Tuesday’s Paper Round leads on Manchester United, who have angered Championship club Southampton amid their attempts to bring director of football Jason Wilcox to Old Trafford. Elsewhere, Tottenham have joined Arsenal in the race for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, while Aaron Ramsdale is wanted by Newcastle and Liverpool want a Brazilian wonderkid from Palmeiras.
MAN UTD MOVE ‘SPARKS ANGER’ AT SOUTHAMPTON
Manchester United have angered Southampton over their approach for the Championship club’s director of football, multiple outlets including the Telegraph are reporting.
The Saints could make Wilcox serve his full year’s notice unless United increase their compensation offer, in what is seen as a fresh obstacle for Sir Jim Ratcliffe in his bid to rejuvenate the Red Devils.
“Manchester United’s approach for Jason Wilcox has sparked anger at Southampton, who are ready to make their director of football serve a full year’s notice if the current compensation offer is not increased.
“Wilcox has won plaudits for his recruitment work at both Manchester City and Southampton, who he only joined last summer, and has been targeted by United to help steer their transfer strategy under the new structure headed by Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford.
“United are also trying to bring in Dan Ashworth from Newcastle United but are now facing another set of difficult negotiations, with Southampton unhappy both at the financial offer and the timing of the Wilcox approach at such a critical stage of their Premier League promotion push.
“There were reports on Monday that Wilcox has already tendered his resignation.
Southampton manager Russell Martin, however, said that he had heard from Wilcox immediately after his team’s agonising 3-2 defeat against Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
“Wilcox, who has been key to Southampton resurgence and a constant presence at the training ground alongside Martin, has a 12-month notice period in the contract despite having only worked at the club for just over nine months.”
ARSENAL V SPURS FOR ISAK
Arsenal and Tottenham could go head-to-head this summer for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, The Sun reports. Both clubs could bid around £100m for the striker, although Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is desperate to keep the Swede.
Newcastle do, though, have Financial Fair Play concerns, meaning selling one of their star players could help in the long-run to rebuild with some of the money on offer.
The Sun adds: “Isak, 23, made it 14 Premier League goals in 21 games this season with two penalties in Saturday’s 4-3 win over West Ham.
“He has quickly become a fans’ favourite with his direct running and eye for goal since Toon paid Real Socieded a club-record £60m in 2022.
“But with fears that Newcastle may have to cash in to navigate FFP rules, especially if they finish outside of the European places, huge offers from Champions League clubs will be hard to ignore.”
NEWCASTLE WANT RAMSDALE
Newcastle United have renewed their interest in Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, the Daily Mail reports. Ramsdale has lost his starting place at Arsenal to David Raya this season, and is keen for more regular game time.
The England international has been weighing up his options, with Newcastle hoping to lure a player who has already played for Eddie Howe at Bournemouth.
The Mail adds: “Newcastle have Martin Dubravka as their current number one with Nick Pope expected to make his comeback from a dislocated shoulder at the end of April. Dubravka is 35 while Pope turns 32 this month and Newcastle want a younger option as they plan the next phase of their recruitment.
“Manager Eddie Howe is a big admirer of Ramsdale after signing him at Bournemouth from Sheffield United. He also gave the keeper a second chance after he slept in and missed the bus for a Carabao Cup tie against Chelsea.
“Ramsdale was fined and sent on loan to AFC Wimbledon but gave credit to Howe for the manner in which he managed the situation and described it as ‘a penny dropping moment’ in his career.”
Liverpool tracking Palmeiras prospect Luis Guilherme
LIVERPOOL TRACK PALMEIRAS YOUNGSTER
Liverpool are among a number of clubs scouting Palmeiras teenager Luis Guilherme, the Daily Mail reports.
The 18-year-old has already appeared for Brazil’s U20s after impressing in several clubs matches, and Liverpool are said to be one of several Premier League and European clubs interested.
The Mail adds: “Palmeiras produced Gabriel Jesus before selling him to Manchester City and recently dealt with Real Madrid for rising star Endrick, who scored for Brazil against England in the recent international friendly. Nottingham Forest also bought Danilo from the club.
“It now appears Guilherme is the next off that famed production line, with many European giants looking to gain the upper hand in the race to sign him. The teenager can play as a No 10 or wide forward and reports in Brazil say Palmeiras would demand north of £40m.”
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