atleti exit
The Mirror carries quotes from Arsenal target Julian Alvarez who has refused to rule out a departure from Atletico Madrid.
The former Manchester City forward has been linked with a return to the Premier League, as well as a move to La Liga rivals Barcelona.
The outlet writes: “Alcaraz has insisted he is happy at Atletico Madrid for now. However, the Argentina striker, who has been linked with Arsenal and Barcelona, has refused to rule out a move in the future.
“‘I don’t know, I don’t know, but maybe yes, maybe no. You never know,” the former City star said. ‘But I’m very happy here. You ask me a question that will end up all over the place, but I’m happy.
“‘I’m thinking about the day-to-day, I’m working to improve, to give my best here, I never said anything bad about the club, I’m very grateful, the people also showed me their affection, so I’m very happy.'”
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