Paper Round: Antoine Griezmann close to deal with Manchester United as Jose Mourinho splashes cash

The Sun reports on Thursday that Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann has agreed personal terms with Manchester United, paving the way for a move to Old Trafford this summer. According to the paper, United would be “happy” to meet the 26-year-old’s buyout clause of £89 million which would see him equal France team-mate Paul Pogba’s record transfer fee from Juventus to United last summer. However the paper says with various add-ons, the total cost of the transfer – for a salary of £280,000 per week – could exceed £170m.

Meanwhile the Mbappe obsession rumbles on as on Thursday the Guardian writes that United’s bid of £72m was rejected by Monaco, who are demanding a casual £100m for the youngster. According to the newspaper, United coach Jose Mourinho is desperate for goals after a season of dull draws, currently branded as an “unbeaten run.” With Mourinho apparently now focusing on the Europa League as his team’s route into the Champions League next season, United may yet become a more attractive destination for Europe’s top players, says the newspaper.

Paper Round’s view: We expect to see Mourinho throw money at the issues he has experienced this season before reflecting on his own leadership, and we expect to see some ostentatious purchases as part of those efforts. We also expect to see him bring in some fire power in the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, whose United career we assume is over after his knee injury.

[Read the full story on Griezmann here]

[Read the full story on Mbappe here]

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A number of Thursday’s back pages focus on Chelsea and Brazil winger Willian, who is said to be fighting for survival at Chelsea as Antonio Conte prepares for a summer clear out at Stamford Bridge. After a sterling campaign in 2015-16 which saw the 28-year-old named the club’s player of the season after saving the Chelsea from the brink, he has seen his role significantly reduced this season and Conte is now said to be ready to let him go. A report by The Sun suggests West Ham’s Michail Antonio could be his replacement.

Paper Round’s view: It’s probably just as well Mbappe rejected United since Mourinho apparently wants to buy everyone this summer. Willian has struggled to get game time this season and it looks increasingly as if he is not part of Conte’s vision for the club, with Chelsea set to return to the Champions League next season. Since Mourinho brought Willian to the Premier League back in 2013, and having reportedly made a move for him last summer when he joined United, if Chelsea are now willing to sell he would be a decent acquisition for the Reds.

[Read the full story here]

The Telegraph leads on a story about how “record numbers” of top players are seeking help for mental health-related problems, after it emerged Everton winger Aaron Lennon had been detained under the Mental Health Act, amid concerns for the 30-year-old’s welfare. Michael Bennett, head of player welfare at the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) told the Telegraph that the physical well-being of players was being prioritised over their emotional needs, by clubs who were failing in their “duty of care”.

Paper Round’s view: The notion that mental health problems in footballers is a new phenomenon is clearly false, though it is easy to understand how it could be on the rise. The huge amount of money in football and the global product of the Premier League – not to mention the cumbersome beast that is social media – must add huge levels of pressure in a world already quite far removed from reality for most. In some ways, the fact that more players are reaching out should be of some comfort, though a proactive approach to ensuring players’ well-being would surely be preferable.

[Read the full story here]