Paper Round: Zlatan Ibrahimovic accepts Man Utd career is over, Pep Guardiola wants Dele Alli

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has insisted that he has no intention of quitting football after suffering knee ligament damage, but the Mirror reports that the Swede has come to accept that his time at Manchester United will come to an end in the summer, despite reports suggesting he had done enough to trigger a one-year extension at Old Trafford. The 35-year-old is facing nine months out, meaning a return before 2018 is unlikely, and the paper states that Ibrahimovic will turn his attentions to a move to LA – be it LA Galaxy or LA FC, a new franchise set to compete in MLS next year.

Paper Round’s view: It’s a shame to think that English football may have seen the last of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Yes, there was many a wasteful moment in front of goal, but the striker exceeded expectations and brought a swagger to Manchester United that had been missing for the past couple of seasons.

Only now can we see that they perhaps perform at a greater intensity without him, but his presence and goals kept them fighting up until this point. If it is the end, then no doubt Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial will be eternally grateful to Ibrahimovic for his timely appearance when the duo needed it most. A striker with no fear, who has proved that age is no barrier. United needed him, and they will reap the benefits long after he’s gone.

Pep Guardiola will look to bring Tottenham’s Dele Alli to Manchester City in the summer, according to Xavi. Quotes in The Sun claim that Guardiola will look all over Europe to strengthen his City side, but he will want the best of British too – of which Alli, the PFA Young Player of the Year, tops the bill. “At the moment the best English player there is and also one of the best in Europe is Dele Alli. We are looking at a very special player,” Xavi said.

Paper Round’s view: Tottenham have got a good thing going on but another trophyless season would make it a tougher for them to hold on to all their players. Of course, they could yet chase Chelsea down, but if they fail to do so then clubs across Europe will begin to lure their best players with the promise of trophies. Clubs like Real Madrid have already been linked with Alli. But you could argue both Spurs and City will start next season on a level ground in terms of odds to win the Premier League, and it’s difficult to see Alli jumping ship.

Arsenal have stepped up their race for Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk, reports the Telegraph. However, the Gunners are fully aware that Chelsea remain favourites for the defender, who has not featured for the Saints since a foot injury in January. The 25-year-old has also attracted interest from Liverpool, Everton and Manchester City, but the paper claims a £50m price has been placed on the defender.

Paper Round’s view: Unless someone wraps up Van Dijk’s signature quick, this could be a rumour which drags on well into August. You can see the defender at Chelsea, it has to be said, but it may be down to who spends the most money. Again, you would put Chelsea in that category alongside Manchester City, meaning the likes of Everton and Liverpool can forget it. As for Arsenal, it will be a test of their desire to compete in an inflated transfer market.

Jack Wilshere would consider a move to China in the summer, according to the Daily Star, who ran the story with the headline, ‘The Great Wil on China’. The midfielder’s loan spell at Bournemouth came to an end when he suffered a season-ending leg fracture, and he is set to hold talks with his parent club Arsenal when he returns to London. But if he is deemed surplus to requirements once more by Arsene Wenger (or whoever may be in charge), then a big-money move to China could be on the cards

Paper Round’s view: Well this seems pretty far-fetched, and not a move that would suit a midfielder who is looking to get back to the top of his game. After a decent stint at Bournemouth, Wilshere would throw away his good work if he were to move to China, and if he ever wants to feature for England again, then a move to the Far East would only diminish his chances. Once again, he must focus on rehabilitation, but when playing again, it’s hard to imagine him featuring in the Chinese Super League.