Manchester United enter Ousmane Diomande race, Liverpool make key January decision on defender – Paper Round
Thursday’s Paper Round leads on Manchester United, who are said to have joined the race to sign the highly rated defender Ousmane Diomande from Sporting. Elsewhere, Liverpool have made a key decision on a January defensive target, while La Liga champions Barcelona are being linked with a teenage sensation currently starring with The Red Devils after a recent hat-trick against Liverpool.
Man Utd interested in Diomande
Manchester United are one of three Premier League clubs interested in signing Ousmane Diomande from Sporting, according to a report.
The highly rated defender, 21, has a £70 million release clause and is said to be on the radar of Crystal Palace – seeking a replacement for the outgoing Marc Guehi – and Newcastle.
Diomande was a crucial part of Sporting’s defence last term as they regained the Primeira Liga title, making 31 appearances.
Metro, citing Portuguese outlet A Bola, writes: “Manchester United are closely monitoring Ousmane Diomande’s situation at Sporting, with the defender’s talks over a new contract reportedly at an impasse.
“Having entered into the final 18 months of his contract with Sporting, speculation has been mounting that this season could be Diomande’s last in Lisbon.
“According to A Bola, Sporting’s hierarchy have been doing everything in their power to tie Diomande down with an extension, but there has been resistance from the defender and his camp – and there is no sign of any progress at this stage.
“The Portuguese champions have been hoping to renew Diomande’s contract to 2030 and would be prepared to offer the centre-half a significant improvement on his current €400,000-a-year (£350,000-a-year) wages.
“Diomande has a €80 million (£70m) release clause at the Estadio Jose Alvalade and the report claims there are ‘many interested parties in England’.
“The Ivory Coast international is on the radar of both Manchester United and Newcastle and has been for some time. Crystal Palace are also said to be ‘very attentive’ to Diomande’s situation.”
Reds opt out of Schlotterbeck deal
Liverpool will not pursue a deal for Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck this January.
The Reds had been linked with a move for the 26-year-old, who is reportedly unsettled at Dortmund.
Arne Slot’s side missed out on the signing of Crystal Palace and England defender Guehi in the summer after the deal collapsed on deadline day.
“Liverpool have backed out of their plans to go after Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck who was a potential January target,” states the Mirror.
“The German is thought to be on a list of players on the club’s radar but, for now, the Reds will not move for him. Schlotterbeck is being tipped for a move given his contract expires next season and the Bundesliga outfit may be keen to recoup some kind of fee.
“Bild is now reporting that Schlotterbeck is ‘not their top priority’ as Liverpool hold off on making any approach.
“Schlotterbeck, despite his potential availability, doesn’t look to be the man for Liverpool at present with Bayern Munich also linked.
“The 26-year-old was reportedly reluctant to sign a new deal in Dortmund, despite a wage increase and him inheriting the captain’s armband, but head coach Nico Kovac continues to hold out hope that the centre-back will choose to extend his stay with the club.”
Barca want Man Utd teenage sensation
A teenage sensation at Manchester United is wanted by Barcelona.
The Sun claims the Catalan giants are trying to sign 15-year-old forward JJ Gabriel, an England U16 international who scored a hat-trick for United’s U18 team in a 7-0 win over Liverpool recently.
“Gabriel, 15, is arguably the most talked-about talent in the United academy and he has scored 10 goals in 10 games for the Under-18s this season,” notes the outlet.
“Barcelona are making a serious effort to prise Gabriel from United and take him to their famed La Masia academy.
“Sources say United director of football Jason Wilcox was key in convincing Gabriel to stay at the club this season and next term.
“United insiders believe the involvement of Wilcox demonstrated to Gabriel’s family how much they value the forward and there is confidence they will keep him.
“For the first time last week, United published images of Gabriel in training with the first-team squad and manager Ruben Amorim held a separate meeting with the teenager and his camp.
“The forward was temporarily promoted to first-team training last Thursday as the Under-21s had a behind-closed-doors game on Friday and took on Anderlecht in the Premier League International Cup on Tuesday night.”
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